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Regiment: 4th Michigan Calvary
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: George Crook, Robert H. Minty
Head Quarters 1st Brigade 2d Cav’y Div
Maysville Ala Nov 19, 1863
My dear Davidson
Yours of Nov 7th I received yes-
terday. Otis sent it to me from Nashville.
Yours of the 11
th and 25
th Oct I also received in
due time. Since I wrote you on 27
th ult
we have been lying here doing nothing. i.e. the
Brigade as a command has been lying still but
the Regiments are scouting around the count-
ry in all directions. The 4
th Michigan start-
ed for Chattanooga the day before yesterday.
How long to be gone I cannot say. Col
Minty is still in Murfreesboro. What is to be
done with him. I
[heavily crossed out] do not know.
Genl Crooks has so managed it that the
Brigade has been taken away from him. I fear
permanently. We swear some.
I have nothing to new to write about. Our
life when lying in camp is very dull and mo-
notonous. The Pay Master has been around
as you will perceive by the enclosed check for
$260. Can you not put it out for me in
some way. If now, pay my debts or yours.
I have received two letters from Willy lately. One
of the 8
th announces his approaching marriage on
the 24
th inst. Yours I suppose will take place
on or before a year from that day. I, poor devil,
will be completely left out in the cold. Better men
then I have been in the same predicament. I
think I shall wait until the war closes and
probably long after before I seriously contemplate
matrimony. I am glad however that you and
Willy are becoming settled. I still remain
A.A.A.Q. of the Brigade. Col Lowe is a pleasant
man, and easy to get along with. I have
been very well. Weight to-day in shirt sleeves
162 pounds. When you reach that figure, I’ll try
again. I sometimes almost feel like resign-
ing my commission, our regiment is so reduced
in numbers that it does not need more than
half its officers. A. Ismon has sent in his re-
signation. He can not stand the service. Quite
many of our officers are leaving in disgust.
Let me hear from you soon again. I shall have
to wait for an opportunity of sending this. How
is the weather with you? I am writing this with-
out any coat on.
Nov 20. Nothing new. I shall have an opportu-
nity of sending this to-morrow by Charly Kendall.
Please acknowledge receipt immediately. The
band is playing out in front of my tent this
evening and I feel terribly homesick. Would
like to get away from here for awhile.
I am afraid it will be a long time
before that day comes. Write Mother
for me, and tell her “all is well” yet.
Your affectionate brother
Robert Burns
[On Envelope:]
Dec 2 1863
Nov 19
J. Davidson Burns Esq
Kalamazoo
Michigan
