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Regiment: 8th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Camp Nelson
Hickman’s Ridge, Kentucky
June 27th 1863
Dear Brother Howard,
Now what shall I say to my little brother this rainy evening? I presume he would like a variety
of little items about camp life. The men carry on their horses, their blankets, tents, etc., and in
their haversacks their knife, fork, spoon, cup and plate so that when they halt for meals or for the
night everything is handy and ready for use. The tents are simply “shelter tents” which are
about six feet square and can be pitched in “no-time”. When pitched a man must crawl
into it and can scarcely sit upright. Sometimes they will button two or more of these
together making more comfortable quarters. It looks quite picturesque at night to see a
camp of shelter tents with a light in each one of them. Your brother has at present two wall
tents, one for stores and the other for an office and sleeping quarters. These are about
eight feet square and high enough to walk around in them. They are the same kind that the
officers of the 5th Calvary had. You will recollect those. Two is more than my allowance and
I expect one will be taken from me some time. Now that the Colonel has command of this Post
and I am Acting Commissary for the Post, I quarter with him. Our quarters are in a rebel’s house
and a fine large one very pleasantly located. We have a mess here consisting of the Colonel,
Acting Adjutant General, Quarter Master Smith and myself. It cost more to mess here than it
would in Michigan. For example, today we paid 25 cents per pound for butter, 25 cents per
dozen for eggs and 30 cents per gallon of milk.
Adjutant Miller of the 9th Michigan Calvary was appointed Acting Adjutant General but
his regiment was ordered off to Stanford, KY. He was ordered to go with it. They expect a
fight there and I wish that our regiment was going too.
We have had two rainy days and it has rained as though the weather meant to make up for the
long dry spell we have had. My individual clothes are very useful now. This Kentucky clay is
getting awfully messed up on the turnpike. It is like puddling, so you can guess how our clothes
look after splashing through it a short time.
My horse, Billy, is a little “tramp”. Just as full of life as ever and just as “fat and saucy”. He
wants to be on the gallop all the time. I think much of him. He is so kind. The Government
mark, U.S., has all disappeared so no one knows but what I paid $150 for him, or more, except
those in the regiment.
Now, Howard, what are you doing at home? Trying to improve your mind so as to be somebody
and of some use in the world, or is it all play? Give good time to play but mind boy, you will
regret it if you do not give “right smart” time to study.
You were to write me, you know, but have not. When you do, I expect you to tell me all about
your studies and what you are reading. Tell me whether you are up at the head of your class or
the dunce of the same. And tell me what your books tell you. You are old enough to write good
letters now and can’t you write me once per week?
I enclose a letter for Charlie Dings, which please give him or sent to him.
How is Tinny? Is it warm in Detroit? Do you see many soldiers now? Do you like your school
and teacher? Do you visit Burnham and Mollie often? I think of you all at home very often and
often think if my brother is going to amount to anything. I think he is going to amount to much,
but it rests with himself, mind that dear boy.
The Colonel and the rest of them are asleep so I will close, take a wash and follow suit.
Your affectionate brother,
Watson
