The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1863-12-16
From the sixth Cavalry.


STEPHENsBURG, VA, Dec. b, 1868
Mr. EDIToE-Whie the men are ont on re-
view, viii occupy the time in penning few
lines to my friends in Lansing, through your col
umns.
Within the last ten days many changes have
occurred in our regiment, besides the regular
changes iron, hard fried tack, rith the worms
ia, 10 SOFT fried tack nth the oornis picked out
Our other rations seldom change Sugar, coffee
and pork are Interchangeable, except for better or
worse
But the changes l would speak of are our FREE
quent changes of base, and several important
changes Of officers. Sergeant Probasco, Of Co.
f, is promoted to % Lieutenant, vice j. Barn
hart, promoted to lst Lieut., Co. f. Seymour
Shipman promoted to Captain of Co. D, vice
Capt. Royce, killed. Ex.Commissary Dudley,
] st Lieut. Co d, vice Shipman, promoted,
and many others which will omit.
One week ago this brigade was at Morton's
Ford, on the Rapidan, little island as it were,
but fortune favored the brave, and we are all
safely out again, with but very slight loss. On
one occasion, particularly, our situation was in
deed most critical We had crossed the river
about dark, with our whole force, together with
the Headquarter wagons, az Gen. Custer intend
cd to establish his Headquarters on that side for
the night Just as everything was safely over,
We we're saluted by several rapid discharges from
the rebel guns, which, under cover of the dark
ness, they had succeeded in planting on the for
tilted hills directly above Us.
The order was Immediately issued to fall back
across the river, it was well known that il the
rebels had again obtained possession of the earth
works in any force, we could not stand before
them quarter of au hour ia oar present posi-
ton. All was confusion in moment, for in at
tempting to recrOss, one Of the wagons had
stuck fast at the dug way on the opposite
shore, and no persuasion could induce the mules
to move it, and while it remained there, not
man or horse could pass. Seeing the fix we were
in, the General dismounted and placing his
vclveted shoulder to the mnddy wheel, tugged
at it strongly, but in vain. Twas 10 go-all the
men who could reach it could not move it, and
there We sat, two fearful hours before the OBJ
struction could be removed.
Happily the rebels did not know of our si,ua-
ton, and had not fred many rounds before they
were dislodged by an intrepid Sergeant. of the
eth Mich. Cavalry, and ten men, who rushed I'd
to the carthwOTks and poured into them such a
volly from their Spencers' and revolvers, as sent
them flying back through the woods, no doubt
thinking the whole Yankee army was at their
heels, and although our whole force fell back,
these ten gallant fellows remained in the earth-
works all night, to prevent their re occupation
by the "Johnnies," and all without orders.
Had the rebels come down upon US while We
we're in confusion at the Ford, have no doubt
they might have inflicted upon Ms a most severe
blow.
Out Of twelve hundred effective men who ar
rived in Washington one year ago, our regiment
only mustered on review to-day, $50 men. Most
of the missing are sleeping in Pennsylvania, Ma
ryland, aud Virginia.
We have had no snow as yet, of any conse-
quence, and although the nights are extremely
cold, the days are usually pleasant We hope
soon TO be able TO make our winter quarters
BY the way, Mr.. Editor, l will send you a |
copy of The Sentinel small sheet published
By the l4th Mich. Infantry, at Columbia, Tenn,
which was sent me by a friend in that regiment,
(Serg't 4. c. Wolcott, Of Lansing) It is anus
ing to see the dignity with which the gallant /
Col Miner sits astride the necks of those rebel
lous chevaliers. Perhaps You may be able 10
obtain from the paper some information con-
corning the l4th that might be Of interest to
your readers, as its contents are supplied entire
" BY the members of the regiment.
All of the Lansing boys are well as far a. I /
know. HENRY G. LEWIS,
9th Mich. Cavalry.