Hd Qrs 1^st Div C.C.

Marysville Jany. Feby 1/64

 

Dear Parents

                        We reached this place again yesterday P.M. & find two Brigades of Infty. here. We drove the enemy in confusion for 5 miles on the 27^th inst. & took two pieces of artillery from him in a sabre chg. The next we we followed him up & found that most of the force had crossed the river about noon however we came on some rebel pickets. Our Div. was formed in line of battle our skirmishers drove theirs / a mile & then we chgd. them him twice driving him from good positions into his log & rail works. from these we could not move him without charging through an open space exposing our men to a terrible fire. Here we stood but short range from them for an hour exposed to a very destructive fire with nothing to hide us but the woods. Our position was getting too desperate when Genl. Sturgis sent us two regiments for reinforcements /

 

In the mean time the enemy was crossing troops over the river to cut us off & it was necessary, to save our selves, that we fall back this we did marching late into the night. In reaching this place we went around from Sevierville via Weir's, Tel Techaluche & Millers Coves up & down mountains through gorges where a doz men could keep an army at bay—through most beautiful, wild & varied scenery— / We are here but there is no forage so I think we will move to the Little Tenn. River without delay where it can be had in limited quantities We are thoroughly cleaning this country of all forage & subsistence & I see much suffering in store for this loyal people.

 

            In our fight of the 28^th we lost several officers Maj Graham was shot through the chest but will live. three officers of the 112^th Div were wounded—our loss was about 20 killed & wounded.

I found a large quantity of / Papers & three letters from father dated Dec. 17-29 & Jany 8—I sent some money home by Lt. Lowrie which I presume you have recd before this three mo. pay is now due me & when I get it I shall send more home.

 

            I am pleased with the investment in the Silver Mining Co. but Col. Wolford says it is the same as thrown away. The weather for the pas 7 or 8 days has been mild & pleasant like May with us. This A.M. & last night it rained a warm rain.

 

            If you think I had better continue my ch. subscription / for salary &c I will do so. When you send my Army & V. Gazette please wrap them up so as not to be exposed to view for if they are they will be stolen as I fear most have been.

 

Your letter speaking of mothers ill health & the one speaking of her improved health both reached me last night. I hope that Dr. Hunter will give her permanent relief & I hope that this Cavy. will go to Ky. before long so that I may go home & see her & you all.

 

                                                Love to all

                                                            Your Son

                                                                        Watson /

 

P.S.

            You mention that you have some idea of taking one of the Govt Farms in the South & ask if I know anything as to their working &c. I am totally ignorant. Farms in this state worth $10—per acre, before the war, can be bought now for $3.00 but it will be some time before I would care to live in this country. It is a fine country (E. Tenn) well watered, healthy, beautiful scenery &c but war oh war! it has committed sad work. In time however, when a new population comes in as it is pretty sure to do things will be different. / the country in which the Govt. plantations lie may be different.

 

I would like it if we might go to some new state, or old one, & throw our energies into something new. I do not mean that I wish to change my proffession for I do not intend to—but go somewhere, anywhere, out of Michigan. There is money to be made in the South right along now. Keep on the lookout Father for prospects. I want our family to move somewhere pleasant for all & where we may yet accomplish / much. I would like to go through a course of Law Lectures at some school before practicing Law & hope to have the opportunity. How would it do for you & I to open a law office somewhere or do you wish to farm it? The former would please me much.

 

I have not time to write more but hope ere long I may sit down & talk the matter over with you.

 

There has been so much talk of going to Ky. that I have but little / faith in it—still it may come & if it does I hope to get to see you all—

                                                                                                Watson

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