Michigan in the Civil War

Faxon, John Harvey, b. 1827.

Three diaries and 115 letters (1861-1864) written to his wife while he was serving as corporal in the quartermaster department, Company D, 1st Michigan Cavalry. He describes Camp Lyon, a boat trip to Cleveland, and the flooded Ohio River, a Washington's Birthday celebration, and the execution of a traitor. He tells of camp life and duties and of sickness in camp, of foraging and scouting parties, picket duty, skirmishing, and marches with the wagon trains. He shook hands with Lincoln and describes his appearance. Much of each letter is devoted to his religious activities and reflections. Faxon was from Duplain, Mich.

The collection also contains one letter (Oct. 19, 1864) written by John Bromley from Alexandria, Va., to John Faxon. In it he gives news of the men in his company and expresses the hope that Lincoln will win in the coming election. Bromley was also in Company D, 1st Michigan Cavalry, 1861-1866. He was from Ovid, Mich.

Also two letters written by Theron James to John Faxon. The June 24, 1861 letter tells of the trip to Washington and the treatment received along the way; the July 14, 1864 letter comments on the battle of the Wilderness. James enlisted in Company G, 3rd Michigan Infantry, as a drummer, in 1861. He was later transferred to Company E, 5th Michigan Infantry, as principal musician. James was from Duplain, Mich.

This collection is available on microfilm for interlibrary loan.