In Camp Near the Chattahoochee River
July the 8 /64
Dear Wife
I have ben puting off writing two or three days waiting for a letter but I wont wait eney longer. I wrote the first. I told you in that that we was on the Atlanta Pike. We lay there untill the third. The rebs fell back the knight of the second and the third we chast them clost and took meney prisoners. They fell back in a good line of breastworks built by slaves. We lay there the fourth all day. I will tell you what I done the fourth. I drew beef in the morning and after breakfast I went to a creek and took a good wash and washed a shirt. Went back to camp and got dinner and after dinner I drew two days rations of hardtack pork suger and coffee give them out and the rest of the day I lay in my tent and slept. The rebels left there the knight of the fourth and the fifth we drove them to the river. They have got good breastworks and forts here but Sherman will do as he has all the way from Dalton flank them and drive them from their holes. The prisoners was glad they was taken. They say there is no use of their fighting. They say they are whiped. We expect to lay here a weak or two. We have got a verry good place. Good water and the Nickejack Creek is close by so we have a good place to wash our clothes and swim. Our regt is most all out on picket. It is lonesome here in camp. You wanted to know how we fare. We have plenty of rations and have had all through the campaign. Sherman is good general. He ceeps the supplies up good. I climed a tree and see rebels forts and I see Atlanta so I have seene Atlanta wether I ever get there or not. It is quite a citty. I wish we had it but I guess we can take it when Sherman gets ready. I wish I knew how you are getting along. To day I am well and hope you are all well. The weather is verry warm. I suppose farmers are harvesting their wheat and rye up north. I wish I could be there to work this harvest. Wages must be high. I must close for this time. I look for a letter every mail. Write often and I will do the same. My love to you. I want to see you all verry much.
Chas Engle