Dear Pet
Not getting any letters from you. I conclude to write again. There is nothing of importance to write. Our Division took a trip to Woodbury, 20 miles east of here last week and routed Morgan’s gang. The 17th took a Lieut. & 18 men prisoners, and had one man wounded. About half of the army is on the move, I think, to Franklin, or Columbia. It seems as if our authorities would never wake up to the fact, that all troops put under Gen. Gilbert are so many men thrown away. His conduct at Munfordville, Perryville, and Lebanon, Ky. and this last outrageous blunder at Franklin, Tenn. ought to send him to an asylum for Idiots, for a greater Imbecile in uniform does not exist. How long Gov. Morton will allow Ind. Soldiers to be placed under his control, to be butchered up and then thrown away, seems yet to be found out.

I wish you to write me what you think of coming down here to stay awhile. The probability is, that our Division will remain here some time and I have a first rate house for my Head Qr’s, you could come here I think and have a pleasant time for a month or so. Capt. Lilly Com’g the Battery of my Brig. Has his wife and child here, and she would be company for you, and I am in camp a great deal more than when I was with the Reg’t. You could bring one, or both of the children, and there are plenty of black girls could be got to help you take care of them. You do not know how much I want to see you, or I know you would come. There would be no danger in coming, and Gen. Hascall at Indianapolis could put you in charge of some officer coming through. This place is so strongly fortified that there is no possible danger of any attack here, and it would be perfectly safe for you. Will you come. I sent you $l00 by express did you get it. Give my love to all, and believe me as ever your affectionate Husband

John T. Wilder

P.S. I sent in my resignation last week, and Gen. Rosecran’s sent for me, and gave me a scolding, winding up by complimenting me very highly, and refusing to accept it.

Return to John T. Wilder Page