This command was originally intended for local defense in the mountains of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina, and was generally known as part of "Thomas' Legion of Indians and Highlanders." Colonel W. H. Thomas, its founder, was an old-line Democrat, and a leading citizen and politician in Western North Carolina – was a man of considerable means, and was personally well known to President Davis and Cabinet. He was born in Haywood county and raised to manhood close by the Cherokee Indians and at an early day espoused their cause, and prevented the forced removal to the West, of those in Western North Carolina, by General Scott [General Winfield Scott] in 1836 to 1838. He was adopted by the Indians and upon the deaths of their old chiefs, Yona-gus-kee and Juna-lus-kee, he was made chief and for twenty-five years prior to the war was also the Government Agent for these Indians.

When the war had progressed for a year and conscription had become a necessity and a certainty, this command was organized at Knoxville, Tenn., into a regiment, and a battalion.

Several of the companies had been in service for several months, but General E. Kirby Smith, commander of the Department of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina (an old West Point army officer), was very much opposed to a temporizing or conservative policy, and would not allow Colonel Thomas the latitude he wanted; but the latter being a personal friend of President Davis, generally carried his points, and often went to Richmond to consult with him.

The organization of the regiment was completed at Knoxville, Tenn., 27 September, 1862, by the election of the following Field and Staff officers:

William H. Thomas, Colonel, Jackson county, N. C
James Robert Love, Lieutenant-Colonel, Jackson county, N. C.
William W. Stringfield, Major, Strawberry Plains, Tenn.
Luther C. May, Adjutant, Virginia.
James W. Terrell, A. Q. M. Jackson county, N. C.
Lucius M. Welch, A. C. S., Haywood county, N. C.
John W. Lawing, Surgeon, Lincoln county, N. C.
John C. Love, Assistant Surgeon, Jackson county, N. C.
Hezekiah West, Chaplain, Haywood county, N. C.
Alex R. Carmack, Sergeant Major, Pennsylvania. . . .

Total number of officers and men in the regiment, 1,125. . ..

About this time the enforcement of the conscript law was begun in earnest, and consequently it was a serious time in the short life of the Southern Confederacy – and thinking men were fully alive to the herculean task before us. East Tennessee was placed under martial law and many of the most prominent citizens were in rebellion against the South. The celebrated Parson Brownlow, editor of the Knoxville Whig, a widely circulated paper, who was afterwards elected Governor of Tennessee, and after the war was United States Senator, took bold grounds against the South. His paper had some circulation in Western North Carolina, and quite an influence with the old Whig element. Brownlow was a kind man at heart, to those that did not cross him personally. If he had been reasoned with instead of being bitterly denounced he and numerous others would have espoused the Southern cause. But, then, as now, party passion often dethrones reason. Brownlow, with such men as Governor Andrew Johnson, then United States Senator, and afterwards President of the United States; Horace Maynard, member of Congress; Thos. A. R. Nelson, John Netherland, R. R. Butler, members of Congress; Rev. N. G. Taylor, also an old Congressman, father of Governor Bob. Taylor, with scores of smaller, but equally determined men, boldly threw themselves into the breach, openly defied the South, and in large numbers daily left Tennessee, crossing the Cumberland mountains and joined the Federal army in Kentucky and Ohio.

The wisest statesmen of the South were divided as to the best policy to pursue, but Southern blood was aroused and Southern men were expected to stand by the South, right or wrong. There was much homogeneousness between these mountain people of Tennessee and North Carolina, and there is an independence of thought, speech and action in the average mountaineer, not usually found elsewhere, superinduced perhaps by their grandly beautiful surroundings, combining, as some think, to the development of a high type of physical, intellectual and spiritual manhood.

A great majority of the people were poor and had no interest in slavery, present or prospective. But most of them had little mountain homes, and, "be it ever so humble, there is no place like home." So when husband, father and brother went into the army the wife, sister and daughter had largely increased home cares, and often went into the corn field.

No grander type of womanhood is developed anywhere than in these mountains. Neither the men or women were cowards, but when the Federal army occupied East Tennessee and threatened North Carolina, the women in their lonesome homes naturally became restless and timid, made more so when spies and forays of the enemy penetrated this country. Soldiers in the army would have been unnatural protectors of home, had they not become uneasy also, and oft times desperate, especially when informed, as hundreds were, that their homes had been robbed and the country pillaged, as was the case for two years in all the border counties along the Tennessee line from Ducktown to Watauga, a distance of near 200 miles. No people were more zealous for the South than Western Carolinians, after the rejection by the Lincoln regime of the peace overtures made by the border States. East Tennessee and Western North Carolina had a common heritage of ancestral heroes through the Seviers, Tiptons, Averys, Campbells, Lenoirs, Loves, McDowells, Brittons, and others, who fought at King's Mountain, Cowpens and Guilford Court House; in later years at Lookout, Emuckfau, Horseshoe, and New Orleans, and later still in the numerous battles of Mexico. Such an element may be easily led, but, never forced. In Tennessee this anti-war element was fully aroused and as soon as conscription was fully determined upon, Colonel Wm. H. Thomas at once went to Richmond to get a modification of the law. His efforts were unavailing, the law must be enforced, it was enforced and 33,000 were added to the Federals and a few thousand fire-tried veterans to the Southern army. Colonel Thomas largely recruited his own command, forming soon afterwards another regiment, with two companies of Sappers and Miners, and one company of artillery (Levi's Battery).

He had some unique ideas concerning these matters, and while known to be intensely loyal to the South, he had gained the confidence of this East Tennessee disloyal element and several thousand at various times had agreed to form companies for local defense, and for road and bridge building. Not being allowed to do this, these men went to the Federal army and ever afterwards were troublesome enemies.

From September, 1862, to June, 1863, there was little to break the monotony of camp life and provost duty. There was much of an unpleasant, nature to be done by men of similar characters. Enforcing conscription – disarming the people – the impressment of property, forcing magistrates and civil authorities to take an oath of allegiance to the Confederacy, was disagreeable work. Much hard work was done in building block houses and stockades on the entire railroad line, 250 miles. This was a fine agricultural region and an indispensable line of communication between the armies of Lee and Bragg.

President Davis consented to evacuation only as a trap for Burnside's army, but the cowardly surrender of Cumberland Gap by General J. W. Frazer, 9 September, 1863, however, proved it a double triggered trap for us. The Federal authorities were fully alive to the importance of grasping from us and holding this section, so fertile for all, and so loyal to them, being urged thereto by the highest consideration of honor, duty and interest. [General Frazer surrenders the Cumberland Gap]

Several companies of the Sixty-ninth were ordered to Powell's Valley in 1862, between Jacksboro and Cumberland Gap – one Indian company at Baptist Gap had quite a battle with some Federals, killing, wounding and driving back their force. The Indians were led by Lieutenant Astooga Stoga, a splendid specimen of Indian manhood and warrior, who was killed in the charge. This noble Indian is worthy of a lengthy sketch but the writer has not the data, if he had time and space. Like most of the leading Indians of his tribe, he was a professed Christian, and largely by his efforts the New Testament was translated into the Cherokee language by the great American Bible Society. The Indians were furious at his death and before they could be restrained, they scalped several of the Federal wounded and dead, for which ample apology was made at the time. In the Spring of 1863 the regiment in Gen. Alfred E. Jackson's Brigade was in the Department of East Tennessee commanded by Brigadier-General Daniel S. Donalson. In March, 1863, it was at Strawberry Plains and in April at Jonesboro, and in July at Zollicoffer, Tenn.

Some time afterwards Bragg's army entered Kentucky from middle Tennessee, and after quite a campaign there, returned to Tennessee by way of Cumberland Gap to Knoxville. This campaign caused a temporary lull in East Tennessee affairs, but the retreat of Lee from Maryland and Pennsylvania and the surrender of Vicksburg was followed by outspoken defiance all over East Tennessee.

Spies and recruiting officers from the Union Army were almost everywhere. Several cavalry raids burned and attempted to burn railroad bridges and depots until finally, on 4 September, General Burnside captured Knoxville, the stronghold of East Tennessee, without firing a gun or meeting an enemy. Some time prior to this all the white companies of the regiment and several companies, of Walker's Battalion (of our Legion) were concentrated for drill and discipline at Greenville, Tenn., and were brigaded with the Sixtieth and Sixty-second Regiments and Twelfth Battalion, Georgia Troops, and several Virginia, Georgia and Florida Regiments.

After Burnside's occupancy of Knoxville there was a general "On to Richmond," "On to Chattanooga," and "On to Atlanta" cry in the Federal army. The hopes of this cry were realized afterwards, but at very great cost of life to the enemy. Those were gloomy days to those of us who left our homes and loved ones at the mercy of the enemy. This territory was never reclaimed, afterwards almost every foot of it was fought over, time and again, and its occupancy was costly to the enemy, but of great political significance to them.

Part of the Sixty-ninth and most of the Eightieth (Walker's Battalion, which had been raised to a regiment), with detachments of the Twenty-ninth, Thirty-ninth, Sixtieth and Sixty-second North Carolina Regiments, fell back to the gap of the Smoky Mountains, or the North Carolina line, there to guard against the invasion of that region.

The greater part of the Sixty-ninth, with part of Singleton's, Berry's, Whitaker's and Aikin's companies of the Eightieth, fell back towards Bristol, Va. Immediately upon his occupancy of Knoxville, Burnside sent forces up the railroad which had been surrendered without, a struggle, or the destruction of a bridge, to Jonesboro, Tenn., also sent cavalry to Blount, Sevier, Cocke, and Washington counties, Tennessee, guarding against surprises from that direction, and .threatening North and South Carolina by way of Murphy, Webster, Waynesville and Asheville, and attempting to capture Colonel Thomas' forces, good turnpike roads penetrating these mountains. But the "fighting end" of Thomas' Legion was not idle in upper East Tennessee, and marched and counter-marched in every county in that end of the State, and up to Saltville, Va., leaving the bones of their comrades (since kindly gathered at Knoxville by the noble women of Tennessee) all over that section.

When Tennessee was fully surrendered great gloom overspread the soldiers from the border States, and many Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and North Carolina troops returned to their homes. Bragg's army with a muster roll of 83,767, had few over 40,000 guns, and guns are all that count in battle.

General Bragg wrote to General Lee that after seven months of conscription, not a soldier was added to his army; that Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina troops could not be depended upon, a very unjust aspersion cast upon all, especially North Carolinians, most of whom, even after leaving their regiments in the East and West, did good service at home. No section of the Union furnished as many soldiers to the Union Army according to the population as East Tennessee. With such surroundings as these it is no wonder that so many were induced to desert, or more properly stated, returned to their homes.

The same day that General Burnside occupied Knoxville, Colonel Thomas, with several hundred men, fell back from Strawberry Plains, passing through Sevierville to the North Carolina line, taking all the Indians and many whites. He was closely followed by the Federals and had quite a skirmish near Sevierville, on 7 or 8 September, 1863, but he crossed the Smoky Mountains and at once securely blockaded all the roads leading in that direction from near Paint Rock to near Ducktown.

Lieutenant-Colonel Love and Major Stringfield, with 600 or 700 men, were ordered to fortify and hold Carter's Depot at the railroad bridge across the Watauga, about twenty miles west of Bristol.

General John S. Williams, of Kentucky, since United States Senator, then commanded the Department of East Tennessee which was abandoned to the foe, after the shameful surrender of Cumberland Gap 9 September, 1863.

Burnside's forces, composed largely of native Tennesseeans, rather recklessly took charge of the country. One regiment of troops (One Hundredth Ohio) went to Jonesboro on the cars 5 September, 1863, and several hundred ventured up to Carter's and demanded the surrender of the fort. The next day Major Stringfield was ordered to take 200 of his men and a battalion of cavalry (McLin) under Captain D. D. Anderson, and reconnoitre the position of the enemy. He took this force to Jonesboro and below. On 7 September General A. E. Jackson came up with the balance of the Sixty-ninth North Carolina, the Fourth Kentucky Cavalry and Sixteenth Georgia Cavalry and Borrough's Battery, and learning that the enemy were fortifying in and around the old limestone blockhouse and a stone mansion near by, the Sixty-ninth was ordered up by General Jackson and at 3:00 a. m. on the 8th, we drove them from Telford's depot to Limestone, where they made a determined stand, evidently being handled by some veteran officers. Closing in upon them on all sides, we forced them to surrender with a loss of 20 killed, 30 wounded and 314 prisoners, with 400 splendid small arms. Our loss was six killed and fifteen wounded. Our regiment was immediately armed with the guns here captured (Enfield rifles). The enemy were the One Hundredth Ohio Regiment (Infantry) and were a fine looking body of men. Knowing that this capture would arouse the enemy, we fell back towards Carter's. Ten days afterwards the enemy approaching in force with several regiments of cavalry, battle was given them at Carter's. Our cavalry was much weaker than theirs. Owing to the general advance movements by the enemy, the capture of Cumberland Gap, or rather its shameful surrender by General Frazer 9 September, 1863, and advance movements all up to the Salt Works and into West Virginia – a long line of defense – we were compelled to draw in our line and concentrate our forces.

[1863]  Some of our men are Deserting to the Enemy. Poor fools like a fool fish “jump out of the frying Pan into the fire”. Better “bear the ills we have than to fly to those we know not of.” We are marching from Paint Rock to Horse Creek—in and around Greenville—Jonesboro—Telford—Blountsville—Kingsport—Rogersville etc. I am on court marshall often acting as “judge and advocate” etc. I am getting along well with officers and men. All seem to like me. I find it a disagreeable duty to have to discipline men—but I have less of this than I did with Tenn troops. In my marching around in these upper counties I meet with many old friends who seem glad to meet as it is often a protection to meet friends. I often see old friends in the army. I will protect citizens regardless of Politics.

 Sept. 5  Carter Co. I came here this morning from Zollicoffer to assume command of the post. Troops—200 Infantry. 75 Cavalry and 50 Artillery—[Hugh L. W.] McClungs Battery make up the force. Some home guards under [Owen M. White and [John. B.] McLin—[James M.] McConnell & [Thomas A.] Butlers Co.s of the [Legion]. The Yanks are supposed to be in force as the demand to surrender was made in the name of “Maj General Burnside”. This is the first time that his name has been used up here in E Ten.

Sept. 6  Jonesboro. At daylight this AM I took 75 Cavalry and started in search of the Yankees—but “nary Yank” do I see. I got here by 9am, but the Enemy of 400 or 500 had left by sunrise on a train. I first galloped through the town—midst the smiles and cheers of beautiful women & waving of handkerchiefs. I remained in town all day and on Picket below town most of the night.

Sept. 7  This am Gen. Alfred E. Jackson came down with the 4th Ky. Cavalry—the 16th Ga. Batt. & [William H.] Burroughs Artilery etc—and we will wake up the Yanks tomorrow.

Sept. 8  This am we all moved down upon the Enemy at Telfords Depot—6 miles below this. The Enemy fought well [and] were evidently commanded by a Veteran—but we drove them in to the Block House. I commanded the cavalry. I went on Picket down to Leesburg at daylight, thence across to Telfords—drove Enemy 6 miles to Limestone where after a stubborn fight of 2 hours we captured 290 Prisoners, 30 wounded & 20 Killed of them. Our losses 6 Killed & 15 wounded. I took a splendid sword from the commander. . . also a good gum cloth. These men were of the 100th Ohio [and] of [our] troops engaged were Major  [James A.] McKamy with 100 of our Batt. also [James W.] Cooper’s and [Julius M.] Welch’s cos—all did their duty. Prisoners were all sent off same evening to Richmond Va.

Sept. 9  In this fight Enemy were in a block house across Lick Creek. At Depot Col [James Robert] Love—Maj McKamy—[ Captains] Cooper—Welch—[Elisha G.] Johnson. I Killed one fellow in the round up, he was hid in a briar thicket in front, near me. I was the first one to reach fort after the white flag was raised. We also captured a fine large Drum.

Sept. 20  Carter’s Depot. A large Federal force is in our front. Major Gen [Colonel Eugene W.] Crittenden Federal a brother of our General [Colonel George B.] Crittenden is in command. A strange meeting to day of these two brothers in opposing armies.

Sept. 21  This Carter’s Station is at the river with a ford on the river 3 miles below and one 4 miles above. Yanks under Burnside in large force. Forces are fighting all day & part of the night in full view of each of them & the depot. This place is 5 or 6 miles on river north of the Co seat of Carter Co which is the strongest Union Co in E. Ten., near the home of Senator [Landon] C. Haynes and his bro-in- law Hon. [Nathaniel] G. Taylor, M.C. from Tenn in U.S. Congress.

We have made several hard marches one notable one of 61 miles in 30 hours. I walked myself to let tired and sick men ride my horse. On one trip between Zollicoffer or Union as the Yanks call the name I saw the grave of my great grand father Jas King under an Iron slab. We built some breast works to welcome the Yanks, who are this side of Bristol. Let them come, we are ready.

Our position at Carter's on the east bank of the Watauga river, was impregnable, and the enemy, after two assaults, flanked us at Devault's Ford on the north, and Taylor's on the south side, causing us to fall back to Zollicoffer, or "Union Depot," now Bluff City. The enemy about this time hearing about our great victory over them at Chickamauga, hastily retired towards Knoxville. We followed them to Bull's Gap, the Sixty-ninth being the only infantry regiment. On 5 October, 1863, the cavalry had a fight at Greenville, killing seven, wounding twelve and capturing ten of the enemy, with a loss of three killed and seven wounded, General Jno. S. Williams, of "Cerro Gordo" fame, commanding our troops. On 15 October, after several days skirmishing with the enemy, General Williams gave battle at Blue Springs with his 1,800 dismounted men, holding in check Burnside's 7,000 veterans. The Sixty-ninth was ordered to his aid, but hearing of a flank movement of the enemy, we were ordered to retreat towards Jonesboro, and finally to Abingdon, Va. In our retreat three miles above Greenville, our cattle, wagons, artillery and infantry, in order named, were surrounded before we knew it. General Burnside had thrown General Foster with 3,000 cavalry in our front, attempting our capture. The first intimation we had of their presence was in the capture of our Adjutant, L. C. May, and Captain Tip (H. H.) Taylor, Acting Adjutant-General of our brigade. Captain May escaped and gave us warning.

In a few moments after the presence of the enemy was known Colonel turned back the wagons, ordered forward the Sixty-ninth at double quick, threw it in line of battle across the road, and bringing forward the artillery, began at the earliest dawn of day a furious artillery fire upon the enemy in corn fields and meadows confronting us, fortunately for us, bursting shells in their very midst. Before they could realize the sudden change of the situation, the Sixty-ninth, with the "bear hunter's rebel yell," was upon them. Our men realized at once that quick and deadly work must be done, or we would all be captured. The entire 600 men at sunrise dashed forward at the enemy in a heavy skirmish line, Love upon the right and Stringfield upon the left, with company officers all in place, all cheering and directing their men. Lieutenant Welch, of Company F, afterwards killed at Winchester, was shot through the thigh by the side of the writer; very few others hurt. This was a running fight for ten miles. Two Federals were killed in the yard of Senator Patterson, son-in-law of President Johnson. Twelve or fifteen, others were killed. General Williams, while slowly retreating before Burnside, heard our artillery open upon the enemy. Dashing forward at a gallop, he materially aided us in the achievement of one of the most brilliant retreats of the war. General Williams was profuse in his compliments, personally and in special orders, to our regiment. We retreated sixty-two miles in thirty hours, fighting and driving the enemy much of the way towards Jonesboro, but not losing cattle or wagons and but few men. The retreat did not stop until we reached Virginia and fortified Abingdon, and covered Saltville, where we were reinforced by the brigades of Corse and Wharton, Virginia troops, under General Robert Ransom. We remained quietly here until 1 November, when we began another forward movement towards Knoxville, Tenn. While here a beautiful Carolina maiden, having heard of the heroism of our men and of complimentary orders about them, sent the following acrostic to our gallant Colonel, J. R. Love, who several years since has "crossed over the river and is resting under the shade of the trees."

While we were waiting a few days near Blountsville, Tenn., our cavalry under William E. Jones, made a nice capture of twelve or fifteen hundred of the enemy's cavalry at Rogersville, and near 100 wagons of the Second Tennessee (United States) and Seventh Ohio. The citizens here-abouts were mostly our friends, something unusual in East Tennessee, and had noble kindred in our army, mostly with Bragg.

While around Blountsville, company and regimental drill was daily enforced. Lieutenant Thomas Ferguson, a good soldier, afterwards made Captain and captured at Piedmont, joined us here with 75 recruits. A painful example for discipline was made here, one poor fellow of Company K, a Tennesseean, with two others of Tennessee troops, captured at Rogersville, Tenn., by General W. E. Jones, in the uniform of the enemy, were court-martialed and shot at the stake. The army then moved down the Rogersville and Kingsport Valley towards Knoxville, on the north side of Holston river, wading the river and creeks in the ice.

General Robert Ransom was a fine disciplinarian and fighter. Sometimes unpopular in camp, or upon the march, but universally popular in battle, where it was an inspiration to see him. He did not "snuff battle from afar," but rushed into the thickest fray, to cheer and guide his men. In all this dread winter campaign the Sixty-ninth were cheerful and obedient. Winter quarters were built near Rogersville in December, but were occupied only one week. After this neither the men or officers had tents or houses, but faced the storms of rain and snow, mud and ice, in tramps several miles above and below Rogersville, down towards Knoxville.

Nov. 26  Lt. Tom Ferguson with 71 new men came in today from N.C. March down the road forded river, cold wading. Gen Robert Ransom—at point of pistol made some men wade. I let lots of them ride my horse. We are marching down toward Knoxville, something is up. Rain, rain, mud, mud. March 12 to 14 miles a day. Heard of the death of James Petty an old neighbor at Plains. He belonged to a Yankee cavalry and was Killed in a battle near Blountsville. Died near Big Creek.

Nov. 30  Morisburg. March 18 miles, cold, cold, too cold to ride.

Dec. 1  Camps 1 mile West of Rogersville. Retreating again for what—God help my home folks. Marched 20 miles.

Dec. 2  Camp 4 M West of Beans Stations,—all night again. Men are cheerful and in good spirits, by tomorrow I hope to be down near home 20 miles.

Dec. 3  At home. Thank God I am at home again and once more see the faces of My loved ones. Alex Carmack, Wm Parker and I came by way of Rutledge. I find mother and sister Mary much better off than I expected from what I had heard. We crossed the Holston river at the mo. of Mossy Creek & via New Market. Got supper at Mr. [William] H. Moffatts & had pleasure of seeing the Young Ladies.  [General James] Longstreet has given up the siege of Knoxville. That is bad—but all will be right some of these days.

Dec. 4  Camp near Blains X Roads. I returned to camp from home this AM. I expected to find the army on road to Knoxville, but we are meeting Longstreets troops. I fear another retreat. They are demoralizing to the men.

Dec. 5  Four mile E of Blains X Roads. Our army retreated 4 miles toward Rutledge. As we move out Longstreets forces occupied our ground.

Dec. 6  Quiet.

Dec. 7  Yesterday I was ordered by Gen Ransom to take Alex Carmack and Wm Parker and go over to the Plains on a scout and bring in any Absentees & Deserters. We went directly across by Dan McBuz—3 miles above Plains. There we heard of 8 or 10 Renegades under Tom Smart. They had searched my house and sister Sarah and had “cut up” generally. Smart is a Deserter from our Army. If we catch him he will find the force of outrageous justice. We returned to camp by New Market and mouth of Mossy Creek.

Dec. 8  In camp.

Dec. 9  Near Morrisburg. We are still falling back. Very cold. In camp our fires are large & we Keep as warm as we can. I dont like so much retreating

Dec. 10  Yellow Store—I am very tired from my very tiresome walks. I let sick men ride my horse. Marched 18 miles. An old friend C.C. Miller of fathers lived here. Resting a day or so.

Dec. 14  Marble Hall. Marched from Yellow Store to day extremely disagreeable tramps. Mud—mud—mud. We distinctly hear cannon in direction of Beans Station. I never saw weather or roads so bad. We moved out at daylight another 24 hours will bring us face to face with Burnside’s Army. Then perhaps I may have to surrender my life upon my country’s Alter. I fear not to face the issue, whatever it may be for head, heart, limb and life are with my country. When God, in His infinite mercy, calls me hence I hope to go to a better world. Lets us advance upon them and drive them out.

Dec. 15  Camp near Beans Station. A pretty hard march brought us here. I was in command of rear guard of 200 men. I did not reach camp on the immediately South of Beans Station. Started AM West of Moristown road. Cold has moderated a little. Cannonading distinctly heard in the direction of Rutledge. The fight here yesterday was quite severe. Enemy driven from Morrisburg to 1 mile west of here. Our loss 14 Killed 50 wounded. Enemies not know. 2 dead and 2 mortally wounded found. They took shelter in the large Hotel and the sharpshooters hurts us much till our cannon riddled the Hotel with shot & shell. The marks of deadly conflict can never be effaced from that and other Buildings near. We are likely to stay here for a day or so. I say go on.

Dec. 16 and 17  Beans Station—We remained quietly for 2 days “All hands and the cooks” are well rested and we are ready to advance upon the retreating foe. I hope that E. Tenn is soon to be redeemed & distingishly. God grant it.

Dec. 18  Beans Station—Still quietly here. I can but give vent to my pent up feelings of disgust and displeasure of the apparent tardiness of our comd. General in not moving on the Enemy. But I hope all is for the best. I hope. As I am not responsible for those delays, I will try to rest easy. But Oh, how I do want the Enemy driven from my home and country.

Dec. 19-20  B. Station—Still here. Some half of our Div—Ransom—going over toward the mo of Chueky . . . prefer that to Rogerville, [Bull’s?] Cap or Kingsport, but any where I am a soldier in the service of my Native South.

Dec. [21]  Beans Station—I hear we are to go into Winter Qrs near Rogersville. So be it. Yesterday. . . I called upon Ed Burruss son of Jno W Burruss of Woodville Miss—a nephew of my dear step mother. He is a nice young man, is clerking in the AAG office of Maj. [Brigadier] Gen. [Benjamin G.] Humphreys,  [General Lafayette] McLaws Division, Longstreets corps. Heard from the McGehe family, all well.

Dec. 22  Morrisburg, Tenn. Camp 1  mile W of Rogersville. Very cold. Called on my old co in 31St Ten. Poor boys I am sorry for them. They treated me very badly, but it was best for me in the long run.

Dec. 25  Winter Quarters near Rogersville—Christmas 1863—In co with Col JR Love & others I, went in to R. called on the Alexander family & others. Also came out to home of Col [Richard G. ] Fain & helped eat a big Xmas turkey. 2 nice Young Ladies & a very clever old Lady Mr. Dix Alexander is an old friend of father’s. Knew him 30 or 40 yrs back.

Jan. 1 [1864]  Camp near Whitesburg Ten—A happy new year to all the loyal citizens of the South. The year came in midst storm & tempest—bringing with it extreme cold—the most stinging & bitter cold thus far of the winter. I greet the incoming year with mingled feelings of hope and fear, hope predominating. I have fears lest some mismanagement on the part of those in power may prolong the war beyond the limits of this year and thereby entail more misery upon women and children. While there is life I have hope. I must hope, do hope—I will continue to hope as long as we have an organized army in the field. My honest belief & faith is staked in the triumph of Southern arms. “Pluck will win”—whether in love or arms & Southerners Soldiers as a general thing are pluckey but above all I have an abiding faith in the Justness of our cause & consequently in the help of Him who doeth all things will. With such feelings I enter upon the duties & hardships of the Year.

Jan. 8  Camp near Bulls Gap—Moved from Whitesburg Yesterday. Are comfortably ensconced in the Winter Quarters built by Gen [John C.] Vaughn’s brigade near the residence of Thos. Jacksons. Weather extremely cold deep snow on ground now.

Jan. 9  I applied for ten days leave of absense to visit Emory & Henry & upper E. Tenn. I shall visit Jonesboro—Carter Co. etc.

Jan. 10  Geo. Folsom & myself left camp at sunrise this morning & have come to Mr. Morrows—within 8 miles of Jonesboro. I am now out on my first furlough of the Kind during the war & shall visit Sister Linda & my friends & some Ladies.

Jan. 11  Happy Valley. I came by Jonesboro & rested one hour & came on to Mrs. Taylor’s where I am singly quartered—I find Miss Mollie as interesting as usual.

Jan. 12  Zollicoffer Tenn—I came by Elizabethton and Carter’s Depot to day & am staying at Wm Piles’ Hotel.

Jan. 13  Bristol Tenn—Came here by 3 pm & am stopping at Uncle Kings where I am always welcome & treated as an own son, good uncle and aunt. Zollicoffer Bridge is completed & the cars will go to Carter to day. I rec’d a favor from Miss Lizzie Rhea a splendid dye in the wool Confederate at Zollicoffer [aka Union City and Bluff City] this morning. Many Thanks. I hope she may be well and won by a worthly & gallant soldier of the South. I must not fail to record here my Kind acknowledgements to my particular friend Miss Mollie Taylor of Carter for the splendid pair of socks Knit by her own fair hands & presented to me at her home a day or two since. Such presents are calculated to make a bachelor—such as I—one of necessity inclined to give up the charms of ‘single blessedness”.

Jan. 14  Emory Virginia—I came to sister Melindas this Evening & found her in the midst of the measels. Very glad to see me. Quite a revival of religion in progress near here. Met Mr. Kennedy & Bro Frank Butler who dropped in a few minutes after my arrival.

Jan. 18  Bristol, Tenn—I bid adieu to sister Linda this Sabbath morning & started back to the “Army of E Tenn”. I shall go by the way of Carter Co. etc.

Jan. 22  Greeneville Tenn Came to Aunt Williams this Evening. I spent two nights in Carter (waiting for my boots and seeing the girls) & one night in Jonesboro. I hear a rumor that my Rgt is moving towards mts on a bushwhacking scout—but hope its not. So far I want to press on towards my home & loved ones there. Since I left the command at B. Gap it has moved towards Morristown & I hear that the Yanks are falling back towards Knoxville.

Jan. 23  Greene Co. Tn—My fears are realized. I followed the command to this place (six miles south of G) it is on a general bushwhacking spree.

Jan. 24  Greene Co. Tenn—Resting to day prepretory to a march through the mountains tomorrow after bushwhackers.

Jan. 25  We leave camps this Evening for the “Big Laurel” region. I will record events when I return to the wagons.

Jan. 27  Clark Creek—Returned to wagons this evening at this place—Washington Co. 12 miles south of Jonesboro. First Evening we marched to Aliens Stand some 12 miles at which place we ***...at Acola Springs [?] reached at 11 pm. Here we remained till 4 pm next morning when we marched into the Laurel Mountains. Oh what a “howling wilderness” this is away from law & order, away from civilization, away from all that is refinded or delicate noble and humane. These people are next to the aboriginal inhabitants of these mountains. We captured a few fellows. Passed “Cold Springs” on this pinnacle of the mountains. The grandest view I ever saw [in] all E. Ten sprawled out before one’s eyes belongs to Aunt Williams of Greeneville.

Feb. 1  Carter’s Depot, Tenn—Returned from a five days scout in Grasy Cove etc. Back to our old “Stamping ground”—guarding bridges seems to be my fate—I will submit for a while—& in the mean while hunt “Buffalo” [Union men] to pass away time.

Feb. 2  A letter has just been handed me from home—sister Mollie [Mary] same old story—”Every thing torn up & burnt down”—May God protect the innocent & helpless.

Feb. 6  Carter’s Depot, Tenn—The excitment of an Enemy “raid” on this place has subsided & our great hurry from the mountains useless. I go home tomorrow on a 3 days furlough.

Feb. 7  Bulls Gap—Cars ran off track & will be detained till tomorrow. Ought to have been at home by night.

Feb. 8  Strawberry Plains—My home is deserted, left to the mercy of a rude soldiering. Every thing destroyed out side. Bro Frank moved his family to Saltville—mother & sister Mary go to Bristol for a while & thence follow. Alice & child have so far eluded capture. “Flag of truce” from Knoxville— up to day all quite along the Holston. All negros gone to Knoxville.

Feb. 11  Carter Depot Ten—Returned to camp this evening—absent five days.

Feb. 14  Valentines day. I rec’d one pretty little missive—Thanks to my sweet “Incong”—Went “Buffalo” hunting to day and caught a “tar tan”.

Apr. 1 & 2  The cavalry have reached this point & are to go to Shells between this & Zollicoffer, Kingsport, etc. The 1st Ten Cavalry is camped near here. Brother James remained 2 nights with me. Rec’d Robt Wilkerson, Thad Williams & other old neighbors called on me. Major Alex Goforth—my old mess mate & Lt.—died at Bristol last night of wounds rec’d at Morristown two weeks since. I wrote to Cousin Fannie Deadrick at Warrenton N.C. to day

April 21  I started at mid night last night for Elizahethton to repel a bushwhacker’s raid upon that place. After scouting all around & hearing nothing of them. I an now resting at Taylors school house with Co’s “F” & “K”—of course I called over on the Creek for supplies etc to chat a bit. Alf Taylor was burried to day

Apr. 24  Carter’s Depot, Ten—I returned from Jonesboro this morning with my men. We marched from Carter Co. via “Cherokee” to Jonesboro first day & remained 2 days in J. I called on several of my old friends among others Miss Namin & Rhodie [Rhoda A.] Rhea, Cousin Sue Deadrick, Mrs. Dosser & Mrs Nancy Slemons. I must say for Mrs. Sleinons that she has always treated me with more Kindness than I ever met with at that place by persons not related to me.

Apr. 26  Carter’s Depot, Tenn—Yesterday & to day are noted ones for this place & people. The Yankees came & attacked us 700 strong yesterday morning about 11 am—The 3rd md & 9th Michigan Cavalry & 13th E. Tenn. This first demonstration was at Deavault’s Ford below this—the river being too deep to ford—they returned to this point & “pitched in” to us. They were hansomely repulsed at all points. I ran some narrow risks—but a Kind Providence shielded me through all, our loss 5 captured—11 Killed. Theirs 3 captured 3 killed & 17 wounded. One reports their loss at 19 Killed and 27 wounded besides several drowned at the ford. Ed Gammond’s Co is said to have acted gallantly. Our men all did their duty well. The fight lasted till dark last Evening & from day light till 9 am to day, afterwhich the Enemy retired towards Jonesboro. I was ordered by Gen Jackson to follow them a few miles which I did to Johnson’s Depot & learned that they had finally left. So much for standing ones ground & fighting when the occasion presents like this. Levi’s Battery & the 44th Tenn Vol. reinforced us this evening. So let the Yankees come.

May 1  Carter’s Depot—All quiet here to day I spent last night & this fore noon over on Buffalo. Of course I enjoyed myself & came away very reluctantly to wear away time here. The Yankees that were repulsed here last week have gone towards Knoxville—as far as Strawby Plains—my home—I hope ere long they may be driven entirely out of Tenn. I let Col Robt Love (of Carter Co) have my horse to work on the 29th of April.

May 6  Carters—I to day have gotten permission to visit my mother & sister at Emory Va for three day to spend my 27th birthday—which will be to-morrow. I go to Bristol this Evening. Came to B. this evening—supper at Uncle Kings. Vaughn’s Cavalry at Bristol. Uncle King and Aunt “Mourning Micajah” are always Kind to me. Dear good old people.

May 7  Emory, Va—This is my 27th birthday I came here at 3 this morning. Sister & mother all well & made me welcome by a good turkey dinner, many good wishes. Mrs. Buchannan & Miss Mag Wiley spent the day Sister Mary & I took tea at Dr. Wiley’s. Pleasant family I should be very thankful for being thus allowed to spend another birthday at home—or with my home folks & friends, how much has transpired since my last birthday, much has this 12 mos. changed the aspect of affairs. East tenn invaded—run over, occupied, laid waste & deserted by both armies. My once happy & comfortable home is totally ruined, but I cheerfully loose all for my country. I am not yet ready to cry “hold enough” I say never submit. I am willing & determined to fight on as long as we have an organized army & then bushwhack if necessary.

May 8  My command came here from Glade Springs this Evening. Yesterday I learned that the command rec’d orders to leave Carter’s the morning after I left. I walked from Emory up to Glade Springs & there joined the “Legion” this afternoon. The 45th Va & [John H.] Morgan’s dismounted men left for Dublin Depot immediately upon our arrival here to repel a Yankee raid upon that place. We were ordered there but orders countermanded. I wish we had gone.

May 12  Saltville, Va—We’ve been prepared to give the Yankees a warm reception should they come here, but they will not come here. Late news from Dublin indicated a Yankee raid of strong force upon that place. I called at Col Hu. L. M. McClung’s this evening. Kindly rec’d.

May 13  Yankees overpowered our troops at Dublin—burnt depot’s new river bridge, central Depot, etc. Morgan after them. I spent last night at Mr. Palmer’s with Bro. F.A. Butler, clever family. Met with Mrs. Gen Morgan—pleasant lady, think the general is same.

May 15  Saltville, Virginia—Sabbath. Remained in camp reading & thinking. Glorious news from [Generals Robert E.] Lee, [Joseph E.] Johnston & [Sterling]  “daddy” Price. Our prospects are greatly in the ascendent thanks to a Kind Providence, efficient officers & brave troops.

May 22  Saltville, Va—Sabbath. All quiet, no war or rumor of war within striking distance of this place. The blood of strife around Richmond is still in progress. Our arms are still triumphant. Still supported by a merciful God. This quiet Sabbath finds me well. I attended preaching to day at Saltville. Dr. E E. Wil