Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/burge-caroden-s/
Regiment: 2nd Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Camp of Mich. 2
nd Jan. 15
th 62
Dear Mother:
I have just rec’d your
letter of the 9
th this afternoon.
We rec’d our pay to-day, for the
months of Nov. & Dec. It amounted
to twenty six dollars ($26.00). I had
eight dollars due me from the
boys, making in all thirty four
dollars ($34.00).
The news of the deaths of of ac-
quaintances which you relate
is sad. But perhaps it is only
report. When you find out the
truth tell me. You are worried
too much about me. It is almost
always the interrperate who are
the victims. The temperate are
comparatively safe.
I feel sory for Elisabeth
& Stephen. I guess I must unto
to them again if they do owe
me a letter.
I have written to Aunt Anne
to-day. I will try & write to them
regularly hereafter.
About things which would be
most acceptable I told you in my
last. Those which would be most
acceptable to the Co. are flannel un-
dershirts, socks & gloves or soldiers mit-
tens, which are like mittens with
the exception of the first finger which
is separate as in a glove. In disecting
the box, after “Donation for Mich.
Soldiers” &c. you will put on the di-
rections to the individual as before, or
just as on a letter. My address will
always be the same while I am in the
army of the Potomac,
unless
The story of our promotion to
the regular Army is false. There
is talk of our being transferred to
the heavy artillery. But it is
as yet uncertain: – We have nothing
to do now saving standing guard
once in five days, & on picket accasionally
drill & Dress Parrade every night.
The winter here is very light.
The most snow that we have had at
one time is about an inch in depth.
which is now on the ground. This
is the third time that the ground
has been whitened. We get some
butter of the Sutlers, but it is
rather strong. We would not eat
it in Mich. I have not got
any boots. I think shoes & leggings
are better. They are lighter & easier
for traveling & about as warm.
As regards National affairs I don’t
know what to say or think. I think
it looks brighter for us at present
But I dare not hope too much
for I fear the purpose of the war
is not yet accomplished. As far
as human eye can see I should think
our prospects never were brighter. But
I fear that God’s plans are not
worked out yet. We must bide our
time. Have stronger faith; trust
& fear not. Let us do our work
for to day & be not too much troubled
about the end. We are now about eleven
miles from Washington & four from
Alexandris. But it is hard to get
across the Potomac. All our things are
sent forwarded to our reg. from
Washington. They know these where each
reg. is stationed.
To-morrow our reg. goes on
picket
for to stay for three days. So
good by writing till then.
Your Aff. son
Caroden.
P.S. Some of the boys would like
house wives (for needles & thread, was &c.)
if you can make them. We were
furnished by the Kalamazoo people
when we left but some of the boys
have lost theirs. The best have oil cloth
for thread &c. & fold up & are held to-gether
by rubber cord or tape. Give my respects to
all friends.
Yours
C.S.B.
