James Nicholson to Mary A. Nicholson - December 23, 1861

Miss M. A. Nicholson,
Bastrop, Texas.

Near Columbia, Tenn.,
Dec. 23, 1861.

My Dear Daughter-
Since my last to Ruth a few days ago I have been three days absent in the country in company with Belzora on a visit to Ma's relatives. While in the country I heard the sad news of the death of Col. Terry and that several more were killed and wounded in the engagement. I was very much distressed from the uncertainty of who they were. On my arrival at Mr. Daimwood's, a letter was received from his son corroborating the melancholy news that 5 were killed, 9 wounded but that he could not learn the names of the other sufferers. I was very restless that night--could not sleep--but a thought came into my head after which I rested. It was, if anything had happened to William, Dr. Potts and others knew where I was and that they would have lost no time in giving me information as the corpse and escort of Col. Terry passed through Columbia. In town next day I could learn nothing but what was in the papers which it is not necessary for me to repeat as you will see it before this, but I learned that the day before all communications were stopped--even telegraphic--from Bowling Green--that a great battle was imminent--you can imagine my anxiety. I intend to write to the surgeon of the regiment for permission to go and attend upon the sick and wounded if the Battle should come off. So it may be possible that I will be delayed from coming home as soon as I expected. This I know you will excuse, as I will be engaged in a good work and I know I could not rest in my bed did I know my fellow soldiers were suffering for attention and that my might would be of service.

I was sorry to hear of the death of Lt. Col. Lubbock when I was in town last. I had heard it contradicted before, that was the reason I did not mention it in my previous letters--poor fellow. I did the best I could for him while sick at a house near the hospital by sending such delicacies as the hospital stores afforded.

The last time I saw him he had come to the hospital with an escort to bury two soldiers. He complained then when I gave him some burned brandy. It relieved him for a while--but his disease turned chronic. Tell John Lubbock I sympathise with him in his melancholy loss. I wrote to Billey a week ago--but not a letter have I received from him since he left. Console yourselves as I do--thinking that as soon as he reached camp the regulations were not to write for fear of anything leaking out in relation to the movements of the army--and also still trust in a Kind Providence to protect him amidst the perils and dangers of battle. O how I wish I had been there! A thousand times would I have rather braved the conflict than have been in this doubt and uncertainty!

I hope to hear from him tomorrow or whenever I do I shall lose no time in writing to one of you. If a general engagement takes place and I learn particulars soon after--I will telegraph the part most interesting to the good citizens of Bastrop to New Orleans and from there it will be sent by letter anticipating a letter direct by about four days.

My calculations are you will receive the news of the death of Col. Terry on Christmas Day--and I know it will cast a gloom over the community--besides the death of so brave and good a man---the doubt as to who fell with him. The Col. had come up to five of the enemy behind a fence--and raising himself up in his stirrups--said, "Boys, here's another nest of Birds," shot two when a ball entered below his right cheek and came out of the top of his head--his slayer lived but a few seconds--there were 600 of the enemy in ambush and but 200 rangers. The skill, daring and bravery of the Texas Rangers is the theme in every person's mouth--they are considered invincible.

My kind regards to everybody in Bastrop for I consider them all my friends--particularly the ladies who have been so kind, noble-hearted and generous in making up and forwarding clothing to the volunteers.

The weather has changed--it is snowing and very cold.

May God in his mercies keep you all in good health and give you tranquil minds is the sincere prayer of your

Affectionate Father,
James Nicholson

Jones, Margaret Belle, ed. Bastrop; a compilation of material relating to the history of the town of Bastrop, with letters written by Terry Rangers. Bastrop: NP. 1936.

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