Chaplain R. F. Bunting, Terry's 8th Texas Cavalry Regiment.

Casualties of Kentucky Campaign

Ranger's Camp
Near Nolanville, Tenn.
Nov. 25th, 1862.

I address you once more in camp. After a long, active and perilous campaign in Kentucky, the regiment is again watching the movements of the enemy in this region.

That trip was one that will never be forgotten by the Rangers. Being always in position of danger, our loss was considerable; yet, considering their great exposure and continuous service, we were most fortunate in bringing out so many of our men; but the last few months have made many a vacancy around the campfire. Some gallant spirits have fallen upon the field of battle; others have been wounded and kept in the hands of the enemy; and others have been pormoted to higher positions.

This was for us a memorable campaign in its many thrilling incidents, its frequent engagements with the enemy and the constant labor performed; for during some thirty days in Ketncuky, our brave men were engaged in thirty-four skirmishes and fights with the enemy; sometimes they would fight two or three times daily. Our loss was viz: Lieut. Col. Mark L. Evans, seriously shot in the head, and left in Harrodsburg; his fate is not yet certainly known.

Company A—Capt. John C. Lowe—Wounded: Austin R. Robinson, severely in the side, at Salt River, Ky., and left there; G. W. Price, slightly in hip, at Wild Cat; G. A. Gill, slightly in cankle, at Salt River.

Company B—Capt. R. M. McKay—Wounded: R. K. Chatham, seriously in the head, at Mt. Washington, and left in Kentucky; R. Morris, badly at Bardstown; J. Duncan, both legs shot off below the knee, at Perryville, supposed mortally wounded and left in Kentucky.

Co. C—Capt. A. M. Shannon—No casualties.

Co. D—Lieut. Ferg. Kyle, commanding—No casualties.

Co. E—Lieut. J. K. White, commanding—Wounded: G. A. W. Wright, shot through the body at Bardstown, and died; A. Compton, slightly in the hand, at Mt. Washington, Ky.; A. P. Browning, slightly in leg, at Perryville; S. R. Bruce, badly in leg, at Perryville, and left in Kentucky. He was acting Orderly for Gen. Wharton; Sergt. Geo. Mitchell, shot in shoulder, at Mt. Washington.

Co. F—Capt. W. R. Jarmon—Wounded: Henry Ferrill, slightly in hip, near Bardstown; A. D. Gonagill, badly in side, at Perryville, and left in Kentucky.

Co. G—Capt. Wm. M. Ford—No casualties.

Co. H—Capt. Gus. Cook—Wounded: James Doras, slightly in shoulder.

Co. I—Capt. Geo. W. Littlefield—Killed: R. B. George, shot by R. Carpenter, at Scottsville; G. J. Boothe, wounded in arm, at Wild Cat.

Co. K—Capt. Pat. Christian—Wounded: Green Bouldin, in leg, at Mt. Washington; M. V. Dillard, slightly in head, at Mt. Washington; John H. West, badly in leg, at Bardstown, and left in Kentucky; Albert I. Aukes, slightly.

A number of others received slight scratches, from balls and shells, but not serious. Several were taken prisoners and parolled; some returned with the command, others freed their way back through the lines. The following wre paroled and sent to Louisville, and there confined for three weeks in the military prison; they have been forwarded to Vicksburg for exchange: R. K. Chatham, Co. B; Ord. Serg't. A. T. Logan and Chs. Pelham, Co. D; John K. Tynan, J. M. Howell and W. Crocker, Co. G; and Chas W. Mason, Co. I.

Our last morning report shows the present strength of the regiment, viz: Aggregate, 690; present in camp, 572; fit for duty, 500; sick in camp (none seriously), 12; absent,—sick, furloughed, paroled, special duty, &c.—118.

The field and staff officers at present are: Thomas Harrison, Colonel; L. M. Rayburn, acting Lieut.-Colonel; Gustave Cook, acting Major; Capt. W. R. Friend, A.Q.M., Capt. Charles B. Pearree, acting A.C.S.; R. F. Bunting, Chaplain; T. J. Potts and R. E. Hill, surgeons; John M. Claiborne, Serg't Major; Ben A. Polk, Reg't Bugler; T. H. Barry, Q.M. Serg't; John M. Brownson, Q.M. Clerk; Geo. Burke, A.C.S. Clerk; J. B. Cowan, Issuing Serg't; Thos. C. Clay, Ord. Serg't

Capt. S. C. Ferrill is absent from sickness. He is now Major. Capt. John C. Lowe, Co. A, who was reported killed at Shiloh, was captured, and when convalescent was paroled and has returned to the regiment. John H. Washington, Co. D, was also reported killed, but he is reported convalescent.

The formation of the brigade and other matters have caused a number of changes in the company officers, but I will not mention these until the promotions are all through. This is now the order of advancement: only the third lieutenant being elected. S. Perry Bryan, Co. R, has received the appointment of 1st Lieutenant of Artillery, and will soon leave for Texas. W. S. Oldham, Jr., has been promoted to a position on General Marcey's staff, and reports at Murfreesboro. W. Walker Wheeler, Co. D, is also promoted to a position on Gen. J. R. Baylor's staff, and will soon return to Texas. Arthur Pue, Co. G, has received the appointment of 1st Lieutenant of Artillery, and is connected with our brigade.

As others have written you about the formation of the brigade, it is unnecessary for me to add anything further. It reached Murfreesboro' on the 22nd and proceeded at once to its position on the left wing of the army. We are encamped about fifteen miles from Nashville. With the other regiments we take our turn in picketing. Yesterday five companies under Major Cook, took their position about three miles from the enemy's camp to picket the Nashville Pike.

Our army is moving up from Tullahoma, and appearances would indicate that soon there will be an engagement. The pickets are daily skirmishing. We do not know the precise strength of the enemy, although it is heavy. He is now camping in very large force between the Murfreesboro and Franklin pikes, his camp extending some eight miles this side of Nashville. Doubtless so soon as all his forces are massed in that position, he will advance.

The weather is now very favorable, being dry and cool. The water courses are exceeding low and in many places water is very scarce. When both parties are ready, we look for a heavy battle here. We feel confident of success. Our troops have generally seen service and heave already won a name and fame upon several bloody fields. The enemy once checked here, it will give us great advantage to hold this region which is richly supplied with forage and supplies. We will fall back only from a pressing necessity.

Yours,
R. F. Bunting,
Chaplain, Terry’s Texas Rangers

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