A great many, I am told, are living in the woods, and some even without tents. You ask me to let you know all the news, but I hardly venture to do so, as everything we hear is so very uncertain—“ Madam Rumor" being quite busy emptying her pockets full of sensation created by herself. The last report is, that the enemy has crossed some forty thousand strong at Bridgeport, and this is the only thing that I place any reliance in. Their advance is reported at Trenton, Georgia, to-day. If so, we will soon hear from them here; and I assure you, dear friend, that theirs will be a warm reception-at least, everything indicates such; and I think that Bragg has concluded to make a stand this time. And if they enter Chattanooga at all, their path will not be "bestrewn with roses," but over the slain sons of our gallant old State, "Tennessee." To all appearances, General Price has again been victorious in Arkansas, and has given the enemy an excellent thrashing. Huzzah for the "Old Man" say I, and hope that Jeff. Davis will now promote him, as he should have done long ago, instead of some "upstarts" that have never done anything, except received their pay, since the war commenced. But I forget; I must not criticise my superiors, and will therefore drop this theme, by once more saying "Three cheers for old General Price !" I visited the boys in the company the other day, and found them all enjoying good health. Johnny W. said nothing about having heard from you; though I expect he did receive your letter, as he told me your address. I have not been able to visit your son, as the General keeps me very close, and I scarcely ever have an opportunity to visit my friends. However, I shall see him with the first opportunity. The old One Hundred and Fifty-fourth is encamped at the foot of Lookout Mountain, and are faring tolerably well, and in the best of spirits, awaiting the ex pected battle. I am getting on finely, as usual, as it must be something very unusual to ruffle my generally good humor; and I assure you, dear friend, that the "Yanks" have not been able to drive my good humor away. Dear friend, I am truly glad to hear that your hospital has been established in a place that you seem to like, and I hope that you will be pleased with the people, and find me a sweetheart, as I have not been able to find one myself. But I must close. My paper is about to "secesh." My kind regards to your husband. Accept my sincere thanks for your kind offer, though I hope that I will not find it necessary to pay you a visit under such circumstances. Let me hear from you soon. Until then, I remain Your true and grateful friend, FRED. G. GUTHERS. Excuse the miserable writing. I will try to do better the next time. MY DEAR FRIEND: Atlanta, Ga., October 27, 1863. Your welcome favor of the 19th inst. came to hand last Sunday, and I assure you it was highly welcomed, and perused with great pleasure; for you can scarcely have any idea of the pleasure it affords me to read your kind and motherly missives, to which I fear I make but very poor replies, and am not as prompt as I should be, but circumstances too numerous to mention have caused my seeming negligence in replying to them. However, I shall try and be more prompt in the future. I am rejoiced to hear that you have had the pleasure of seeing your son, and judging for yourself of his welfare and good spirits after his deliverance, as it were, from the very jaws of death; and that the Almighty Ruler of the universe and the God of battles has safely delivered him from the bloody carnage uninjured and unharmed, and has heard the many prayers in his behalf sent up to His glorious throne. Oh, my dear friend, would that I knew that my dear, dear mother was advised of my safety. How sweet would be my rest, and what a fearful burden of anxiety would be relieved from her heart; how many silent and hidden tears would be dried. But why do I dwell on this theme, as you know full well the feelings of a fond mother's heart, and have had your share of anxiety and feelings of dreadful fear mingled with hope-" Hope, the medicine of the miserable." There is nothing new going on here. It was reported, yesterday, that Cheatham's Division was at Charleston, Tennessee, and there crossing the Tennessee river; and though I give this merely as a rumor, yet I have every reason to belive the truthfulness of the report. And hope that whatever Bragg's intention may be, that he will be successful in his undertaking, and retake the territory he lost since last summer. General Polk went to Montgomery the other day, where he has been called by the President I hope he will be restored to his command shortly, where he is very much needed; and, besides, I am getting very tired of this place, and shall not be sorry to be ordered to duty at once. My love to your husband. Hoping soon to hear from you again, I remain, as ever, Your true friend, FRED. G. GUTHER. MRS. SMITH: Foard Hospital, Ringgold, Georgia, Madam-I heard of your passing this place last evening, and that you are probably staying at Tunnel Hill. I have charge of this hospital, and if you are not pleasantly situated, you would do well to call on me. There are two or three vacancies here, which I wish to fill, if possible, with my old acquaintances. Yours truly, G. W. CURRY. MRS. S. E. D. SMITH: Tunnel Hill, Ga., March 2, 1863. Dear Friend-I received your kind letter last evening, and hasten to reply. I am truly glad you have got a pleasant situation. I hope you will be as useful there as you were here. I know you will soon have plenty of friends where you are. I will say so now. I have nothing of a cheerful nature to write as it is very dull with me. "I attended to your request," and Mr. Heart will start up there this evening. Lieutenant Carrol will leave for his regiment soon. Lieutenant Adams is trying to get a transfer. I think he will be up there in a few days. He is mending very fast, and is now sitting out on the piazza sunning himself. Miss Jenkins is here to-day to see him. Mrs. Smith, there is some rejoicing here to-day. Williams has left for his regiment. All seem to be glad of it. Harris and Tumlin have been furloughed from my ward. I lost one last night-George Shortridge, of the Third Florida, died. All the rest are doing well. They all send their best love to you. We miss you very much. We have no other ladies but those who were here when you left. Dr. Bemas left us this morning. He started to Richmond. This is all the news I have at present. I must tell you that there was a party at Austin's Tavern, last Friday night, and I went. I hope you will excuse me, for you know it is one of my faults. You said you heard that myself and Williams were going to our regiment to-day. I have heard nothing of it. I am ready at an hour's warning, for there are no charms for me here now whatever, only the girls. Give my best respects to Mr. Smith. Tell him I hope he is all right. Tell him Linch has been turned off already. I must close, as I am in a great hurry. I want you to write to me soon, and I will promise to do better next time. I will take great pleasure in attending to any business for you here. Write soon. May God be with you in all your undertakings. Your true friend, J. R. BISHOP. MRS. SMITH: Gate City Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, ultimo has just been reI am sorry to say that I Friend-Yours of the 23d ceived. Glad to hear from you. have no information of your son Jimmie as yet. I have made inquiry about him on the arrival of trains containing wounded. I hope that he may escape the wicked ball of the ruthless foe which have been sent to despoil us of our homes and of the rights of a free and independent people. I shall continue to look for him, and make all inquiry that is necessary to know of his whereabouts. I shall write immediately and let you know, should I be fortunate enough to hear from him. My brother Joe was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga in the left hand. He is not with me now, having been sent to Lagrange, Georgia. His wound is not necessarily dangerous, and he is doing very well. I have not as yet heard from my application. I am on duty as officer of guard on the Georgia railroad. Will remain here until I hear from my application, or for further |