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Regiment: 14th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Tuscumbia Alabama Aug 5, 1862
Freind Edwards
I received a letter from Detroit
a short time ago in which I was informed that you had returned
from the war and was recruiting for another Regiment in
which you were going to try your
[ ? ] again in the field of battle
I sincerely trust that your efforts may be crowned in the process. And
that we may both live to see the time when our Glorious
[ ? ]
of liberty, The Stars and Stripes may float proudly over every
“secesh hole”, on the face of Gods Earth and that the time is near
at hand
Our Regiment the 14th Michigan are now sta-
tioned on the northern part of this state within ten minutes walk
of the village of Tuscumbia a place of about 3000 inhabitants
before the rebellion broke out. The cars run by our camp
ground every day and carry the mail for the whole army of
the Miss. Another good thing we are in posession of is a fine
spring of clear cold water Which as you are well aware is one of
the greatest blessings a soldier can have.
I am in a company which is
commanded by our First Lieutenant in the absence of our Captain
who is home on sick leave. And the 2nd Lieut had gone to Detroit on
a recruiting expedition. Well I am anxious to leave the company
and quit the Regiment entirely and go into one of the new
ones now forming in Michigan. I saw on a 20 cent Detroit Paper
a letter from Duncan Stewart recommending Gov. Blair
[ ? ] point from the regiments now in the field two new commis-
sioned officers and six pirates who would be transferred from their
own Regiments to new ones. If you know of any such course being
taken I wish you would inform me and if there is I would like to
go in your company. I have been a non-commissioned officer
from the time we arrived at St Louis until our Captains Lieu-
tenant who by the by is a “laughing stock.” for the whole company
who has not common sense enough to drill himself let
alone an intelligent lot of men.
Hoping to hear from you soon
I remain
Yours truly
James T. Bernard
Co H 14th Mich Inf
Tuscumbia
Alabama
