Bridgeport Ala Dec 21 1863

 

before the fighting commenced and was not able to march in ranks so i was with our waggon train untill after the Mishionary Ridge Battle in which the old galent 6^th Iowa took an active part and lost 67 men our company lost one killed and 11 wounded the one killed was (liberty kenedy) he was next to me in ranks at my rite side i got to the reg about 10 oclock at night after the battle i found them on the side of a steap ruged mountain they ware tiered hungry and rather down harted we expected to renew the fight the next morning but / for the rebs ware near at hand just ofer on the other side of the hill. there piqets and ours ware near enoug together that night to talk with each other, but dureing the night they left. well we persued them some 10 10 milds near Knoxville tenn then came back to this Bridgeport whare we have stopt for a few days only the only rest we have had for upwards of 3 months. i suppose we will go to Huntsville Ala and go into winter quarters. well i must stop and get my supper we will be payed in a few day or 2 and maby i will send some money in this letter. O if i was at home sweet home

 

            2 oclock Dec 22

            good morning dearist i feel thankful this beautiful morning for all that i injoy O Ruth if i could discribe the scenes of war and hardships of the soldiers life then you / could feel and know something of the feelings of a poor soldier fighting for the dear old flag. well i must tell you the reson that i have not written for so long. the fact is we have been on the march ever since we left Memphis some 3 months ago and it is allmost imposible to write or send away mail when on a march, or receive mail. it has been a long time since i herd from loved ones at home (yes) the time seams long O my dear wife pleas write ofton and pleas pray for poor unworthy me, yes i feel to need the prayrs of my christian friends. Children sweet children what can i say to you god bless you. if i ware with you i could take comfort with you and Mother

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