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Regiment: 5th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
March the 3rd 1864
Division Hospital near
Brandy Station Va
Dear Wife
I thought that I would
try and write you a few lines
to let you know that I have
been quite sick with the Inflam
-tion on the lungs I was taken
the 24th of Febuary I stopped
in tent with the boys until
Saturday 27th then I went to
the Camp Hospital stopped
there on day and one night then
was moved to the Division
Hospital near Brandy Station
where I am now it is in a place and
situation you can see a great
ways but I am here alone
among strangers but they are
all fellow soldiers when I shall
leave here I cannot tell for they
will not let you go until you are
well and able to do duty
I am so as to be around
a little but not a great deal
I have been on light diet
for number of days dont feel
very stiff now but I think
that I shall be all right
in a few days I have not
heard from the rest of the boys
Since I left they left the same
morning that I did on a march
acrost the Rapidan but I hear
that they have got back to camp
again, I think that must have
a letter there by this time
if there is I think that some
of the boys will fetch it to me
it does me a great deal of good to
get news from home Julia I
dream very often that I am
to home or that I am just
a going to kiss Fred and he
is gone I hope he is well
and will be healthy now
he has been sick so much in
his life now Julia dont worry
yourself any about me for I
am a getting along well
and shall probably join
my Regiment in a few
days if nothing befalls me
which I think there will not
But there is one thing that
I do know Julia and that
is that it will be your turn
next I am a dreding it all
the while and shal until i
hear that it is past and
you a doing well may the
may the Lord bless you Julia
which I know he will
keep up good courage and
I will the same kiss my little boy
give my respects to all enquiring friends
tell my mother that I got all rady to write
to her and had to go on duty and then was taken sick
but will write to her as soon as I can
tell her that I have been where I neaded
a mothers care but took such as I could
get and glad to get any at all but I
am good for the rent
I would like to know how the sheep
and cows are a getting along and how
the fodden holds out and how Joseph
gets along with the chores and tell
Harriett she must be a good girl
and try and do the best she can
for her Mother Julia you must
keep up good courage through your
troubles and I can simpathise
with you to as none but a husband
can no more at present from your
affectionate husband S. B. Merrill
Direct to 5th Michigan Infantry
Company G
Washington
D. C
[On Envelope:]
Mrs. Julia A. Merrill
Fowlerville Livingston Co
Michigan
