The correspondence letter written on November 24 of 1864 by James Fowler Rusling (1834-1918) was sent to Captain Fletcher E. Marsh in the “F” Co. Michigan’s 19th Infantry, detailing the split rebel forces (numbering sixty) under General Hood as they crossed the Harpeth River during the Civil War in Beech Grove (Tennessee). Rusling wrote of mounted rebel men taking Dr. John S. Dixon from his home to help them find their way to the Harpeth River and releasing him afterwards. Captain Rusling described the rebel collection of canoes and skiffs so the men could cross the Harpeth River. Lastly, Rusling requested advice on how to proceed with the rebels from Captain Marsh.