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Regiment: 5th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: George A. Custer, Hugh J. Kilpatrick, Russell Alexander Alger
Boonsboro Md. July 11″ 1863
My Dearest Wife,
It has been a number of days
since I have written you but it is thungh my and
of mine as we have our on the move so much
it has seen imposible for me to write.
Saturday I think we left here and went out
towards Hagerstown Sunday our Cavalry took
Hagerstown Col
[ ? ] was wounded that morning
write reading the charge with it. He was wounded in
the leg just above the ankle. We have seen very in
fortunate in field officers Maj. Ferry was killed he
was a good man and a true patriot he left a
[ ? ]
family
[ ? ] large fortune I am told I believe I
wrote you that Col Alger was wounded in the leg
also. Our regt has not inferred otherwise so several of
Gen Killpatrick has come home I understand
on a twenty days furlough and Gen Custer our
brigadier is in command of the Division both Gener-
als are very
[ ? ] with the soldiers. Gen Custer
think is the
[ ? ] beauty you
[ ? ]
[ ? ] complexion has long
[ ? ] golden hair down
[ ? ] shoulders is a
[ ? ] pleasant man
[ ? ]
he wear a black velvet jacket and it gives
him quite a dashing appearance.
I have been quite unwell for a day or two I had
got completely tired out I guess and wanted rest
our Brigade of Cavalry drove the last of the rebels over
the Potomac day before yesterday morning. I took two
prisoners with Co. A. belong us nearly a thousand
prisoners were taken by different Cav. Regts. I rode
from falling waters on the Potomac to this place
yesterday and had considerable fever + diarrhea
it is now 3 oC and I have had no fever so I
[ ? ] I shall scape a fever the regt left here
this morning for Berlin on the Potomac near Harpers
Ferry the Doctor told me I had better stay behind
and recruit up I did so very gladly I reported to
Surgeon in charge of some wounded here and he told
me I could find quarters where I
[ ? ]so I have a
nice place and clever people too. I got my trunk
last night for the first time since I left Fairfax
I was glad to get it I assure you.
I presume after a few days rest I shall be all
right if I should be sick however I will telegraph
to you and have you come down but if you receive
this letter before I telegraph you may know I
am all right this is fifteen miles from Frederick
there is a daily meal here now since the rebels have
been cleaned out of Md. It is quite a nice little town
about twice as large as Clarkston.
I must give you a little gossip. There is a young
lady here about 18 the daughter of the people I am
boarding with and a young man who has been keep
[ ? ] store here has made a confidant of me
He tells me he is going to elope with her next
Sunday. He says she is going to start for Sabbath School
[ ? ] is to meet him on the road take her at Frederick
[ ? ] the
[ ? ] for Baltimore go to N.Y. thence
[ ? ]
[ ? ] Louisville where his home is.
He has the appearance of being a young man of
good principle he says the girls parents are will
ing they should marry but want them to wait a
year and a half. It does not show very sharp in
him discloseing his plans to me on a few min
utes acquaintance. I would expose them to her
parents had he not told it confidentially.
How I wish you were here with me I have a very
pleasant room and it only lacks your presence
to be completely furnished. I have not recd any
mail yet nearly four weeks. I dont know why
it is I suppose it is because we are continually in
motion. It is reported that our Division of Cavalry are
doing to have some rest now I hope so as both horses
and men need it. We have done a great deal of
service since we came across the Potomac if my health
should remains poor I will resign before long but I
do not know as I could not get it accepted.
I presume I shall got to Frederick if I am not well enough
to join the regt In a day or two. Well I must close do
[ ? ] yourself any uneasiness about my being sick
I am feeling well to day no fever am up around
but any pretty well tired out. Perhaps if you would
without putting on the regt may get it you need not
make it long as I may not get it
Your Own
Egbert
