Georgia: Chattooga County: Civil War Letters, Letter from Milledge Richardson Dorsett to his brother, John Richardson Dorsett ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store this file permanently for free access. This file was contributed by: Linda Harris Weefuddled@aol.com ==================================================================== Camp Near Zolbicoffer Sullivan County, Tenn. Apr 14th 1863 John R. Dorsett, Dear Brother, after a long delay I embrace the present opportunity of writing you a few lines to inform of my health. I am well at present and hope this may find you and family in the enjoyment of the same great blessing. Dear brother I have nothing very interesting to write to you, but as it has been so long since I heard from you I thought that I would drop a few lines to let you know that I haven't forgotten you and that I desire to be remembered by you. we are camped near the River Road bridge across the Holston River the bridge that was burnt by the Yanks last Dec. the bridge has been rebuilt and we are stationed here to guard it. Report says that the enemy is trying to get here to burn it again and we have a pretty strong force here waiting for their approach. If they come I reckon we will have a fight. We heard yesterday that Longstreet with his command were on the road to Tullahomy to reenforce Bagg. The report is that they are fighting there and we heard that they were fighting at Charleston too in S.C. I hope that if the reports are true that our armies may prove victorious over the invaders of our soil and drive them from it and force them to let us alone and acknowledge our independence. We have had fine weather during the last 2 weeks, but now we have indications of rain. Vegetation is very backward here the forest trees look like winter yet, Wheat and meadows are beginning to start and looks pretty well. We were ordered from London Tenn. to Ashville N.C. and started there 31st of March and were 75 to 80 miles on the way there and the order was countermanded and we were turned and sent to this place. We are within a few miles of Bristol on the Va. line. I have no idea how long we will remain here. I hope not long, as forage for our horses is so scarce. Generally speaking our horses look bad. The major part of their living is shelled corn and none too much of that. John I want you to let me know if you have heard from Brother Joseph and Richard lately and how you are all getting along etc. Be sure to write to me and give me all the news. I have not heard from home in some time. I hope that all is well with you there. the health of our boys is tolerable good at present. One of our men died the 5th . He was taken on saturday evening and died next day from congestion of the bowels. his name is Tho. Abrams. Let me know how Father's affairs are arranged and how they are getting along and all about it. I have never heard how matters are arranged since his death. I want you to go down occasionally and see how my family is getting on and assist and council them for the best. Perhaps your advice will aid them in getting along and I will be thereby accommodated and gratified. John, I want you to see thos. Barker and collect 13 dollars from him for me. He owes me that and I have no note or showing in writing for it. I believe that I have written all that I have that will interest you. Write to me soon. no more at present, but remains you affectionate brother till death. M. R. Dorset The above letter was written by Milledge Richardson Dorsett to his brother, John Richardson Dorsett, sons of Elijah and Anna [Richardson] Dorsett. Milledge R. Dorsett served with the Georgia's Company E, 6th Cavalry Richard Dorsett served with the Inf. Company E, 14th Battalion [State Guards], then Georgia's Company B, 3td Res. Edmond L. Dorsett, another brother, served in Georgia's Company K, 34th Regiment of the Infantry. Edmund was wounded at Cold Harbor, VA. on June 27, 1862 and died of those wounds in Richmond Va. Before the war ended, John Richardson served with the Georgia State Guard, Company E, 14th Inf. Battalion and Georgia's Company B, 3td Regiment. No information regarding brother, Joseph.