Michigan in the Civil War

Morey, John Rising, 1844-1897.

Two diaries (June 19-Oct. 2, 1863 and Jan. 1-Aug. 18, 1864) kept while he was serving in Company M, 5th Michigan Cavalry. They give brief entries concerning marches; skirmishes, battles, including Gettysburg and the pursuit of Jeb Stuart's forces; exchanges with the Rebels while on picket duty; foraging; winter quarters; and recreations, such as horse racing and baseball. Morey was taken prisoner near Richmond, Va., March 2, 1864, and spent four months in Libby Prison. A comrade continued his diary from then until August 18, 1864.

Twenty-three letters written to his cousin William H. Morey tell of a dress parade in Detroit and a visit to the State Fair; a guerrilla hunt from Camp Copeland on which they took chickens, hogs, horses and mules and corn and hay for the horses, rails to burn, and arms. He saw Bull Run battlefield, "a chilling sight." General Kilpatrick was heard to remark "that give him that brigade of Mich. Devils and he was not afraid to charge on the whole southern confederacy." He reminisces about some of his experiences on his horse while on the march. He speaks about the coming election and says that Lincoln is the men's choice. He is often ill from fever and in various hospitals. Morey was from Quincy, Mich. After being discharged, he attended Albion Commercial College.

This collection is available on microfilm for interlibrary loan.