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Regiment: 8th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Commissary Department
8th Michigan Cavalry
Covington, Kentucky
May 29th 1863
Dear Father,
The last detachment of our regiment arrived this a.m Sergeant Huggins brought a letter from
Mary which I was glad to receive.
The Colonel looks as usual, if anything, a little more worn. From what we hear, it is well that the
last detachment came on as soon as they did and if they had come sooner it would have saved
our good name. The Colonel is a very fine man, I think much of him, but without doubt, he
is too lenient. He does not draw the lines close enough for a military man. If he remains in
command, I fear for the future of the regiment. I look for evil consequences arising from a
petty jealousy among the field officers unless something happens to check it. This is in
confidence.
The Adjutant was left at Cleveland but came through on a passenger train reaching Cincinnati as
soon as his detachment. He has not however reported here yet. It is said he is too intoxicated to
do duty. His wife is with him. I look for him in the morning and then my duties as Adjutant
end, but if the wishes of the officers were consulted he would be cashiered and I hold the place.
On some accounts, I would prefer this. On others my present position is preferable. Since
receiving orders to go to Maysville, we were ordered to have all the horses shod. They being
shod before only so I imagine that our destination is changed and we march by land when we
break camp. I fear this detachment will detain us. It has rained hard today and is pouring now.
10 o’clock pm. So that the dust is laid and man and vegetation thank God. We had strawberries
for tea this evening, green beans are getting “played out”. The Colonel boards with us. I expect
to enlist our landlady’s son, one of them, and have him detailed in the Commissary Department.
He will take care of my horse and until I capture a fine little contraband who would like to go
with me.
Am very glad to hear from Huggins that your health is very good now. Hope Mother is
improving. My health continues to be excellent. No signs of diarrhea, although several of the
officers and men have been troubled with it. Your remarks about my standing fast to my
Christian obligations were read with gratification. I shall endeavor to do right but the
temptations that surround me are without number. How many in the Army throw aside all such
obligations on entering the Army. Examples are daily before me. Since coming here I have had
temptations from wine and women thrown unexpectedly in my way. But, thank God, I have, by
his assistance, overcome them. I do not regret my promise to Mother in regard intoxicating
drink.
You mentioned the investment of $350 of my money in 5-20 Government Bonds. Does that
leave it so that you can use it at any time? I want you to use that money and any more I may
send home, in any manner you see fit and when I return you can return it as convenient. This I
mean, so don’t hesitate if you have any occasion for it.
Have received two advertisers and T. lately.
You say “no letter from you lately”. I have written every three days since coming here. One of
the times to you at Cleveland.
Please tell Mary that I shall seek out the persons mentioned by her residing in Maysville,
provided we got there, and shall test the charms of one of the parties mentioned.
Love to all. Tell Brother Howard I think of him often and hope he is learning very fast.
Yours affectionately,
Watson
