Finding Aid for the Confederate Soldier's Letter about Missionary Ridge, 1863 December 3
MS-2215University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN
Encoded by: Erin Lawrimore, May 10, 2006
Summary Information
Confederate Soldier's Letter about Missionary Ridge
Date/Date Range : 1863 Decfember 3
0.1 linear feet
Abstract: In a December 3, 1863 letter from "James" to "My Dear Sister Kate," a Confederate soldier describes his situation after participating in the Battle of Missionary Ridge in Chattanooga during the Civil War.
MS-2215
University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN
Access and Use
Collection was purchased by Special Collections in October 2003.
Collection is open for research.
The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.
[Identification of Item], Confederate Soldier's Letter about Missionary Ridge, MS-2215. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Special Collections Library.
Arrangement
Collection consists of a single folder.
Biography / History
No biographical information is known about the sender or recipient. The Battle of Missionary Ridge took place on November 25, 1863, in Chattanooga, Tenn., and resulted in a Confederate loss and withdrawal from the town.
Collection Scope and Content Note
Writing to his "Dear Sister Kate" on December 3, 1863, "James," a Confederate soldier, describes how he lost the majority of his possessions at "the skedadle" at Missionary Ridge. James, who may have been an artilleryman, also states that "if the Infantry had stood like the artillerymen the Yanks would never have come up on Missionary Ridge."
Subject Terms
- Chattanooga (Tenn.) -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865.
- Missionary Ridge (Tenn. & Ga.), Battle of, 1863.
- Tennessee -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal narratives, Confederate.
Contents List
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Letter from James in camp near Dalton, Ga., to "My Dear Sister Kate," 1863 December 3 Scope Note: Transcription:
In Camp Near Dalton, Ga. Dec. 3rd 1863
My Dear Sister Kate
Thank God that I am still alive after the fight on Missionary Ridge. It wasn't much of a fight on the part of our Infantry for they dident stand at all. Our Company lost one piece and four Caissons. We came out better than any Company in the artillery of our Division. Our Company is pretty bad off for clothes losing everything in the skedadle. I have lost every thing that I had. I have only 1 pair drawers 1 pair pants 1 pair socks. 1 shirt. 1 hat & 1 pair shoes. and I have been wearing these for 9 or 10 days all the time. If you can send me anything in the shape of clothes (old or new) I will refund you in money as soon as paid off. I have not got a blanket either to my name as soon as we get settled I will write you a detail account of the disgraceful affair. If the Infantry had stood like the artillerymen the Yanks would never have come up on Missionary Ridge. you can send the clothes as early as convenient. I wish you would write home and tell them I am well. I will do so as soon as I can get a chance. Direct your letters as before -- In haste
Your Bro
James
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