Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/cole-william-f/
Regiment: 26th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
March 1, 1863
Camp near Alexandria, Va
Dear Friend Chalker. I take my pen to write a few lines to you. I am well and hope these
few lines will find you the same and Esther too. It has been some time since I heard from
Esther and I would like to hear from her very much. I was on provost guard yesterday.
We come on guard every other day and stay on guard 24 to 26 hours and it is hard work.
I sent my likeness to Mr Avrycs in a letter and when you write, let me know if it came
safe. I would like to see some of the friends in Mich and Esther too but I am not tired of
a soldier’s life as yet. The Regiment was mustered yesterday for their pay. We probably
will get our pay this week and I will have some money to let out for 7 per cent for 1 year
and I may want to let it longer if you know any one that wants some money. Let me
know. I will take any good man’s note or a mortgage on any property that is good for the
pay. There is a good many sick at present and many death nearly every day. There
has been 5 dead in the hospital at once but we have not lost but one in our company
as yet. It has rained and snowed most half of the time. Write to me as soon as you get
this. Your friend.
William F Cole
The boys from Locke is all well as far as I know.
Direct to
Washington D.C.
26 Mich Infantry
W.F.C.
To Otto B. Chalker
