Mill Springs, Dec 1st, 1862My Zetty,
I wrote to your ma a few days ago just as we started to advance from near Lagrange. I did not know then, but what it was my last letter and I was really afraid it was. Yesterday morning Gen. McArthur received orders to send two of his most reliable Reg to feel the enemy [position], and our reg and the 1st Kansas had to go. One battery went with us. We had the Rebel's picket and battery about three miles out and gradually drove them back and into their fort, 7 miles from here. We went within 800 yards of their forts, and my God, how they did shell us. We never was shot at with cannon before, thirty-two lb balls fell all around and amongst us, and of all [the] dodging you ever saw, we did it. Every man fell flat. We could see the flash, and they all passed over us from four to ten feet. How we all escaped is more than I know, but we did, and I thank God for it. We stayed there about three hours and returned to camp about 8 o'clock last night, and then it rained like fury. Zetty, I hope and pray we may escape the same way next time. I think we are bound to have a hard fight in a very short time, and even when you read this, I may be under the sod. When we was out yesterday and the shell and balls whisking over us like the very demons of hell, I thought of you sitting quietly at church. If I have to fall, all I ask is to be permitted to die at home like Sam Andrews. I receive very few letters. Write often, tell the rest to write. I have no chance to write much. John did not go yesterday. I would not let him. Tell your ma to kiss Oscar for me. If this is my last, remember me, Zetty dearest, as usual. Your pa, William
©2006 C.S. Parkinson