Letters from Robert Allen, Company A 13th Ohio

rice of invading free soil, and perhaps it did, at the loath to enter Maryland and Penn for fear that it would prove dissatrous. Jeff made him go, but Jeff was soon heard crying for Lee's return. I think Gen. Meade did not do his duty, or Lee would never have recrossed the Potomac. I think Hooker is the man for the Army of the Potomac. Meade did nothing more in gaining the victory than carry out Hooker's plans; and it is said that as soon as Meade relied on his own judgement, he utterly failed. Hooker is the man for the eastern army. Freemont would be the best, but Government wont give him a chance.

How our part our fighting is virtually over. I do not think that we will have any more hard fighting to do. Well, I, for one, should be content, if it should prove so, as I think we have done our share of fighting.

We are about to be paid. I will send you twenty-five dollars, if I get a chance.

Send me the "Flag of Our Union", a good weekly paper. Read it at home, and then send it. Take the New York Tribune for yourselves.

Yours,

R. Allen

[P.S. Direct to Murfreesboro.]

Camp Near Mur freesboro freesboro, May 1863

Dear Mother: Today finds me at the regiment, on Stone river, about six miles from Murfreesboro.

This is a nice camp. The camp is clean, and in a good place for driness and other comforts. Stone river runs by the rear of the regiment, and it affords us a good place for bathing. Upon the whole, I like this place well, and I consider the fortifications pretty good, but not as good as those around Murfreesboro.

I don't know when we will have the next battle, but it is rumored that Rosecrans will

soon advance, in which case I think there will be a great battle, as Bragg, having a force superior to ours, will make a stand. If the rebels attack us here, I have no doubt they will suffer a g- heavy repulse. I hope they will attack us, for then we would not have to march to meet them, and besides we would achieve a great victory having this strong hold to make up the difference of the forces.

This afternoon at 6 o'clock there will be a deserter of Co. G of this regiment drummed out of service. He is to have his head shaved, and the letter D branded upon some part of his form. What a wretch will he be hereafter by, if he

has not wholly lost the sense of honor! I would rather be shot. Some men hold life dearer than honor; such would rather live in disgrace, than lose their worthless lives.

My old knapsack (the one I thought was lost) has been taken care of by the Colonel's hostler, and it is now in my possession. Having brought a knapsack from Camp Dennison, and my old one being received, I have two, and both were well filled; so, you see, I had a good a lot of clothes. I disposed of some of them, giving a pair of pants to one of the boys, (who will draw me a pair when I need them,) and selling a shirt for a small price, etc.

Direct to Camp Near Murfeesboro, Tenn., giving the company

letter, and the nimber of the regiment.

Robert Allen