31 December 1862: “The Yankees getting decidedly the worst of it, our division was not engaged, it is stationed on the Lebanon Pike near the center of the lines…”

Item description: Letter, 31 December 1862, from Thomas W. Patton, lieutenant in Company C of the 60th Regiment North Carolina Troops, to his mother, Henrietta Kerr Patton.

Item citation: From the James W. Patton Papers #1739Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Murfreesboro Dec. 31. 62

My Dear Mother

I know you will all be in a great state of excitement and anxiety to hear from me, so I will try to drop you a few hasty lines to let you know that we are well. The battle commenced in earnest on yesterday & continued till dark. The Yankees getting decidedly the worst of it, our division was not engaged, it is stationed on the Lebanon Pike near the center of the lines, and as yet the fighting has been on the left. I had to take charge of the wagon train, and broke up camp on Sunday night & moved every thing about 3 miles up the road so as to be ready for a retreat in case our army is defeated- but I don’t think there is any chance of that. Ever since daylight this morning, we have heard distinctly the artillery hammering away but of course cant tell what is the result. I wish Guss would hurry up for I want to rejoin my company. 

It is uncertain whether this will ever reach you as I don’t believe we have any mail now.

Withers divission has been principally engaged, loss not very heavy. I believe we will give them a good thrashing.

In haste,

TW Patton

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