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https://micivilwar.com/authors/safford-charles-h/
Regiment: 5th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: George A. Custer, Philip H. Sheridan
Middletown Va
Aug 14 1864
Monday
Dear Father
We had a pleasant trip
from City Point to Washington but only
[ ? ] at the latter place during
Saturday + part of Sunday last then
moved via Rockville Poolesville
[ ? ]
to Harpers Ferry. The morning after
we reached H.H. Sheridan started down
the valley. Early, + Buckenridge were
24 hours ahead of us, but the cavalry
overhauled them and we had a
shirmish with them. The rebels our at
Shasting 3 miles from here and I
think in heavy force. This is the
poorest looking army of ours that I
ever saw. I don’t wonder that Hunter
had to run. We thought twould be a
fine thing to come down here but
paid nothing quite as good as the
Army of the Potomac. I am graitly
disappointed in the Shenandoah Valley
it does not equal other portions of
Virginia that I have seen and the
people are the worst kind of rebels
and as destitute as any of them
but the turnpike to Winchester and
Harpers Ferry is the finest road I
have ever seen.
My commission came to
me at Washington and I was muster
ed there so our all rights. I also
saw T.O. Wallis there he had not
given up the use Cavalry reg yet
but I will do as you say regarding
recommendations of the Col + Gene should
they be needed. Genl Custer ordered
the hanging of a spy yesterday whom
the rebels left here to oblaui uniforms
otion when the passed through the
scaffold was but a few rods from
on tents and us had a fine
run but twas horrible
Mays letter was duly [ ? ]
[ ? ] has my thanks
Will write again soon
a let you hear vrom me as
soon as something departs is known
of our movements. much love to all
Your affectionate
C.H.S
paid nothing quite as good as the
Army of the Potomac. I am graitly
disappointed in the Shenandoah Valley.
it does not equal other portions of
Virginia that I have seen and the
people are the worst kind of rebels
and as destitute as any of them.
