Copyright 1998-2009, Scott McKay
Near Dalton, Ga. March 23rd - 1864.
Dear Ma
Within the last three weeks I have written to you and Eliphalet, Alpheus and Margaret all, and if the letters reach their destination no doubt you will see them, but perhaps they may not reach it. I will therefore write again. Especially as it will cost me nothing to do so except the necessary labor which I am willing to undergo at anytime with the prospect of gratifying you, and the postage which in these times of depreciated currency is almost nothing. I have nothing new to write. We are still near Dalton , Ga., but doing but little duty of any kind. For the last week or ten days we have had very cold weather for the time of year, having had within that time several hard freezes and on yesterday a heavy snow. The heaviest I believe that I have witnessed since I have been in the service. There was a peculiarity about it that I have never before seen. Many of the flakes were perfect six pointed stars at one time they wree nearly all of that form, so that at places where the snow had melted or otherwise been removed, the ground at places where the snow had melted or otherwise been removed, the ground was literally covered with them and presented quite a beautiful appearance
Notwithstanding yesterday was such an unpleasant day our division was all called out to witness the execution of a deserter. He was a native, at least a citizen of Arkansas, had deserted and gone over to the enemy and I suppose was taken with them, was Court Martialed and sentenced to be shot to death with musketry. I was not close enough to see how he took it. He was not killed at the first fire, a very painful occurrence. I believe he was fired upon three times before he was pronounced dead. Our boys had a grand snowball pitched battle on yesterday. All of our brigade [Ed: Granbury's] who felt disposed to do so, participated and were engaged against an Alabama [Ed: Lowery's] brigade. The engagement was very warm and exciting. I was not in it in consequence of not being very well just then, but enjoyed it finely as a spectator. We also had a liberal treat of whiskey on yesterday. Our general thought it would do us good, I suppose, perhaps it did. So you see we had all sorts of work here on the same day. First we are called out at sunup or a little earlier to witness the execution of a deserter, to see a poor fellow mortally launched into eternity. Next we had a grand snowballing, on a more extensive scale than I have ever before witnessed, and at the close of the day we were treated as much whiskey as a sober man ought to drink. I believe no one got drunk. It was equally distributed and everyone drank all he got, which was not more than enough than to make a man feel good.
I wrote from Missionary Ridge that I had quit my mess, because I did not approve of the depradations that they were committing upon the citizens. I might have added also that I did not like their cooking. I am still alone. I draw my own rations, do my own cooking and eat them myself, and I find that the plan works admirably. I have always had enough. It is generally better cooked and more palatable that formerly. Besides I have no on else to please, and it is a matter of perfect indifferenc to me whether any one else pleases me in the cooking. This all looks rather selfish but if you knew how much vexation it saves me you would justify me. I believe I shall remain as I am altough the cause fo my splitting off has ceased to exist. Foraging as the boys called it having been completely suppressed.
I forgot to state when speaking of the weather, that it had destroyed the fruit crop of this section completely, that is, all kinds of fruit that bloom early, as plums, peaches &c. I hope the cold has not been so severe in Texas, and that the peach crop has escaped as well, as early corn, but I am afraid that every thing there has gone up too, for I have noticed that when we have severe weather here that you have it in Texas also.
All is quiet here yet, though the Feds are said to be concentrating at Ringgold and beyond for the purpose, as is supposed, of making an advance in this direction. If so we may have excititng times before long. I think, at any rate I hope, we will be able to repel all the yankees that can be brought against us. Our boys were never in better health or spirits, and have all the confidence in Johnston.
The consolidation of our Regt with the 6th Texas & 15th dismounted cavalry has been broken up, so that ours, the 10th Texas Infantry, is now alone. Recollect this in your writing. Address me as a member of Company G, 10th Regt. Texas Infantry. Grandbury is our Brigadier and Cleburne our Major General.
I heard from Cousin Joshua Harlan's family on day before yesterday. He stoped in Early County, Ga. his family is well. He is not pleased with his move though there is an abundance of provision in that section of the State. I do not know why he is not. The settlements are scattering. Perhaps that is it. He loves society. I have never heard a word from our relatives in Alabama. If I knew their whereabouts I would write to them. I do not know their post office nor the counties in which they live though I heard Jasper McKinney give the names of the latter, I have forgotten them. I you ascertain them, let me know when you write again what they are. I may be lucky enough to get a furlough. If I should, I would like very much to go to see them. My general health is excellent. I feel quite well today though I did not yesterday.
Hoping that by the mercies of God I may be permitted to see you again soon in comfort, healt and happiness at home, I remain as ever,
Your affectionate son
Isaiah Harlan
[Confederate Research Center - Hill Jr. College - Hillsboro, Texas]
Notes
Pvt. Isaiah Harlan - Age 30 upon enlistment with Co. G, 10th Texas Infantry, at Virginia Point on November 5, 1861. According to his military records, Harlan was a native of Georgia and a "Land Owner," who lived in Milam County, Texas.
Pvt. Harlan was captured at Arkansas Post, Arkansas, on January 11, 1863; arriving at Camp Douglas Prison near Chicago, Illinois, on January 29th. He was paroled from prison for exchange on April 1, 1863; then was exchanged at City Point, Virginia, six days later.
Pvt. Harlan was killed in action at Pickett's Mill, Georgia, on May 27, 1864; according to the Casualty List of Granbury's Brigade, published in the Memphis Daily Appeal (operating in Atlanta, Georgia), June 4, 1864.
The following was written by Pvt. Benjamin M. Seaton, Co. G, 10th Texas Infantry, wrote the following in his diary: "Company "G" of the 10th lost heavy - 4 kiled and 7 wouned - 2 of them mortal. Died E. W. Bruce, J. L. Clark, I. Harlan, Fredrick Espine, J. P. Daily, William Baine - a heavy blow to the company - braver boys never have bin than those jest named."
Along with the letter above, Fifty-six other of Harlan's wartime letters have survived the ravages of time, and are in the Confederate Research Center of Hill Jr. College at Hillsboro, Hill County, Texas.
Copyright 1998-2009, Scott McKay