Magie, James K. to Mary Magie

James K. Magie to Mary Magie
New Haven, Kentucky, 1 January 1863.
Autograph letter signed, 4 pages.

Jan.1/63
Head quarters 75th Regt Ill Vol.
Camp at New Haven, Jan.1, 1863.
My Dear Wife-
I am safe and sound as ever. You have undoubtedly heard of our engagements with the rebels, and of course will be anxious to learn some particulars. I scarcely know where to begin, or how to tell you of the scenes, the strife, and the excitements which we have passed through in the last five days. On Friday last I made a trip to Cos. I and K., and although we had some intimation that Morgan was marching up that Railroad with 10,000 men, I then learned it to a certainty, and also learned that he would probably reach where Co I was about Saturday or Sunday. The 91st Regt was farther down the road and would have to be fought before they could reach Cos I and K. On Sunday we learned that five companies of the 91st had been taken prisoners and paroled. About [struck: for 2] four o'clock Sunday afternoon we heard a tremendous cannonading over on the Nashville Railroad and we thought it might be that an attack on Cos. I and K. but some men acquainted with the country concluded it was about four miles south of them. Monday came and we heard no news, but about 1 or 2 o'clock we again heard the booming of cannons about 10 miles dis [2] tant, and we concluded that it must be an attack on Beech Fork, but people better acquainted with the country said it was about a mile south of the rouge of Beech Fork. No trains came in that day, and night was approaching, and we had heard no news respecting our companies up the Railroad. We did not know but they were cut all to pieces, the rebels having cannon, and our boys only with their guns. You can imagine our suspense and excitement, of course expecting every moment to see the rebels marching on us. We worked all day strengthening our fortifications, digging rifle pits, etc. About 5 o'clock, or just at sun down, a man came galloping into camp with the news that the rebels were marching on us and were only about a mile off. I was eating supper when the rebels on horseback made their appearance on a side hill about three quarters of a mile distant. We knew then we had to fight, and we agreed to fight. Dr. Jordan, who had sprained his ancle [sic], and was over to the hotel where he boards, was sent for and brought over in an ambulance, so as to be with us to look after the wounded. By 7 o'clock we heard that the rebels were on all sides of us, and had their pickets stationed in the town. Dr. Jordan said he felt more uneasy about his horse than he did about himself. He values him much, and he said he would rather shoot him than to let the rebels [3] have him. There were five valuable horses in the stable adjoining the stockade, belonging to the Colonel, Lt. Colonel, Adjutant, Chaplain and Dr. Jordan, and if they were not killed by the canon balls it was thought the rebels would capture them and take them if they should overpower us. They began to talk about the possibility of getting them out into the mountains or bush, but who would undertake the hazardous business. I then volunteered to lead the way and get them out. I soon gathered up a citizens suit, and took off my soldier's clothes, and was soon rigged out in beautiful secesh style. I then had the countersign given me and I boldly pushed forward, passed our picket lines, and went over into town and made my way to the house of Dr. Elliott, a good Union man, and talked with him about the best direction to take to get out into the timber or brush. I got what information I could, and then made my way back. I was only gone about an hour. The Colonel and other officers were surprised to see me come back, as while I was gone a contraband came to our lines and told our boys just where a number of the secesh where [sic], and that we were entirely surrendered. I told them that I was wiling to make the attempt, and would get their horses out if they [inserted: (the rebels)] killed me for it I went and got Karrche Clintock to take three of the horses, and it was some time before we could find another man who was willing to take the other two. At length Harmon Hond of Poutoosne volunteered, and his companions gathered around him and [4] begged him not to go, as it was ampossible [sic] to get through and he would be shot off his horse. I started out in advance, and would go out some 8 or 10 rods and would then signal them to come up. About half a mile or perhaps a mile from our camp I came upon the rebel pickets. They fired a pistol shot at me, and I got back to the boys [struck: ab] who where [sic] about eight rods in my rear, and ordered them to turn about. I was about 10 rods from the pickets when they fired. I took the lead of the boys who were on horseback, and I took it on foot all the time. After retreating about 20 rods I passed through a fence which was down, and so on through the lot and was soon at the base of a mountain, which was a mile to the top. I picked the road and managed to get out in the mountains about two miles where we stayed all night. (I find I must be brief as a courier is about to start with letters). The next morning the rebels opened fire upon the stockade. I was unable to get back to take part in the fight. The fight lasted one hour. Our boys sent their bullets whizzing a mile, and made the rebels run. We are told we killed two or three and wounded several. The rebels started off on the skedaddle. -None of our boys were hurt. The rebels on their retreat passed within a quarter of a mile of our hiding place. I captured their guide on his return and brought him into camp. Companies B and C are said to be captured. We are not yet out of the woods and may be attacked again. I will write again as soon as I can. I have much to tell you as I have had a good deal of experience acting as a scout
Your own James-