Michigan in the Civil War
Lerich family.
The papers of this Utica, Mich., family include letters of Isaac N. Lerich and William F. Lerich.
Isaac wrote four letters (1862-1865) from Murfreesboro and Huntsville to his mother in which he tells of camp life, picket and scouting duty. He was in Company B, 5th Michigan Infantry, and captain in Company I, 3rd Michigan Infantry, at its reorganization in 1864. He was wounded and taken prisoner at White Oak Swamp, Va.
William wrote three letters (1862) to his parents in which he expresses optimism that the end of the war is near, describes the country, tells of picket and guard duty along the Potomac, and comments on drunkenness in camp. He enlisted in Company B, 5th Michigan Infantry, in 1861 and was transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps in 1864.