Michigan in the Civil War

Townsend, George W.

Four letters written to his wife while he was serving in Company G, 5th Michigan Cavalry as second lieutenant and first lieutenant in November 1862. He was honorably discharged for disability July 15, 1864.

While on the march they camped on the farm of a rebel officer. Guards were placed at each door so that no one could pass and no news of their whereabouts could get to the rebels. They helped themselves to corn and hay. He was officer of the day and visited the posts. He described the camp. He told about Sergeant Hammond being arrested for stealing statuary from the Congregational Cemetery, sending it home marked "shrubs." He received a box from home containing fruit, nuts, cookies, cheese, and a pair of socks. The men were kept busy on the picket line because of prowling rebels. The rebels, discouraged, finally left, saying, "No use of trying, these must be Michigan Devils."

The collection includes originals and transcripts of the letters, as well as a partial subject index.

This collection is available on microfilm for interlibrary loan.