Fulton-Troup-Newton County GaArchives News.....Remarkable Letter is Found From Mrs. W.A.Candler's Uncle, Describing Civil War Battles January 23, 1916
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Dee Bradley dee.bradley@gmail.com December 7, 2006, 3:08 pm

Atlanta Journal Constitution January 23, 1916
In looking over some old papers a few days ago Mrs. Warren A. Candler, wife of 
Bishop Candler, came across an interesting letter written by her uncle, the 
late Captain W. S. Evans to her mother, Mrs. J.?.Cutright of LaGrange.
Captain Evans was a brother of Mrs. Cutright and lived in LaGrange at the time 
he enlisted in the Confederate service.  Mrs. Cutright’s husband, Mrs. 
Candler’s father, was killed in battle at Perryville, Ky. October 8, 1862 
about a year before this letter was written. 
	The letter was written in camp - - - a Lieutenant from near 
Hagerstown, Md, October 9, 1863
	Captain Banks was the father of Mrs. Charles Banks of Atlanta and Mrs. 
Tom Kendall of Covington.
	After Lieutenant Banks wrote this letter he lost a leg in battle in 
Maryland after achieving his captaincy.  He returned to his old home in 
LaGrange after the war where he lived for years as an honored and respected 
citizen of that community removing later to Atlanta where he died a year or so 
ago.
The war letter follows
The Letter From the Front
Camp Near Hagerstown, Md
October 9th, 1863

My Dear Sister
	I wrote a short and hurried letter to ma yesterday.  I had not time or 
feeling to write more.  I commenced this not knowing but what I will be called 
to march in an hour and not knowing when I will get a chance to send it off.   
I am now about eight miles from Williamsport which is on the Potomac.  We came 
direct from Gettysburg, Pa where the battle was.  All of General Lee’s army is 
near here.  .  The Potomac is much swollen from late rains but I don’t think 
it is General Lee’s desire or intention to re-cross until he again meets the 
enemy.  There are tho bands of wagons between here and the river we will have 
to defend.  The battlefield of Sharpsburg is only about fifteen miles from 
here.
	Sister it would be almost impossible for me to give you a full account 
of our movements since I last wrote you.  I wrote to some of you from ---.  
After leaving that place we were heading in the direction of Harrisburg-----. 
All of us thought we were going to that place when we suddenly turned off in 
the direction of Baltimore.  All were in fine spirits at the prospects of 
going to Baltimore.  I thought I would take dinner with Mrs. Coulter but we 
marched in the direction of the long to be remembered Gettysburg.  Soon the 
wagons were all sent to the rear and the troops were hurried forward.  We 
could distinctly hear the roar of cannon in front.  We had marched very hard 
and the boys were all very much worn—but the roar of artillery seemed to give 
them strength.  Soon we came in sight of the Yankee pickets ? skirmishes.  We 
made no stop but soon threw the skirmishers in.  The town of Gettysburg was 
now in full view about one mile distant.  Gettysburg is a beautiful town about 
twice as large as LaGrange.
	We halted and rested about one hour out so short a time was not 
sufficient to rest our boys for they had marched very hard.  Yet we were 
ordered to go forward.  We did so amidst the roar of artillery and the rain of 
shot and shell.  The Yankees were in large numbers and fought more stubbornly 
than I ever saw them or ever want to see them again.  Several times we were 
not more than fifty yards apart. Twice the Yankees fixed bayonets and thought 
they were going to meet us hand to hand but our boys raised a shout and 
rushing forward pushed them back fighting us all the time.  We soon drove them 
in the town and pushing forward drove them out on the other side where they 
had a very strong position.  Night being close at hand we halted to rest and 
slept in the town.
	Two Days’ Desperate Fighting
	The following two days was the most desperate fighting I ever saw.  
The Yankees were on a hill and our troops charged them time and again.  First, 
we drove them two miles. There was great slaughter on both sides but from what 
we can learn the enemy’s loses were much greater than ours.  We fell back to 
this place and, the Yankees’, it is said fell back in the direction of 
Washington City.  I don’t know where they are now but from every indication 
they are close at hand and there is great probability of another big battle.
	God grant we may be successful and I may be spared to return in peace 
and safety to my dear friends at home.  Sister, pray for me that I may be a 
true and good man.
	Colonel Winn and Joe Law were both killed in the first charge we 
made.  Both were killed instantly.  If you can, console Joe’s mother.  He was 
a brave young man and died at his post gallantly fighting for those he loved.  
I am very sorry indeed that Colonel Winn was killed he was a good friend to me 
and I will miss him very much.  He was several yards in front of the regiment 
when he fell. When we got to him he was dead.  He did not speak a word after 
he fell.  Though the bullets were falling thick and fast I wanted to remain 
with him yet duty called me forward and forward we went.  I am truly thankful 
that I have been spared thus far.
	Sister the chances in a battle are alone with God, but whether I be 
spared or not I try to feel as well as say Thy will O God be done.  And should 
it be His will that I should fall why not me dear sister as well as others.  
What am I that He should be mindful of me.  That which I desire most is that I 
may be prepared when called.  Pray for me that I may be prepared.
	You have heard I reckon all the particulars of Charles Morgan’s 
death.  He had crossed the river when the Yankees made an attack on our wagons 
at Williamsport.  We had but few troops there at the time so all the soldiers 
present were ordered out to defend the wagons.  Charles went.  The Yankees 
seeing them commenced to shell them.  A piece of shell struck Charles in the 
right side knocking his watch through him and tearing his bowels out.  He was 
killed instantly.  Charles will be missed very much for he was beloved by the 
entire regiment.  He was a noble young man and to me a brother.  May I meet 
him in Heaven.  Jack Taz and Dan Speer were there and attended the burial.  
This report I got from men of the regiment who were there. I expect Guy has 
written home before this time and given all the particulars.
	William Armstrong who was sent back sick came up again last night.  He 
had been staying at Jordan Springs with Button and Ben.  He says that just 
before our troops passed through that county the surgeons had given Ben up and 
thought he would die in a few days but Armstrong says since that time he has 
been slowly improving and thinks he will be able to go home in a few weeks.  
They say Ben is a perfect shadow poor fellow and there is no telling what he 
has suffered.  I - - hope he may live to get home.
	There is a report from LaGrange that Tom Cutright is nearly home.  Is 
that true?
	Hogan and Gibson were wounded very much alike.  Both were struck in 
the side but the bullet did not go straight in but glanced out.  Both have 
painful wounds.  Both were necessarily left behind.  Wiley Rowland had the 
small bone broken in one arm.  Three or four others were very slightly 
wounded.  I have just received the letter brought by Charles Morgan.   I was 
very glad to hear from home and to hear that you all were getting on well 
though I fear you suffer more than you tell.  May I soon be at home with you.
	Tell Church Alford I am obliged to him for writing to me and hope he 
will do so again soon- not wait for me to right for I know not when I will 
have an opportunity.  I wish I had time to write more.
	Give my love to all.  Kiss the little ones for me.  Tell Scott and 
Tobe, our faithful servants I will never forget them.  Write often to your 
affectionate brother….
W.S. EVANS


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