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Regiment: 1st U.S. Volunteers Sharpshooters
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Ulysses S. Grant, William T. Sherman
Grand Rapids Mich July 31/64
My Friend
Yours of the 25th
came duly to hand and as I
am writing I will seize time
by the forelock and remember
you again. I had learned
of Osman’s death before receiving
your letter. Sad it is thus to
see our friends stricken down
around us. We can sometimes
face death, even in its most hid-
eous shapes when it is only
ourselves in danger without a fear
or thought of shrinking. but
when it touches our friends then
its shaft is the most terribly
barbed and the iron seems to
pierce through our own souls.
Ozro Brigham, I learn, too,
is wounded. It seems as though
our family has its full share of
the sacrifice for their country,
in all its branches.
I am very sorry Mary is sick
and hope she will fully and
speedily recover her health.
By a late order from the
War Dept I observe that
officers are to be continued in
the service three years from
the date of their last commission
or muster in. When their
services are required. Will
that include you?
Our armies appear to be doing
about as well as armies can do,
this year. Grant is certainly
not by any means omnipotent,
but when he starts for any object
the object may be almost iner-
itably attained and Sher-
man is only second to him
Our friends here are all doing
about as well as usual.
A stranger called at our house
on the 22d, a young lady. She
seemed to be quite weak and pretty
much tired out, and we have let her
stay and think we shall keep her
till she is older and larger for
she weighed a little over six pounds
at that time. She is said to be
quite smart for a lady of her size
and age. Some say she looks like me
and some say she “looks just like her
father” which last sounds to me like a
very odd and
unusual expression.
She has a fine lot of very dark hair
on her head and I think she otherwise
looks very much like a
baby.
Give my kind regards to all friends.
Mrs. B. is doing very well and sends her respects
Ever Fraternally
E Baxter
[On Envelope:]
Capt. G. B. Clark
Middlesex
Vermont
