Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/burge-caroden-s/
Regiment: 2nd Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Camp Mich. 2nd
March 6th 1862
Dear Mother:
I was discharged
from the hospital last
Monday. I have got
almost well. There
is no pain in my side
now. I think I shall be
fit for duty in a day
or too. All those un-
able to march have
been sent off to Alexan-
dria. The Dr. said I was
getting well so fast
that he would keep me
here & if I got tired
out he would let ride
in the ambulance. This
you may be sure suits
me. If there is to be a
battle I want to be
with my reg & Co. &
have my musket. I would
not be left behind for
anything. I can’t say
that I feel particularly
anxious to be in a battle
but I want to be at my
post; & I should feel bad
to have out boys in a
battle & I not there with
them. You see we have
not marched yet, but
we are kept ready to
march at any moment.
It may be a week or two
before we march & we
may march to-morrow.
I expect we shall be or-
dered off at some time
when we least expect
it. All I have got to
say is when they are
ready I want to go.
I believe the time has
about come.
How different is the tone
of the English Parliament
since our recent victories.
When our armies meet
now, they meet to fight.
if the rebels stand at
Manassai I expect that
hundreds of poor fellows
will then find there
grave but our lives are
all in our Master hands.
Not a sparrow falls to
the ground without his
notice, & shall one of us?
I find this is a hard
place to live a christian
I believe I am willing
to do my duty, but what
is it? I have thought
that most was to be done
here by example. That occa-
sionally a word was to be spoken
as the time seemed favorable.
But it seems as if I had
accomplished little if anything
We nned much grace & much
& much of the spirit here.
That box was far ahead
of my expectations. Those shirts
are nicer than I expected.
All the boys say that my
box is the best one that has
been rec’d from Mich. I
been dipping into it every day
since I came out of the hospt.
& now & then sharing with my
comrades. When I see the pies &
fried cakes how you sat up at
night cooking them. I ought to
be a very good boy, I have so
many kind friends. Thank Mrs.
Nickelson & Mrs. Root for me &
my comrades.
Do not be too anxious about
me. Your aff. son
Caroden
I send this letter with the one to Ursulua, which was
directed to me
read & return
when you
have an
opportunity
L J Synder
