Fox, Perrin V. – June 14, 1862

Michigan Civil War Collection Letters


Click here for this soldier’s biography: https://micivilwar.com/authors/fox-perrin-v/
Regiment: 1st Michigan Engineers Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures: Don C. Buell, William S. Smith Bear Creek Miss June 14th 1862 My Dear Ida Yours of the 28th + 29th ult. and 2nd ult. came to hand within three days. They found me very busy as I am foreman in the construction of the bridge over Bear Creek, which our forces burned to prevent communication of the rebels with the east. It is 300ft. by-two spans- the abutments 19ft. High above the water- which is from 5 to 16ft. Deep-the bottom very uneven. We commenced a week ago + have had seven obstacles to over- come. We expect to pop the cars over today Col. Ivnes was very position it could not be done in 30 days. I told him I felt quite sure it could be done within two weeks by adopting a plan + system of operations that would prevent getting mixed. He wished me to make a plan while he + the adjutant went to head quarters When they returned (Gen. Smith with them) I submitted the plan the which was adopted I put in charge of the work. I have had two + some of the time three companies beside my own. The bottom was to have been prepared for my bents, but we have been delayed by its not being done as well as the Colonel’s changing my help which he promised faithfully he would not do. If he wishes to appropriate my efforts to his own benefit I hardly think it will do him any permanent good. If I am intitled to any credit in the matter, I do not really think it very magnanimous to attempt to throw me into the shade. It will all come right soon. I endeavor to conduct myself by this writing you will consider that I am writing to you- + you are par- ticularly anxious to know all about me + complain that I say but little about myself. You will also discover that I am not very well sick although at times I do not feel exactly well An important event occurred day before yesterday. The paymaster came + paid me for four months time five hundred + twenty two dolls, Our expenses have to be paid, the bal I will send the first opportunity to do so by express I do not like to risk a larger amt. by mail I will enclose twenty dollars in this letter when we get to Tuscumbia which will probably be within three days will send all I can spare with directions for its disposal. Mr. Todd will receive his discharge pa- pers as soon as they can return [  ?  ] Head quarters. I will probably send a letter by him. Our men are in better condition than they were two months ago. [   ?   ] Armstrong + Covell are quite. The men were all [   ?   ] their pay at 13 dollars per month with assurances by an order from Gen. Buill that it should in no way in- terfere with their claim to a higher pay pending the question of thir being [   ?   ] as engineers. Several army officers have also told them the same. It is looked upon as obstinacy in them to refuse under those conditions. I have endeavored to ex- plain as well as I can + tell them to do as they like but not to hold me respon- sible for any suffering of themselves or families. Eight of my company only took their pay. Had the pay been offered ten days sooner all or nearly so would have taken it But complaints having been made against Col. Inves + Col. Gen. Smith appointed to investigate the facts in regard to the raising of the regiment and also the letters in the Eagle coming into camp at the same time coupled with state- ments that we were to be mustered out detered them four taking their pay. I think most are sorry now that they did not take it. Gen. Smith will doubtless report that the reg. Was raided in good faith (so he expresses himself) we will not be mustered out. “Ou to Richmond” is now the word and we are on the move Ever Yours P.V. Fox