20th & 17th Michigan Infantry

Item LTR-7394

Description

Original Civil War soldier's letter. 4 pages, written in period ink.


Headquarters, 60th Ohio Volunteers
April 28th 1865

Friend Abbie,

Your kind and welcome message came to hand some days ago. But as we were “on the move” at the time. I had not had the opportunity to reply to it. It is indeed a long time since I wrote you and I have no reasonable apology to make and must own up that I have been my neglect. I trust however you will pardon such delinquencies on the part of soldiers in particular and when I see you shall endeavor too make all due apologies.

Well, Abbie, these are glorious days for this soldier. I assure you with the sincerest that at least a few of us have been permitted to live to see the end of this rebellion is a matter for which (personally speaking) I am more than thankful and deeply regret that there are not more of our brave comrades with us now. This is our consoling thought. That in my yet live to enjoy benefits resulting from brave deeds performed by those on our missing from the friendly board.

Since the capture of Petersburg, Virginia on Corps has been on duty along the south side Railroad from Sutherland Station to Burkesville until the 20th inst, when we moved back to City Point and embarked on board the Transport Columbia for Alexandria, Virginia. Had a very pleasant trip down the bay arriving in Alexandria, Virginia on the 22nd. Disembarked and went into camp about a mile south of the city. Where we lay until the 26th when we were again on the move passing through Washington and Georgetown and went into camp near Taneytown about 4 miles from the latter place. I understand we are to remain here for some time, but for what purpose I cannot determine.

I have not been with my regiment in some time. Being temporarily detached. I saw Lieutenant Harmon the other day. The first time since his return from leave. But did not see him long enough to make many inquiries, learned that you were all well, etc..

I was very sorry on learning of the wounding and death of your cousin Augustus. He had been buried some days before I was aware of his being injured. I would like very much to have seen him before he died.

I saw him but a few days prior to his being wounded. He had received a letter from you a short time previously and read a portion of it to me. How true, that “in the midst of life are we in death.”

In regard to my guitar Abbie. I have no desire to sell it. But have not the least objection to Miss Hollenbeck using it until I call for it. I do not wish to part with it. Consequently, wish only that it be preserved from injury. In fact, I believe I can trust in you as my agent in the matter. Therefore, you may make such an argument as you may clash proper and all will be satisfactory.

I think I shall apply for a leave of absence soon. Unless we are likely to be discharged from the service. What I do not think is like right now. And if I do, I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you all after an absence of nearly three years.

Our camp is the most pleasantly situated of any that we have had since the war. Such a beautiful, rolling country all about. We are immediately in front of Fort Gaines. The first works of the kind built for the defence of this part of the line around Washington. There are a many number of forts in view. Our seat of government can be said to be well protected. I refer to the present of course. We are in within plain view of the nearest point to which the rebels came last year.

You must pardon this hastily written sheet and accept my best wishes and love for all.

Very truly yours,

H. T. Cliff
Assistant Surgeon
17th Michigan Infantry
In charge of 60th Ohio Volunteers
2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 9th Army Corps