Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/burns-robert/
Regiment: 4th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Robert H. Minty, William S. Rosecrans
Kalamazoo April 5, 1863
My dear Brother
I have heard
nothing from you since my
last written before leaving
Nashville. Since then I have
seen a little of war as you
have probably learned from my
letters to Davidson. I ar-
rived here about two weeks ago
having obtained a short leave
of absence. Since then I have
been under the Dis care and
shall be fit for duty in a
fortnight. I was confined to
my bed for several days, but
am now “up and around”. I
was obliged to come home for an
operation or leave the service.
I preferred the former. I am
not yet able to ride any but
hope to be soon. I am, as
you probably know, A.A.A.G.
Ist Cavalry Brigade Dept of the
Cumberland. The position
I like much better than that
of a Company officer. Our
Col Minty, has been strongly recom-
mended by Genl Rosecraus for a
Brig. Genl ship, and, should he
get it, I shall be appointed
his A.A.G. I am not par
ticularly in love with the life
of a soldier. but when I en-
tered I made up my mind to go
through with it. I hope how-
ever we shall have “polished
off” the rebels before next win-
ter. The feeling in the army
as far as I have seen in one
of universal hatred and con-
tempt for the copperheads. No
one despises them more than
the democratic officer and soldiers
All want to get home, but not un-
til the South is thoroughly whipped.
We were in hopes that Willy
might be here for a few days but
he can not get away. His reg-
iment has gone to Murfresboro
and he probably will follow in
a little while. There I shall see
him. I hope he may be put
in our Brigade.
Davidson and Mother are
here enjoying their usual quan-
tity of health. The latter is
very much troubled just now a-
bout the young man’s attentions
to a damsel here, but I think
the affair will blow over with-
out any serious consequences
to either party. I shall try
to go to Detroit for one day
next week. The Dr thinks I shall
be able to ride that far then.
I wish I could have got off
long enough to go to New York,
but that is out o the question.
When the war is over if I live
I shall see you all. Write
to me at Murfreesboro. Give
my love to Sarah and the
“
[ ? ]”Charley.
Affectionately Yours
R. Burns
C.C. Clarke Esq
New York
I sent to you tax receipts + made draft on you
last week; ain’t something over $100; this is
all right I presume. You never let me know
whether it would be convenient or not to pay
taxes now but I thought it better to settle up and
save interest + costs. The $1000 or there-
about belonging to Mother will have to remain
in 7 30s. I can do nothing with the money. Have now
$1100 belonging to her in any hands lying idle.
Will you at your convenience send me a
statement of her a/c, so that I may know
how much to invest if I get a chance to
dispose of any funds. L.D.B.
[On Envelope:]
C.C. Clarke Esq
Treasurer H.R.R.
68 Warren St
New York
