The
Online Archive of Letter written to George Boothe, by Major George W. Littlefield
June 9, 1919.
Mr. Geo. Boothe.
Waco, Texas.
My Dear Sir:
I have your favor of the 5-27- inquiring of your Father's
record as a Confederate Soldier.
Mr. Geo. J. Boothe belonged to Company I - 8th. Texas Cavalry known as Terry's Texas Rangers. He did not go when we were organized as a company at Gonzales. Electing officers in June, 1861, but we were not received in the Army until September, at Houston, Texas, sworn in for the war.
We were ordered to Bowling Green, Kentucky, and then mounted. We carrying our saddles and Arms, which each man furnished himself. Your Father came to our Command at Chattanooga, Tennessee, about June 1, 1862. He came with several other Texas men to join my company. I. G. Jones was made captain of our company when we organized at Gonzales. R. J. Harris who then kept books for Thomas and Asheby was elected 1st. Lt. A. J. Harris, then Sheriff of Gonzales Co., was elected 2nd. Lt. Jas. F. Parramore, 3rd. Lt. I was made 2nd. Sergeant, but on Jan. 10, 1862, R. J. Harris resigned and A. J. Harris was elected 1st. Lt. The company elected me then 2nd. Lt. and on March 1st., Capt. Jones and A. J. Harris got a furlough and came to Gonzales, leaving me in command of the company. Our Army was falling back to Corrinth, Miss. The Battle of Shilow came off on 6th. and 7th. of April.
I commanded my company through the Battle - lost quite a few men wounded but only one killed - on May the 10, A. J. Harris returned from Texas. Capt. Jones never came back. He had Tuberculosis and resigned. Then A. J. Harris became Capt, by promotion, and I 1st. Lt. J. S. Parramore 2nd. Lt., W. E. Jones, 3rd. Lt. Ten days afterwards, Capt. Harris was killed in a charge made on a guard holding a R.R. Bridge. I was on detach service that day, was not in that fight when Harris was killed. I think it was May 10th, 1862, that I was elected Capt. of the Company without opposition, Parramore 1st. Jones 2nd. Lt., J. C. Dilworth 3rd. Lt. There was but one man younger than myself belonging to the company and I was not 20 years old. We made a successful raid through middle Tenn. and came out at Chattanooga. Then, about five or ten, your Father and some six or eight men from Gonzales, joined my company there. James F. Miller, Jas. Cobb, Alsey Miller, William H. Baltzell all joined.
Your
Father was an honorable, brave and active soldier, I loved him for his fairness
and activity as a soldier. He was ever ready, always had a good horse and
kept him well. He was often near me in action and no braver man served in
the Confederate Army. I often remarked that to Mr. Boothe, that is what
I called him as he was so much older than myself. He was with the Company
through the Battle of Chickamoga, Tenn., Battle of Lookout Mountain, ever
doing his duty, ever ready. After the Battle of Chickamoga, I was called
to act as Major of our Reg. I do not remember now at what fight or date
your Father was wounded in the arm. He was in the fight Dec. 1863. At Mosey
Creek fight your uncle Walker
Jones was shot, his horse killed from under him, I was blown off my
horse by a piece of shell passing through my left hip, cutting a wound 11
by 9 inches from my groin across my hip. The same Battery wounding Walker
Jones wounded me. I was blown off my horse and could not get up. While laying
on the ground, General Thomas
Harrison road up and looked at me and remarked that he promoted me to
the rank of Major, for Gallantry in action. I was never able to do duty
again, did not quit use of my crutches until July, 1867, two years after
the war was closed. Walker Jones and myself were carried to the same Farm
house when wounded. Your Father was sent to nurse Walker and until he got
so he could walk, he stayed at the same house I did. Your Father helped
often to dress my wound. All thought I would die. One day your Father leaned
over me talking to me and tears dropped from his eyes on my face, yet I
did not think I would die. He was my dear warm friend and I loved him for
his gallantry as a soldier, sturdy qualities and ever ready for duty. I
now within a few days be 77 years old, have gone through a great deal in
my life to try my nerve and manhood. I am here at Hot Springs being treated
for Rheumatism, again on my crutches, which I hated to have to up, but its
not in this life that we have things as we would wish them. I fear I never
will be able to walk without crutches. I will start to Austin, Texas, on
l6th. I have not heard from or seen Walker Jones for many years. I wish
I could meet him. I think only 4 men of our old company are living. I would
be glad to see you at any time. Give my love to any of the family. I would
not know any of then.
With best wishes, I am
Very Truly Your Friend.
Signed, Geo. W.
Littlefield
P.S. Were I at home, I would have this letter typed. Please excuse.
Provided
by Andy Jones, Great-Great Grandson of Walker Jones.