Letter from 8th New York Cavalry - May 1864

Letter from 8th New York Cavalry

Chenango American, June 2, 1864

Haxall's Landing
May 16th, 1864

Dear Parents:  I am all right but have been in some hot places.  On the night of the 11th we entered the outer lines of defense on the north side of Richmond; our guide led us on to a Fort, and when we were with 6 or 8 rods they opened fire on us with grape and musketry; it was a pretty hot place. We fought them here for 4 hours and then fell back across Meadow bridge.  Last night was the first night's rest that we have had since we left camp.

We started the fight for Old U.S. Grant, and then started for Richmond. We have had some hard fighting, but I think we have got the best of it every time. We have lost a good many men and taken a good many. We recaptured some 300 of our own men and 60 Rebs at Beaver Dain Station and burned 2 trains of supplies.  You will see it in the papers before this reaches you. As I sit here writing I hear the booming of cannon on the other side of the river towards Petersburg.

Jack McMoran

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From Adjutant General's Report

McMORAN, JOHN:  Age, 22 years.  Enlisted, August 26, 1862, at Greene; mustered in as private, Co. E, August 26, 1862, to serve three years; mustered out with company, June 27, 1865, at Alexandria, Va; also borne as McMara.

Death Notice:  McMORAN:  At Genegantslet, May 24, John McMoran, aged 79 years.  Burial on Wednesday.

Genegantslet [Greene, Chenango Co., NY]:  John McMoran passed away Sunday afternoon, following an illness of only a few days with pneumonia.  He is survived by his wife, six daughters, Mrs. Nellie Gallenger who lives in the west, Mrs. May Abbuhi of this place, Mrs. Anna Rockwell of Bedford Hills, N.Y., Mrs. Alice Ryan of Cortland, Mrs. Elizabeth Hall of Quinneville and Miss Grace McMoran of Springfield, Mass., and two sons, Bert of Binghamton and Irving of this place.