B.F. Batchelor Letter

Corinth Miss
April 17th 1862

My idolized Julia
We have received orders to march back to Tennessee and start tomorrow. The object of returning to that state is to hold it as long as possible and harrass the enemy on his rear; it is the inauguration I suppose of that Guerilla warfare which I thought would become necessary and so wrote Pa about 3 months ago-Our armies are not large enough to cope with those of the enemy in regular pitched battles hense we must divide our forces and try to surprise and whip them in detail. The trip will be a long and toilsome one, but I shrink not from fatigue or labor or peril in times like these, and only regret that it will probably deprive us the privilege of correspondence. This to both will be the severest trial, of all, for busy imagination will conjure up a thousand sad forebodings to distress us, but darling the severer the trial the brighter the crown and sweeter will be our reunion (if possible) when the war clouds disappear, and peace returns to bless our land. I hope my loved one will resign all hopefully to the will and goodness of our God, who thus far has never forsaken us, and promised in his Holy word that He will never leave those who try to serve Him. Capt Evans has procured a Furlough and will probably visit Texas, if so he will call and see you. We will operate in the vicinity of Nashville if able to get that far-we have for duty in the Regiment about 400 men-a battalion and Morgan's squadron go with us-in all about 750 men, with this force we can do much to the enemy and probably divert his progress Southward-The enemy must not be allowed to invest our homes further Southward or we will be ruined, bankrupt. I shall never lose an opportunity of sending you letters as occasion may be had and you will continue to write directing to Corinth with the regimental address as heretofore-now and then some will come to hand. We have only recd. pay for 2 months service thus far-the Govt owes me for pay from Nov. 12th/61 to March 27th/62 at 20$ per month say 90$ also for commutation for clothing one year 50.00 less 6.50 (say 43.50) which is all I have drawn thus far-total due me as 1st Serg. Compy "C" Capt M L Evans 8th Regiment Texas Cavalry (sometimes styled 1st Regt Tex. Rangers) 133.30 My shotgun was appraised 40$ Pistols 90$ (George's gun I sold for 50$ to partly pay for my horse) Since Mch. 27th there is due me pay as 2nd Lieutenant of said Company at the rate of 90$ per month, and my horse is appraised at 200$ which I bought from private hands-I am thus particular because it is proper you should know how my accounts stand, and not because I have any misgivings-Tell Pa to make a memorandum of this account in some book. I wish I could give you a better idea of our anticipated movements in Tennessee than I have, but am unable, but little is known except among those high in authority & they enjoined to secrecy-You must not spoil our jewel with much petting because Pa is away from home, but train her up till I return to be in all things like yourself and Pa will be proud of her. I cannot close these rapid lines my own heart's treasure without a parting word of consolation, and tis this: we are not expected to be off over 2 months; when we return I have the best assurance that I shall have a Furlough to go home. I might have procured one after the battle of Shiloh but expecting another fight in another few days I could not absent myselof in justice to my country knowing it needed every strong man to keep the invader from our homes-I would have given my right arm to have been with you again then, but the man who will for personal desire & pleasure turn his back on a threatening enemy is not worthy of liberty-I have confidence of a safe return & pleasant visions of happy days with my little pet wife steal over my dreams-In say 3 months at fartherest you may begin to watch the stages for your old man will poke his sun-burnt and hair-covered cranium out the window as the stage rises the hill of Oakland about that time. Tell Goerge to stay at home till I return and if he is a good boy and can get Pa's certificate of good behavior since an inmate from the wars I may take him back with me-With a kiss then for dear Pa & Ma, and my best of friends & brother George-and a Bear-hug for our precious little one-and prayers for the daily comfort and assurance of my hearts idol, my own faithful and devoted Julia I am your affectionate husband

Frank

My kindest regards to all friends

P.S. Since writing this letter our orders to leave were countermanded on account of the wretched condition of most of our horses, and tis now understood we are to go to 15 miles from here to recruit-This evening the enemy are reported at Tuscumbia in large force & advancing on Corinth; if so we may not leave our present camp at all, so you see everything is uncertain. This will be handed you or mailed by Mr. John Lattimer a young man of our compy discharged on account of sickness-

Frank

Rugeley, H. J. H. ed. Batchelor-Turner Letters, 1861-1864. The Steck Company, Austin, TX 1961.