Letter from Henry Semple in Tullahoma, Tennessee, to his wife, Emily.
During the Civil War, Semple served as a captain of an artillery battery organized in Montgomery (known as Semple's Battery). He was later appointed a major and transferred to Mobile. In the letter he describes a recent battle and his mindset during the fight: "I notice what you say of the...
| Format: | Electronic |
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| Published: |
Alabama Department of Archives and History
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| Online Access: | http://cdm17217.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/voices/id/4019 |
| Summary: | During the Civil War, Semple served as a captain of an artillery battery organized in Montgomery (known as Semple's Battery). He was later appointed a major and transferred to Mobile. In the letter he describes a recent battle and his mindset during the fight: "I notice what you say of the horrors of the carnage of the battle field. - Will you believe it no such idea occurred to me during the whole fight - In the roar of cannon and the constant rattles of musketry I never thought once of the number of brave men killed & wounded." He also notes the unique perspective of an artillery unit in action: "Such are the scenes we witness, not moving on the field as infantry does, we see little of the...particular consequences of the battle & only general results." He then mentions the weather and activities in camp ("my men go out daily with great coats on & hands in pockets"). A transcription is included. |
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