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Regiment: 15th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned: Corinth, Mississippi
Historical Figures: Leonidas Polk, Nathan B. Forrest, Sterling Price
Corinth May 6th 1862
My Dear Cousin
Your most welcome letter
was recived several days since, and I should have
answered it sooner had I not been out on a
scout when it came. I assure you I was happy
to receive it in fact I am always glad to hear
from you Cousin Eva you are allways so kind to me
for which I shall ever feel grateful Both myself
and horse were completely worn out. We were out
seven days and nights during the time we did not
take the saddles off of our horses. One night we
sat on our horses from sun down until sunrise.
The only sound we heard that night was the howling
of the owl and squeaking of frogs crickets and
such like. The rainfell in torents all night. I had no
oil cloth and of course suffered much from cold.
The enemy drums a short distance from us was the
first sound I heard of life the next morning.
They endeavoured to cut us off and come in a
few minutes of doing so twice. We had two skirmishes.
I was in only one of them and I am sorry to say had to
retreat both times, Owing to a superior force of the
enemy and we were only placed in advance to watch
the movements, I could tell you many instances of
trials in that short space of one week. But will not
do so now. You have no idea cousin Eva how much I
feel for you but you must not despair. This war will
not last much longer, it cannot. If we are successful
here, which I sincerely hope we may be, I think they will
surely grant us peace and then your meeting poor Cousin
Mark will be so much dearer to you both. After I recd
you letter I went to the 1
st Ark. Regt. and inquired
for Dr Rool Young, as I am personally acquainted with him.
They told me he had been home on parole but had returned
to the enemys lines. So I could hear no information. I saw
Genl Mareh Walker here yesterday and he told me
he had heard from Cousin March at Cairo and
that you knew it. that he was improving which relieved
me very much. So now you must not be uneasy as
all as he is out of danger though in a disagreeable place.
I hope if we make any exchange of prisoners he may
be one of them. I feel very sorry for poor little Ken.
Tell him I am trying to get his Pa back. Dont
think of going after him it would be perfectly
useless a battle is emminent here and it will be a
decisive one if we are defeated you will be north of
our lines and can go to see him in fact if we are
not victorious here. I think our cause lost and
we will be compelled to submit for awhile no
one would regret this more than myself. But we
cant over come impossibilities. Though I dont
think they will do so our men are in good spirits
and I hope they will be deceived as to our force here.
The Conscript Law has been the chief subject of
conversation for some time but I cant tell what
will be the effect, as I have been away so much.
I think it a dangerous thing, it looks like
[ ? ]
to the 12 months Volunteers though I suppose it was
the only thing could have been done in our critical
condition. I regret very much the disgraceful conduct
of the Polke Battery. I heard they would be shot as
deserters though I sincerely hope they may escape if
they promise to do better in the future. I was at the 4
th
Rgt this evening to see Lt. McNeal. But what
was my surprise to hear that he too had gone after deserters.
I am glad Albert has the office he has he is a good
boy and I think deserved it. I am much interested
in Tom what dose he intend doing tell him to come
back and go it independent private with me. I intend
the next fight (which will be soon) to go with the infantry
as the Cavalry will have nothing to do but stand picket
something I am not at all fond of as it is so very disagree-
-able. I quit Forests Regt. today. I dont think Forest,
near what he has the credit of being. He is a
brave man, but no Genl and the most wicked
person I think I ever heard talk. He has a great
thirst for military glory. A thing I dont care to be one
of the instruments for his obtaining. I would not sacrafice
myself for my own praise much less a man who
considers men as trash, especially privates. Let the
Yankees talk of “Southern Chivalry” There is one
consolation even if they over power us. We will make
many of them pay dearly for their boasting. We
are well fortified here and ready and waiting for
them. They are only five miles from this place on the
Farmington road. I think they will attack us
on all sides, and when they do come Corinth
will be remembered as the bloodiest field on the
continent. I saw Genl Price Sunday. He has the
appearance of the father Soldiers and Genl his silvery
locks pleasant face could not help from commanding the
respect of every one. His soldiers received him with shouts
of joy on last Sunday when we expected an attack
they call him Pap. I am desperately taken with him
and think he is the hero of them all. Ma has
been up here I did not see her. I am now with
Capt.
[ ? ] he send his kindest regards to all.
I accept the kiss from little Mary W. Kiss her for me also
Master Knox. Poor De has been up here. he came
for a discharge he looks very bad. I fear he will
never be well again. Harry well and in fine
spirits as his Capt. has been elected Col of the
Rgt. I saw Cousin Robert this evening he is
looking very well. I did not have much talk with
him but will go around to his company tomorrow morning
Say to Cousin Clara I heard James Fleming had
recd a present from some ladies in B
[ ? ] a
doll when I asked him about it I did not
intend for the ladies to hear of it. He says he
would have named it Jerome but it was unfortunately
a girl dont tell her this. My love to her and
Aunt Lucy. I went to see Albert Dobbins a few
days ago but he was out on a scout Poor
fellow I feel so much for his poor mother
You know how she worships her children
You must excuse this scrible. I think it
is the worst letter I ever wrote, but I am cold
and it is late and in Camp
[ ? ] are so bad.
My health tolerably good. I promise you to take
good care of myself and thank you for your
kind interest in me. When it is in my power
Cousin Eva I will allways be happy to serve you
in any way. I will inquire for Cousin Marsh
every time I see any one from the Enemys camp
though as he has been moved north my chance
for information will be small.
My best wishes for you in all your troubles dear
Cousin and trusting they may soon all be
removed I remain
Your Very Affectionate Cousin
Jerome
Please dont let anyone see this as I am actually
ashamed of it. Why do you tell me about
Miss E. Lou Miller of Jackson is my “particular
star” dont you think she is quite a little lady. She
says she has not “quite turned out yet” but that I
must go to see her. I intend doing so when the
war ends a long word that I fear. Good night.
Excuse this Yankee Envelope it is all I
have. Jerome
