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On the Eve of the Battle of Corinth by Dr. John C. Gill SUMMARY Dr. John C. Gill is the medical doctor for a Union regiment about to go into battle. He writes that he has "the whole charge of the regiment on my hands, which is a great responsibility at this particular period." This letter to his mother reports that the Union Army has 150,000 fighting men and 105 batteries of artillery in the field ready for action. Although Gill anticipates a great battle, he is unafraid and confident of success. He worries more of the health of his mother (whose eyesight is failing) and about his family than he does about dying on the battlefield. As a postscript, he adds that he will put the note in his trunk. In case this letter turns out to be his dying words, the trunk will be shipped back home. Gill does not die, but the Battle of Corinth does turn out to be a great battle. TRANSCRIPTION In the field 6 miles My dear Mother I suppose we are on the eve of a great battle; should the enemy make a start at Corinth it will be the hardest fought battle we have had on the continent. The report is that the enemy is very strongly fortified and heavily reinforced. We have now in the field some 150,000 fighting men and 105 batteries of artillery- We advanced some 5 or 6 miles today and march again early in the morning. I may be a little superstitious about an attack being made on Sunday yet - I have no fears of the result as that any mishap will befall me. Yet I knew, dear Mother, that a few lines from me (should the worst be my lot) would be a great relief to you. This afternoon heavy cannonading (?) was heard in the direction of Corinth. We expect to engage the Enemy tomorrow. The Sick will be left at our present camp in charge of Capt. Austin, a Captain in our regiment but a physician. At Head Quarters, they are very confident of an engagement tomorrow. All tents will be left in Camp with the exception of the Hospital tents. My health is good and I feel in good spirits in anticipation of an engagement. Still I wish the war was over and I was once more at home. I am not all homesick but feel anxious about your health and the family. I hope by this time that yourself and Charley are better; Dr. Kyle has not yet found the regiment, nor has he written. I have the whole charge of the regiment on my hands, which is a great responsibility at this particular period. My love to all. Good bye and God bless you. Your affectionate Son. John C. Gill I will put this note in my trunk. |