Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/mills-samuel-d/
Regiment: 6th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
The Girl
I Left Behind Me.
‘Tis many days since I left home
To join our glorious army,
I thought but of my Country’s Call,
And not of what might harm me;
I vowed to join both heart and hand,
Where duty calls you’ll find me,
I left my home, and shed a tear
For the girl I left behind me
To meet the foe was my desire
Upon the field of battle,
“The Union States,” my battle cry,
While cannon’s thunders rattle:
But while I’m fighting for my flag,
And dust and smoke do blind me,
I’ll forget to give one thought
To the girl I left behind me.
Oh, when rebellion is crushed out,
And traitors slain or taken,
The Stars and Stripes will shine more bright,
And joy each heart awaken:
The horrors of grim war will flee-
Like troubled dreams remind me,
How sweet to know I’ll meet once more
The girl I left behind me.
Surrounded now by friends and kin,
Who smile, weep and caress me,
I watch the tears of joy that flow,
As each dear one doth bless me.
But there is one who moves my soul.
My tears now almost blind me;
God grant I’ll be obliged no more.
To leave my girl behind me.
Printed by Chas. Magnus, N.Y.
Washington D.C.
Feb. 28th 1863
Dear Friend. Kate.
your letter was received with pleasure
about one hour ago and I am agoing
to answre it with the pleasure
and tell you some news our reg
was ordered to pack this duds and
be ready to move in half of an
hour this was last wednesday night
at twelve o clock this was don
and our horsesacks was filled and
our horses sadled and these words
was sounded atention. Co. A. and every
man was in line and we expected
to have something to do but afore
we was ready to start the cap came
on the other sheat if you please
