Byrns, William – May 4, 1862

Michigan Civil War Collection Letters


Click here for this soldier’s biography: https://micivilwar.com/authors/byrns-william/
Regiment: 1st Michigan Infantry Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures: Ambrose E. Burnside, Joseph K. F. Mansfield Camp Butler Newport News Va May 4th 1862 My Dear Florence Your letter came yesterday + I only de- -layed answering because I was to negligent to write last night- I will first give you a few war items. Yesterday P.M. We heard firing in the direction of Yorktown + by sun- -set it was quite rapid. In the evening we heard different kinds of reports from any before. The ground secured to tremble under them + the reports were fragment, suffering from a billions attack I slept but little last night. All night the cannonading continued at mid- night it was terrible + I am sure I heard musketry. The firing continued till day- break + [  ?  ] quite suddenly. Our thoughts were drawn from the great action which we think must have taken place by a little [   ?   ] near us. A vessel –rebel– loaded with coal coming down the James river, got aground about a mile + ½ above our camp, as soon as twas light an oar boat put out from one side ran alongside the rebel vessel + set it on fire –tis burning yet–  While we were talking of the bold action for the vessel was very near the other shore rumors reached camp that Yorktown was taken by our forces. No sooner did we hear the rumors than a trio of us started for Gen Mansfulies Hd. Qrs. + found an orderly putting up a bulletin which said “Yorktown is ours, no particulars given”. Since then we learn that the place [     ?     ] I hope the rumor is not true for we hear that they have another liar of fortifications beyond. At the least we can say that Yorktown is taken + I will make bold to add that the loss of life is is comparatively little nothing to what we expected. I do begin to think that this rebellion is approaching its end + that very fast. Unless great reverses come upon us [  ?  ] another autumn we can all be safe in our homes. I am sure the most of us will not regret the change. I sometimes think that I do wrong in wishing our Reg. in more active service. That we could be before the enemy but still I am not satisfied to act a guard. To stand quietly holding the enemy “in check” is not the kind of warfare but duited to young soldiers. To be sure tis an exposed situation we are now occupying + we are liable at any time to be “shelled” but we would rather be where we can use our rifles I sent my last to M+M, I suppose you found it then when you arrived. I had a long letter from Sarah last week. The first I had recd in a long time. She had last all train of me + only found where to address me through you. I have written his three times since here in Va. Why I continue to receive so many good letters from you is almost a matter of sur- -prise to me. You do not cannot have any idea of the many things that interfere with ones writing in the army. I am sometimes greatly [   ?   ] to throw aside my pen forms in the Army, but as soon as I reason upon the matter [   ?   ] that would be very foolish unsoldier [  ?  ] + not pretty at all. I am sure you will make all allowances for my disconnected jumbles. I had written this for when interrupted by Albert with the cry of “Dinner [  ?  ]” After dinner of course I was expected to take a stroll in the beach. While there we had the satisfaction? of lieing the Merrimae come out + we soon often received the order to have our men store their knapsacks + be ready to move. That was at 2 oclock but the Merrimae does not choose to come nearer + I think we will sleep content in our camp tonight. For about an hour Tis now about 5 P.M. There has been heard very heavy firing to the N.W. it seems farther away then that of last night it may be that we are having a bloody engagement. A rebel steams has laid above our camp some 4 miles all day. We have a good view of the Rebel fortifications on the other side of the river. I counted no less than 5 rebel flags yesterday. Let them move this time is but brief. Our Col. is promoted to a Brig Gen- ship + was ordered to report to Gen Wool this P.M. We lose a good officer but have a competent Lieut Col. to fill his place. How I wish that we could be allowed to go where we can do something. I feel quite confident that we will move from here before the week closes. Whether we follow up the army of the Potomac or be allowed to cross the James + strike for our- selves. I cannot tell. Norfolk must fall + unless the forces here are allowed to take it Burnside will Contrary to my usual habit I take a 2nd sheet. When writing the last line of the last Chaplain Edwards came to my tent + wished me to give him extracts + dates from my diary as he had neglected to fill out his. After we had finished we had a “long talk” He is in a sad state of mind. I wish you knew him. He is a noble fellow + he last person in the world that you would take for a Methodist Clergyman. “Bobbie said he I shudder when I think that “i am 27 years olf not married + with no “prospects for it.” “I believe you had best  [  ?  ][   ?   ] your claims to the affections of that “lady in N.Y. [   ?   ] in my favor” for “I am sure I should like her very much Why so Edward? I ask, “because you seem to “be so happy + so act so differently from “other young men who are perhaps great as “deeply enamored. Why dont you ever “give way to [     ?     ] fears for her con- “-stancy + [     ?     ]” I ask him if he has ever heard in the Reg. the expression that anything improbably was “played out in the three months service” “Then all such feelings were played out years ago. Now I ask is not such a conversation a quiet one to be canned on by a minister of the gospel + an officer in U.S. Service? But I love to be with him + not all the time do we talk of each other + of ours. Our Col. thinks that we will soon be out of the service + wagons are [   ?   ] offered that we will see but one more muster in the field. You are the only one that I would dare to write in this careless measure telling just what comes to mind. My Capt. [   ?   ] is still in the Hospital at [   ?   ] is somewhat better but is very weak. You with me to see you again in N.Y. I do not think it will be possible if you go home this month. I cannot leave my company now that Capt A. is ill. I would be glad to would be glad to quit the army now but I must not. I know that you will five up seeing me when I say that is soon as I am liberated I will lose no time but will see you at the earliest opportunity. I know your anxiety your trouble of mind. Knowing that I am in a position so dangerous to [  ?  ] + to morality but may hope never fail you + may the day come quickly the bright beautiful day of peace, which is already dawning. There are rumors of an amnesty. Should it be + of any duration. I will use my [  ?  ] endeav- ors to procure a leave of absence for all the time that I can. But I build no hopes upon newspaper rumors. Should the opportunity occur I will [  ?  ] upon it. How does [     ?     ] look in the early strings. How grand trouble be if we were together there in the summer time. Why need you haste to the Garden State. Cannot your Grandmother C. fill you place? Sarah write me that she is at your house now. For my part I cannot see why you r parents should just now want your presence. After you have past a winter of an exile in that frigid country. Why should they recall you just as you are enjoying the spring time. I do not blame them for wishing you back but you will surely stop at Galen? I very much would like good grammar that you to stop at my sisters Mrs. Par- sons day that you will if you get real tired of riding on the cars. You can rest then so nicely. I do thank you for writing me such good, so kind so sincere letters. I am sure that Anne –as for call her– does not understand us nor can any others. I do not try to analize my feelingsnow. I know that I am very very happy + that you are all to me + I am sure that you know me better than any one else know my many faults + can overlook them or help me to overcome them. I am sure that you make all allowances for my careless manners + that you love me or you alone can love. Why should I not be happy? Write me all about your -self tell me all as though I weere with you + never forget to pray for Your Will Byrns Did you write Cousin Fanny? You mentioned her news in your last. Dont forget to remember me to your mother. I love her almost as well as you do. The Merrimae + quite a rebel fleet lay off Crany Island now. If they come out tomorrow I will give you the particulars. [On Envelope:] Miss Florence Clark Care. C. B. Adams Esq. Mount Morris New York Will Byrnes No. 60 Newport News May 4” 1862