MRS. SMITH: Gamp Company A, 154th Regiment, way Kind Friend—I received your kind letter of the 7th sometime ago. I would have answered it sooner, but I have been busy every day drilling, and working on the fortifica tions. I am very thankful for that beautiful tobacco pouch Miss Conners sent me, also for the nice in which my clothes were done up. I feel now as if I had a kind mother in you, and if I am so unfortunate as to be wounded in this coming fight, I will surely try to get near you, where I am certain I will have a friend. John Waynsburgh tells me that his mother is coming out from Memphis. I am really glad of it; it will be a great pleasure for her to see John. I hope when she does come that John will get a furlough. Everything looks as though we were going to have a fight here. All the extra baggage is to be sent to the rear immediately. The Yankees are maneuvering in our front, and I expect will be down on us in a short time I have every confidence in our army doing their duty when the time comes. They are anxious to meet the Yankees and wipe out the stain of "Missionary Ridge." God has given us the victory at every point this spring, and I trust He will continue His blessing. I firmly believe that the war will end this year if we are successful in the next two battles. They will be severe. The Yankees trust in nothing but superior numbers; we trust in God, knowing that we are fighting for freedom. It is believed that the enemy have seventy thousand men in our front. Acting on the defensive, I feel certain that we can whip them. All your friends in camp are well, and send their kind regards to you. Write whenever you feel inclined. I will be more punctual in replying hereafter. Remember me to all my friends in and around Covington. Hoping that you will excuse my negligence in answering your letter, I Your friend, remain, as ever, A. MCGRATH. Camp Company A, 154th Sr. Reg't Tenn. Vols. MRS. SMITH: Kind Friend-No doubt you think I treated you rather shabbily the day I left the hospital, in not calling to see you before my departure. My reasons for not doing so were these I heard, while up in town, that Mr. Ellis had notified several persons that were in the habit of visiting the hospitals that it was contrary to orders for persons to visit any one about a hospital without permission, and not wishing to create any ill feeling, I kept away. I enjoyed myself very well that night at "Social Circle." I left the next morning for Atlanta. I can never forget the kind manner in which you treated me-a perfect stranger, at least one whom you had never seen before, and scarcely heard of. I shall always look back with pleasure to the quiet, happy days I passed in your company. It reminds me of days gone by; "when our land was blessed with peace and plenty." It could not but make an impression on one who has been excluded from the society of ladies for three years. My stay in Covington is almost the only bright spot in my life as a soldier. I shall always be thankful to Mr. Starr and his family for their great kindness. Give him my best respects, and tell him to give my kindest regards to all the members of his family. I have not had time to visit his son since I got back to the regiment. We are to have a sham battle to-morrow if the weather is fair. I wish you were here to see it. There is nothing of interest transpiring at the front. A great many are of the opinion that we will go to Vir ginia this summer. I should like to very well, for I have always had a desire to visit the "Old Dominion." How is Mr. Hodge? Give him my kind regards. Remember me to Messrs. Harris and Crumpton. Will Fairman has got a furlough of forty days, on a recruit. How does Gus and Freddy get along? I suppose they are having a nice time. Tell Fred to be sure and bring up my jacket, and pants when he comes. John Waynesburg, Thirl and all your friends in camp are well, and send their best respects to you. It would be a pleasure to me to hear from you as often as you have time. Remember me to all enquiring friends, and believe me Your friend, A. MCGRATH, Company A, 154th Reg't Tenn. Volls. MRS. SMITH: Camp near Dalton, March 22, 1864. Dear Friend-I received your very kind and interesting letter of the 15th, and was truly glad to know that you were well. My health is excellent-better than I ever enjoyed at home. There is but littly army news floating around. It was rumored that the Yanks were advancing, but it was a false alarm. It appears like winter is going to remain with us longer than is agreeable; it has been snowing since midnight, and I doubt whether "the oldest inhabitant" ever witnessed the snow so deep as it is now. We have been fighting all day. This morning our brigade opened the fight by attacking Bate's old brigade, and after a heavy skirmish, they agreed to storm the camp of the Florida brigade, which was done in gallant style. You have seen schoolboys snowballing, and can form some idea of the sport, only it was on a larger scale; it was a con. tinuous storm of snowballs. Finally, we come to terms, and agreed that all three brigades should attack Stewart's Division. Bugles were sounded, regiments formed, their colors proudly floating to the breeze, our field officers in command, the charge was sounded, and away we went with a yell, and soon drove them out of their quarters, captured several stands of colors, and returned with our spoils to our camp. We had scarcely got back when a courier arrived with the news that Stewart's Disvision was preparing for battle, their intention was to capture our camps in retaliation for what we had done early in the morning. Again the bugle sounded, and we moved out in line of battle beyond Bate's old camp. When we arrived on the field, we found them (Stewart's Division) formed in line ready to attack the Florida brigade. We were soon ready for action, skirmishers thrown out, and in a few minutes the action commenced. It was a grand sight to behold two divisions throwing snow with perfect fury, the balls flying as thick as hail. They charged us, and the battle raged with fury along the whole line. Finally they flanked us, and we had to retreat double-quick. They run us clear through the Florida and Tennessee camps, and nearly back to the Fourth Kentucky, when we rallied, charged them, and saved our camp. I will add, though I don't like to, they captured two stands of colors from us; but we have enough to exchange with them. So ended the greatest battle ever fought on this continent with snowballs. I know that you would like to have witnessed it. Of all the rolling and tumbling in snow, it beat any I ever saw. I could relate several personal adventures in which I was engaged, sometimes coming out all right, and only second best at others. In the muss I pitched into a captain, and was in a good way to capture his sword, when he received re-enforcements, and I had to retreat, though not till I wallowed him pretty severely in the snow. It was an exciting scene, and was engaged in by both officers and privates finely, and, I am happy to say, ended in the kindest feeling. I don't know what name they will give the field. I expect you will see an account of it in the papers soon. With all the hardships of a soldier's life, the boys are getting on fine. Some of the boys are taking to themselves partners for life. One of my company was married a few days ago. Last night there were two more weddings; one of the boys was of my regiment, the other from the Seventh; they married sisters. I have met with several of my old friends of Tunnel Hill-Mr. Boggs, and my particular friend, Wm. Dillyhunt, also his wife, (Miss Freeman, she used to be.) He is well, and would like to hear from you. I have not seen or heard from Mrs. Bell and family since we came through there. I heard that Sowders was taken prisoner at Chickamauga. I have just received a letter from home by flag of truce. You have no idea how glad I was to hear from my loved friends. All are well, and doing first rate. Oh, how glad I would be to see my dear old home once more. I could have that pleasure by deserting, but if that is the only way, I never will see it again, for as well as I love my friends, I love my honor and my adopted country too much to leave them now, when every man should be at his post. Our army is in fine spirits, and whenever the Yanks are ready to try their "on to Atlanta" again, we will be ready for them. General Grant is now in command, and will try the "on to Richmond," in which so many have failed. I will just say for their edification that the Lee side of any shore is unhealthy; and will go old Grant, and down will go Abe Lincoln, then will come peace, and once more we will breathe the air of freedom. Well, I will quit my nonsense till some other time. Excuse all mistakes. If the battle takes place, I will let you know. No more at present, but remain- Very truly, D. S. HERAN. |