Michigan in the Civil War
Houghton, William, 1820-1886.
A letter written from Savannah Valley, northeast of Chattanooga, November 22, 1864. He had been sent to herd thirty-three hundred head of cattle that had been destined for Sherman's army at Atlanta, but further orders were needed to move the cattle. His special duty was to issue rations for the thirty-six guards. He comments on the destruction of property around Chattanooga, and the wretched condition of the prisoners and horses after the battle. But the men "appeared to be well satisfied that they were taken prisoners." Houghton, of Jackson, Mich., was in Company G, 23rd Michigan Infantry from September 7, 1864 until June 28, 1865 when he was mustered out.