Brayton, George H. – May 23, 1862

Michigan Civil War Collection


Click here for this soldier’s biography: https://micivilwar.com/authors/brayton-george-h/
Regiment: 7th Wisconsin Infantry Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures: Camp opposite Fredericksburg Va. My Friend [ ? ]May 23rd 1862 Sir Yours of the 16th inst. has just come to hand and you may imagine with what interest it has been read. Day before yesterday I received a letter from Hon. J. T Lewis Hating that my commission had just been signed and sealed and that you was at that time in his office witnessing the same with pleasure” I have not yet received my commission though it is quite probable it is in the Colonels hands but I’ll assure you the kindness and attention shown by yourself & friend Lewis will never be forgotten by them [ ? ] your humble servant. You cannot realize the indignation felt by the “[ ? ] Cadets” (as Col Vander [ ? ] them) at the thought of outsider forced upon them when they have [ ? ] having an outsider forced upon them when they have [ ? ] both Col & Gov. to promote from thir own Company, Who can blame them? You know the mittle of which Co. “B” is comp[ ? ] – I believe there is no better in the service at least I wish to be with no better one hundred soldiers than there with whom I enlisted from “Old Colubia” But Sir they have too much “good sense” to be be [ ? ] upon by a man who knows that they are all agreed in “not “wanting him with them as their officer. I have been informed however that the Col. did not respect there request and that he has forwarded a recommendation for Lt. Bushnell but I think from the assurances in both yours & Mr. L letters they must have been to late It is a very warm day. mercury I should guess at about 82+ O. Since I wrote you before we have moved on about 2 miles & are now encamped on the river bank directly [ ? ] the City of Fredericksburg. The splendid B. R. bridge (Potomac & Richmond R. R.) which the “Scadaddleing secesh” burned at this point over the Rappahnock was rebuilt and the cars crossed over again on Monday last. Now running regularly between Aquia Creek & the City our troops are in full possession of this hot seceshion hole and the soldiers are running the maching shops & mills on an improved “Yankee plan”. The boys are usually well & were it not that they have been & are still yet in fear that the Col influence will send them the man who has been so anxiously fishing (for I have not showed them yours & the Judge letter) they would be feeling firstrate. We are expecting a move all the time But we have orders for a Grand Review at 2 P.M. this day. I must Close Yours truly George H Brayton P.S. The Lt. Col. has just presented me with my Commission. All right. Many thanks to those who have thus proved themselves the friends of the com- pany & Your Obt Servt Geo H Brayton