Campbell, Robert – May 18, 1864

Michigan Civil War Collection


Click here for this soldier’s biography: https://micivilwar.com/authors/campbell-robert/
Regiment: 4th Michigan Infantry Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures: Fredericksburg Va May 18, 1864 Dear Brother, I’ll attempt to write but little at this time. but just give a faint outline You of course know that we are still in the [ ? ] of battle. it has raged fearfully for a number of days. and there are an immence quantity of wounded. I have been on the field several times while they were at it the artillery and musket firing was terrific part of the time the rebels, I think have much the worst of it. this their prisoners admit our train is now at Freder- icksburg. several miles in the rear, yesterday I went out to the front with several others. the guerillas fired on us by the [ ? ] but no great dam- age was done only two men wounded our troops and the rebels move [ ? ] close to each others almost with- in speaking distance both sides have very strong works thrown up. I watched the rebels quite a while from our advanced [ ? ] through in glall glass, but it was rather risky work, as the sharpshooters kept popping away most of the time, so that we had to be on the lookout. I here has been but little fighting for several days. Still a general engagement may commence at any hour the second corps made a charge yesterday, and took some works, but last considerable, so I should judge as the ambulances were kept quite busy for a while. We are receiving rein- forcements very fast from Washington and other places. all stragglers are promptly picked up and sent to the front So that our army is stronger now then it was before the battle. We had a [ ? ] tedious time during the worst of the fighting but all are getting rested, our regiment has lost about half in killed and wounded. But you will have to excuse the greaters of haste. I am feeling well, and enjoying it. With respects to all I remain as ever Yours To WmR. Campbell Campbell [On Envelope:] Mr. Wm Campbell Ypsilanti Mich