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https://micivilwar.com/authors/burns-robert/
Regiment: 4th Michigan Calvary
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: George Thomas, James B. McPherson
Near Dallas Ga
about 30 miles north
of Atlanta. May 26, 1864
My dear Davidson
I shall try to send
this by Lawton who starts for
home in a day or two. He re-
ceived a severe wound through
the shoulder the day before yester-
day in a skirmish at Dallas. His
wound is severe but not dangerous
we are engaged in skirmishing about
every day. The 4
th Mich has
lost five officers within the last
week, four badly wounded and one
taken prisoner. The rebels are slowly
falling back fighting every day.
We are now out on the extreme front
at the right of McPherson’s Army.
Our brigade to-day is on picket.
if I may so call it. Our horses have
not had their saddles off since yes-
terday morning. Yesterday Genl
Thomas had some very hard fighting
about five miles from us. Cannonading
is heard at all hours. The day before
yesterday we had a little fight on
our own account in which Lawton
was shot. We are now com-
pletely cut off from communication
with the North. Our trains
have been left behind and we
are striking staight and sure for
the heart of the Confederacy. At-
lanta will be ours within ten
days. I am very well, but
extremely tired and dirty. Have
been up at all hours and living
& sleeping in every manner. Last
night was thoroughly soaked. Am
now sitting on the ground writing
on my knee. In looking before
me I can see nothing but trees
and bushes but turning around
and looking over the hill the
woods are full of Cavalry and
artillery. If the rebels come
this road, they will receive a
blast. We are expecting them at
any moment as we are now
four miles south of their army
and almost completely in their
rear.
I wrote you on 20th & Mother
on 22
nd. Don’t know whether you
have received my last letters or
not as I believe writing is now
contraband. If Lawton can get
away he will take this. Good
bye. Your affec brother
Robert
May 26.
