Burns, Robert – May 20, 1863

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: John B. Turchin, William S. Rosecrans 1st Brigade 2d Cavalry Div Murfreesboro May 20/63 My dear Davidson Yours of the 6th enclosing Willy’s I have. I was both surprised and pleased to hear that he was in Kal- amazoo. I wish he could have come while I was there. I had a letter from Cousin Eliza a few days ago. She thinks he has improved much in appearance and other- wise. I suppose there is no chance of my seeing him. Since I came here we have been perfectly quiet. The Brigade came in a day or two after my arrival and her not moved since, with the exception of changing camp. Our regiment never had as long a rest before. I have not yet quite recovered. I am a long time getting well, but suppose I shall be perfectly sound when I do if length of time in getting so is any criterion. We have changed our cognomen again as you will see by the heading of this. We have now two divisions. Gen Turchin com- mands the 2d in which we are. Our Brigade the 1st now consists of the 4th Mich- igan. 4th Regulars, 3d Kentucky, 7th Pennsyla 3d Indiana and 1st Middle Tennesee. You may hear of some of the Regiments before long as I think from present appearances our whole army will move South ere this reach- es you. We have been ordered to send back our extra baggage get rations in havre- sack, ammunition in cartridge boxes and strip for the fight. It is the impression in the camps that we will move very soon though of course we know nothing. It begins to look as it did about last Christmas. The army is confident of a victory if called on to show their its muscle. The Eastern army has had a trial and now it comes our turn. Gen Rosecrans will do what he can and we think here that will be as much as “any other man” We now have a beautiful camp in the woods away out on the front, but a very little way from our pickets. Our tents are all ornamented with evergreens and we have a slight shadow of regret at leaving having spent about a week in prinking and trying to be good looking. The weather is delightful and we have made the most of it in a lazy way. Do as you please with the quick lot. If Mr. Davenport will agree to the terms proposed by you it will be a fair in- vestment. I will sell the Flint lot for $250 down. The taxes have not been paid yet I believe. Give my love to mother. I will write Dr Lee when I get well. I have been putting it off for that consummation so devoutly to be wished. Re- member me to McKibbew, McMiller and other friends.        Let me hear from you soon Your affec brother Robert Burns [On Envelope:] May 27, 1863 May 20 J. Davidson Burns Esq Miller & Burns Kalamazoo Michigan