Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2011, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the U.S. Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ====================================================================== From Gabriel Campbell, 17th Mich. Vols., to his brother ====================================================================== Lebanon Ky April 24th 1863 17th Mich. Vols Dear Brother Your letter was seasonally received; and a day or two ago I received one from Father acknowledging the receipt of my my last Draft and bringing enclosed the ten dollars I requested on leaving the Hospital. It came with the last of our back mail. Our Brigade is drilling this afternoon under Col. Morrison. Safford has my company and I rest and write. I conduct the Company Drill in the fore-noon; and Lieut. Safford usually takes the Company on Regimental or Brigade Drill after dinner. Speaking of Col. Morrison, Col. of the 79th N.Y. Highlanders - now, since the resignation of Gen. Poe, in command of our Brigade. What, think you I discovered in regard to him, while conversing with him the other evening? Col. David Morrison crossed the Atlantic in the Marianna at the same time that I did. We have been brigaded together [page 2] Since before the Maryland Battles and acquainted for several months; yet we never discovered this remarkable fact unil now. I cannot remember him at all. He remembers us well; and inquired about Father and Mary. He sends his regards to Father and would like to see him. I am well acquainted with him and like him very well. He settled in New York City and is was doing a thrifty business there. He has been in the New York Highlanders ever since their organization, and came out as a Captain. We are having very fine weather though changable. Some days are warm as June - others quite cold. The maples are so green we cannot see through the tops. The country is very fertile in this region. The land level except the Mountain Ranges. Last Saturday afternoon I climbed to the top of the highest Mountain in this Range. So you see I am getting pretty strong. It is about two miles from here; and I call it twelve hundred feet high. April 25th 1863 I was not able to finish my writing yesterday so here is another scrap. Some of our Officers are out riding today and the Regiment is left in my hands [page 3] I wish orders for immediate marching would come. Wouldn't I mount a horse and put them through the facings? Matters have gone rather loose since Lt. Col. Luce has had command. The loss of our Col. is universally lamented. Our Major is on detached service; and our Adjutant Richards is confirmed Aid de camp to Gen. Wilcox; So the Lt. Col. is the only man left of the Field and Staff. Capt. Comstock Co. A. is acting a Field Officer. His especial excellance is conceit and that with very little gumption I hope he will not be promoted. I have no idea who will be. I prefer Capt. Burrows Co. D. I scarcely hope for a chance yet. They all know me on the Tactics question. I have the Company, Battalion and Brigade Drill nearly all in my head. Our Boys are at present in first rate health and spirits. We have a beautiful camp, planted with pines so as to present a fine appearance. We are under marching orders and will perhaps move soon. Rumor says to Fort Donelson or Nashville. I am of the opinion we will not leave Ky. I enclose a little poem of Bateman's. He looks well with a Knapsack on. I had a long talk with him. He looks on the service very much as I do. [page 4] He says he would like a paragraph or two from you. I did not know he was in the Service and Scarcely recognized him at first. I have written to Prof. Welch informing him of the receipt of the money ** Respectfully Yours in Haste Gabriel Campbell