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Regiment: 5th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Hd. Quarters 5th Mich. Cav.
Camp Meeting Hill, Va.
June 18th, 1863
My Darling Wife,
We returned from Picket yesterday at our new home and this morning I have
rose early and am writing to you the first thing. Last night was the warmest night I
have experience in Va. and today we will doubtless have a very warm day but we
have a cool shady grove and our wall tents and will get along very well. I presume
you are somewhat uneasy on account of the movements of our army & of the dash of
the rebels into Penn. but we picketing away as quietly as usual. Hooker’s Army or a
portion of it packed outside our pickets yesterday towards Harpers Ferry, Frederick
and in that direction. I presume the 5
th & other Mich. Regts were within a few miles
of us but I did not have an opportunity of seeing them. I have no doubt but what
Hooker’s Army is mostly on the move in front but you will know more than I can tell
you before this reaches you. I presume there will be considerable slaughter in the
contending armies soon but as we are near Washington and on picket duty we will
probably not participate. So please do not give yourself any uneasiness. Yesterday
after we came in from duty I went out to supper nearby and it seemed quite nice.
There was a pleasant family and it seemed quite civilized a sensible young woman. I
had a good talk with her. She showed me some pictures and then I showed her my
sweetheart. She passed some very pretty compliments I then told her it was my wife.
I expect if I had kept a secret that I am married might have carried on quite an
extensive flirtation.
I have not heard from you for several days but hope to hear soon this morning.
I am very much pleased with our new Col. & think he will do much towards
organizing and disciplining the Regt.
I am feeling first rate never better. Captain G. still back at Fairfax. Expect him
here soon. I have not heard from Newcomb since he wrote at Detroit. I do not get any
letters scarcely except those you send. Write often dear. I think as I have said you
had better invest about $500 before July 1
st in the 5-20 loan.
From your own, Egbert
