Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/gooding-b-franklin/
Regiment: 4th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Saline Mich Feb 8.96
Friend Treat
Dear Comrade
I hope you [ ? ]
hour last fall all right
[ ? ]
In thinking over the trip I am
very glad we were together + how
we did enjoy the old
[ ? ]
association – at least I did
The days were so full of the
most exciting memories that
I ? for our could not fully
realize how good it was to
be there + in company with
those who were
[ ? ] I was
We were sorry you did not stay
with us – as our friend did not
annoy us after you left us
A ? E. was pretty well. delayed
when we came home but soon
reunited + is as well as usual.
Treat I am trying to get a
[ ? ] like all the rest.
They want one more affidavit from
one of company. My agent said
your evidence would be the best
of any one.
On the raid to Lebanon Town
about June 15 63 where we rode
all night + drove the Jackels in
at daybreak + followed
[ ? ]
until about noon I was – on
skirmish line (after leaving
leaving Lebanon). it was very
hot + letting down fences + riding
acrofs fields at the gallop. I became
over heated. + where we halted by the
creek I took to the shade + did
not get out until night.
I did not know how bad off
I was at the time – but I never
got over that days workd.
[ ? ] Ewing remembers my being
exhausted + saw me lying
in shade + asked me if I was
sick – he has made out an
affidavit for me for a great
many years. I have not been
able to work in still hot days
+ Rheumatic + heart trouble
have laid me up a good
many time. + if I should attempt to do
the hard work on my farm would
be entirely played out.
I write this to refresh your memory if
possible. Will send a memorandum
that the
[ ? ] agent made
of claims
[ ? ] to be
established.
I applied under new law
+ was rejected. this is under
old law.
It is asking how much to
expect we can remember all
that happened to our comrades,
We who seldom told of our
pains + troubles, cannot recall
the events of every doings.
So long ago
If you remember last fall you
did not see so much in the
sun without an umbrella
[ ? ] + the week before
going South I could do nothing
in the middle of the day
I will send these papers if you
can truthfully conscientiously help?
will be glad to have you
with highest regards I am
B. Franklin Gooding
