Pikeville Tenn.
Jan. 22, 1862

My beloved husband, 

You perhaps will think I am writing very frequently. I scarcely know where to think you will be when this note reaches you; for I have no doubt that the defeat of our troops at Mill Springs will cause many changes and you may be moved to some other point. I am sorry you are not better armed for I fear you would stand a poor chance if you were to be attacked. We have direct news from the scene of conflict. Several of the citizens were there. They began to come in this morning. To-night Col. Norwood and Peter came in. Mr. Rogers lost his horse and was retreating on foot. They past him beyond chambecella very much fatigued. He said he would not be surprised if they had him a prisoner. Several were in the same condition. I feel very bad to-night. This defeat and loss will have such a bad influence on our troops. I fear the panic will spread. And then I know you are under the command of these same drunken Generals who are to blame for this affair. Critenden and Carrol too should be "Cashiered" or disposed of in some way. Is there no way for you to have them disposed of? If there is do try to avail yourselves of it. I know your main dependance is and ought to be in a higher power than any human general; but still caution is necessary. 

O, when will this all have an end! Shall we ever be quiet at home again? I tremble to ask the last question. But all will work right if we trust in our Heavenly father. I fear this is a great fault in our Southern people - - they trust too much in themselves and not enough to a higher power. The war I fear will not end till the South is humbled as Nineva was. They ought to be clothed in sackcloth and ashes and engaged in fasting and prayer. Then they could not have so much time for speculation and fortune making.

Father wants to see you and is talking of going up to Knoxville but as he thinks it uncertain about find(ing) you there he will not go now. He wants us all to move out to Spencer or over to Rocky River so that we can be safe from the Linconites if they come in here. He and Will can go in with Campbell bartering. Campbell is making money at it, and as father is out of employment he thinks this the best thing he can do. He wants us all to be together. Some think the Yankees will come right in on us now as the force is scatered everywhere - - every man for himself and getting home. 

I hope you will not be taken into active service till you are better armed and drilled. It is now late and all are gone to bed but me. I hope you will not get off so we cannot hear from you often. This would be intolerable. I am uneasy about Jo as he has been using Sulphur and may be injured by cold. Mr. Moore will give you the general news. It is not worthwhile to think of your coming home soon I suppose now. Write soon and say what you think of our move. Father told me to mention it. If there is any danger of the north coming in here I want out; if not I do not want to go. Give my love to Jo and tell him to write. May God bless and spare you to us is the prayer of your loving wife.

Mary


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Transcription used with permission of Charles Massey.

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Transcription by Charles Massey.
Image by G. Anne Sloan