Dear Father, Mother, and Amelia

I am not dead, wounded, or sick, but, on the contrary, never felt better in my life. Have since I left Nashville. I can say that I have had an active part in as hard a battle as has been fought during the war.

A general move of the army was made on the 26^th Ult. The fighting commenced about 10 miles from Nashville the same day and lasted nine days. When the rebels were driven from Murfreesboro. The 4^th Michigan has won at least a name and place. On Saturday 27^th four companies under Captain Mix were sent out and came upon a strong body of rebel cavalry. There was about 150 of us we charged upon 200 of them, drove them about 2 miles shot 5 of their men, a no. of horses and took 8 prisoners. One of our corporals was wounded in the side.

January 9^th

We have been busy today arranging our tent. We have got a sesesh stove, Table and Bunk, taken from one of their camps.

Our Company was engaged in Wednesday’s fight. We made two charges upon rebel cavalry. Capt Mix[Frank W Mix] had a splendid horse shot from under him, our quartermaster Sgt was wounded. I have had 3 or 4 narrow escapes, have been where the cannon ball and shells were flying close around me and I must be lucky. I did not think of getting killed at all but I expected to be wounded. We entered Murfreesboro on Monday. The rebs left Saturday night. Out right was driven back on Wednesday with great slaughter on both sides. I passed over the field Monday. The rebels had carried nearly all of their dead, ours were lying in rows as they had been carried to bury. Horses dead and guns and artillery filled the ground. I can’t tell you anything of the sight.

The rebels captured and burnt a part of our train and among the rest our company wagon were stolen excepting what I had on. The likenesses and the books are gone. The captains and lieutenants clothes were all gone. Such are the fortunes of war. John Gilbert was not with us thru the fighting was not very tough and had a pactious? horse he staid with the train. Charley Smith[Charles H Smith] is without doubt dead, he died with the black jaundice as we were informed. Herman Lounsbury[Herman H Lounsbury] is very sick. I am afraid he will have a hard time of it if he ever gets well. Charley Starkweather[Charles A Starkweather] is isolated with a lame back. Alf Shepard and Norman Smith are well. We shall be very busy for a week now making out our payrolls – have a good deal of writing. L J Southworth[Lorenzo T Southworth] is writing home he is well. I am liking soldiering as well as ever, if only I keep well and I never felt better--

Albert

[written in the margins:]
Give my love to all, and write soon, the news I have not heard from you since I left Nashville.
I sent a sesesh envelope and some cottin seed, plant them they will grow.
I would have written before but have had no chance to send
Direct to Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
[The men mentioned, except officers like Mix, are all from Ovid, Clinton County, Michigan]

Dear Father

I have been thinking of home today. Of the pleasure we could all have if I were there with you all a short time. It is a warm balmy spring day. The birds are singing. The trees are budding and Nature is working quiet and harmonius amid the bustle of the camp. We had a heavy thunder shower last night. But I slept soundly in my little storm tent as dry as a pig. I still keep tough and hearty. I stand camp life and its hardships much better than I thought I would when I enlisted. I believe I feel better than if at home teaching. If I live to come home again you will see me a tough man. This the fifth day out. We started from Murfreesboro last Wednesday morning with a brigade of infantry. We are in the 1^st Cavalry Brigade under Col Minty[Robert H G Minty] of this regiment but acting brigadier. He will get a star before long, I believe, every body likes him also and he is a rising man. Lt Col Dickinson[William H Dickenson] has resigned[disability]. Major Park[Josiah B Park] is now Lt Col. He has not been with us much, is acting inspector of cavalry, I think don’t know when he will be with us, if ever. Major Gray[Horace Gray] and Huston[Joseph P Huston] are home recruiting. Have not seen any of their recruits yet. They are not worth anything to us, nor never would be and among the many promotions who else do you suppose has been hit – myself, as true as preaching. I was promoted to 2^nd Lieut. The 27^th Feb’y and transferred to E Company under Capt Tolton[Joseph B Tolton]. He is a good military man, well drilled, but is not very healthy. I hav been in command of the Comp. ever since have been in it. And expect to be half of the time. J W Mann[Joshua W Mann] is 1^st Lt but is detached and in command of the brigade provost guard. He will never be back in the Company, probably, I hope not at least. I do not have near as much to do now as I did when Orderly. My pay is $129 per month, out of that pay $16 per month for forage for horse. Have to hire a darkey and find myself in everything. Still I think I can save considerable. I have bought a coat sack for $15 and vest $6. My straps I got from my predecessor. They are nice ones. We have been paid up to the 31^st of October. I rec’d $36.25 cnts. Uncle Sam owes me about $75 yet as an enlisted man. I have to get may discharge papers made out and then be mustered as a com’s’d officer. I have no need to complain but 2 or 3 enlisted men in the reg’t have done as well as I. There are 5 Orderlies that have been such since the reg’t was formed and are likely to stay so. I am the 2^nd Orderly promoted over Co. ‘E’s orderly and been assigned over him. He is a clever fellow but not very competent. I must hse him well. I shall still try to do my duty. As long as I do so, I still have friends to help me to anything. I have not got me a very good horse yet.(never had the Bigdon? horse, major Mix owns him.) But shall get one as soon as possible. I can take and receipt for any horse we come across thro the country and will improve the chance. I want to get a good rig throughout to bring home with me. I am glad you have got another mare. You will have a good way to get around and go visiting. I don’t want you to kill yourself fretting or working, but live as easy as you can. Hiram K[Hiram J Knowles] wants me to buy his farm and I don’t know but what it would be a good plan, wouldn’t it? Hiram is not tough. I am sorry – poor John[John Gilbert]. I feel lonesome without him. He stood a good chance to be Orderly in Co B if he had not broken his leg. Maybe he can get his discharge. I advised him to, if he could. I think he can. Let Mr. Gilbert read this. I read his letter to John. I have written so much about myself you will think I am getting vain. But I wanted to let you know what my prospects are and have been. Lorenzo[Lorenzo T Southworth] is now QM Serg’t. He heas done as well as anybody could and he deserves it. Charley S[Charley A Starkweather] is back with the Co. He is well again. Lewis Coon is dead. He is from [Duplain], I believe. Alf Shepard has been sick as long time. He will be discharged, he tells me. Norm Smith is very sick. If he lives he will do well. His is a good boy. I like Norman and hope he will get well—

Oh! how I would like some Maple Sugar. I you think there is any chance to get it to me you may send a little box and anything else you think I would like. Send to Murfreesboro and write before you send. You will have to send by express, if at all.

Now I must tell you about our scout. The first day out we surprised about 600 graybacks, made a charge on them and captured about 50 of them. A capt and 2 lieuts. The 7^th Penn was ahead with their sabres They won’t stand the sabres. They all know the 7^th . They call them the fighting 7^th and hate them accordingly. We go out in such numbers that unless there is a large force of them they won’t stand. I have not had a chance to fire my pistol since the big battle. Our Brigade has captured about 400 since then. I should judge. Now I must tell you some bad news. We had 1500 men captured last Friday. Infantry, Col Gilbert of the 19^th Mich was com’d’g the brigade. He is a new officer and too fast. He was out Thursday and attacked and drove the rebs. The next day flushed with victory, attacked them. They run as usual. He followed them on and on until from each side and behind a swarm of the enemy came out and they were cut off. Fighting was useless and they were captured, the most of them. The Col got away, I believe. A smart man is needed to lead men successfully. Van Dorn is encamped 5 miles from here and Wheeler’s Cavalry. They are reported 15,000 strong and are saucy. There will be another big battle before long, I think. 30,000 men are here, so said. But I doubt it we will probably move in the morning and maybe will have a battle, can’t tell. I don’t know how this letter will get thru! Write. Give my love to all my friends. To Mr Gilbert especially and Mrs Longham.

Direct to Co "E" instead of "B". Good bye. I never forget Home sweet Home

Dear Father

I rec’d your letter last night and one from Amelia today. Glad to hear from you that you are well. I wrote you last at Franklin. I am feeling well as ever. I told you that if the rebels did not run we would have a big fight. Well they did run. We chased them to within 2 ½ miles of Columbia. But they run faster than we so we came back. Got home last night having been without our tents 11 days and it has rained half the time. I did not catch cold. Have not had one bad cold this winter. I see by John’s letter and Amelia’s that Col Park[Josiah Park] is home. I must write Stephan. I have often thought of them, but do not have time always to write even to you as often as I would like to. I won’t write much this time as I have a good many to write to.

I don’t know why the nation should tremble at the Conscription Act. Certainly if the nation belongs to the people and is worth preserving and if the lives of men in the field are worth saving, that very act will do it. Men that tremble and doubt at that are not true or at least they do not realize the benefits that our government has given one and all of us. The army is supposed to be and is united and had not the people ought to be? I tell you this factious fault finding spirit is working our ruin. It is food for the rebels. Their only hope of salvation or independence is in the quarreling of the North among their own people. It is wrong. It is wicked. If the North were a unit this war could not last six months. Northern office seekers for the sake of some petty place are prolonging this war. and at the same time showing us here in the field that we are of no consequence or are forgotten.

I must write to Mallone today. I don’t need any money at present my pay is $129 per mo. But I have not got my Commission yet. My Pay only commences when I get that. I may lose 3 or 4 weeks pay, can’t tell. I rec’d a letter from McIntyre[Guy C McIntyre], not long ago, he is well, but his leg troubles him some yet, it swells.

Have you made any maple sugar yet. The citizens are beginning to make garden. I saw a number yesterday sowning seeds. I will close by saying I am well and would like to see you all and hope it is less than 6 months.

from your affectionate son,
Albert
PS I have not heard from John Gilbert since I wrote.

Oh! Such splendid weather as we are having at presetn. At home I can imagine how muddy and disagreeable it is yet. While here the tree are some of them looking quite green. I saw one today fully leaved. They call it box elder. Peach trees are in bloom. I send some buds and blossoms. They grew on rebel soil and I suppose are budding traitors. Their color though is not butternut.

We had a grand review and inspection of all the Cavalry Force in the Department or nearly all by Maj Gen Rosecrans yesterday at 12 M It was a grand sight. The Review was on a large common 2 miles from town. There was one large flag with the Gen’l and then the "star" flags of each Brigadier or Commander of Brigade numbered to show which each commanded and then most of the different Companies had their Guidions. All together made a handsome show with the officers with their full uniforms and white gauntlets and red sashes. Gen Stanley[David S Stanley] wore a Yellow Sash. The maj gen wore none at all. Rosecrans is a large well proportioned man, looks about forty five. Is quite bald as I could see when he saluted the Brigadiers. He looks good-natured and benevolent. Has a large Roman nose slightly hooked as he passed us on a gallop with his staff. He said "good morning, gentlemen! I am glad to see you all out this morning." And a little further on "you are the hope of the army. Do you mind that?" and on he went talking along the line and encouraging the men. Mrs Rosecrans was at the Review also. I was not close to her. She was dressed in black and rode a splendid horse. I believe Gen Rosecrans is the most popular Gen’l in the army of the Union. He has never been whipped and permit me to say he never will be. The army in this department has the prestige of success and victory and we intend to keep our name good. The rumor prevails here at the present that Vicksburg is evacuated and the army moving up to crush us out. How much truth there is in the report I can’t tell. We will be ready for them at any rate. Prospect is that we will get pay up to Dec 31 tomorrow. Will get it this week, I think without fail. The boys in B Co are all well, I believe, I have not heard from John since I wrote you last. Direct to Hospital No 8 Nashville. There at present, have written to Stephan V. , Elder Bassers and quite a no. lately. My love to you all.

I got out in command of a picket guard 7am tomorrow. Good Bye. Write soon. My love to all

Albert

Dear Father

We are having beautiful weather here at present. Nice, warm, growing spring days. Much trees are all in blossom.
I am fat and healthy yet like my new company and place firstrate. I rec’d a letter from John today saying you were all well. I am glad. I often think that before I start home some of you may be taken away from this scene and stage of action. And I feel sad , and how much more you will say. Ought I to think of myself having so much more risk to run but you know how natural it is for man to put all such thoughts far away with the future, and especially the Soldiers, but this is no excuse for any man. Human Nature is not reason which should be used.
I expect to be mustered tomorrow as Lieut. The Col read a telegram from the governor saying that my appointment was approved and my commission would be sent by mail with a no. of others. The Col thinks my commission will date from Feb 16. I will rank from that day but do not expect to draw pay, only from date of Commission approved is rec’d – ie. from yesterday. I intend to be as saving as possible. I am making, now, more than I ever did before and intend to improve it if my life is spared, to benefit all of us. I am earning it easy too. How easily I cannot tell but it does not seem to me I should be killed. I may be wounded perhaps, you have my feelings. I do not feel fearful at all. -----
I wish you would send me a lot of stamps they are hard to get here at all times. No use to send me papers. John writes that Mrs Baker is dead and Egleston very low. How is Lafayette getting along? I have written quite a no. of letters lately I do not think we will make a forward movement right away. I am not sure but that we will have to fight here again but hardly think so. The rebels are getting saucy. Our whole line of pickets was attacked simultaneously yesterday morn but were ready for them. Give my love to all, and write all that you are doing and going to do.
From your affectionate son.
Albert

I have not been well the past week. Had some cold and chills and fever. But am better now. Got a very sore mouth – so that I could not enjoy those delicious biscuits and molasses! Oh!

Well you had a very pleasant and interesting acquaintance in you dream. Would not smile or notice you. Dr Neitch is a villian.

I don’t know the use of being lonesome or sad and I don’t want you to be. I don’t want to come home and see you moping around all you, telling everybody you see, Oh! I wish Albert was home. I wouldn’t be at home now if I had staid at home. Some others would have been here and to shape up these men would have been a drafting in Ovid and I might have been the first one that would have been pleasant. It is right just as it is and it is my duty to be here. Suppose I am killed. I have no wife or children left for others to care for. And you will have the same good care you have always had. But I don’t intend to be killed. The rebel was never born that was smart enough to hit me. I may die with disease and so I might at home. I am in no more dangerous place than I was as Sergeant.

You may send that box as soon as convenient. I had a bite of Maple Sugar that Col Park Josiah B Park]brought from his folks. Just as aggravating – send me a couple of cotton shirts for under shirts. I can’t wear woolen next to me, and some cotton stockings and anything else good to eat.

I have not heard from John[probably John Gilbert] in sometime. That is by letter, I don’t know why he don’t write. I write him and sent some money but he has not answered. Lieut Carter[Julius M Carter] saw him and said he was getting along as well as possible but could not leave his bed yet.

I am going to write him today.

There is no need of Mr Lounsbury’s people nursing any hope[Herman H Lounsbury died Dec 31, 1862 in Murfreesboro] that Herman is alive. I saw him myself the day before he died just as we all went out on a scout. And I did not think he would live then. He was moved to the hospital the next day which was too much for him and he died at night. Hiram Knowles[Hiram J Knowles: also died at Mufreesboro May 12, 1863] went down and was satisfied.

There is no signs of a forward movement at present. If you send a box direct Lieut. In care of Lt Col Park and it will receive more attention, so also with letters.

I must close. Give my love to all my friends and all write

Good bye, Albert