Camp 7th Michigan Cavalry Near Berea Church Va Monday September 7th /63 Dear Nell. Yours of the 1st was received by this mornings mail and having read it I have concluded to answer it without delay. having already got my “hand in” by writing one before this morning.. I shall not promise a long nor an interesting letter as the times like the weather are very dry.. The expedition last week in which Kilpatrick destroyed or seriously disabled the gunboats Reliance and Satellite is the last thing of any note that has occurred within my notice.. We begin to look for another soon but may find ourselves dis appointed.. Contrary to my expecta tions at the time of my last writing we still remain here and for aught we know to the contrary may make this our winter quarters. Our tents are now all arranged on a line. Set up from the ground either on crotches or poles or rail pens resembling hog pens at home. our horses are tied to poles placed on crotches in a line some 40 feet from our tents. the ground nicely swept and every thing in “apple-pie order” and this morning the regiment has gone out to drill.. It really seems like old times only I dont go out on inspec tion, drill, dress-parade or raids as I used to do.. But then, on the other hand. I have every thing my own way.. Graham two other. Sergts and myself have a “mess” of our own. and I make it my duty to oversee quite a large amount of the cooking.. which is about all I do except ride around and take care of my horse.. read what few papers and novels I can get and answer what letters I receive.. By the way, speaking of paper, I received two by yesterday morn ings mail; one a Buchanan Union which I immediately read. the other a Chicago Tribune which I only tore the wrapper from. without reading a word in. Graham picked it up carried it down the lines, when Lt Nichols borrowed it and that was the last of it as he read a few words in it and then threw it aside. I hated to lose it, I assure you. for if there is anything that looks to me like home it is a Chicago Tribune.. Yesterday we had an inspection of arms by Lieut Dutch man Commanding Co. “A” 7 M.C. and a Dress Parade in the afternoon.. neither of which I considered myself at liberty to attend even if I had wanted to which I did'n't for if there's any thing a soldier hates it's Dress Parade and Inspection.. It looks good to see the regt drilling as they are now drilling by squadrons. that is each company moves in a line together. I almost wish I was with them until they come close to camp when the dust which comes flying in clouds through camp tells me I more comfortable here A report was started in camp this morning that a recruit ing officer for the regular service would visit us soon and offer to all desirous of entering the regular service. a chance to do so giving them a furlough of 30 days to visit home before joining the cv. or regt for which they enlist.. I believe I sha'n't leave the cavalry yet. I enlisted little less than a year ago. for “three years” and if I spend that time in the service I had rather it should be in the volunteer than in the regular arm of the service. When “this cruel war is over” the volunteers can go home, but the regulars must stay the whole term for which they enlisted whether in war or peace. They usually accept recruits from volunteer regts. for. the unexpired time for which they at first enlisted.. A month to visit home and friends is quite a dazzling bait but I “cant see it” just yet; I do not think it would pay me to make myself twice or thrice the slave I now am. for two years. for the sake of a visit home (which I would very much like indeed) when ing by refusing it and remain^ Six months or a year longer and then go home and stay without molestation.. If I were to leave the cavalry of my own will I should enter some battery of flying. or horse. artillery as I think that much the best arm of the service not excepting the navy which many are praising and wishing they had entered and not come here.. Some who should be posted express the opinion that there is danger of trouble with France concerning the Mexican affairs and think it not unlikely that a large force will be sent to Texas during the coming six months.. Some if even profess to think that we may be sent there. But what if we are (which I don't much believe will happen) “whats the odds when you cant help it..” I cant say that I would serious ly object to spending a few months in Texas or Mexico either. as I don't think we would have much fighting to do. I sometimes think we may be home by spring. and then when the talk of “Foreign Intervention” becomes a little stronger and everyone thinks and talks of the likelihood of a war with England or France I sometimes think that we may remain in the service the remaining two years of our term.. But let us hope not perhaps we shant be disappointed I see by the fact of its raining at Camp meeting that the weather still keeps up its old tricks and as the people do the same I presume it would not take me long to become naturalized if I should ever be so fortunate to return.. I should very much like to renew my acquaintance with Mrs. Crandall. to whom when you visit her please present my compliments and best wishes.. I am glad to know that you have heard from John Cowles and that his wound was no more severe. I think I shall write to him soon. But if I should not when you next write. give him my address and tell him that I will answer any letter he may write and be very thankful for the opportunity.. I wrote to Rene a few days. since directing as usual. and hope to receive an answer in a few days. I have not had any letter from him since April last, and you may believe a letter from him would be warmly welcomed I received a letter from Melinda on Satur day last which I immediately answered.. I shall be very thankful for that shadow you spoke of. Send it by all means and believe that I will “Keep Shady” as any one could wish. My love to all. Write soon and oblige your Brother Edwin R Havens PS. I hear that Cap Walker has just returned though I have not see him. He will probably be placed in arrest as soon as Col. Mann returns for. Disobedience of orders and contempt of a superior office at Gettysburg which will in all probability dishonorably dismiss him. from the service..