Letter from Albert G. Northrup - Civil War soldier - July 1862

Letter from Albert G. Northrup - Civil War Soldier
Company D, 27th NY Infantry

Chenango American, July 17, 1862

Harrison's Landing
on James River, Va.,
July 5, 1862

Editors American:  You have heard of the late movements of the Army, and a word or two from some of the Chenango boys will not be uninteresting to your readers; but I fear that I shall fail of interesting them much, for we are situated on the outpost of the pickets, and while I am looking on the paper with one eye, I must watch the Rebels with the other.

A week ago last Thursday we were surprised by hearing heavy and very rapid cannonading on our right, in the vicinity of Mechanicsville, and we soon learned that "Stonewall" Jackson had made his appearance in front of Gen. Porter's Division of the army, and that a bloody battle was going on.  The firing continued until late in the evening, when the report came that the enemy had been repulsed and driven back at the point of the bayonet.  The next morning the firing commenced at an early hour and Gen. Porter was ordered to fall back as the enemy had been heavily reinforced.  Our Regiment was ordered under arms in the morning of the 27th, and we marched down to one of the roads leading across the Chickahominy, and remained there the greater part of the day to check the enemy in case he should attempt to cross.  At about 4 P.M. our Brigade were ordered to cross the river lower down, and proceed to the scene of action, where we arrived at 6 P.M. and after resting an hour we were ordered up to take part in the conflict.  We formed in line of battle under a galling fire and charged up to some buildings behind which the Rebels were concealed.  They could not stand the sight of the cold steel and fled like sheep.  After balling position of the buildings for half an hour we were ordered to fall back as it was getting quite dark, and we could not distinguish friend from foe.  The Regiment came off the field in good order and with colors flying.  We suffered considerably having lost 175 men in killed, wounded and missing.  Our Company D lost two killed, eight wounded and four missing.  The Regiment was commanded by Lieut. Col. A.D. Adams, our colonel J.J. Bartlett being in command of the Brigade.  Your humble servant was in command of our company, as Captain is on the staff of Gen. Slocum, and the other lieut. was taken sick shortly before the action. The boys of our company behaved like veterans under a most scorching fire of the enemy and did not flinch but maintained their ground until ordered to retire.

Sergt. C.N. Elliott and Oscar Phelps, of Greene, were as cool and took as deliberate aim as though they were shooting at a target.  Phelps actually went three or four rods in advance of the Regiment, and I have no doubt that a Rebel hit the dust at every discharge of his piece.  The company did splendidly as a whole, but I am sorry to say that there were two or three that were miserable cowards, and left the ranks long before they were in range of the enemy's bullets.  I am glad to say that none of them were from Greene.  We left the battle field at 11 P.M. and recrossed the Chickahominy and went in our old camp, but were aroused at 3 A.M. by heavy firing in our front.  We were soon under arms and ready for battle again, but the main body of the army was in motion and falling back to the James River, so as to make that the base of operations.  Gen. Franklin's Corps consisting of Gens. Slocum's and Smith's Divisions acted as rear guard of the army, and did some heavy fighting while the army was changing from one position to the other.  Our Regiment was on picket two nights in succession, and were on the march almost constantly the rest of the time for a week, and the consequence is we were pretty much used up when we arrived here. We are now encamped in a very pleasant place about three miles from the landing, and I think we shall remain here for a few days unless we are attacked.

Independence day was passed very quietly with us until 3 P.M. when we were all drawn up in line to receive our Commanding General, and as he passed the different Regiments, he was cheered most enthusiastically--there is not a soldier in the army but what has perfect confidence in him.  One of our wounded men fell into the hands of the enemy and the remainder are with us and are doing well.  When I wrote you last I had sent in my resignation but it was the unanimous voice of the company for me to remain with them, and I withdrew my resignation.  Our address is Co. D, 27th Reg. N.Y.S.V., Franklin's Division, Washington, D.C.

Very respectfully,

A.G. Northrup
_______________________________________________________

Albert George Northrup was born 14 October 1833 in Fairfield, VT the son of Horatio  and Minerva (Bradley) Northrup.  He resided in Greene, Chenango Co., NY.  On 4 April 1862 he married Viola A. Warner.  Their family included a son (Albert) and two daughters (Emma, Mary).  On 2 May 1861 at Binghamton, NY when he was 27 years of age he enlisted in Company D, 27th New York Infantry.  He participated in the first battle of Bull Run, was promoted to Second lieutenant (July 22, 1861) and then to Captain (July 20, 1862).  He died in Greene of consumption about 1880 at the age of 47 years.

Capt. A.G. Northup is lying in a critical condition at his residence two miles north of the village [Greene,  NY].  His disease baffles the skill of the physicians.  [Chenango Semi Weekly Telegraph, June 14, 1879]

Marriages (November 15)

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, July 17, 1862

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. George White, Rev. Mr. Comfort, of Triangle [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Sarah Foster, of this village.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. Daniel Ballou, Mr. J. Gardner Barber, of East Haddon, Conn., to Mrs. E. Augusta Smith, of Preston.

At Sidney, Delaware Co., on the 5th inst., by R.W. Courtiner, Esq., Mr. Samuel J. Neff, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Martha Smith of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].  Also, at the same time and place, by the same, Mr. A.A. Neff, to Miss A.G. Wheeler, both of Bainbridge.

In Colesville [Broome Co., NY], on the 18th ult., by Rev. Noble Palmer, Mr. Lewis J. Poole, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Jennie Blakesley, of the former place.

Chenango American, July 24, 1862

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY] on the 3d inst., by Rev. G.G. Donnelly, Mr. Wm. Slater, and Miss Juliette Van Zandy, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, July 31, 1862

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 31st inst., by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Henry K. Read, to Miss Dora C. Roberts, eldest daughter of Dr. George W. Roberts, all of this village.

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 30th inst., by Rev. W.S. Adamson, Mr. Samuel A. Willard to Miss Amelia M. Johnson, daughter of Hon. Alonzo Johnson, all of this village.

At Parker's Hotel, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th inst., by Rev. W.S. Adamson, Mr. S.H. Chamberlain, to Miss Hattie Huntley, both of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY].

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst., by Rev. George White, Mr. George W. Duntley, to Miss Mary Cummings, all of this town.

Chenango American, August 7, 1862

In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. James E. McClelland, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Harriet S. Willcox, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, August 21, 1862

At A.A. Barr's hotel, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of 15th inst., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Charles H. Lotheridge, to Miss Emily A. Weed, all of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Mr. James S. Ireland of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Martha Dodge, of Whitney's Point.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. Peter Brink, of Owego to Miss Hattie Hull, of Oxford.

In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] on the 12th inst., by Rev. E.N. Ruddock, Mr. Daniel M. Rathbone, to Miss Helen Lucretia Padgett, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 11th inst., by Rev. Mr. Scoville, Mr. Wm. H. Pertilla, to Miss Betsey C. Robbins, all of Norwich.

Chenango American, August 28, 1862

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 23d inst., by P.L. Wescott Esq., Mr. Hiram White of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eliza J. Owens, of Norwich.

Obituaries (November 14)

Charles Henry Tuttle

Died July 28, 1938, Norwich, NY

Stricken with a heart attack Thursday morning, Charles Henry Tuttle, a widely known resident of this city, died about 12:30 Thursday noon at his home, 84 Pleasant street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  News of his sudden passing was a shock to neighbors and friends.  He was born May 28, 1860.  Mr. Tuttle was about as usual Thursday morning and was apparently enjoying his usual health Wednesday afternoon.  He was at his residence when he became suddenly ill and failed to respond to medical aid. A native of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] where he was well known, Mr. Tuttle followed the occupation of farming for many years.  He was also skilled as a painter.  He had been a resident of this city for the past 25 years.  For many years Mr. Tuttle was active in the program of prohibition.  He was a staunch church member and for years was actively identified with the Broad Street Methodist church.  In recent years he passed the winters in Florida and made many friends who came to know him through his newspaper writings.   Besides his wife, Lola Coy Tuttle, he is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Frank Loomis of Clearwater, Florida, and Mrs. Martha Lyon of Smyrna, also a brother-in-law, Herbert Coy of Smyrna and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services are to be held from the Broad Street Methodist church Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  Rev. George B Callender, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be made in Sherburne West Hill cemetery.

Anna Todd Tuttle

New Berlin Gazette, September 10, 1942

Mrs. Mary Todd Tuttle, wife of Franklin J. Tuttle, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harold L. Keeler, 16 Randall avenue [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], at 8 o'clock Tuesday night.  The deceased was born in New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], April 26, 1860, the oldest of five children of Chauncey Todd and Isabelle Fistcher Bogg.  She was united in marriage at St. Andrew's Episcopal church, New Berlin, Sept. 26, 1888, to Frank J. Tuttle of Columbus.  They moved to Woods Corners in 1893 and to the city of Norwich in 1924.  For the last four years she and Mr. Tuttle have lived with their daughter.  She had been in failing health for some time, but had been seriously ill only the last two weeks.  In childhood the deceased joined the Episcopal church at New Berlin, but upon coming to Norwich she became a member of the Congregational church.  Soon after taking up her residence here she joined the Willing workers' Circle of King's Daughters and served as a leader for some time.  She was an active member as long as health permitted.  Mrs. Tuttle was devoted to her church and family.  She was a truly Christian woman, loyal to her friends and neighbors, and her passing will be learned with sincere regret by all with whom she became acquainted.  There survive her husband, the daughter above mentioned and three granddaughters, Eleanor and Jean Keeler and Mrs. Mary Newcomb, also an infant great-grandson.  She also leaves two brothers, William Todd of Norwich and Louie Todd of New Berlin, and a sister, Mrs. Grace Sharts of Oneonta.  Funeral services are to be held from Mrs. Keeler's home, Randall avenue, at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon, with Rev. Dr. O. Edgar Wolfe officiating.  Interment will be made in St. Andrew's cemetery at New Berlin.  

Ruth Tyler (Died April 27, 1941, Norwich, NY)

Catherine De Gaetanto (Died April 26, 1941, Norwich, NY)

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  Two Chenango County children were dead today as the result of falls suffered recently in towns near here.  Both died as the result of their injuries in Chenango Memorial Hospital, one of them having been hurt when she landed on the prongs of a three-tined hay fork.  The dead are:

Ruth Tyler:  daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Tyler of South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], who would have been 12 years old May 14.

Catherine De Gaetano: one and one-half year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William DeGaetano of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

The Tyler child died at the Chenango Memorial Hospital, Norwich, this morning from injuries she received last Thursday afternoon when she slid down a stack of hay in the Clarence Dunckel barn, landing upon the upturned prongs of a three-tined hay fork, which pierced her child's stomach.  At the time of the accident, Ruth was with her brother, Richard, about one year younger and a chum, 12-year-old Maxine Dunham.  The Tyler boy had been in the habit of stopping at the Dunckel farm on his way home from school to pitch hay from the mow to the floor below for the stock.  On Thursday after the hay had been thrown down, the two little girls started to slide down the loose hay.  Ruth went first and landed upon the fork.  Brought to the Norwich Hospital, she was treated by Dr. Thomas F. Manley and Dr. Martin Jacobi.  Death was due to internal hemorrhage and peritonitis.  Besides the parents and the brother mentioned, there are two older brother, Ronald and Robert, and a tiny sister, Sylvia, only two weeks old., also a grandmother, Mrs. Grace Steere of Norwich, and a grandfather, Alton H. Steere, also of Norwich.  Ruth was a member of the sixth grade at the South Plymouth School, a member of the Sunday School at the North Broad Street Methodist church Norwich, and prominent in 4-H work.  The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the George J. Devine Funeral Home in Norwich with burial in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].

Slipping away from her grandmother, Mrs. Catherine Reitano, late yesterday afternoon, Catherine DeGaetano crawled through an open window, out onto a roof and fell one story to the concrete sidewalk below, receiving a fractured skull and concussion of the brain.  The child was rushed to the Chenango Memorial Hospital about 6 o'clock last night and died there this morning shortly after 8 o'clock. The funeral will be held from St. Joseph's Church, Oxford, Tuesday morning at 9:30 with burial in St. joseph's Cemetery [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Death Notices

Chenango American, July 31, 1862

In Triangle [Broome Co., NY], on the 27th inst., Carrie L. Taft, aged 2 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ins.t, of consumption, Mr. B. Sherman Allen, aged 39 years.

Chenango American, August 7, 1862

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mr. Almon Janes, aged 58 years, 6 months and 18 days.

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Mary Ann [Seward], daughter of Daniel C Seward, aged 21 years.

Killed at the retaking of Mumfreesboro, Tennessee, by the Rebels, on the 13th of July, Mr. David Ingersoll, of the 7th Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, son of David H. Ingersoll, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY, aged 18 years, 8 months and 5 days.

At Charles City, Iowa, July 18th, Rosalia M. Coley, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult., Edgar M. [Cooley], son of Robinson Cooley, aged 3 years.

Letter from Isaac S. Fitch - Civil War Soldier-July 1862

Letter from a Wounded Soldier

Chenango American, July 24, 1862

Isaac S. Fitch, of East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], wounded in the battle before Richmond, and now in the hospital at Baltimore, has written to a friend in this village.  He says that he is getting along very well, being able to walk with a crutch.  He speaks highly of the Hospital accommodations but says he hopes to leave there soon and join his Regiment where he is more at home.  We make the following extract:

"There is a plenty of everything here that is needed in a hospital; plenty of attendants, under the supervision of the Sisters of Charity and every one does her duty.  But how is it in the beautiful valley of Chenango?  Are all doing their duty there?  I trust they are.  Our Country has called once more for help to maintain its existence.  That call is to all who are able to come forth and strike a blow for their country.  In this her hour of peril it is their duty to come--a duty which they owe to God, their country and themselves.  Now is the time for them to come; their brothers in the field are looking to them for help, and shall they be left to perish and our country sacrificed after all they have suffered?  God forbid.  I trust that Chenango County will send forth a regiment to help her sons already in the field, and that you, my fried, in common with the loyal sisters and mothers of America, will urge upon the brothers and sons of our valley the necessity of coming to the rescue of their country immediately."