Texas Ranger's Camp,
Near Trinton, Ga.
July 7, 1863

Editor Telegraph:—It was on the 24th of June that the enemy made a general advance in heavy force upon our entire front before Shelbyville. He had two columns of cavalry and infantry. One moved upon Hoover's Gap, which is 12 miles north-east from Wartrace, on the Manchster and Murfreesboro pike, and the other upon Liberty Gap. Our position was on picket duty on the Murfreesboro and Shelbyville pike at old Fosterville. Companies D and C were on picket when the enemy's cavalry came up at day. They engaged him until the regiment came up at 9 o'clock. The enemy drove in our entire line on all the pikes except here, and the regiment kept him in check until the falling back of the cavalry on our right and left, we were flanked and compelled to retire and take a new position late in the evening. Previous to this time, however, our ammunition had failed, and Maj. Gustave Cook, by an ingenious disposition of his troops in front of the enemy, who had his skirmishers within 200 yards, his main body being 400 yards distant, kept up appearances by firing a cartridge here and there along his line. We were there directed to fall back and to go into camps and dry the blankets, it having rained very steadily all day. Our casualties were viz: A. M. Knowles, Company G, had his thigh badly broken by a ball ranging upwards; Geo. Bruce, Co. E, slightly on the shin; William Warren Co. K, slightly in the thigh. The blankets were scarcely spread down until orders came to move. It is supposed simply to change comp, but we strike out in the direction of Bellbuckle, and traveling all night through rain and mud it was reached by day. The 11th Texas, which was in our reserve yesterday, is with us.

We keep on this morning to Fairfield and soon pass on to the Shelbyville and Fairfield pike, and at night bivouac at Grey's Gap 10, miles from Shelbyville. The Yankees are still crowding us along on the right wing. Weather is intensely disagreeable. On the 26th it rains constantly. The regiment is in line of battle all day, near old Fosterville, and at night returned to camp at Grey's Gap. At 9 o'clock P. M. we were ordered to cook three day's rations. Before day light, broke up camp and removed to Bellbuckle before daylight. We are formed into line of battle awaiting the approach of the enemy. Our infantry are moving in the direction of Wartrace, and the appearances indicate that we are falling back. At 10 1/2 we were ordered to leave in a gallop for Wartrace, thence up the road towards Fairfield, where the enemy is said to be advancing in heavy force. About 5 P. M., take up our line of march towards Wartrace, and find that it has been evacuated at 11 o'clock. Everything in the way of military stores has been removed, except, perhaps one and a half bushels of cow peas. That retreat bore with it every thing that was useful. In the evening the regiment left for Duck river and camped near Normandy on the railroad at two and a half o'clock for the night. This morning our wagon camp was roused at 3 o'clock, and orders were for everything to move at once. But the wagons being several days out for corn, there was no opportunity for complying with that order, except two or three, which proceeded towards Shelbyville for a new camp. But the deserted and burning camps of the infantry and their moving upon the pike awakened the unpleasant conviction that Shelbyville was to be evacuated. The splendid fortifications are all deserted, and every thing heads towards Dixie. I was on the pike and halting in Shelbyville till about 12, started with Wharton's headquarter trains for Duck river.

Although there was a great deal of confusion in the town, the news of evacuation coming so suddenly and unexpectedly, yet there seemed to be but little public property abandoned. There were many sad hearts when the Southern army retired — for we had warm and devoted friends there, and very many who hailed our departure with joy, for they were "not of us." Their friends are in the abolition army, and their hearts are with them. Bedford county is, doubtless, the most rotten of any in Tennessee on this question.

About 3 1/2 P. M., the cavalry of the enemy pressed Martin's brigade on the M. and S. Pike, and drove them by our line of fortifications, pushing upon them vigorously. Our cavalry became entirely routed, and dashed into Shelbyville. Gen. Wheeler had barely time to escape capture. The route was most disgraceful through the streets of the town. This brigade, which was formerly Wheeler's, dashed on in the most demoralized manner across Duck river — some swimming, some falling over the bridge and drowning. The route was complete, the panic was perfect, and no necessity for either. I have confidence enough to believe that if the Rangers and 11th Texas had been on duty there, no such a scene would have occurred. With them it was never yet happened. On the 28th, the regiment crossed over the river and advanced slowly in the direction of Tullahoma. The brigade halted in a valley some 7 miles from Tullahoma and formed in a line of battle for some time. But no enemy advancing, the front regiment would go to the rear and then fall back by degrees until within 3 miles of Tullahoma. Here we are ordered to bivouac for the night. It had rained very heavy, and everything was disagreeable. After a little rest and refreshment and drying of blankets, I had made arrangements for preaching, but just then Colonel Harrison sends an order to move 1 1/2 miles further up, we leaving two companies on picket. Within a like distance from Tullahoma the brigade camps for the night. The country is very marshy and level and exceedingly muddy. Early in the morning the enemy presses our cavalry on the Manchester roads, and we are ordered with all dispatch to press forward to their relief. Passing through town in a lope everything indicates preparation for the enemy. The trains are all in the rear and packed, whilst the infantry are moving out into a position along the fortifications. We are ordered to proceed on the extreme left of the Manchester road. The Yankee cavalry had on that road driven in our pickets to within 1 1/2 miles from town and captured nearly a score. We hasten to the point and take our position. Hear heavy firing to our right, but no indications upon our road.

Have a heavy shower. Fall back some distance and Gen. Wharton lays a beautiful trap for them, and leaves White's battery, the Rangers and 11th Texas to catch them. In the meantime we have two terrific rains, but no Yankees approach. We fail in catching our game and in the evening the Brigade falls back again to camp. Soon after lying down the 11th Texas is ordered out on picket, but most of our regiment remains till morning. At 3 a. m. the bugle sounds and all are up to feed and soon we repair to the front again, but all is quiet and about 10 we fall back and soon are ordered to wagon camp in town. Everything looks like a battle is eminent. The troops are in the best of spirits. Gen. S. P. Buckner's division from East Tennessee has arrived, and all things seem in readiness for a battle. The troops are in the trenches and awaiting the advance of the enemy.

The horses are fed and preparations are hastily made for a scout in some direction. Gen. Wharton is with us, and will go in person. About 3 o'clock one division moves through town and in the direction of Elk river. Things look suspicious about headquarters; the wagons are loading up, and it seems like evacuation, although we do not believe that this noble, glorious army of Tennessee, will run before the advancing foe and not give him battle. Night brings us near Elk river, above Alisona, where the brigade camps, after sending out pickets. Everything is quiet until morning. Early we are on the move, and advance up the river. The enemy seems pressing on this wing. He evidently intends flanking us, and compelling the evacuation of Tullahoma, "the fortified." The regiment take its position in the front, but no enemy advances. By and by we are ordered to rear, and the 11th Texas and 4th Tennessee are in the front. Soon the enemy advances, and they skirmish quite briskly. White's battery opens upon the enemy, and he replies with great accuracy.— Several horses are killed and one man is slightly wounded. Later in the afternoon, the enemy presses heavily, and Claiborne's division of infantry came up to Wharton's relief. The 11th Texas sat upon their horses in line of battle, and fought most gallantly and desperately. They lost several men and a large number of horses.— There are no better fighters in the army than the gallant "11th." In the meanwhile Tullahoma has been evacuated. The infantry has generally passed over the river, and the enemy takes possession of our deserted forts and strong fortifications about 10 o'clock this morning. Gen. Beckner's division, with his train, and Wharton's division train, are yet between the river and Tullahoma. Major Cook is ordered to proceed at once with the regiment to protect the train. We at once go down the river to Alisona, thence in the direction of tullahoma until the rear of the train is reached. Last night they left the train and only made ten miles until morning. Hence the danger of being pressed by the enemy. But now the Rangers are in the rear, and all is safe. The day is intensely hot, and the poor infantry fall down by the way side from heat and exhaustion. After dark the trains are all safely across Elk river. The railroad bridge at this point was destroyed this morning, and to-night the bridges over which the troops passed. We all halt to feed. The train starts for Dickard about 10 o'clock at night and proceeded to Corvana where Major Botts halts for orders. It is thought, as Gen. Rosecrans cannot flank us here, our right wing resting upon the mountain, that Gen. Bragg will certainly give him battle. But here again our hopes are dashed, for after some preparation Polk's wagon corps, followed by Wheeler's division, begins to slowly ascend the mountain. It was a tedious and disagreeable undertaking, — the infantry, wagon train and straggling cavalry, all traveling together with occasional showers by way of variety.

The next night, the wagons of our division, which was not broken down by the way, camped in the valley on Battle Creek. That was a trip not soon to be forgotten. When the train left Alison on the night of the 1st July, the regiment reported to Gen. Polk and picketed by his order at Hinton's mills, 2 1/2 miles from Alison, in the direction of Winchester. Gen. Polk's corps having now passed on to Deckerd, the Rangers were ordered to the rear of Hardee's corps, which had crossed Elk river at Bethpage bridge, 1 1/2 miles above Alison. During the 2nd, the enemy crossed with his pontoon bridges, seven or eight places, and towards evening, we had heavy skirmishing, but without serious loss. Robert D. Rugely, Co. B., was slightly wounded in the foot this afternoon. White's Battery did splendid work today, and Gen. Wharton managed his troops with great skill on all occasions. The whole division was in line of battle. At one time the excitement was intense. The infantry were with us and eager to witness the grand cavalry fight. The Rangers and the 11th Texas, were assigned the duty of charging the enemy when he should come out from his position and advance upon us. In most magnificent style did these gallant Texas regiments move to the brown of the hill for the charge, but the enemy declined the conflict and all were disappointed. The infantry left us, taking up their line of march across the mountains. That night we camped five miles from Cowan. Next morning early, the enemy was reported as flanking us on the Winchester road, and running the horses for five miles to avoid being cut off from the mountain pass, we ascended the mountain at Cowan's station, and about 9 o'clock were at the Railroad running from Winchester to the great Southern University (Episcopal,) at Sewanee. This point is 12 miles from Winchester and 5 miles from Cowan on the top of the mountain. The army having all passed over, in the evening the regiment returned towards the brow of the mountain and went on picket. Companies D, K, and H, were in advance. H and K were in the extreme advance and D was in the reserve a short distance in their rear. Thus things stood during the night of the 3d. After sun up in the morning, the enemy, who had stood picket on the brow of the mountain, advanced in a sweeping charge, cutting H off and driving K in upon D. The guns of K mostly missed fire and the whole mass together fell back upon D, which was in line of battle as a reserve.

The enemy charge up within 5 paces, when he received a volley which drove him back 400 yards, being closely followed by D. The enemy being here in strong force, Capt. Kyle ordered his gallant company to fall back to their original position, where the reformed, and as the enemy advanced, he charged him again and the 2d time drove him back. D and K were frequently mixed up with the enemy, and it was a hand to hand fight and very severe. They then fell back to the immediate front of the regiment, which was in line of battle for their support.

Company G was ordered to charge with D and K. Company A was also ordered to move up. being on the extreme left flank, and H coming in by a circuitous rout from that flank, formed on them, when they gallantly charged the enemy's dismounted men and drove them back. At the same time D, K and G charged the enemy's cavalry a few moments before and repulsed them handsomely. F, E, I and C formed our reserve, the enemy having been driven back, the advance companies were ordered to fall behind the reserve. The enemy then advanced on our left flank by the railroad cut with a large body of dismounted men, and on our right with a large body of cavalry, and also on our centre by a regiment of cavalry. We then retired, the regiment without further fighting, slowly by squadrons behind the 4th Tennessee, which has been formed to cover our retiring. The force of the enemy consisted of the 1st, 5th and 9th Kentucky regiments — the fifth being in the centre — with whom we had the severe fight. "E" being in the reserve suffered very severely, F and I also, for the fire of the enemy was constantly poured into their ranks, and especially were they exposed when the advance companies retired to form behind them. It is thought this was the most brilliant fight which the Rangers have ever had. The officers and men all acted so gallantly that it would seem invidious to particularize. The officers seemed to manoeuvre their men better than ever before, and the men were unusually cool and daring. Although the ground was rough and covered with thick undergrowth, yet it seemed not to check the course of our boys when the foe was to be met. Although many of the guns and pistols missed fire, yet it seemed to make no difference whatever, they fought with the same daring and coolness as though everything was in perfect order.

The enemy lost about 30 including one Colonel, one Lieut. Colonel, one Lieut. and ten officers. We had some 25 horses killed.

We lost in killed Perry Grice, company E. He lived but a few minutes being shot through the throat, was brought off the field and interred by his comrades on the mountain top. He was wounded at Murfreesboro', and was a gallant soldier. His loss is much regretted, for he was a general favorite with all who knew him. But he has fought his last battle and sleeps in death. Company A— C A Alday, shot through the fore finger of right hand; company E—John G Calison, very severely through the body; Mike Cassidy badly in right foot; company F—C O Simpson, severely through thigh, the bone not broken; company C—Missing, J W Wilie, supposed captured; company J— Corporal L A L Lampkin, badly in right shoulder; company D— Lieutenant W R Black very slight on right arm; company K—Tom Williams missing, supposed captured. Such was our loss on 4th of July near Suwanee University on Cumberland Mountain. R D Simarton, company K, was quite severely wounded in the head whilst we were picketing Hooker's Gap. After the fight the regiment fell back, and the enemy following, encamped for the night in Seveder's cove at the foot of the mountain. During the 5th the enemy did not appear, and the army having crossed the Tennessee river at the mouth of Battle Creek, on a pontoon bridge, and at Bridgeport on the railroad bridge, the cavalry brought up the rear, crossing late in the evening at Bridgeport, and camped at the foot of the mountain. Yesterday our train crossed over, and now we are camped here for three or four weeks it is said.

Trenton is in Wills Valley, 18 miles from Chattanooga, at the terminus of a railroad, and I suppose our cavalry will recruit here for some time. Horses and men are both used up and need some rest. Gen. Wharton's division has Harrison's and Crew's brigades in it. Gen. Wharton, during this retreat, won the admiration of his superior officers for the masterly skill with which he handled his cavalry, and his success will, no doubt, make him a Major General. Colonel Harrison also sustained his previous character for a skillful and gallant commander in directing the movements of the brigade. Major Cook acted as Colonel and Captain Christian as Lieutenant Colonel. Both discharged their duties as field officers of the Texas Rangers in a manner that gives much promise for their success in the future when they shall be promoted to the positions which they are so admirably prepared to fill. In reference to this movement of our army, I know not what to say. The change of base was so sudden, so unexpected, so much like a thunder clap in a clear sky, and our movements have been so much accelerated by the pressing enemy, that I have not recovered from the shock yet. I have been writing under pressure all day to give your readers a statement of the part the Rangers bore in it, and I have seen nothing or heard nothing about he impression that the press or the country have upon it. I do know that the army has been greatly demoralized by it, and Gen. Bragg has been universally cursed. To say the truth, he was outgeneraled in every sense of the word. The future will decide the wisdom or the folly of the movement. As yet it is a profound mystery. Doubtless the Grand Army of Tennessee has fulfilled its mission—for it can out-retreat anything in this Confederacy, and will now be sent in different directions to strengthen the struggling brethren in Mississippi and elsewhere. We anxiously await the developments of the future. I send you this letter by Judge Love of Galveston. He can doubtless give you a solution of the mystery which now surrounds us. After more than a year's association with us in soldier life, he returns home to the enjoyment of the domestic circle, that he may cheer, bless and protect those who now look to him for counsel and defence. We part from him with many regrets. Our fellowship has been pleasant, and we have learned to love and respect him as a father, a counsellor, a friend and a patriot. May a kind Providence preserve him from all danger as he journeys by the way, and bring him to his far distant home in the Island City.

Heaven speed the day when we shall all again return to the scenes of other days and greet those whom we love and be permitted to walk in the quiet pursuits of life.

Yours,
R. F. B.

The Tri-Weekly Telegraph, August 19, 1863.