B. F. Batchelor to his wife - May 12, 1863

Head Quars. Harrison's
Cavalry Brigade near
Liberty Tenn
May 12 1863

My dear Wife

I have been eagerly looking for a letter from you for more than two months—it seem an age. Shortly after my last I recd a note from Col Harrison Comdg Brigade of Cavalry to report to him immediately. Supposing he intended merely to remove me of command at the Camp I came, and was surprised to find he desired me to act on his staff as apt Adj't Gen. You remember the Col refused to confirm my noimination as Comissary by Genl Wharton and put his Nephew in that position; his present favor is therefore the more agreeable because it shows his former preference for another was not dictated by any lack of confidence but arose from family considerations. I could not refuse to act on his staff under the circumstances tho the position offered was one of labor and difficulty. Dispatches have to be written at all hours of the day and night, orders given to the Regimental commanders, Reports consolidated and sent to Division Headquarters, papers approved without number daily; in short the position is one of unceasing application. Still I'm rather pleased than otherwise with the activity it requires but do not know that I ought to accept a permanent appointment should Harrison be made a Brigadier General for two reasons, first it separates me almost entirely from George, and second the expenses of boarding at houses (for the staff carry no tents or provisions) will nearly consume my wages. The Texas Rangers are at present temporarily detached from Harrison's Brigade and I have not seen George for about a month. I wrote him a few days ago and told him I would not continue in this position unless it met his approval, in fact I have about made up my mind to go back to my company, unless I can get George appointed as my assistant, for I cannot bear to remain in good quarters while he is lying on the ground exposed to the weather. We are now occupying the extreme right flank of our army and the most advanced outpost. A battle is still talked of between Shelbyville and Murfreesboro, but you have about as good idea as I have when it will come off. Our army is in fine spirits and anxious for another Battle. We are in receipt of news of the late Virginia fight, and do not as yet know if its magnitude or whether the result sustains Genl Lee's dispatch to President Davis of the 3rd inst; but trust that our God has heard the prayers of His afflicted people and enabled our brave soldiers to deal the cruel enemy a blow which will check his hopes of ever marching into Richmond. The ravages of the enemy in this part of Tennessee are almost beyond description—plunder and desolation are the principles of their action. One cannot avoid the conclusion that they have given up all hope of subjugation the country and now resort to every means to satisfy their revenge. Houses are given to the flames, fire set to the fences and woods, wagons burned or chopped to peices, cattle and hogs killed on the road side, and all horses taken irrespective of the political status of the owner—In fact "Union" men now fare but little better than the avowed secessionists. It almost steels a man's heart against mercy to see the fair habitations of this once proud and prosperous State smouldering in desolation. Not only are the fields of growing grain thrown open to stock and provisions to the last bushel of meal and pound of meat taken from teh mouths of helpless women and children, but the vandals have burnt the mills so meal cannot be ground. They do not seek to fight our soldiers unless they can pounce upon them with overwhelming numbers, but have turned the war upon unoffending women and children. History records no such war as this among civilized nations, but surely the time will soon come when the God of Battles will arise and hurl our vindictive enemies from our soil. I have very little to write about, my sweet love, and little time to write it in, and have penned these hasty lines principally to let you know I am still well. My own darling, let me hear from you soon and often for I am almost crazy to get another letter from you. Kiss little Florence for Pa—with love to all at home

Your affectionate husband
Frank

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