2015.002.160
Letter written by Confederate Private James A. Harrison of the 4th Regiment, 2nd Brigade, GA Militia, from Sanders Town, GA. Harrison is writing to “Miss R,” and begins by updating her on the state of her brother Thomas [possibly Thomas W. Cochran, Franklin County, GA, Company F, 37th, GA Infantry]. Harrison also mentions D.C. Cochran’s wounding, as well as Captain William T. Cochran’s current safety. Harrison comments on recent heavy skirmishing, and reports how many men have died or been wounded during the Atlanta fighting. He mentions that General Nathan Bedford Forrest is receiving reinforcements from North Alabama, and how Johnston’s forces are still falling back. Harrison is fatigued, but hopeful that there will be good news in a few days if Forrest can get a sufficient force.
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Sanders Town Ga June 26th 1864
Miss R
Thinking you would like to hear from Your Bro, Thomas I have concluded to drop You a line I saw him last friday morning & found him doing well much better than I anticipated when I last saw him previous I think he will be able to with care to go home in two or three weeks I advised Him not to go until He would be perfectly safe in doing so I learn since I left home that DC Cochran is wounded on the head slight I have not seen him nor can I find out where he is Capt W J Cochran was safe up to Thursday last I haven’t heard from him since. Heavy skirmishing is going on daily and a great many of our men are being killed & wounded I can hear the din roar of cannon distinctly at this time. We lost one thousand men last Wednesday in killed & wounded in attempting to storm the works of the enemy, our Command is at this Place having marched fifteen miles Yesterday without the assistance of single wagon We had to pack everything
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that we had on our backs and and toddle the weather being so oppressive and the Country so very hilly it came near wearing me out I feel very much fatigued indeed I have no idea how long we will remain at this place as we are not permitted to remain at a place long I have no idea when or where or how this contest will end or when I shall returen I think the fight will take place between the present time & the 4th of July. I learned this morning that Genl Forrest is in the rear of the enemy & receiving reinforcements from North Alabama which I am certain is reliable If this be the case and he can get a sufficient force You may expect to hear good news in a few days Johnsons force are still falling back both on the right & left wings We were ordered here for the purpose of strengthening his left if necessity required it If you will do me the honor to reply to this scrawl you will direct Your letter thus
Private James A Harrison
4th Regmt 2nd Brigade G.M,
Atlanta Ga
You will please give my respects to all enquiring friends & receive my best wishes for Your pleasant & future happiness
Jim
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