Dear Father
Your letter of the 25th ult. was received a few days ago and found me well able to eat my allowance. It is a sunshiny but rather windy day. I think I have rec’d nearly all the letters sent me, have got 3 from Amelia[Amelia Potter, HAP’s sister] and two from you lately. But a week ago yesterday
was the first mail received in over a month.

I have written to Amelia two or 3 times. I heard by Lewis Wilcox[Lewis H Wilcox, Ovid Mich] wife’s letter that John Gilbert[Ovid, Mich] had fell on sidewalk and hurt his leg again severely. I have recd a letter from John saying nothing about it. Is it so?

I am sorry almost that our horses are gone but if you think it best all right, but I don’t see how you can get along without them. If you would rather be at home I would stay there and not bother myself abut the debts. I had calculated to help along some of them myself, if we ever get our pay.
U.S. owes me now about $500 all clear. I owe nobody so you see I am going to help some - sometime – well you can go without a little while. Money well buy as good as you sold I suppose.

You talk of coming to war – you are joking, of course. You would be foolish. If you should happen to be drafted (but I thought you was exempt) $300 would be a cheap sale. I do not hold that it is every man’s Duty *to enlist himself*, but to persue every exertion to procure them where he can not come consistently and I think your case is excusable in all respects. But there is no excuse for many - too many even in the little town of Ovid. Therefore I say, Draft them, the country is of more consequence than their individual interests. If they are sacrificed they did it to help a Righteous Cause and a cause which must have the sacrifice. That’s rather stoical philosophy perhaps but it’s true nevertheless. If our rulers would allow their judgment to be swayed by their feelings and look at individual sorrow and suffering – our country would now have been no more "our country" but Jeff Davis.

We are doing nothing here at present. Our train is not up yet. I am staying in a "fly" am in command of "H" and "B" yet. My comsy sergeant Charley Kendall[Charles F Kendall, Kalamazoo] received a commission as 1st Lieut. And Commissary of the 11th Mich – pretty good for him. He deserves it all. Lorenzo[Lorenzo T Southworth, Ovid] is my 1st Sergeant. We sleep
together.

Had quite an excitement yesterday – a horserace between the 4th US and the 5th Iowa – stakes $50 – 4th US beat. There are some fine horses down here. We find them once in a while among the mountains. They hide them to keep them from us.

23 acres of wheat ought to bring a respectable crop, say 400 Bus. Is it all on our land or some on Hiram’s?

In the change of commanders and the different organization of the army, I think we are better off although I have all confidence in Rosecrans yet. In a large army there must be unity of action and of purpose. Two or three heads independently acting are too many. If Burnside had been under
Rosecrans we would probably have come off ahead. If Rosecrans was ordered to take Chattanooga and nothing further, he certainly did wrong in moving out from there and venturing a battle without reinforcements. At the same time if he had been successful he would not have been blamed for disobeying orders. It makes all the difference in the world which way the cat jumps. But the principle is the same. He risked all and lost. Now Grant commands the whole three departments Burnside’s, Thomas’ (Dept of the Cumberland - ours) and Hooker’s. I believe we are certain now of success whenever we are ready. Bragg cannot get Chattanooga.

I must close. Love to you, and to mother and all, Write soon
Henry A Potter
Lieut 4th MVC

Dear Father
I have not had a chance to write a word in some time and now [?] the first opportunity. Our regiment left Maysville the 17th destination unknown. Only it was thought a big raid was contemplated. We were paid up to Oct 31st the day we left. We passed thro Stevenson the 19th. I sent you $400 by Adams Express. The agent informed me the line was clear and had not been molested in some time. It will reach you all right, no doubt. I did not pay charges. I have a Receipt for it with me - write me on reception of it.

My Health is excellent - can eat bacon and hard tack right smart. I don’t want to say another word about coming home for I don’t see the smallest chance at present. Even a certificate of disability comes back disapproved, unless it is necessary to save a life. So you see my hopes of home are slim and I don’t want to disappoint you. As long as I keep well you must be satisfied.

I believe there will be the biggest fighting done near here that there has been on the continent and the day not far distant either. Our communication must be made good at all hazards, that is the first important step. At present we run up rations by river to within about 8 miles of Chattanooga. From there by wagon Train crossing the river twice on Pontoons. The rebels hold the point of Lookout Mountain, which runs to the river. I have made a sort of a map by which you can form an idea of our lines and also the rebels. You will see the road our supplies have to come over by water to the jenny then by train the rest of the way. Crossing the river twice by pontoons. I was on Raccon[Raccoon] Mountains yesterday at the signal station which is marked from there you have a grand view of both Armies. You can see the rebel tents and earthworks plain. It is about 2 ½
miles air line from the top of Raccoon to Lookout Mt with a glass you can see the rebs’ quite plain. They kept up a cannonading all day yesterday. You would see the smoke from our Batteries fifteen seconds before you heard the report. Amelia[Amelia Potter, Henry’s Sister] can you figure how far
off? Sound travels 1142 feet per second. The rebels have a very large Army. We could not see all of it. A part being hid behind Lookout and Missionary Range. Sherman was crossing the river all last night with his Corps. We are encamped opposite Chattanooga a mile from the river. I will
mark it. The view from the signal Station was the grandest sight I ever saw. You can see the mountains of North Carolina and north to near Cumberland Gap, Kentucky. Then to have spread below you the two great armies in the world, seemingly within reach of each other. You can imagine
I cannot tell you anything about it but I must close. I will write every opportunity. Write as soon as you receive the money.
Yours affectionately
Henry A Potter
Love to all

You can see the necessity of getting the Rebels off Lookout -- as they are now they hold the railroad. We must have that at all hazards. Besides the river – they have a good line but Grant will out-general them.

Dear Father, Mother, and Sister

You are doubtless very anxious about me and think I am killed or captured – sure but I am neither – on the contrary am alive and well as ever. Have had excellent health since I wrote you last at Chattanooga. Since then we have been here and there and everywhere. Away from everything and
everybody part of the time working in rear of the rebels and chasing their trains.

I believe when I wrote you last I told you we expected a battle soon and sent you a sketch of the two armies as they appeared from Raccoon Mountain and also of a pontoon across the river above Chattanooga in the rear of the rebel line. Well it came to pass as I anticipated. Our Brigade [Minty’s Brigade: 4th Regulars, 7th Penn and 4th Mich Cavs -mr] crossed the Tennessee Tuesday the 24th Nov with Sherman’s Corps and following the line of the Knoxville RR burnt the bridges and destroyed all commissary stores ,which we found. When we reached Cleveland 30 miles from Chattanooga, we had captured and burnt 65 wagons and taken over 200 prisoners, burnt all
bridges of importance , cut telegraphic communications between Bragg and Longstreet, -- which was our intention when starting on the raid. We started on the 27th , captured about 260 hogs, a first thing for us and destroying the Copper Rolling Mill, their only factory of *caps* in the Confederacy. It was the grandest sight I ever saw, we put 50 boxes of shells and torpedos in the walls before firing it and such explosions you never heard. The rebels hurried us out quite unceremoniously. Our regiment was guarding prisoners. They fired into us too fast altogether to suit me. I had one man wounded and a horse shot – but further than that all got out safely. We then went back to Chattanooga and moved out with Sherman to reinforce Burnside at Knoxville. Went as far as Loudon when hearing that Longstreet had been repulsed and was retreating, we turned off
to Marysville. From there our Brigade moved over the Alleghanies in North Carolina and a hard trip it was, I tell you. Rain and cold on the mountains making things disagreeable. I have crossed the Cumberland and ,Alleghany Mts and been in five rebel states and expect to be in all of them
before I get thru with it. KY Tenn Ga Ala and N.C. We found plenty to eat in NC plenty of apples and peach brandy. No army had ever troubled them of any size. Lots of them never seen a Yankee, as they call us, before. They are ignorant and simple - but nearly all stick to the old Union, also many have been conscripted – most of them were glad to see us.

I might write you in detail a dozen sheets full – but it is not necessary the 4th Mich is now on courier duty between Charleston and Chattanooga. I am half-way between Charleston and Cleveland. I live in a house – have a room by myself and board with the family. The are nice folks – although a
little tainted with secession.

Did you receive the money I sent you. I have not a word from home since the 16th of Nov don’t know when we should get any mail. Write as often as you can. The great battle was fought while we were raiding in Bragg’s rear. I never saw the cause so bright.
Love to all
Albert

[Written over the other letter -mr]
This is a poor letter but it is better than none. We have been busy all the time. I have no time to even think of coming home at present. Have not even seen camp since the 17th Nov when we left Marysville, Alabama. The people are nearly all Union here. We have plenty to eat. I am a little
anxious about the money but think it’s all right.

[written around the edge of the letter -mr]
You want full accounts of the battle. It was the greatest thing. The rebels had a splendid position. Our victory is decisive.

Dear John [letter to his friend, John Gilbert, of Ovid, Michigan -mr]

I am not killed, wounded or gobbled as you imagine I must be before this, I suppose, because I have not written. But this is the first chance have had to write a word and, even now, I don’t know as it will ever reach you. We have since the 17th Nov been pushed here and there & all over from Marysville, Ala to Murphy, North Carolina and into Georgia – but I have enjoyed it first rate. Never had a better time & now when we are settled down on a courier post – I living in a HOUSE, eating on a TABLE, & sleeping in a BED, am not as well as well suited as if on the move – it seems too tame – but I can stand it. My health is tip-top & that accounts for everything being all right. I am getting fat on good living: apples, and Peach Brandy.

You have, no doubt, rec’d an account of the Great Battle before Chattanooga – well I have not had any detail of it at all – but I know Corporal Bragg, as the rebels call him, was awfully whipped and cut to pieces. I had a grand run of the armies on Sunday before the battle from a signal sta on Raccoon Mts, could see the whole rebel line their tents and batteries on Mission Ridge. They had a grand position. It looked like an impossibility to drive them from it. But old US done it & the result is that the Confederacy has gone up. During the battle a detachment from different brigades, the 4th Michigan being one, under Col Long [Eli Long, later brigadier General, commander of the 4th Ohio Cavalry -mr] crossed the Tennessee above Chattanooga and more than slayed the RR to Knoxville, cut the telegraph, thus destroying all communications between Bragg and Longstreet and forever keeping them apart. We staid at Cleveland, the junction between the Eastern and Ga RR with the road to Chattanooga, a couple of days. Burnt a train of wagons for them, loaded with QM’s stores and sutter’s goods – Rebel uniforms were at a great discount I tell you. Over 200 prisoners and between 4 & 500 of the best of their mules. Since then we have been bothering Longstreet, chased his train over the Alleghaney Mountains into N.C. but did not get it. They had too much the start of us. Had a hard trip over the mts but found plenty to eat over there and lots of Union people.

The 4th Michigan is now doing courier duty between Charleston and Chattanooga. I am stationed 6 miles from Cleveland. There is some rebels reposted(?) at Benton, 15 miles from here, but I don’t anticipate any trouble. I keep a good lookout for them.

Don’t think about seeing me for I can’t see anything that is the least encouraging on that score. I haven’t had a letter or paper since the middle of Nov. Write Soon. I will write often now – if I stay here.

Love to all Albert

Thursday December 24th 1863

Dear Folks all

I again sit down to tell you that my health remains the same. It is rather dull and lonesome, otherwise we are enjoying soldier’s life well. Still I had something to enliven the time on Tuesday and you may congratulate me on my good luck; that I am not now on my way to Richmond – that delightful place for poor Union Soldiers. I am now stationed six miles from Cleveland. I went up there Tuesday, took a man with me, to get my horse shod. I took two men with me instead of one. There is a Station in charge of a lieutenant. He had about 25 men. It is a very exposed point and subject to raid by the rebels. Citizens had told Redtelyon(?) that they would certainly surprise him. The pickets had been fired on several times; but, for the last few days, everything had been quiet – no disturbance and I thought there was no danger. It was a beautiful day, warm as summer. I had just left the Blacksmith shop and my two men there and reached the building occupied by the Couriers, tied my horse, leisurely lit my pipe and commenced smoking, when I heard the darndest yelling that ever issued from any human being – apparently from a thousand in the direction of the Dalton Road. I sprung for my horse, a picket came flying and told us the Rebels were on us in strong force. The yelling came like the wind and by the time I had mounted, they wheeled(?) the corner by the Court House about 30 rods away and I blazed away with my pistol and some of the boys fired which checked them a short time until the boys had mounted their horses – most of them with only a halter -- the lieut thinking there was no use of trying to stand. We moved away slowly firing at them as they came up. They did not expect we would fight them and seeing we were not disposed to run they got frightened and some of the citizens union, telling them they had better get out as quick as they could for we had reinforcements, they skeddaled back about as fast as they came in. They got some of our guns out of the building and blankets. They left one man shot through and we had a man wounded. Both are alive yet. There was 75 came in town and they had a reserve of 100 out in the woods. One of my men at the shop got away – the other was captured. He was one of my best men named Broman. [Charles Brouman (or Broman) from Sparta, Michigan - taken prisoner Dec 22 - died of disease at Andersonville May 22, 1864 grave 1288 -mr] We came back and held the place until a company of 80 men came from Charleston. Col Long’s He’d Qrs[Headquarters] to reinforce us. As a courier was sent immediately after they had surprised us - 11 miles - They evaded the picket and came very near cutting them off. Just came in ahead of them, consequently, had no warning at all – this route is very much exposed. We are liable to be surprised and captured at any time. I have only ten men and cannot keep pickets out far enough to give much warning. So don’t be surprised if I go to Richmond, but rest assured, I am not going if I can help it. I am in a good house and have all I want - Roast Turkey for dinner.

Write to your, Albert

Thursday Dec 24th 1863

Dear Uncle [Evan Malben Potter, Ovid Michigan]

I am enjoying good health, have plenty to eat, roast turkey for dinner today, sleep in a bed, smoke ‘Confederate’ tobacco, and expect to be gobbled every day – "to be gobbled or not to be gobbled" is now the question, the momentous question at issue. I have taken the negative and if the "rebs" don’t Take me, think I shall come out ahead.

I am on Courier duty posted between Charleston and Cleveland at a farmhouse. The 4th Michigan is strung out from Chattanooga to Calhoun on Hiawassee River. 40 miles away along the line of the Knoxville RR. We are all exposed to "raids" at any time by the enemy. I came very near being captured – went down to get my horse shod, had left one of my men at the shop, about 5 minutes when they charged in captured him and horse drove the Couriers away and got 2 or 3 of our rifles, revolvers and blankets – when getting scared they run back, leaving a man shot thro’ the lungs. We had one wounded buddy, both are alive yet. We are not strong enough to fight them so we keep ready to run at a moment’s warning. Expect them to dash on me next.

I have not heard one word from home since I left Marysville, Ala Nov 17th . Sent some money home the 19th and wrote a letter about the 23rd since which time have had no time until within a few days since on this duty. The people here are nearly all Union – still there are some Bitter Rebels. I know not how long we will be kept here. News I have none. I know that we are all right. The Battle at Chattanooga has decided, in my mind at least, that the war cannot last another year. Do not be impatient. I have seen some editorials in Northern Papers asking why we do not press on and force battle and bring the thing to a close at once. They don’t know what they are talking about. If they had seen the poor barefooted soldier, half-naked, marching from Vicksburg to the Tennessee fighting the great battle at Missionary Ridge their coming to Knoxville and driving out Longstreet. If they had seen him on the frozen hubs – or better had been in his place, they would not ask WHY? They would know that they are not only foolish but wicked. The soldier must have some rest, he must have shoes, he must have clothes. Let them go into camp a few weeks, get them shoes, get them clothes, and plenty to eat, let them recruit a little, and then they chafe, if you keep them back. Let the Patriot be patient and all will be right.

Tonight is Christmas Eve but it is not the Home Christmas to me. I trust I may meet you next Christmas in Peace.

Give my love to all and

Remember your nephew,

Albert

January 1st 1864

Dear Father

I am still doing courier duty and am as well as usual --- it is a clear cold and windy day --- The ground is frozen quite hard. We lack snow to make is seem like New Year’s. I have been out to the wood pile chopping wood. I came near freezing my ears off, too. The people in this country use fireplaces altogether -- don’t know what a stove is hardly, they are about 50 years behind the times – but they are clever and hospitable and UNION through and through. A man by the name of Burton brought us a basket-full of cold chicken biscuit, cake and pies this morning as a present. It came very acceptable to the boys -- we gave him a lot of coffee and sugar a great handy[?] for a person to have in this country. Some families here have a son in the Federal Army and one also in the Rebel Army. It is no uncommon thing to see a father staunch Union and a son strong rebel. It is a bad thing to make the best of it, when one army holds the country awhile and then the other. It gives the little neighborhood jealousies and spites a chance to revenge each other. Great time to settle old scores. There are always enough mean ones you know to take advantage of such things on both sides. Makes a very unpleasant State of Society.

We Have not bee disturbed yet at our station. There was a large train of wagons went up the valley to Knoxville last Sunday. Wheeler, who has been raising ned’ with us all the time at Cleveland, heard of it and the wagons were only guarded by about 250 infantry, thought he would have a Nice Time and get some sugar and coffee for his boys. So he came on after it with about 1500 cavalry and 3 pieces of artillery. The train passed on the same road as the courier line is on, but Wheeler came up the valley road east of us about 1 ½ miles only. Two little boys from that valley came running over early Monday morning to tell us that the rebel were swarming up the valley (it’s a good thing to be among your friends) We saddled up and moved upon a hill nearby where we could see a ½ mile in any direction and staid there all day expecting every minute to see a company of Rebels come dashing after us. We didn’t ask any odds of them. They couldn’t catch us anyhow – but they didn’t come – for they had plenty of fish to fry. Instead of 250 men with the train we happened to have between 4 and 5000 and Col. Long [Eli Long] at Calhoun had 500 Cavalry. A dispatch had gone thro’ telling him Wheeler was coming. So they were ready for him. Wheeler’s men had said while going up that "Wheeler was H-ll on Wagons" and they would get all the sugar and coffee we had. Well - when about 2 miles from Charleston Wheeler saw the train and ordered a charge, the Rebels yelled and plunged forward each man trying to be first. But presently crack! crack! whiz! bang! A line of smoke 200 yds long rises from the grass on their left and the cedars on their right – ah! my boys what makes you falter! Why don’t you go on and sweeten your coffee – they halted amazed, fired a few shots, whirled their horses, run back a quarter of a mile, and formed in line of battle. Their Artillery they thought would be up soon and the wagons would be theirs – but Fate was against them. The artillery was stuck in the mud and didn’t come at all. The infantry were moving slowing upon them and at that moment Col Long with his gallant little 500 were seen with sabres drawn - coming up like the wind - at the command Charge! Boys Charge! The Infantry gave way and Long was upon them like an avalanche, cutting thro’ their line and in their rear the work of death commenced, in 15 minutes we had 140 prisoners and had killed 30. The rebels were flying from the field in every direction terror stricken and helpless they threw away over 400 guns. Wheeler only had 40 men with him when he went back, the rest were scattered. He was never so badly whipped before or so badly misinformed – in fact he got his foot in it sure. Prisoner say he is superseded – they haven’t bothered us since.

Love to all, write often,

I have not had a word yet since Nov 15

Albert

January 4th 1864

Dear Sister

I wrote a letter to Father on New Year’s Eve and have written to you several times since here. But thought I would keep on writing and maybe you would get part of them at least. There are troops passing here nearly every day. There has been no disturbance since Wheeler came up and got whipped last Monday at Charleston. He wanted some coffee and sugar so badly but he didn’t get any but expect to be relieved from duty here in a day or two as couriers as they are getting up the telegraph wire. It is in working order now as far as Charleston from Knoxville and as fast as that is put up the couriers are taken off. I don’t know where we will go but expect to join our own brigade [Minty’s Cavalry] and Division at Marysville or Huntsville Alabama. I must have a bushel of letters by this time at that place and as you may judge am somewhat anxious to go there and besides we are all needing some clothes. I hardly brought a change of shirts with me as we did not expect to be gone more than three or four days when we started. I have got a valise packed full of good clothes back in camp. But they don’t do me much good. I’m saving them you know until I come home. The rebels got one of those cotton flannel shirts you sent me and some blankets when they drove us from Cleveland. But I have got enough left yet.

My health is good as long as it is so. I am satisfied when I begin to be sick.. Why? Then I shall come home sure. I have had no chance to made an application for leave of absence since we have been out.

Is there many enlistments up north now? How does Uncle Abe’s message and Proclamation suit them up there? I ‘m afraid his Proclamation will work such havoc with the Rebel Army they are deserting all the time. I believe it to be Just The Thing. The citizens down here like it. I think Tennessee will be back in time to vote for the next president. Who do you think will be nominated? Do the people begin to talk about the matter? I go in for Abraham, if he will accept, if not, I will vote for U S Grant. He would be elected if he run and is the Right Kind Of Man All Over.

How did you enjoy yourself Christmas and New Years? Where did you go? Do you have sleighing at Home? How are you getting along at school?

Everything looks encouraging to us down here. Old Jeff has made a call for all men from fifteen to sixty-five to join the army. That I believe is the Last Call he will ever make. The confederacy will bust up. In less than twelve months so must[?] it be.

You can see by this time that I have nothing to write. Only to ask questions. So I will close. Remember me to all my friends. Tell them I am the same as ever.

Write often.

Henry A Potter

Lieut 4th Mich Cav

Father

I send some Ampotypes(?) by Sergt Hazelton [Thomas H B Hazelton, Polkton, Mich], one to mother, one to Amelia and one to John Gilbert. They are not good, but will have to do. I also send my old memorandums for 1863 -- the biggest one has some particulars of Wheeler’s Raid and the Battle of Chickamauga, which I wish you would keep for me. I also send you a rule which was captured from a rebel Col Russell. That is for you. I am well, as usual. Write when you can from Albert Love to All P.S. I also send my boy Ed’s likeness - it is natural – Potter

[Negro slaves were used as attendants to officers and other duties by both sides during the war and Potter isn't above this even as he is writing of the great benefits of the "Proclamation" as he sends another picture of "my boy Ed" home. You'd have thought he had learned. See Henry Albert Potter's letter written April 20, 1863 -mr]

[on a scrap of paper] I have the utmost faith that our country will come out all right in the end. But do not see all the means at present. Our great army is the first thing I look to for our success. And the success of our free institutions. It must be maintained or we are lost. Our business is to whip the rebel army and beat and destroy it. We are not to be used in any political manner whatsoever in order to be successful. Maj Gen Sherman’s politics suit me exactly. McClellan I [judge] to be a Union man but the influence which would be brought to bear on him by the Reactionary Peace Party should not be risked. I am opposed to a change in administration but wish Lincoln would not listen to the New England fanatics so much

Yours affectionately

Albert

[note on obverse]

Do not make a public document of this . You can tell or read to Mr Lincers(?) people enough to show them I am no Copperhead or ever will be. Regards to them & all my friends and love to you & mother and sis goodbye

Near Nashville April 10th 1864

Dear Sister

I rec’d a paper from you this morning a Cincinnati Times but letters are out of the question it appears as I have rec’d but one from P.le. Blaskett since in Nashville. Our regiment came from Ooltawah on the cars. At Decherd I stopped for breakfast and who should I see there but George Rawlings of Red House and Cherry fame. He is doing a smashing business at that place. His wife looked as natural as life as well as himself. Had a good meal ended with a real old doughnut twister just such as we have at home. My health is a little below par, we have had very unpleasant weather, rainy and windy. I have taken cold in some way but it won’t last long. I have been down town several times attended the theater saw the great Couldocle(?) and his daughter in the play of the Returned Convict. There is a rumor that we move to Columbia soon. Division Hed Qrs are there now. 38 miles from Nashville. Col Park [Lt Col Josiah B Park, Ovid, Mich] is in command now and is in good health. Carter[Lt Julius M Carter, Ovid, Mich] has been back some time. I suppose you are making lots of maple sugar about this time. I wish I could be there to get some today – never mind. Some of these days I’ll pop in maybe but I don’t think it will be very soon. I believe I am unlucky but maybe all for the best. I rec’d a letter from Elder Bassett, a very good one too. I have not answered it yet. Haven’t anything new to write to anyone.

My love to you and to all.

Write as often as you can to

Your Brother Henry A Potter

Direct Co H 4th Mich Cav via Nashville