Henry C. Dennis was born in Livonia Michigan. At the time of his enlistement he was a farmer in Salem. He enlisted in company C on August 8, 1862 at Plymouth. He was a little older than the average recruit at 26. He mustered into federal service on August 15, 1862. The State Adjutant General's records list him as being absent sick in the hospital at Berlin Maryland from October 1862 through February 1863.
Whatever his malady, it was enough to keep him from further filed service. He was discharged for disability at Alexandria Virginia on February 28, 1863.
Summit March 8th, [18]63
Friend Gus,
I don't owe you a letter, but I know you like to read letters.
I will scribble a few lines for your perusal. I left Washington
Feb. 3rd. I was so hoarse I could scarcely speak aloud, and have
not got entirely over it yet. I enjoyed myself first best all
of the way home and especially at Pittsburgh for I went to the
Soldiers and Rooms, had a bully good dinner. There were two good
looking Girls there. They wished me a pleasant journey home and
health all through life and since I got home I have had good times
with the girls and Friends, but Gus, I often think how to sympathize
with you better than most folks do. I was told not to write what
good times I had for the past week for it would make you feel
bad. I told them you was not that kind of a boy. I am able to
get around but my leg bothers me considerable. The folks around
where I have been joke me some because I look so well. I weight
164 lbs with my overcoat on. I cannot wear the good clothes I
used to wear. I have not shaved since I went south. I have seen
and learned a great deal and I am satisfied I could not stand
camp life and I have had the good luck to get an honorable discharge
from the service and am home now. Gus, I shall watch the wanderings
of the 24th and I want to hear all about the Regt. as often as
possible for I think just as much of the Regt. and Co. C as ever.
I wanted to come and see you all before I came home, but I had
such a bad cold and the snow was about 8 inches deep. I dared
not venture out for I was afraid that I would catch more cold.
I want to hear about company C and how you enjoy yourself. I know
it is a hard place to live, but God's grace is sufficient if you
put your trust in him. I have heard some very fervent petitions
to God for the protection and safe return of you boys. I am very
sorry to hear that your captain is sick. I want you to write just
as you feel and if you write anything private to me, I will keep
it and not tell it. I stayed with Al last Tuesday night. HE was
about sick. He can't stand it to be out nights. I think the young
folk are just about as they used to be. Tell West the wood pile
is not there. Seely was or pretended to be much pleased to see
me. I saw Frank she asked me to come and see her. I asked her
if they had a spare bed. She lives at Her. Thayers. I went with
our folks down to Mrs. Shaddock. I had a good visit with Girt.
She can shake hands with me now. The social is at your house next
Friday eve. There is about 1 1/2 inch of snow. The roads are very
rough. It is rough one day and mud the next. Tell the boys to
write to me. As it is meeting time, I must close. Yours with respect,
H. C. Dennis