Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/burns-robert/
Regiment: 4th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: David S. Stanley, Robert H. Minty, William S. Rosecrans
Camp Stanley near Murfreesboro
H’d Qu’rs, 1st Cavalry Brigade
February 22d, 1863
My dear Davidson
Yours of the 15th inst, No
12, I have just received. Of course I was
pleased to hear from you. I had also a
week or ten days ago received yours of the 1
st
and the package slippers and socks. Thank
you. The slippers I now have my feet encased
in and am exulting in the consciousness of
having on a new pair of hose.
I have not yet been out of camp, still
being unable to ride. I am however much
better than when I wrote. Dr. Fish says he thinks
I will recover by being kept quiet. No
fistula has yet formed that he can discover.
however an abscess is where it should not be
and is unpleasant. The Col told me to – night
that if necessary he would get me a furlough
for a few weeks to go to Mich and be cured. I
shall go if
absolutely necessary but not other-
wise, as so many officers are resigning and
trying to get home. The Col told me I must
not think of leaving, (as I was afraid I should have
to a few weeks up) that I had better lie still
in camp six months than go now. Very many
of our officers have gone and are going, and it
is rather a slim upon one’s character to resign
just at present. None but the incompetent and
those who are really permanently disabled by sick-
ness +c are allowed to go. Capt Melchor
will resign to-morrow or next day and will
have no difficulty in getting away. Col
Minty last night offered me the Captaincy of Co “C”
I told him I preferred remaining here for the present.
He then said if he succeeded as he expected I sh’d
have the rank and a permanent appointment as
A.A.G. Papers have been sent to Washington en-
dorsed by Genl Stanley and Rosecraus strongly
recommending him for Brig Genl ship. If he gets
it I shall go on his staff. I may yet accept
the captaincy in Co “C” but to tell the truth I do
not like Co duty. The officers generally live no
better than the men; have to encamp down in
the mud with them and generally have their tents
over run with cermin +c. It may read very well
in stories but Co duties are disagreeable. It is not
pleasant to drag sick men out of their tents before day-
light to curry dirty horses and the men thinking that
your heart is harder than Herod’s. If you are indulgent
to the men and allow them to do as they please you
are liable to be reprimanded by your superior officers.
That has been the trouble with Melchor he has let
his men run without any discipline whatever
and is not considered a good officer.
Lieut Porter will be going to Kalamazoo
in a few days on a furlough. With this I shall send
you a pistol taken by me at Franklin. See how
savagely the Secesh load their fire arms. I shall also
send some money if you are paid up to-morrow.
Enclosed find a rebel letter which we took from one
of their camps. I have procured blankets
+c here. I believe I left a pair of fine boots in
my room. If you have not worm them out send
them to me by Porter. I am also going to ask you
a great favor i.e. that you will not fear to
trust your longvette to him for the purpose of
bringing it to me. I have often wanted one when
out
Feb’y 25.
I have put off finishing this until Porter
is ready to go. he will leave to-morrow. I send
($200) two hundred dollars for you to invest
for me. I have some taxes both in
PawPaw and Flint to pay. Howland sh’d
have paid something. This money you can let
out for 10 percent for me. If any men who came
me anything will pay 10 percent interest you can
let principal run. Pay $50 or $60 on the
contract I have from Mr. Davenport for the
Herbolshimmer lot. Has still on Dec 30 paid
anything? Porter will tell you all the news
yours “No 13” of Feb’y 16. I rec’d yesterday. I
send my diary for 1862. I wish you w’d send by
Porter one for ’63. I never received the one you
sent. Yesterday was pay day in camp
and the boys were correspondingly jolly.
Give my love to all. Mother of course seen
my letters so I have nothing new to write
to her. I may see you all in a few
weeks. Good night.
Your affecly Mother
R.B.
J.D. Burns Esq
Kalzoo Mich
[On Envelope:]
From R. Burns Feb’y 22, 1863
Feb 22
JD Burns
Kal’zoo
