Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/wallace-lewis/
Regiment: 11th Indiana Infantry
Battles Mentioned: Franklin, Tennessee
Historical Figures: Abraham Lincoln, George B. McClellan, John B. Hood
Nashville, Tenn, Dec. 1, 1864
Dear cousin lib, after 63 days long and fatiguing scouting
Taking the weather as it came i am again permitted for the
Time to communicate with my friends in gods country. Well
Cousin have had time of it for the last three weeks. There
Was not barely a day but what we either had a skirmish or a
Regular fight. For the last week the infantry has been
Fighting pretty hard. Yesterday they fought hard all day at
Franklin, 18 miles south of Nashville, Tenn. Where the rebs
Was defeated with the loss of 5000 men. We are preparing for a
Big battle at this place if hood comes here. Our infantry are
Falling back slowly in the rebs front trying to draw them to
Nashville. We can whip them where they are but we can make a
More complete thing of it if we can get them to Nashville. I
Came to this place yesterday with the pack train. The regt. Is
Still our, can’t tell when they will. Our horses are
All worn out. Half of the command is dismounted and there is
Not any horses in the country to capture so the boys will see
Rather hard time before they get in. The rebel army is making
Their last struggle. The rebel general hood made a speech to
His men in Alabama. He told them that he would plant the
rebel flag in Ohio if he only had ten men to do it with. If that
Is his determination he will have but very few men to do it
With. You know the southern people are a great set to blame.
They say they are bound to fight four years longer. Hurra w
For old abe, he is the man. Yow are you peace democrats, your
Little peace mcclellan can’t walk in. How does those peace
Democrats think back their, what does that copperhead
Uncle of mine think about matters by this time. Does he think
He can stand the press for four years longer. I was glad to
From my brother that he was well. I did not receive your
Letter until the 25th of last month. It was old but the news
Was new to me. You want my photo, i will send you one but
It is a pour thing and shall expect to receive yours in
Return in your next letter. Well libb i will have to close
For this time but i haven’t told you half what i should like
To tell you. Well i won’t write any more this time. Give my
Love to all inquiring friends. If you see wes tell him i am
Well and would love to hear from him. Hope this will find
You as it leaves me in good health. From your cousin, lew
Direct to nashville, tenn.
