(from archived RCHC Web Site)

Note:  see also the separate post about Colonel Robert K. Byrd‘s service (click here) and transcriptions of documents from lawsuits in which he was a party (click here and here).

Source: Roberts Families of Roane County, TN by Snyder E. Roberts (pages 70-71)

A letter between two dear friends to the Roberts families reflects the depth of feeling and scope of participation by Roane Countians in the Civil War.  Henry Welcker commanded the Confederate Welcker‘s Cavalry.  He had been for many years a neighbor, and the Roberts‘ family attorney. At the time the letter was written, Col. Byrd had sons of Robert S. Roberts in his camp.

Camp Cumberland, KY
May 24, 1862

Mr. Henry J. Welcker:

Having just heard of your Post Office, I thought that it would not be amiss to drop you a line, although you and I differ widely in regard to the present rebellion.

Strange it is that men who used to be friends and like brothers should differ so widely.  Henry, I sympathize with any of my old friends who are now troubled, but ’tis the common lot of nearly all now to be sorely troubled and will continue to be so until peace is restored in our once happy country.

We have here from 1500 to 1800 of our Roane County Soldiers.  Some 1400 of us have been here for about ten months enjoying all the sweets of a soldiers life which I was well acquainted with before this War commenced, as you know.  Thousands are here from native hills in East Tenn…..I do not think we will be here long.

I hear from our native town of Kingston every few days.  All our old friends are well, but there has been oppression on the Union element in East Tennessee but it could not be crushed out.  I could say many things to you, but as we differ so widely you may not receive it well from me.

Do you need help in any way?

Your friend,
Robert K. Byrd
Col. 1st East Tenn. Vol.