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Regiment: 7th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: Abraham Lincoln,
Henry W. Halleck, Robert E. Lee
US Hospital Washington D.C.
Monday Oct 26th 63
Dear folks at home –
I thought I would write
a few lines this morning.
The weather has been and is
cold yet and what makes
it seem more cold, we dont
have any fire. The sun
made its appearance this
morning
about sunrise.
perhaps twill drive the
dark clouds away. We
must have some nice weather
yet as some of the trees are as
green as summer. I have not
been out but once since
I came here, I went out
last Thursday and got my
ration money, 5:30 that afternoon
I visited the U.S. Capitol. and
grounds = To day is that awful
draft day with you. How
many quakes in their boots.
I told you that Dr. Bowen
was in Pittsburg – and in his
place is a Surgeon of the
regular Army. he has not
said anything about sending
me to my regt. yet, But I
am ready any time. I saw
Dr. Bliss’s neice, yesterday, she
told me that twas the intention
that our brigade – shold winter
in Washington, and send the
new regts of cavalry front
I have not heart direct from
the 7th dont know exactly where
they are. I saw Lt. Holmes of the 7”
he told me that he and his
Captain was captured at Alledie
and made their escape
coming into Washinton dirty
hungry, They went to Gen’l
Halleck and got 10 days leave
of absence. He did not know
where the 7” ware. All New York
Ohio and Indiana men now
in hospital are to be transferred
to their respective States.
Lee is on the other side of the
Rappahannock, Meade occupies
his old position. There is not much
prospect of any more hard fighting
this fall. That is in the army of
the Potomac. I was in hopes that
we could wax them up this fall.
According to all accounts they will
have to flee to a warmer climate
than Va to keep themselves warm
this winter. They – poor devils must
be discouraged, when four is $80.00
per lb. and every thing else in
proportion. We think we have it
tough
If we can compare them to hungry
woolves they must be good fighters
If they were aware of the levity
that Old Abe would give them I
think they would cease fighting
But you see, they think that when
once they are in our power – that
we will destroy – strip them of evry
thing – and evry right the posess
Provission must be verry scarce – with
them, or their money verry poor
to bring such enormous prices
Mother, I rec. 5.80 cts. for my
ration money whilst on furlough
I will send that to you – you
can do what you like with
it. I send you $5.00 in this letter
I have enough left to stand
me untill another pay day –
I think I can get along with less
if I have a dime in my pockets
I dont look around for something
to spend it for, money has never
burned a hole in my pockets yet.
Still I intend to have what I
think is necessary for my comfort
if I can get it.
One pocket knife is
enough for any one man –
Giv my respects to all enquiring
friends – I shall be
glad to hear from
them at any and all times – My
hands
have been to cold to write
a legable hand so excuse Bud
B Salley I written
the Philles Sophia
and Louise – I have not seen Tom yet
think I shall go out tomorrow
