Robert Outhwaite Letter

This is a letter written by Robert Outhwaite. He enlisted in Company K, 24th Michigan Volunteers on August 5, 1862. After serving with the Regiment for over a year, he was transferred to the Invalid Corps on December 15, 1863. Although this letter is after his service with the 24th, it does gives some insight into the life of a soldier.

Camp Blough,
Alexandria, Va.
April 24th., 1864.

Mr. John Malet.

Sir; it is with much pleasure that I take my pen in my hand two let you know how I get along. My health is very good and I hope that when you get this letter that it will find you in the Best of helth. give my Best respects to the old folks and Alson Charles and his wife. And John, I will Be glad when we all meet again and then we will have a Candy pull. But that is not much use of my talking now. it is all the time pull ahead at present. and John, you must excuse me for not writting Before But I didn't have much time to write, but I will write every time that I get a chance and you must try and do the same. and give my best love to Ann and her man and tell them that I would like to be at home and make them all a good visit once more. And John, tell Jane Bloomer and Miss Lizza Mase that they must write often as they can. And John, tell me all the news that there is at home. it is rather lonesome times down hear at the present and if I could hear from home once in a while it would not be as lonesome as it is. the Boys is all in good health as far as I know. and John, I saw Jason Nowland the other day. an we had a big ald time and I went and took supper with him and it seemed soemthing like home again. They want me to reinlist again But I cant see it. it is a Bige thing. I don't like the style as well as some of them Soldier straps has. has got two much the start of me that they is know youse of eney boddys talking. We have moved from the place where we was and it was something of a job two get feet up again and this week will fech us out all all right. then the work will be some lighter. But as long as I have my helth I shant find eney falt in doing my part. tell all the boys that they must be sure and write to me and I will make it all right in the Spring. and be sure and give my best respects to Mary and her man and my Complyments to the old lady. my best respects to Add Rumzy folks. this is all at present until soon.

Yours Truly and Well Wishes
Goodnight
Robt. Outhwaite.
Comp "C". 20 Regt V.R.C.
Alexandria, Va.

In Care of Capt. F.F. Ruckley.

John give this to Jane Bloomer.

Outhwaite.

This letter is from the collections of the Wayne Historical Museum and is used with permission.