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https://micivilwar.com/authors/curtis-marcus-d/
Regiment: 8th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Jefferson Davis
Steamboat Ed. Walsh. June 13th 1863
Miss M. Skutt
You were, no doubt
surprised at receiving a request from
a stranger for permission to write to
you; and perhaps considered the request
an impudent one. and perhaps it
was. I am not going to try to prove that
it was not! but since you kindly give
me the opportunity, will tell you how
it happened. George had received
three or four letters, since I had one,
and had just got one from you, and half
in earnest told him I intended to
write to some of his correspondents,
as they were so much more punctual
than mine; he fell in with the idea
at once, and gave me an introduction
to you (to your likeness I mean) and
then I asked through him for permission
to write; What I at first proposed
to him. half in fun. I now propose
to you wholly in earnest. I should
be pleased to correspond with you. If after
considering the matter you can consistently
If you consent, I assure you that your
letters shall not be used for any
unworthy purpose, or any to which you
would object.
I suppose George Carnes, is giving
you a description of our journey from
Kentucky. So all I shall try to do, is to
give a faint idea of what has been called
the father of waters, the noble Mississippi.
If you would ever see the river
and enjoy it; it must be upon one of
the river steamboats; where you will
enjoy the pleasure of traveling. the
views of the ever changing and shifting
landscape. at the same time that you
have almost the comfort and security
of home. The low bottom lands
covered with a thick growth of cotton
wood
makes the scenery similar all the,
way down from the mouth of the Ohio.
but the frequent openings and log cabins
of the settlers; the plantations, with their
neat white houses, cultivated fields, and group
of negro cabins; the towns on the banks;
the bluffs; and the sand-bars, relive it of
monotony, and make the side a very pleasant
one at any time. but to us who feel
a personal interest in the events of
the war. the places made historic by
the bloody conflicts of the last two years
are doubly interesting. Cape Girardean
Columbus. Island No. 10. New Madrid
Fort Pillow, Memphis, Helena &c.
are names which bring vividly before
the soldiers mind. the toils, privation
and sufferings, by which they were saved
from the tyranny of Jeff Davis.
A short time ago a band of
Guerrillas fired on one of the boats,
the one just ahead of this and
wounded three. the fire was
returned, with what effect is not
known. Hoping to hear from you
favorably. I remain yours respectfully
M D Curtis
