Cliff, Horatio T. – September 3, 1863

Michigan Civil War Collection Letters


Click here for this soldier’s biography: https://micivilwar.com/authors/cliff-horatio-t/
Regiment: 17th Michigan Infantry Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures: Convalescent Camp Near Hickmain Bridge, Ky. Sept. 3d 1863 Dear Friend Your many kind + interesting [ ? ] was handed me by your Cousin some days since, but until the present have been unable to answer Was very much pleased to hear from you. How often the thought has occurred to the me of the good old times we used to have at your house. I have also thought / though selfish it may be / if [ ? ] were any missing from those quiet gatherings now [ ? ] The same happy condition of things seems to surround you as of old – + I am pleased to learn that you all injoy them [ ? ] would like to make one of you [ ? ] sometime. Now such a trip as you had a short time since to the Iron Works of which you mention – I could injoy very much, don’t you think and perhaps I might for the acquaintance of some fair one; but hold – am I not too fast; I must ask myself- have I not passed the [ ? ] , and entered into that state whom most all abhor an old Batch but then I ought not to criminate myself + I also flatter myself that my chance is yet good – under the [ ? ] impression I remain contented. I should [ ? ] liked very much to have been In the vicinity of when you all gathered under that waggan for shelter you must have produced quite a apseotical I won’t say what kind just now. The next time you go out – on an excursion of the kind you should take along a bugle to call together the “stragglers”. we punish all such here. + I don’t see why a similar means might not be adopted into your company – it would I think obviate much trouble in furture but I suppose you will not now [ ? ] military rule in those case yet Ouyr regt left here some days since, for Crab Orchard a distance of 35 miles from this point. leaving behind all the sick, lame + blind. there being over a thousand of that sort in the whole division, a camp convalescent has been formed temporarily – There are some 80 of our regt here – 9 in Hospital. Those are all under my charge the reason of my being left here – More are very sick and am injoying myself very well yet am anxious to be with the regt again. Holmes was well when he left – have heard nothing of his regt since they have been gone. I did not injoy the trip up the Miss. – was sick a few days previous to our leaving there + it lasted until we arrived at C[ ? ] when I felt better + since then have fully regained my former health. The ride on the cars from C[ ? ] To Cincinnati was rough in the extreme – + were it not for the [ ? ] + in most instances beautiful scenery along the route together with the smiling faces greeting us at every station + at every village crossing. it would have been very dull + monotonous – but [ ? ] voices greeted our ears at every point + welcomed us on – strange it is but yet each slight tokens of their appreciation seems to have the effects to stimulate the feelings of the soldiers to an [ ? ] degree – + he forgets – his careworn appearance + hard lot. One instance I will mention here – At the little town of Washington Ind – we stopped about an hour to await a passing train – in the meantime quite a delegation of the fair ones came to the cars to see us. We had quite a time for a few minutes – I was almost inclined to stop over until the next day – They were very friendly + conversive – + proved very interesting companions for the time being + wished us god speed when we started on our way, such little demonstrations make the soldiers hearts glad – I think now I shall see you all some time this fall – I shall obtain a furlough if possible about the latter part of October if not sooner – I trust I shall find you all well – but in the meantime I would like to hear from you often – I shall endeavor to entertain you in my way the best I know how – write often Remember me to all the girls – love to C. M. M., + S – also your Father + Mother Say to D.H. I have replied to his letter Your friend H.T. Cliff