Ray,
Here is part of the history of the 104th that will give somemore info on the story of the unit that surrendered that Mr. Thompson relates in his first letter. Hope you enjoy the read. FC

"On the 6th of December, the rebels sent an expedition from Murfreesboro to attack the forces at Hartsville. It consisted of a Brigade of Infantry, of three veteran regiments of Kentucky troops, commanded by General Hanson, all of Morgan's cavalry, commanded by General Basil W. Duke, and a battery of artillery, in all about 3,500 men, all under command of General Morgan. They crossed the Cumberland River between Hartsville and Gallatin, and approached the position held by the Brigade at daylight on the morning of the 7th of December. The Brigade was instantly brought into line, the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois (7 companies) on the left, the One Hundred and Sixth and One Hundred and Eighth Ohio on their right. There were no earthworks, and the troops were formed on the top of the hill, the best position they could take. The rebels at once charged our lines, when the One Hundred and Sixth and One Hundred and Eighth Ohio fell back, leaving the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois alone on the line. They repulsed the attack of the infantry, and were driving them from the field when Morgan's cavalry, dismounted, and commanded by General Duke, attacked them on the right flank and in rear, and they were completely surrounded, and were obliged to surrender. The battle lasted one hour and fifteen minutes, and the Regiment lost 44 men killed, and about 150 wounded. The Regiment fought bravely, in this, their first battle, and had they been properly supported, no doubt would have defeated the rebels. The Regiment was marched to Murfreesboro, and then paroled, with the exception of Lieutenant Colonel Hapeman and Major Widmer, who, with eleven other field officers, were held as hostages for General McNeill, who the rebels charged with having had 13 guerrillas shot at Palmyra, Mo. These officers were held, by order of General Bragg, in solitary confinement, until the 23d day of April 1863, when they were exchanged and joined the Regiment at Brentwood, Tenn."