This letter was written by Capt. Edward Payson Bates (1838-1916) of Co. C, 125th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). Earlier in the war he had served in Co. D, 19th OVI. The 125th OVI was stationed around Murfreesboro and Hillsboro throughout the summer of 1863 before starting the march for Chattanooga in August. They arrived there by September and saw their first major battle at Chickamauga, as part of the 3rd Brigade (Harker’s), First Division, XXI Corps, Army of the Cumberland. The regiment was engaged on both days of the battle, literally earning a good name for themselves.

A little over a year later they also distinguished themselves in the Battle of Franklin. Infuriated by the sight of the Federal troops flying to the rear, Capt. Edward P. Bates reportedly shouted, “Come on boys, we have always whipped them and always will.” The 125th was to the west of the pike and met head-on with the advancing Confederates at the Carter House. After a quick but vicious melee, the Rebs fell back to the ditch outside the main line of works. The 125th took position around the Carter buildings, both sides just yards apart and keeping up the fire until after dark, neither able to advance across the Carter garden that lay between. Despite being in the thick of the action, acting commander Capt. Bates listed the losses as 2 killed, 21 wounded, and 8 missing. He reported that the regiment saved two artillery pieces and captured two flags and 85 prisoners.

Bates was the son of Daniel Bates and Harriet Newell Hungerford (1805-1875) of Trumbull county, Ohio. He was a graduate of Hillsdale College (Michigan).

The letter was addressed to Harriet M. (Downing) Tylee, the wife of Festus G. Tylee who enlisted in Co. C, 125th OVI on 23 October 1862. Festus did not survive the war. He died of disease on 25 August 1864.

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Camp near Hillsboro, Tennessee
July 29th 1863

Mrs. Harriett Tylee

Your note of inquiry dates July 21st was received in due time to which I gladly return immediate reply.

On June 24, the 125th Regiment was ordered to march at the same time with the whole of Rosecrans Army. We had orders to leave all who were unable to endure the fatigues of marching. Mr. Tylee was some unwell and I feared would give out on a march where it would be impossible to leave him in good care if I could leave him at all so he was left with 5 others from my company at the Convalescent Camp, Murfreesboro. His letter have all come to me safe and have been preserved and sent to him at my expense. I did not hear from him for over three weeks after we left him when I received a letter from a comrade of his in hospital stating that Mr. Tylee had been quite sick with typhoid fever but was now recovering fast and that he wanted his Descriptive List, which is a statement such as all inmates of a hospital require in order to raw pay or clothing while in hospital and absent from the company.

I sent him his Descriptive List and his letters soon after I received your letter. If you would address him unless he has moved very lately, you will direct Festus G. Tylee, General Field Hospital, Ward F, Murfreesboro, Tenn. Do not put on the name, letter or number of his company or regiment. I think it very fortunate for him that he was left as it would have been impossible to have given him any care at all.

I congratulate you for the honor you may proudly feel and justly appreciate in having in having such a kind-hearted, faithful and patriotic soldier for a husband. We miss him in the company and hope that he will soon return to us and then too we hope the war will soon end when we can all return to our friends. Do not despair but write encouragingly to your husband and feel assured that all shall be done for him that is in our power to do. Yours respectfully, — E. P. Bales, Capt., Co. C, 125th OVI

To Mrs. Harriet Tylee