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Regiment: 6th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Fort Morgan, Ala
March 3rd 1865
Dear Folks at home
Your kind letter
of Feb 5
th has come to hand
it found me very busy, and
I cannot take the time write
you a long letter in reply
I am very busy working,
from 7 oclock A.M. till 9 oclock
P.M. and the worst of it is
that there is no prospect of
getting caught up on the work
The present Commanding Officer
writes two long General Orders
every day and three or four
letters, in addition to the Returns
and reports which I have to make
I am obliged to copy the orders
and all of the correspondence
first passes through my hands
for revision, and correction.
The Col relies so much on me
that I find my position of a
false nature. He thinks that I
know enough to correct his
ungrammatical expressions, when
in fact I am even a worse
grammar scholar than he is.
I try to make him aware
of this fact, but he will pesist
in sending the rest of the boys
work to me to see if it is done
correctly. I find myself very
much behind in grammar and
sometimes in spelling. I dont like
to stay here in the office, would
rather be to my company. There
is too much responsibility and
care falling on to my shoulders
here, and then I have not time
for exercise, or my own
correspondence
Company “E” is at Fort Powell
doing picket duty Major Cogswell
has not bee re-instated at least
we have had no notice of such a
circumstance. Col. Bacon, who was
dismissed at the same time, has
been
honorable discharged. The part
of the order relating to his dismissal,
having been revoked by the President
I am well, and as tough as a
boiled owl, (I might add).
I have not enjoyed much better
health in my life, than I am
enjoying at present. I weigh
about 145 lbs. and measure about
5 ft. 10 inches in height. In one of
Libbies letters she asked me if
Oscar Burgess really had a
commission. I would say in
reply that the said Burgess has
no commission, has never been
recommended for any position
not even the position of 8
th Corporal.
I have now, six months pay
due me and $50.00 Bounty.
I can not say when I will get my
pay as I was mustered “on
detached service” on the company
rolls and could not get my
pay even if I was with my
company when they were paid.
I am going to try and send
home one hundred dollars
when I do get my pay and
you can buy a good mare,
paying the $100 down and
try to get one years time on
the remainder. I think quite
likely the war will be ended
in about six months from now
We have just had the news
of the capture of Charlestown
evacuation of Wilmington and the
probably evacuation of Richmond.
Bully for our side. bully
for Sherman and hurrah for his
peace commissioners. There is a
very large expedition about to
start from this place for Selma
and Montgomery via Mobile
Co A of our regiment will ac-
-company the expedition as far as
Mobile. They will take with them
six 10 inch siege mortars. It is
thought that more of the
regiment will go – about 5 comp-
-anies. I will be obliged to stay
cooped up in this old prison like
fort. The 24
th day of this month
I will be 22 years old – most
old enough to think of marrying
dont you think so? Well I dont
intend to get married till I am
as old as John is.
You must not mind what
Uncle Adam or Aunt Maria
say. You know they will soon
get over their pet and be as
good as pie. They used to think
me
too much of a gentleman,
when I refused to work for Uncle
Adam for nothing. Then I was
lazy. I think I have demonstra-
-ted the fact to the contrary.
Now I am a perfect gentleman.
Curious how much I have changed is’ent it?
I would state in regard
to the sea shells Mother spoke of
my getting, that they are very
scarce and since so many
soldiers come here it is impossible
to get any. Sometime when I can
get a chance I am going to
New Orleans, and when I do go,
I will get some sea shells for
you all. For about $5.00 a
person can buy some of the most
beautiful shells in the market.
I have often thought that I would
buy some of them, but always, at
such times I would be entirely
out of money. Well I must close
Much love to you all and a
kiss for little Carrie. Write
soon and often and dont be
alarmed if you dont hear from
me quite as often. I must close
for I have eight letters of my
own to write today. With much
love and my best wishes I remain
as ever
your affectionate Son
Frank B. Knause
Adj’ts Offic, Headquarters 6th Mich
Heavy Artillery
Fort Morgan
Alabama
Remember me to Libbie
Col has given me today to write letters for myself
Excuse the bad writing. I cannot stop to write a
readable hand In haste.
Frank
No 7. 1865
(I guess)
