Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/burge-caroden-s/
Regiment: 2nd Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Detroit, May 8th, 1861.
Dear Mother:
In accordance with my
promise I thought would write
you a few lines, even though it
was no more than to let you know
my health. My health is
very good; my spirits also.
I wrote to you at Jackson
last
week Monday. We were
mustered in that afternoon.
The Surgeon examined us &
passed those whom the thought strong
enough. He thought me sufficient-
ly strong and healthy. We then
took the oath of allegience to
this state. Thus we are fast for
three months unless sooner discharged
We are not yet mustered into
United State’s service. That will
be another thing, & we shall have to be
sworn again. We expect our
uni
uniform this week; then I will
send home my watch & clothes.
We have clothing enough now to
keep us warm; for the warm hearted
Kalamazoo folks have sent us shawls,
having heared that we were in need.
They are also making for us shirts
&
[ ? ] blankets.
I stood sentinel last night.
This morning a little after 5
who, think you, passed my post.
It was Dr. Stone. At first he
did not know me (I was muffled
in my soldiers blanket, with
my musket on my
scldier shoulder).
He stopped, eyed me a moment,
then stepped forward, & grasped my
hand & said, “I did not expect to
see you here, but I hope it is for
some good purpose”. He told some of
the boys that he did not know but
he should have enlisted himself,
if he had been at home.
The [ ? ] is beating and I
must close. Write to me at
once. Tell Lucy to write, &
also the other girls; and that
they must not feel slighted if I do not
write them personally, for
there letters are general property,
since my time is short.
Your son & brother
Caroden.
P.S. I wish you could send me
a little money, a dollar or so. We expect
some money from the government
soon; but don’t know exaclty when;
and I don’t want to get entirely
out of money. C.
