George Turner to his father - December 17, 1861

Nashville
Dec. 17th 1861

Still direct your letters to Bowling Green and send us some papers

Dear Father
I am still, you see, in the hands of Kind friends here. Slowly but surely recovering. So long has this disease run on me and so reduced have I become that the phisicians say, my recovery will be slow and tedious and only by observing the strickiest regimen of diet and exertion. Though very agreeable in one sense, I find it terribly irksome, and almost mortifying to be compelled to lay here inactive. When the news at Camps are every day becoming of a more serious character. There is now every indication of a great battle coming off soon and our regiment the pride and boast of the Army will not be able to muster more than four companies, out of the remnants in Camp but that these will acquit themselves with honor I have not the slightest doubt. And if I was not so dreadfully weak, I would take the cars this evening and let the stir and excitement of battle cure me as I believe it would. I really believe if we had gone into active service I would have been able to eat my regular rations now. I have not been about much though we have a horse and buggy at our command I have been advised to keep quiet. Col Jackson lives in Edgefield just opposite the city connected by two bridges a wire-suspension and a railroad draw bridge I had here dropped my letter for a day thinking to hear something from Camp. Which we have and of fearful purport, as you will see in the enclosed dispatch. All of the Rangers here that were able to leave their beds followed the Col's remains to the Capitol where and appropriate eulogy was given. And all the respect and attention that the Legislature, Masonic fraternity, and the military could bestow was given him. The enemy are comming over Green river as fast as they can Jonston [Johnston] & Buckner have gone up and our forces are flying to the scene of action from all quarters. Oh My God how I wish I was with Frank. The boys fully came up to the great expectation the Army entertained of them. I shall send every paper that has any account of our engagements and drop you a line every now and then as to my health. Capt Walker came down with the Col's remains, and gave me the names of those of our boys who were killed not one of whom am I acquainted with

My love to all
Your affectionately
George

Turner, G. Q., "Batchelor-Turner Letters, 1861-1864," annotated by H. J. H. Rugeley. The Steck Company, Austin, TX 1961.