The Standard --Clarksville and Red River, TX--11/2/1861
Headquarters Forest Rangers in Camp, 3 Miles East of Memphis--Oct 14, 1861
Maj. DeMorse
Dear Sir--I have understood that up to this date no member of our company has written enter for publication in the Standard and knowing the interest that many of the good people of the county feel in the welfare of the company, I avail myself of the leisure at my command.
This morning to give a distinct resume of the doings of our company--the Red River Rangers--since we took leave of Clarksville.
The first thing to which I invite special attention is the generosity, patriotism and zeal of the people of our sister state, Arkansas, evinced by the treatment we received at their hands in passing through their State. We were everywhere received with demonstrations of a gratifying character and cheered and encouraged at every step, complimenting on every hand. And notwithstanding, it was conceded by all that we were the finest company of Cavalry that had passed through the country, yet they professed pride in the fact that we were soldiers belonging to a common government engaged in a common cause, to accomplish a common purpose, and extended to us every courtesy that we could expect from a patriotic, generous and high minded people. We passed through the State, a distance of about four hundred miles, with between 80 and 100 mounted men, and four teams, and paid only one bill. Our forage, ferrying, toll (dec??) were all contributed by the people. We had all the necessaries, and many of the luxuries of life, to which we had been accustomed at home. Such magnanimity deserves the highest commendation.
The weather was fine indeed, neither excessively hot nor unpleasantly cool, just a pleasant and healthy medium, between extremes. We came directly through without resting, and arrived in camp on the 8th inst., in good health and excellent spirits, having been out seventeen days.
We had from three to six on the sick list all the way, from chills, cold and e., but nothing serious--The night before we reached the river, it rained incessantly all night, and being without tents, we were in an ugly condition, but as kind providence would have it, we were encamped near a widow lady, (God bless the ladies generally, and her in particular) who invited the entire company to take shelter under her roof, we went and found her residence amply sufficient to shelter our company. The night, the storm and the wind all passed off together, and the morning dawned bright and cheerful; and all dry and in good spirits, we perused our journey, giving three loud, lusty and heartfelt cheers for the good lady, whose hospitality had been so generously proffered, so promptly accepted and so high appreciated.
The following are the men reported upon the sick list, J.W. Bailey, William Thomas, R. Ward, J.J. McDaniel, M.C. Duggin, Peter Williams, P.L. Covington and D. R. Harlin. None of them are dangerous.
We have been furnished with tents, cooking utensils, camp equipage, and every thing in that line. We are armed with double-barreled shotguns, six-shooters, and Cavalry sabers. We are perfectly armed and equipped with everything requisite to make us efficient in the field, and comfortable in camp. The men are delighted with the success of our enterprise, and more than satisfied with the provision our Colonel has made for us.
We were mustered into service for twelve months, and our horses valued so as to give general satisfaction among the men. They were at about twenty per cent above the Memphis market, which is better than we could have expected.
Our regiment is composed of three companies of Alabamians, two of Kentuckians; one of Tennesseans and one of Texans. There will be an addition of three more companies.
We are now under orders to march from this place to Columbus, Kentucky, and will be delayed but a few days. General Hardee crossed the Tennessee river on the 8th, 9th and 16th, with his division, en route for Bowling Green, Kentucky; troops are rapidly concentrating there from every quarter, and everything indicates that an important movement is contemplated in that quarter very soon.
Ours is considered the best company of cavalry in camp, and military men say that it is the best that has been in Memphis since the war began, complimentary quite, but my observation teaches me that it is so.
The press is silent in regard to the movements of our army on the Potomac, their silence is more significant than their speaking would be. The opinion is entertained here in military circles, that a movement is on foot, involving Washington city and the Federal army, and nothing will be communicated to the public until the plan is through. Everything is alive unto activity in the army, and the fierce campaign will soon open, and disclose plans of more magnitude than any have yet been seen.
A duel was fought yesterday opposite Memphis on the Arkansas side of the river, between Maj. Chambers and Lake which resulted in the death of Lake at the third shot, Chambers off uninjured. The difficulty grew out of their canvass for congress in the Memphis district, the particulars of ------- have not learned. The colonel of our regiment was Chambers' second.
All things are evidently working together for good, and he who presides over the Destiny of Nations, and holdeth the oceans in the hollow of his hand, has seen and will see, that no evil overtakes those who fights for God, and their native land.
Those writing to individuals in the Company had better address them to Memphis, care of Col. N.B. Forrest. They will be forwarded to us wherever we may be.
When we reach the seat of war, I shall keep you posted as to the movements of the army so far as they come to my knowledge.
Yours & e.
M.L. Sims
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Gay