Headquarters

3^rd Brigade, Mississippi Division

            U.C.V.

 

Coffeeville, Miss., 8/25. 1917

 

Luther. W. Hopkins

                        Baltimore M^d

 

Dear Comrade:

                        While in Washington attending our last Reunion, I was induced to buy from a street vendor a copy of your Book—"From Bull Run to Appomattox" Not knowing what I was getting. Since reading it thro' and thro' I must say that in all my reading war reminiscences none have been so interesting. Your touch upon the vivid realities aside from the blood letting part of war escapades is what catches my admiration, as well as the spirit (human) in which you wrote. I have enjoyed reading it very much, and have turned it over to a grand son 12 yrs old, saying to him that it is a correct narrative of what took place / during the Civil war as well as the subsequent ordeal through which we had to pass. I feel that your book should have a place in every southern library.

 

It introduces and relates many features touching the civil life not found in any similar book. It was not my fortune or misfortune it may have been to be in the Army of Va—but your related experiences seem to have been very much after my own down in what is called the Army of Tenn. My last service was A.D.C to Brig Genl John Adams with whom I rode in that fatal evening at Franklin Tenn where he and his horse (old Charley a horse he rode thro from California with Albert S Johnston) fell astride the breast works. In the charge I delivered to Col Farrell Comd'g 15^th Miss Infty his last order—"Ease off to the right", we are doubling on Featherstons Brigade. In this way I was separated from one of the bravest Generals that ever led a Brigade into a battle— /

 

Now Concluding this "scrawl" my Comrade permit me to say that reading your book has created that spirit of affinity which unites two hearts that beat as one. Would like for you to come to Union of the Blue and Grey Oct 5 – 8 at Vicksburg. I am nearing the 79^th mile board of this terrestrial pilgrimage, but begin to feel the wear and tear as a warning that ere long I must pass over and join those who are awaiting no doubt my coming—

 

Trusting this may safely reach your hands and the hope of meeting you some where some good day I remain Very truly

 

                                    John L Collins

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