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Regiment: 5th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
On picket at Hawxhusts Mill
North W. of Fairfax C.H. May 24 1863
My Dear Wife
I embrace the present leisure
moments for writing you a few lines. We came here
yesterday from the Reserve this is the third time we
have been here since I have been on duty It is a
pleasant place a nice brook called Difficult Creek
it empties into the Potomac above Washington
We have very good times rather dull no enemy
to be seen so there is not much excitement.
I have not recd a letter from you for two or three
weeks days I mean there are sereral men about here
Phillip Hrothersill they are busy talking and they
interrupt me somewhat.
To day is Sabbath but it does not seem any more
like it than any other day. I would give a good
deal to be home with you to day and enjoy the
quiet not that I am homesick but that it would be
so nice to be with you and have a good visit
[ ? ]
is
[ ? ] so we will not speak of it
Have your fathers people moved yet and completed
their bargain I hope if you do not feel satisfied that
you will not stay but go to Clarkston or Haukegan
where I am in hopes you will be better satisfied
I hope you are feeling well bodily + mentally
I am well and am pretty well satisfied with
the business so far
I will have to close soon as I am
ordered out to relieve Sieut + Carris on a post I
expect a letter from you to day sometime
We re having such beautiful weather everything
has a most beautiful appearance.
I must close write often my Dearest wife
I hardly have time to answer half of my letters
we expect to get such
[ ? ] in two weeks
Your Affectionate
Egbert
Monday 25″
I finished my letter rather unciramonious
ly I went out on picket came in again and ex-
pect to go into camp this afternoon I expected to
have rec’d a letter from you yesterday but was dis-
appointed. Hoped shall recieve one to day
The paymaster is expected here to pay the Reg’t
soon I do not know as I shall get my pay when the
others do as I have not recd my 2d Lieuts commission
yet the Col. has sent for it but it has not yet arrived
The secy of War issued an order some time since not
to pay any expect those mustered in on their commis
sion it makes no difference only puts off the payment
a little sometimes. It will make no material difference
with me as I have money enough for present necessities
The supernumeraines are going to Washington to day
to be mustered + receive thier back pay so they will
not be mustered out there is some talk that they will
be put in other regts.
It is qute cool to day a very agreeable change from
the past week. I hope you will write quite get often
dear
I do not have opportunities of writing all the time but
when in camp I will write often.
Write much [ ? ] remain
Your Devoted Faithful
Excuse
[ ? ] soiled paper Egbert
12 ocm. Mail has just come in and no letter from you I must wait with patience another day
The paper
[ ? ] Hicksburg is
[ ? ] many prisoners + guns success to your cause
My
[ ? ] of as black when I commenced writing but is read now it is
[ ? ]
Egbert
