The Union News, Broome County, NY, September 12, 1861
Camp Ellsworth, Alexandria, Va. Sept. 1, 1861
Mr. Benedict: We marched to our parade ground this afternoon and after drilling for some time, there rode into the field the Colonel and staff of the 17th Regiment, who communicated to our Colonel the following piece of [news] viz: The forces under Gen. Butler assisted by Commodore Stringham had captured two batteries of forts near Cape Hatteras, 71 pieces of Cannon, 1,200 stand of arms and over 1,000 prisoners, among which is one commander, two generals, three colonels and thirty-four officers of line, Captains, Lieutenants, &c. The loss on either side is not reported. The news is almost too good to be believed. Twas the perception of this news that aroused so much commotion in camp this afternoon. Three guns were fired from the Fort and Regiment after Regiment gave three cheers and it seemed as if the whole country was alive. We returned to camp and forming into a square, sat down upon the ground and listened to a brief address and prayer from our Chaplain, when we broke ranks and took to our quarters.
Our men are throwing up a Fort about three miles from here, within two miles of the enemy's fortifications. Twas commenced three days ago, and I was astonished at the amount of work done. There has been, for the past three days 1,800 men constantly occupied night and day, and tomorrow there will be 2,000 men at work upon it. Our officers in charge say, they expect the rebels will shell them every moment, as they have two howitzers mounted directly in range, but one and a half miles from them. No shots have been fired up to this hour, 8 o'clock in the evening. Our Company, with three others form this Regiment, go on pickets tomorrow. I will close for the present, giving you to understand that we are prepared for anything that sees fit to give us a call.
Yours as ever, Blockhead
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