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Regiment: 4th Michigan Calvary
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Albert S. Johnston, Andrew J. Smith, Nathan B. Forrest
Head-Quarters 1st Brig., 2d Cavalry Division,
On Chattahoochie River, Ga
July 16, 1864:
My dear Davidson
On the 10th inst I
received yours of June 26
th. Why the long
delay in its arrival I can not image. I had
written you on the 26
th May 18
th 23
rd & 25
th June and
7
th July, which you had not received. The
letter could not have been very well.
Since writing we have been across the Chat-
tahoochie seized and occupied a position
there, and after holding it a while resigned
it in favor of the infantry. We are now
on the North bank of the River about ten miles
above the point from which I wrote you
on the 7
th. Our army has full possession
of the River, both sides and has nothing
but Johnston’s forces between it and Atlanta.
That may be a big impediment, but we ex-
pect to see to-morrow. We are now under
marching orders again, and it is supposed
the whole army will advance again in the morn-
ing. All we know is that one Division there is to
start. I have not much doubt that we shall be
in Atlanta within a week. Do you think we
have been a long time getting there? We may go
slowly, but we are reasonably sure but a single
rebuff have we met since we started. On the
27
th ult our men failed in storming Kenesaw;
but in less than a week afterwards Kenesaw and
Marietta were in our possession. It has been
a pretty steady and successful pressure.
The 1st and 2nd Divisions of the 16th Army
Corps are encamped but a short distance from
us. I wish the 3
rd Division was here. Then I
would have a chance of seeing Willy. We have
a little hope of seeing it here. Rumor says to-
day that Smith has just met Forrest and
whipped him, killing Forrest himself. I hope
it may be so. I then will have a chance
of meeting Willy before he goes home. I
shall be very much disappointed if I do
not. I envy you your ple-
sant home and prospects in Kalamazoo, and yet
wish you joy in them. I hope Willy will set-
tle down somewhere too. Three years are enough
for him to give to the war. I do hope it may
close before it becomes necessary for our regi-
ment to re-enlist.
I yet am very healthy. We now get plenty
of fruit, such as peaches, blackberries &c. and we
make excellent use of our opportunities. Acres of
blackberries disappear in short order.
The weather is exceedingly hot, but we are gra-
ually becoming accustomed to it. We keep ourselves
as cool, free and easy as possible. I have not had
a coat on in weeks, except when riding, and
think I would find it difficult and disagreeable to
wear a collar again. I have not
heard from the East in a long time. Is Mother
in Greene yet? Give my love to Mis-
tress Madge. Let me hear from you soon.
I will write when I get to Atlanta.
Your affect brother
J.D. Burns Esq
Robert
Kalamazoo, Mich
[On Envelope:]
July 28, 1864
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Michigan
July 16
