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Missionary Ridge, Nov 9th 1863
Dear Et,
Yours of the 6th was rec'd on the 7th. Mine to you was sent by Capt. Barth who
went down to Atlanta on 6 days leave of absence. His family is now domiciled there with
his brother in law. He will return through Marietta on tomorrow or next day. Dr.
Kinchloe leaves today too, on 6 days leave. He goes to Columbus, GA to see his family
before they return to North Miss, which they expect to do in a few days. He takes this
letter & promises to stop over one train as he returns, to see Willie Murray, I told Capt.
Barth to get my things out of my trunk in Atlanta, provided you hadn't sent for it. I want
my overcoat as much as any other thing. Be sure to send it by first chance.
I send you a hundred dollars which I hope will enable you to get home with Capt.
Foster. Mr. Hamilton has been here for a day or two and talks of returning this week, but
it seems to me that his movements are very uncertain. He proposes to accompany you if
he can be of any service. I think tho that Foster will be more useful as a traveler, if he
only gets off in time.
Write to me as soon as you get this. I will be anxious to hear that you have rec'd
the money these times of theft & robbery.
Like yourself, I do not like a place "over the lake: on account of health, but if Dr.
Scott could rent a place anywhere in the county for the hands to work, and get you
houseroom in town, it would suit me. I have written to him to let me know what
available funds I will have of any with which to purchase a place. I do not suppose
there will be much on hand after paying taxes & other expenses.
I have a bottle of brandy which Cyrus Johnson's father brought out of Memphis &
gave me, which I wish you had for The. Dr. Kinchloe thinks a small toddy frequently
during the day would benefit him. He also feels confident that the prescription of iron &
vinegar, which [he] gave you, will cure him. I hope you will give it a fair trial.
I will endeavor to buy Alice's Thomas whenever his master will sell him. Or
exchange some other one for him. I will not separate them if it can be avoided. I shall
have to have another boy with me. I find that our mess will have to rely upon Peyton as a
permanent cook: and I must have a boy to wait on me. But I will write more particularly
on that subject when you get home.
Kiss the dear boys Willie, The & Pat for me. How I want to see them! They must
learn their lessons well and show Aunt Mollie when they get home that they have not
been idle in the army. I hope you have put shoes on all of them during this cold snap. A
bushel of kisses for yourself from
Your
Patton
Transcribed by Christopher A. Baker, University of Florida, 2008.
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