| 1863-04-19 | Camp Dick Robinson, Ky |
| Camp Dick Robinson, Ky April 19th 1863 Dear Parents Your most welcome letter of the 7th inst came to hand on the l7th and it is needless for me to tell you that l was very glad to hear from home again though I have no reason to complain for I have read as many letters from home as the other boys since we left Newport News. I do not know as there is anything of interest or importance to write. We are still at the above small camp and no prospect of our moving though when we first came here I little thought we should remain over a week but the General has established his headquarters near us and has Co K for provost guard so I don't think there is much prospect of our moving very soon unless the Rebels should make a sorte which I hardly think they will. Our men took 30 guerillas and one piece of artilery a few nights ago but nothing has occured since then. The prospects are growing brighter. Troops are being raised in Tennessee for the federal army. The 8th Regt is now encamped a short distance from here, the men composing the Regt are nearly all refugees from eastern Tennessee. They say that there are about 800 more that are lying back among the mountains waiting an opportunity to cross the river and get through the rebel lines. Some of them lay in the mountains over 4 weeks before they could get away. They tell some very hard stories concerning the treatment they received at the hands of the rebel soldiers. Many of them have been hunted down like the deer by the hound. One tells a story of a young man who tried to get away and was hid by his Mother. The rebels came to the house and demanded of her where the son could be found but she refused to tell. When they took her and cut off one arm at the elbow still she refused to tell and they then cut off the other arm and in this situation left her still refusing to reveal the hiding place of her son. It hardly seems creditable but they tell a number of such instances where they were knowing it so we have good reason to believe them. All that I have seen are large stout looking men with revenge and determination pictured upon each face. I do not think of anything more to write that will interest you. I told you in my last letter about sending $10.00. Now when I hear from that I will send another. It will not be missed but every little will help. I have rec'd one letter from Ella since she went home and a short line from Uncle Norm, but I guess I have written enough for the present. Please write soon as convenient to your ever Affectionate Son. J.D. Strait | |