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Regiment: 1st Michigan Engineers
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Don C. Buell, William S. Smith
Bear Creek Miss June 14th 1862
My Dear Ida
Yours of the 28th + 29th ult.
and 2
nd ult. came to hand within three days.
They found me very busy as I am
foreman in the construction of the bridge
over Bear Creek, which our forces burned
to prevent communication of the rebels
with the east. It is 300ft. by-two spans-
the abutments 19ft. High above the water-
which is from 5 to 16ft. Deep-the bottom
very uneven. We commenced a week
ago + have had seven obstacles to over-
come. We expect to pop the cars over today
Col. Ivnes was very position it could
not be done in 30 days. I told him I
felt quite sure it could be done within
two weeks by adopting a plan + system
of operations that would prevent getting
mixed.
He wished me to make a plan
while he + the adjutant went to head quarters
When they returned (Gen. Smith with them)
I submitted the plan
the which was adopted
I put in charge of the work.
I have had two + some of the time three
companies beside my own. The bottom was
to have been prepared for my bents, but we
have been delayed by its not being done as
well as the Colonel’s changing my help which
he promised faithfully he would not do.
If he wishes to appropriate my efforts to his
own benefit I hardly think it will do him
any permanent good. If I am intitled
to any credit in the matter, I do not really
think it very magnanimous to attempt
to throw me into the shade. It will
all come right soon. I endeavor to conduct
myself by this writing you will consider
that I am writing to you- + you are par-
ticularly anxious to know all about
me + complain that I say but little
about myself. You will also discover
that I am not very
well sick although
at times I do not feel exactly well
An important event occurred day before
yesterday. The paymaster came + paid me for
four months time five hundred + twenty two dolls,
Our expenses have to be paid, the bal I will
send the first opportunity to do so by express
I do not like to risk a larger amt. by mail
I will enclose twenty dollars in this letter
when we get to Tuscumbia which will
probably be within three days will send
all I can spare with directions for its
disposal.
Mr. Todd will receive his discharge pa-
pers as soon as they can return
[ ? ] Head
quarters. I will probably send a letter by him.
Our men are in better condition than they
were two months ago.
[ ? ] Armstrong +
Covell are quite. The men were
all
[ ? ] their pay at 13 dollars per
month with assurances by an order from
Gen. Buill that it should in no way in-
terfere with their claim to a higher pay
pending the question of thir being
[ ? ]
as engineers. Several army officers have
also told them the same. It is looked
upon as obstinacy in them to refuse under
those conditions. I have endeavored to ex-
plain as well as I can + tell them to
do as they like but not to hold me respon-
sible for any suffering of themselves or
families. Eight of my company only took
their pay. Had the pay been offered ten days
sooner all or nearly so would have taken it
But complaints having been made against
Col. Inves +
Col. Gen. Smith appointed
to investigate the facts in regard to the
raising of the regiment and also the
letters in the Eagle coming into camp
at the same time coupled with state-
ments that we were to be mustered out
detered them four taking their pay.
I think most are sorry now that they
did not take it. Gen. Smith will
doubtless report that the reg. Was raided
in good faith (so he expresses himself)
we will not be mustered out.
“Ou to Richmond” is now the word and
we are on the move
Ever Yours
P.V. Fox
