Letter From Ellsworth Regiment - November 1861

Letter From The Ellsworth Regiment

Chenango American, November 14, 1861

Camp Butterfield, Va.

November 1, 1861

Dear Friends:  Here we are at last, in Jeff Davis' jurisdiction.  Our camp is about eight miles from Washington, and one mile from Ball's cross roads.

We left our camp at Washington on Monday last, about nine o'clock in the morning, and marched down through the city, by the capitol, and about a mile north of it, where we had with 10 other regiments, a Brigade review by Gen. McClellan.  There was the greatest number of men together that I ever saw.  I should think the string was a mile in length.  We held the responsible position of the right of the Brigade.  From there we started for Virginia.  We crossed the river on the acqueduct, and began climbing the heights of Arlington.  This was quite a tug, for remember we had to carry our knapsacks all the time from starting from our old camp; but the view from the heights well paid for the toll.  On the top of the heights in Ft. Cocoras, mounting 10 guns, whose long black noses are pointing dangerously towards the city and threateningly towards the land of secession.  To the right are seen innumerable camps and fotts, while in front lies the city.  Here we halted for rest a few moments and then proceeded.  We passed a great number of camps, and at every one was asked the name of our regiment, and most heartily cheered.  The country all along gave proof of the existence of civil war.  A solitary man sitting in his door or out by the road to witness the passing of the "northern hordes," a negro woman, were the only inhabitants I saw for miles.  There are men enough, but they are all soldiers, and "bully" ones too.

I do not remember of seeing but one fence along the road, all have been burned up for wood by the men.  The fields are desolate and have been trodden into clay.  Occasionally we came across a field of corn or buckweat, but it was left ungathered. We at length arrived at our camp. The teamsters had preceded us and put up the tents for which we were not sorry.  A Pennsylvania regiment, which is in camp close to us, furnished us with some good warm coffee; this with some bread, which we brought with us consisted of supper, after which we turned in, having marched 18 miles. Was'nt I some tired?

We are encamped in a pleasant valley on the right of the Pa. regimemtn who furnished us our coffee.  On the hill opposite of us is encamped a N.Y. regiment in which is Miletus Hotchkiss.  I just heard he was there, and shall go and see him.  On the same hill, joining the latter is a company of flying artillery, and to the right of them is the 25th N.Y. in which is Robert McMoran.  He was over to see me yesterday and looks well.  The Col. of the 25th has been arrested as a traiter, and, if Bob's story is true, he ought to be shot.  From the hill back of our camp I can see eight camps.  Day before yesterday the Brigade in which we are, was drilled by our Gen. (Butterfield).  He is a fine looking young man, with a keen black eye.  Every time he came very near me, he was whistling some national air.  Quite a number of the men noticed the same thing.  yesterday we were inspected by him and mustered into the U.S. Service.  We will be paid off soon. 

Tuesday a lot of the boys went out foraging and got ten loads of hay, a lot of chickens, &c.  They say they were chased by a band of rebels. The same day one of the pickets brought in a prisoner.  He is now at Washington.

D.J. Willson
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Adjutant-General Report, 44th NY Infantry
WILSON, DANIEL J, - Age, 19 years.  Enlisted, September 11, 1861, at Albany, to serve three years; mustered in as musician, Co. D, September 13, 1861; mustered out, January 6, 1865, at Albany, N.Y.

Daniel Joseph Willson was born 12 Oct. 1842 in Greene, Chenango Co., NY and died 18 November 1928 in Jackson, Jackson Co., MI.