Burns, Robert – March 15, 1865

Michigan Civil War Collection


Click here for this soldier’s biography: https://micivilwar.com/authors/burns-robert/
Regiment: 4th Michigan Calvary Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures: Emery Upton, James H. Wilson H’d Qrs 2 Brig 2 Div C. C. Chickasaw Ala Mch 15/65 My dear Davidson Yours of Feby 26th I received just before we broke camp and started on the campaign. Monday night we started at 2 o’clock and are now here on the south bank of the Tennessee River and as nearly as possible on the line be- tween Mississippi and Alabama. We shall probably be here for a week as it will take all that time for the whole of us to cross the River. We do not know where we are to go but have suspicions. The officers are to send back all their [ ? ] and baggage, and for a few months we will live in a state of filth. I send you my sabre by express. It is about used up but I want to keep it as a memento of the war, and to show my grand-children. Please have the rust rubbed off and the bruises mended We had a review here the other day in which we received many prais- es. Genl Wilson & Genl Upton both Potomac men, said they never saw any cavalry that would equal our Divis- ion that the Potomac Cavalry was not to be compared with us in drill, appearance or style of marching. Pret- ty good so far, now we must show them how we can fight. There is however a vast deal of swearing here, at the manner in which we have been treated. When a General of the Potomac fizzles there, he is sent here to command our cavalry and experiment with it. We think we have Colonels and Generals of our own, who know much more about this count- ry, and how to manage western fighting than the men who have been beaten so many times in front of Richmond. We won’t grumble however. Regular Army rules now and it is useless for volunteers to kick against it. I wrote Mother immediately after receiving yours of 12th ult. I presume she has it ere this. Give my love to her and Madge. Let me hear from you soon again Your affect Robert J. D. Burns Esq Kalamazoo Mich [On Envelope:] March 25, 1865 J. Davidson Burns Esq Kalamazoo Michigan