Rangers’ Camp on Silver Creek,
5 miles from Rome,
Georgia, Oct. 20, 1863.

Just one month ago the fearful battle of Chickamauga was progressing.  Wharton’s cavalry (the Texas Rangers) was engaged on the left wing.  We were constantly moving, watching the passes in the mountains, discovering the movements of the enemy, and harassing his trains.  The country was exceedingly broken, and the travel was very trying.  We fought less than in any previous battle.

Soon we were ordered to the right wing, and when Wheeler’s corps had all been massed, we moved in the direction of Harrison on the Tennessee river, and around across the Hiawassa river, into East Tennessee.  Several days were now consumed, and we were slowly preparing for a raid somewhere.  The 29th brought us to a point on the river not far from Washington, which is on the opposite side.  Already seven days’ rations had been issued, and haversacks were filled, too much indeed for comfort.

Gen. Wheeler now had the divisions of Gens. Wharton and Martin.  We halted when a short distance from the rear, in the afternoon, and fed.  Reconnoitering parties were sent out to discover, if possible, the position and number of the enemy.  It was found the [ferries] were all guarded, and a heavy force was about Sulphur Springs, which was a short distance above, on the opposite side of the river.  But we had come to cross and difficulties must be removed or obviated.  The ferry was above us and the shoals below.  It was therefore determined that while Martin should cross his men at the ferry under cover of his guns, Wharton’s division should cross at the shoals, and, under cover of night, steal a march upon the enemy.

After dark Company D was ordered to the shoals, and a temporary road was cut down the bank to the water’s edge.  About 2 o’clock in the morning we were aroused and ordered to saddle up.  The 11th Texas, 1st Kentucky and 4th Tennessee passing, we were ordered to mount and take our place on the march.  Proceeding by a circuitous route through the winding paths in the bottom, we finally came within hearing distance of the shoals, and could distinguish the splashing noise made by the horses which preceded us.  By and by we reached the river, and, finding Company D, we halted a few minutes.  It was now nearing the break of day.  It had been clear, but now the fog settled down thickly upon us, and it was quite dark.

The order was given to mount and keep well closed up.  A short distance brought us to the newly dug road, and then the roaring, dashing water was at our feet.  There was no pause, for we had no time to lose.  The regiment in single file followed those before us.  We were soon crossing upon the shoals.  We could barely distinguish the winding column which slowly advanced in front.  In places the bottom was very rough, and lucky was the rider who had a steady-footed horse.  In general, the water was from three to five feet deep.  Silently and slowly did we move.  We were treading on dangerous ground.  Our crooked course and cautious moving made the river seem very wide, and as now and then our boots would dip water, it added to the disagreeableness of the position.  We knew not what moment the enemy might discover our movement, and open his batteries upon us, or shower the minnies around our heads.  It was a time of suspense and danger.  Had he opened fire, we could but follow our uncertain course and take our time.

But at length the dim outline of the opposite bank is discovered, and there is a flickering fire, and the peril is soon to be over.  Now the head of the column is safely across and climbing the steep bank.  The morning is just breaking, and lifting the heavy mist from the face of the waters.  The regiments which preceded us had found a shelter along the side of the hill, and, being dismounted, were hovering around a few flickering fires.  It was now day, and no enemy had been found by our advance pickets. 

Crow’s Georgia brigade now took the water in our wake, but, being without a guide, they missed the track and are not so lucky as those who preceded them.

The 1st Kentucky were now left to guard the ford, and the remainder were sent down the river and formed in line of battle in an open filed.  A portion were dismounted and thrown forward as skirmishers, and came upon a picket of the enemy which was completely surprised, and very soon driven in.

In the meantime Martin’s battery had opened upon them at the ferry above, and his troops were crossing in safety, the advance having passed the river under the sharpshooters of the enemy.

The order was given to advance, and forward dashed the Rangers after the fleeting enemy.  Our dismounted men made excellent time, and from the nature of the ground, pressed the enemy heavily, until he was driven from his position with several killed and wounded, and a number of prisoners.  Our command had several slightly wounded.

The Rangers, being mounted, kept up the chase, and well nigh captured a party of the enemy who were picketing at the ferry.  But delayed as we were by Wharton’s orders, they had time to escape on the road to Washington.  With the proper vigilance we could have bagged the party.  Several of the Rangers followed him to Washington, and then thought it advisable to return.  We were ordered to picket the road in the vicinity for a few hours, and then fed.

Thus the passage of the river was gained with unexpected success, and the enemy was routed, with all his boasting that we should not cross.  In the meantime the cavalry was all over safely.

Gen. Forrest’s command which had been operating most successfully in East Tennessee had now been turned over to Wheeler, and during the afternoon joined us, commanded by Gen. Davidson.  General Forrest himself, however, preferred resigning rather than submit to such an indignity as reporting to Gen. Wheeler, for whom he entertained a great contempt.

The afternoon was spent in resting, and as darkness gathered around us, we were directed to build a multitude of fires and make them as large as possible.  It was intended to deceive the enemy as to our numbers.  We were now ordered to saddle up and mount.  The cavalry dashed by us for over an hour, and then it was our good luck to move.  It was mild, and the night air was genial.  It augurs rain.  For a while our progress is gradual and then by [jerks]  The artillery and trains having reached Waldron’s Ridge, the rain has commenced falling, and their progress is very slow.  The entire column is kept in motion, but with little progress.  It rains gradually, but briskly.  Wearied and sleepy, whenever a halt was made for a few minutes many would dismount and seek a brief nap in the corner of the fence.  Sometimes we could rest soundly for a little while; again we would be at once aroused.  It is dreadful torture to march thus.

Long after midnight the halt is longer than usual, and we are ordered to dismount and build fires with rails from fences.  The rain continued, and there we held our horses till after daylight.  A good many slept upon the rails, and thus were kept off the wet ground.  It was a most miserable and wearisome night.  Early in the morning we were ordered to mount, and after a few more halts reached the foot of Waldron’s Ridge.  It now began to rain in earnest, and as we slowly crept up the mountain side, now and then halting as before, it fell in great fury.

But in the meantime word came that the enemy was in our rear again.  The 11th Texas had been on picket on the valley road leading to Chattanooga that we had just left, and, surprising a picket of the enemy, had captured twenty of them, whom they forwarded to our front.  The enemy continued to follow us and at times harass our rear.  The batteries having at length, after the night’s toil, gained the top of the ridge, the way was open for more speed.  The rain ceased for a while but the roads were very muddy.  We were weary and hungry.  About noon the entire command was halted to rest awhile. Speedily fires were built and our meat was cooked upon sharp sticks, and we began the drying process.  It was chilly, too, and this added to our discomfort.

Orders soon come for half our regiment—the same applied to all the regiments in the brigade—to report at once under Col. Cook to Gen. Wheeler for an expedition.  This dividing the regiment was very distasteful to the Rangers but a soldier must obey.  With a brigade from Martin’s division under Gen. Martin, and about half our brigade and some Georgians under Col. Avery, of the 4th Georgia, Wheeler left us.

Soon we followed, and traveling briskly all afternoon, at times raining very hard, late in the evening we reached the narrow point which overlooked Sequatchie Valley.  The wind here was chilly.  Soon we began the descent, but it was painfully slow.  Too muddy to walk, and going but a few steps at a time, it was trying upon man and horse.  The heavy rains had destroyed the road, so that a new one had to be made for the wagons, and hence the delay.

At length night came, and it was a darkness that could almost be felt.  Afterwhile the front of the regiment reached the foot of the hill, and, following a long and crooked ravine, we are at least in the open valley.  The work is too hazardous, and our division—Davidson’s—spend the night on the top of the mountain.

Our campground reached, we get corn, build large rail fires, eat some meat and crackers, dry our blankets and lie down to sleep.  The heavy clouds obscure the moon, and just as we are stretched upon the damp ground for rest, the scattering rain drops patter upon our faces.  It was, indeed, a gloomy prospect for rest.  But a kind Providence mercifully sends the winds, and the lowering clouds are driven away and we rest securely and sweetly till morning.  All were weary and greatly needed sleep.

The day dawned beautifully and the bright sun rose gloriously.  It presented a contrast that was cheering, and assured us that the rain was over.  We were soon in the saddle again, and retracing our steps we were speedily at the road which crosses the valley.  Here awaiting Davidson’s division to pass, we fell in their rear and proceeded across the valley towards McMinnville. 

As we ascended the Cumberland Mountain we heard cannonading down the valley in the direction that Wheeler had gone.

Crew’s brigade brought up our rear and obstructed the road by felling trees.  The enemy was still following.  We traveled briskly, and by 10 o’clock at night had gained the valley beyond, where we camped for the night.

Here Gen. Wharton received a courier from Wheeler, saying that he had captured and burned a large wagon train—his report says 900—had captured a large number of mules and several hundred prisoners.  The train was near Dunlap, at the foot of the mountain, passing over to Chattanooga, and was loaded with provision, clothing and ammunition.   There were also a number of sutler’s wagons, and ambulances full of medicine.

The command got a good supply of blankets, clothing and provisions, and the remainder was burned.  The Yankees made fourteen charges, but all were repulsed, and their train was totally destroyed, save a few wagons which gained the mountain top and escaped.  I suppose fifteen hundred mules were shot down at the wagons; the balance were brought off.  It was a magnificent feat, and did great damage to the enemy.  Our loss was very small, but the enemy’s was considerable.

That night Wheeler joined us across the mountains.  Companies C, E, F, I, and K of the Rangers were with him, and made a good haul of clothing, etc.

The 3d of October finds us within ten miles of McMinnville.  We hear reports of spoils there, and the remainder of the regiment are calculating on an outfit with great certainty.  The companies under Wheeler had camped in our advance, and, as we came up, they had taken the precaution to dress in their new clothes, and present their goods and chattels to the best advantage, in a position on the side of the road; and, as we passed by, they seemed greatly to enjoy their success at our expense.  But we were calculating on a good haul at McMinnville, and did not feel our loss too deeply.

The enemy was now pressing Crew’s brigade very heavily on the rear, and yet we moved along leisurely.  When nearing McMinnville we were ordered to close up, and move at full speed for perhaps two miles.  Our advance had driven in the Yankee pickets about 11 o’clock, and, when we came in sight, Gen. Wharton already had possession of the outer works.  The enemy was in town and in line of battle, refusing to surrender.  After some maneuvering, our batteries commanding the town, Col. Harrison was ordered to take his Brigade and move round on the railroad, take the stockade, cut the telegraph, etc.  A few shots were fired, and the stockade surrendered.

We then dashed forward at full speed around the town, until reaching the Woodbury pike.  The object was to pick up any who were escaping.  Here a courier reached us saying that the garrison had surrendered.  We then halted and proceeded slowly to town.  Soon we met the cavalry coming out to camp, and they brought evidence of capitulation in dry goods, groceries, boots, hats, etc. The farther we advanced, the heavier the spoil.

As the Rangers approached the town, they became the more anxious, and when the order was given to break ranks for the spoils, every man worked upon his own responsibility.  Although coming in upon the close, yet much clothing was secured and a goodly quantity of dry goods.  The Government stores were abundant.  These were distributed among the citizens, and the soldiers could take but little, and right well were they supplied.  It was a busy, bustling time.  Eight of the stores belonged to Union home traitors, who had fled with the Federal army and returned with them.  Their stock was large and fresh.  They got no sympathy. One belonged to a Jew, whom the citizens said was the only gentleman among them, and they regretted his loss.  He was found in bad company, and had to suffer.  The pillaging was soon complete.

Over 500 East Tennessee renegades composed the garrison.  Mr. Patterson, Andy Johnson’s son-in-law, was the commandant.  They were drawn up in line on the square, and paroled.  Whether it will be observed or not I cannot say.  Next morning they started out towards Sparta.

We had a number of horses killed, but no other serious casualties, so far as I know.  The joy of the citizens was unbounded.  They had been long oppressed, but now were free to think and speak and act, for a few hours.  They are a noble people and bear all their misfortunes with commendable heroism.

Night coming on, it was necessary to seek camp.  Those who had acquaintances, made a brief call, generally taking tea—often pressing it, for the oath had been forced upon them and they dare not invite us to eat with them!  But that is all understood.  We camped two miles on the Sparta road.  It was a busy time.  The camp was turned into a regular exchange.  Some sold their goods at reasonable rates; the majority freely divided with comrades; but exchanging was the order of the day.  It was a happy night in soldier life. We lived sumptuously for once.  Canned fruit, pickles and sauces, with ham, coffee and sugar made out a respectable bill of fare for wear and hungry raiders.  We did ample justice to this department of the work.

Sunday morning came and it seemed to beckon us to rest; the air was mild and nature hushed to repose.  Early we saddled up, and then came by us our Yankee renegades on foot, and they were followed by a large drove of captured mules going towards Sparta.

Soon our brigade was on the march.  Quietly we proceeded towards McMinnville, and passing through the town, we formed in line of battle about a mile beyond and thus remained for about two hours.  All the command had now passed on towards Woodbury, and the Rangers were protecting the rear.  Major Christian, with Companies E, I and K, was acting as rear guard. 

The enemy, finding that we were moving, pressed him heavily through and beyond the town.  We had now moved on and were some three miles in advance.  The enemy had doubtless found out through traitor citizens Major Christian’s strength.  Whilst engaging him from the rear, they sent a force around to cut him off from the command.  Ere he knew it, they were charging down upon him from the front.

It now only remained for them to surrender or have a running fight.  It was a merry chase for over a mile.  Both parties were mingled together, the Yankees calling upon the Rangers to surrender and shooting; the Rangers refusing and shooting in return as they ran.  It was a perfect cloud of dust, and many a Yankee tumbled from his horse.  Some of our boys were mounted on mules and slow horses, and they were captured or compelled to take the bushes for safety.  E. M. Steen, Co. I, was here wounded and captured.  Capt. J. K. White and S. D. Calhoun, Co. E; G. O. Golder, N. W. Chatham, Thos. Williams, and D. Mitchell, Co. K, and several of Company I are missing from this chase.

As soon as possible Major Christian dispatched a courier, and forming in line of battle, we halted until he came up.  Encouraged by this success, the Yankees now crowded us, and the ground favoring them—for we were in the position where they gave Forrest such a chase and shelling last summer—they dismounted their men and formed in solid line of battle in the fields on both sides of the road, and planting their batter on an available position, the shelled our brigade furiously—for all our regiment were now halted and in line of battle.  The Rangers were formed in the timer and within view of their battery; and in that position we were exposed to a raking fire for nearly half an hour.  Our regiment being in the front, was the most exposed.  It was by far the heaviest fire we had ever been under.  Although the balls fell thick among us and the shells howled around us, cutting off limbs over our heads and tearing up the dirt about us, yet the line stood firm and still mounted.

It was here a cannon ball passed through the horse of W. Henry Shannon, Co. C, and took off his thigh.  Just after he fell we were ordered to fall back, and he was left in their hands, but would doubtless die within a few minutes.  It was a melancholy commentary on the fading hopes of life.  Shannon had that morning been captured, and, being retained about one hour, he had eluded them and returned safely to us amid the congratulations of his comrades.  But how sad the thought!  The gallant Ranger came back to us that he might meet this sudden and dreadful death.  Truly the ways of Providence are mysterious.  But he fell facing the foe and ready for the conflict.

Our position being so much exposed, we were retired some distance, the regiments in the brigade taking turns in skirmishing with the enemy and then retiring, and thus it continued till darkness closed the conflict.  The 1st regiment suffered severely in the last engagement after dark, having two killed and several wounded.  Both sides had fought all the evening with dismounted men.  Once it was determined to give the enemy battle by the entire command, but that intention was abandoned.

W. A. Lynch, Co. C, had spent a night with the Yankee cavalry near Washington, under flag of truce, and he found several Texan prisoners among them, and was assured that any of the Rangers who fell into their hands should be treated like gentlemen.  They had now several of us, so we felt relieved about them.

In the 1st Kentucky Federal cavalry ---- Scott, who formerly lived in Texas on the Cibolo below Maj. Perryman’s crossing, was Major, and the 4th Ohio regulars (cavalry) was commanded by Col. McIntyre, of Brenham, Texas.  It was strange that Texans should thus meet each other face to face in deadly conflict.  They expressed themselves very confident of the final result.  We had no alternative but subjection.  They had the men and they money, and would succeed.

After advancing several miles we came up with the whole command and halted.  Col. Harrison then ordered the 4th Texas to return about two miles and picket with the whole regiment.  Col. Cook was ordered to camp near them, irrespective of forage and water, not to unsaddle, and in case of attack to hold the position at all hazards until relieved.  It was now after ten o’clock.  During the night all was quiet in both encampments, the enemy being but a short distance in our rear.  About 2 o’clock we were ordered to advance, and coming up with the command, the whole column was moving.  We now progressed rapidly and daylight brought us to Woodbury.  We were evidently en route for Murfreesboro.   

Here an Arkansas regiment protected our rear, thus relieving the gallant 11th Texas.  We now traveled very fast until within three miles for Murfreesboro, where we turned from the pike and soon crossing the Manchester pike, we formed in line of battle facing Murfreesboro, where we remained over an hour.  We could hear occasional cannonading, but knew not what was going on.  We then moved towards the Shelbyville pike and found that Martin’s brigade was engaged in tearing up the railroad and destroying the bridge over Stone river.  We then advanced to the Shelbyville pike where we remained in line of battle for some time.  Martins command followed the railroad whilst our brigade advanced on the Shelbyville pike.

It was now evident that we would not attack Murfreesboro, greatly to the chagrin of our command.  We had assisted in its capture once before and desired that privilege again.  It was understood that it was garrisoned by two or three nigger regiments and a few companies of white Yankees.  They were all out in the fortifications and we could easily have taken the place, but, for some reason, it was not deemed advisable.  The loss would doubtless be too great in case of an engagement, besides the nigger regiments were in the way.  Should our troops become demoralized with plunder, the Yankee cavalry might crowd us and capture too many.

About noon we moved toward Shelbyville, camping for the night eight miles from town.  A small Yankee scout had appeared before us, but our advance guard pursuing them closely, they did not halt until safe in the town public square.  Several of the Rangers followed into town and demanded a surrender, but whilst the parley was going on they retired and returned.

We witnessed that day the ravages of war in its fullest extent.  For some three miles around Murfreesboro there is not the vestige of a fence.  That magnificent country is perfectly desolated.  All along the road to Shelbyville lonely chimneys tell where the stately mansions once stood—the former occupants exiled or dwelling in some outhouse.  There again for miles were the fences just as we left them last January when skirmishing with the enemy.  You may travel for miles and it will seem like one continued Sunday.  Even where the fences are spared there is but little ground in cultivation.  Everywhere through that magnificent country, devastation reigns supreme.

Before daylight next morning the Rangers were saddled up and upon the move.  For more than a mile the road was lighted on either side by piles of burning rails, before which lay the sleeping cavalrymen.  But we were now on a mission and moved forward briskly.  Flankers were out on both sides of the road to discover if there was any danger.  Daylight brought us in full view of Shelbyville.

Before entering the town Major Christian took a squadron and turned to the left, whilst Col. Cook, with another, turned to the right, and both advanced briskly in order to cut off the retreat of the cavalry which was holding the place.  The enemy discovered the movement, and the few remaining ones—for the garrison had departed in the night—left in haste, giving us only the opportunity to fire a few shots after them.  In the meanwhile, Capt. Jarmon brought up the regiment, and advanced into the square where the Rangers all met, having captured the place without any loss.

Pickets were immediately thrown out to guard the town, and the work of pillage commenced.  There were but few Government stores here, but a number of private stores, owned by Yankees, which were well supplied with clothing, boots, hats, etc.  One by one these were opened and the contents appropriated.  At first the work was done very orderly, but as stragglers from the different commands came in, the scene became more stirring and disgraceful.  Some of the “baser sort” took advantage of the occasion to get drunk, and amid the uproar, committed depredations upon private property, and even robbing the persons of citizens.  Too much plunder was demoralizing the cavalry, and the effects were visible. 

But the Rangers, being the first in town, had now a splendid supply of goods, and retiring from the scene, they awaited orders on the Unionville pike.  Long before twelve o’clock everything of value was appropriated, but still the newcomers rushed through he plundered stores in hope of finding fresh supplies.

The work had been thoroughly done, and Shelbyville had been chastised for her traitorous conduct.  But a few days before, some of her Union citizens had held a meeting, and adopted a column and a half of resolutions in reference to a return to a return to the Northern Government.  These things were known, and doubtless exasperated the men to deeds that were disgraceful for Southern soldiers.  But they had been sent to plunder the town, and they did the work effectually, so far as the stores were concerned.  Private houses were not interfered with, or destroyed.  But I hope never again to witness the plundering of a town. 

It is a scene which develops the depravity of human nature.  It is deteriorating to a soldiery.  But our cavalry were in urgent need of clothing.  The Confederacy could not furnish it; the autumn winds declared its necessity; and it was taken from our enemies.  Those engaged in merchandising had taken the oath. They would accept only “greenbacks”, and none would buy food or clothing or medicine without bowing the knee to the Abolition dynasty.  This was all done in our own territory and among our own people, who were suffering under the rule of the oppressor and praying for deliverance.  We therefore deemed it right, according to the usages of war.

But we had already delayed far too long.  The enemy was reported approaching Shelbyville, and our cavalry retired down the Unionville pike.  In some four miles we left the pike, and camped upon the north bank of the river, whilst Gen. Davidson camped below Shelbyville on the south side.  Here the command spent the night.  It had rained and the morning was lowering.  By daylight we were saddled up and in line for inspection that extra plunder might be disposed of.  But all the old clothes had generally been shucked and new ones had taken their place, and the remainder was so economically packed that but little change was deemed necessary.

The Rangers now resembled more a large company of citizen gentlemen than veteran soldiers.  Indeed, so great was the change in appearance that the regiment would not be recognized by its own men at a distance of a hundred yards.  The majority had entire suits, with hats and boots.  You could see some blue clothing and many blue overcoats, but the majority had secured good citizens’ clothing.  Shelbyville had proved a splendid windfall for us.  We were all in high spirits, and hopeful for a successful exit from the state, should such a course be deemed necessary. 

About 10 o’clock we were again upon the line of march, and crossing the river on White’s bridge, we were moving slowly for the Shelbyville and Lewisburg Pike.  We apprehended no danger from the front, as our division was in the rear; but it seems the enemy had been ambuscaded in a big cedar brake, just as the road enters the pike at Farmington, very early in the morning, and the cavalry, which had spent the previous night in Murfreesboro, expecting us to attack the place on yesterday morning, had advanced to Shelbyville, and attacking Davidson’s division about 8 o’clock in the morning, had forced him back to this point, much scattered and demoralized.  Wheeler being in our advance, had planned a fight here, and had planted Martin’s battery near Farmington on the right as we entered the pike, which he had supported strongly by his dismounted men.  The whole column had passed through  safely and most of the trains, when our regiment, which headed the division, came up, and, ere we knew it, the ambuscade opened fire upon us. 

The Rangers dashed forward, and mostly succeeded in making the pike when the order was given to charge down the Shelbyville pike.  Col. Cook led, followed by Companies F and K, which composed the first squadron.  Soon the head of the squadron was shot down.  All in advance being wounded or having their horses killed or wounded.

After Col. Cook had discharged his pistol, he drew his sword, and with it charged upon the foe until he received two wounds, one of which knocked his sword from his hand and disabled him so that he was compelled to retire.  Here, too, Lieut. Polk Blackburn, commanding Company F, fell, shot in both thighs, his horse riddled with balls. 

Major S. P. Christian, now taking command, withdrew the Rangers from that position, bringing our wounded with us, and, after retiring some distance, he again formed them across the pike and held the enemy in check until Martin had his battery removed and Lieut. Pue brought out White’s battery.

It was while holding this very dangerous position that the gallant Major Christian received a very severe wound in the mouth, shattering the jawbone.  The remainder of the brigade being cut off, did not attempt to come through to our relief, but leaving the road, they scattered through the cedar brakes, and came into the pike below Farmington.  Gen. Wharton and Col. Harrison had both been in advance of our regiment, and the attack was so sudden and furious that no word could be sent back, and the officers knew not what to do, and hence sought safety in this way.  Had they have dismounted and been thrown upon the flank of the enemy, he would have been dislodged and routed.  But as it was, Wheeler’s entire force was repulsed and scattered.

When the Rangers made the charge, the enemy fell back, and could they have been supported the result would have been a victory for us.  Wharton’s division saved the command, or it would have been a complete and irretrievable rout.  As it was, our loss was severe.  Martin left two of his guns on the ground, and Lieut. Pue was compelled to leave one, because of the explosion of the limber-chest which entirely disabled the piece.  Many small arms, too, were left upon the field by the fleeing men.  It is evident the dangers, whenever in the flight, did the most of the fighting, and our loss was severe.

J. M. Lane, Company A, was here killed; Col. Cook, Major Christian, Ben. A. Polk, Dr. Gulick, Lieuts. Blackburn and Hunter, Messrs. D. C. Jones, R. H. McCame [McCann], T. H. Porter, Company A, — C. W. Love, Company C, —G. T. McGehee, Company D, —S. L. Jarmon, G. L. Chandler, A. G. Ledbetter, Company F—and Philip Milton, Company K, were all wounded. 

After Major Christian was wounded, he turned the command over to Capt. W. R. Jarmon, who was acting major, and he brought it off the field in good order.

By the personal efforts of officers commanding divisions and brigades, the scattered regiments were halted within a mile of Farmington and order was again restored.  But it was the greatest cavalry stampede I ever witnessed, and I hope never to see the like again.  The enemy pressed us so heavily that we were compelled to leave the most seriously wounded in private houses in Farmington, viz:  McCann, Jarmon, Milton, Chandler and Love.  Lt. Blackburn was left in Lewisburg, and D. C. Jones this side some distance.  The remainder were all brought across the Tennessee river.  Several are missing here but not hurt, so far as we know.

The fight was a disgraceful blunder on the part of Gen. Wheeler, and demands an investigation.  Gen. Wharton also lost his staff wagon in the affair, and had a horse killed under him.  Our loss in horses was heavy.  The loss of the enemy must have been very severe, as he did not follow up his victory energetically.  The Northern telegrams say he lost 20 killed and 150 wounded.  The Colonel of the 123d Indiana was killed.  The enemy has never been known to tell more damage than the truth.

Night soon overtook us, but we moved on through Cornersville several miles and camped. Dr. Houston and myself had gone forward with the wounded, and, stopping by the way, had dressed their wounds, and they did as well as the circumstances would permit, although suffering very much.  The next day we passed through Pulaski—one of Tennessee’s most beautiful towns, and quietly, though briskly, pursued our march towards the Tennessee river.  About 10 o’clock we camped on Sugar creek, completely worn out.  Tonight, Lieut. D. H. Hoffman commanding Company K, was seriously wounded in the knee, whilst passing another regiment.  He was brought safely through.  Shortly after daylight the column was again in motion.  We hear that the enemy is following, but he made no demonstration upon our rear yesterday.  Today is clear and mild, and we move on briskly through Rogersville, Ala.  The enemy surprised the rear pickets, composed chiefly of the 2d Georgia, and scattered them, capturing about fifty.

The front reaches Muscle Shoals, five miles above Lamb’s Ferry, about noon, and the whole command leaves the Yankee side of the river by dark, the rear of the column spending the night upon the island.  Here the river is 1 1-2 miles wide.  It is shallow on account of the group of islands around and over which we pass.  It is a Herculean undertaking to bring a train across such a ford, but necessity knows no barrier.  The bottom was exceedingly rough and rocky, but time and perseverance brought all safely across.  Many a cavalryman got a good bath free, and his plunder well soaked. 

Thus the 9th of October placed us safely in North Alabama, near Courtland.  We had much apprehension about a safe passage, but Providence had so ordered that the difficulty is overcome.  The next day we moved up the river and camped.  On the 11th, pass through Decatur, some four miles, and camp for several days, that the men may rest, and the jaded horses recoup.

Thus endeth Wheeler’s celebrated raid into Tennessee.  We doubtless did the enemy much damage in destroying his trains, burning his subsistence and burning up his railroads.  As to the extent I shall not venture an assertion in the absence of Wheeler’s official report.  I see many volunteer statements, but think that they are greatly exaggerated.  We doubtless did much that had better be left undone—thus alienating our former friends—and we failed in accomplishing very much that should have been done.  We left in Tennessee at least 1,000 men.  One half are doubtless killed, wounded or prisoners.

The raid has proven the utter inefficiency of Braxton Bragg’s chief of staff, Gen. Joseph Wheeler, for managing 8,000 cavalry, or planning and conducting a raid of such dimensions.  It is the greatest of the war in the number of men engaged.  It is the universal opinion that had Gen. Forrest or Gen. Wharton commanded, the results would have been very different. 

Gen. Wharton will doubtless be transferred to a command west of the Mississippi, and is now en route for Richmond, in reference to the matter.  He will make a personal effort to have the Rangers transferred with him.  If he fails, he will have done his duty, but the Rangers will be greatly dissatisfied.

I have thus given you a running account of our raid.  Much has been omitted, but at your distant point of view, it will give you some idea of the arduous and difficult work.

I crossed the mountains from north Alabama with Gen. Wharton’s escort.  The wagon train is at Ringgold, Ga.  But very few of the Rangers are with it.  Those whom we left behind, as unfit for service, have since been sent to picket along the river, whilst those dismounted are acting as police guards along the railroad.  Thus all seem fully occupied.

It is thought the cavalry will cross over into Tennessee again.  They will greatly miss Gen. Wharton.  He was evidently the most skillful and competent officer who accomplished the last raid.

Yours,
R. F. Bunting,
Chaplain, Terry’s Texas Rangers.