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Regiment: 1st Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Orlando B. Willcox
Camp Michigan
Annapolis Junction, Md.
Feb 1st 1862
Dear Florence:
Your letter of last Sunday came. Your can not imagine what dull times there are now in our camp. For the whole of the present year we have not seen two days of sunshine. Rain and rain has been the regular order of the weather for almost every day. Last night there were indications of a change and when we awoke this AM, we found nearly 3 inches of snow upon the ground. The most that has fallen during the season. But this AM it began to rain again and now but little of the snow remains. Did I tell you that my Capt had returned. Chasly Garsons has gone home on 10 days leave in consequence of the death of his father. He did not see me when passing through but wrote me from Harrisburg. It’s strange that thoughts of distant people will flow in the same channel.
I told you of going to Baltimore one day last week. While there, I was looking over some photograph albums when the though struck me that perhaps you would accept one from me. Finally told the bookseller to pick me one – a food fashionable one – & send it to my hotel. It was sent and the next morning I brought it with me to camp. I have been promising myself to send it every day & as often something would call my attention until after the express train had passed. I’m glad if you will not think it snobbish or vulgar to be eluding you occasionally a trifle. I wish that I had some of the officers pictures of our noble 1st to send. But as I only used 6 of those horrid black photos I did not have enough to exchange with many. The prospect of our being called off is not possible. The Lieutenants of our Regt. have now another Item or duty – inspecting the train for desertions. When a Lieutenant is detailed on guard, he goes on duty 9 A.M. for 24 hours, during which time he must not take off clothing or equipment. At 930- half hour before he is relieved- he is to get onboard the train and go into Washington. Wait until 3 P.M. & then examine all passes for furloughs of enlisted crew. Those who are “found wanting” are kindly invited to stop at our hotel – Guard House – until their command can be notified. I cannot say that I admire the business, especially after having been on the guard for 24 hours. Well, we get to camp a little after 4. Are tired enough to rush our rooms. The next day we have the pleasure of being officer of the police whose duty it is to keep the camp clean & in good order. Most of the work is done by prisoners those who have been sentenced by court martial. All is not bright & cheerful & “sunny” in the life of a soldier. Thus you see that we have enough to do outside of our companies in which we are expected to drill a good deal. There are but six Lieutenants in this camp for duty. But unless we can be busy this life becomes dull & we long for a change. As it is, we are confidant that we are doing & have been doing all winter – as good service as any Regt in the field. Although our victories and bloodless ones. Still the knowledge of the fact that we are keying upon the only means whereby our Army of the Potomac can obtain bread & butter is consoling in a great degree. Capt Withington – prisoner since July 21st – is to be here tomorrow. We have but one officer left in the South. Our brave Col Wilcox is still a prisoner & confined in a felons cell. But few of our men are yet released. The reason is that they are not at Richmond but further south & they release those farther north first.
I am glad that you show the spirit of true patriotism in saying that you are resigned to my not coming your way when I first wanted to. Do you know that one of our Captains has lately resigned for n reason but that his “family affairs” would nor permit him to remain. Which means I suppose that his wife was opposed to his being from home.
Capt S. tells me that I do not know what it is to leave a wife – he’s just from home- I agree with him & tell him that there is a dim prospect of my ever knowing if the present war lasts & we are not allowed to leave camp. However, I suppose tis better that we are – as we are & for were another tie to be added this time of separation would be unbearable. I cannot believe that there are stronger tie than those which now hold me. Through long dark years have I watched, waited & imagined for you, never for a moment doubting or thinking that in my silent absence but that all was well.
I do not like to think or write of the last few years. I mean those that have passed since I left. There is a dark cloud there & which I fear can never be cleared to bright sunshine. I can forget but never forget. Never.
While life lasts, the memories of that time will always be to me a reminder of the ingratitude of man. I have never written so much on this subject before & will not write again on it. It is too much for my mind to bear without feeling loaded when I think of it.
But darling, tis, I fear selfishness that prompts those feelings. With pride do I say to myself, I love you more than all the world & know that I am not alone in my feelings. Do you ever try to analyze the mystery & the power of love? With me, tis like trying to measure the distance of the stars by a chain. We know that they are at such distance but where we attempt to apply practical measures, the result very soon shows an absurdity. Is my reasoning good? I am satisfied to know that one of Gods best gifted creatures designs to notice, to love, & to wait my coming – & oh the sweet consequences of knowing this makes the dull road of life pleasant. & when at night I wonder in meditation, does not your presence make me a better & happier man. & does not the pleasant “God Bless you” comes from an honest heart, & will there not be a joyful meeting & life of continues happiness in store for us?
My life so far has been “chickened over with good & evil” – & again will I say that had it not been for you, my present position would have been far different. It least I think so. You will write me very often.
Isn’t it the strangest thing in the world that I should have gotten you a photo album, over a week since? & that you would of thought of one?
I have numbered the spaces so that you can arrange an index – Cannot sent it before Monday. But ths will go tomorrow. I’ll write you then –
I have a new pen & don’t know how to use it without blotting.
Ever yours truly
Wm Byrns
Can you give me Lieutenant Hamilton’s Address. I may find him in Washington.
