My Dear Mary

     Dark Stormy and raining and been last night and all this day and the coldest weather we have had since we have been here in this State. not withstanding the weather, I am verry well to night and rode all day in the rain in company with Gen^l Donelson [i.e., Brig. Gen. Daniel Smith Donelson] around our line of opperation and inspecting our fortifications &c I dont think we will have any fighting here now as the spring tide is over and no yankees dare to venture on our side of the water We are still expecting a fight at Savanah [sp. Savannah] our folks have been standing at their Guns for 48 Hours and expecting every minute when the fight would commince no doubt but the next 12 hours will tell the tale of a heavy Battle

Mary I called on Mrs Lt. Col. Moore who arrived here with Dr Hall a few days since col Moore [i.e., Lt. Col. William Lawson Moore, 8th Tennessee Infantry] has procured an house near our encampment she is a verry fine looking woman and no doubt but she is a verry clean one and she seems to be pretty much of a soldier she has all of her little children with her but I think they would be much safer at Home and I think a much more suitable place than this I would like to see you and the children verry much but not in our camps and it immediately on the line of the enemy at that. you spoke of me coming home like Dr Hall, Well Mary I want to come, but at the same time if I cant come right I will not come till my time is out I left with a character untarnished and by the grace of God I intend to return to you the same way. I never intend

to do any thing that will disgrace you or my children no I would stay from you and them an other twelve months before I would do any thing that would bring any reproach on you or them. be of good cheer and if I see any chance I will be sure to come but I dont much expect that chance will come and if dont never mind three months time is not much time and you know how fast time flys away and then I will will be with you. Mary dont forget to pray for my health and strength and my safe return to you and the children I never close my eyes in sleep untill I ask my blessed savour to remember you and the children although I am in the Army one of the most degrading places I ever was, the Grocery not excepted not withstanding all this I believe my God is with me and guides and protects me and I have

not heard a sermon preached since I left Virginia and have no way to worship only in my secret prays and thank God I have this privelige. Mary I am sorry to say that many in the army who were professors at home do not act like porfessors here. Many are gone they are ruined cards whisky and profanity have got them. If I had command of a Regiment the first order I would issue would be the first man that brought intoxicating liquors in camp I would court martial him and the second would be in like manner prohibiting the use of cards &c give my Respects to all of my friends and Aunt Clarissa and give my love to all of the children and kiss thim for me especially John Bell. I will write you soon

yours as ever
Chris. C. McKinney