Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 12.djvu/229

 Chickamauga — A Reply to 3Iajor Sykes. 219

with water the train suddenly started, and we had to make railroad time by striking an irregular double-quick step. I was about to fall in the act of leaping on board when one of my comrades extended a helping hand and drew me safely on board.

August gtJi. — Awoke this morning at Knoxville. Went to mar- ket and bought chickens for thirty-five cents apiece. Breakfasted at the Bell House.

Sunday, August lot/i. — On guard last night. Attended preaching at the Presbyterian Church and listened to a sermon from my old friend and former pastor, the Rev. Joseph H. Martin. The good man took bodily possession of me, carried me home with him, and sat me down to a good, plain Sunday dinner. Five years ago he received me into the communion of the church and was my pastor during my brief sojourn in this place. The cloud of war had not gathered over our country then, and neither of us dreamed of our meeting again in this place under the present circumstances. But here he is still at his post preaching the gospel of peace, and here I am at my post as a soldier of my country.

We are encamped on the Knoxville and Kentucky railroad, about one mile from the city.

Chickamauga — A Reply to Major Sykes.

Letter from James M. Goggin, A. A. General McLaivs's Division.

[We regret that the following letter from a gallant soldier has been "crowded out" of several numbers. We publish these conflicting views without note or comment, and without ' ' taking sides ' ' with either.]

Austin, Texas, January 2, 1884. Rev. J. William Jones,

Secretary of Southern Historical Society :

Sir, — In the last number of the Southern Historical Society Papers I find a "Cursory Sketch" of General Bragg and his Cam- paigns," from the pen of Major Sykes, of Columbus, Miss. His "Battle of Chickamauga" is certainly calculated to mislead the future historian, especially in regard to the events of the 21st, if the statements and assertions of those who participated actively in the inaction of that day are worthy of credence.

It is earnestly to be hoped that, in time, we may get at the bot- tom facts, but, as yet, notwithstanding the numerous publications on