Camp Mag Hill near Chattanooga 25th May 1862

Brother William, This is Sunday morning and as I and none of the Company are allowed permission to go to Church I though I would seek myself and endeavor to sooth my wounded feelings by writing a letter to my best friend on earth. Yesterday our Company was reorganized for three years: Although I knew that some members of the company had no respect for religion I did not know that it was so with the Capt. and Lieutenants until lately. The Capt. and one of the Lieutenants are now strait out deist—believing that the bible is nothing more than human creation, and if there is such a thing as a great “I AM he has never revealed himself to man yet. I never saw a deist before I entered the army. I can’t kelp from hating their way and their company. The thought often comes to my mind that if we ever get into an engagement, would the Lord wipe us as a company from the face of the earth. Every man swears and curses except myself and another old man. It is a frequent remark among religious people when it is inquired into that they had no idea of the wickedness that now exists in our army. There is no doubt in my mind that this has been the cause of our heavy reverses—and if we don’t as a nation turn from our great wickedness we are a (?) and lost people. We have made idols out of our leaders and have given the glory of a victory to them instead of returning thanks to the most High. I have no doubt but that the South will eventually triumph but I believe we will have to pass through many fiery trials--until we see that trusting in human power is vain and, as a last resort, turning, trusting in the great and mighty God of battles. Then and not till then will the beautiful star of peace arise upon our distracted Country. It is my firm belief that the great battle of Gog and magog is to be decided in the Missippi valley before this war ends. If you will read it closely I think you will be convinced that there is a striking resemblance between the events that are now going on and the predictions of the man of God. I am growing dissatisfied of the Company I am in—and I think of getting a transfer to some Artillery Company in South Carolina or I hire a substitute and go out of the Service. I got hold of a courier (Charleston) the other day, and I see that the Marion artillery are wanting some recruits. If they are the right kind of men I would be glad to go with them. I have the right to be transferred to a Company in the state that I claim citizenship. If you have any correspondence now with any of your friends in Charleston ask them about the standing HH of the Company. I have not been well for the past two days, but I feel better now. The Yankees I learn have Batesville and will soon have all the state under their control. I can hear nothing from Corinth or Richmond. Please write at your earliest convenience and give me all the news. I have nothing more interesting. Three of our men were badly wounded the other day by the bursting of a shell whilst it was being cut. I was in five feet of them but wasn’t hurt. They are getting better. My kindest regards to all inquiring friends. Please excuse all errors as I am almost out of my head today.

Affectionately your youngest Brother, Samuel K. Carrigan

We have about 13 hundred Yankee Prisoners here now. They were captured at Corinth by General Beauregard and are on their way to be exchanged for a like number of our own men. They are the most vulgar looking set I ever saw. We have the most beautiful camp I ever saw—overlooking Chattanooga—and the beautiful Tennessee River for a distance of Three miles each way, S. K. C.