About the Author Benjamin D. Pritchard was born on January 29, 1835 in Nelson, Portage County, Ohio. He was living in Allegan, Michigan when he enlisted as a Captain in the 4th Michigan Cavalry Company L on July 25, 1862. He was mustered into service on August 29 at the age of 27. Pritchard was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel on …
Pritchard, Benjamin D. – May 29, 1865
Willards Hotel Washington D.C. May 29/65 Mary my Dear Dear Wife, I have waited and prayed that I might hear from the dear one but still no greetings come from the Precious Object of my hearts fondest love although ten long days have passed since I wrote you from Fortress Monroe and I am feeling verry sad indeed for I cannot imagine why it is so.
Pritchard, Benjamin D. – May 24, 1865
Fortress Monroe May 24/65 My Dearly Beloved Wife I will write you a few words again this morning although it seems as though I cannot write until I hear from the dear One But I hope and pray that I shall recieve some of those – dear precious Letters, which have been my sole comforters & sollace during the long long weary months of this terrible war
Burns, Robert – May 20, 1865
2 Head-Quarters Second Brigade, Second Division Cavalry, May 20 186 We intended to picket the whole length of Flint River. so that the [ ? ] gentleman would be between two liner. I don’t think he could have escaped us. At midnight of the 11th a despatch came from Lt Col Andress of the 7th Pa informing us that Pritchard and the 4th Mich had caught J. D. on the morning of the 10th at Irwinville.
Pritchard, Benjamin D. – May 20, 1865
On board the Steamer Clyde off Fortress Monroe May 20/65 God has again permitted me to come where I can once more address Thee my hearts most precious [ ? ] Oh! Mary Dear what a long long time it has been since I left the Loved One and not one single word have I heard from you since or any one at home.
Burns, Robert – May 18, 1865
Head-Quarters Second Brigade, Second Division Cavalry, Macon Ga, May 18 1865 My dear Davidson I broke off abruptly in my last on the 9th inst to start after the redoubtable Jeff Davis. I was not one of the fortunate 150 who caught the above named gentleman, but I have the plesant knowledge that if he hadn’t fallen into Pritchards hands, we should have taken him in out of the cold. We had gone down on the road in front of him to cut him off. However the 4th Michigan caught him, and, at that we shouted most lustily, and threw up our apologies for hats.
Pritchard, Benjamin D. – May 11, 1865
Hd. Qrs. 4 Mich. Cav. Abbyville, Ga. May 11th 65 Capt. Scott A.A.A.G. 2nd Divis. C.C.M.D.M. Sir- I have the honor to report that at daylight yesterday at Irwinsville I surprised & captured Jeff Davis & family, together with his wifes sister and brother, his Post Master Gen. (Regan) his private Sec’y (Col. Harrison) Col. Johnson A.D.C. on Jeffs staff, Col. Morriss, Col. Tubbick Lt. Hathaway, also several unimportant names and a train of 5 wagons & 3 ambulances
Burns, Robert – October 7, 1863
Near Guy’s Gap 6 miles from Shelbyville Tenn Oct 7 1863 My dear Davidson I have but a moment to write. We are after the “raiders” who crossed the Tennessee River on the 30th ult. Have had three fights with them and expect to run into them again to-day.
Pritchard, Benjamin D. – August 17, 1862
Allegan Aug 17/62 Mary! My Dear Friend Your Letter of July date came duly to hands and should have been answered ere this, but all has been excitement & bustle in this part of the Country and owing to the unsettled state of affairs I have delayed writing Thing have again taken direction & I hasten to inform you of their present staus, Mary!