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Regiment: 8th Michigan Cavalry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures: John H. Morgan
Pomeroy, Ohio
July 23, 1863
Dear Mother,
I wrote Father a few lines right after we had routed Morgan at Buffington Island near Portland – this states informing you all of our success and of my safety. This chase of ours is, I think, the longest on record in this country. It was a very fatiqueing march with little sleep & short rations. Many were left along the line completely worn out but strange as it may seem, I stood it better day by day and never felt stringer and better than I do now.
Our 8
th & 9
th Michigan Cavalry with 7
th Ohio saw about all the fighting there was done and put the thieving gang to flight. Other regiments cut them off and took more prisoners than we perhaps. The Cincinnati papers made no mention of Michigan regiments whatever which is very unjust. It was a glorious route and chase and was amusing to look upon. The rebs were loaded with plunder of every description & our boys are now well stocked. I might have secured many articles but not think it right to stop while we were driving the scoundrels. On my return I captured a horse & have now ride upon a Rebel horse & saddle.
Col. Saunders you know had command of our brigade & I was A.D.C. on his staff. There were two more on his staff but one of whom was with him during the skirmishing & he not ten minutes. Col. Saunders was in the front all the time with the line of skirmishers & in front when we charged & I was along with him so you see I was in & saw it all. Some of the time the bullets shisteled unpleasantly near my person. Some of the time we were mounted when the rest were dismounted & then we caught their best shots. Thank God I was not hurt in the least but three of our regiment wounded.
We moved down to this place yesterday expecting to take transports for Cincinnati but they have not come & I know not when we will get away before long we all hope for we are getting very dirty, our clothes I mean not having any change as we expected to be gone but a few days & now it is 20 days.
I think of you all very much & hope that you are all well. How is your health now? I shall write Mary soon & give her more the particulars of our march, time preventing now.
Very affectionately, your son, Watson
