Letter from Rev. George Parks Faw (1824 NC - 1901 TN, son of Jonathan
and Sarah Parks Faw) to his wife, Laura Dickson Faw & children in Boones
Creek, TN.
Dear Wife & Children,
This is Sabbath morning, a beautiful Spring morning
that calls forth thankfulness, and hope from those who love and trust in
the Great, "I AM". Spring seems to be fully opened in this Latitude.
The green Mantle of summer is being thrown out over the sturdy oak forest
while the undergrowth of the woods is green with tender leaves smiling
as it were in the warm rays of the sun. But alas! in the Distance
we hear the hoarse voice of the open throated cannon belching forth a storm
of Iron hail and sulphur which probably is indiscriminately Slaying the
noblest part of Gods creation. For a battle is raging, a great Battle
some twenty miles off, we can only hear the heavy guns. Skirmishing
commenced yesterday among the Pickets. It is reported that the fight
partialy commenced on yesterday our forces sent to Corinth some thirty
odd prisioners. One Major, one Captain and the others were Privates.
We were ordered from Iuka to this place a distance of 8 miles on last Thursday
evening and reached here in the next day about noon. The Forces that
were here have all been ordered to below. We have a very strong force
to meet the Enemy with, though, they may have a much larger one to resist
with. I do hope and believe that we can repel the invader from our
soil. We have orders to have two days rations cooked and to hold
ourselves in readiness to move at an hours or moments Notice. I think
it is very likely that we may get into the fight, if so the Lords will
be done, if it is his will I will come out safe if not I will fall, I will
tell you however that our regiment was ordered to this place to guard it.
Col. Newman's Regiment was left at Iuka for the same purpose, and it is
possible that we will not be ordered out, but are holding ourselves in
readyness. Captain Roddie has been appointed Provost Marshal for
Burnsville, and he has selected Lt. J.N. Martin as his Clerk, who is in
the Discharge of his duties in that capacity now. The health of the
regiment is better than it has been for some time since I wrote to you
several of the boys have come in to Wit A.H. Yeager, M.S. Shipley, L.F.
Branch, Samuel D. More and Wm Evans of Col. and on last night Jacob Cretsinger
come in. There are several behind who now are absent without Leave.
I want them to if they are sick to get the surgeons certificate in order
to make things right with them hereafter. Laura I am well and hope
that you are all well. I am truly sorry to hear that Pa is so sorely
afflicted in his face. I hope he is better by this time. I
have great hopes that the war will cease soon and that I will be spared
to meet you all around my own hearth stone there to enjoy each others society
and the Liberties that are costing so dear, without fear or molestation.
Tell Mrs. Devault that Martin is well. Give my Respects to all my
friend. I will write to you soon again.