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Regiment: 1st Michigan Cavalry Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures:
White Plains Apr. 12, 1862
Dear Father and Mother, It is a long time since I have heard from you but I hope you are well. My health is on the gain a little. I have lost 8 lbs in the past 3 weeks but I hope to make it up again in a few days. We are on the march all most every day if it is not more than to leave a place today and back tomorrow. News from the South is very favorable today. How long we shall be obliged to stay here I cannot say but I hope that we will be marched south as fast as possible. I would like to be in Michigan on the 4 of July but I am most afraid to venture to wish for such a thing. You get the news faster than I do so it is not of any use for me to write it to you. I must now bid you goodby hoping you are all well. I ever remain, your affect son,WR Sterling
P.S. had an awful snow storm lasted 3 days from the 7th to the 10th. I will fill up the sheet with nonsense I guess as I have nothing else to do . Goodby to all. Secesh paper captured an arm full. Things Taught Me By My Mother 1st to kill secesh and Southern Traitors And never to thrash my younger brother Are two things which are not shadows They were taught me my Mother. 2nd To hang the man who’d break our laws To fight for freedom ever To maintain our glorious cause Was taught me by my Mother. 3rd But when I’m on the field of battle Pecking away at one another When the balls around me rattle Crackey then I think of Mother. 4th You know you taught me never to worry When I’d ate one mean about another But did you live here with the army You’d think different I guess Mother. 5th When I’m marching tired and wet Not much to eat no bed to bother Hard bread and hog is all I get O I’m in trouble Mother. 6th When I’ve ate my hard bread ration I think of you and of one other It’s right to starve for this great nation Don’t you think it is dear Mother. 7th But should it be my lot to fall To fill my place send Joe my Brother Just drop a tear let that be all Goodby to you my Mother White Plains W.R.S.