Camp in the field in front

                                                                                                of Atlanta Aug 9^th 1864

 

My own dear Fannie

                        In the last few lines I wrote you from Decatur I was just on the eve of moving and to day finds us at the seat of war. I am sitting on the ground under a large oak tree and writing this on my tin plate. not a very good table but I have to make it answer our camp is about one mile from the city of Atlanta. so close that the balls from the enemies guns come whistling over our heads quite often. last evening there was a man shot in the company on my right. There is a constant fireing kept up from Artillery and musketry day and night with occasionally / a charge. our Brigade is at present being held in reserve but we are expecting orders almost every moment to move up into the first line where most of the fighting is done. there is a camp rumor that the enemy are trying to evacuate the City but I do not credit it much. there is one thing quite certain if they do not get out soon it will be to late for them. Sherman is not making any boys play of this thing. he has plenty of men and means. it is only a question of time. there has been a great many lives lost and I presume there will be many more who is to be spared and who is to fall is only known to the great ruler of battles. if I should be one that is spared I should know that it was through the mercy of our Heavenly father / and through no other scource. if I fall shall trust my self in the hands of him who is so willing to forgive the sins of his erring children. I know dear Fannie that my life has not been what it should have been. but I trust in my Heavenly Fathers mercy to forgive my shortcomings. but Fannie dear I must now close. how I should like to see you if only for a few moments but as that is impossible, my thoughts shall be with you constantly. but until my next opportunity to write I must bid you good by with all the love and affection I am capable

 

I remain Yours only

                                    Frank. M. G

                        Co “E” 32 Wis Vol

                                    3^rd Brig. 4^th Div 16.A.C

 

P. S. please give my love to all

SOURCES