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Regiment: 23rd Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Braxton Bragg, George B. McClellan, Henry W. Halleck, Robert B. Mitchell, William S. Rosecrans
Bowling Green K.Y. Jan 11th 1863
Affectionate brother as I have an
opportunity to write a few lines today, I thought that I would do so
And give you a short history of the situation of company d. As you
Probaly have heard that it has been detailed for the purpose of
Guarding a railroad bridge across the river called great bearren. This bridge is located on the same spot where the old one was where the rebels battered it down on the approach of our forces under. General mitchell numbering about 20 thousand. The rebels numbering as near as I can find out, about 40 thousand. It may seem strange how 20 thousand should put 40 thousand to flight. Well I shall, give you my own opinion on the matter, which is as follows. On
the approach of our forces the rebels thought they could do as well to load down the carrs with provision stores and then concentrate in an other place destroying every thing as they left that would be of any use to our forces. But the members of the celebrated battery of Mich, Knonnas Lummises battery under the guidence of that noble patriot who lately died with
the yellow fever, whose name was Michael. They were badly disapointed
for just as they got the carrs loaded and was steaming up, Michael
with his telescopic sight, one of his own invention, he threw a shell
clear over the engine house in the tenter. That was done the third
shot he made and there remains not in the records of this rebellion a
better shot, and that is what gave to Lummises battery its popularity.
But I am getting ahead of my story. The rebels left after battering
down the bridge that we are now guarding. I am on as sergeant of the
guard today, and B. Wastrow as corporal. I am obliged to stay here
twenty four hours and see that the guards are relieved every two hours
Some times I get sleepy, but if I should get sleepy while on duty it
would endanger the safty of the regt. Under such circumstances I can
keep awake for one twenty four hours. The reason of my acting as
Sergeant is on the accont of two of the sergeants being sick in order.
That you may understand my duties better I will send you the detailed
guard as made out by the orderly sergeant for this day. Those twelve
men with the corporal are under my charge for the next twenty four
hours and I receive my instructions from the captain. I am getting
used to a soldiers life now. I must give you my opinion on the war as
It appears to be a very dark hour for us at present. But after a few
more political mistakes, such as the removal of general McClellan from
his command on the Potomac. I think we shall suceed, but I believe
that the president meant well on his part. But Hallock was his adviser
and he thought probably that McClellan was to slow. But I think little
mack understood what was before him better than all the rest, for I
have learned to my full satisfaction that it takes some time to move a
large army toward an enemies strong hold and also keep the supplies on
the move. Necessary to feed them for soldiers have to eat as well, as
Other folks, and it is my private opinion that there remains a winter
campaine before McClellan. But enough on that subject. Our armies are
succesfull in this department and general Bragg is on the retreat with
his whole forces. I do not know when I will get a chance to send this
letter and I may write more before sending this, but enough at present
H. G. Sherman
P. S. I forgot to tell you the time that of our forces taking possesio
n of this place. It was last february and the signs of their
encampments are plain to be seen yet in every direction. It is – to
tell you we have taken considerable many of the rebels prisoners down
below Nashville in our last battle there, as you probably have
received it by this time in the papers. We are where we can see the
carrs go by everyday. But the rascally rebels tore up considerable of
the track between here and Louisville, so we do not get the mail as we
used to. Their object was to cut our army off from supplies at
Nashville. But general Rosecrans has not been asleep, so he had one
months provision on hand, and before that is gone he will probably
have more. I think a good deal of Rosecrans. We are in his department
and often hear his orders read on dress parade, and they seem to be of
the greastest import and to the wellfare of the goverment. I will not
write any more at present. You will please excuse my mistakes as I
have to keep looking off to see if the guard is doing his duty and it
is not like sitting down at home and writting at ones leasure. But on
the other hand every thing takes the stile of military which is some
times at double quick time and I thought to my disadvantage on one of
the marches that I made. But I lived through it and enjoy good health
at present. I believe that it would be military econsmy if we should
march 100 men to death if by doing we could save the lives of five
hundred and gain a battle. But enough at present.
H. G. Sherman
Monday Jan 19th 1863
Affectionate brother not having
an opportunity to send this I thought that I would add a little more
to it. You must not think strange if you do not hear from me very soon
again, as there is no regularity about the mail at present. There is
lots of mail at Louisville for this regiment now I expect. But we will
get it after a while. No more at present.
H. G. Sherman
