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Regiment: 4th Michigan Calvary
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Andrew J. Smith, Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman
Head-Quarters 1st Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division,
Department of the Cumberland,
Camp near Etowah G’a
June 4 1864.
My dear Mother
We are still kept moving be-
ing allowed to stay but a very short time in
one place. Since I wrote you on the 22
nd
ult we have been scouting and marching around
in this section of the country. We are about
35 miles from Atlanta. We yesterday returned
from Dallas where our main army now is hav-
ing received orders to move here and drive the
rebels from Altoona Pass, where there was sup-
posed to be a force of them. Fortunately there
were not any here. We shall probably remain
here a day or two to rest and recruit one horses,
as they are nearly used up. On the 24
th
26
th and 27
th we were engaged in skirmishing
with the enemy. And every day since the
24
th until the 2d we have heard the cannonading
and musketry firing of other parts of our army
engaged. Several of the officers of the 4
th Mich-
igan have been wounded among others Capt Lawton
who went out as 2d Lieut in our Company. As soon
as wounded they are granted leave of absence which
makes some almost willing to be slightly shot.
We are confident of success here, as our army large-
ly outnumbers that of the rebels and we are stead-
ily driving them. There has been no general engage-
ment but heavy skirmishing every day. It is sup-
posed that the great battle took place yesterday or will
to-day. We shall not be in it as we are now
about 20 miles from the expected battle field.
There suppositons are founded upon the expecta-
tion that the rebels will stand. They may
not, but they have a good position and are strong-
ly entrenched. They are very much discouraged
and the private soldiers. I am convinced, would
give up the contest if they could. I sup-
pose you do not see much news from our Army
as Genl Sherman is reported to be rather severe
upon newspaper correspondents. We hear occa-
sionally from the Potomac Army. Grant appears
to be very successful thus far. We hope to
hear of his entry into Richmond very soon.
In this part of the country we are reduced to
the simplest soldiers fare. Hard bread and coffee
with sometimes a little meat constitute our
diet. We have no baggage and but one blanket.
How I do long sometimes to be back into civil-
ization again. I suppose I shall not get
into a bed again and sit down to a clean table
until this campaign is ended. In the fall
I shall of possible get a leave of absence. I
do want to see you all. I think when we
get home again we will know how to enjoy
it. I have not heard in a long
time from Willy. Is he yet in Louisiana with
Genl Smith? Davidson writes that he passed
safely through the Red River battles.
In four days more Davidson will be get-
ting married; then I will be left completely
out in the cold. I yet think I shall have
to call on Jennie Squires to be my housekeeper.
She should by this time being fourteen years
old, be a pretty fair one. I presume her educa-
tion has not been neglected on that point.
Addies has not yet written me. Give my
love to all the family also to Charles and house-
hold. None of you write me very often. I
would like to hear frequently. Direct to me as
this letter is headed “Chattanooga Tenn” and
I will receive it. We get a mail every
week or two. Good bye. Somebody write
me soon. Your affectionate son
Robert
Just after writing the above I
received yours and Mary’s of the 23d ult. This
I shall direct to Greene instead of Brooklyn as
I had intended. I am somewhat surprised to hear
of your removal but perhaps it is for the best
I hope Selah may soon recover as I want to have
a good time with him this fall. I am obliged to
Mary for the permission to make as much noise as
I choose in her house. I shall try to avail my-
self of her consent. I wish I knew the ex-
act time Willy would be at home. I should like
to see him. Twenty years ago to-day Father died.
I have thought of it a good deal to-day. How many
changes and how little we boys have accomplished
since then. Davidson is the only one of us who has
anything like a home. I have about given up the
idea of ever settling anywhere. Time will yet tell
Good bye again. Love to Selah, Mary and the Children
I will be with you if possible before Winter
R.B.
