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Regiment: 4th Michigan Calvary
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: General Johnson (Confederate), General Johnson (Union), George Thomas, James B. McPherson, John H. King, Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman
Head Quarters 1st Brigade 2d Cav’y Div
4 miles South of Kingston Ga. May 20/64
My dear Davidson
We are at the front as you see.
Since I wrote you on the 11
th from Villanous we have
been constantly on the move. One the 15
th we went
to within three miles of Rome where we ran on to
a large force of the rebels. We had been driving them
about 5 miles but had to return. Had some skir-
mishing and I did not come very far from being
shot. However I wasn’t hit. Marched all night
on the 16
th and on the 18
th were in the rear
of Johnsons Army.
The Two battalions of the 4
th Michigan were sent
towards Kingston to see what they could and
found themselves surrounded by a brigade of rebel
cavalry 1600 strong. They were in a tight place
and had to fight their way back to us about
4 miles. One of our Majors was taken prisoner and
one Major and two Lieutenants badly wounded. The
rebels followed them to where we were ready to
receive them and had to pay for their temerity.
Wilders Brigade sent them back flying. Yes-
terday the rebels were driven out of Kingston by
Genl Thomas. We had been acting under Genl
McPherson on the extreme right but in the
afternoon crossed from the right to the centre
and joined Genl Thomas & Sherman at Kingston
as we arrived at K hard fighting was going on
two miles in front. We were ordered on the
trot to go to a Bridge 4 miles South of
K over the Etowah River and in rear of
the rebels to cut off their retreat. We
made a rush and came here, got possession
of the Bridge, threw up barricades and awaited
the expected enemy. Were in about an hour
joined by a Division of Infantry under Genl John
son & King. Could hear them fighting like
thunder about 2 miles behind us. We are
here yet. The rebs don’t appear to have re-
treated by this road. Don’t know whether
they have retreated at all or not but they
have probably crossed the river at some other
point. A person in a battle or a great move-
ment don’t know much of what is going on except
what he sees himself. I believe Genl Sher
man’s advance thus far has been very sucessful
The army has had some severe fighting, but no
general engagement. We may however get into one
any day. I believe the intention is to push to
Atlanta. We obtained possession of Rome yesterday.
I do not have much time for writing as
we are expecting to start again at any moment. I
received yours of the 8
th last evening, also one
from Cousin Eliza of the 1
st. Had not seen a
mail since the 13
th before. Grant appears
to be giving Genl Lee some tremendous thumps,
Good for him.
As you are well aware it will be impossi-
ble for me to be with you on the 8
th of June.
My only chance is in being wounded and
getting a leave of absence on account of it. That
would hardly pay. You have my best
wishes. Give my love to Madge. I know she
will make you a good wife. I think if I should
attend your wedding appearing as I now do, I would
astonish your guests. When on a campaign we are
not models of dress and good looks. We are
decidedly rough & black. I wrote Mother
on the 13
th. Write her that I am safe & well
thus far. Good bye. God bless yourself
& bride. Your affec brother
Robert
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Mich
Trowbridge is here with his regiment
Excuse the appearance of this, I write in
haste.
[One Envelope:]
June 9, 1864
May 20
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Michigan
