Robert Hudson:
A Union Letter
This letter was written to his nephew, John R. Miller, who was serving in the 123rd Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
Headquarters
133 Reg. Ind.
Bridgeport, Ala
July 13th, 1864
Dear Nephew,
I have just seen Cap. Cowgil & learned where I could reach you by a letter. I was much pleased to hear your Captain speak so favorably of you as a brave soldier. Indeed he speaks in the highest terms of you. Don't be rash do your duty as a soldier, but don’t necessarily expose yourself. Many a brave man has loss his life by an unnecessary exposure of his person. Be brave but not reclesly, dashing but prudent, heroic but always exercising sound judgement & discretion.
I have been here, at this port, for near two months, in command of the 133 Reg. one hundred days men. I will be in Chattanooga in a few days and will try & get down to the front. However this is very uncertain.
We leave here, on our return home about the middle of August & in the mean time, I hope to get a letter from you. But if you do not get this soon, direct to Terre Haute, for I will be there after September.
I do not forget the talk we had when I last saw you & in proper time will exert all the influence I have in your favor.
Hoping you are well, and will continue well, I remain
Your uncle,
R. Hudson
