Gaylord, Oliver C. – November 12, 1861

Michigan Civil War Collection Letters


Click here for this soldier’s biography: https://micivilwar.com/authors/gaylord-oliver-c/
Regiment: 3rd Michigan Cavalry Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures: [  ?  ] Nov 12th 1861 My Dear Wife With pleasure I received your letter on saturday last and also one from my folks It seems they know me too well to be surprised. I am well. there is quite a number down with the measels now, not very sick. I neglected to write sooner because I could not write any definite news The second Regiment is to start for St Louis on Thursday this week They will go on horseback to the south to the central railroad so you will not have an opportunity to see them at Corrunna We don‘t know how long third Regiment will stay here, we will get a part of our uniforms this week and the whole of it before long I shall try to get a furlough next week but you need not look for me till 1 come nor neglect to write to me we cannot always get away when we want to Nov 15th As I was writing the above I was called off on duty for 24 hours and yesterday we was taking horses to the depot I said above that they were going south to the central Railroad but they finally went to detroit We went to can hear 40 stories a day here about the same thing said to come direct from head quarters and know nothing at last we have our overcoats and hats two pair drawers 1 pr boots and two shirts a piece. Albert Andess has been pretty steady since he has been here Silas Alliton is down with the measles but getting well You said you had to hold Leon when you wrote your letter but you did not whether he was well or not Ifany of you are sick I want you to let me know it As soon as I get so paid of I wi1l send you all I can. When the Governor was here on Wednesday there was a memorial got up and presented to him with regard to aiding of families of soldiers because in some counties the supervisors have neglected to and refused to aid them The Governor Chandler and Kellogg all spoke favorably upon it and said that when the Legislature met they would indevor to get the law amended and made so explicit that the supervisors could not evade the law I have not said any thing about the grand barbeque on Wednesday The Citizens of Grand Rapids and vicinity gave a free dinner to the soldiers They roasted a fat ox whole and brought pies cakes preserves pickles apples &c &c There were a great many people here besides soldiers You will not be surprised at the mistakes and penmanship when you know that there were about 40 talking laughing playing cards and &c all around me Write again soon and tell me all the particulars and how you enjoy yourself & all about the children I must try to see you again before I go away I remain your devoted husband O.C. Gaylord