Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/foreman-james-a/
Regiment: 5th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
July 5th
Camp on James River
Dear Dollie
I wrote you a few lines
this morning a few hours since I
received a letter from you from st
Johns. I will try and write you a
few more particulars. I believe I
wrote you last from the front of
Richmond of our move to this place
it is a mystery to us all some
think it was premeditated others
that it was a military necessity
(myself among the no) the right
wing of the army was attackted
by overwhelming numbers and
without doubt were obliged to
fall back on Friday last. we
did not have orders to move
until Saturday evening. we were
ordered to take six days rations
apiece and 150 rounds of cattrige
throw away all extra baggage
destroy camp equipments such as
tents and kettles all extra guns
and ammunition. we started early
Sunday morning and I believe
the most of the boys threw away
about all they had for my part
I was not well and on Monday
morning fell out of the ranks
and threw away gun cattridge box
and almost everything and did
not get with the regiment
again for three days and
did not get into the two fights
that our regiments was engaged
in do not think it was because
I was to cowardly to go in.
it was because I was used
up (played out as we say here
several of our co was with me
our regiment suffered bodly
again the only field officer
we had left the left mich with
us was wounded our captain was
shot through the leg, but I really
felt so bad for a Lieutenant
Johnson that was killed in Co
F he ha wife and two little
children in Detroit. he had
applied for a discharge and I
think had it and would have
been with them in a few days
(thus it is in war)
Reinforcements are constantly pouring
in and a few days will probably
see us again on the way far
the rebel capital. we have now
a sure base of opperations and a
communication that cannot be
cut off as we were on the York
River and Railroad
certainly I do not think you foolish
far feeling so bad at leaving Paul
but sadly mistaken in thinking that
a Father could not miss a child or
love one as a mother does. for
not an hour passes but I think
of our dear boy and would do
almost anything but desert
to so you both again. and
you have the assurance that
nothing but the oath my country
my country has kept me
from you. I have patience
awile longer and perhaps
all will come out right
show did you enjoy the 4th
and was there a celebration at
St Johns how I thought
old times yesterday of the
many happy four that spent in
dear old Michigan foser of them
I believe were spent mostly with
you (two with Paul)
Must cook my supper
More anow
Good night Jim
did you
forget the verses
I did not get
them
Mayor Farbanks
is since
wounded he
was were
liked by
all of our
boys
