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Regiment: 4th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: David S. Stanley, Robert H. Minty
Head Quarters 1st Cavalry Brigade
Army of the Cumberland
Near Murfreesboro Feb’y 2, 1863
My dear Brother
I have not heard a word
from any one written since the battle. Why have you
not written? I wrote you on the 28
th Dec
4
th ult and 16
th ult. Have you not received
the letters? I am now the acting Assis-
tant Adjutant General (A.A.A.G.) of the Brigade
and army named above. Was 20 appointed on the
27
th ult. Col Minty is the Col Commanding 1
st
Brigade. He is to-day out commanding the 1
st
and 3d Brigades on a scout. They had a fight
Saturday and took 114 prisoners. I have
not been able to mount a horse since we
came here. I have been troubled with an abscess,
and are very much afraid it will turn out to
be a fistula in ano. Dr Lee can tell you
what that is. I am otherwise very well. I
suppose I was on my horse two much during the
battle week and may have permanently injured
myself. Our Surgean can not yet decide what
is troubling me. I hope for. the best. If it
should turn out as he fears, I shall be obliged
to leave the service. I like my present posi-
tion well, and hope I may soon recover.
You have asked me several times what brigade
and division we were attached to. Genl D.S.
Stanley is Chief of Cavalry and commands all
the chevaliers. Until two weeks ago we had
two divisions of cavalry, the first under Col John
Kenneth. under whom we were. Divisions are
now donw away with. Col Kennth has resigned
and gone home. As we now stand, Gen Stanley
commands all the cavalry in this department. Col
Minty commands the 1
st Brigade consisting of
the 4
th Mich. 7
th Penna. 3d Kentucky. 1
st Middle
Tennessee. one section of an Ohio Battery, 1
st
and 4
th Ky and 2d Inda. The last three
are detached and are serving in Kentucky, so
that the Col has here four Cavalry regts and
a battery. He will probably permanently com-
mand them. He is one of the best cavalry offi-
cers in the service and I think deserves the
stars. We are surrounded by an immense
army. I have not been out of camp since the
battle so cannot tell how it is placed. I
am able to do all office work, and anything
required of me except riding. I am very sorry
I could not go on the last scout. Do
write me. I have lately written. Jot and Eliza
Waterman. Mary Pautlind and wife but have not
heard a word from them. I wrote Mother at Buffalo
about three weeks ago. She might not have received it. Is
she with you in Kal’oo? Your diary has not yet come.
Your affect Brother
R.B.
Direct to me
A.A.A.G
1
st Cav +c
as per heading
I also would get
a letter directed
Adjt 4
th Mich
Nashville
or Mumsfreesboro
I rec’d a Tribune from you containing an account of battle
[On Envelope:]
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Michigan
