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Regiment: 5th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Camp 8th Mich
Before Petersburg
Monday Apr 3d/65
Dear Father
The first opportu-
nity after the battle in which I
was yesterday is improved by in-
forming you of my safely,
Petersburg is ours. We marshed
into it this morning at day break
Its possession is the result of yes-
terday’s fighting. I will give some of
the particulars of the engagement
Our troops were massed 1 ½ miles to
the left of our camp. near fort Hill
Only this Brigade of theis Div was
engaged the other 2 brigades being
left to make a false attack. to our right
The 2
nd + 3d Div were in the engagement
We charged at daybreak in 3 lines
of battle. The false attach commenc-
ing ¾ hour previous. The 3d Div charged
first + this brigade charged 5 min-
utes after to their right. We met with
but little opposition from infantry
We were surprised at the little resi-
stance made us. The fort which our
Brigade took fired but once rom each
of its 4 guns. The other forts taken
were done quite as easily. It was a com-
plete surprise. A gap had to be cut thr-
ough 2 lines of Abatis in front of the
fort we took + had it not been for Chide-
lay so accasioned. The fort would not
have been able to had time to fire a gun
I can not give the C
[ ? ] in the Regt
We lost one killed (Wm T. Gee I + one Wm
Hildreth) wounded. Our loss was slight
+ was nearly all in defense of
the works we had taken.
They (the enemy) charged 4 times + we repulsed
them they could not retake the
forts + so they had to evacuate
the order has come to strike tents
+ I must haste + close
I fought + dug all day
fired over 100 rounds
It was a splendid victory
Our men faught well
I must close for I must
write to Wealthy
Your Affectionate Son
Elbridge
J Franklin
PS
I have written a short letter
to Wealthy.
The cry is onward to Richmo-
nd. The wenches gave us a hearty
welcome brought us water +e
We came to our camp from the
city to get our things
E. F.
[On Envelope:]
John Franklin Esq
Pompei
Gratiot Co
Michigan
