Head, Quarters, Sixth
Mich. Regt. Inft. 
	Baltimore, Md  Feb 20/62

	Dear, Brother & Sister

	It is now 11 oclock
& I am sitting in the 
Guard House I am thin
king it is the last time 
I shall do the like for A
long time if ever as it
will be my duty to do
The like here in Camp
Mc Kim, it will doubtless
be Camp in the field
to day orders came for us
to march we leave here on
the morrow the night wing 
left to day we are to go to
ship Island to join Gen

Butlers division from there
I do not know where we 
will go it is the opinion
that we will visit New
Orleans, we have everything
all packed ready to start
the news were reced with 
much pleasure our Camp
in A short time presented
A scene which words or pen
could not describe There was
A general breaking up of keep
ing house you would have
thought we had been visited
with an Earthquake Hats
Caps Bottels Boxes Shoes
& everything else flew in every 
direction I was detailed in
the morning to go down to
Major Belgurs Office to report
with A squad of 12 men all was
quiet when I left when I came
back at Noon it was all  

excitement in Camp I set about
packing up my duds in double 
quick to night I had to take
charge of the Guard & act as officer
of the Guard officer of the day &
Sergeant of the Guard until 
12, oclock, where I may be when 
you hear from me I do not 
know it may be on the battle
field for aught I know our boys
are giving the rebels fits we are
bound to make them root Hog or
die all is quiet here I will
write you again when I get 
where I can give my respects
to all tell them I am well
& weigh 182 182, lbs. gay as they
make them I am thinking it
is the last time many of us
will see Baltimore but good by 
trouble & good by to you one &
all

	G.B. Surdam, Segt  

( P.S. Our Col has gone
Home on A visit
we are under the command
of the Lieut Col)

G. B. Surdam Sergt

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