DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | Andrew F. Davis papers, 1862

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07_1862-09-26-Page 03

rear in place of going around him and getting in front but one reason I think is that all of Buells Army had been on half rations for Several days and no chance of getting more until he could have communication with the Ohio river and when we arrived here last night our provision ware entirely gone and it is not considered good policy for any General to risk so heavy a battle as that was likely to be with nothing whatever for his men to eat.  The boys felt very much humileated and do a great amount of grumbleing because they did not get to have a fight but for my part I think he had good reasons for doing as he did, at least I am willing to trust the matter in his Keeping.  I do not pretend to Know how many men are concentrated here but this much I will say that it is the largest Army I have ever Saw, the Siege of Corinth not excepted.  I meet many acquaintences here from Ind who are in the new Regts.  Among others I saw John Creek and many others of the Tippecanoe boys today.  When we left Bowling Green we left all our baggage behind and have only what clothing we have on and one blanket with us and no tents and this evening it is reported that the train that it was left with is ordered back to Nashville as there was danger of its being captured but how true it is I Know not but hope the rumor is false.  My trunk is with it and if it goes to Nashville I never expect to see it again but hope for the best as it would be considerable of a loss to me to loose it.  I had hoped to find the things you have ready for me in the Express office when I arrived here but was disappointed.  Luther Beaver

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rear in place of going around him and getting in front but one reason I think is that all of Buells Army had been on half rations for Several days and no chance of getting more until he could have communication with the Ohio river and when we arrived here last night our provision ware entirely gone and it is not considered good policy for any General to risk so heavy a battle as that was likely to be with nothing whatever for his men to eat. The boys felt very much humileated and do a great amount of grumbleing because they did not get to have a fight but for my part I think he had good reasons for doing as he did, at least I am willing to trust the matter in his Keeping. I do not pretend to Know how many men are concentrated here but this much I will say that it is the largest Army I have ever Saw, the Siege of Corinth not excepted. I meet many acquaintences here from Ind who are in the new Regts. Among others I saw John Creek and many others of the Tippecanoe boys today. When we left Bowling Green we left all our baggage behind and have only what clothing we have on and one blanket with us and no tents and this evening it is reported that the train that it was left with is ordered back to Nashville as there was danger of its being captured but how true it is I Know not but hope the rumor is false. My trunk is with it and if it goes to Nashville I never expect to see it again but hope for the best as it would be considerable of a loss to me to loose it. I had hoped to find the things you have ready for me in the Express office when I arrived here but was disappointed. Luther Beaver