Charles Roberts to Maggie Roberts (8 July 1863)

              Camp of Artillery Corps
near Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug 28th 1863"
My darling Maggie,
I am again a soldier and fast settling
down to the routine of Camp life. I arrived here on Wednesday
evening about 6 o’clock and tramped over the country in 
the neighborhood of Chattanooga until near midnight before
I succeeded in finding the battery. They had removed
their camp a short time previous to my arrival and no
one could give me positive information as to where I
may find them. I ultimately discovered them about
four miles from town near the Look Out mountain. The
boys were all well and gave me a hearty welcome back.
The dull monotony of camp is somewhat changed 
from what it was when I left. [Rosecranz] and his army
is on the opposite side of the river and has made one 
attempt to cross over. They commenced shelling the town 
last Friday rather unexpectedly and during divine service 
for it was fast day. Some few persons were killed and 
I am sorry to say amongst the number was a woman
and a little child. I think it is perfect barbarism to 
shell a town without giving sufficient time for non-
combatants to leave. Yesterday they resumed the bombard
ment for two or three hours but without any damage except
to the buildings. The citizens have all left and even the
[suttlers] allowed the love of life to overcome their love of 
gain and hurried off without waiting to remove their goods."
Of course there will be no general engagement until they
succeed in crossing the river and I think by that time
we will be in condition to give them a good fight – for
we have re-inforcements on the road."
My journey this way was not as pleasant as 
on my way home. I was delayed on the road and had not
recovered from the pang of parting from those that are
so dear to me. I would that I could always be with you
darling, but this at present is the post of duty and I know
you could not love me as you do, if I failed to bravely