Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/burns-robert/
Regiment: 4th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Near Atlanta Aug 23 1864
My dear Davidson
We returned last night
dity and tired but safe (I speak for myself)
after making the circuit of both armies, cut-
ting rail roads, fighting almost every day.
On the 19
th we had two distinct battles, on the
20
th from. Rode and fought all the night
of 17
th 18
th 19
th and until 2 o’clock of the 20
th
without sleeping except what we snatched in our
saddles. We made without exception the
most brilliant sabre charge of the war on the
20
th through a perfect storm of grabe
canister + bullets. One man was shot dead
riding by my side at the frist discharge of the reb
artillery. I had the pleasure of killing at least
one of the rebels splitting his head open with
my sabre. Our whole brigade charged in three
columns, each regiment forming a column. I
rode at the head of one of them. We completely
demolished and scattered a brigade of rebel
cavalry opposed to us. We lost 120 in our
brigade. Capt Thompson our inspector a five
whole fellow is among the missing. I will
write fuller details soon. Perfectly well again
Your affect R.B.
I look for Willy every day. H is on his way
here
[On Envelope:]
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Michigan
