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Regiment: 13th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: William T. Sherman
Camp of the 13
th Mich Inf
Martha’s Vineyard, N.C.
Apr 24 1865
Bro & Sister
I take the opportunity to write you again – the last letter
received from you was dated March 5
th & am looking for another
every day I am a little anxious to learn what has been done
with my things I left with you I am enjoying better health
than I have at any time within the past two years Lafe Hiram
Charles Lorenzo Hitchcock Jim Storey & geo Hampown are all well
Fletcher is not in camp he and one of my mates left to go
foraging & have not been heard from since it is nothing unusual
for them to be gone for several days from camp. they have done
a great deal of foraging since we left Savannah & are as good
at that business as the Regiment affords. They may possibly
come into camp before we leave but should not be disappointed
if they have been gobbled and parolled as there is a cessation
of hostilities for several days while negotations are being
made with the confederates that will result in peace from the
Potomac to the Rio Grande an event that will be hailed with
great enthusiasm at the north & I think by the majority of the
people of the south especially in that portion that was visited
by Shermans Army.
We are at present in Camp about 20 miles southwest from Raleigh
N.C. were ordered into camp here on the 16
th Johnson having
surrounded his whole force to Sheridan and fooled us out of a
good job we are to lay here intil further orders. it is the
general opinion in camp that we leave n a few days taking up
a line of march in the direction of Washington & will be home
some time between this & the first of July. I hope the opnion
dont lie if there is nothing to be done here I want to be at
home. while we were at Goldsboro I sent you a letter with Libs
photograph for you to keep until I come home & suppose that you
have received it all right.
We are having very fine summer weather Flower & trees are all
in full blossom & full leap the season is as far advanced as
it is in Michigan the first or middle of June. this is the most
pleasant part & the best April I have seen in either of the
Carolina States & I should think the most healthy the people
& their style is more like the north than any part of the South
I have been in it’s about mail time & shall be under the necessity
of closing Write as soon as you receive this & address 14
th AC
Shermans Army With respect to all
E. S. Alvord
Co H 13th
Inf 2nd Brigade 1st
12th AC Sherman
