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Regiment: 4th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Ambrose E. Burnside, Braxton Bragg, William S. Rosecrans
H’d Qurs 1st Brigade 2d Cav’y Div
McDonald’s Rhea Co. Tenn Sept 8, 1863
My dear Davidson
We shall this afternoon cross
the Tennessee River and move to Chattanooga
The rebels have all left the river opposite
us and they are reported to be retreating
towards Atlanta Geo. I believe our forces
occupy Chattanooga. They have been
before it for several days. Deserters are
coming in by scores, 14 yesterday and 30
to-day. They all think the rebellion
is “played out”. I do not think Bragg
will fight us a tall, unless he received
large reinforcements. We are now in
East Tennessee which is nearly all in
our possession. We are on the left of
Genl Rosecraus’ Army and within a few
miles of Genl Burnsides’. I suppose we
shall be in Georgia in a few days. As
to being defeated we do not consider that a-
mong the probabilities. I hope we shall
not be, as we are pretty well down in
Dixie and we should be crippled seriously.
I have yet heard nothing from you
since July 30. I wrote you July 26 sending
$250 by Porter. Aug 14. Aug 16. and 25.. We
have had two mails since Aug 17.
but not a word from you. Write to
me “4
th Mich Cav’y Murfreesboro” I wrote
Willy a day or two ago. I think
I shall postpone my trip to New York this
fall.
[ ? ] are a little too hard and leaves
of absence “too difficult to obtain. Give
my love to Mother. I am very well,
never better. Cannot write more
Yours affecly
R. Burns
J.D. Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
[On Envelope:]
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Michigan
