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FRANKLIN TENN, Dec 16th 186^+
My D^ar Sallie
It has been sometime since I wrote to you, but I hope you anticipated the reason why you did not recieve any letters from me since my last to you written at Tuscombia We have been on the "War Tramp" and no opportunity to write back. We met with no impediment on our march until we reached Columbia ? which was well fortified and strongly garrisioned. The enemy evacuated the place the night of our arrival there. V/e per sued them closely, causing them to destroy many of their wagons. To this place which is also very strongly fortified. Soon after our arrival here I was as usual on such occassions, ordered to take command of our Regimental skimishers and move forward with the balance from our Brigade and drive in those of the enemy. I was not long- before we had accomplished our work and the whole army was hurled againist such a storm of lead and iron as I hope to God it will never be my fate to witness again, though I fear such is the kind of work laid before us lor the balance of this cruel war. We are getting less in number and the harder we must fight. Yes many a brave Confederate breathed his last on the 30th day of Nov. Again through the tender mercies of our kind Providence I was permitted to escape without even a scratch and my unworthy life spared me again. Our Regiment lost in killed and wounded & missing 73. My dear friend Lott Sones was killed instantly by a grape shot. We lost Maj. Genl. Cleburne killed and five Brigadier Generals killed and four wounded besides several Colonels and other field officers Col Dyer of my Regt was severly wounded in the foor. My Company was on skirmish with me and non lost. Pierres Company lost the me t of any in the Regiment,
I recieved your letter enclosing one from old "Dad" which I assure you was very satisfactory. It was carried through the Land of Dixie by a couriers
If it pleases God to take me from this world, you can 'nave my sword. The sash you can have now if you wish. Ask for it and tell Mad that I say for her to let you have it. I don't know what Genl Hood's plans are and therefore dont know when I will be permitted visit home but rest assured I will miss no opportunity that may offer itself. I have been sick some eight or ten days. I have been here two days. ' Our lines are in sight of Nashville. All was