Norris, Clinton F. – October 15, 1863

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: Head-Quarters United States forces, Nashville, Tenn. Oct 15th 1863. Miss Camp I received your kind letter 12th inst, and with the greatest of pleasure will proceed to answer it. I am well and enjoying the privileges of a Soldier to the best advantage, trying to make myself as comfortable and happy as I can. You are aware I suppose that a soldier cannot do just as he would wish to verry often, therefore makes it verry unpleasant for one sometimes, but the time will come sometime when we will all be on an equal footing again and we will be free (issue and execute our own orders as we choose) and not be under obligations to no one. While in the Army we must do just as we are told, if it kills us. Tis true we are strangers and never met but perhaps can enjoy an corespondence just as much as if we had been acquainted and I think more, we have nothing to quarrel about, and trust we will not have any cause to disagree. Your correspondent is a verry good natured fellow and does not like quarrelsome persons. You said you saw my old correspondent in town if you guessed correct, now perhaps you did, but was you not mistaken, I guess you were a dreaming, was she good looking or was she homely, did she look good natured, or did she look cross, if you will answer those questions correctly, I can tell you if I ever saw her. While writing about her, a novel idea has struck me, if he (her husband) should be drafted, I should stand some chance of wining her love provided he never should return, and I would, I shall keep still about it hopeing you will assit me in my novel undertaking. If I had her likeness I might form some idea how she looked. I will not weary your patience any longer. You have some verry nice pets indeed, if I should tell you about my pets you might have reason to envy me, but they are such nice ones I must tell you about them. ‘Tis verry seldom you see one in the worth, while here they are verry common verry seldom looked upon as a curiosity, and eagerly sought after, in London and Paris. It is an uncommon thing to have fifteen or twenty of them, “Rats, I mean,” running over me when asleep. Are they not pets. You did not speak verry encourag -ingly about the Fair at Hillsdale. I guess there were no good looking young men present. Wasent that it. It is near dark and I must close. Please write soon, and dont forget your unknown correspondent (I send you a kiss.) Clinton Norris [On Envelope:] Miss Mariette E Camp Hillsdale Michigan