Head-Quarters  Fourteenth Army Corps.

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND.

 

                                                           Nashville, Tenn.  Dec. 19  1862

Dear John,

 

                        We greatly want Cavalry here, wehave not half enough-of all the armies in the field, this is the only one which has both flanks exposed to the enemy, and, moreover, this is the one which has the most important mission – I predicted before the first Bull Run, that the efforts made in Virginia would bethrown away – that the true point – the Malakoff of the whole situation lay in the knot of Mountain country where Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia abut against each other – Whoever shallbemaster ofthat and ofthegreat R R artery which runsthrough it, will beking! -

                        Another thing tobe considered is that wehave opposed tous very large cavalry force, which is moreover doubledin numer andimportance bythe cloud of guerilla

bands and scouts who actwith them – We therefore are in very greatneed ofmore cavalry and cant get it from the politicians who conductthewar –

                        The only recourse, therefore, is to use other means Iunderstand that there is afine regiment of Indiana Cavalry, ready forthe field in your state – cant you get Morton himself, to apply tohave it sent tothis army?-  You will do a service to the country  if you succeed-

                        Ihavenottime to say more. Remember me kindly to your wife and believe me, as ever,

                                                            Your old friend

                                                                        Garesche

 

                                                        Killed in Battle after writing this letter

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