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Regiment: 1st Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Camp near New Bridge, Va.
June 22nd, 1862
My dear Florence,
As I wrote you in my last from near Gaines House that perhaps we would move our camp, my suspicion proved correct, for at 3 the next morning we were ordered to move. We only went about 2 miles N.E. of Gaines & while one company & the guard established the camp the rest of the Reg. went on picket at New Bridge. Our Co. was one of the two at the outpost. Soon after we had taken our position one of our pickets was shot – thigh badly shattered & amputated in & in P.M. – About 10 the batteries opened. Our side began, but after firing a few shots became quiet.
We were in under a position that the shots from both sides passed over our heads but as they were high & fired with long fusses the shells hardly startled us but after our side ceased the rebels began firing carelessly sending shell in every direction & at all ranges – One shot passed through a man, a barn & 3 horses at over 2 miles distance – A good many were thrown at our main reserve, who were protected by a slight earthwork – but they seemed to have a particular regard for our picket of 2 Cos. for they tried hard to shell us out of our position. As we were not half a mile from this first battery most of their shells passed beyond before exploding, but they managed to burst some 8 within 200 feet of us, but we were uninjured. Several times the explosion was to near us as to throw up the ground & the land would fall on us – Only one man of our Reg. was injured & he slightly wounded in hand by a fragment of shell – which burst near the outpost & passed on to the main reserve over 1/4 of a mile. – The rebels ceased firing at twilight & yesterday a.m. their eyes were with the sight of a fine earthwork mounting heavy siege guns which had grown the previous night through the exertions of our Engineering Corps. Hardly a gun was fired yesterday, I think our people expected some work for today for we are ordered to be ready to fall in as soon as firing commences – but tis nearly P.M. now & all is quiet. We are receiving heavy guns from White House all the time. Our people need not get impatient. Our army is not idle before Richmond. When we are entirely ready the work will begin.
Tis hard work to lay in sight of the enemy & know that we must not hurry – tis hard to lay quiet & allow the balls of the enemy to whistle around & not be allowed to answer. We trust our leader & feel soon that all will be well. Enough of war. – I did not expect the news of your departure for home. I had hoped that you would get no opportunity – have no chance & be obliged to wait until the fates would allow me the privilege of joining with you. But I am glad you did not wait. You have been so long from home that you can truly appreciate the joys of home & Mother – Has Galesburg changed in the year (almost) that you have been absent? Do you find Ma, Carrie well? Remember me there. Tell me all about your trip. Did you pass over the Mich. Southern R.R. If so you saw all the country I am so familiar with – More chance that you went through in the night. I had a long letter from Cousin Fanny French yesterday. She expressed great disappointment because you did not visit her – & more over that she had formed a very favorable opinion of you. Wished to be remembered with much love – We have just had orders to form our Cos. & be ready to move. It will take some time perhaps for the final orders to come so shall continue to write. There are prospects of an engagement. Mounted orderlies are passing in haste. The men are in the bustle of a move. We go out strong in the hope that we will surely conquer. All of us cannot ass the trail, but if we fall tis for a beloved country – I do not think our force will bring on a general engagement today. The Sabbath should be respected. Remember me to your people & especially your mother. Always pray for
Yours
Will Bryns
