Hd. Qrs. 2d Div. 23d A. C.

Loudon Tenn. Sept. 23 1863

Dear Mother

There is an opportunity for me to send a letter to Knoxville so although there is nothing of importance to write I send a few lines to let you know of my continued good health. Rosecrans & Grant are having a terrible battle with Longstreet, Ewell & Bragg near Chattanooga. We have take 12,000 prisoners & 10 Batteries Chatanooga is filled with our & the enemies wounded. The battle is not yet through. You will hear all the particulars by telegraph long before this reaches you.

We were woke up this A. M. but 2 & 3 o’c by a man reporting the reb. cav. about 4000 strong crossing the river some 6 miles above here. Genl. White sent me out with six of the escort to learn the truth of the report & get what information I could. It proved to be a scare.

Our regt. is now at Charlestown. They had a brush with the rebs. there.

We move shortly down that way.

No letters yet from home & no papers

I think of you all much & wish that I might see you.

Does it not look as though this cruel war was most over? Let Rose whip them & the matter is about settled.

With much love I remain

Your Son

Watson