Letter from R. F. Bunting January 27, 1862

Camp Hardee,
Near Green River,
Jan. 27, 1862.

E. H. Cushing -- Dear Sir; For the information of those whom we have left behind in the land of sunshine and flowers, your correspondent will not a few items on the present condition of Terry's Regiment of Texas Rangers, which is destined to live in the history of this Kentucky campaign. Amid the congratulations and good-byes of friends and with a future all aglow with visions of martial glory, the long and weary march was undertaken. It is known to your readers that by and by we camped on "the dark and bloody ground." Last October when we first bivouacked near Bowling Green, we numbered one thousand and two men. Soon the perilous work picketing and scouting was undertaken. Wherever a brilliant exploit or a daring adventure was to be performed there the Texas Ranger was sent. Thus for near three months the work goes on. But exposure brings disease, and scores are prostrated upon beds of suffering. The angel of death spreads his black wing over our camp, and his cold shadow falls upon many a noble soldier, and the heart that so nobly responded to the war-cry was stilled in the silence of the grave. Some fall upon the battle field. They died just where the patriot would wish to die, but the majority are watched over by strangers and fall victims to cruel disease. But we feel that we have passed under our cloud of adversity--we now begin to see the brightening sky, and over the darkest spot we trace the bow of hope. Some four weeks ago we were relieved for the purpose of repairing the wear and tare of war electing officers, &c. Now again we are ordered "forward" to the post of danger, as well as honor. Our thinned ranks are now well filled up, and comrade welcomes comrade back again to the advancing columns. Although we miss at roll call the names of 84 who are no more, and some 125 who have resigned and been discharged, yet 790 are still on our roll, and some 450 are "with us" and ready for this perilous expedition of five weeks. We have still 340 absent on furlough, sick or detailed service. After our ups and downs, our various blended lights and shadows which follow on the track of war, we are once more officered and ready for the work assigned us. As we have had numerous changes, I will give your readers our present organization, viz:

John A. Wharton, Colonel; J. G. Walker, Lieut Colonel; Thomas Harrison, Major; J. M. Weston and R. E. Hill, Surgeons; R. F. Bunting, Chaplain; R. H. Simmons, A. C. S.; Benj. A. Botts, A. Q. M., and M. H. Boyston, Adjutant.

Company A. "Prairie Rovers," (1) Captain Rufus Y. King; 1st Lieut. John C. Lowe; 2d Lieuts. Wm. H. Jones and M. L. Gordon.

Company B. "Archer Grays," (10) Captain R. M. McKay; 1st Lieut. W. W. Gross; 2d Lieuts. W. H. Sharpe, T. J. Bennett.

Company C, "Waul Confederates." (2) Captain M. L. Evans; 1st Lieut. A. M. Shannon; 2d Lieuts, James Dunn and J. W. Baylor.

Company D, "Bastrop Rangers," (3) Captain S. C. Ferrill: 1st Lieut. F. Kyle; 2d Lieuts. J. F. Burditt and W.R. Doake.

Company E, "Gonzales Rebels," (4) Captain L. M. Rayburn; 1st Lieut. J. K. White; 2d Lieuts, H. E. Story and R. S. Davis.

Company F, "Lone Star Rangers," (9) Captain W. R. Jarman; 1st Lieut. Photian Tate; 2d Lieuts. R. J. McClelland and B. E. Joiner.

Company G, "Javallines," (5) Captain W. Y. Houston; 1st Lieut. Wm. Ford; 2d Lieuts. Wm. Ellis and Geo. Stormfeltz.

Company H, "Terry Guards," (7) Captain Gustave Cook; 1st Lieut. T. S. Weston; 2d Lieuts. R. J. Calder and W. D. Adams.

Company I, "Lubbock Scouts," (6) Captain I. G. Jones; 1st Lieut. A. D. Harris; 2d Lieuts. Geo. W. Littlefield and James H. Parramore.

Company K, "Tom Lubbock Guards," (8) Captain S. P. Christian; 1st Lieut. A. M. Morris; 2d Lieuts. W. H. Thomas and H. Bouldin.

The figures indicate their present position, retaining their old letters.

Thus we are prepared for the perilous duties assigned us, and you may rest assured the Rangers are themselves again. Although our ranks are greatly thinned by the numerous misfortunes which have in one way and another come upon us, yet all seem determined that the reputation which this regiment has already acquired shall not be tarnished in the least degree. Though fewer in numbers than when we entered the campaign, yet brave hearts and daring achievements will still be our history. The memory of the gallant dead, and the honor of the living demand that the Texas Rangers be the foremost in every brilliant deed. I have never known any body of men to enjoy in a greater degree the confidence of the people, and have a better reputation at headquarters, than this regiment. It is felt there that there never will be a surprise by the enemy whilst our boys are picketing along the lines. They are woodsmen and horsemen--equalled by none in this department, and when a section of country is once visited by them, it is thoroughly explored. Never yet have they given a false alarm nor brought in a report of the enemy's movements that was not according to the facts in the case. When they were ordered to fall back below Bowling Green, their absence was regretted by all this command. Gen. Hindman himself acknowledged that he could not sleep soundly at night since the Rangers were gone. It is to be hoped that he will now have the repose necessary for one occupying his responsible position, since his protectors are back again. On last Friday morning, we struck tent at Camp Lubbock, 10 miles below, and marched to this place, which is near "Bell's tavern." As we came along by the encampment below, the report reached us that Hindman had gone with his force towards Green River, and from the sound of cannon in that direction, a few hours previous, it was thought a battle was then progressing. Everything was excitement and our boys supposed the time at hand when they could avenge our loss on the field of Woodsonville. No sooner had we reached our camp ground than the order was issued that all arms should be put in order, and that the command be ready to march at a moments warning.

In the meanwhile, the tents were erected and the ground was prepared for a comfortable dwelling place. In the evening the troops returned without finding the enemy, or enjoying the pleasure of battle. It seemed they did not find them where they were expected. No sooner were we here than details were made for pickets and scouts. Daily our boys are in motion, and if there is a Yankee within our reach they will be tracked. We are disposed to think now that the enemy will not come down this line to Bowling Green, but that their object is rather to flank that place and pass on to Nashville. However, if their lines are advancing in the form of a crescent, which late events seem to indicate, we may eventually find them crossing Green River in large force and moving down upon us, then it will be our privilege to skirmish along the route and draw them on to Bowling Green. We are now in the dark as to their intended movements; but a few days will, doubtless, decide. It is our wish that some movement would be made. Should they attack Bowling Green, I have no doubts of the result. That would be a fearful repulse for them, and a glorious victory for us. Our new Colonel, although yet very weak, from his long and severe sickness, is with us, and proves himself a worthy successor of the lamented Terry. He is a man of prudence and judgment, as well as energy and bravery. Lieut. Col. Walker is prevented from joining us for the present, on account of his wounded arm; this, however, is improving, and soon he will be with us to lead wherever brave deeds are to be performed. Major Harrison is also prevented from being at his post, from an indisposition, which has caused him to suffer greatly for some time past. Your correspondent is here, endeavoring to help on the good work in any way in his power and especially attending to the spiritual department. Although a campaign like this is not well calculated to foster a growth in grace, or to advance the interests of religion, yet, when circumstances permit, we "forget not the assembling of ourselves together" in the groves for public worship. The attendance is large, and the attention most encouraging. We shall indulge the hope that the seed sown will bring forth an abundant harvest in the future. We have butt little sickness in camp, and our absent sick are generally convalescing very encouragingly.

Yours,
R. F. Bunting
Chaplain Texas Rangers

Bunting, R. F. "Letter from Terry's Regiment." The Tri-Weekly Telegraph. Houston, Texas: February 21, 1862.

---