William Nicholson to his Aunt, April 16, 1862

From W. Nicholson,
Private in Co. D,
Terry's Reg. Texas Rangers
at Corinth, Miss.

C.S.A. 1862
Corinth, 16 April, '62.

Dear Aunt—
As I have an opportunity of sending a letter by one of Capt. Jarmon's men I will avail myself of that opportunity. Reports say that we cannot mail a letter here at present or until after an official report of the Battle of Shiloh is made. Messrs. Oliver, Hubbard, Price, McGehee &c. arrived here yesterday morning. They all joined the Reg. for 90 days, except two or three of them. We have a company attached to our Reg. for that length of time. I think they will all have to reenlist when their time is out. I have not a particle of reliable news in regard to the movements of either army at this point. Last accts the enemy were bombarding Ft. Pillow, which was expected to fall. I saw one of Gen. Beauregard's aids yesterday—asked him his opinion of the loss sustained on both sides. He said we lost 2200 killed and wounded and that the enemy's loss was 7000 K. and W. and 4000 prisoners. I do not know whether that is correct or not. You will probably see the reports in the papers before I do as those articles are scarce indeed in this place. John Washington has not been heard of yet. We think he is in the hands of the enemy and if alive will be exchanged shortly. We all regret the loss of John W. very much, as he was always so full of fun and good-natured.

The exposure previous and after the battle made quite a number sick or unwell. Capt. Ferrill who was not well at the time is worse and will leave on furlough for some place south of this. Lee Giles, Jo Rogers and some others are complaining a little. I am perfectly well. I got $20.00 Confederate money from Mr. C. Harris while he was here. Paper money is of little account here for this reason—when we buy anything we always receive shin plasters or tickets for change which are not good outside of the town we get them at. When you have an opportunity please send me 30 or 40 dollars in gold, as we can force those we trade with to give us gold or silver back in change. Mr. Harris said I could have any amt. even if it was $100.

Clinton Terry, Col. Terry's Bro., who arrived just before the fight died the other day from wounds received. The total number of killed and wounded in our Reg. is 66—ten of whom were killed.

I must close my letter as the gentleman wishes to leave at 10 o'clock. Excuse short letters.

From your Nephew,
W. Nicholson.

To Mrs. H. Crocheron,
Bastrop, Bastrop Co.
Texas.

I have written two letters home before this since the fight.
I will enclose a Yankee letter for curiosity. We had any amount of them.

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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