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Regiment: 4th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Benjamin D. Pritchard, Joseph Hooker, William S. Rosecrans
Near Guy’s Gap 6 miles from
Shelbyville Tenn Oct 7 1863
My dear Davidson
I have but a moment to
write. We are after the “raiders” who
crossed the Tennessee River on the 30
th
ult. Have had three fights with them
and expect to run into them again to-day.
We killed 25 of them on the 3d and 10 on
the 4
th. We reached Murfreesboro the day
before yesterday and left there yesterday.
It seemed like getting home again. The
rebels are about 8000 strong (all cavalry)
in front of us running like the d-l.
I dare not give our force but we are
strong enough to meet them. We have
been riding day and night since the 1
st
Our horses are being rapidly used up but
we shall corner the rebels if possible.
They keep us trotting. Will write you of
our operations during the battle of Chick-
amanga and this race when I get time
I wrote you on the 26
th ult. I am perfect-
ly well. Never better. Sigel’s Slocums + How-
ards Corps (the 8
th 11
th + 12
th) from the Po-
tomac Army have passed through Murfrees-
boro and are now with Rosecraus at
Chattanooga. Genl Hooker commands
them. We can now drive the rebels from
there. Pritchard (Capt) was wounded on 18
th
Good bye as “boots and saddles” has sound-
ed. Give my love to Mother. I received
your letter of Aug 2d and the one by
Porter. Your affect brother
Robert Burns
Keep papers reporting Chickamanga
Battle for me
[On Envelope:]
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Michigan
