("Near Franklin, Tenn., Thursday, Dec. 1st, 1864)
Oh My Dear Wife,
We have passed through terrible scenes and death struggles since I stopped
writing this letter on Monday evening, but that you may understand it all I
will give an account of our marches...
(November 30th)
When we got within 800 yds. They opened terrifick fire of shot, shell, grape and
canister, and when the troops got to within 400 yds. The musketry united with the
cannon and it appeared to come by the millions. I cannot see how any human being
could live 2 moments in such a place. Our Division got to within a fiew steps of
the works and some went upon them. Others could not get there for a thick hedge
row of thorn bushes and after a little while the troops began to faulter and were
finally routed and came off in confusion, every man for himself. That is, those
that were not killed or wounded. And here, Mary, I am so heart sick that I must
stop writing for a while before I begin to tell of Dear friends that I have lost
though I have nothing like a complete list. Now, Mary, I will give you first a list
of my Co. and then such others that I have heard of what you are acquainted with.
The first is my lamented and never to be forgotten friend, Lieut. J.W.E. Spencer.
He fell near the enemies works, shot through the stomach. I need not say a word to
you in praise towards him for you know the kind feelings that has always exsisted
between us. Lewis Thompson, an other good friend of mine, was killed, shot through
the head. Wounded, Jas. Vance severely in the head, but I think there is a chance for him
I cannot see how any human being could live two moments in such a place. Our division
got to within a few steps of the works and some went upon them. Others could not get
there for a thick hedge row of thorn bushes and after a little while the troops began
to falter and were finally routed and came off in confusion, every many for himself."-
1st Lieutenant William Harvey Berryhill, Co. D, 43rd Mississippi Infantry, in a letter to his wife, Mary)
Source: "The Gentle Rebel"
The Sassafras Press
Edited by Mary Miles Jones and Leslie Jones Martin
