Camp near Louden Tenn

                                                                                                            Nov 11^th 1862

Dear Adeline

            I received a letter from you dated July 17^th on the 7^th Octr whilst I was still in Kentucky Genl Kirby Smiths army had just formed a junction with Genl Bragg, which made the Confederate army then under Genl Bragg in Ky amount to 12500 men. The enemy numbered about 17500. Genl Smith, to whose army we belong had made the most brilliant movement into Ky that had been Known during the war. This gallant leader and his brave followers were inflated with their achievements. We had marched triumpantly across the states, driving the enemy, three or four times our numbers, before us like frightened herds, until Cincinnatti Ohio almost was within our grasp. Millions of Federal property of all descriptions fell into our hands. I like the rest was anxious to meet Buell and drive him from Ky when the state would be free, and another star added to the southern galaxy, but my energies almost gave way when I read your letters. In a few moments after reading them we were ordered out in line of battle. Marched all night. The chances were that I would never return. Many of my friends, since the Richmond fight, have predicted that I can never escape in another general engagement. But I thought of the condition of your health and what would be the destiny of our children if left alone at home. These thoughts burthened my spirits, but yet moved on. Early next morning the battle raged in the right and left wing of this now vast army. In front of us, the centre, the roar of the cannon told us the enemy was there also, yet they retreated from the centre, gave way easily on the right, but on the left it was terrible (at Perliville)/

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Our forces beat them back contending for every mile of ground for three miles. I am told that a portion of the enemy engaged stood the third charge from our troops, and finally closed in with bayonets, when the most bloody scene ensued. Yet our men had the nerve and the enemy, what was left, fled for their lives. This ended the contest for that day. After a few days manoevering about, sleeping in line of battle, seeking advantage of position &c Gen Bragg ordered his army from Ky. This was very mortifying to Gen Smith’s command. Yet the commands of superior officers must be obeyed, whether right or rong. The enemy annoyed us very much on our retreat. Our army moved on three roads and the rear guards on the right and left roads had to fight more or less every day until we were near the Tenn line. Genl Smith moved in the center through the Cumberland Gap. We halted at the Gap a few days to rest. Here we were free from the enemy, resting quietly, and enjoying ourselves as best we could, when on the evening of the 25^th Octr dull clouds hung over us, and a sharp north wind caused us to gather up more wood than usual for the night. About 4 o’clock on the morning of the 27^th snow was falling thick & fast. There we were without tents and but one blanket each. By 8 o’clock we were in the midst of the worst violent snow storm [obscured]. It continued all day and part of the night until on the mountains it was knee deep. On a table it measured 16 inches. We left the Gap on the 29^th and reached our present camp on the 30 of Novr. Where we will next go I have no Knowledge but I am sure will not remain here./

 

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I hope I will be able to come home by the 25^th of Decr. If I cannot get leave of absence by that time I shall resign. I would do so now, but Capt Scott has resigned and will leave us in a few days, and if I were to leave also our company would be in a bad condition. So I must stay with them if possible. I have been with then in the sixth trouble, and would regret to forsake them in the seventh. Ours has been a hard task, and is making its imprint upon many a manly brow. Yet all this we expected and were prepared to meet it.

            I herewith send you four hundred dollars, out of which I wish you to pay M^rs Leach $100.00 on Granderson’s horse and M^r Harlow, the same amount on Matt’s horse which will leave you $200.00. This you can use as you think best, (but it would be best for you to invest in something that will be of benefit after using what may be necessary for your comfort.)

            My health continues good. Matt, Luther, Lem & Bill are all well. I am truly thankful my good fortune in this particular. Were it not for the fact that you have suffered from disease and may now be suffering in my absence, there would have been but little trouble allotted to me/thus far. As it is my thoughts for the most part has been of gloomy character. The strong arm of military power has denied me the right to return to you when I thought it my first duty to do so. Yet I hope to see the day when you and I with our children around us can talk over these hardships, undisturbed by the horrors of war, when peace, prosperity and happiness shall again bless our country. Then I hope to tell our children what it costs to be free, and what part, humble as it may be, their father took in the great cause of freedom, and honestly tell them of the times and places where my bosom was presented unshielded to the enemies bullets.—teaching them to follow my example whenever necessary.

            But I must close. Bless Willie, Louie and little Albert. How delighted I would be to see you and them to day. The man who has never been exposed as I have been, and am still cannot appreciate my strong desire to be again at home. How sweet the word home!

            Kiss the children, Dear Adeline, but the fondest Kiss I send to you

                                                            Your affectionate Husband

                                                                                    William

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