Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/shafer-marion-a/
Regiment: 7th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Dismounted Camp M.D.
Oct 29” 1863
Dear Father Mother
Brother and Sisters
You will see by this
that I have left the
Hospital. And am in
the Dismounted Camp
in Maryland. I left the
Hospital on Tuesday. went
to the Soldiers Retreat, and
staid there untill the
next morning. and then
came here to this camp.
About 5 miles from the
U.S. Capitol, I came here
yesterday, I found about
a hundred of the 7th Boys
here, In the whole camp
there is some 7 or 8 thousand
This is the camp of dis-
trabution. As fast as a
man gets dismounted he
is sent here for rest and
after a while to rec. a
horse and be sent to his
regt. Some have been here
three weeks. and no horse
yet. It is a verry pleasant
location. Among the hills,
with the winding roads
They have a Corpse Hospital
here. where men are cared for
when they come here sick. or
are taken sick whilst here.
I think that I have a
pretty good thing coming
for me. A Dr. Christman
Sent for me this afternoon
He said he was agoing to
start a Division Hospital for
our Division, and he wanted
me as the Steward So
you see that will be a bully
place, because it will be
stationed here perhaps as long
as the war lasts – I can
fix up just as comfortable
as if I was in a General Hospital
The Regt. is at Gainsville, VA.
Lockwood is here. a week
from the Regt. he tells some
pretty tough stories about
the front. He came in worked
down poor is feeling well –
It will be just old bully to
be a Steward in a Division
Hospital. Because I can fix
up comfortable Quarters.
There is no prospect of our
brigade to get horses very soon
Major Granger is in command
of our Division here I am ready
to go the Regt. any time
But if they want me here
I am perfectly willing to stay
It will be easier than in the
Regt. I saw Mr. Powelson
last Monday he is at the
Convalessent Camp. While I
was at the Sanitary Rooms
I called upon Mr. Hopkins
and had a pleasant evening
with him, with plenty of
apples. He said he did send
the Patent Office Report and
some
[ ? ] both to Mr.
Shepherd – and the others
I named – He said he would
try again next spring – I have
looked all through the papers
to see if they had drafted in
Mich. yet but could find nothing
Tis pleasant – cool nights – sleep
in tents – feel good =write soon. Bud
Mother did you get that $5,000 ds
I have not rec. any letter from
home – Good Night
P.S. This is the third letter I have written to you
Write soon- Washington D.C.
Dismounted Camp [ ? ]
