A Rebel Letter Describing the Situation on the Cumberland - Mississippian Elias Green Gore's battlefield letter.

The following letter was picked up at the Mill Springs battle-ground. It was written by a Mississippian, who had not time to mail it before he was called for:

A tintype image of Elias Green Gore.

Public domain.

BEECH GROVE, Jan. 16, 1862.

...We are in Kentucky, ten miles from Monticello, on Cumberland River. We have taken Winter quarters. We are strongly fortified here. Out forces are 10,000 in fantry, 1,800 cavalry, and 16 pieces of artillery. It is reported that the enemy is 25,000 strong. We are just twelve miles apart. We are waiting for an attack. If they do not attack us, we shall advance upon them. We can whip 50,000. We will get supplies by the way of Nashville. We have had some small engagements, but no one seriously injured. We have taken several Yankees. I am doing very well. Although I must endure the hardships of camp life, I hope to live to return to Choctaw once more. Oh! that I may live to see the day when the sound of cannon shall be hushed, and the sword and bayonet laid aside, and the internal foe blotted out, and peace restored to Mississippi's most noble sons.

E.C. GORE. [sic]