Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/everett-robert-a/
Regiment: 5th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Camp on the Rappahmmrock
4 Miles from Fredericksburg Va
Nov 23” 1862
Dear Parents
We have looked in rain
for a mail, for the last eleven days, until
last night; when it came and then to
think it only contained three letters, after
waiting so long want it to bad, I have
received only one letter from home since
I left, and have written two, but to-day
Sunday, and the day after my birthday to,
I thought I would write you a few lines.
since writing you last we have traveled
many weary miles, and to-day find
ourselves in front of Fredericksburgh.
the past week has been one of strom +
mud, of trails and privations to the
soldier, it has rained nearly all of
the time, we have been huddled together
in our tents without find sun in the
open air; rations have been scares so we
have had a disagrabil time generaly.
We lay camped near Warrentin for
about a week, then marched for Fredericksburgh
by way of the pike, it was a gloomy and
disagreeable march, but at last we
are fairly in line in front of it, The
demand for the surrender and has been
drived. it was to be shelled in sixteen
hours. the time is now up and the ball
may open at any time. I earnestly
hope it will open sit once. for if we are to
go forwards to Richmond we have no
time to loose by the way, but must be
[ ? ]
and doing for bad roods and the storms
of autumn will soon render a move
impossible.
Yesterday I was 23; while riding
at the rear of my regiment, I could not help
but think how differently my birth-days had been
passed and this was the strangest of them
all at all other ones I had the satisfaction
of having a good dinner, to-day I have
a good meal for the army but not much
compared what I have usualy had on these
festive days. Then I was in range of a
good breakfast and did not dream of
such a thing as shells; then I was surrounded
by friends I love, and words of freiendship
grated my car; now I am surrounded by
friends but of a stamer stamp. the old +
the young are absent now but manhood in
its prime clusters around me now, whose
hearts are full of love to their country + who
will dare + die if need be on a field of
battle, one’s ears are saluted by the land
braying of a mule, the dull heavy sound of
the artillery slowly morning over the rocks, or
the sharp quick word of command. to-night
we sleep on the ground, tomorrow eve may find
some of no quietly sleeping beneath it,
It is a life of tail and priration and
will ruin the constilation of the mast
robust if long continued one never
knows how to enjoy the blessings of home +
friends until deprived of all but the
actual necessaries of life. I long for
the time to come when pease is delcaired
when I can return again to circl life
My health is good, much better than
when you saw me last, I want
you to write often, there is a prospect
of getting our mail regular once more
by my of
[ ? ] I shall be glad
for I long to hear from my friends once
more, Remember me to my many friends
and behere as ever
Yours Truly
Robert
