This great letter was written by David J. Rees (1843-1921) of Raccoon township, Gallia county, Ohio. David was the son of Welsh immigrants Evan Pencnuk Rees (1810-1808) and Ann Richards (1815-1896).
(Kyle Costello Collection)
David was 18 years old when he enlisted as a private in Co. K, 3rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) in June 1861. The regiment was organized at Camp Dennison on June 20, 1861 to serve three years. It first engaged the enemy at Middle Creek Fork, West Virginia. Its most important encounter was at Perryville, Kentucky, where the 3rd stood its ground, until more than one third of its members had fallen, dead or injured. General Rousseau rode up to the regiment and thanked it in the name of the army for its gallant conduct. He said, “You stood in that withering fire like men of iron.” The 3rd remained in constant active service until it was attacked and captured while crossing Sand Mountain, in North Georgia, by General Forrest’s large cavalry force, in May 1863. The men were paroled and later exchanged, but participated in no more engagements and mustered out on June 21, 1864.
[Note: This letter is from the personal collection of Jim Doncaster and is published by express consent.]
Transcription
Camp near Chattanooga, Tennessee
November 28, 1863
Mr. & Mrs. Wooster
Much respected friends,
“For the past few days war has again resounded with its echoes through this distracted land and many a gallant and loving patriot has again fell for the country’s freedom and rights of every true American.”
With pleasure I take the present opportunity of writing you a short narrative of my adventures and ties in this section of the Confederacy. For the past few days war has again resounded with its echoes through this distracted land and many a gallant and loving patriot has again fell for the country’s freedom and rights of every true American.
On Monday last the engagement opened at 12 o’clock on the left of Chattanooga by General Thomas’s old army. Our men drove the right flank of the Rebels clean through their breastworks and captured 200. The next day—the 24th—the 11th and 12th Army Corps [Army of the Cumberland] under command of General Hooker charged and captured Lookout Mountain with 20 pieces of artillery and 1500 prisoners. General Sherman succeeded in crossing the river with his forces which completely flanked the whole rebel army and sent them skedaddling towards the old battleground of Chickamauga. The fighting is not over yet. Today the loss of the enemy according to what reports we hear is 11,000 men which we captured and 60 pieces of cannon including all we lost at the late Battle of Chickamauga being recaptured.
Our victory is complete and Bragg’s army cannot be recruited up again. Longstreet—who is after Burnside—is cut off by General Sherman’s 2nd Corps. The rebel prisoners which we have here acknowledge that Bragg is ruined. He is now 18 miles in the rear of Chattanooga flying towards Atlanta, Georgia. We have not ascertained our loss yet but from what I hear, both sides are badly butchered up—especially the rebels, for our men had cross fires on them continually.
I have not heard from Henry or Elias Roberts since the engagement, but I understand that the 2nd Ohio has smelled powder again. The casualties I have not yet learned. My regiment was not ordered front as we are destitute of officers. I could see the first two days fighting plain from off of Raccoon Mountain. The earth trembled with the roar of musketry and artillery. We are camped a few miles below Chattanooga on the Tennessee river at what is called Kelley’s Landing. We are guarding prisoners which is unloaded by steamers running from Bridgeport. Around our camp here today is a sight which would chill the blood of a Christian. The scene I allude to is in visiting the hospitals where the wounded of both sides are tended upon. It’s useless for me to describe the scenes of the destruction of human beings near the battlefield as far better writers than I have failed in giving the full descriptions of the horrors of the battlefield.
We have it rumored in camp that John C. Breckinridge has surrendered with his whole force. From what I can learn from the prisoners by conversation, they say that the Confederacy cannot hold out much longer as the army now are reduced to one half rations. They say their leaders are disheartened and the cry of the citizens of the South is “Bread or Blood.” I truly believe that this winter’s campaign will finish this present struggle and General Grant will do his utmost in driving them if necessary to the Gulf of Mexico. If General Meade does his duty in Virginia, we’ll have them penned in by the first of January 1864.
We are getting rations now a great deal faster since the capture of Lookout Mountain. We will soon have the railroad finished from Bridgeport and then between the river and railroad our army can then be well supplied. All of the Boys are well supplied with winter clothing nd blankets to keep them warm and comfortable. If they can receive plenty of hard tack, pork and cofee, they are well supplied for the winter.
The pay masters has paid up all of the troops to the 31st of October. Greenbacks is plenty among us all.
“Winter quarters is played out with us Western troops. Lincoln cannot let us remain long enough at one place to build winter shanties.”
We have had some very wet weather the last 6 weeks but the past few days has been warm and pleasant. Snow is a perfect stranger here yet and we would not relish the old Gentleman if he should make his appearance among us in our dog tents. Winter quarters is played out with us Western troops. Lincoln cannot let us remain long enough at one place to build winter shanties. Our officers are still at Libby prison, Richmond. We heard from them some time ago. They expected to remain there until next spring. Our companies are commanded by sergeants. One commissioned officer commands the regiment. I am very uneasy to hear the particulars from Co. K, 2nd Regt. OVI. Henry had joined his company a few days before I left Bentley’s Headquarters. He had been sick at Stevenson, Alabama. I wrote to you last July at Dechard [but] whether you remember the letter, I cannot say.
Give the children my love and tell Lucas and Johnnie to write as I will be glad to hear from them. Remember me to William and his Lady. Also Charles and Nancy. I am in good health hoping this may find you and the children enjoying the same blessing. I heard from Mother some time ago. Billie and Mother were then well. If you see Miss Martha Knowles, please give her my compliments and tell Martha to write. Please write soon and give me the particulars in your neighborhood. There’s some report of the 3rd Ohio soon returning to Ohio and be mustered out as it is badly cut up but I think it’s all moonshine. I expect to carry my old Enfield rifle until the 25th of April, 1864, and then I shall look forward to visit my old haunts around Yellow Creek.
Give my respects to all of my old acquaintances. Please ccept my love and kind regards and excuse my silence in not writing. I have nothing further to write. The glorious cause is prospering. Secession is fast going to where it started from and I hope the Old Devil may soon have all of his servants in the Southern Confederacy. Toombs, Floyd, and several others have already gone to receive their reward. Hoping to hear from you son, I close. Ever remaining your friend and well-wisher, — David J. Rees
To Mr. and Mrs. Wooster
My address: David J. Rees, Company K, 3rd Regiment OVI, Bridgeport, Alabama, Care of Sergeant Eaton
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