'62       Kellogg

 

Grand Rapids Sept 28/62

Brother

          I received your letter this morning. I was very glad to hear from home. I felt lonesome untill to day but now I begin to feel more at home.

 

We have had a pretty tough time, but no tougher than I should have expected if I had been South but I expected better treatment while here. We have not been musterd yet.

 

We have been transferd to the seventh or rather will be if Col. Kellog gets permission to rase it, if not I suppose we will be dicharged.

 

The Captain is a first rate man, the Col. says he thinks he is the best man in the regiment, but he dose not understand his duty yet. 

 

I have had to stand on guard once & it came hard on me as you may know if you recolect how it tired me to go to a fire, also you will understand it better when you know that we have to stand two hours on & four off through twenty-four hours, but I will not complain becaus I think the Capt will fixit as soon as he can.

 

I can stand to drill but but not to guard.

 

How many rattles did that snake have. Tell Georgie that I do not have much time to write or I wold write him

 

                        From Your affectionate

Brother W^m Glover Gage. /

 

Dear Father

           I was much pleased to receive your affectionate letter of the 26^th inst.

 

I have tried to what you advised me to do in regard to my food & avoiding bad company, the later it is a greate deal harder to do than the first, there are so many mean men in the Co, there is hardly a deacent private in the in it. I wold never have enlisted if I had known how few there were. I have not been very well for the last day or two. the Capt has been very kind to me he offerd to take me to his hotel, but I am geting better so that I feel pretty well again.

 

Speaking of hotels I notice one with sign Rathbone house.

 

You asked me if I wanted any thing, if Thompson has not returned when you receive this please send my / old blue coat.

 

I have just come from divine service.

 

Give my love to all the foalks.

 

From your son

W^m Glover Gage

 

Dear Brother James

             I was very happy to get your letter.

 

I suppose you are a lawyer yet & also keep the post office.

 

have you rased your company yet & when are you comeing to join the regiment

W^m Glover Gage.

 

P.S. You must all write to me often, & when I write to you you may correct my spelling. It is geting dark so I must close

SOURCES