Franklin, Tenn.
Oct. 1st, l864
Dear Beloved Wife
I am seated with pen in hand to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well and hope this letter may reach you the same. I will now tell you that I rec'd. your letter of the 2nd ult. this morning and was very glad to hear that you were well and answered it the same day.
Well, I will tell you that a week ago the Rebel Gen. Forest made a raid on this Rail Road and burned the Sulphur Creek trestle about three quarters of a mile long then came to Elk River Bridge at Prospect and burned that and Gen. Rousseau met them at Pulaski and gave them a good thrashing and they did not like to come any farther, so they changed their course to the east and it was feared they would attack the Nashville and Chattanooga R.R. about Tulahoma or Wartrace but nothing has been heard of them for two days but Gen. Rousseau is on the watch for them.
I have been on picket four days and one off. I just came off this morning after being on two days. Since the R.R. is cut the mail does not come through very regular, but letters come through after a while. In my next to the last letter I wrote to have you send my overcoat. If you have not sent it, please send it as soon as you can for I need it these cool nights on picket. It rained nearly all night but we kept ourselves dry with some blankets. There is considerable excitement for fear the Rebs will make an attack on this place but I have no fear that they will come. If you have not sent my coat direct George Kryder, Franklin, Tenn. in care of Lieutenant Brewster.
A week ago today I got a letter from Salome. They were all well. I have not answered it yet. I am sorry to hear that there are so many Copperheads but hope they their eyes open and not oppose the laws for we are surely doing all that could be expected in putting down the rebellion. Our men had good success in Virginia. They captured between three and four thousand prisoners and 15 pieces artillery and Gen. Sheridan has completely demoralized Early's Rebel army.
I am sorry to hear that the potatoes are rotting. I hope you will have enough for your own use. I think when you was offered $30.00 for the cow you had better took it but if you have not sold her you may use your own pleasure about selling her. If you think you could get feed for her you might do well to keep her. I had no idea that she paid so well. I wish I was there to get some of those nice beets you speak of and if I was there I could help you take care of some of your chickens. I suppose there is a hard lot of boys there but boys are boys wherever they be. You need not send me any paper for I bought a quire at Columbia and I have l4 stamps but not many envelopes. They are 4tcts a bunch. I am glad that Lillie is such a good girl and does you so much good. I hope you do not have to whip her any more. I have made some more rings and some nice little shells that I intend to send as soon as I can get a box to put them in. The old men of our Reg. that did not reenlist have come from the front and are at Columbia waiting to be mustered out of service.
With this I will come to a close in hopes of hearing from you soon from your affectionate Husband
George Kryder
To E. S., L. G. and M. E. Kryder please write soon and direct as above. Good Bye my Dears.
