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Regiment: 4th Michigan Calvary
Battles Mentioned: Rocky Face Ridge, Georgia
Historical Figures: Ulysses S. Grant
Head-Quarters 1st Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division,
Department of the Cumberland,
Villanous, Georgia
May 11 1864.
My dear Davidson
Yet on the move you see.
I believe we have now our position and are
here expected to do our part in the great battle
which must take place within a few hours.
To-day we have been listening to the commencement
of the storm, a slight cannonading could be heard
several miles to our left, as if the two armies were
feeling each other. To-morrow it will probably
commence in earnest. We have a large army
and feel confident of success. The rebels may
evacuate but I think not, as they have been
all day running car load of troops to Dalton
where their main army is concentrating. You
will probably see in the papers an account of
the battle before this reaches you. I will
write, if well, as soon as it is over.
Last night we marched from Lafayette to this
place and a terrible time we had of it. Thunder,
lightning, rain and pitchy darkness were combined.
The road was over the Mountains and we could not
see anything except when the lightning flashed.
All were obliged to lie our on the ground having
no tents with us, and slept
soundly. To-day
we have managed to get into a vacant room and
are comparatively comfortable.
We are receiving glorious news from the
Army of the Potomac. I hope Grant may con-
tinue as successfully as he has begun. The
rebellion will probably receive a staggering
blow this month from all quarters. I
wrote Mother yesterday. Have not heard
a word from any of you in a long time. Have
written you frequently lately. Good bye
Love to all. Your affec brother
Robert
J.D. Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Mich
[On Envelope:]
May 18, 1864
May 11
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Michigan
