Bivouac 7th Mich Cavalry
		Near Grasshopper Falls. Kas
			Sunday Eve June 25th 1865
     Dear Nell.
	          We, having halted here during the afternoon and for
the night, I have concluded to write a note this morning and let
you know how we are flourishing at the present time. The regt
marched about 14 miles yesterday. halting for the night near Easton
   “We Bummers” however did not go with the regiment but
waited at Fort. Leavenworth for muster and pay ‘till after 4 P.M
then [illegible in original] to the City to “[illegible in original] up”. got caught in a shower and
put up for the night. We went to the theatre. a place I have
not visited before for nearly three years. We were routed
out at daylight. mounted our horses and prepared for
our march to the “Western Wilds” After riding a couple
of hours we put up for breakfast at a “wayside inn”
and thus fortified we set out to our work. The day has
been a beautiful one. clear. sunny. and with a gentle breeze

that reminded us of old times.. The country. I hardly
know what to say of it. I have seen beautiful country
in Michigan. Ohio. Indiana Pennsylvania. Maryland Virginia
Kentucky. Missouri and Illinois. and country of various
kinds. mountainous. level. heavy forests, improved lands
and prarie. all of which I thought could hardly be beaten.
but none that I ever saw appeared so beautiful to me as
the country through which I have passed today..
   Leaving Leavenworth City we took a road leading us in a north
westerly direction which we followed 8 miles then struck the
road we are now on. and which will lead us to Fort Riley
distant from here some 85 miles or more..
    Back from the river. (Mo) some ¾ of a mile and running
parallell with it is a high ridge or bluff and reaching
the top of that it is prarie as far as the eye can reach.
   For 15 miles back of Leavenworth the country is thickly
settled and the marjority of the citizens seem to have gained
a competence and have enough of the good things of this
world to make them contented and happy. After leaving
Easton the settlements become fewer and there are more

      open fields: Water is plenty and we have but little
      to find fault with except the scarcity of wood. of which
there is scarcely enough to boil our coffee and we have
not got into the country of “Buffalo Chips” yet. If I only 
enjoy myself all the time as well as I have enjoyed
to day I shall not regret this journey. I expect
that we shall take Fort Kearney in our route but after
leaving Julesburg I can not say where we shall go.
   There is a rumor that some of us are to go to the center
of Utah. I can not say that this would exactly suit
me. but as we expect to stop somewhere out this
way till next spring I dont know but we may as
well go to Salt Lake City as any where else.
     I shall not now get home in next October unless
everything be discharged. In mustering as Lieut I was
compelled to muster for the unexpired term of the Regt.
and as the Regimental organization dates February 28th
1863. I am stuck for 4 months more and unless some
good luck overtakes us. I shall be gone nearly a
year. It is nearly 30 days march to Julesburg. at this


year. and next March it will be still more..
     We have but one drawback on the government..
If mustered out in Colorado. Dakotah. or Utah the govt
furnishes transportation home. counting it at six cents per
mile. They also commute rations at 50 cts per day allowing
a man. 20 miles for a days travelling. An Officer is allowed
four. [illegible in original] rations per day. and counting in also the commu
tation of forage. I make nearly 1.000 dollars over and
above pay that the government will allow us.
     Our Chaplain. Rev. C P Nash preaces this evening
at the church in Grasshoppper Falls. but I concluded not
to go. He preaches twice a year each sermon costing the
government an awful amount of money and even if he
is a Universalist I think him a disgrace to any sect or
church. Grasshopper Falls is a little town about as big
as Berrien. with nothing of note in it that I saw.
   Several of the villagers have visited our camp this
afternoon. We are expecting yesterdays mail to over
take us to night and I shall feel disappointed if I do
not get at least one letter.. I beleive that today
you are your own “boss” I trust it has been as pleasant
to you as to me. I have wished a few times today that I
was at home. May you live to see a great many returns
of June 25th. I have seen Elliott a number of times since I
returned. He is well. and is now with the company at
Brigade Hd Quarters.. Be sure to tell Ireneus to write to
me when you write to him. I shall continue to report
as often as circumstances will permit. and trust
that you will follow suite without regard to answers
     My love to all.
			Your Brother
    Do not direct to Co “A”
as I am now in Co “I”			E R Havens