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Regiment: 4th Michigan Calvary
Battles Mentioned: Rome, Georgia
Historical Figures: Eli Long, James H. Wilson, John B. Hood, Kenner Garrard, Robert H. Minty
H’d Qrs 1st Brig 2d Cav’y Div
Louisville, Ky Nov 15, 1864
My dear Davidson
Nearly two months have passed
since writing you, but we have been a great
part of the time on the
other side of the in-
terrupted rail road communications and all
of the time on the march. You see how
far Northwood I have arrived almost with-
in a stone’s throw of you, and yet I fear I
can get no farther. We arrived here yesterday
for new horses, arms, equipment &c and I be-
lieve are to return immediately to the field.
I yesterday received several letters from you
and Willy, also the clothing sent by Mort Buck.
I am very much your debtor for the bundle. The
coat fits well and is just what I want. Ev-
ery thing is as it should be.
Since writing you we have passed through
a short and severe campaign, at least as far as
marching went. We had to fly around and find
Mr. Hood’s whereabouts, we being about the only
cavalry in this Department. On Sept 26 Oct 2d 3d
5
th 7
th 10
th 12
th 13
th 20
th 21
st & 23d we were skirmishing &
fighting. On the 27
th our horses were turned over (the
few we had left) and we have since been pushing our
way back here. I do not know how long we shall
remain. I hope for several weeks as we are nearly
used up. Our cavalry has been again reorgan-
ized. Our Division is to be commanded by Genl Long
Genl Garrard having been relieved. Our Brigade is
to consist of the 7
th PA, 4
th Mich, & 1
st 3d & 4
th Ohio
Regiments. The 4
th Regulars have been assigned to
duty with Genl Wilson our new Chief of Cavalry, so
that our old Brigade is now no more. We
think we have done some good work. Our last
affair at Rome on the 13
th ult. was one of the best
where we charged and totally routed two Brigades
of rebel cavalry capturing two pieces of artillery, kill-
ing 25 and capturing 79 prisoners, and scattering the
Johnnies in all directions. A very lively day we had
of it, and I slept pretty soundly that night being
completely tired out. I was very much
disappointed in not seeing Willy. I wanted him
to come down and try a little camp life
with me. I shall in a few
days send you $500 or $600 being about to
strike a Pay Master and make him disgorge my
hard-earned greenbacks. The said greenbacks
I find go but a little way in this age of high
prices. For instance I sent by Col Minty to De-
troit for a little wearing apparel and yesterday
he delivered them to me with the bill viz.
Jacket $40. pantaloons $31. vest $20. I paid $18 for
a pair of boots in Chattanooga a few days ago. I
however on the same day voted for Abraham Lin-
coln, so have no reason to complain if our money
is at a little discount. I have concluded
however to put off my matrimonial speculations
for a while. I think they would likely be “matter-
o’money” al ones just now and I must wait
until gold and silk fall. Having three mar
ried brothers in the family ought to do.
I shall try for a leave of absence while here
but with very little prospect of success, so don’t be
disappointed if you don’t see my cheerful countenance.
Give my love to Madge. I am grateful to her
also. How did you like Willy’s bride? Let
me hear from you again soon.
Your affect brother
Robert
