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Regiment: 18th Michigan Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: William S. Rosecrans
Nashville Tenn Sept 28” ’63
Friend Mariette
This morning finds me well
and also feeling good over the letter I received
from you this morning. ‘Tis a beautiful morning
and how I wish I were in Hillsdale. I think
I could enjoy myself if I were only there.
But I must not say to much about it for fear
you will think that I am really homesick.
I am not homesick and have not been, but
at times I allmost immagine myself with
my friends and assotiates, and partakeing
of those nice luxuries that are placed before
you. Such is not the case and I am satisfied
and contented (because I am obliged to be,)
The news you got regarding our Regiment
going to Alabama is untrue. We are here
yet and quite likely shall be for sometime
They are having a severe fight at the front
now. Rosecrans lost ground at first, but
has been reinforced and the news is to day
he is driving the Rebels, Hundreds of our
wounded are being sent here, from fellows
I pity them, and feel thankful that I am not
numbered with them. Many were wounded
four days before they had their wounds dressed
or washed. All the large buildings and Chur
-ches are being used for Hospitals.
Now you complain that I dont write someth
-ing to you about your brother. What shall
I write about him. Well, to commence
with, (and it is a verry good commencement
to,) he is good looking, and I look at him
oftener than I did a few weeks ago, I dont
know why it is, do you. He is a good boy
and a good soldier, and no doubt, like
myself, verry brave.
There are verry few Ladies in this
City. I am not acquainted with any, and
perhaps would not be if I were to stay here
ten years. They are (seemingly,) Rebels to
me, and as for being partial toward
any one in Michigan, I am not,
That kiss you sent me is verry affectionately
received, hopeing the time is not long before
I may have the opportunity of more fully
appreciateing its worth. I will send you
one in return, and if that is not sufficient
I will send you two, as I have plenty
on hand, having over twelve months of
them to dispose of sometime. What do
you think of that, somebody will catch,
it wont they. I will close this short letter
asking you to write soon. Allmost anything
will interest me. Tell me who your “bean”
is, and if he is good looking, and if you like
him, etc. Dont take offence to what I say, for
my pen is to blame, not me.
Good bye and write soon. From
your friend and well wisher
Clinton Norris
You have my thanks for the nice Rose
you sent me, tis verry nice. I shall
keep it.
Clint
P.S
Fifteen hundred Rebel prisoners were brought
in here this morning.
[On Envelope:]
Miss Mariette E Camp
Hillsdale
Michigan