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Correspondence from Robert Rutledge to G. R. Rutledge, April 19, 1863

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@ Tennesse State Library and Archives

Rutledge, Robert A

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Letter from Robert Rutledge to his father, G. R. Rutledge, explaining the strategic value of East Tennessee and the likelihood of a Union invasion. He implores his father to leave Cleveland, Tennessee, and flee south to Georgia before such a raid occurs and threatens the family and its finances. He explains his current encampment and the lack of rations, and he expresses his belief that the war is only beginning. He plans to re-enlist when his three-year service ends.[Page 1] “Cumberland Gap Apr 19th /63 Dear Father Considering the signs of the times I thought that I would drop you a few lines concrning the times as to the part East Tennessee is to play in this great struggle. I want you and the family to keep out of the reach of the Yankees if human power can do it. It would grieve me almost as bad to hear that you had off passed from the land of the living as to hear you were in the hands of the Yankees. They would most certainly imprison you and as to what might befall the female portion of the family and the little children I can hardly bear my mind to dwell upon it a minute. Dispatches to this point and these that are deemed reliable show that the enemy are going to make a seperate struggle to take and hold East Tennessee. Burnside is at Lexington with a heavy force. This will be his base of operations for a while....
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Tennesse State Library and Archives

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Digital Library of Tennessee