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Regiment: 6th Michigan Battery
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Sun morn Nov. 8th/63
Dear Uncle, Aunt, Cousens & Friends:
Two weeks
ago, I bid you all good by that
I might have a part in putting
down the would be destroyer of our
republic. Many were the fears
then expressed, that I should not be
able to withstand the vigors of a sol-
diers life. But I can assure you, that
you would be very much surprised
at our accomadations here, could
you but know our situation.
To me it seems unnatural; tis not
what I expected. Too much comfort
is here found to meet my expectations.
Last Sunday morning we received our
tents and immediately set to work
to build our shanties.
Some of the boys (of our squad of nine)
went to a saw mill about ¾ miles dis-
tant after boards – nice white wood
timber – for which they paid at the rate
of $12 P thousand; while others pre-
pared the places, set stakes &c.
So that by night we had bunks for
four, at least. The following day we
put up the other shanty so that,
that night all all of us “hung on our own
hook”. We use one of our buildings
for a kitchen, the other for sleeping,
and lounging (not sitting) purposes.
We are a few steps to the North of fort
Hobson which is ¾ mile west of the vil-
lage. ¼ of mile to the North and a-
cross a gulley is a mounted infty
reg. of “Kyes” as the boys call them
There are six or eight hundred
of them, and more or less of them are
out scouting all the time.
The other day they brought in 17
guerrillas while I was on guard in
the fort. There was a deal of cheering
when they came in, I tell you.
Just across an alley is ½ of an Ohio Reg.
And six or seven hundred cavalry
are expected in here soon.
So we are pretty well prepared, you see,
to withstand an attack of a half
dozen sneaking guerrillas.
But whether or not there is even that
number of the villains I am not prepar-
ed to say. Though judging from the
faces of comrades I would not say any
very serious danger is apprehended.
There seems to be as little fear of an
attack here as there ever was there.
We have been rallied out but once
and that was through a false
alarm – done on purpose to try
us. In our tent, all of us had stowed
themselves for the night, when the
“long roll” commenced beating; and
not knowing exactly what it meant
we waited till a passer by yelped
rally boys rally; and then there was such a
hub bub of where are my boots, my hat, whos
got my trousers &c. as would have
compelled a bear to show his teeth
with amusement. However, as soon
as ready we gathered at the Capts.
tent where we formed into gun
sqads and marched to the fort to
the tune of “throbbation” and what’s
the matter, whats the news &c;
prepared the guns for instant use.
We did not wait long before up rode
the Col. commanding the post with
the terrible news – It is a false alarm;
and then commended the men for
their promptness.
P.M. I have just come in from a gen-
eral inspection of the forces at this post.
But space says hold on So I must
bid you Good by; hoping that I may
get an answer or answers by return
mail. Give my best wishes to all not for-
getting selves. Yours &c. Wallace.
P.S. Direct to Mich 6th battery Glasgow K.Y.
[On Envelope:]
Mr. N. A. Page Esq.
Rollin Lenawee Co.
Mich.
