In Line of Battle, Chatahoochie River, MRS. S. E. D. SMITH: Dear Friend-I once more avail myself of the opportunity of writing you a few lines, that leave me well. I guess you have been looking for a letter from me; but as we have been in line of battle for over two months, and it has been almost impossible for me to get paper and envelopes, I beg you to forgive me for my neglect to one I hold ever dear. I saw your husband yesterday, and he told me that he was sutler in Carnes' Battery, so I went immediately to his store and procured some paper and envelopes, and now I have no stamps, so you must excuse me for franking this letter, as it is all the chance I have. No news more than you already know. Our small brigade has lost heavily in this campaign, though it is in fine spirits, and is as determined as it was three years ago. I think that General Johnston is done falling back, and now it comes somebody else's turn to try it. Sherman has got tired of following Johnston, as he did Polk in Mississippi; and I think, or hope at least, that before August he will retrace his steps. You must not do as I have, and not write to me, for it does me good to hear from you. As they are skirmishing very heavy in front at this time, I will come to a close, Hoping to hear from you soon, I will bid you good bye. Ever your loving friend, JAMES R. MATHES. Chattahoochie River, Co. D, 5th Tenn. Reg't. MRS. S. E. D. SMITH: Much Esteemed Friend-I suppose you think I have forgotten you; but you are mistaken. You cannot imagine the great source of pleasure it affords me to address those with whom I have found such kind hospitality. Being so far away from home and relatives, my heart is made glad when I meet with such a friend as you have been to the Tennesseeans. I would have written to you long before this, but we have been on the march and in line of battle nearly all the time since I parted with you at Covington Georgia. On arriving with my command, I found the boys enjoy-, ing good health and in fine spirits, with a probability of an early engagement with the enemy. But we have since fallen back, and I hope it is for the best; we think so, and I do believe that we will finally destroy the most of Sherman's army. He will get so far down South, and so far from his base of operations, it will give us a chance to concentrate our forces, while it will weaken his army to keep those places we gave up guarded strong enough to hold them. We will attack him at some weak point, and he wont know what to do; he will be like something in hot water. I hope so at least. The boys appear eager for the fray, with a buoyant hope of success, which I humbly hope may be the case; and I do firmly believe that, by a faithful reliance on the Great Ruler of Nations, that our cause will prosper, and our arms eventually be victorious. I hope we will never be compelled to submit to the dictates of our oppressive foe; and that we may secure that freedom of right so justly due us as a people and a nation. The soldiers of our beloved land have undergone many hard trials, privations and exposures, and thousands have sacrificed their lives on the field of battte for the sake of once more enjoying liberty. As they have died faithful soldiers for the cause of their country, so may their never-dying souls ever live to enjoy the freedom that our Saviour has purchased for all who love Him. Their friends and relatives have my deep, heartfelt sympathy. I received a letter recently from my father, stating that the family and relatives generally were well. Father wrote a lengthy letter, containing an abundance of news. I am always glad to get such letters. I will close by giving you a sketch of the losses of the Fifth Regiment. It is consolidated with the Fourth Tennessee. I don't remember the exact number of killed or wounded. The boys say that we have lost one hundred. I think I shall go around to each company and get the exact number of casualties by the time I hear from you again. Our Colonel, J. J. Lamb, is numbered with the dead; his wound proved fatal. A good and brave man! His death cast a heavy gloom over the Fourth and Fifth Regiments. Our Lieutenant-Colonel and Major are both wounded. Major Hampton, of General Hardee's staff, now commands our regiment. Two sergeants killed in my company; and one sergeant missing-killed or captured, we don't know which. I close, sending my love to the soldiers generally, to my acquaintances particularly, to my sweetheart especially, and receive a double portion yourself individually. WM. D. HENDRICKS, SERGT. Camp 154th Tennessee Regiment, near Tuscumbia, MRS. S. E. D. SMITH: Dear Grandma-Kind Providence has again permitted me the pleasure of seating myself, and communicating to one of my best friends, You perhaps think that I have entirely forgotten you, or else have neglected to write; but we have had such a task to undergo that it was rather difficult to write-I being placed under all disadvantages imaginable. Rest assured, whenever I have an opportunity to address my friends, I shall always do so, that they may have all the news, and how I am getting along. Last night we moved our camp one mile or more north of town. We were wading and sloshing the mud in all directions. There is some talk of our leaving here soon for "Tennessee.' Many think we will cross the river here; others think we will go to Corinth, Mississippi, or Jackson, Tennessee. But we can't tell where we will quarter at this winter, as the determination of our generals is to keep things very secret. I suppose you have not heard of our gallant boy, Johnnie Waynesburg. Poor fellow, he marched with us until he blistered his feet so badly that he had to be sent off with the sick men. Many of our boys wore their shoes out, and had to march barefooted for some distance. I among them; but I bandaged my foot up with rags and cotton, and managed to get through "this side up with care." All that I wish to have is one or two pairs of socks for the winter. I told Willie Fairman to get me some in Covington, but hardly expect, he will succeed in so doing. Johnnie wrote me a note stating that he was on his way to Memphis, or in that neighborhood. L. H. Perkins, also, was sent off. I suppose he will go home before returning to camp. I was surprised the other day on the reception of a letter from my esteemed friend, Lorena Bagby. I had no idea the mail still continued to go through. I answered it, and sent to Cherokee Station to be mailed. It has been some time since I received a letter from any person, and you may know it pleased me on its reception, and I now hope I can always hear from my friends occasionally. This morning three Yankees passed our camp under. guard; two had lost their hats. Since they passed, I learn that they came down in a skiff for the purpose of cutting our pontoons, which are stretched across the Tennessee river, as the night was dark, and they supposed our boys could not see them. It looks reasonable to be supposed K that we will cross the river, as the pontoons are on the water; and I have always thought we would cross. If we do, then you may look for another battle this winter; and if we go to Jackson, Tennessee, there is talk of disbanding our brigade, and all go home for once in four years. There is no news that I can relate to you, as everything is quiet here, and nothing but camp rumors afloat. The rain is about to come, and I will have to hustle myself out of this place. Excuse hasty writing and composing. Give all enquiring friends my regards, and accept the love of your correspondent. Write soon. JIMMY PHIEL, Company D, 154th Reg't Tenn. Vols. Tuscumbia, Ala., December 12, 1864. MRS. SUSAN E. SMITH: Dear Grandma-Having just returned from my visit to West Tennessee among my many kind and dear friends and relations, I was glad to find a letter from you, and pleased to learn that you were still enjoying the same good health, and occupied your same position as when I left. Your kind letters are always hailed with very great pleas. ure by me--knowing as I do, that they come from one who is my friend, and whose time and attention is so devoted to the sufferings of our soldiers as to merit the praise and admiration of every true and loyal man or woman. Be assured, grandma, that I often think of the high position which you occupy, and the pleasure it always seems to give you to relieve the wants of the suffering. It makes me feel proud that I have such a worthy friend. My visit was indeed a source of very great pleasure to me, as it was the first time I had been home since the commencement of this cruel war. My relations and friends received me with |