Hd. Qrs. 2^d Div. 23^d Army Corps

Emery Iron Works. Tenn Sept. 1. 1863.

 

Dear Father

                        We reached this place—a very pleasant one—last night.

 

            I saw Col. Wormer this morning. He is considerably worried about that Lebanon Ky. affair and has sent a letter for publication to Maj. Mix at the Mich. Exc. he fears it will not reach him before his return to his regt. & wishes you to get it, if that is the case, & have it published. I saw a He showed me a letter signed by the officers of the 9^th in relation to the affair—cut from a paper—& I assure you it is very unjust indeed. Col. David did assume command & gave orders all the time until our return to Danville where Col. Saunders took command of the regiments. I heard Col. Wormer express a desire to charge into the town. It was a very unfortunate affair & has brought the two regts. into a certain bad repute—but all officers & all that I have heard speak of it even the officers of the 9^th blame Col. David & say he ought to be dismissed the service.

 

            Col. Wormer offered me a captaincy again this morning, but I did not answer definitely. The fact is I think the 8^th a very poor regt. as far as its officers are concerned. 4 Capt's. & 2 Lieuts. have been / dismissed the service in disgrace & I am inclined to think I had better remain where I am & perhaps something may turn up promoting me out of the regiment.

 

            Genl's Burnside, Carter, Shackelford & White are in the next room holding a counsel. All is "drive ahead" now. The transportation is to be cut down still more. The men leave their haversacks here in wagons & take with them only a blanket & underclothes. There is active work ahead.

 

            I have only time to finish a letter to Mary so must close.

 

            Do not worry about me. My trust is in God so I fear not what is to come—All will be for the best.

 

There may be one big fight at Cleveland or Chattanoga.

 

I shall write as often as possible but no mails come & go yet except chance opportunities.

 

Yours of Aug. 19. I got from the regt. this A.M. it is the latest news from home.

 

                                                            Very Affy,

                                                                        Your son

                                                                                    Watson

 

[overleaf]

 

Emory Iron Works

            Sept 1. 63

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