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Regiment: 2nd Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Ambrose E. Burnside, John B. Hood, John C. Breckinridge, William S. Rosecrans, William T. Sherman, William Thomas
Waterloo, Ala Jan the 12th/1864
Kind friend:
Yours of the 3rd was duly received on the 19th and should have been an-
swered before. We started on the Campaign after old Hood, but the weather was
so intensely cold that it was impossible to write, infact the only way that we
could keep from suffering was to go into our tents and cover up with our blankets.
As we were camped close to Nashville, there was very little wood to be got. But on
the 14
th we started south again and the result of the campaign you probably know
better than I can tell you. We had a little excursion over the river the other
night and captured a rebel Lieutenant and fifteen men. There was fifty men of us
sent over the river to get what information we could of the enemy. We crossed
after dark on boat and left our horses on this side. We had a guide that knew the
country and when we got about five miles out we heard of this Lieutenant and his
company being camped there and we started. It was raining and had been all night.
On the way we met and took two of his scouts that he had sent out, but we stepped
out of the road and let them come right amongst us so there was not a gun fired.
We went out to the camp and took them prisoners in their beds. We got 20 horses
and saddles. There was not a gun fired. They felt so secure that they had no reg-
ular pickets out, nothing but a patroll. But enough of this. I would like to say
something about the success of our army this fall and winter. Our army has captured
over 250 pieces of cannon within the last three months. Hood has been defeated by
Thomas in Tennessee, Eerly has been whipped by Sheridan in Virginia and Price has
been beaten by Rosencranz in Missouri. Breckinridge has been served in the same
way by Burnbridge in east Tennessee. All of them with the loss of most of their
Artillery and wagon train. Hood did not take more than half as many men back acrost
the Tennessee river as he brought when he came up to Nashville. Sherman has gone
clean through the confederacy and taken Savannah with a large amount of stores
and transportation and on the whole, the thing lookes brighter than it ever has
since I have been in the army. I have not late news of any importance. I have not
seen a paper of any kind since I left Nashville. My health has been excellent. I am glad
you are all together and enjoying yourselves so well. I wish that I could happen
around there some day and see you all. We have gone into winter quarters here and
got everything quite comfortable. How long we will stay I dont think I will tell
you just yet. When you write direct your letter via Nashville. Please dont wait
as long as I did. from your friend
Thomas Wasson
