Hugh McKay of Lonelm community has in his possession a letter received by his mother from her first husband, Rob C. Pierce, who was a soldier in the Confederate army during the War between the States. The original letter has been in Mr. McKay's possession many years and he naturally prizes it very highly. After the writter's death, the recipient of the letter was married to James Wiley McKay of Scottsboro, AL. The letter follows:
"To Mrs. Mary Isabel Pierce, Scottsboro, Al.
From Winchester, Tenn., Jan 8, 1863.
Dear Isabel:
I will drop you a few lines to let you know that I am well at present. I would not write so soon again, but I am aware that you are uneasy as there was a battle going on when I wrote before.
Well, I wrote on Saturday evening and that night at midnight we were ordered in lines. I thought that we would get to try our springs but we were ordered back to Shelveville, which is 25 miles and it dark and rainy. We marched all night and till 2 o'clock, then encamped for the next night, and from there to Tulohoma, then from there to this place, which is Winchester, a distance of about 60 miles.
I am provost guard here but can't tell how long I will stay. This is an easy place to fill. I am still with the 15th Tennessee Regiment, but as soon as this retreat is over, I will go to the 4th Tennessee or to Smith's Cavlary. I am allowed to take my choice of company's. If I go to Smith's I will come by home to get me a horse. We will fall back to Bridge Port in a few days or give Old Abe's boy's a good whipping in a short time.
I wrote to you and sent it by Shelton. I suppose that we are ordered back to Shelveville tomorrow, but I think that if that is so, I won't be able to go for I am worn out from marching here. My opinion is that we will fall back to Chattanooga soon. Our loss at Murfeesboro was heavy - 6 or 7 thousand; and the Yankees' were eight to ten thousand killed or wounded; 6 or 7 thousand prisoners and 34 pieces of artillery. As to beef, mules and wagons, I can't tell you anything about that.
I have seen bad luck. Lost both my blankets one night. I bought one for five dollars, as heavy as both of mine. I wish two pairs of my pants were at home for my load is too heavy and I can't sell them here.
You need not write for I can't tell you where to write to. I would be glad to see you and be at home, you know, but can't say when that will be.
Do the best you can and try to be careful as possible. There are better days, not far distant, for the troubled. I could be satisfied if it were not for you. I am anxious to hear from home, and as soon as I can tell you where to write I will do so.
Give my love to all inquiring friends and reserve for yourself a portion. So no more. I will remain yours till death, friend and husband. This leaves me well, this Jan 9, 1863.
Rob C. Pierce
to
Mary I. Pierce