The
Online Archive of Terry's Texas Rangers
Sharing & preserving the history of the 8th Texas Cavalry Regiment, 1861-1865
The
Online Archive of Bob Brooks' Shiloh Letter
There is a bit of mystery surrounding this letter unit of the author is unknown. If you have any thoughts or information on what unit of Hindman's Brigade Bob Brooks might have belonged to they would be most appreciated. It is likely to be a Texas or Arkansas unit as this is the area where the family was from.
|
Holly Springs Miss Mr J. W. Brooks Dear Brother, |
 |
|
|
|
|
been informed by a gentleman belonging to his Company. I had not the remotest idea that he was there. He was on the left wing and I on the right some six miles or more apart. I am now here in Hospital rapidly recovering. Can walk about the room some and hope shortly to avail myself of the favor of a general order permitting all sick and wounded soldiers to return home on Furlough. Should a junction |
 |
|
|
|
|
of the Federal fleets on the Mississippi not cut off my retreat regarding which I entertain some fears. The manner in which I have to write precludes me from giving you a somewhat detailed account of the battle which otherwise I would be pleased to do and therefore must content myself that a bare synopsis will suffice to convince you that altogether I regard it as being the hardest contest ever |
 |
|
|
|
|
ever fought in America. We took the enemy somewhat by surprise on Sunday 6 inst about day Genl Hindman's Brigade to which I am now attached making the first attack driving in their skirmishers who were hastily thrown forwarded when they discovered our line of battle was formed and marching on theirs in force to check our progress as much as possible in order that they could form in line also. |
 |
|
|
|
| We found them drawn up about two miles from the Tennessee River in regular order immediately in front of their camps. The firing became general all along the line about an hour by sun and foot by foot was contended for by the enemy with an obstinacy never before met with in this war. Alternate advances and retreats were made during the day under the most murderous fires when |  |
|
|
|
| to advance seemed but going into the jaws of inevitable death but gradually we drove them back some mile or more having captured during the day several pieces of artillery and slept or rested rather than night rather victorious. The engagement commenced early Monday morning 7th with redoubled violence and continued with unparalleled fury till |  |
|
|
|
| about 12 O'clock when our right and left wings being nearly flanked a retreat was ordered to prevent a panic. This was occasioned from the enemy having received reinforcements during the night (Sunday) which saved them the day and prevented us from getting off with any of the previous day's spoils. |  |
|
|
|
| The delusion entertained by Southern men (such men as those who think the sun only shines in the C.S.) and I may include nearly all - that one of us can beat two or three Federals is rapidly giving way to Common Sense and must for I tell you that we have an enemy to confront whose valor is indisputable whose energy is indomitable and whose love of gain is unbounded. |  |
|
|
|
| Borne out to the present time by facts in substantiation of my original conceptions of this war I still persist in an acceptance by the C.S. of the lesser evil of gradual emancipation with the probability of some remuneration in preference to having 4 millions of slaves thrown upon us without any compensation, which can be effected by a stroke of the pen |  |
|
|
|
| for we are yet unacknowledged nor do I believe we ever will be until there is an abolition of slavery in regard to which there must be a perfect understanding between the Federal Govnt and foreign powers for to say nothing of not receiving material aid from the latter we are denied even their sympathy which I protested would be the case and not without in some degree incurring your displeasure. |  |
|
|
|
| Should this war be protracted the most awful consequences must ensue if it be speedily adjusted which can yet be effected with interest to the South - things in a year or so will move on harmoniously if passion continues to hold the scepter over reason the day is not far distant we may regard a protectorate not with scorn but with pride either by the U.S. or England and probably |  |
|
|
|
|
by both. Did I anticipate remaining here long or could I let you know where to write me I would be pleased to do so but I trust that I will shortly be in Texas if necessary to defend her soil. Present my considerations to Josephine - to friends- Yours truly, Bob Brooks |
 |