Henry Baker 74th Indiana Infantry Civil War Letters

Detailed service
Moved to Louisville, Ky., August 22, thence to Bowling Green, Ky., and duty there until September 5. Moved to Louisville, Ky., September 5, 1862. (Companies C and K at siege of Munfordville, Ky., September 1417. Captured September 17. Exchanged November 17, and rejoined regiment at Castillian, Tenn., December 4, 1862.) Pursuit of Bragg into Kentucky October 115. Battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8. March to Gallatin, Tenn.. and duty there and at Castillian until January 1863. Operations against Morgan December 22, 1862 to January 2, 1863. Boston December 29, 1862. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., January 13, 1863, then to Murfreesboro, and duty there until June. Expedition toward Columbia March 414. Tullahoma Campaign June 23-July 7. Hoover's Gap June 2426. Tullahoma June 2930. Occupation of middle Tennessee until August 16. Passage of the Cumberland Mountains and Tennessee River and Chickamauga Campaign August 16-September 22. Battle of Chickamauga September 1921. Siege of Chattanooga, September 24-November 23. Before Chattanooga September 2226. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 2327. Orchard Knob November 2324. Missionary Ridge November 25. Pursuit to Ringgold November 2627. Demonstration on Dalton, Ga., February 2227,

1864. Tunnel Hill, Buzzard's Roost Gap, and Rocky Raced Ridge, February 2325. Atlanta Campaign May 1-September 8. Demonstrations on Rocky Faced Ridge May 811. Battle of Resaca May 1415. Advance on Dallas May 1825. Operations on Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kennesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Pine Hill June 1114. Lost Mountain June 1517. Assault on Kennesaw June 27. Ruff's Station July 4. Chattahoochie River July 517. Peachtree Creek July 1920. Siege of Atlanta July 22August 25. Utoy Creek August 57. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 2530. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy's Station September 26. Operations against Hood in northern Georgia and northern Alabama September 29-November 3. Kingston, Ga., November 8 and 10. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Siege of Savannah December 1021. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Fayetteville, N. C., March 11. Averysboro March 16. Battle of Bentonville March 1921. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 1014. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 19. Grand Review May 24.

Seventy-fourth Infantry. -- Cols., Charles W. Chapman, Myron Baker, Thomas Morgan; Lieut.-Cols., Samuel Keefer, Myron

Baker, Thomas Morgan, Charles B. Mann; Majs., Myron Baker, Thomas Morgan, Charles B. Mann, William B. Jacobs.

Eight companies of this regiment were organized at Fort Wayne in August, 1862, and were mustered in at Indianapolis Aug. 21, leaving the state at once for Louisville and proceeding thence to Bowling Green. They returned to Louisville Sept. 5, and were assigned to the 2nd brigade, 1st division, Army of the Ohio, and joined in pursuit of Bragg.

They reached Gallatin, Tenn., Nov. 10, and moved thence to Castalian Springs, where they were joined by Cos. C and K on Dec. 4, making the organization complete. These companies had been left at Indianapolis to fill up their ranks and left the state, Aug. 27, to join the regiment but were stopped at Munfordville to assist in the defense of that place. They were in a skirmish with Bragg's advance, Sept. 14, and took part in the general engagement that followed, being surrendered with the forces on the 17th, but were paroled and on Nov. 17 were exchanged.

The regiment aided in driving Morgan's forces across the Cumberland at Hartsville, and later overhauled Morgan at Salt River, the brigade driving him across the Rolling fork. The regiment was assigned to the 2nd brigade, 3d division, 14th

corps, and moved on Jan. 13, 1863, from Gallatin to Nashville, thence to Lavergne, remaining there until June 3, when it moved to Triune.

It then marched on the campaign against Tullahoma and skirmished at Hoover's gap. Moving from Tullahoma in August, it participated in the campaign against Chattanooga, crossed the Tennessee, and was in a skirmish at Dug gap. It was one of the first regiments engaged at Chickamauga and was one of the last to leave the field. Its loss was 20 killed, 129 wounded and 11 missing.

It reached Chattanooga on Sept. 22; was in action constantly during that siege and in the victorious assault at Missionary Ridge; pursued the enemy as far as Ringgold, GA, returned to Chattanooga and was transferred to the 3rd brigade, 3d division, 14th corps; moved with Sherman's army in the Atlanta campaign, and was engaged almost daily in skirmishing and in the battles at Dallas, Kennesaw, Lost Mountain, Peachtree creek and numerous minor engagements about Atlanta.

Lieut.-Col. Baker in command, was killed in front of Atlanta Aug. 5. At Jonesboro the brigade carried the works, capturing 4 pieces of artillery and over 700 men. The 74th lost 13 killed and 40 wounded in this affair, most of the latter dying

later of their wounds.

With the corps, it was in pursuit of Hood's army in October, and then joined in the march to Savannah, the regiment engaging in a skirmish with Wheeler's cavalry at Rocky Creek Church. From Savannah it passed through Georgia and the Carolinas to Raleigh, thence to Washington City.

The original strength was 942; gain by recruits, 215; total, 1,157. Loss by death, 260; desertion, 25, unaccounted for, 4.

Source: Union Army, vol 3, p. 157

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Chickamagua after battle report:

Report of Lieut. Col. Myron Baker, Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry.

HDQRS. 74TH REGT. IND. INF., 2d BRIG., 3d DIV., 14TH A. C., Chattanooga, September 25, 1863. SIR: On the night of the 18th instant the Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry, Col. Charles W. Chapman commanding, together with the brigade to which it belongs. Col. John T. Croxton commanding, marched left in front from Morgan's Ford, on the Chickamauga Creek, Walker County, Ga., along the

Chattanooga road, obliquing to the right where this road intersects with the road leading to Ringgold. The regiment was on the march all night.

At about 9 a. m. of the 19th instant the brigade, having moved up the Ringgold road about 1 mile, was halted and line of battle formed in the woods facing nearly east. The Seventy-fourth Indiana held the right of the front line, the Tenth Indiana being on its immediate left. At about 10 a. m. the line was advanced, changing direction slightly toward the right. When the line had advanced about one-half a mile in the direction above indicated, the skirmishers thrown forward in our front became engaged and in a short time were driven in by the rebel cavalry, which in turn was repulsed by a volley from the Fourth Kentucky, Tenth Indiana, and Seventy-fourth Indiana. The skirmishers again being thrown forward the men were ordered to lie down to screen themselves from shells which were being thrown into the line by a rebel battery. In a few minutes after the attack by the rebel cavalry in front, it was discovered that the enemy was attempting to turn our right, and the line was immediately changed fronting in that direction at almost right angles with the original line of battle. The Seventy-fourth Indiana executed the movement under a sharp fire from the rebels. The skirmishers in front having changed direction parallel with the line were soon drive back and the whole line became engaged with the line of the enemy. In a short time it became apparent that the right wing of the Seventy-fourth Indiana was thrown too far forward, being exposed in its new position to a terrible fire on the right flank, in consequence of which Col. Chapman ordered that flank to be thrown farther

back.

Up to this time, although exposed to a severe fire under which the loss in killed and wounded had been considerable, the regiment held its position unwaveringly and returned the enemy's fire with commendable coolness and alacrity. When the order to retire the right flank was given it was misunderstood for a command to retire the whole line, and the regiment was momentarily thrown into confusion, but immediately rallied and took position on the right of the Tenth Kentucky, where it fought unflinchingly until its 60 rounds of cartridges had been expended, when it was relieved and went to the rear for ammunition. Being replenished with 60 additional rounds of cartridges, the regiment was moved to the right along the Ringgold road about 500 yards, when it was formed again in line of battle, the Fourteenth Ohio on the right, the Fourth Kentucky in the center, and the Seventy-fourth Indiana on the left, the command of the three regiments being assigned to Col. Chapman, devolving the command of this regiment on me. This line was advanced about 2 p. m., steadily driving the enemy before it for over half a mile, when our advance was checked by the overwhelming numbers of the enemy, who concentrated a destructive artillery and infantry fire upon our single line, which was at the time wholly unsupported. Up to this time no artillery had been employed to assist us, owing to the nature of the ground and the density of the thick woods through which the battle raged. It was in this contest that Lieut. Thomas Bodley fell mortally wounded as Lieut. Richard H. Hall had fallen in the first encounter. Both of these officers died the same day, having discharged their duties faithfully and well.

It was here also that 8 other of the line officers of the regiment were wounded and the loss of enlisted men very heavy. It was at this time also that Col. Chapman was seriously injured and disabled for command by the fall of his horse, which had been killed under him. It was here that we charged the rebel lines, but being overpowered after a desperate struggle for the mastery of the ground, I ordered the regiment to fall back, and took position on a ridge about 300 yards in rear of where our advance was checked. This was the last struggle in which the Seventy-fourth Indiana was engaged on that day.

The following are the names of the officers who were wounded on the 19th instant: Col. Charles W. Chapman, Capt. Andrew S. Milice, Capt. Samson J. North, Capt. Everett F. Abbott, Capt. Joel F. Kinney, First Lieut. Ananias Davis, First Lieut. David P. Deardoff, Second Lieut. Richard H. Hall, Second Lieut. John Snider, a total of 11 out of 24 officers who went into the engagement. I have attached hereto a list with the name and rank of each officer and enlisted man killed and wounded in the engagement.*

Recapitulation of first day's engagement: On the morning of the 19th instant the regiment numbered for active field duty--

Officers.................24 Enlisted men............376 ----

Aggregate...........400

Loss during the first day:

Officers mortally wounded, since dead....................... 2 Officers wounded............................................ 9 Enlisted men killed......................................... 20 Enlisted men wounded........................................ 110 Missing..................................................... 7 ---Aggregate killed, wounded, and missing................. 148

On the morning of the 20th instant, having supplied the men under my command with 60 additional rounds of ammunition, I was ordered to relieve the Fourth Kentucky to enable that regiment to get breakfast. I executed the order, deploying Companies H and C (they having no commissioned officers present), under command of Lieut. C. C. Beane as skirmishers. Before the deployment was finished 1 man from Company C was wounded.

About 8 a. m. the Seventy-fourth Indiana, with the Tenth Indiana on its immediate right, moved to the left and joined on the Seventy-fifth Indiana, the right regiment of Reynolds' division. The skirmishers moved to the left at the same time covering our front. The Seventy-fourth Indiana occupied a low ridge of ground with an open field in front (in which were some

scattered trees) on the extreme left of the Second Brigade. On the brow of this ridge I caused the men to construct a rude breastwork of logs and rails behind which they could take shelter from the enemy's musketry, and which proved to be of very great advantage in the subsequent fight. At about 10.30 a. m. the firing, which had been very heavy to my left and along the line of Reynolds' division, struck my line of battle. I ordered the men to kneel down behind their works and hold their fire until the enemy were within 60 or 70 yards of our line. The companies of skirmishers were soon driven in, but not a shot was fired by us until the rebels who were charging on us with a yell had come within 70 yards of us, when I ordered the men to rise up and commence firing. The men mostly aimed deliberately and fought with a spirit and determination which could not well be surpassed, for the comparative security and strength of their position gave them increased confidence. The Seventy-fourth Indiana and Tenth Indiana held their position, keeping up an incessant and untiring fire, until their ammunition was nearly exhausted, when they were ordered to cease firing, fix bayonets, and await the nearer approach of the foe. Twice during this engagement the enemy was thrown into confusion and driven back from before our position. About this time the line to the right of the Tenth Indiana gave way, and the rebels made their appearance in an open field on the right flank of the Tenth Indiana. Lieut.-Col. Taylor, commanding that veteran regiment, changed his front almost perpendicularly to the rear, and the Seventy-fourth Indiana protected the original line until he had completed that movement, when I faced the regiment by the rear rank and formed line of battle on his right at an acute angle with the original line and in rear of a fence and some old log

buildings. Here the regiment fought until its ammunition was completely exhausted, and the rebels were driven back from the open field over which they were advancing.

At this time the Tenth and Seventy-fourth Indiana were separated from the rest of the brigade, which had been sent to the right to fill a breach in the line, and Lieut.-Col. Taylor, being the ranking officer, took command of both regiments. The regiment now moved through the woods toward the left, and awaited the arrival of ammunition in an open ground where Hazen's brigade was lying behind some log fortifications.

About 4 p. m. we got a supply of ammunition and occupied a position behind the breastworks, from which Hazen's brigade had been withdrawn. When the retreat commenced in the evening we were the last to leave that part of the field, and brought away with us one section of artillery, which was in rear of all the infantry, except the Tenth and Seventy-fourth Indiana. These regiments both left that part of the field in good order under a severe artillery fire from the enemy, and halted and formed line of battle facing the enemy on a hill where Gen. Steedman's division had been fighting. The Seventy-fourth and Tenth Indiana were the last organized bodies of infantry that left that ground. About 8.30 p. m. the two regiments moved from that point toward Rossville by the right flank, the Seventy-fourth Indiana in front, followed by the Tenth Indiana.

On the 20th the loss of this regiment was light, and is attributable to the fact that the men in the heat of the engagement were most of the time protected by the rude fortifications they had constructed in the morning. Adjt. George C. Smith and Capt. W. N. Rogers were the only commissioned officers injured on this day, and no enlisted man was killed.

Recapitulation of second day's engagement:

Officers wounded ............................ 2 Enlisted men wounded......................... 6 Missing...................................... 4 ----Aggregate killed, wounded, and missing...... 12 Killed, wounded, and missing, 19th instant..148 ----Aggregate loss, September 19 and 20, 1863...160

I will only add that I am fully satisfied with the behavior of both officers and men on the trying occasions of each day, and I refrain from particularizing individual instances of heroic daring and gallantry, for where all do their duty bravely and well it would be unjust and improper to make distinctions which might seem invidious and institute comparisons by which others equally deserving and meritorious might be injured.

MYRON BAKER,

Lieut. Col., Comdg. Seventy-fourth Regt. Indiana Infty.

Lieut. CHARLES V. RAY, Acting Assistant Adjutant-Gen., Second Brigade.

Source: Official Records CHAP. XIII.] THE CHICKAMAUGA CAMPAIGN. PAGE 418-50 [Series I. Vol. 30. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 50.]

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Report of Lieut. Col. Myron Baker, Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry.

HDQRS. SEVENTY-FOURTH REGT. INDIANA VOL. INFTY., Camp, Fort Negley, near Chattanooga, December 1, 1863. SIR: In accordance with orders emanating from brigade headquarters, I have the honor to submit the following statement of the part borne by the Seventy-fourth Regt. of Indiana Volunteers, under my command, in the late brilliant military operations in front of Chattanooga, Tennessee:

On the evening of Sunday, the 22d of November, I received orders, through you, from Col. Phelps, Thirty-eighth Ohio, then commanding the brigade, to have the regiment ready to march out the next day, supplied with two days' rations and 100 rounds of ammunition

to the man; and on the afternoon of Monday, the 23d, the regiment left camp and lay in reserve the balance of that day a short distance in front of Fort Negley, but about 1 a. m. of Tuesday, the 24th, we were marched farther to the left and advanced to the front line, taking position on the immediate right of Sheridan's division, of the Fourth Corps. During the day we occupied this part of the line, constructing a temporary breastwork of logs and earth.

On Wednesday, the 25th of November, having received orders to got to the left, apparently for the purpose of re-enforcing that part of the line, we marched in that direction a considerable distance, when we were faced about and countermarched toward the right until we arrived near the Chattanooga and Atlanta railroad. In the afternoon of this day we were moved forward to the front line and formed just on the right of the railroad (the division now being to the left of the Fourth Corps), facing Missionary Ridge. The Thirty-eighth Ohio Regt. was the left of the brigade, and this the left brigade of the division. The Seventy-fourth Indiana was placed in the first line next on the right from the Thirty-eight Ohio, with the Fourth Kentucky on its immediate right, and the Fourteenth Ohio in the second line behind it. I immediately deployed Companies B and G, under command of Capt. C. B. Mann, as skirmishers to cover my front.

Pending these operations considerable time had expired, and it was probably 3 p. m. when the order was communicated to me that we were

to advance over the open ground in front and assault the enemy's first line of defenses, which it was presumed he would endeavor to hold.

The command being given, the troops advanced rapidly to the front, preceded by the skirmishers, before whom the rebels, really found at this point in small force, retreated precipitately, and this first position was now ours without struggle. This line of defense was at the top of a small ridge or hill near the foot of Missionary Ridge, and the works were constructed of logs. Having won this point, the regiment was halted and ordered to lie down for the purpose of resting, the men being considerably fatigued on account of the rapidity of the advance, which had been made for over a quarter of a mile in double-quick time.

It will not, I trust, be inappropriate to state here that during this advance, most of the way across cleared ground and in full view of the enemy, the rebel batteries on Missionary Ridge played upon our lines with great rapidity, but, fortunately, doing very little damage, owing to the fact that the elevation of the hill which they fired from demanded too great a depression of the pieces to permit an effective or an accurate fire, and also that a small proportion of the shells thrown actually exploded. However, 1 man in this regiment was seriously injured from that source. This artillery firing, which proved unavailing for the purpose for which it was designed, was kept up until the Federal troops had almost reached the crest of the ridge. But to resume the statement of events in the order in which they occurred.

We had probably lain ten minutes under cover near the outer rebel works, which we had already possession of, when we were ordered forward once more on double-quick time, now to make the main attack from the front on Missionary Ridge. At the point where the Seventy-fourth Indiana ascended it this ridge has an altitude of 500 feet, and it is so steep that at some places it required all the strength one could put forth, together with what assistance might be derived from holding on to bushes and pulling one's self up by them, to make the ascent. But, notwithstanding the difficulty of approaching the rebel position, the men, inspired with an uncontrollable enthusiasm and burning with a desire to avenge their recent disaster in September last, tugged up the hill as best they might, many of them at times, from exhaustion or the abrupt rise of the ground, being compelled to drag themselves along on their hands and feet toward the summit of that mountain ridge, which seemed alive with artillery, so rapid and incessant was its use. It seemed evident that these batteries would be staunchly supported by infantry, and after having escaped so well the missiles from that arm of warfare we had every reason to anticipate a warm reception from the latter. Nearly to the top of the hill you could discern the long line of breastworks, rudely constructed of stones and logs, behind which it was likely a strong rebel force would be posted ready to receive us-a force probably deemed by their general adequate to repel any direct assault from the front. But despite the discouraging appearance of the undertaking, the hose brave spirits who had faced the

consuming fire and furious assaults of the enemy at Chickamauga were not the men to falter, however desperate the enterprise might seem, but advancing as rapidly as possible soon reached the brow of the ridge, and with fixed bayonets contributed their share to the work of driving the rebels from their rude fortifications, which were in turn used by us during a part of the ensuing fight, which on the left of the brigade, and near where Col. Phelps (Thirty-eighth Ohio) was killed, raged with a great deal of severity for nearly half an hour, when, being completely routed, the enemy fled in the wildest confusion, leaving his deal and wounded on the field.

What I have here stated in reference to the part taken by the Seventy-fourth Indiana in the fight would apply equally well to every other regiment of the brigade represented in the affair. In fact it would be presumptuous to claim that any one regiment excelled the other in its efficiency in that severe yet decisive contest, for all the regiments were there represented, all fought gallantly, and however brilliant the results of the victory might be, each is equally entitled to share the credit which is so deservedly due to all. Some artillery, a great many small-arms and prisoners were captured, besides the dead and wounded which fell into our hands. Just at dark and directly after firing had ceased, I sent Capt. Mann, with one company (G) of my command, under orders from Gen. Baird, to reconnoiter the hill to our left, which I understand is commonly known by the name of Tunnel Hill.

At the close of the engagement on the heights, when we ascended, a considerable rebel force could be seen on that hill drawn up in line of battle across the north end of it, but it seems that the enemy immediately abandoned it, for Capt. Mann returned in a short time and reported to me that the position had been evacuated. He captured on the hill 3 privates and a Maj. Webb, on the staff of the rebel Gen. Stevenson.

The regiment went into the fight with 11 commissioned officers and 237 enlisted men. All things being considered, my loss was slight, being 2 killed, 16 wounded, and none missing. The names and rank of the killed and wounded will be found in a list* hereto appended. The regiment lost in action 7 Austrian and 2 Springfield rifles, and 9 sets of accouterments. These arms and accouterments were, however, those of the killed and severely wounded. The regiment expended 8,090 cartridges in the fight.

I need not dwell on the subsequent operations with which the regiment was connected.

On the 26th and 27th, it marched as far as Ringgold in pursuit of the enemy, and on the 28th November assisted in destroying about a mile of the railroad and bridges beyond Ringgold, and on the 29th returned to camp at this place.

Such is a brief outline of the part taken by this regiment in the late

successful campaign, and then men, though poorly clad, many of them being without socks, drawers, or blankets, and wholly destitute of overcoats, thereby suffering much from the cold and exposure, nevertheless submitted without complaint to every privation and hardship, ready and willing to make any sacrifice if they could only be of some service to the Republic.

I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

MYRON BAKER, Lieut. Col., Comdg. Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry Volunteers

Capt. A. J. DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant-Gen.

Source: Official Records CHAP. XLIII.] THE CHATTANOOGA-RINGGOLD CAMPAIGN PAGE 543-55 [Series I. Vol. 31. Part II, Reports. Serial No. 55.]

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Report of Lieut. Col. Thomas Morghan, Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry, of operations January 20-March 23.

HDQRS. SEVENTY-FOURTH REGT. INDIANA VOL. INFANTRY,

Goldsborough, N. C., March 28, 1865. CAPT.: In obedience to orders received from brigade headquarters I report that during the late campaign this regiment simply participated in the movements of the brigade, and the consequently it performed no duty necessary to particularize. At the time the battle occurred in which a portion of the corps was engaged this regiment was, with the remainder of the brigade, guarding the train. During the whole of the campaign this organization was not under fire, or in line of battle. Our only loss was among the foragers detailed from the command. One commissioned officer, First Lieut. and Adjt. John H. Schutt, has been missing since the 20th instant, and it is supposed that he is captured. Sergeant-Maj. Adams was wounded and captured, but made his escape and is now a patient in the hospital in this city. Quartermaster-Sergeant Bear is missing. One corporal and 1 private were captured, 1 private was wounded, and 1 is missing.

Respectfully,

THOS. MORGAN, Lieut.-Col., Cmdg. Regt.

Capt. J. B. NEWTON, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 3d Div., 14th Army Corps.

Source: Official Records PAGE 570-98 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX. [Series I. Vol. 47. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 98.]

Henry Baker, 74th Indiana Infantry Civil War Letters

No date, from Gallatin, Tenn No date, written from Louisville** Sept 8, 1862 Sept 14, 1862* Sept 30, 1862 June 8, 1863* June 13, 1863 June 28, 1863
*Indicates I acquired the letter

Henry Baker, 74th Indiana Sept 14, 1862 Louisville Kentucky | June 8, 1863 Murfreesboro

UNION SOLDIER HENRY BAKER OF THE 74TH REGIMENT INDIANA INFANTRY, HIS LETTER TO HIS FATHER AND MOTHER. THESE LETTERS ARE DATED SEPT.14, 1862 LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY AND THE SECOND IS DATED JUNE 8, 1863 MURFREESBORO. ONE IS IN PENCIL AND THE OTHER IS TORN OFF AT THE BOTTOM. THESE ARE MY LAST CIVIL WAR LETTERS THAT I WILL BE SELLING ON EBAY. THE FIRST LETTER IS WRITTEN TO FATHER ABND MOTHER. "I WAS CORPRAL LAST NIGHT. WE LEFT AT BOWLING GREEN ON THE EVENING OF THE THIRD TO FIGHT AT GREEN RIVER BRIDGE AND WHEN WE CAME THERE THE WORD WAS TO LOUISVILLE AND FROM THE TIME WE STARTED I HAVE NOT HEARD FROM LEVI. I WROTE A LETTER THE OTHER ...(PAGE 2) DAY TO HIM BUT NO ANSWER YET. I SEEN HIM WHEN WE WAS DOWN THERE BUT WE STARTED SO SUTEN THAT THEIR WAS NO TIME TO SEE OR TALK. (LEVI IS HIS BROTHER) I DON'T KNOW WHEATHER WE WILL MEAT AGAIN BEFORE AT HOME OR IN HEAVEN.........NOT SINCE I LEFT DID I HAVE ENEY PREACHING OR ANY OTHER MEATING. I THOUGHT ALL REGIMENTS HAD A PREACHER BUT IT IS NOT SO HERE. (THE TORN LETTER) MURFREESBORO, TENN. JUNE 8 1863 "FATHER AND MOTHER......(HE IS HAVING TROUBLE HEARING AND CAN ONLY HEAR WHEN SPOKEN TO VERY LOUDLY) WE HAVE PLENTY TO EAT AND DRINK......WE ARE CAMPED IN A WARE HOUSE," THESE LETTER ARE IN VERY POOR CONDITION AND ARE THE LAST ONCE THAT I WILL BE SELLING. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR BIDS. IT IS SO VERY INTERESTING TO READ THESE CIVIL WAR LETTERS FROM HENRY BAKER.

June 13, 1863

Jun 28, 1863

YOU ARE BIDDING ON TWO CIVIL WAR LETTER WRITTEN BY UNION SOLDIER HENRY BAKER OF THE 74TH REGIMENT INDIANA INFANTRY. HIS LETTERS ARE WRITTEN TO HIS WIFE SARAH AND CHILDREN . THESE LETTERS ARE DATED JUNE 13 AND JUNE 28, 1863, AND ARE WRITTEN FROM MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE.THIS IS WHERE THE BATTLE OF STONES RIVER TOOK PLACE. THIS BATTLE IS SOMETIMES CALLED THE BATTLE OF MURFREESBORO. FROM DECEMBER 31 TO JANUARY 2, 1863 THERE WERE 23,515 CASUALTIES IN THIS BATTLE. IT WAS THE BLOODIEST BATTLE OF THE WAR BASED ON PERCENTAGE OF CASUALTIES. IT WAS CONSIDER A UNION VICTORY. THE CONFEDERATE ARMY RETREATED 36 MILES SOUTH TO TULLAHOMA. MURFREESBORO LATER BECAME A SUPPLY DEPOT FOR THE UNION ARMYS. AFTER THIS BATTLE THE UNION ARMY CONSTRUCTED A FORTRESS 2 MILES NORTH WEST OF THE TOWN. THE INTERIOR OF THE FORTRESS WAS A HUGH LOGISTICAL RESOURCE CENTER FOR THE UNION ARMY. THESE LETTERS WERE WRITTEN DURING THESE TIMES. THE JUNE 13 LETTER IS IN PENCIL AND IS NOT SIGNED AND THE JUNE 28 IS IN INK AND IS ALSO NOT SIGNED. HE TALKS ABOUT HIS HEALTH AND HIS FAITH IN GOD.