Head Quarters Post,

Stevenson, Ala., Sept 20^th 1863.

8 P. M.

 

            My dear Wife

                                    Our Army in front has been heavily engaged today as also yesterday I have no direct information of the condition of things or results but I do not like the dispatches just received. I am ordered to stop all trains & stores at this place it may be merely cautionary but I am a little afraid that the Genl is to far from his Reserves and has n’t had time to concentrate his front, but we can’t be whiped. The 16^th left here for Bridgeport at 4 Oclock this morning. I have begged to be relieved and expect Col Lyon the officer who is to relieve me every minute. I am “on nettles” as soon as the Col arives I will start with Tommy Shephard for the Reg’t leaving my staff to explain post duties. Our Horses are at the Door a gallop of 2 hours will take me to the Regt. I do not

 

                                                                        By Command of

know that we will cross the River a few hours will determine

                                                                                    Lieut. Colonel J. B. Cahill,

 

Excuse official paper Nellie I have no other out. I will write to you again as soon as possible. direct your letters / to me at Bridgeport.

 

A dispatch to Genl Morgan “hold the Bridges at all hazzard is just rec’d something must have happened Nellie I cant believe that our Army is whipped I will go my Regt immediately—good bye my darling wife God bless you. do not feel uneasy if you do not hear from me for a a few days we may be very busy I hope that every thing will yet be well I wish that I had left here sooner without orders Col Lyons is someplace loafing about town. I will give my love to all Nellie and dearest believe me

 

                                                                        Your loving husband

                                                                                                J B Cahill

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