Letter from Tennessee.

[Houston] Tri-Weekly Telegraph
November 10, 1862

Murfreesboro' Tenn.
Oct. 17th, 1862.

Editor Telegraph—There seems some peculiar attraction for Texas Rangers in this city. It is the rallying point from all the country round about.—Some are here from necessity, some from perference. After a brief excursion up to Rome, Tenn., en route for Kentucky, the Federal cavalry, which infest that region gathering up stragglers and destroying stores, intercepted our way, and very unwillingly we were compelled to return. Here we must await further operations in the military line. The majority of our boys here, are those who have been wounded at different places, or have been absent on sick furloughs. We have now a force numbering about twenty-five. We were all delighted to-day in greeting back again David S. Terry and two traveling companions, direct from Houston.—They made the trip safely. He is a great favorite with us. The gallant son of our heroic and lamented Colonel, who fell so early after we had entered the campaign, we hope that a brilliant military career is yet before him. William Ward, of company B, who was captured at Woodberry—whilst attending upon Sam Ashe, who was wounded—and carried to Nashville and confined in the penitentiary, effected his escape and has safely joined us here. It seems the Yankees cannot hold a Texian prisoner—they always manage to escape by some means. It being unsafe to venture through by the direct route to Bragg's army, all who are mounted are making arrangements to go via Sparta, Knoxville and Cumberland Gap.

It is a long route through, but the only safe one at present. In addition to the casualties of the stockade fight mentioned in my last, I learned that James T. Pettus, of Company F is supposed killed, and Buck Drisdale was wounded in the thigh; also, James Prior, of Company G, was shot through the arm. He is able for service again. S. G. Clark, of Company F, was killed near Nashville, whilst a portion of the regiment were flanking. We have nothing later than two weeks since from the regiment in Kentucky. We are anxiously awaiting some one to come through, so that we may hear the result of the great fight there and our loss. We doubtless, suffered as usual, very heavily, although we hope but few have fallen. There is now no communication between these head-quarters and Bragg's army. But it will not long be so. Yesterday morning Murfreesboro' was all astir on hearing that Nashville was being evacuated. At once troops began to move in that direction, Gov. Harris being in advance. We waited anxiously, and hoped for confirmation of the news. The day wore away and left us in uncertainty. To-day, again, a reliable messenger reiterates the good news, but we are yet in doubt. I believe, however, they are meditating such a step, and even preparing for it. There may yet be a bloody battle in the "City of Rocks;" but I hope not. Whenever the attack is made, notwithstanding their strongly fortified positions we will be successful. We await the news of to-morrow with deep interest. Troops are pouring in by railroad every day from Chattanooga, and soon Gen. Forrest will have a good army here. To-day he issued General Order No. 1, viz:

"Soldiers:—You have scarcely taken up your positions in the heart of Middle Tennessee,—cheered by the greetings of your fellow-citizens, and a return to the region of your homes and firesides, before you are called upon to rejoice over another signal victory in Kentucky. I announce to you that the forces under command of General Braxton Bragg, have met the enemy, lately commanded by Gen. Buell, and completely repulsed him. We have captured more than 18,000 prisoners, including Gen. Tom Crittenden and other officers of distinction. We have killed and wounded from 10,000 to 15,000. Forty pieces of artillery, with large quantities of arms and munitions of war, have fallen into our hands."

The Louisville Journal is also said to admit a loss of 25,000 and "nothing gained by it." Its editorials are written despondingly, and severely criticise Lincoln's late proclamation. It is the opinion of prominent statesmen here that this late reverse will drive their army beyond the Ohio, and give Kentucky to us. The people are becoming thoroughly aroused, and newspapers are now springing into existence, warmly advocating our cause. Kentucky and Tennessee once in our possession, then our army will have abundant supplies of breadstuffs. Providence has blessed them with an abundant harvest. Throughout this State, so far as I have seen, the corn crop is very heavy, although grain is light; yet, as if in anticipation of a partial failure in this respect, the God of nature has caused the forest to bloom and bear a most abundant crop of nuts, berries, and wild fruits. Such immense loads of these I have never before witnessed. And although our enemy has consumed and destroyed much of the crop whilst growing, both grains and fruits, yet here is a reserve storehouse filled with a rich supply, which will make the pork for our people and army, and fatten other stock. Thus wicked and insulting enemy is thwarted in his plans for starving us out. All things considered, our condition is most flattering, and the indications are prophetic of an early peace.

In haste, yours,
R. F. B.