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https://micivilwar.com/authors/buchanan-john-c/
Regiment: 8th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Ambrose E. Burnside, Braxton Bragg, Quincy A. Gillmore
Camp 8th Michigan
Near Crab Orchard, Kentucky
August 31, 1863
Dear Father,
We are again well down in the state of Kentucky – breathing pure air & drinking pure water, thankful that we are as well situated as we are. The watchful care of divine providence has been over us in all the dangers of military life both by sea & land, preserving alike from the pestilence that walketh by noon day & the missile of death which has cut down so many of our friends & acquaintances on every side. I count not the least of the mercies, the preservation of honored Father & Mother & other dear friends at Hardscrabble, & my own dear family, so dear to me, doubly eased and as the prospect has been so often presented during the last two years of parting from them until joined again in that peaceful world when the voice of war is not heard. These thoughts will often occur while exposed almost daily to death & they do not at all injure one, for the performance of duty if that duty is a matter of principle. Feelings has often to be checked, & brought under severe discipline & often one must feel the force of the apostles declaration enjoining & singleness of purpose & weaning from earthly ties which might turn the heart from duty, “and they that have wives as though they had none.” I can not say that this is a correct quotation. But I think embodies the sentiment. Next to my savior, my dear Sophie claims my affection, & possesses it fully. The dear children the object of our mutual affection do not usurp the Mother’s place consecrated to her alone. I often think of my own family group where centers all my hope of earthly happiness. While separated from them by this cruel national calamity which has banished peace from so many homes, blighted so many bright hopes back down the earthly sons of so many aged parents & left them to totter down the declivity of time alone. Alone indeed if the savior is not with them. I know he would not desert you, my dear parents whatever may betide. That his promises in the future will be as sure, & as faithfully performed as in those who trust him. Faith like every other Christian matures, & ripens by continual exercise. Well Father, the prospect for the union brightens here very different the face of affairs at present and a few months since. When Copperheads were exulting in prospect of the defeat of the federals, the cause from many considerations had a funny look. Now all is changed. Disastrous defeat has rested upon the rebel forces and now Fort Sumter is battered down and is a map of ruins. General Gillman is shelling Charlestown from James Island. The scene of operations there is somewhat familiar and I should love to see the fall of that city so peculiarly the cradle of secession. General Bragg is reported as evacuating Chattanooga and General Burnside as being below Cumberland Gap. Their forces are dispirited, our sense of victory. I wish that the spilling of blood might cease, but this may continue for a time. God grant us a speedy settlement of all difficulties a righteous peace you will excuse a short letter for just at the end of the month I am very busy with my writing. Has Angie received her southern music yet? I sent it from Lexington by express. I heard from Sophie the 24th. They were then at my sister’s and were well. Love to all. Mother, Angie, Ann, Sarah, Ed and Sophie. Goodbye Father, Mother, Angie.
