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Regiment: 4th Michigan Calvary
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Albert S. Johnston, William T. Sherman
Head-Quarters 1st Brigade, 2d Cavalry Division,
Department of the Cumberland,
Near Roswell Factory, GA
July 7 1864
My dear Davidson
I did not think, that
so soon after your marriage, you would
have forgotten your former friends. I
supposed that, after a while such a thing
would have taken place but did not an-
ticipate it quite yet. You have not
written me since May 15
th and I have
given you innumerable correspondential
hints. in fact have flooded you with
little notes. To-morrow your honey moon
will expire and then I shall expect to
hear from you. Possibly I should act
the same way – Can’t tell – Never was mar-
ried. Since mine to you of the 25
th
ult we have been pushing along. On the
27 Genl Sherman made an unsuccessful ass-
ault on the enemy’s lines. We were on the
extreme left and were not in the “thick” of
the fight. All day we were engaged in artillery
duelling and had very often to hug the ground
closely to escape the enemy’s shells. Our
horses were left behind and we played in-
fantry for a while. You should hear shells
flying
towards you to appreciate the music we
were forced to hear. There is a decided dif-
ference between the rounds of “from” and “to”
I never thoroughly understood it before I
“listed”. On the night of the 2d John-
ston evacuated his position on Kenesaw Mt,
being forced thereto by blue coats and a
press of circumstances. We followed him
on the 3d through Marietta and towards eve-
ning struck his rear. On the 4
th he was stead-
ily driven to, and, I think, a cross the Chattahoo-
chie River. On the 5
th we were ordered (and
marched) here about nine miles from the left
of our army. We are encamped on Willeqoe
Creek two miles from Roswell Factory and
near the Chattahoochie. The rebs still
occupy the other bank of the River in suf-
ficient numbers to maked bathing in its
water unhealthy to say the least. Marietta
is a very pretty place one of the most so I have
seen in this benighted country. You probably
will see sketches of it in Harper or
[ ? ]
as “special artists” and “own correspondents” were
plainly distinguishable there.
The weather now is insufferably hot but the
men are quite healthy. We have not near as
much sickness as a year and a half ago. I am
rugged as ever but we are all pretty well worn.
I do not know whether we shall remain here,
or shove Johnston beyond Atlanta. Genl Sherman
has not asked my opinion about it for a day or two.
I am in hopes that Willy is marching for
this point, but can not learn with any certainty.
I would like to see the boy. Has Mother yet
gone to Greene? I think I shall not write
again until I hear from you. Give my love
to Mrs. Madge. Good bye
Your brother
Robert
J. D. Burns Esq
Kalamazoo Mich
[On Envelope:]
July 16 1864
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Michigan
July 7
