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Regiment: 1st Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: George A. McCall
Camp near Gaines Farm Va
June 19th 1862
My Dear Florence
Still no letter from
you. Worry with waiting I will delay
no longer. We are today back to our old
camp.
[ ? ] yesterday we were at Mechanics
ville. We left here at 1 oclk yesterday AM
reached them at daybreak. You may be
sure we slept but little that night. After
we had formed in close column +
[ ? ]
arms we lay down for a rest. I took
a position under a large tree + regardless
of rumors that we were within easy
range of the rebel batteries went
to
[ ? ]. Was awakened about 10 by the
sun which shone full in my face.
After a lunch I found a new place +
again went to sleep from which I did
not wake until an order came for
us to march about 5 P.M. We then
came back. You remember the old
history of the king of France proceedings
but we were relieved by Gen McCalls
Div which has arrived.
Tis rumored that we
[ ? ] the
[ ? ]
[ ? ] tomorrow AM.
Have had to quit writing a short time. The
rebels for some days have been very
quiet + have not answered the challenges
sent by our battery. Which is just in
front of our camp but just as I was wri-
ting the last time on the previous page
they opened upon us sending, shell into
our battery + camp in a lively manner.
One shot-a splendid one- struck the
ground near the battery, bounded + just
cleared the ridge of my hat where I lay
writing + lodged a short distance from
which place it was shadily brought
as a trophy. I thought it best to take
a short walk for my health + if I am
called again before finishing this, I
will take paper with me. I just saw
my Col. Ride away, perhaps he intends taking
us out of range. We have a beautiful camp
do not care to leave it. Being in good range
of the rebels it will be better not to tempt them
to use thin however for they will need it
all
[ ? ] long. We expect to leave this
[ ? ]
of the river. We think that all things
are ready-nearly- + that we will pro-
ceed
[ ? ] many days. We are tiring of this
uncertainty + are anxious to see the
end. May it be well with us.
If I had your letter thats on the road +
could write for better. When you get home
you will have more time? How I wish
that I could go with you rather than be
dodging balls. I suppose its conduct inbecom
ing an officer for me to say so, but
tis true. I would rather take a trip to
Ills. than to Richmond although the one
is a thousand the other 6 miles.
I try to be contented + am interested in
my duties. Charly Parsons is well.
Remember me to the friends at [ ? ]
elsewhere. The Col. is coming with
orders. In haste, + loving you
always
Your Will B
Not a letter saying what you know
of our change from S. Va.
[On Envelope:]
Miss Florence Clark
Care C. B. Adams
Mount Morris
New York
Will Byrnes No 73
June 19”
“Before Richmond”
