Letter from Crenshaw Hall near Dandridge, Tennessee, to his father, Bolling, in Alabama.
From November 1863 through the end of the Civil War, Crenshaw Hall was adjutant of the 59th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the letter he describes the Battle of Bean's Station, giving details about positions, orders, and casualties: "Genl Longstreet characterized it a skirmish; but to me, t...
| Format: | Electronic |
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Alabama Department of Archives and History
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| Online Access: | http://cdm17217.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/voices/id/4804 |
| Summary: | From November 1863 through the end of the Civil War, Crenshaw Hall was adjutant of the 59th Alabama Infantry regiment. In the letter he describes the Battle of Bean's Station, giving details about positions, orders, and casualties: "Genl Longstreet characterized it a skirmish; but to me, the Reg, and in fact Brigade, it was a battle and severe one too." He gives his low opinion of both the Union and Confederate cavalries: "The enemys [sic] artillery was visible and their long lines of cavalry showed themselves hovering on their flanks - imagining I suppose they would charge us when an advantage showed - The Rebels did not however dread their pretty lines - during the fight the remark among the boys was that they would get a fine horde out of that drove - so contemptible do they regard that branch of the service they know that branch of our own army to be so harmless to an enemy. It was not them we feared!" He also mentions conditions in camp; available food and clothing; and the recent execution of a deserter ("An example of the same kind to those who desert and go home is needed"). A transcription is included. |
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