Winchell, Edward A. – October 24, 1861

Michigan Civil War Collection


Click here for this soldier’s biography: https://micivilwar.com/authors/winchell-edward-a/
Regiment: 2nd Michigan Infantry Battles Mentioned: Historical Figures: Hunting Creek Oct 24th 1861 Dear Bro Add, I received your letter in due time and having time this afternoon I thought that I could not pass the time to better advantage than by answering your letter I was on picket when I received your letter and that is the reason why I did not answer it before we went out on Sunday and was not relieved untill Thursday. Wednesday night was the coldest night we have had this fall I had a bottle of sweet oil in my haversack and it was thick in the morning so you may know how cold it was. The post on which I was stationed was about five miles from Mount Vernon in the valley of Springdale. About a week ago the 2nd and 3rd Michigan regiments went out on a reconnaissance about 14 miles and back which makes 28 miles which we walked in about 9 hours including stoppages that is what I call fast walking. You say that you think Tom Beard is a little sorry that he enlisted I suppose that they took two days to march that 35 miles in. We have practiced carrying knapsacks for about 2 hours every day I guess in we are a going to march in a short time. I have not got my little pipe yet nor will I ever get it I have not had a pipe since before I wrote to you about it you say that you can send me a pipe and some tobacco. I think it would cost you more to send them than they are worth you need not send any drawers or stockings I guess we will get some before cold weather. I dont think you had better send the pipe but if you do send it I wish you would send a pair of gloves warm and high and find out how much an India ruber blanket lined with canton flannel costs here they cost from 2 ½ to 3 ½ dollars I guess Uncle Geiger can tell you. Are you sure that the express can carry to this side of the Potomac. I owe Mary a letter but do not fill like writing so she will have to wait. Give my love to all of the folks Good Bye From Ed [On Envelope:] A. H. Winchell Detroit Box 484Mich