Munfordville, KY Feb. 23d 62

Dear Pet.

We have just been ordered to Nashville Tennessee. We (the 15th Brigade) came here on the 18th, crossed Green river in one of the worst storms you ever saw, 10 miles above here, and came down on the south side. We leave here to night with 7 day’s rations, and 100 rounds of ammunition to each man. You may expect to hear a good account of the 17th if the rebels don’t run as usual, or surrender without much of a fight. Have not been very well since I came back, am better however and a prospect of a fight improves me still more. Jake & Jack, & Jim Anderson are all well, Col. Hascall is still sick at Louisville, his wife is with him. I have just telegraphed him to come and lead the Brigade if possible. Gen. Wagner is now the acting Brigadier, don’t like him much. Hope we will get through in time to plant the Old flag on the dome of the Capitol of Tennesee (sic). Think I would be willing to lose an arm for the privilege of doing it myself. Will try to write you again from Bowling Green. We are transferred from Nelson’s division to Gen. Wood’s 6th Division. All like the change, very much. The 17th was the first across Green river, and will take the lead of our Brigade to Nashville. Suppose however that Mitchell and McCook’s Divisions will precede ours, as they are ahead now. Enclosed I send a proposal to furnish some machinery for a man in Hodginville, give it to David, it explains itself, knows about it. Got a letter from him, will answer it the first

time I stop long enough. We hope to win as glorious a victory at Nashville as that at Donelson. Think the rebellion is about played out, and we will get home again with the proud conciousness (sic) of having been among the first to volunteer in defence of our country, and of having been successful in its defence. Keep good courage the war will soon be over and I hope that Political Traitors will be taught a lesson that will render it unnecessary to ever have the trouble of teaching the lesson again. Dr. Mussey has just got here, and is to go with us as our Brigade Surgeon, he will mess with our mess, and I will have the benefit of his attendance if I get sick. I must close as we have to draw rations and ammunition. Good Bye give my love to all. As ever your loving Husband