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.