Camp near Gallatin Tenn. Nov 16^th 1862

 

                        Dear Sister,

                                                Your letter of the 20^th came to hand last night, together with a dozen or so from home—I perceive that you had not rec'd my letter yet, which is certainly strange You seem very solicitous about my welfare, and it would no doubt be pleasing to hear that we had got out of our long march, and at our old trade again, bridge building: The old tents have come again, and the hens and turkeys have to take it again. You would relish the splendid sweet potatoes, corn bread, and milk, that we are feasting on just at this time—I well remember the time that you brought home that large potatoe, and had it carefully cooked expecting a great dish, but I thought yours the strangest taste to eat such things, and I called it Columbo root—and buttermilk was harder to swallow than salts—but my appetite has come, and there is nothing under the title of eatables that is safe within my reach; even to raw fat pork and beef which we always eat on the march. In regard to clothing, we are well provided for the winter again—a good warm blanket, an over coat, and under coat make us a warm bed, while a litter of straw on a couple of rails makes a very good nest for a tired soldier. The prescriptions in the little tract cannot long be followed—I have often been so tired after a days march, that it was almost impossible to move after sitting a moment or two. My feet would be swollen as full as my big as my big boots would hold, and my shoulders so lame, that a touch would make me hollo. In this state I have dropped down on the ground, and sleep would soon come, and not leave me till the chill of the morning could be endured no longer. Then comes the search for rails a big fire is built, the strong coffee drank, and we are ready for another day. This has been our lot for days at a time, and many are the soldiers that have sunk under beneath the marches of the Great Gen Buell. But the Campaign is over, and I came out out well and hearty and at present am enjoying some of the best times that I have in the service. Still I cannot but think of the times that my poor parents suffer in their trying times. It is truly a time that tries mens souls— 

 

You speak of reading matter I assure you it is very scarce. Nothing but an occasional daily reaches us, and it is devoured eagerly grasped as our suppers. If Gus could send papers without too much trouble I should be very grateful. The account of the bruises and things of the youngs'ters brings fresh memories of those galloping saints that are never still—I ponder if they will have to tip the ways of the world as soon as we have done. I never knew the sin in men's hearts till I came into the army. I used to wonder at father sometimes when he would distrust men, but it is no longer an enigma—They are few very few among men that we can trust—deception appears to be the foundation of our regiment. We have got no pay for this five months and shall probably have to wait for some months more The officers come down upon us with uncommon rigor, making us skirmish at the head of the column on the march; then if there is a bridge to build, we must build it, and be ready for the march again—very many are the poor fellows in our regiment, that have died from hard work, and exposure but our friends at the head of affairs in our state do not look to our welfare in the heart—

 

            However I stand it first rate so far, and hope to for some time to come, and hope yet to see you all again "In the old house at home"

 

                                                            Your Affec. Brother

                                                                                    G. B. S^t John

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