Loren H. Mallery to Richard Yates

Camp near Murfreesboro Feb 2 1863

Hon Richard Yates Sir

As you may not be aware that thare is great and still growing discontent among the soldiers of the army here I write to inform you that such is the case and I am sorry to say that it exists to an alarming extent though much more in the new Regts than the old Regts they are becoming more discouraged and dissatisfied every day they feel that they are not being supported as they should be by those that are at home they think that they cannot successfully fight the rebels in the front and those in the rear at the same time many go so far as to fix the length of time that they will stay in the service and say that if they cant get away they will be taken or rather give them selves up as prisoners to the rebels and should our armies meed with any scrious reverces

or fail to put down the rebellion this spring I fear that the affect will be disasterous to our army. judgeing from what I see and hear here and my sitiation is such that I have a better apertunity to know the views of the private soldiers than any commissioned oficer could have as they are more cautious what they say in their presence, should you consider this communication worth noticing and wish any further information I can furnish you with that that will satisfy you that the feeling is even worse than I have represented

Yours with respect

Loren H Mallery

Co C 44th Regt Ills Volt

Sherrdins Division army of the Cumberland

L H Mallery,

Co C 44th Regt Ill Vol

Murfreesboro Feby 2nd 1863

Writes "that there is a growing dissatisfaction among the soldiers in refferance to the present state of the country.

M L