G. Q. Turner to his mother - August 25, 1863

Rome Ga
Aug. 25th 1863

[Written in fine script in top margin]
I have just received a letter from Aunt Lucy. They have all quit Mobile and are at Bifont. She says she is 70 years old and is about the size of old Mrs. Beauchamp—just think of that.

Dear Mother

You see we are still at Rome and lying in the shade. We have had a very pleasant time of it and a very profitable one two in the way of spiritual improvement. Mr. Bunting 1 and teh neighboring Ministers have been preaching and laboring for the regeneration of the Regiment for more than a month and their exertions have met with signal success. Out of a little less than four hundred that we number now, there has been about one hundred, I am told, who have either professed, been baptised or are now under conviction. I am sorry to say I am still "without the Ark of Safety," nor am I effected by that concerne or fear that preceeds repentance, but teh calm quiet carelessness (I will not say indifference) that has always attended my too easy conscience, suggested and consoled no doubt by the conviction that I have never knowingly transgressed our Savior's favorite commandment the "Golden Rule," still prevades my spirit and hangs like a veil before the sanctuary of my reason. This apathy is dangerous I know, but I cannot arouse from it, even in battle, instead of an humble resignation to God's will, I mingle in the work of death with teh poor consolation, it may be, but the proud consciousness of an unsullied honor. We have received nothing from home for an age. You are on the safe side of the River and I fear there are ten men going over the Mississippi to one coming this way. Well it is some consolation if you get our letters which we send by every possible opportunity, this is the third I think I have written since we crossed the Tennessee and the fifth or sixth since receiving any from home. Trave Ashby leaves for Texas tomorrow, and I had almost made up my mind to go with him, as I have a return of my old complaint on me and my fear of not standing the winter I suffered so last winter. Frank was anxious for me to go, but I could not endure the thought of leaving him although he is on the Staff and comparatively comfortable. It was only Frank's solicitude about my health that reconciled him to the move. I was anxious to get lem home, and had at one time made up my mind and told Trave I would go. Old Bragg has issued a very uncomfortable order to the effect that all men not regularly enlisted should be forthwith enrolled. This has started out all the "Independants" in the Army and they are choosing their commands. Trave proposed to me to go back and join Marcellus' Company on the Rio Grande, but that would not suit me for any length of time. So I have concluded to link my fate to the glorious old Terry Rangers if I am compelled to join. I would send Lem by Trave but the crossing of the River involves so much risk that we think we had better retain him. I am recruiting my health at a very pleasant place about two miles from Camp, and have everything that I wish, and think I will be all O.K. by the time the Yanks get ready to cross the Tennessee river as a prelude to that thing they are now shelling Chattanooga killing and mutilating womena nd children without giving them any warning to leave. We are recruiting the Army very fast here and pressing into service all the good horses in the Country. The best of it is we are driving into service all the exempted-men, the substituted-men and lots of the disability-men and you have no idea what a fine Army of them there is everywhere. To say nothing of the old silver-greys (men over age) who are well drilled and armed and can be ordered anywhere within the State.

From all accounts Charlestown I suppose I will be taken—there is no help for it. As it offset to this we are more able to bunch our forces. Concentration is the grand idea now and I think it is a good one. We have always whipped them when our forces where anything like eaquel. A couple of the boys have called for dinner and report that Maj Jarmon 2 has received orders to hold himself in readiness to march at a moment's warning. We may be away before morning. Volney Cook Ella's brother has just returned from the North having been exchanged. Vol is looking well but I had not time enough to learn of any of his adventures. I just saw him a moment as he passed in a waggon. I hope Miss Ella is well and unmarried please give her my regards when next you see her.

We have had a grand Barbacue and ball and presented a fine horse to Genl Wharton which made the Georgians open their eyes and think the Texican Rangers are the crack Regiment of the C.S. We had a capital dinner, and speaches from Capt (acting Maj) Jarmon, Genl Wharton, Col Harrison, Capt Billy Sayers 3 and Mr Adams 4 of our Company. There was a great crowd and many refugees from Ky and Tenn to the Ladies of the latter State our Speakers were particularly complimentary. So much so that it was noticed by the Georgia girls, but they spoke from their hearts, and we have been so petted and esteemed by them that a Rangers heart throbs when a Lady tells him she is from old Tennessee. You ought to see Frank now, he is perfectly blazing with lace and buttons. Capt Batchelor is said to be one of the best dressed officers of the army. With such harness on his straight back I need not say he has decididly a military bearing but the most homesick fellow you ever saw. With all his high notions of patriotism he tells me he is sometimes almost tempted to desert. If Father can get some 1st Lieut to exchange positions with him, I would be willing to enlist in the same company, just to get him home. We would prefer Cavalry but would take any branch of the service to effect the exchange.

I hope Mary is satisfied with you or as much so as she could be in the absence of Marcellus. Give my love to her and Little Julia Nina Frank and the baby. Tell Julia Frank braggs about his little prodigy among the married men as if he had her on his knee every day. Lem says he must get home by next Christmas if he has to runaway, and to give his love to his wife and child and all the people. With my love to you all, to Manlius and Eugenia, I am Affectionately yours

George

Footnotes:
1. Mr. Bunting—Chaplain Robert F., Presbyterian minister who had been at La Grange and Columbus 1853-56. He was born May 9, 1828 in Beaver Co., Pa., and graduated from the seminary at Princeton in 1852. After the War he resided in Galveston 1868-80, and edited 200 issues of The Texas Presbyterian. He died 1891.
2. Maj. Jarmon—William R., of Co. F.
3. Capt. Billy Sayers—William B., of Co. D, Bastrop Co He was on Harrison's staff: Sergeant Major, Adjutant, and Inspector General.
4. Mr. Adams of Co. C—Pvt. W. S. J., who enlisted in Dallas Co., was on detached service for Gen. Johnston Nov.-Dec. 1861—perhaps because he was a persuasive speaker? There had been an F. M. Adams from Gonzales in the company, but he was discharged early.