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Regiment: 4th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Braxton Bragg, Robert E. Lee, William S. Rosecrans
Head Quarters 1st Brig 2d Cav’y Div
North side of Tennessee River
15 miles from Cattanooga, Hamilton Co
September 26, 1863
My dear Brother
I have but a moment to
drop you a few lines to let you know
that I am yet unharmed and perfectly
well. We commenced the fight on Friday
the 18
th and our Brigade was engaged all
that day skirmishing with the enemy.
On 19
th we were passing from one flank
to the other but not engaged. We saw the
battle of that day. On 20
th we were on
the left wing and were engaged in the
evening. On 21
st we were fighting about
three hours in morning. and on 22d
protected a part of the rear of the army as
it fell back to Chattanooga. Fought them
for several hours. On night of 23d we
were in the trenches digging and at 3 o’
clock that morning were sent to guard
the fords in this direction to prevent
the enemy crossing. A very heavy battle was
fought during night of 24
th. We could hear
the cannonading and we have this morn-
ing been listening to the same solemn music.
A terrible battle, or easier of them, has been
fought and the end is not yet. Genl
Rosecraus has determined, I believe, to hold
Chattanooga in spite of all Lee’s and Bragg’s
armies. The rebels will do their utmost
to destroy the Army of the Cumberland but
will certainly fail. Our troops are in the
best of spirits though our loss has been very
heavy. That of the enemy has been immense.
They fight like devils incarnate. We un0
doubtedly are greatly outnumbered here. We
have been fighting Bragg’s Buckner’s and
Johnson’s armies. and Longstreets and
Ewell’s Corps’ of Lee’s army. We have yet
received no reinforcements I believe tho’
we look for them every day. We shall
whip them any way. Capt Paitchard was
wounded in the arm by a piece of shell. Two
of my Co were killed. I have not time
to write more. Enclosed you will find
a little note written Sunday night when the
fight was hottest. Keep it as a memento,
Good bye. God bless you all.
Your affecl brother
Robert
[On Envelope:]
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Michigan
