Tullahoma Tenn. Nov. 12th 1862

Cousin Hattie,

I received a letter from you while at Harrodsburg Ky. About 7th Oct. I answered immediately forwarded the letter to Knoxville to mail as our mail facilities in Ky were very poor. When I last wrote you I did not know where to tell you to direct your next letter—I gave you a very indefinite address. Learning you did not receive my letter and if so were you to write me and direct the letter as I requested I would perhaps never get it, this is my apology for writing again before receiving a letter from you. The field of operations in the West has materially changed since I last wrote. We (were there) in the northern part of Ky. With the prospect as in thought of maintaining our position there during the winter enabling us to draw supplies of forage and clothing from a State rich in such stores, from the land of plenty—of milk and honey. But a sad disappointment is all that we realized. The battle of Perryville was fought--a few days after I wrote you last—our Brigade was not directly engaged we were held in reserve and were not ordered into normal action. Since we had fought the Battle of Richmond Ky. Gen Bragg said we should not be engaged until all other troops in his command had been. We were not ordered up we were about 400 yds. to the war. Where we could witness one of the most terrific and bloody conflicts in modern times—the particulars of which you are familiar with from the news of the press. We commenced a backward movement from Harrodsburg—about the 12th of Oct. and arrived at Perryville about the 24th the intervening time I endured more hardships and privations than ever in my life before, for 12 days we lived on less than half rations—marched every day and carried our baggage over Cumberland Mts. And across the hills of rock in E. Tenn and Eastern Ky. Yet I am truly thankful to the Giver of all good when I remember that I left Knoxville Aug 13th marched near 1600 miles on foot—a good part of the way—hills and mts. Was in our second (?) engagement and at the very threshold of another that we during the time had no covering but the Sky—for we had neither tents or tent-flies during the trip—I say I am truly grateful when I remember these things to know I was permitted to return in health and safety to the State of my nativity—though as yet—not to the home of my boyhood—for sad to tell you the enemy has full and undisputed sway there—I heard from them last night—rip to (E S Nov?)—Father and family were well but the Yankees are laying the Country in waste and ruin carrying off all the negro men valuable horses and mules clothing blankets &c. The people are daily in dread of still greater outrages as yet you have to felt the harmful effects of war, and my prayer is you may never.

To my part of the Country and my home the future looks gloomy indeed. We may be reduced to almost poverty—Yet I am sure of those who believe that to every cloud there is a silver lining that the dark clouds which hover over our horizon today may give place to sunshine and hope tomorrow. Many say I am too sanguine too hopefull. Yet I am happier by being thus constituted. And in the connection I will take occasion to say that in my humble opinion the history of this war is written I think the main part of the fighting is over. The recent elections in the Northern States evidently show that a great political revolution is going on. Shows that the voices of the people have written a verdict against the lawless dictation of Abraham Lincoln. And when these Representatives fresh from the people meet in the Legislative halls of the northern Government will shake to its very center the savage policy of the Abolition dynast at Washington. A little more I believe that the Democracy of the North will hold out the olive branch of peace to the people of the South, and soon terms will be agreed upon to bring this cruel and fratricidal war to an end. Like Mr. Brooks Congressman-elect from New York the time for brother to cease imbroiling his hands in his brother’s blood has arrived. In consideration of all the facts before me I think we will perhaps have peace by Spring.

What has become of Cousin Annie? I have written to her but received no answer is she dead or married. I should like very much to receive a letter from her for she writes very interesting letters.

Well I will tell you where we are as Tullahoma is not noted for anything in history—It is a small RR village sixty miles nearly South of Nashville on the Nashville and Chattanooga RR. Our advance forces occupy Murfeesboro 30 miles this side of Nashville. We are getting up all the Conscripts in this part of the Country and getting out a large amount of provisions.

We have been here two days since. Think we will remain here for some time—I however think we will not remain a great while but I have no idea were we will go to. I think the Campaign for this unit is virtuallyended except on the Coast and Rivers. When they can bring to bear their Gen. back. Be that as it may I will hope for the best and be resigned to whatever fate awaits me, I must close. My best love to Cousin Sallie, I have heard her spoken of so highly. I would like very much to greet her. My best wishes for your Ma and little brother—may care and sorrow bear lightly upon them. And for yourself accept the wish that the disappointments and sorrows fo today may be followed by a future full of happiness. Please write soon

Your affect cousin, W. J. Crook