One mile south of Resaci and

just across the River, which is bordering on

the Rebel battle ground May 18^th 4 Oclock P.M.

 

Rather long heading hant it but never mind we ar in a day of long and fast things. I left the place where the Hospitle was in company with the doctor and a few others. Q.M. Alden is here now with the Regimental wagons. as soon as I came to the train he requested me to stop with the train and he would send some other of the boys to the Reg^t as it would be easier to be with the train the doctor spoke up and sed that he would recommend me for that place. the doctor thinks that I had better not go to the front. I sed to Mr Alden that I wished to go where I could be of the most service and if I feel as well all the time as I do today I can keep up with the Reg^t. The smoky Mountains ar in their magestic greatness and near us. I passed through the Rebel works today they ar very strong. The rebes in their flight were obliged to leave a wagon bridge and pontoon across the Coose Wate River. they burned a part of the R.R. bridge but the yankees intend to run the cars over tomorrow. I do wish you could see the train of wagons and moving Yankees that pass a given point in one day. Our forces are constantly crowding the Rebels and sending prisoners to the rear. I saw 83 today. They say that Longstreet is dead. The largest peaches are as large as a smallest size peach pit. Wheat is just beginning to blossom. The muels and horses ar reaping some now. And the soldiers all think that the fences ar not in the right place. they ar being rapidly removed. We bless the old Rail Splitter evry now and then. I was told today that the mail for the Division had passed

 

                                                                                                Cossvill Geo May 20^th 1864

Dearest Ina,

                        It is after sundown /

 

I have but a few minuts to write as it will soon be dark. We have marched about 20 miles. I understand that the Reg^t is only 3 miles south of here. I did not go with the Col. to the Hospitle but have been taking care of his horses. I intend to go to the Co tomorrow. I am quite well tonight. How much I have thought of home today Milton found Title the Withered Heart. the book is about as large as Langstroth bee book. Wish you could see it. it might be called a tale, but it is fit to be in any library. There is much moral instruction in it. it [several words scratched over] represents Mr Hardy as being harsh, much set in his own way. I call him a tyrant Mrs Hardy, is kind, quiet, ill disposed to reveal her troubles, often found weeping in fact was to over sensitive which made her often very unhappy. The cause of her grief he could not understand. Do not husband and wife need much wisdom, forbearance and a forgiving spirit. How deeply I regret my blindness. Yet I have great consolation in believeing that I have a loving wife that has a true heart Hope you and the little ones ar well. I am writing by fire light I wish you to take some religious papers to read if you ar not taking them already.

 

Saturday 21^st Dear and affectionate Ina, I have just joined my Co it is about 7 Oclock on arriving I received 3 letters. First April 4^th Now dear Ina I hope you will excuse me if I wander as I am about as much excited as I ever

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