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Regiment: 7th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Jefferson Davis
HdQuarters 2d Brigade 3d Division Cavalry Corps
Stevensburg, Va January 20th, 1864
To all the dear folks at home. To be-and to deal really
just. I don’t know as I ought to write more than my share;
but suppose I have not much to do as is the case now. I can
write just as well as not by and by. I may have something on
hand, and will find it more difficult to find time and the
necessity to do write so if I give you one often now I shall
expect to be excused when “Boots and Saddles” is expected to
sound any minute. Here time is money and we have neither to
spare. But what of today? Tis moderately cool. Froze up last
night “right smart I recon.” Twas awful muddy yesterday. The
day before it rained, and all thawed up. Last night Major
“Freeze” superseded Capt, “Thaw” much to our gratification.
This morning the old major is a blustering around. His son,
which is really older than himself, dare not or has not show
the congenial face today,
Again we hear the rattle of the ponderous wagons, as they
go too and frow after forage. Commissaries store, etc. The
mules trudge trudge along with ears laid back upon their necks.
Mules will outlast horses in heavy teaming. Mud does not seem
to have it’s bad affects upon them-does not produce scratches,
hoof rot, etc. as it does upon the horses. Mules are very
serviceable little animals. They are uneasy little rogues.
The wagon master told me that a few days ago that a six mule
team gnawed themselves loose. That is they eat each others
“head stalls” up, (chain halter stales they…appear to like)
then went at the harness which was on the wagon wheel eating
that and gnawed so as to destroy it. One of the wheels. They
can’t be kept no time with a common strop halter. I once tried
to sleep in a covered wagon where six mules was fastened to
the wagon pole but as near as I can remember, I didnt make
out to sleep much. I know that no old rickety schooner in a
storm could mak half the squeaking weavering distressful sounds
as these six mules did make hitched with trace chains to the
pole which communicated all the sound right to my head but surely
I intended to praise the mule-not to run him down, so I won’t
make much mention of their hideous “bray” a, g, and g. won’t
sound it. Nor any other combination of words that I am conversant
with. Since I last wrote you I have been boarding with the
family that occupies the lower part of the house. Mr. Ryan
is a find old man with good Union sentiments. He has two
daughters and two grown children here with him. Molly the gal
at 19 is a very good king of a gal. But both she and her sister
is inclined to favor the south although they say but little
either way. They have brothers in both armies and the married
one’s husband is a teamster in the rebel army. I furnish the
provisions and they cook it. so I get very good fare and the
provisions cost me nothing as the hospital is not far off.
They make good corn cake and biscuits and the coffee tastes
much better than that made by the soldiers as they make it but
small at once and it’s not all smoked up. I have a tip top
bed made out of husks. Sheets quilts and down pillows. My
room is very pleasant and no one but myself to occupy it. The
Lt. that was staying here has been dismissed the service
and is ordered back to his squadron to await his papers. He
violated the army regulations by calling his colonel a “Son
of a bitch.” I visited Brigade hospital yesterday. Ate supper
with Dr. UpJohn. The Dr. thinks that no one can
take of his stores like Shafer. The Dr. is responsible for
everything belonging to the Brig. Stores. He has to be
accountable for every ounce of med and every sheet of
paper. The accts. have to be kept correct and the medicines
have to be issued correctly-everything must balance. He draws
from the Corps medical director supply of med every month.
I rec. the daily eagles of date 7th 8th in due time. I learned
by them that they were burned out I suppose that Sallie sent
them. I am now reading medicine and surgery for a better thing
by and by. I find some trouble in getting the right kind of
books but have succeeded very well so far. I have one practical
work that I borrowed from Weston-one he captured last summer.
I’ll give you my opinion:
Jeff Davis is a played out old man. He hasn’t the backbone
of a dishrag. His tender is no good, I hardly think it will
go. He men are ragged-provisions scarce too. He’s great for
peace and great to fight. He knows we’ll lick him, for we’re
right. If they continue to fight us notwithstanding. Old Abe’s
armistice will whiten the ground with their bones and deafen
the air with their groans. We’ll river of their blood! All
over Old Dominion. This is my opinion “Lick Bob”
I look for a letter from some of you every mail. Perhaps
twill come tonight. Shout well tis out until tomorrow all quiet
My health is good every body says I look rough and “bull tough”
fat…I know that I have never felt better in my life than I
have since I came back to the army. My appetite has not failed
me once. I feel well and harty every day. Write soon Bud
January 21st, morning
Moderately warm this morning. Looks like rain again.
Haven’t got that expected letter yet. I know no news to write
this morning. I am waiting for breakfast shall expect a few
letters by and by. Write soon. What has become of Justice
Ashley? But no more this time from Bud
