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Regiment: 4th Michigan Calvary
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: George Thomas
Head Quar 2 Brig. 2 Div. Cav’y Corps
Columbia Tenn. Jan’y 15/65
My dear Davidson
Thus far leave we again
proceeded on our Southward jaunt. We
left Louisville on the 28
th ult and by
easy marches have arrived here on our
way to Eastport Miss. We have for
the last day or two been riding over the
battle field of Nashville & Franklin.
The country is much changed since we passed
over it last spring. It is now almost
[
? ].
[ ? ] are down
[ ? ] deserted. the
road lived with the carcasses of horses and
mules. Graves are to be seen every mile.
Almost every field is a cemetery and
every inhabited house a hospital. Hood
left his wounded and sick in great numbers.
We shall probably remain here until Tues-
day, and shall then try to join Genl Thomas
at Eastport. Where we shall go to from there,
or what we shall do Genl T. has not informed me.
I wrote you a day or two before leaving
Louisville, also sent are express package. You
have not let me know whether you received
either. You have not lately done as well
in the “conerssendential” line as formerly. Possibly
I have not either. How did you pass
the Christmas and New Year. The latter
day was passed by we in a very cold and
disagreeable “march” even though it was the
first day of January. Ever since I entered the
Army my Holiday week has been passed in
marching in the most disagreeable of weather.
On the 29
th Dec two of our
[ ? ]
mick & Dr Sherk both of 7
th Penna were murdered
by guerillas. In two homesafter leaving as
to see a lady acquaintance a mile from the
road near Bardstown Ky. they were brought
to camp dead the former with three and the
latter with two bullet holes through him. The
guerillas now take no prisoners. Every one cap-
tured by them is murdered
Have you heard anything lately from Greene
or New York. I have not since writing
you. Let me hear from you soon.
Give my love to Madge.
Your affec brother
Robert
J. D. Burns Esq
Kalamazoo.
[On Envelope:]
Jan’y 25, 1865.
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Michigan
