WhiteSide Tenn. Sept. 29th 1864
Capt.

I report progress – After hoping you and Co. “A” and in no danger William and I reached Chattanooga Some time during the Night of the 27th. here we learned that there was expected trouble ahead and from many furloughed and discharged soldiers that none could go on trains north except troops being sent to different points of expected danger. However a train left yesterday morning with the 88th Ill. on it they were ordered to this place we thought that we could not do worse than Chattanooga. So here we are, could be worse and might be much better. You are aware that the furlough of William’s bears date of the 27th. this is hardly just had we had no trouble as half of the 27th was past ere he started he too is marked present on the report of that day I thought by you attending [rpt.?] that the time delayed might be [illegible] good write to him or me in refference to it

I am in the telegraph office and learn from the operator that this road has not been cut unless done last night, That a heavy force of Rebels have taken Huntsville and Athens. Our forces are concentraiting at Tullahoma on those sent from [below?]. these indications of trouble here or at Bridge post. At this place The 88th Ill. part of the 1st Ohio and part of 9th Penn. Cavalry – the Regt. of which we were talking yesterday are stationed. Many rumors about the Rebel forces Some sa 40,000 We will move up just a fast as we can From what I can learn no train has been through from Nashville since Sabbath. One train came from Stephenson last afternoon. They sayed that one had started from the same place for Nashville in the Morning. I have not seen Capt. Coppage since I left Atlanta Could not find Sherman Mc[name] We shall be glad to get on farther may not get home for 8 or 10 days yet home or even from here

Nothing more

Your friend
J.W. Smith

J.F. Culver
Capt. Co. “A” 129th Ills.