Scottsboro, Ala., April
18, 1864.
No changes to note in the military situation of our portion
of Dixie, but the note of preparation is heard on every side. All making ready
for the Spring campaign, which every one prophesies will be the bloodiest one
of the war. Johnston is undoubtedly collecting all the Rebel troops in the
West, on the Georgia Central R. R. and will have a large force. But ours will
be perfectly enormous. Not one of our regiments but is stronger to-day than a
year ago, and many divisions number from one-third to three-quarters more than
then. Our division when we marched through from Memphis last fall was hardly
4,500 (for duty) strong. Now 'tis 7,000, and growing every day. We have no
doubt of our ability to whip Johnston most completely, but if he can raise
70,000 men, and we think he can, of course somebody will stand a remarkably
good chance for being hurt in the proceedings. He has crossed a division of
infantry, away off on our right, beyond Elk river. 'Tis hard to tell what for.
Maybe to cooperate with Forrest. Certainly to forage some, and some think
possibly to attract our attention in that direction while he makes a dash on
our lines east of Huntsville. This latter would, to my idea, be akin to the
action of that youth Harper represents in his “April,” standing on his head on
the railroad track, six feet before the locomotive under way: “Rash.”
Twenty-four years old yesterday, and three years in the service. Celebrated the
day by calling on a good looking “mountain ewe,” and dining therewith. Made
arrangements to have a deer and turkey hunt with her papa and some of his friends,
Colonel Cobb, (formerly of United States Congress) among others. To give you an
idea of the Southern love for titles, I'll name part of the citizens who help
to form our party next Wednesday. Colonel Cobb, Colonel Provinse, Colonel
Young, and Majors Hall and Hust. Every man who owns as many as two negroes is
at least a colonel. None of them rank as low as captains. Spring is coming very
slowly. At least four weeks behind time. Trees are becoming quite verdant, and
many of the flowers are up. I would like to send you a few haunches of nice
venison after my hunt, but expect, all things considered, 'twould hardly be
worth while to try. Heard to-day of the wedding of one of my most particularest
friends, a young lady of Decatur. Was sensible enough to marry a soldier; but
am not certain she got the right one. Heaven help her.
SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an
Illinois Soldier, p. 227-8
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