William Nicholson to his Sister - August 11, 1863

---

Dear Sister—

I hear of another opportunity of sending a letter to Texas. The weather is extremely hot—times are dull—little or no news afloat, consequently you must prepare for a short and uninteresting letter. As you will see by the heading of this letter we are still at the city of Rome, Ga., a place which I gave a description of in my last letter home. We have had a longer respite from the duties of actual service than we ever before enjoyed since our enlistment. We endeavor to pass off the hot summer months as pleasantly as possible. We have plenty ot oeat and not much to do—fruit is plentiful now and we make good use of it. Peach cobblers are not uncommon in our camps. Roasting ears and water melons are plenty.

On the 5th of this month the members of this regiment gave a barbecue and presented a horse to Gen. Wharton. There were a greaet many people present. John Rector presented the horse in behalf of the regiment with a few appropriate remakrs, when he was through Gen. Wharton made a short speech, testifying the appreciation he had for his old regiment and his devotion to our welfare as long as he lived. Several speakers were called for from the crowd and they responded. Billy Sayers made af ew remarks. After the speaking we repaired to the dinner table where we had plenty of everything to eat. At night a ball was given in town free to any who wished to go. Quite a number of the rangers attended. I did not go. There have been several parties and balls in Rome since we have been here. It is quite a gay place.

The last letter I have from home was written by you at Houston without date. We are obliged to do without many letters now, and do not have many opportunities of writing. I understand that some Lt. in the Arkansas Post prisoners will start for Texas in the morning. He will carry our letters through. Since the fall of Vicksburg there has been considerable despondency among the citizens, that is, in Georgia. The soldiers however are as buoyant as ever and as confident of our final success as they have been at any time. They have become used to disasters. I see considerable difference between the people of Ga. and those of Tenn.

There were quite a number of Tenn. Refugees at the barbecue. In some of the speeches some allusions were made as to our preference for the Tennesseans. Gen. Wharton remakred that next to Texas he would rather fight for Tennessee, which made some few of the citizens a little angry. The Rangers are all anxious to return to Tenn. They prefer going there to any where else, home excepted. We have some rumors that Gen. Forrest has been to Lebanon, Tenn. and captured six hundred of the enemy. We do not know as to the truth of the report. Morgan has at last been captured. We have had full accounts of his expedition and its failure.

Cheshier & Woods Miller wish to be rememberd to Pa. Woods has not time to write home. He is well. Mr. Nolan is now writing to his wife. He is well also. There is very little sickness in our camp. Walter Caldwell is well. I do not know whether is he is writing or not. I told him there was an opportunity of sending letters to Texas. Ike Jones sends his love. Charley Caldwell is still here—talks a little of going home. I am well—Give my love to all. I remain as ever

Your affectionate Brother,
W. 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.

 

---