Civil War Letter from Harrison's Landing, VA - May 1864

 Oxford Times,  June 1, 1864

In the Field Near Harrison's landing, Va., May 15, 1864

I have a little leisure, and will improve it by writing you a few lines, to let you know the part I have acted in this great drama.  I think I wrote you in my last that the army was, every moment, expecting orders to move.  The suspense was not of long duration.  At 11 o'clock on the night of the 3d, we were ordered to march in unison with the whole army.   The army never moved with a better and firmer purpose.  Everyone was sanguine of success. At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 4th we reached Germania Ford.  Our Regiment was selected to charge across the river and rout enemies' pickets, which we did in good style, without the loss of a man.  The enemy fled, leaving one of their number on the field.  We continued the march via Chancellorsville to the vicinity of Mine Run on the Orange C.H. road, without interruption.  On the 5th we fought the enemy's Cavalry at Donaldsville.  Our time was employed in skirmishing, scouting and picketing until the 9th, when the whole Corps started on a raid in the enemy's rear. The first day we marched to Beaver Dam Station, where we destroyed the R.R., two trains of cars, two locomotives and Quartermaster and Commissary stores, valued at 3,000,000 of dollars. we also recaptured 39 officers and 300 enlisted men who were on their way to Richmond under a cavalry guard.  They were foot sore, hungry and tired, and the sight of their deliverers was most cheering to them. The cowardly guard discharged their pieces in their faces and the fled. Fortunately they hurt no one.  It was another specimen of Southern chivalry. The enemy made an attack upon our flank several times, but Gen. Sheridan hardly gave it a passing notice.  Each Brigade would send out two or three squadrons to skirmish with the enemy while the column was passing, thus the march was continued without being retarded in the least.

On the morning of the 10th, while eating our breakfast, the enemy tossed in a few shells for desert which did not relish very much, and to tell the truth about it rather destroyed our appetite for what we had.  We sent a few messengers to inform them that we did not appreciate such hospitality and they soon retired. We marched to the South Anna river and bivouacked on the right bank. We resumed the march on the 11th.  But Stuart was hanging around us with his whole force, and was destined to be rather troublesome.  He attacked us in the rear in the morning and was handled rather rough  About noon, we cut the railroad again at Ashland, and destroyed it for miles.  Stuart had taken a shorter rout and came in our front, we had a sharp fight for about 3 hours.  We completely routed the enemy capturing 2 pieces of artillery and 60 prisoners. We remained here until about about midnight, when we resumed the march.  At 2 A.M. on the 12th, we were within two miles of the Rebel Capital.  As we were moving along, a torpedo exploded in the road which gave the enemy warning of our approach. We entered the enemy's outer fortifications and he opened on us before day. We fought till about 3 P.M., when we crossed Meadow Bridge. About 8 A.M. the enemy had us surrounded, but everyone had learned to put entire confidence in our Commander and there was no confusion, but everyone stood at his post.  After desperate fighting we drove back this enemy in our rear and towards the city and completely routed him at the Bridge, and the whole squadron crossed the Chickahominy without further molestation.  We captured two guns and some prisoners, but not without loss on our side. the 8th lost 1 killed, 6 wounded, and 3 missing.  Adelbert Lamphere of my Co had one leg shot off and the other badly shattered. The shell which wounded him passed thro' a brick building and took off one leg for a man in the 1st Vermont at the same time, and rushed on in its hellish fury and exploded in our rear. We march to Gains Mills and encamped for the night. We arrived here yesterday without anything more of note occurring. We passed over many of the fields, of Gen. McClellan's military achievements.  The buildings, trees and fences still retain the mark of the deadly missiles which were hurled by the two powerful armies. We are all fatigued and sleepy, and I trust you will pardon my disconnected style as I can hardly collect my thoughts.  How long we shall remain here I cannot say. We have not yet heard the result of the great battle yet, but feel confident that it cannot be otherwise than cheering.  Richmond papers claim a victory but says that their army has fallen back, which we can easily interpret. 

I remain as ever your Friend.   C.

Vital Records - March 1853

 Oxford Times, March 2, 1853

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Warren J. Moshier to Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., William Sherwood, aged 18 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., Mr. William Norris, aged 52 years.

Oxford Times, March 9, 1853

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mr. Levi Eaton, aged 64 years.

Died:  In Columbus, Chenango Co., Feb. 15, Mr. John Lotridge, aged 77 years.

Oxford Times, March 16, 1853

Married:  In St. Paul's Church, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 15th inst.,by the Rev. S. Hanson Coxe, Mr. Charles H. Fitchett of Poughkeepsie [Dutchess Co., NY], to Miss Caroline A. [Roberts], daughter of Wilmot Roberts, of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mrs. Margaret Tracy, relict of the late Col. Otis J. Tracy, aged 40 years.

Oxford Times, March 23, 1853

Fatal Accident:  On Saturday last, 12th inst., a party of young men started from Castle Creek [Broome Co., NY] with their guns to hunt.  About noon they halted, and one of the number, a Mr. Simmons, put a cap on his gun.  While doing so it discharged, and the load - buck shot - entered one of the legs, just below the knee, of a son of Mr. Josiah West, Jr., of Castle Creek. The wounded man was sitting on a fence about six feet from the muzzle of Simmons' gun.  His leg bled profusely.  He was carried home, and Dr. Brooks of this village sent for; but the pain and loss of blood was so great that he died about 11 o'clock in the evening of the same day.  Binghamton Republican.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult. by Elder Warriner, Mr. James Brown to Mrs. Abil. Smith, both of that place.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by the Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Wallace W. Clark of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Charlotte N. Reed, daughter of Merrick Reed, Esq. of Smithville.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by the Rev. A.G. Burlingame, C.C. Willard, M.D., to Miss Julia A. Palmer.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mr. Orrin Tilletson, aged 44 years.

Oxford Times, March 30, 1853

A Revolutionary Veteran:  The Delaware Mirror says there is living in the town of Colchester, Delaware County [NY], a veteran of the American Revolution, aged 102 years on the 26th of Dec. last, by the name of Wm. Holliday.  He yet retains his mental faculties, and his memory is very tenacious of the events of his youth.  He was once taken by the British troops, court martialed, sentenced and the halter placed about his neck, and then was offered pardon upon the condition of enlisting in the English service, which he accepted.  He deserted the first opportunity and again joined the Americans, and lived to deal out that vengeance due to his enemies.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Richard Hunt of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Susanna Davis of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Emely H. Gibson, daughter of Mr. Stephen Gibson, aged 13 years.

Civil War Letter from 10th NY Cavalry & Death of Lieut. John S. Hicks

 Oxford Times, May 25, 1864

A Letter has been received by his wife from Thomas C. Pettis, of the 10th N.Y. Cavalry.  Mr. Pettis was in the celebrated raid under Sheridan, and his letter written in pencil and in great hurry is dated at Harrison's Landing, where the boys brought up after their perilous adventure.  Mr. Pettis confirms the success of the expedition under Sheridan, was himself inside of the first fortification of Richmond. Says they drove the rebs into their holes, but did not attempt to hold Richmond, being entirely without infantry support.  They captured a number of prisoners and sent them to Washington, and recaptured 400 of our own prisoners from the rebels who were as "glad fellows" as were ever seen, at the prospect of escaping the durance vile of Confederate prison.  Mr. Pettis says they captured "an awful pile of provisions" that was going to the rebel army, and performed sundry other exploits published and unpublished.  Three men were wounded in Company K which was recruited here, and of which Mr. Pettis was a member, viz S. Gait, in the arm and slightly, Samuel Brooks, and T. Sergent wounded in the leg. Several were killed in the regiment, names not given.  Mr. Pettis is well, and has been all the time, and says they expected to lay up for a few days.

Death of Lieut, Hicks - 61st N.Y. Infantry

The sad intelligence of the death of John S. Hicks, formerly with the firm of Balcom & Hicks, of this palce [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], is confirmed by private letters to his friends.  Mr. Hicks early volunteered into the service, and repeatedly proved by his gallantry and bravery upon the battle field, his sincere devotion to the Union, and that he possessed those qualities which constitute the true soldier and the tried patriot. At the time of his death Mr. Hicks was a member of Company E. 61st N.Y.V., and had been promoted to a second lieutenancy by Governor Seymour, although it is doubtful whether his commission had reached him at the time of his death. He had seen much service, was taken prisoner at the second battle of Bull Run, and confined in the Libby Prison at Richmond.  He received a ball in the thigh which passed around the bone, and which was not extracted until he had been removed from Richmond to hospital in Philadelphia, and then only after much painful and unavailing effort.  Although he could easily have avoided further service Mr. Hicks after his recovery returned to the field, and on the 8th inst, at the early age of 22, fell a martyr to his heroic devotion to his country.  In common with many others we can bear witness to the generous and manly traits of the deceased as a citizen, to which he has superadded what is above all praise, the unclouded honors of the Republic's heroic dead.  Mr Hicks leaves a father and numerous friends at Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], his native place.

From the Adjutant-General's Report (61st N.Y. Infantry)

Hicks, John S.:  Age, 20 years.  Enlisted, September 30, 1861, at New York city, to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant, Co. G. October 17, 1861; wounded in action, June 30, 1862, at White Oak Bridge, Va.; re-enlisted as a veteran, December 21, 1863; transferred to Co. E, March 28, 1864; returned to ranks, no date; killed in action, May 8, 1864, at Corbin's Bridge, Va.  Commissioned, not mustered, second lieutenant, May 10m 1864, with rank from April 1, 1864.

Vital Records - February 1853

 Oxford Times, February 2, 1853

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., after a protracted illness, Gen. Augustus C. Welch, aged 65 years.

Singular Death:  Mr. Stephen Shoats, of the town of Virgil [Cortland Co., NY], came to his death from a singular cause, on the 11th inst.,  A number of days before his death he had been bitten by a hog, just below the calf of his leg, severing a small artery, from which he lost much blood.  After being confined a few days he became much better and ventured out of the house, but he had been out but a short time before he became faint, and calling for help, he was carried into the house.  He continued to grow worse, until his sufferings were terminated by death.  He had been subject to palpitation of the heart, and it is probable that the loss of blood and over exertion brought on the fatal result.  Cortland Dem.

Oxford Times, February 9, 1853

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., after three days illness, William E. [Hall], son of Mr. Jeremiah Hall, aged 18 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31th ult., Miss Charlotte A. Hotchkiss, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th ult. Mrs. Sally Haight, wife of Mr. John Haight, aged 53 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mr. George H. Smith, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th ins.t, George A. Cline, son of the late Daniel Cline, aged 15 years.

Oxford Times, February 16, 1853

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Elizabeth T. Doty, daughter of Wm. R. Doty, aged 9 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Dea. Richard Herrington, aged 71 years.

Died:  At East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mary Tamer [Wagner], only child of Andrew and Sarah Ann Wagner, aged 7 years and 8 months.

Died:  In Dunkirk [Chautauqua Co., NY], on the 1st inst., of scarlet fever, George C. [Lownsberry], only child of Benjamin F. and Charlotte T. Lownsberry, aged 1 year and 4 months, formerly of this place [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.

Oxford Times, February 23, 1853

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by the Rev. A. Parker, Mr. John H. Post of Coventry, to Miss Eleanor M. Green, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by S.T. Donaghe, Esq., Mr. William Davis to Miss Malinda Covy.  Also, by the same, Mr. Griffin Covy to Miss Ruth Davis, all of Bainbridge.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 30th, 1852, Mrs. Hannah Post, wife of Mr. Dan Post, aged 61 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 11th, 1853, Mr. Dan Post, aged 73 years.

In Ontonagon, Michigan, Dec. 12th, of scarlet fever, Florence [Foote], oldest daughter of Oscar J. and Mary Louisa Foote, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 3 years and 6 months.

Died:  In Apponang, R.I., on the 7th inst., Ray [Clarke], son of Samuel W. and Harriet S, Clarke, aged 1 year.

Lieutenant Samuel S. Stafford - Civil War soldier

 Oxford Times, December 2, 1863

Lieut. Stafford:  Lieut S.S. Stafford, of the 114th Regiment, Co. A arrived here [Oxford, Chenango co., NY], by the Packet, and is with his friends in Preston. We regret to learn that he is yet much disabled by the wound which he sustained at Port Hudson, although he bears up manfully under his severe trials.  That he may recover his health and strength and enjoy to a good old age the hard earned fame of a true, brave, faithful and patriotic soldier of the Union, which he has so well and dearly purchased, is our wish in common with a host of his friends and acquaintances.

Oxford Times, May 11, 1904 - Obituary of Samuel S. Stafford

Hon. Samuel S. Stafford, soldier, ex-member of Assembly, lawyer and one of Oxford's best known and beloved citizens, died at his residence on Clinton street Wednesday night, after an illness of ten days.  His death was due to septicemias, or blood poisoning, the direct cause of which was a wound received in the service of his country during the civil war, and from which he was never entirely free from pain and which had caused him at times previous to his death attacks of serious illness.

Samuel S Stafford, eldest son of Job and Wealthy Stafford, was born in Preston [Chenango Co., NY], June 8, 1837.  At the age of twenty years he entered Oxford Academy to prepare for a college education, in the meantime teaching four terms of district school.  At the call of President Lincoln July 2, 1862, for three hundred thousand men to serve for three years, or during the war, the 114th Regiment of volunteers was formed.  The late Major O.H. Curtis, then a young lawyer in Oxford, enlisted Company A, which Mr. Stafford joined July 23, 1862, and assisted in recruiting.  Volunteering his services in defense of his country caused the abandonment of his cherished plans for a collegiate education.  Upon recommendation he was commissioned a First lieutenant, with rank from August 6, 1862, and was presented with a handsome sword, sash and belt by the officers and men of Co. A.  He served with his regiment until March 11, 1863, when he was detailed a member of a General Court martial sitting at Brashear city, Louisiana. the court was in session one month, after which Lieutenant Stafford joined his regiment, and participated in the battle of Fort Bisland, the skirmish at Franklin and the siege of Port Hudson.  It was at Port Hudson on July 11, 1863, while bravely leading his men on the assault of the enemy's breastworks that he received the wound that eventually caused his untimely death.  He was shot through the thighs and sent home  to recuperate, being brought from Binghamton to Oxford on a packet boat by the old canal. For ten months he was confined to his bed, and July 8, 1864 was honorably discharged from the service on "account of wound received in action."

While at his home recovering from his wound, Mr. Stafford was tendered the nomination for Member of Assembly by the Republican party, an office he had not sought and was ignorant of the fact that he was to be thus honored.  He accepted the nomination, was elected and went to Albany on crutches.  He served in the Legislature of 1865 with Hon. George W. Sumner, the county then having two representatives.  On his return from the Assembly he studied law with the late Solomon Bundy, was admitted to practice and elected to the office of School Commissioner for the second district of the county, and later appointed one of its Loan Commissioners, an office he held for several terms. He was supervisor of the town for three years, 1886 to 1888, and for many years corporation attorney for the village, a position he held at the time of his death.  To all elective offices he received nearly the unanimous vote of his party and many votes form the opposing party, so well was the trust in his integrity and honor established.  Conscientious and painstaking in the discharge of one's public duty he was so in the many entrusted to him, and has left a clean and bright record. As a lawyer his office work, which occupied the greater part of his attention, was perfect, and as a counsellor he was a model, for no opinions were given without mature deliberation and in belief that they were for the best interest of the client, though they might be contrary to his expectations.

Mr. Stafford was a Past Master of Oxford lodge, No. 175, F.&A.M.; had served one term as District Deputy Grand Master of the Masonic district; was Past commander of Breed Post, No. 196, G.A.R., and secretary of the 114th Regimental Association.  To these organizations he was devoted and gave much attention and counsel.  With the late Major Curtis he did much to keep up the regimental reunions and perpetuate the regiment's glorious achievements.

December 12, 1866, Mr. Stafford Married Mary A. Gilbert, who survives him, together with two brothers, Richard L. and Elmer J. Stafford, and one sister, Mrs. Lyman W. VanTassel.

The funeral was held from St. Paul's church Saturday at 2 o'clock p.m., of which the deceased was a communicant and one of its Vestrymen. During the services the business places as a mark of respect were closed.  From the house to the church the body was escorted by a guard of honor from the Soldiers' home in uniform and with muskets reversed, and a long line of the masonic fraternity and veterans of Breed Post G.A.R.  The bearers were J.T. Talbert and H. Merrell of Binghamton; George W. Payne of Norwich, Charles W. Brown, M.D. McNeil and W.A. Carl of Oxford, Army comrades and brother Masons.  There were a number of out of town masons and veterans in attendance together with representatives of the Chenango county Bar and prominent citizens. The Church was filled, the impressive service being conducted by the rector, Rev. Charles D. Broughton. The same large procession escorted the body to Riverview cemetery for interment, followed by a long line of carriages containing mourners and friends. The body was committed to the grave with Masonic rites, the service being very feelingly and impressively rendered by Past Master Sachett H. Mead, Oxford Lodge, with Rev Mr. Broughton and Rev. George G. Perrine, of Guilford, chaplains.

At the conclusion of the service the guard of honor fired a volley over the grave and the bugle sounded taps, a fitting salute to the dead and a tender farewell to a brave soldier.

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Vital Records - January 1853

 Oxford Times, January 5, 1853

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. Mr. Stark, Mr. Charles T. Ackley, to Miss Laura Tyler, all of that place.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mr. Daniel Cline, aged 39 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Charles R. Fish, aged 19 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Mr. Charles Cameron, aged 79 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., Mr. Joshua Burlingame, aged 84 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., Mr. Daniel Sage, aged 96 years, a revolutionary pensioner.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., suddenly, Charlotte [Pope], wife of Mr. Asa Pope, aged 49 years.

Died:  In Leonardsville, Madison Co., Dec. 19th, A.L. Devendorf, son-in-law of P.R. Miner, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, January 12, 1853

Married:  In the Universalist Church of North Norwich [Chenango co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. C.E. Hewes of Oxford, Mr. Charles Hartwell of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Samantha Per Lee, and Mr. Samuel Jarvis of Cincinnati, O., to Miss Elsie Per Lee, daughters of Abraham Per Lee, Esq., of North Norwich.

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Robert Crandall of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Caroline L. Burlisson of Coventry.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mrs. Catharine Welch, wife of Mr. Benjamin Welch, aged 64 years.

Died:  In New Lisbon, Otsego Co., Dec. 25th, Sarah E. [Benjamin], wife of Mr. Charles S. Benjamin, and daughter of the late Amasa Bennett, aged 39 years.

Oxford Times, January 19, 1853

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. A.S. Graves, Mr. Harlan D. Bates to Miss Jane A. Gates, both of Preston [Chenango Co., NY]

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, 16th inst., at the residence of Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. Thos. J. Mathewson to Miss Mary Brigham, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by William Pendleton, Esq., Mr. Ira Tillotson to Mrs. Annis Merriam, both of Smithville.

Married:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. A. Sedgwick, John Wait, Esq., of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Betsey N. Foote of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Jane Eliza [Judson], only daughter of Mr. Philo Judson, aged 26 years.  The decline which terminated in her death, commenced more than three years since, while ministering at the bedside of a dying brother and mother, and occasioned by the exhausting labors and harrowing anxieties which these pious duties devolved upon her, was sensibly though gradually bearing her towards the tomb.  Her disease, with the usual deceitfulness of consumption gave her repeated and oft renewed hopes of recovery and restitution to her friends and society  Yet, while trusting to be restored to health, she sought and obtained a preparation for the sad event, which disarmed death of all its terrors, and enabled her to meet it with the calmness, the fortitude, and the triumph of a Christian hope.  She bore her painful sickness with unmurmuring resignation. A widowed Father, and bereaved brothers, are left to mourn their loss; and a large social circle in whose joys and labors she had been from infancy an active participant is sadly sensible that death has invaded its charmed precincts.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mr. Lewis Baxter, aged 35 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Dr. Ira A. Foote, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ult, Mr. Gardiner Babcock, aged 78 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st Dec., Mrs. Caroline A. Walker, wife of Mr. William Walker, aged 27 years.

Oxford Times, January 26, 1853

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. George W. Brigham to Miss Betsey Jane Fish, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. Lee Wheeler of this village, to Miss  Mary Elizabeth Burrows, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Maryland, Otsego co., by Rev. C.E. Hewes of Oxford, Mr. Amos D. Spencer to Miss Mary E. Barnes; and Mr. John M. Tallmadge to Miss Mary S. Spencer, all of the former place.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by the Rev. A.G. Burlingame, Mr. John L. Smith of German [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lydia A. Hanford of Greene.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst.,  Mr. George W. [Gordon], son of Mr. John Gordon, aged 23 years.

Died: In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th, Eliza Ann [Mead], wife of Mr. Underhill Mead, aged 33 years.

Died: In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mr. Myron P. Smith, aged 22 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Dr. Benjamin Yale, aged 102 years.

Civil War Letter from Steamboat Joseph Pierce, March 1864

 Oxford Times, April 13, 1864

At Columbus, Ky, on Steamboat Joseph Pierce, March 27, 1864

Editor Times:  Sir:  Having been near the theater of operations of the guerrilla forces, I have had an opportunity of gathering some information relative to his attack on Paducah, which I desire to submit to the readers of your paper, trusting that coming from one of the boys of Oxford it will not be read wholly devoid of interest.  In the first place Faulkner attacked and took Union City.  His force consisted of fifteen hundred Infantry without artillery.  While this was doing, Forrest with a force comprising 4000 men (Infantry) and a Battery, marched on Paducah. After the capture of Union city the two bodies reunited for an attack on the latter place which they commenced about 2 o'clock Friday afternoon.  Col. Hicks commanding the town had but four minutes warning, when the attack began.  

After a sharp fire from the Batteries, Forrest sent a flag of truce demanding an immediate surrender of the Fort, threatening if the demand was not complied with, to take it by assault. The reply of Col. Hicks was, that he should hold the fort in any event.  Twice more during the attack the demand was repeated, with the threat that if the fort was not given up, no quarters would be shown to its defenders. The whole sum of the defensive force at that time was four hundred men and two gunboats.

The rebels held the town, and from the windows of the houses were able to severely annoy our forces, killing and wounding several of our men.  The two gun boats and Col. Hicks behaved with great bravery, pouring a sharp fire into the enemy's ranks and shelling the town. The citizens had been warned by Col. Hicks that the necessity for doing this might probably arise. the state of sentiment renders it quite probable that the movement had not been made without complicity on the part of the disaffected portion of the population.

The consequences to Paducah were most awful.  As the sharp shooters continued to use their deadly weapons from windows favorably situated for their purpose, and the remainder of the enemy to fire from positions among the houses, affording suitable shelter, there was no other alternative for the defenders of the fort but to deprive them of their advantages.  The busting shells told with desperate effect among the buildings which were soon in flames in several places. 

The inhabitants fled in the greatest consternation, as many as could seeking safety by crossing to the opposite side of the Ohio.  The attack was continued until eleven o'clock at night, when the unwavering courage of the garrison and the effective operations of the gunboats, compelled the baffled and mortified rebels to withdraw from a place, the conquest of which they had confidently counted upon relying upon the immense superiority of their numbers.  

They were reported to be retreating on the way for the May Flower, but strong reasons led to the belief that the attack would be renewed, to provide against which reinforcements had been sent from Cairo.  The loss of the rebels was heavy, between two and three hundred are reported killed.  The number of their wounded was not known.  Among their killed was Brig. Gen. A.P. Thompson.  Our loss as far as ascertained was 15 killed and 40 wounded.  The conduct of Col. Hicks receives the highest [praise].  The effective fire of the gunboats receives high praise.  They rendered good service, but suffered greatly from the sharp shooters fire.  There was no faltering on the part of the garrison.  The reports received from the spot give the men the highest commendation.  They behaved most gallantly; fighting bravely and handling the guns splendidly.  Those forces were negroes.  On several occasions we have heard of negroes fighting well.  Here is another and a striking instance that they can and will render efficient service.  How little they know of their qualities as soldiers, who, when the negroes were first organized into regiments, contemptuously exclaimed, "The n.... can never be made to fight."  Their conduct at Paducah speaks for itself.

At the latest accounts Paducah was in flames. The steamboat Tycoon which left there Saturday noon report that the place was burning.  The Louisville and Iowa were acting as ferry boats taking citizens across to the Illinois side  About 3,000 crossed, houseless and with little else among them than the clothing on their persons.  Gunboats patrolling the river in front of the city.

The White Cloud was a little distance below putting troops ashore, while above the fort the glorious old stars and stripes were triumphantly waving.

Yours &c.   I.

Vital Records - December 1852

 Oxford Times, December 1, 1852

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango co., NY], on the 16th ult., by Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. George Blanchard to Miss Mary Nusom, both of Triangle, Broome Co. [NY].

Oxford Times, December 8, 1852

Afflicting Event:  Major John V.N. Locke, son of C.F.T. Locke of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], dazzled with the dream of the golden region in July last left his comfortable home in Oxford to realize his vision of wealth in California.  He escaped the perils of the voyage, and arrived in safety in San Francisco.  Fortune favored his efforts.  He saw the glittering pile accumulate and looked with fond anticipation to his happy return to wife and children.  Alas, vain hope!  On the 17th October, between Stockton and the mines while driving a loaded team, the mules took fright, precipitating the young man to the earth, where the wheels of the wagon passing over him, terminated his existence and all his golden hopes.  His death makes a widow of his once happy wife, renders fatherless two lovely children  and fills with desolation and sorrow the mansion of his worthy parents.  Young Locke was esteemed for many virtues; and they left a large circle of friends to deplore his untimely end.  He expired in his 22d year.

Died:  In the town of Willet [Cortland Co., NY], on the 1st instant, Mrs. Mary Willcox, wife of Mr. Simon H. Willcox, aged 67 years.

Died:  At his residence i Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mr. Eleazer H. Fitch, after a short illness, in the 55th year of his age.

Oxford Times, December 15, 1852

Died:  In Jacksonville, Florida, on 29th Nov. of a brief illness, Ira Willcox, of this place (Oxford, Chenango Co.) merchant aged 64 years.  The deceased occupied a prominent position in society.  His death is viewed as a public calamity and is universally deplored.  Mr. Willcox was born in Durham, Green County, New York, the 22d August 1788(?).  He commenced business as a merchant in the county of his birth, where he resided until 1812 or 1813.  He then removed to Norwich, and soon after made his home in Oxford, where he lived until his death, 39 years.  Mr. Willcox served his county as a Member of Assembly for the session in 1831  In 1830 he was elected President of Bank of Chenango, which place he continued to fill while he lived.  The deceased was a man of strong mind, great energy of character, and of persevering industry.  These qualities soon enabled their possessor to acquire a fortune.  In 1840, he retired with ample means, from the business of merchandize, and devoted himself for the residue of life to the care of his invalid wife and to the liberal dispensation of his wealth to the want of the poor, the Chruch and the good of community.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 13th inst., by Rev. A.S. Graves, Mr. Thomas Bishop of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eliza A. Ingersoll of Oxford.  

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. by E.B Dimmick, Esq., Mr. Leroy Paugh of Plymouth, to Miss Mary Shaver of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY]

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Ann Jane King, daughter of the late Thomas J. King, aged 15 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Robert [Loomis], son of Vincent and Betsey Loomis, of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY], aged 2 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 1st inst., Hannah W. [Avery], wife of Mr. Stephen L. Avery, formerly of Oxford, aged 36 years.

Oxford Times, December 22, 1852

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr Richard H. Hodge of Greene, to Miss Cornelia [Smith], daughter of John Smith Esq., of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. A.G. Burlingame, Mr. Uriah Waterman of Lisle [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Louisa Chapman of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1th inst., Mr. James Derby of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Mary Bishop of Greene.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th Nov. Mr. Henry Beals, in the 62d year of his age, after an illness of about two weeks, occasioned by a fall from a building.

Doed:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Mr. Andrew J. Moore, aged 33 years.

Oxford Times, December 29, 1852

The remains of the late Ira Willcox were brought to this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on Thursday last, and were interred from his late residence on Friday, in the beautiful rural Cemetery which had been improved and adorned by his own hands. The plot which received him is enclosed by a neat iron fence, and is marked by a marble obelisk erected several years since over the tombs of a deceased wife and children.  The funeral was attended by his neighbors and former friends and by the Directors of the Bank Institution over which he presided for many years.  An impressive funeral discourse was preached on Sabbath morning by Rev. Henry Callahan, Pastor of the Presbyterian Chruch.  Mr. Willcox had given his attention and united his assiduous labors with those of his townsmen for many years to promote the growth of the village and increase and enlarge its business.  During that time, the officers which adorn and the enterprises which improve it have been in great part erected and aspired by the [benefit] of his counsels and personal labors.  His enterprise and public spirit have been so identified with the growth of Oxford as to be inseparable from its early and mature history.  Besides the enterprises to which he engaged for private business and profit, institutions of education, religion and charity were promoted by him with unflagging zeal.  His death is deplored not only by a large circle of relatives and family friends, but by the entire body of citizens of Oxford as a great and irreparable public calamity.  One by one the early citizen of Oxford are being gathered to their fathers and after a few more strokes of the relentless destroyer, their places will be left (perhaps unfilled) to [newer] generations.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by Rev. Wm. Reddy, Mr. Alphonzo M. Bennett of Homer [Cortland Co., NY] to Miss Diana M. Mandyville of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th inst. by Eli Willcox, Esq., Mr. Oscar F. Bradley of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary Houghton of Oxford.

Married: In S...., Oneida Co., on the 19th(?) inst., by Rev. Mr. ...., Henry M. Hyde Esq. of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jane G. Priest(?) of the former place.

Died:  In New Berlin Centre on the 10th inst.,Adelaine B [Harris], youngest daughter of John Harris, age 21(?) years.

Civil War Letter from the 114th NY Regiment - February 1864

 Oxford Times, March 9, 1864

114th NY Regiment, Franklin, La., Feb. 12th, 1864

Editor Times:  Thinking that perhaps you would like to hear a few words from the 114th, and matters connected with the army of the Gulf, I now take my pen in hand to write as my thoughts may direct.

The army now under the command of Major General Franklin is pleasantly encamped on the banks of Bayou Teche, around Franklin; probably shall remain here some time yet, for we expect our tents will come on the boat by tomorrow. The Teche country has the name of being the richest tract of land in the State of Louisiana, denoted for its heavy growth of sugar cane.  Some plantations yield from six to seven hundred hogsheads of sugar annually.  The town of Franklin is situated about twenty-eight miles from Brashear City, and is the parish seat of Parish St Mary.  Here lies the ruins of the gunboat Diana, which was burnt by the rebels after the battle of Bisland, our first campaign through the country. Above the town three or four miles is a large plain called the "Indian Bend." Here we have had a number of skirmishes with the enemy which resulted in a defeat of the rebels.  Here the bayou teche takes a curve and is lost from view amid the wide spreading branches of the live oak, whose brawny limbs are encircled by moss common to the Southern clime.  Off as far as the eye can reach appears the lofty chimney of the sugar mill, while more at the left, herds of cattle are seen quietly grazing the tender grass. Above this place twenty miles is situated the pleasant town of New Iberia, it being the head of navigation.  Here the rebels once had a foundry where they cast their shot and shell, and used them on us at the battle of Bisland, but they were not sufficient to check the determination of true patriots.  At New Iberia we were encamped some time, but it was not long before everything in the shape of forage had played out.  Orders then came for us to march.  It happened to be cold and wet when we started and consequently the mud was knee deep; onward we moved at the rate of seven or eight miles per day--wagons were left standing in the roads sunk in over the hubs, soldiers were seen straggling hither and there, bound to make the best of it, for it is not every day that we are subject to such marches, but as good luck would have it we reached Franklin in pretty good order.

Then came a time of general fixing up, soldiers were seen coming in from all quarters with a goodly supply of lumber on their backs while the bayou was filled with numerous rafts floating down the bayou to camp some loaded with brick that they had smuggled from "Massa's" sugar mill, others had table and chairs all for the comfort and amusement of the soldiers.

The regiment is now in good health, and is under the command of Lieut. Col. Morse.  We go through the regular routine of camp life, such as the drill in the manual, facings and bayonet exercise.  Co. H are now doing provost duty at Brigade Hd Qr's and are under command of Provost Marshal Capt. York.  There are a number of our boys strung along the bayou as safe guard for the different plantations. Two left for home today on a furlough, such being granted to those that are unfit for duty. We are favored with best of weather, but little rain has fallen since being here.  It reminds one of the month of May, when everything in nature seems to spring forth with life, and it is seldom that you see many lying idle. While not on duty some are writing, others pass away the time in reading, some in conversation in regard to political movements.  Who will be our next candidate for the Presidency is one of the important questions of the day.  Upon this subject I ask to be excused, but I do know if honest Old Abe ever runs again the 114th will give him a large majority. 

Yours, Respectfully.  H.D.M.

Vital Records - November 1852

 Oxford Times, November 3, 1852

Married:  In St. Paul's church, in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., by Rev. S.H. Coxe, Mr. Joshua C. Sanders of New York City, to Elizabeth E. [Sands], daughter of Hon. Obadiah Sands of this village.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by the Rev. J.T. Goodrich, Mr. Avery D. Landers to Miss Harriet Willcox, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 23d ult., by Wm. M. Waterman, Esq., Mr. George Wheeler to Miss Rhoda Foster, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of the 26th ult., by the Rev. F. Rodgers, Mr. Daniel S. Gardner to Miss Sabrina L. Tillotson, daughter of Silas Tillotson, and granddaughter of the late Capt. Joseph Tillotson.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mary Allis [Callahan], only daughter of Rev. H. and Mary A. Callahan, aged 2 years and 11 months.

Died:  in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th ult., Mr. Chauncey G. Hyde, aged 53 years. 

Died:  In Lockport, on the evening of the 25th ult., Mr. Abraham Flagler, in the 84th year of his age. The deceased was a native of Dutchess Co. in this State [NY], but has resided here for the last 13 years.  He possessed qualities of mind and heart which endeared him to all who knew him.   He was the last survivor of a large family of brothers and sisters and had outlived the companions of his early days, but many descendants, together with other relatives and a large circle of friends mingle their sorrows and sympathies in view of his departure. At an early age he professed faith in Christ, exemplified it in life, and experienced its consolations and supports when scenes earthly passed away.  His last sickness was brief; a robust physical frame, enfeebled by age, yielding to the progress of disease, and "the weary wheels of life stood still at last."  Lockport Journal

Oxford Times, November 10, 1852

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. J.D. Cargill, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, Nov. 7th, at the residence of Levi Eggleston, Esq., Mr. James L. Daniels of this village, to Miss Mary A. [Humphrey], daughter of Loyal Humphrey, Esq., of New Boston, Mass.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by Rev. E. Hoyt, Mr. William G. Rice to Miss Almira F. Salisbury.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. James E. Thurber to Miss Sarah Jane [Whittenhall], only daughter of Uri Whittenhall, Esq., all of Greene.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. Andrew Lord, aged 64 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mr. Hollis Meeker, aged 49 years.

Oxford Times, November 17, 1852

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. G.J. Kaercher, Mr. A.H. Smith to Miss J.E VanValkenburg, al of Greene.

Oxford Times, November 24, 1852

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Mr. John Sherwood, aged 80 years.  Mr. S. was born in Reading , Conn.  He spent several years in Paulings, Dutchess Co., and from there removed to this vicinity many years since, and has long enjoyed the good will of his acquaintances; and has died in a good old age, in the midst of a large circle of children and friends who mourn his loss.

Civil War Letter - February 1864

Oxford Times, March 2, 1864 

Buffalo, Feb. 15th, 1864

My Dear Friends:  Your letter in reference to work for the soldiers was received here, and I hasten to answer that in the prospect of an early opening of the work to which our soldiers are called, there is no time to lose in getting up supplies in every neighborhood, which however small in themselves, may flow into the reservoirs provided at different centres, and together meet the need and supply them fully.

"Little drops of water-- / Little grains of sand--"

You all know the rest

I learn from the central office at Washington, to which accurate and prompt information from every section of our army comes by telegraph, that the supply of dried fruits is exhausted, and the demand for them urgent.  I do not know that your region furnishes any considerable amount of these, but I do know how very grateful they are to the poor fellows in whom disease has created a fastidious appetite, and a longing for what tastes of home, love and kindness, and this applies to all the smaller fruits, especially berries and dried cherries, jellies put up in small parcels are very grateful and useful, but the risk of breakage is very great and the percentage of loss on them proportioned.  they should be packed in sawdust and in small and very solid boxes. Dried fruits should be put up in small strong bags, and the remark applies to almost all such delicacies. There is always great waste after opening large packages in dividing and distributing in the field and at depots.  Eau de cologne, bay water, and wines, in small bottles go twice and three times as far as when given out in quart bottles.  I have gone about the stores in villages where we had numbers of wounded and gathered up empty "essence vials" procured corks at the Druggists, and divided up in them the stores of cologne, camphor and alcoholic stimulants, and so distributed to the individual patients.

You will perceive at once both the saving in amount and the gratification to patients secured in this way.  By the time the supplies which the friends of the soldiers are now preparing for him shall reach him, the demand for flannels will be greatly reduced, or cease and cotton garments will be chiefly in requisition.

Thick cotton shirts and thick cotton drawers, small pillow cases, bandages wide rather than narrow, night caps made of almost any  material or color.  Dressing gowns, sheets and quilts are among the most essential articles.

There will be a great saving in expense, and risk and in the intelligent distribution to points where supplies may be most needed, if local societies forward their packages with full invoices of contents to some central depot acting with the great recognized and most economical charm of distribution, the U.S. Sanitary Commission.

P.S. I wonder if Chenango County is going to send anything or anybody to the Fair at Albany, or to the Metropolitan Fair at New York.

I think something of this kind might well be done; and articles of several kinds made or found which could and would be spared and be welcome swelling both the harmony and the results.

The Hoe Factory and the Cheese Factory might have somehting.

It is an occasion not to come again I hope in 100 years.

Of course canned fruits and butter in sealed tin cans are very acceptable offerings.  J.Y.V.I.

Vital Records - October 1852

 Oxford Times, October 13, 1852

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. by Rev. S.H. Coxe, Mr. Henry O. Brooks to Miss Ellen Wilson, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. George Mathews, Mr. Charles M. Brown of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Charlotte D. Moulter of Cazenovia.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., by Rev. D.A. Whedon, Mr. Jos. J. Knowles of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Belinda [Starr], daughter of Rev. C. Starr of Guilford.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mrs. Polly Balcom, relict of the late Samuel Balcom, aged 72 years.  The deceased came to this village 61 years ago, when only 11 years of age, and she was the first white female that came to Oxford.  She was an orphan girl, and came to Unadilla with the family that brought her up.  The family remained at Unadilla until a road was cut through from Unadilla to this village, and the family got ready to move to Oxford, but when ready some of the family were sick and could not leave, and the deceased was sent on with the male members of the family, who were well, and by a two days' journey on an ox-sled, staying overnight in a shanty at the Cable Pond in Guilford, they arrived in this village and took up their abode in a log house that had been erected where Ira Willcox's brick store now stands.  It was two weeks after their arrival before any other female came to Oxford; the deceased in the mean time doing the house work for that portion of the family that had arrived.  The writer of this notice has frequently heard the deceased described the Fort that stood near where Willcox's brick store now is, and the large and lofty pines that stood on its embankments.  During the two weeks that the deceased was the only female in Oxford, thirty Indians came down the River in canoes, and stopped and viewed the old Fort, and then quietly sailed off in their canoes down the river.  The deceased had been a communicant of the Baptist Church in this village, upwards of 30 years, and she died in full faith of a happy immortality.

Died:  Drowned in the Canal, in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 7th inst., Charles B. [Wheeler], son of  Mr. Jeremiah Wheeler, aged 5 years.

Ah! solemn moment! and the scene! / Death takes him by surprise, / Let pity mingle with their grief, / Whose child in silence lies. / So fade the child, so dies the old, / As mourning leads the day / Then let us seek those lasting joys / That never can decay.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Alvan S. [Herburt], son of Mr. John Herbuut, aged 9(?) years.

Oxford Times, October 20, 1852

Married:  In Tompkins, Delaware Co [NY] on the 12th inst., by Rev. A. P. Allen, Mr. Edward D. Jewell of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Marietta Van Scoyke, daughter of Stephen Van Scoyke, of the former place.

Died:  At Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. Joseph Tilotson(?), aged 79(?) years.

Oxford Times, October 27, 1852

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by the Rev. J. T. Goodrich, Mr. Aaron Bradley of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Katharine Bolles of the former place.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., Ambrose B. [Aynesworth], only child of widow Melissa Aynesworth, aged 3 years.

The savior saw the widow's grief, / And in compassion gave relief, / When on earth in streets of Nain, / He raised the dead to life again. / May his rich grace this case attend, / And prove himself the mourner's friend.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mrs. Sarah A. [Squires], wife of Mr. Charles Squires, aged 53 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., Mr. Willis Smith, aged 32 years.

Letter from Libby Prison - November 1863

 Oxford Times, December 9, 1863

Libby Prison, Richmond, Va, Wednesday, Nov. 12th, 1863

As there is now an opportunity to send you a line by a friend I gladly embrace the chance, and in the 1st place I will say that the box sent me on the 15th of last month was received.

We are truly on short rations, not more than 1/2 lb bread, 1/2 lb meat, 1 oz rice, a little salt and a little vinegar, constitute all that is furnished us by the rebels.  All we get besides we have to buy, and at such prices as you never heard of.  I have paid when it was to be had, $1 per quart for flour; $1 for 1-1/3 quarts meal, when they were to be had in the market. At this time they are not to be had at any price.  Loaves of wheat bread about the usual size sell here 2 for $1; for three days we have had about 1/2 lb of coarse bread made of unbolted meal, but I learn today we are not to have either wheat, corn or sawdust bread.  All that they can furnish us is a few sweet potatoes and a little rice and salt. We have learned to take such as we get and ask no questions.  yesterday I sent out $3 for sweet potatoes and I got 5 small ones.  I am quite well supplied with clothing so I can sleep comfortably nights, while many of my fellow officers are suffering from the cold, and what the poor men endure is past the power of my pen to describe; they lay outdoor without blankets and in many instances without sufficient clothing to cover them on the cold damp ground, and if they were well fed it would not be so bad.  There is frequently a whole day passed without their receiving one morsel of any kind of food.  Talk of what our forefathers endured, these poor men are dying at the rate of from 15 to 30 per day from actual exposure and hunger, it is a thought that really makes one's blood run cold, and yet there are to be found men mean enough to be willing to compromise with such rebels.  I have thought of a great many mean things that a man might do.  But to be a rebel, a man that is a while man, must be deeper dyed in iniquity and sin than any subject I could bring to my mind, and hereafter the worst appellation that can be applied to any human being is to call him a rebel.  This thieving confederacy is on its last legs and with good Generalship it must soon fail in its vain and wicked intent to sever this our great and glorious country.  The people here are loosing all confidence in their rulers and in their currency.  Only imagine flour at at $130 and $140, and not be be had at that; butter $7 per lb; sugar $4 to $5 per lb; molasses $18 per gallon.  It is not that these articles are scarce, but that the people have lost all confidence in the rebel Government, and will not offer their produce in the market. Why, only think a man came into town with a small load of produce and sold it for $1700.  Yet they are satisfied that the great bubble of the rebellion is about to burst, and then they all in review, and the more of the confederacy script a man has the more he will have to loose; a shirt would cost a man here more than a suit of clothes at the north.  I am sometimes of opinion and in fact I know, for I see daily that the Guard here have no better rations than we have. The rebels are utterly unable to furnish us with any better fare. They are on their last legs and now is the time to give them the last blow, and not prop them up by our sympathy.  I will  give you a conundrum that was given here at our Libby show, last evening.  "Why are the elections in the north like a prairie on fire?"  Because it is "death to snakes/"  What kind, answer, "Copperhead."  The fall elections are more than the rebels looked for, they had hoped for more sympathy, but thank God the Republic yet lives in the heart of the American people.

There are now here about 14,000 officers and men, 900 officers, and there is not one, whose patriotism has cooled by the treatment we have received.   L.

Vital Records - September 1852

 Oxford Times, September 1, 1852

Married:  In this village [ Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. Mr. Graves, Mr. David C. Bronson of Roxbury, Ct., to Miss Emily Chapman, of this place.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th Aug., Mr. C. Henry Miner, aged 31 years.

Died:  In Corning, Steuben Co., on the 14th of Aug., of cancer in the stomach, Mr. Samuel Baldwin, aged 41 years, formerly of this place [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, September 15, 1852

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Starks, Mr. Orlando Randall to Miss Sally Martin, all of that place.

Married:  At Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY] on the 6th inst., by Rev. R. Queal, Mr. J.B. Lewis, formerly of Madison, to Miss Mary Tarbell of the former place.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. L. Pomeroy, Mr. R.D. Race to Miss Jennette Wheeler both of East Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  Also at the same time and place, and by the same, Mr. Leroy Blatchly to Miss Mary J. Kelsey, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. Mr. Wooley, Mr. Norman S. Rogers to Miss Eliza Thomas of the former place.

Married:  At Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. R. Queal, Mr. Henry Hotchkiss to Miss Cornelia J. Read.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. Mr. Warner, Mr. Adam Irving to Miss Abagail Soules.

Died:  In Willet [Cortland Co., NY], on the 8th inst., at the house of his son, Mr. Samuel Miller of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], aged 81 years.

Died:  At Chittenango [Madison Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mrs. Laura G. [Abell] wife of the Rev. James Abell.

Died:  At McDonough, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], on Sunday morning last, the 12th inst. Elizabeth Sophia [Corbin], only daughter of E.L. Corbin, Esq., in the 9th year of her age.

At South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 28th, Mr. George Clapper, aged 63 years.  Mr C. awoke on the morning of his death in usual health, rose up in bed, called some members of his family, fell back upon his pillow and died without a struggle.  How uncertain is life.  "Be ye also ready."

Oxford Times, September 22, 1852

Married:  At Binghamton, on the 10th inst. by Rev. A.B. Beach, Bennett W. Morse, Esq., of Plymouth, Ct., to Mary Ellen [Dickinson], daughter of Thomas Dickinson, Esq., of Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.,]

Married:  At the Baptist Church, in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th,by Rev. J.F. Stark, Mr. Charles E. Curtis to Miss Maria Gibson.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th, by Rev. E.D. Thurston, Mr. Jared Lyon to Miss Armenia Aylesworth.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. Harlow Andrews, aged 25 years.

Died:  In Chicago, Illinois on the 8th inst., of consumption, Frances Adell [Perkins], wife of Mr. Gordon Perkins, formerly of this village [Oxford Chenango Co., NY], aged 27 years.

Oxford Times, September 22, 1852

Mrs. Mary Gregg, wife of Rev. Hiram R. Gregg of Munnsville, Madison county, was shot through the body last evening about half past eight, while washing dishes before her pantry window, the shot coming from the outside and evidently from a distance of but a few feet.  The shot penetrated in the region of the stomach. She lived to about 3 o'clock this morning, when she expired.  No traces of the murderer have been found.  There is no assignable cause for the murder.

Oxford Times, September 29, 1852

The Madison Co. Whig gives the following additional particulars of the murder of Mrs. Gregg, and the arrest of the supposed perpetrator:  Mrs. Ephriam Gregg, of Stockbridge, was shot at her residence, a few rods east of the village of Munnsville.  She was standing in her pantry beside her sister-in-law, in front of a window, through which the shot came. entering her body in the region of the stomach.  The murderer was so near to the window that the smoke of his gun discolored the glass.  Her husband being absent at the village, her sister-in-law ran a few rods to a neighbor and gave the alarm, and in fifteen minutes Dr. Treat, the Coroner, arrived and remained until after her death, about three o'clock the following morning.  No search for the murderer was made that night, but the next morning, it was learned that a dissipated young man of the town named Hudcock, was seen to leave Knoxville about a mile from the scene of murder, with a gun, and pursuit being made, he was arrested in the woods that day with the gun still in his possession.  He was conveyed to Morrisville jail, whence he was taken back on Monday for examination.  His dislike of the deceased was no secret.  It arose in this wise.  Several months since and before her marriage to Mr. Greeg, Hadcock and the deceased were at a social party in the town, where in the spirit of pleasantry, it was proposed that they should be married for fun.  The sham ceremony was performed, and Hodcock either knave or fool, pretending to consider the ceremony legal, wished to assert his rights.  The proceeding was treated as a joke, and the lady last Spring was really married to Mr. Gregg.  Hadcock took advice as to the possibility of compelling her to acknowledge him as her legal husband, but the plan not succeeding he inquired her present residence and about three weeks ago was observed prowling about this house.  The marriage joke has now been ended by the violent death of one of the parties, and the arrest of the other for murder.

Married:  At Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Sept. 6th, by Rev. S.M. Stimson, Mr. John Tucker to Miss Mary Jane Woodley, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on 27th ult. Miss Elizabeth R. West, daughter of Mr. Joseph P. West, aged 20 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst. Mr. Abner Dickinson, aged 86 years.