Head Quarters 1 Batt 16^th Inf

Murfreesboro Tenn. Feb. 4^th 1863.

 

Dear Sister.

                        I write to excuse myself for not writing to inform you that I was safe after the Battle of Stone River Dec 31/62. I was in the fight. I was on the staff of Capt Morton U.S. Engineers (Commanding a Brigade) as Inspector General and was in every fight of the whole four days fighting. saw some sights that were grand some that were horrible. done my duty I hope. at least was mentioned in the report of the Brigade commander for good conduct on the field. Our Brigade did not retreat. I had the pleasure of seeing the enemy so close once that I could count the buttons on their coats. They charged the Battery attached to the Brigade four times. They went back every time the last time leaving sixteen of their dead & wounded within fifty yards of the Battery. Our loss was very heavy. The loss was so great in officers in our Batt. that the commanding officer had me ordered back to my regiment and I am now Actg. Adjt.                Give my love to your own family and my kindest regards to all others, and

 

I remain yours &c &c

Homer

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