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Regiment: 7th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: William T. Sherman
Camp near Rearnstown Va
Wednesday Nov 23 d/1864
Dear folks at home,
We are again back to the front
got here on
Monday = found when
we got here that the cav had all
gone after the rebs – we were about
six hours to late to go. so we went
into camp – it rained all day
and all night – neverpassed a
worse night in the service – I thought
we were better off than those that
went out and so I consoled my –
self that way – To day my Div =
returned. but we havent joined
our Brig. yet – but will tomorrow
We got a splendid lot of horses
and I think that I got one of the
best horses in the regiment
I haven’t received a letter from
you since I left Pleasant
Valley
We all seem to think that we will
go into Winter Quarters around here
now soon. I understand that our cav
went out as far as Mt. Jackson
where they found the rebels in force
The weather has been excessively cold
now for the last week – some rain
a little snow and a good deal of
wind – such winds as March in
Mich. cant produce evry day –
I understand that the soldiers are
to have a Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow
furnished by our northern friends
and brought out by our
trains
It is now about 8 o’clock P.M
and clear and cold – before my
tent – a good fire – a very comfortable
thing. I don’t see why I don’t get
a letter from some of you
The mail has come each day
but nothing from you – Why
dont you write? I wish I could
be with you. “Thanksgiving day”
I am very anxious to hear how
Hatty gets along – Our present position
is about four miles from Winchester
south of the town. The regiment just
came in from picketing against
Mosby – and not withstanding it
is dark as pitch I hear the sounds
of the ax and the crash of falling
timber – it is cold and the men must
have a big fire – the men have
had it pretty hard for the past
week – they have been on picket
or guard evry night – Soldiering
as a whole is rough business
Evry
Nation as well as our own
will hail the day of peace
with great joy – will hail it as
Harrie
Smith used to say “with vigor, with
zeal, with zest, by G
[ ? ]”
Excuse profanity
I expect to hear great news
from
Joes hunting excursion
as well as
General Sherman
I dont hear nothing about
furloughs – perhaps they will
be granted by and by –
You will remember that I am
on my last year – and if
the War does continue, I will
be home ere many months
One year is not a very great
while – and the rough times
of a soldier, better fits one for
the rough duties battles – against
an uncharitable world
Excuse a letter written in haste
and at such a cold place
as this. Write soon
Good Night
Bud
