Franklin County: Bob Taggart to Captain John
Taggart, September 26, 1863
Summary:
Taggart expresses concern about a recent Union defeat and laments the dismissal
of an army chaplain.
Captain John Taggart, 9th Penn. Reserve Infantry
September 26th 1863
Camp near Culpeper Va
Dear John
Yours of the 22d & 23d were duly received one yesterday and one today. I will not promise you a long letter in return as there is nothing going on here worth writing about.
Yesterday's papers brought us news of Rosecrans defeat. I was beginning to hope that our Army in the South west would be successful, but now the worst is known, and we must make up our minds to make the best of what I take to be a pretty severe flogging. Still I do not despair of something turning up that may [unclear: find ] to [unclear: nulligate ] the disaster.
I think it was Lieutenant Walkenshan, formerly of the
9th and not Captain
Ballentine that received the appointment of Major on McDowel's staff in [unclear:
Kansas
]. Captain
Ballentine is now with the Regiment, and knows nothing of
said promotion falling to [unclear:
his
]
[unclear:
lot
]. I heard that Lieutenant
Walkenshan had received such an appointment.
[page 2]
If Lieutenant Hawkins only leaves Pittsburgh today, he intends making the most of his leave of absence. It was only for ten days in the first place, and it will be two weeks tomorrow, since he left Camp.
Our Chaplain Reverend McFarland left us today. He was mustered out of the service, because of the letters he wrote to the "Presbyterian." We are sorry to part with him, as he was a very consistent and conscientious man, but the powers that be ordained that he should leave. He will go to Washington and Philadelphia and probably in the course of a week or two will be in Pittsburgh. He has promised call up at the house. I sent [illeg.] home a "package of old letters" which I wish you to put away. I also sent that "locket" for fear it might get lost in our marching around. The "[unclear: mark ]" accompanying it is one Sergeant [unclear: Lively ] found and gave to me. I would like to be able to assist [deleted: ] [illeg.] finding [unclear: up ] [unclear: Preacher ] etc. but can't make a commitment just now. My love to all the folks
Your Affectionate Brother
Bob
