Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/dillon-richard-s/
Regiment: 24th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Detroit, Sept. 9th 1864
Dear Colonel:
I received yours on the 27th, on Sunday, just as I was
going out to church. I was much pleased to hear from you and
learn that you are well and also that the health of the
regiment remains good. I am much pleased by the account you
give of the part taken in the affair on the Weldon
Road. From what you wrote of Capt. Dailey, I am glad to
learn he is not dead, but severely wounded. The papers all
reported him killed. We are doing all we can
toward filling up the regt. There has been something over
forty recruits assigned our regt. at this office. This week
recruiting in the city has been dull. Postponing the draft
apparently does but little or no good. People act
queerly in not working while they can to fill their quotas.
It is thought the draft will not be delayed but a short time
at the fartherest. I had a letter from the
colonel. He wrote encouragingly of his doings in the part of the state he is
in. I saw Capt. Farland yesterday for the first time since
my coming home. He is a used up man. He is looking worse
than he did on leaving the regt. He is not able to do
anything, nor has he been since he has been home.
You have heard before this of the death of Lieut.
Pinkney. I forgot to mention it in my last. At that time I
knew nothing of the particulars, but have since learned
them. They are as follows. He was in Alexandria, I
think on duty. The sutler had been informed of an intended
raid on his establishment. His clerk went
Pinkney for aid, should the thing be carried out. George
took up his pistol, looked at it & said it was all right.
The clerk took out his and while handling it, it went off,
the ball going into George’s breast. This as his father
tells the story. The Sergt. Major is getting along finely and will start for the
regt. before many days. I have wrote all I think will be
interesting. Remember me to all in the regt., both officers
and men. I often think of you all. I remain yours
respectfully, R. S. Dillon
Lt. Col. A. M. Edwards
Cmdg. 24th Mich. Vols.
P.S. Capt. Farland wishes to be especially remembered to
you; he being thankful that you have been so fortunate
during this campaign.
Dillon
