Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/burge-caroden-s/
Regiment: 2nd Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned: Bull Run, Virginia
Historical Figures:
Arlington Heights, Sept. 1/61.
Dear Sister:
I am out on picket to-
day at Bailies Cross roads with about half the regiment,
about 4 miles from camp. I have
came into camp to get some coffee
for the boys. From the place where
they are it is only about a miles
to a hill where they are throwing
up fortifications, There we can see
their flag waving & their men
working. There is considerable firing
back and forth between the pickets.
Washington is threatened but I
guess they won’t take it just
yet.
You seem to think me in
a very bad condition. When that Photo-
graph was taken it was just after
the retreat from Bull Run, and I
was a little unwell; I was the poorest
that I have been since I enlisted.
I am now as well as ever & nearly
as fleshy as ever. So I hope you will
not cry again. I am never tired
of hearing anything which is dear to
you.
or ayy So do not be afraid.
All of you seem very much
afraid of wearying me. I wish
you were not so fearful. Our
fare is very good; of course it is
not so good as I got at home,
but if no one ever suffered more
than
we I do they would not have
much reason to complain. Especially
when we have a little mooney we can
live quite well. I received your
letter & mother’s containing the money
a few days ago. We are so buisy
now-adays
that buildingforts, &
chopping down trees, standing on
picket &c., that I have not had
time to write a description of the
battle at Bull Run. I will at the
earliest opportunity. Tell Abbie
and all the rest not to feel jealous.
I am in such a hurry that what
I say must be taken by each one
as for him or herself. Harey
is well and doing well.
You must all write
often. Your brother,
Caroden.
P.S. Are you going to Kal.
this fall? Do not worry about
me but leave it all with God.
C.
[On Envelope:]
FW Kellogg
MC
Miss Lucy S. Burge,
Jackson,
Mich.
