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Regiment: 4th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Braxton Bragg, Edward M. McCook, Thomas L. Crittenden, William S. Rosecrans
Chattanooga Daybreak Sept 13, 1863
Sunday,
My dear Davidson
Yesterday afternoon our Brigade en-
tered this newspaper famous town. It was deserted by
the rebels a few days ago. Genl Bragg is retreating
we suppose to Atlanta and our army is in close pur-
siut. Yesterday McCook + Crittenden were fighting
him about 10 miles from here. Last night Genl
Rosecraus left this place for the front and a battle
is looked for. We are under marching orders and
shall probably go about 8 o’clock this morning. Should
have gone last night but our horses were tired out.
So maybe in less then 12 hours I may be in another
battle I do not think Bragg will make much of a
fight unless he has received reinforcements. His
army must be much demoralized. We, while up the
valley, had 30 or 40 deserters a day come in. All
were Tennesseeans. I have written you a good
many letters since I heard from you and have kept
you and Mother informed of my movements. I suppose
you have received them. I have heard nothing from
you since the letter written July 30
th. Did you
receive $250 by Porter. I have asked that question
several times but don’t know whether you received
the letters or not. This I am writing on my
knee can’t get a table desk or barrel to write
on. This is a fine country to look at. We
have been in the Cumberland Mountains for the last
few weeks and tell Mother I am getting to be as good
a Highlander as she is. Yesterday we forded
the Tennessee River. It was a sight worth seeing
while crossing it we could hear the cannonading
in the front. I cannot write more. Good bye
Will drop you a line again when I can. God
bless you all. Your affectionate brother
Robert
J.D.Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
While in church to-day
pray for us
[On Envelope:]
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Michigan
