This letter was written by Capt. Edward Payson Bates (1838-1916) of Co. C, 125th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI). Earlier in the war he had served in Co. D, 19th OVI. The 125th OVI was stationed around Murfreesboro and Hillsboro throughout the summer of 1863 before starting the march for Chattanooga in August. They arrived there by September and saw their first major battle at Chickamauga, as part of the 3rd Brigade (Harker’s), First Division, XXI Corps, Army of the Cumberland. The regiment was engaged on both days of the battle, literally earning a good name for themselves.
A little over a year later they also distinguished themselves in the Battle of Franklin. Infuriated by the sight of the Federal troops flying to the rear, Capt. Edward P. Bates reportedly shouted, “Come on boys, we have always whipped them and always will.” The 125th was to the west of the pike and met head-on with the advancing Confederates at the Carter House. After a quick but vicious melee, the Rebs fell back to the ditch outside the main line of works. The 125th took position around the Carter buildings, both sides just yards apart and keeping up the fire until after dark, neither able to advance across the Carter garden that lay between. Despite being in the thick of the action, acting commander Capt. Bates listed the losses as 2 killed, 21 wounded, and 8 missing. He reported that the regiment saved two artillery pieces and captured two flags and 85 prisoners.
Bates was the son of Daniel Bates and Harriet Newell Hungerford (1805-1875) of Trumbull county, Ohio. He was a graduate of Hillsdale College (Michigan)…