Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/clark-egbert-b/
Regiment: 5th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
On Picket 6 Miles from Fairfax
May 16th 1863
My Dear Wife
Yesterday I was the recipient of
one of your kind letters and this morning I
seat myself in the woods to write you.
It is a beautiful day just warm enough to be
pleasant. We came here yesterday it is the same
place we were at two or three days ago when I
wrote we were at Picketing is very nice work here
pleasant weather and enough men so that we do
not have it very hard. The boys like to be here
much better than in camp. There are no rebels
seen scarcely. Do you know how picketing is done
mounted men are placed within sight of each
other and relieved once in two hours during day
and every hour at night with instructions to watch
the Enemys country and allow no one to come
inside the lines or go out the lives. We have a resere
of two or three companies near the lines and a
Regiment or two at the Grand Reserve. I have a
bout half the Co under my charge we are on 6 horses
and off twelve and stay here two to four days
and go into camp and stay a day or two for
rest. So you see time passes away rapidly It does
not seem but a very short time since we were here
before one week ago to day. (Saturday)
I think I get all your letters or nearly all as there
does not seem to be any interruption you must
not worry about me I think there is but little
prospect for action here. We belong to the 1st
Brigade (Gen Copelands) Stahels (pronounced stall)
Cavalry Division Department of Washington
I have seen most of the lists of killed + wounded
of the late fight and conclude Capt Knox was not
injured
I think that what I have said about your com
ing of late is best I dont think it advisable for
you to come under existing circumstances I may
think different after we get off picket but with
us matters you know are quite difficult to determine
I think if you wish to go to Waukegan in June
or July you had better do so or if you rather
return to Clarkston do that I do not think Mrs
G will stay very long but cannot say Captain
has a buggy probably but it cheap and does not want
to share it he + H do not agree should not wonder if
they had a big
[ ? ]
The Gov. is expected in camp soon maybe
there now he will appoint a Col while here
Sergt. Wood is here with me he is the same
old reliable as ever. the boys have a new name
for him “aged” is the cognomen. I recd a
letter and paper from Mortimer yesterday
I am much obliged for those stamps I have
sent some letters without a stamp you get them
the same do you.
I found the blanket I left and have plenty
[ ? ]
have a floor in our tent but we do not have our
wall tent with us have an “A tent at the front
here. I should like some of the good Brad +
Butter spoken of occasionally we get some butter
and eggs and the boys frequently get a canteen
of milk we can get plenty of dried fruit-
peaches + apples- at reasonable rates.
Charly Osborn Sergt Major of Owasso gave me his
Carte which I send enclosed.
Keep up good courage my good darling wife I
think I shall be home yet to live many happy
years with you. Have you bot any new clothes yet
you can use some of that money I sent you and
get all the clothes you wish Have you seen
any of Sellecks James, people lately.
Tell Julia + Freddy I am strong enough now
to tie a dozen such girls hand and feat
I tore my pretty shirt the other day “aren’t that to bad”
I have not heard from Knox since we came down I
have not written him. With much love I remain
Your Affectionately + Truly Egbert
Sunday 17″
Just came in from picket
and have an opportunity of sending my
letter all well + Pleasant today
no news as I am aware of
