Norris, Clinton F. – February 27, 1864

Michigan Civil War Collection


Click here for this soldier’s biography: https://micivilwar.com/authors/norris-clinton-f/
Regiment: 18th Michigan Infantry Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures: Friend Ettie Your long looked for letter come at last. I had really began to think you had forgotten me, and dident care to correspond with me anymore, but this morning disclosed the fact that I was mistaken. If you only could immagine, with what anxiety we soldiers look for letters, you would, I think, more fully appreciate their worth. I do not intend to insinuate that you do not take an interest in writing to the Soldiers, for I think you do, and I think you are verry kind to favour me with your letters and feel myself under obligations to you for the trouble you take upon yourself in writing to me. You may think it strange why I should write to you in preference to my old associates. I dont know myself why it is, unless it is that I am forgetting them since I have been in the Army. A person will naturally forget their old associates unless they have some verry strong attachments formed, which is not, I am happy to say, applicable in my case. Once, I had a “sweet heart,” (oh what a feeling of emotion comes over me,) but she “soured” on me, as the boys say, and have give up all hopes of ever becoming attached to another. Tis just as well, for I think there is some pleasure in living the life of an old “Bach.” But enough of such talk, I do not allways mean what I say, you know, but still I like to talk about such things. I have just returned from dinner and will try and finish my letter. In regards to our Regt. reintis -ting, tis not so, as they they cannot do so until they have been in the two years. And in regard to your Brother enlisting in the Regulars, I guess he was only jokeing, to hear what you would say about it. He received a letter from you this morning, I did not read it, but happened to be sitting by his sid when he oppened it, and I got a glimpse of your name and (My Dear Brother.) Does he know that we corespond, I dont know that I would be allowed the question, but I am like an old woman, I want to know evrything that is agoing on. I really wish I could of been at your party, and joined you in a waltz, but tis of no use to wish, you had the pleasure and enjoyment, and I have the consoleing thoughts that I sometime will enjoy with you and your friends the pleasure of the Ball Room. You ask me when this war will close, indeed I cannot tell you, the prospects are verry fair that it will close during the comeing summer. I hope so. Now I must close this letter, for it is so pleasant out doors I want to walk out. Wont you walk with me, down upon the banks of the Cumberland, or to the Cemetery I only wish I could see some one that I knew. Some of the Boys are acquainted with young ladies here, whose company they seem to enjoy, but there is to much Secesh about them for me. I am anxious to get your likeness, but will patiently wait till you send it. Goodbye and write soon again From your friend Nashville Feby 27st ’64      Clinton Ettie, I will take no offence whatever to any thing that your letter contained, I am not so easily offended. Do my letters interset you, you may think I talk strange sometimes, perhaps I do but I mean well, Good bye I send you a kiss Clint. P.S. your Brother sits on the bank next to me sewing a button on his pants. [On Envelope:] Miss Mariette E Camp Hillsdale Michigan