This is a letter that was given to me by a wonderful volunteer when I worked at Carnton Plantation. He found it in his attic in Columbia, TN. Unfortunately he covered it with an adhesive plastic the night before he gave it to me. He meant well but as soon as he did it he knew he'd made a dreadful mistake. To date (five years after I was given the letter), it is still very legible and in good condition. It is one of the most interesting pieces I've read. The author's description details a very turbulent time for the Army of Tennesse from the point of view of a man in the ranks. If anyone has any information on the author I'd love to hear it. I have no unit info for him at all. For some reason I have to think he's a Tennessean.

Thanks,
Andrew

"Camp Near Chattanooga. Oct. 10 1863

Remembered Friend:
In your language it is with a sad heart, and deep felt reflection that I endeavor to respond to your kind missives, received a short time since. Would have answered, but made apologies in Uncle Larkin's letter. It seems that misfortunes are not only befalling the family at home, but upon the gory fields of battle also. Every letter's import bears some unwelcome news from each; some one sick wounded or killed. The first letter I wrote, I told you Bud was mortally wounded which I would not have done, had I not been thus informed by reliable source, But now I corroborate the plain fact; that he is dead! Dead! Died martyr upon the bloody field of Chikcamauga on the 23rd Wednesday, of Sept from a wound received in the left breast touching the lower portion of the heart but not passing through him, on Sat 18th Sept. Buried him in a vale between two small cedar trees and large chestnut oak standing a little to the right of his head. His name is engraved on a pine plank with ink - a piece of oilcloth is sheltering it in order to keep it legible. Uncle Larkin staid with until he received his burial rites (burial rites underlined). Although his ever welcome and sociable company is now absent forever, his ever cheerful voice while in camps and undaunted chivalry upon the battlefield has won a place within the impulses of our hearts, that will ever be memorable until they cease to beat. It is with reluctance that we thus consign the brave, to their long and absent homes, within the grave; May he rest in peace undisturbed. Judging from the demeanor of your last letter, I am fearful the next will, bear tidings of the death of another reverential. Oh! When shall such trials and misfortunes cease to flow! Not until the leaden hand of death ceases its ravages and the iron wheel of time ceases to roll onward with such measured strides. But God has promised and his word is immutable - that He will not relinquish His goodness from the widowed and the fatherless. Enough! for I do not wish to make you more melancholy than I can with discretion.

The same monotomy of camp pervades, unless it be the explosion of a shell thrown from the enemy's guns occasionly. President Davis came round to see us to day. Very spare built, something near 6ft high with one eye out. All of our Gens accompanied him. Very nice scenery to behold so many Stars and Bars together.

I was very much chagrined at the conduct of our Bushwhackers, for I tell you, it makes my cheeks crimson with rage and shame for any man to be so faint-hearted and cowardly as to sacrifice principle and honor in such a dastardly manner as some have done. I join in with you in hoping that a file of men from our Regt. To catch the deserted Brave (deserted Brave underlined). Such men are doomed already. Uncle Lark is with us improving very fast. Health generally good. Tell Jo and Pa I sympathize with in his affliction, but it is all I can do as I am so far distant. Respects to all
Farewell,
Yours Forever
T.A.M Degraffenried
P.S. Excuse my Orthograph etc. as I hasten to finish
T.A.M Degraffentried"

I typed the letter as it appears.