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Regiment: 1st Michigan Cavalry Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures: Nathaniel P. Banks
Frederick, Dec. 15th, 1861
Dear friend Eliza, I now improve the pleasant opportunity of writing a few lines to you and tell you what we are about. After a march of four days, we find ourselves in a little town by the name of Frederick in Maryland. We were removed here to supply a deficiency of soldiers and to fill out a Brigade, commanded by General Banks. There is a very pretty little city about one mile from camp. It is called Frederick. I received your welcome letter in due time, but have delayed writing for want of something to write that would interest you and because we were under marching orders and I thought I would wait until we were in camp. Again, a thousand thanks to you for writing me such a kind letter. My health has been good ever since I enlisted and I am not sorry I came, but we have a great many evils to contend with. This is the third camp that we have been in since we came out here. Our march here was not a very [ ? ] one, as the weather was good and we did not travel to exceed twenty miles a day. We have the same horses that we brought from Michigan and they are said to be the best lot of horses that have been brought into the field and each soldier takes pride in making his horse look as well as possible. I received a letter from Mrs. Cory this morning. She says that they are as well as when we last met there and have come to a settlement with the city and that is something that I have hoped for a long time. The climate is very pleasant and warm here, as at least it is warm when compared to Michigan weather. Now friend Lize, I hope you will write to me as soon as you get this, for I shall look my eyes out if you don’t, as letters are all the society I have and all that I would wish to have while out here. I shall look earnestly to my friends in Michigan for such favors. The boys in Company C have presented me with a violin and if I should play as much as they want me to, I could do nothing else. I have not seen many Rebels yet, but we are very near to them now. We have a very pretty camp nos. It is in the woods and in a very good part of the country, though we are plagued for water. We are fully armed and equipped now and with a sufficient amount of drill, we hope to be of some use to our Country, but I will be close by, sending my love to you and in hopes to hear from you soon. Good By. Eliza D. Young From your affectionate friend, Oscar L. Smith