Camp Fremont, Aug 27
Kalamazoo

	Dear Sister
I take this as the
most favorable time
to write you I am now
at Kalamazoo last night
we had orders to leave for
Washington Thursday night
it was hailed with joy
Wednesday we have a great
Pick Nick here in Camp
the regiment is now
nearly full we are going
to Pitsburg I will write
you before you need
to answer this I am
well I left Cal at the
Depo saw her off on the 

Cars for Mattawan 
she stoped in Kalama
zoo over night I stoped
at Marshall took
my woman with me
sent her back the
next day I expect her
her back to day we will
not be very likely to go
into service until we
have drilled A couple of
months we have all
been sworn into the
United States I have
not been down
town but once since
I came here it is
all excitement here
there are some tears
shed over the expected
good by some more
yet to be it is touch
ing to the feelings 

of those who have
A sensitave nature
to wi witness the scene
that often often 
greets the eye I once
in A while feel as
though I wanted to
turn aside & shed 
A tear but it is no 
use it cant be helped
I am in A great hurry
so I must close & go
to my duty give my
respects to all I will
write again when I get
time

From your affectionate
Brother

	Sergeant Surdam