Snake [Gap?] Co. May 12 1864
Dear Friends
		We are again in the field with
Shermans great army that is advancing on
Atlanta in [illegible in original] through Chatanooga 
last Saturday  The Infantry were sent
through on the Pass from Larkinsville a station
30 miles east of Hewtsville but we came
through by land with the trains we left
others Sunday the 1st and arrived here Tues 
morning the 10th  there was a skirmish here this
Sept  the 9th and rest in advance draw the
enemy about 5 miles last about 19 killed and
wounded Milo Bent and two  others of our
Co were slightly wounded one Sgt has his
Leg amputated, of Co A.  we are about 40 miles 
from Chatanooga.  20 from Rome, 6 west of Reisner
I hear cannonading to day north east of us Sherman 
is attacking Dalton.  I expect McPherson commands 
this wing of the army which is called The army of 
the Tennessee.  Harker is with us with the 20 Corps
and Logan with the 15th  Gen Kilpatrick from
the east is here with a division of Cavalry

I know but little of that part of the army that
is still above us.  My health is good but my
eyes so sore that I can hardly see, expect that I will 
be sent to the Hosp till they are cured as I can be of 
no service here. all goes well so far - an advance
will be made by this right wing of Shermans
army in a few day.  [Camps?] are constantly moveing
and a big fight will come off in a few days -
Indeed it is said that no mail can be sent out
untill the battle comes off but I will mail this
the first opportunity.  We hear good news from the
East but nothing very deffinate but I must
bid you good bye trusting that all will 
be well		Yours Truly
				JS Dowd
May 18  I am in the Hosp [illegible, crossed out] most blind.
The enemy have retreated.  Our [Loss?] quite heavy
Our Col. has his leg amputated and one Capt
killed and one wounded in our regt.  The [Army?]
are following closely and fighting almost daily
The cars run to Resner.  Some of the wounded
who can be saved are being sent off.  I will try 
and get this off  Good bye
				JSD