Civil War - Letter from Charles Van Dusen - July 1861

 Union News, Broome County, New York, August 1, 1861

Washington, July 24th, 1861

Dear Mother:  I am again permitted thru the kind hand of Providence to let you know where I am.  We have just returned from the battlefield of Bull's Run.  After a march of fifty-six miles we are again at our old barracks on Franklin Square.  It is not known at present how many are killed and wounded in our Regiment, as they keep coming in one by one every day.  It is thought about 800.  Others lost more.  It was awful to hear the cries of the wounded as we rushed over them.  At the first volley when we reached the field two boys were shot down by my side, one had his leg shot off by a cannon ball, the other shot through the temple.  I saw Will Tyrrell at Fairfax Court House.  He belongs to the same Brigade that I do.  I do not know but he was shot, as a great many of them were.  Some of our boys were taken prisoners, but I suppose they are killed now, as the rebels show no mercy to anyone.  Our surgeon had some of the wounded and had dressed their wounds and he went back to help some others, and when he came back he found their throats cut.  But my pen refuses to describe such scenes. We captured twelve of the rebels and took them to our camp at Centreville.  They said Jeff Davis told them to spare no one.  Beauregard was on the field and had a horse shot from under him.

I do not know when we shall be ordered back to Virginia, but I think not in two or three weeks.  The Ladies of Washington are preparing a supper for our soldiers, which will come good I tell you.  Tell Mackey and Marty and all the rest that I think of them often and would be very glad to see them, but it is impossible now.  I received Hattie's letter, and was glad to hear from home.  I must close now for it is late and I am sentinel tonight.  Give love to all inquiring friends. Write soon and direct as before.  I must bid you good night.

From your affectionate son.  Charles Van Dusen

Vital Records - September 1855

 Oxford Times, September 5, 1855

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. by Rev. Mr. Abercrombie, Mr. George Rider to Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson.

Married:  At Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., by Rev. J.E. Hoyt, Mr. S.W. Dean of South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss M. E. Martin of Coventry.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Mr. Frederick Hale, aged 69 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th ult., Cynthia Keep, aged 79 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Sybil [Babcock], wife of Ira Babcock, aged 44 years.

Oxford Times, September 12, 1855

Married:  At St. Matthew's Church, Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. Samuel H. Norton, Nicholas D. Clapp, Esq., of Chicago, Ill. to Miss Mary Taylor McMaron, of the former place.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. Hiram Davis to Miss Eliza Parsons, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on 6th inst., Mr. Philip Cook, aged 78 years.

Died:  In Shoal Water Bay (Washington Territory) on the 21st of March last, by drowning, Mr. Oscar A. Hughston, eldest son of Mr. James Hughston, of East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 26 years.

Died:  At Waterbury, Conn., on 30th ult. Dea. Hector Porter, formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Guilford Centre [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mr. Samuel Kent, aged 81 years.

Died:  In Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 7th inst., Woodward Warren, Esq., aged 64 years.  That voice whose tones were ever listened to with respect and delight in public and in the social and family circle, is hushed in death, but the darkness of the grave cannot obscure his brightness, for the memory of the righteous is as the shining light which shines more and more even unto the perfect day.  Mr. Warren was elected Member of Assembly of this District in 1835; he has also discharged the duties of various town offices with honor integrity and satisfaction to all and his death has left a void in the community which cannot be easily filled, and to his family his loss is irreparable.

Died:  At Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Jacob Walton Morris, aged 63 years.

Oxford Times, September 19, 1855

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Henry B. Willcox of Utica [Oneida Co., NY] and Harriet E. [Chapman] daughter of Wm. E. Chapman of Oxford.

Died:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY], suddenly, Nelson R. [Reddy], son of Rev. Wm. R. and E.C. Reddy, aged 1 year and 3 months.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 20, 1855

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co.., NY], on the 29th ult. by James Ferguson, Esq., Mr. Crystal Fanning to Miss Mary E. Trafford, all of the above place.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., Miss Anna M. [Juliand], daughter of Col. J. Juliand, aged 20 years.  In the circumstances attending this sad bereavement, there is much to sooth the sorrows of those who have been smitten.  Dreaded as the Consumption usually is, from its deceptive character, and from the certainty, where it is deeply seated, of a fatal issue, there is yet the redeeming feature in connection with it that it does not, like many other diseases, burying its victims to the grave without time for looking the great facts of another world full in the face.  Though debility and weakness and the exhausting cough, cause the heart at times to sink, yet there are large opportunities for calm meditation, devout exercises and patient obedience to the Divine will.  And when these facilities are embraced as in the case of the young friend who has left us, they were, the sick room becomes a consecrated spot, a bethel of the soul, where pious hopes gather great strength, and holy thoughts and affections reach their fullest development and scope.  And when the heart has become weaned from the work, where the Christian sees that it is God's purpose to cut the ties of life, and prepares calmly yet earnestly for the great change, there is then a grandeur and dignity encircling the sick room and the couch of wasting and death.  The great Dr. Young in his brilliant poem, the "Night Thoughts" has called "the death bed the detector of the heart."  If this be so there are the memories that cluster around the closing life of the Young Disciple of Christ, replete with all that is grateful and soothing.  The sting is extracted from death when that last enemy is met as He was by her whose decease we are now noticing.  In her experience the Christian graces show out the more brightly as flesh wasted - as exhaustion increased - as death grew near.  Though she was of nervous constitution of body, the hour of dissolution was shorn of its terrors.  While others wept, she was tranquil.  No distraction of thoughts, no filmy discernment, no unworthy fears, distressed her mind.  She had thrown her soul upon the bleeding cross of a pardoning Saviour and she felt safe, though with no undue confidence in ought that she could do in the task of Salvation.  Calmly and in frequent prayer and in the use of all prescribed ordinances she awaited the final hour.  It came and found her watching.  Sweetly she bade adieus to the loved that pressed around her.  With unbroken voice she spoke the farewell words.  It was a hallowed scene such as Heaven gazes at with joy.  It seemed as though the world of spirits was very near just then, as though the spiritualized imagination could catch the rustling of angel wings as they waited to bear the parting spirit to the bosom of celestial peace.  She has gone. The family circle is broken. The heart of youthful friendship is sad. The tear starts to the eye of loved companions as her name is breathed.  But the record is on high, and her rest is sweet.  Soon many of those among us who knew and loved her in life.   "Shall meet her on that peaceful shore, / Where parting words are heard no more."

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 7th inst., J. Randolph [Crain], son of Gen. Hendrick Crain, aged 18 years.

Died:  At King's Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], on Monday, the 3d inst., Charlotte [Buell], wife of Elijah Buell, in the 64th year of her age.

Died:  In Ellington, Chau. Co., on the 17th ult., Julia Emeline [Mead], wife of Orville L. Mead, and daughter of David P. Judson, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 32 years.

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], August 21st, Jane A. [Griswold], wife of Mathew C. Griswold, and daughter of Elbridge G. Owens, aged 16 years, 4 months.

Oxford Times, September 26, 1855

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. David Shattuck of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Harriet A. Nobles of Oxford.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., by Rev. H. Gee, Mr. Joseph Willson to Miss Eliza Ann Brushel, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst. by the Rev. B.S. Williams, Mr. Alburtis A. Adams of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Catharine A. Johnson of the former place.

Married:  In South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on 22d inst., by Geo. Balcom, Evangelist, Mr. Levi Seward to Miss Chloe Burtch.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mr. Lester Eccelston, aged 26 years.

Died:  in Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Mrs. Parmelia Nicholson, aged 67 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Jared Stiles, aged 16 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 27, 1855

Married:  At the Parsonage in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., by Rev. D.W. Thurston, Mr. Robert B. Crandall, to Miss Kezia Elizabeth Sayles.

Married:  Also, at the same time and place, by the same, Mr. William B. Crandall, and Miss Hannah M. Wood, all of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th of June, by Rev. E.L. Benedict, Mr. Asa Baldwin to Miss Harriet M. Park, all of the above place.

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. O. Starr, Mr. Lorin C. Edmunds of Exeter [Otsego Co., NY], to Miss Julia A. Backus of Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY].

Died:  In Triangle [Broome Co., NY], Sept. 14th, Daniel G. Saxton, aged 32 years 6 months and 20 days.

Died:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], after a lingering and painful illness, Charles Parker, aged 63 years.

Died:  Suddenly at the Hartford Retreat, in Hartford, Ct., on the morning of the 11th inst., Justus M. Masters, Esq., formerly of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Elisha B. Smith, Jr., only son of Hon. Elisha B. Smith, aged 1 year and 12 days.

Civil War Letter - July 1861

 Union News, Broome County, New York, July 18, 1861

Barracks Co. D, Camp Anderson, 27th Regt. N.Y.S. Vol., Washington, July 12, 1861

Mr. Editor:  In the first tier of Barracks facing Avenue K, between 18th and 19th streets, in one corner of a sixteen foot square shanty (of which our Company occupies even) with a board hung on hinges to swing open and admit the light and air, Blockhead stands up to a board, nailed under the air hole before named to write his first letter from the Capitol.   

The morning is a beautiful one, not a cloud or a breeze of wind to counteract the scorching rays of the sun.  Thermometer 97 degrees in the shade, but we don't appear to mind it much, everything is so exciting.

Col Jackson's 18th New York Regiment is not informed to what point they are ordered.  I suppose I must give you something of a description of our trip from Elmira.  Well, here it goes.

The morning of the tenth (the day we left) all were busy harnessing for the trip.  Not one half of them were able to get all the straps into position, and but few of them (I venture to say) even supposed the amount of load they had to travel under.  But they helped one another out of their difficulties, and immediately after dinner came out on dress parade then formed into companies and marched to the Depot through the principle streets and halted in the shade of the trees on Main street in front of the residences of Capt. Spauling, Messrs. Andrus and others. The ladies were on hand with pitchers of water to slake the thirst of the soldiers, who had been marching for three hours in the dust.  One man came near fainting, but had new life infused into his system by a good sized dose of the invigorating fluid known as brandy, furnished by Mrs. Capt. Spaulding. The Regiment was then marched by Companies to the Cars.  There were fifteen passenger and five freight Cars loaded with soldiers and two with the Officers horses and baggage, with two engines to draw the train. At five o'clock the iron horse began to start and we moved slowly off amid the cheers of the multitude, the waving of hats and handkerchiefs, and the incessant good byes of both soldiers and their friends who had come to see them off.  Our speed increasing, we soon left Elmira behind us.  Just out of Southport, the Jefferson Regiment had come out to the railroad ready to follow us as soon as sufficient cars could be brought down.  They gave us three deafening cheers as we passed.

We came near coming to a stand still on the steep grade below Troy.  However the engineer succeeded in drawing it up, although the boys thought they would have to get some rails to assist.  It commenced raining soon after we left Elmira and the boys in one of the freight care found a very leaky roof.  Some of them used [?] names rather too freely, but most of the fellows stood it as well as could be expected. As we dashed down the valley of the Lycoming Creek, we came suddenly upon the iron works.  'Twas a new thing for most of the boys (as was the railroad track up the mountain side almost perpendicular) for letting down cars of coal and iron oar (which is located on the top of the mountain) with ropes.  A  stationary engine on its top, being placed there for that purpose.

The valley of the Lycoming Creek is from ten rods to one fourth of a mile in width and the hill sides or rather mountains, so steep you cannot see the top without running your head out of the car window.  Near the Iron Works there was a couple of girls on a pile of [?] by the railroad waving their Bonnets and as I threw out my handkerchief one of them caught it out of my hand and threw it into the next car behind.  'Twas neatly done, and the boys cheered the act loud and long.

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Limestone is about the only rock for about [?] miles in the region and almost every farmer has something in the shape of a lime kiln of his own. There was one village on the road that had six or seven lime kilns. They were not however in operation.

We reached Baltimore about 3 o'clock, formed into line four deep and marched through the city about two miles to the Camden Station. We were saluted with hurrahs for Jeff Davis from the children, but the men preserved a sullen silence.  There were perhaps fifty small [?] flags stuck out of the windows.  Twas said ours was the first Regiment that had passed through the city, but what had been insulted with secession flags and other opposition demonstrations.  One old fellow (perhaps fifty years) said he hoped we would never live to come back through that city.  I thanked him and told him I did not think we could accommodate him.  It took us about half and hour to load into the cars again.

From the Pennsylvania and Maryland line all the way South, the railroad is strictly guarded.  Every half mile a strong guard is stationed and every passenger is closely examined.  There was a French Lady arrested yesterday.  She having papers secreted of a treasonable nature upon her person.  She is now in the hands of the guard.  There was not a mansion or hamlet but what the inmates waved their handkerchiefs, hats or bonnets as the case may be, with shouts for our success, until we reached Baltimore. There succession is kept down by force. There are encamped around about the city, about 5,000 soldiers and an efficient Police in the city of about 1,000 strong, which makes them come to terms.  They dare not make any demonstration. We left Baltimore at 5 and arrived in Washington at 10 o'clock, when after a march of two miles, we arrived at camp where we took up our quarter, stretched ourselves upon the floors of our wigwams, and made up lost time in sleep.  We were thirty hours on the road.

There is now a heavy firing in the direction of Alexandria.  There is warm work going on there. The boys are all in good spirits and impatient for action We have the best camp, it is said, in the city.  I will write again soon.  Send me a paper.  Write me at any rate.

Your's respectfully,  Blockhead

Vital Records - August 1855

 Oxford Times, August 1, 1855

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., by Rev. T. Callan, Mr. John Hogan to Miss Margaret Quinn.

Died:  In East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult., Mr. George Strait, aged 35 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on 22d ult., Mr. Hiram R. Smith, aged 32 years.

Died:  In South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, Mr. Ira Thomas, late of New York, aged 63 years.

Oxford Times, August 8, 1855

Flood at Guilford:  The dam at the outlet of Cable's Pond [i.e., Guilford Lake] above Fayette [i.e., Guilford], gave way on Sunday night, allowing the water of the pond to escape to the depth of five or six feet.  It swept the channel of the stream and structures near it, as far as Guilford Centre, devastating meadows, and crushing buildings.  Merchant's Foundry and Machine Shop, Dibble's Tannery, a Sawmill and several barns were destroyed, and the grist mill at Fayette undermined. The damage to buildings, water privileges, land and crops must be great. A bridge across the stream at Guilford Centre was carried away, and another badly damaged.

Died:  In Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. Mrs. Augusta Lockwood, wife of Rev. Wm. H. Lockwood, aged 32 years.

Burned to death at Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on Friday of last week, Euphemia [Crandall], daughter of Perry Crandall, was burned so severely by her clothes taking fire that she died in a few hours.

Oxford Times, August 15, 1855

We learn from the Utica Herald that a lad named William Edwards was so seriously injured on the Chenango Canal, one or two miles from that city on the 23rd [-?-] that he died within thirty-six hours.  He was driving a span of horses attached to a canal boat, when he received a severe blow in the abdomen from one end of the evener.  The deceased was in the employ of Mr. Smith of Binghamton, and said he came from Castleton, near Albany.  He had on his right arm near the elbow a harp marked with India ink and the word Erla and on the left the letters W.F. had a star.

Married:  At Union Springs, Cayuga Co., on the 8th inst., by Rev. E. Barber, Mr. Abraham Van Sickle to Miss Lucretia Hinckley, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 11th inst., Betsey M. [Bolles], wife of  Mr George W. Bolles, aged 26 years.

Died:  At the residence of her sister in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] (Mrs. John Backus) on 11th inst., Mrs. Mary Eavens, aged 69.

Oxford Times, August 22, 1855

Married:  At Canajoharie, on the 9th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Goodale, Isaac S. Newton, Esq., of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Jane Campbell of the former place.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mrs. Sally L. Merchant, wife of Mr. Orrin G. Merchant, aged 46 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mrs. Zina Aldrich, wife of Noah Aldrich, aged 67 years.

Death of a Revolutionary Soldier:  On Sunday last, Mr. John Smith, a resident of Milan [Dutchess Co. NY], died at the County House, in the 102d year of his age.  Mr. Smith was an active participant in the struggles of the Revolution, and served under the immediate command of Gen. Washington, in many well fought battles.  For many years he has been quite lame, and was obliged to use a crutch.  He enjoyed good health generally and was possessed of a powerful constitution. At times he was restless and uneasy, frequently wandering several miles from home; and for his salary, as well as to save the trouble of often "looking after him." his friends about three weeks since placed him in the County House, whence he has taken his final departure.  Poughkeepsie examiner.

Oxford Times, August 29, 1855

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Sherman S. Bartholomew to Miss Adelaide C. Smith, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., Mrs. Mary Ann Dodge, aged 71 years.

Died:  At Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday, Aug. 23d, Anna M. [Juliand], youngest daughter of Col. Joseph Juliand, aged 20 years and 5 days.

In Ellington, Chautauqua Co. on the 17th inst., Julia Emeline [Mead], wife of Orville L. Mead, and daughter of David P. Judson, of this town, aged 32 years.

In South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Charles G. [Jackson], only son of Merlin Jackson, aged 21 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Sarah P. [Darby] wife of Mr. Lucius T. Darby, aged 35 years.

In Wilmington, Will Co., Illinois, on the 8th int., of bilious diarrhea, Mr. Robert Gray, late of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], aged 64 years.

Civil War Letter from Henry Crocker - July 1861

 Union News, Broome Co., New York, August 1, 1861

Letter from Henry Crooker

Again in Camp Anderson, Tuesday afternoon July 28, 1861

Dear Father and Mother, Brothers and Sisters and all:  I again take a seat in the old barracks at Washington to say a few words to you which may be a little interesting, although it may not be very pleasing news in some respects.  You are undoubtedly aware by the letter I wrote you the morning I marched that we had been over in the enemy's country (Virginia) and also my march until I reached the regiment, which was last Friday morning, about three miles beyond the Fairfax Court House, which house you have heard of many a time.  We staid in said Camp until Sunday morning about 8 o'clock when our Brigade was ordered to march. We all fell in and marched about fourteen miles, when we heard reports from the enemy, we struck in double quick and marched on the same time into the battle field, which was at a place called Bull's Run, about two miles from the place where we struck into double quick, which makes our march that day sixteen miles, and more than that, our Company was stationed in the woods as picket guard Saturday night, being the night before we marched. Consequently we did not feel very rugged for marching Sunday morning, but we marched on, eating our breakfast and dinner on the march.  We arrived at the battle field about 1 o'clock. Our Regiment being the head one of our Brigade, we were the first Regiment in the field.

We fought about three hours, and by not having only about half of our troops there and the rebel troops were eighty thousand, which was as many again as we expected they had, and they being fortified in several batteries on different hills with large guns which they could, standing behind their batteries, throw their cannon balls and bomb shells at us from every direction, keeping themselves perfectly shielded from our shots, not withstanding that, and the immense majority of men they had, we balled several of their men and officers that ventured to stick out their heads, but how many we cannot tell.

Out of our company, including wounded and all, are sixteen missing, as we were obliged to retreat so sudden with the exception of one whom I picked up from beside the fence.  He was shot through the thigh and I fortunately saw our Quarter Master at a short distance and succeeded in hailing him and getting him into the wagon.  I left him to come with the Quarter Master, and ran on ahead to overtake the Company who were on the retreat, but they being so mixed up in the Regiment, that I did not overtake any of them until they got some six miles from the battle field, and then only about a dozen of our company, the rest being scattered.  There I fell in the ranks and marched on a short distance, the road then being through the woods, and we had not got more than half through when we heard that the cavalry and artillery were following us up.  We then struck into a double quick and retreated as fast as we could, which was not the fastest as we had such a hard march to get them along, besides all the fighting, which was an awful dangerous fight for us.  I tell you.  The men fell on every side of me, and the bomb shells, cannon balls &c whizzed over and around my head almost blowing my cap off, but some way or other I cannot tell why, I escaped them all.

Our Colonel was shot through the leg between the knee and thigh.  He was immediately picked up by a couple of our men and carried into the woods, and laid on a blanket in care of our Doctor, at the same time our Captain and First Lieutenant were wounded in the shoulder and our Ensign was shot dead on the spot, and we were so crowded we did not have time to even take his sword or revolver or pick up our wounded except one or two which we ran upon but were obliged to leave them by the side of the fence to be run through with the bayonet, as their barbarous hearts ran our wounded and prisoners.

I will now give you some account of my travel back.  At the alarm of the rebels chasing us, hundreds of our men were scattered in the woods, myself included in that company.  The rest of the men ran on in the road. Being overtaken in a hollow, they were obliged to unhitch their horses from their cannon and baggage wagons and leave them for the rebels.  The most of them that kept in the road marched on all night, all of them feeling ready to drop down.  But we that turned into the woods lay down on the ground and slept quite soundly after the rebels got through thundering by us.  I happened to lie down away from any of our men, and did not see one of our Regiment until I got to Washington about 1 o'clock this afternoon.  I arose about 3 o'clock in the morning and marched on through the woods about twelve miles before we dare come into the road.  I traveled through the rain all day.  I came out of the woods in company with a captain of one of the Maine Regiments and some others. We came out to a slaveholders house, the old boss was a widower and his slaves said he left for the woods to secrete himself about the day we marched.  We got the boss slave to hitch up his horses and carry us a piece and while he was getting his horses, the wenches got us some milk and corn bread, which went good I tell you, as we had not eaten anything but a dry cracker for the last forty eight hours.

I came within seven miles of here last night where one of the Maine Regiments were camped.  They occupied an old log house with a fire place at each end, where I dried myself and rested considerably. The place of the battle was about thirty-five miles from here.  Just before entering the battle field, I, like a great many others, threw off our canteens and haversacks, and in mine I had all my stationary and lost the whole, but after the fight I picked up one in the field.  A great many of the boys were so weary they threw away their guns and some other equipments while in Virginia. We suffered considerably from thirst.  Sunday afternoon we drank out of a brook with the horses.  I do not know when we shall attack them again, but not until we have reinforcement.  With my love to you all I close.

From Hank

Vital Records - June 1855

 Oxford Times, June 6, 1855

Shocking Accident:  On Monday afternoon as the new Bell of the Congregational Church in this village [Hamilton, Madison Co., NY] was being raised to its place in the tower, a shocking accident occurred which resulted in the death of Mr. S.M. Beckwith.  The circumstances attending the event were as follows:  Mr. B. was in the belfry superintending the hoisting of this bell, when the ropes becoming disarranged, he stepped out upon the bell, and rearranged them, and then stepped into the belfry.  The bell was then raised a few feet, when the ropes again became displaced and he went out a second time and placed them in order.  He then remarked that he would stand where he was, on the bell, and keep the ropes in their place.  The words were scarcely uttered before the ropes gave way, precipitating him along with the bell upon the steps of the church which were crushed by the blow.  He was taken home and died in a short time.  Hamilton Journal

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], April 29th, Mrs. Joanna Fitts, widow of Jonathan Fitts, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], in the 79th year of her age.  She was a native of new Hampshire, where in early life she united with the regular Baptist Church.  In 1807, she came to this county, where she became a member of a Church of the same faith and order, and maintained a consistent Christian course through life.  In her death her relatives and the Chruch have sustained a loss not easily repaired.

Died:  In Plover, Wisconsin, May 1st, 1855, with the consumption, Andrew Jackson Bunnel, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 26 years.

Oxford Times, June 13, 1855

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mr. Jesse Inman, aged 90 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., Mrs. Abigail Gazlay, relict of Aaron Gazlay, aged 76 years.

Oxford Times, June 20, 1855

Died:  In Davenport, Iowa, June 2d, 1855, Mrs. Mary A. Leonard, aged 35 years, wife of Mr. Alfred Leonard, and youngest daughter of Seth and Rebecca Stratton of Oxford [Chenango Co.., NY].

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th, Wm. Peter Sprague, aged 26 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th, Thomas Willcox, aged 76 years.

Bad Accident at Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY]:  A correspondent sends us the following account of a fearful accident which occurred in Edmeston on Sunday inst.  Two boys one aged 13 and the other 15 years, were drowned in the mill pond at South Edmeston, Sunday afternoon.  The former was the son of Lewis Shurr, named Walter [Shurr]; the elder, named Joseph [Howard], was the son of Dr. Lyman Howard, both of Columbus, Chenango County.  These boys with one other named James Shurr, a cousin of Walter, started with a small boat to sail on the mill pond. When in the center of the stream, the boat was taken down the stream, the water being very high, which prevented the boys from managing the boat.  they went over the dam and as they passed over it, they all jumped out into the stream.  Walter and Joseph were drowned; James the third one, saved himself by swimming ashore.  The body of Walter was found, but the other had not at last accounts.  Utica Herald.

Oxford Times, June 27, 1855

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., Mr. Frederick Hopkins, aged 87 years.

In a good old age, this "faithful soldier and servant of Christ unto his life's end," hath departed in peace, leaving his beloved family and his numerous friends to remember his virtues, to imitate his christen example and to mourn his loss, to them irreparable.  In 1814, when the Episcopal Church was first established in this village, he was elected Senior Warden and continued for many years faithfully to discharge the duties of the office.  For several years past his feeble health has not permitted him to engage in active duties, but his ardent devotion to the interests of the Chruch terminated only with his life.  He was a patriot of '76, and served his country in the Revolutionary war. Animated with the principals of liberty, he ever adhered to them with fidelity, and was always found supporting the best interests of our country.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mr. Sill Huntley, aged 75 years.

Died:  At Clifton, Staten Island, on the 5th inst., Mrs. Margaret Lawrence, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 74 years.

On Tuesday of last week, Stephen Lane, of Decatur, Otsego Co., while ploughing, got caught in the tug, and the horses taking fright, he was dragged the distance of a mile, and so badly injured that he died on the Friday following.  He was 18 years of age.

Civil War Letter - Battle near Manassas - July 1861

Union News, Broome County, New York, August 1, 1861

A Letter form L.H. Whittlesey 

Camp Anderson, Washington, D.C., July 23d, 1861

Mr. Benedict:  Probably ere this you have heard of the Battle near Manassas Gap and the result.  I was one of the participants and, although in the warmest of the fight, came off uninjured.  On the morning of the 21st (Sunday) our Regiment was ordered to march to some point not mentioned, and at 2 o'clock on that morning we joined Gen. McDowall's Division and started from our camp, seven miles West of Fairfax Court  House.  Our Regiment was the 4th in the division, and so we were in the first part of the column.  We marched until 10 o'clock passing through woods about seven miles in length, the distance being about 15 miles, when we heard a heavy and distinct firing to the south west.  Most of the Regiment was nearly "tuckered out" by the rapid march so that under any other circumstances, we could have gone no further; but as we were "aching" to engage in anything like a fight we pushed ahead at double quick, the distance remaining being about five miles. We came in sight of our batteries on the top of a hill in about an hour and were nearly the first on the battlefield, for such it seriously proved to be.  The enemy was stationed on the opposite hill side, concealed in thick heavy woods, with their batteries well protected on the top of the hill beyond them.  Our guns were already at work and theirs kept up a steady response.  Col. Slocum, our leader, conceived the idea of taking the enemy's batteries with his regiment, and accordingly the order was given to forward, and forward we went.

In the valley was a stone house and our Regiment filed to the right, no enemy as yet being seen.  As we advanced a steady fire was opened on us from the forest which we were unable to return.  Facing it as best we might we formed in battle order in front of the building.  While we were doing this a Regiment of the enemy marched into line directly opposite, and waved the American Flag.  One of the number then advanced to our lines, and informed Col. Slocum that the Regiment wished to surrender.  Our Adjatant seized a havelock and riding a short distance waved it in the air repeatedly.  The rebels answered by waving handkerchiefs, which they continued until the Adjatant was quite near them, when they opened a most destructive fire upon our front.  This took us by surprise and quite staggered us; but recovering under the order of the Col. we answered with a well directed volley from our old Harper's Ferry muskets, which caused considerable confusion in their ranks. The first volley from them brought Asa Park, our second lieut. to the ground, the ball passing through his heart.  I stood immediately by his side and was engaged in ramming down a bullet at the time.  He barely gasped, "Save me," and dropped to the ground.  I forgot everything then and calling for aid from one or two of our boys I succeeded in getting his body out of the reach of bullets.  I returned to the front for my musket, but could not find it, and so appropriated a dead comrade's who was killed while engaged in loading it.

I saw many brave fellows down on every side, some of whom were already dead and others nearly so.  I tell you, Mr. B., that was a moment I can never forget.  Friends, who acquaintances I had formed in my short life in camp, were dropping on every side.  Our party was considerably cut up, but still our Colonel was firm in his purpose.  With tears streaming down his cheeks he would cry out, "For God's and your Country's sake, men, if not for your own, take those batteries!"  Our men fought hard and bravely, cheered on by the zeal of the officers and earnestness of those who were wounded, and it was not until a large body of the rebels appeared close at hand that we were ordered to retreat.  We formed on top of the hill and missed many of our bravest men.  Just after the order was given to retreat, a Minnie ball struck our Colonel on the leg just below the thigh breaking the bone and disabling him from further service.

A number of other Regiments now came up and immediately marched to the place lately occupied by us.  Among these was the regiment of Fire Zouaves, lately commanded by the lamented Col. Ellsworth.  They marched directly in front of the batteries and fought desperately enough.  Two batteries were carried and more of our Regiments came up to their relief.  The Black Horse Cavalry, so noted in connection with the praise of Gov. Wise, charged upon their rear, carrying the American Flag. At first the Zouaves were deceived, but shortly after perceiving the deceit fired into them. The Cavalry was 200 strong and every saddle but six was emptied!  But the brave Zouaves suffered intensely.  The fire of the batteries raked them severely, men falling at every fire. The New York 71st and other Regiments soon after came to their relief.  There were eight or ten Regiments on the enemy's ground which were doing fearful exertion when a large detachment filed out from the woods in the rear of the enemy, where upon all the Federal troops retreated but a Regiment of regulars who dared not about. They would fall back into the woods and load their pieces and then rally out, [-?-] and dropped a score of men at every fire.  Battle continued until 8 o'clock when the army was ordered to retreat which they did.  We marched all night and until 10 o'clock a.m. the day following, when we reached Washington Heights.  The distance was 45 miles, making in all 65 miles steady march and a fight of six hours  We did not sleep a wink for 60 hours and we felt considerably used up.

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was in the rear of his men and that he received a severe wound in the leg.

Out loss was about 700 killed and 1500 wounded.  The loss of the enemy was as large, perhaps larger.  I can attach blame to nobody.  Our men all acted like heroes and retreated from strength of force.  there are 20 missing from our Company and others in the Regiment suffered as severely.

William Sampson, son of T.E. Sampson of Binghamton has not yet turned up.  He was wounded on the field and was probably afterwards butchered by the cavalry of the enemy who killed every surviving man left on the field. Corporal Fairchild, Corporal Spencer and others are among the missing.

Sergeant Comstock was set upon by four cavalry men, when he shot the one nearest him, a second caught him by the hair of his head and threw him over the saddle bow.  He soon after came in sight of friends, and shouted to draw their attention, when the captor dropped him and fled.  Others of our company met with narrow escapes, but I will not stop to write them here. Everybody engaged in the battle says it was the fiercest and most terrible of any ever fought.  I tell you to see the cannon balls and shells flying in every direction and hear the whizzing of the bullets as they passed close to your head, created no very pleasant emotion. you can form no correct opinion of the affair.

We were kindly treated by the ladies of this place, upon our arrival.  I was treated to a good substantial dinner by the family of a Mrs. Leake. I shall always remember them with the highest feelings of respect.

An attack is partially anticipated on Alexandria. The 23d (Southern Tier) crossed over Long Bridge to that place this morning.

Many of our officers may resign.  If they do, the Regiment will probably be disbanded, but if they don't, we will "recruit" to fill up.  I will come to Union if I can.

Give my respects to all inquiring friends, and tell them I shall be happy to hear from them at any time.

Before long I shall write again.  "Blockhead" sends his compliments this week.  Both he, Asa Howard and Charles VanDusen are "alive and kicking," though considerably used up.

Yours, L.H.W.

Vital Records - May 1855

 Oxford Times, May 2, 1855

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult., by Rev. H.W. Gilbert, Mr. Wm. Robinson, to Miss Hannah A. Beebe, all of Greene.

Died:  At the residence of her uncle, Elias Pierpont, Esq., New Haven, Ct on the 18th of April, Miss Harriet Ann [Pierpont], daughter of M.S. Pierpont, of Oxford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], in the 27th year of her age.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., Mr. Julius Hinman aged 29 years.

Oxford Times, May 9, 1855

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., by Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. James Hyde Stowell of Elmira [Chemung Co., NY], to Mary [Thurber], daughter of Mr. C.P. Thurber, of this village.

Died:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th March, of dropsy on the heart, Mary Ann [Oyanterbanks], wife of Aaron Oyahterbanks, and daughter of Geo. W. Eccleston of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], aged 35 years.

Oxford Times, May 16, 1855

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mr. John W. Sutliff to Miss Lydia Ann Teachout, by Geo. Balcom, Evangelist.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mr. Peree Walsworth, aged 75 years.

Oxford Times, May 23, 1855

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by the Rev. J.B. Hoyt.  Mr. Russel D. Newton, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Harriet M. Birge of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Dr. Edward York, aged 56 years.

Died:  In this village [Oxford Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mr. Silas Seely aged 58 years.

Oxford Times, May 30, 1855

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst., by Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. C.F. T. Locke, to Mrs. Eliza A. Willcox, both of Oxford.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. Jacob Rheinwald to Miss Mary Walker, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Prescott (Canada West) on the 12th inst., Mr. Peleg H. Smith, late of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elizabeth Sanderson of the former place.

Died:  in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Miss Ann D. Williams, aged 25 years.

Civil War Letter from Washington DC, July 1861

 The Union News, Broome County, NY, August 8, 1861

Washington, July 23d 1861

Friend Benedict:  I am writing to you today from the District Committee's Room in the Senate wing of the Capitol, after one of the fiercest battles and most disastrous defeats ever known to the armies of the General Government.  Although our Regiment has not even an honorable mention in the papers this morning, yet 'twas the first in the field, holding it for an hour and a half without any support, and was utterly cut to pieces before the remnant retreated, which we did when our Col. fell. But I will give you the things as they occurred, and you many judge for yourself whether we deserve any praise or not for our conduct.

Well, to commence where I left off when last I wrote, the 20th.  that night our company (Capt. Rodgers) was drafted for picket guard.  When about midnight we were called in, the Colonel having received orders to march on Manassas Junction.  In about an hour we were on the road.  Two and one half miles brought us to a town called Centerville, which was already in the hands of our troops.  After passing Centerville one and one-half miles perhaps, we took a road leading to the right, and passed through one of the Southern oak forests, about eight miles in width, when we came to an opening, where, on the distant hillside, we saw a line of secession troops, upon which our Cavalry gave chase, but did not go far, for the enemy's batteries of rifled cannon opened upon them, when they retired to a cover of woods on the left. The main body of the enemy were stationed on a ridge of land about two miles from where the advance met, separated by a small stream known as Run.  Our Regiment (the 27th) was then ordered to advance, which did so on a double quick for two miles; we were all out of breath, and the cannon shots were tearing away at a great rate; my hat was shot off the first thing.  Then the Captain ordered us to throw off our haversacks and blankets and many of them did their coats, when we charged on them down the hillside, and drove them to the other side of the stream.  Our lines were broken in climbing a fence, and it took the officers some minutes to rally and get them into order amid such an incessant firing from the hill opposite.  Numbers of the boys were shot down here.  Our ranks were soon formed and our noble Colonel shouted "Come on boys, let us silence that battery, come strike for your country and your God."  We hastened to obey, when about 3,000 rebels issued from the woods from the left, and we had to turn our attention to them. We did not know at first whether they were enemies or not as they had a small Union flag with which to decoy us, and they succeeded pretty well, as their uniforms are nearly the same as the Washington Greys of New York.  One of their men came over to us and proposed to surrender, as they had concealed their guns.  Our Col. ordered the Adjutant to ride over with a white signal.  He waved his handkerchief and rode within five rods of them, when half a dozen fired upon him, but he, by a dexterous move to one side of his horse, avoided the shots, which went over him.  At that, one of our men ran his bayonet through the rebel who came with proposals of surrender; they then fired a volley without much effect, which we returned and run up the hill, although they were two to one of us.  While this was going on, a strong detachment of rebels, 1,500 strong, commenced firing upon us from a ravine to the right, and they were so effectually covered by the trees and bank, that we could not return it with much effect.  they thinned out our ranks terribly, and after we had lost nearly one-half of our men, the Colonel, for the safety of the rest, ordered a retreat back to the top of the hill.  I was the last but one to leave the ground,  and the rebels advancing shot and run their bayonets through our wounded.  'Twas more than I could bear; there were two muskets loaded (with their owners dead beside them) which I seized, and at a distance of six rods, coolly shot two of the foremost as they proceed in their damnable work.  Can God grant success to such diabolical acts against his attributes of mercy?

One instance in particular came under my observation, which shows their hearts; Two men of the 69th Reg. took a prisoner.  One of the boys were wounded as well as the prisoner severely. The rebel asked for some water and the sound man of the 69th gave him the last drink of water in his canteen; he happened to turn around when the rebel drew a knife and stabbed the wounded soldier in the back, which killed him on the spot. when the other saw what had been done, he ran him through with his bayonet.

As we reached the top of the hill, our Colonel was shot; two men and myself carried him into the woods and called medical aid; then we immediately formed with our fearless major to lead us, but just at this time two more Regiments came to our relief. We were ready to sink with fatigue (what there was left of us), but the boys (many of them who could hardly crawl) were calling on their officers to lead them on.  But our wounded Colonel gave orders for us to retire immediately, saying we had done our part for the present and we should not go and be cut to ribbons without he was with us.  We accordingly retired [and continued] fighting for two hours before any more force was brought to relieve us.  In the course of the afternoon, fifteen Regiments took part in the engagement.  The enemy were three times driven from their batteries and as often retaken.  Our troops fought like tigers, but who could hope for success?  I could not when I saw that they not only understood their business, but had at least three to one in the engagement, together with a larger reserve than our whole force.  By some mistake, McDowell, the Gen. of our Division, commenced one day too soon, and the Divisions of Patterson and McLeland did not arrive in time to engage in the fray.  Beauregard commanded the right of the rebel force; Pres't. Jeff Davis arrived at noon and took command of the center in person.  The name of the commander on the left of their line, I could not learn.  Their whole force could not vary much from 90,000 men after Johnson arrived with his reinforcements.  What could our little Division do, only between 14,000 and 16,000 with such an army and strongly entrenched at that?  At about seven o'clock, nearly every man's ammunition was spent, and also, all the shot and shell were disposed of, and 'twere worse than suicide to think of staying on the ground.  Major Bartlett drew the remnant of our regiment up into line on the top of the rise of ground opposite the enemy's works, twice (to make a show of fight to scare the advance of the enemy back) after we had not one load to put in our guns, that we might cover our retreat.  We all left the ground in middling order considering the magnitude of the movement.  After Marching about eight miles on our retreat, the rebel cavalry fell upon our rear, and a bridge broke through and stopped their passage.  They captured six of the guns of the Rhode Island Artillery and lost a few men.  At Centerville, the troops stationed there formed into line and protected our retreat.  After leaving Centerville we were not attacked, although we expected it every moment.  We reached Washington at 8 o'clock yesterday morning, more dead than alive, having marched from our camp at Fairfax to the battle field, 14 miles, fought half a day like tigers, and made a forced retreat to Washington just 40 miles from the field of strife and going forty hours with nothing to eat--you can imagine what sort to men we are today.  Howard of Maine, Whittlesey and VanDuse of Union came out of the field uninjured.  They are lucky men.  The sun is setting and I can write no longer now; but more anon.

Yours respectfully,  Blockhead.

Vital Records, April 1855

 Oxford Times, April 4, 1855

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. William C. Tyrrell of Oxford, to Miss Abigail E. Furguson of Penn Yan [Yates Co. NY].

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], March 24th by Chas. Pearsoll, Esq., Mr. Luther L. Olmstead to Miss Sophia H. Whittney.

Married:  By the same, at the same time and place, Mr. Dolphus Whitney to Miss Lurancy A. Crandall, all of Triangle, Broome Co.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. of consumption, Mr. Theodore S. Packer, aged 20 years.

Oxford Times, April 11, 1855

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by E.B. Dimmick, Esq., Mr. Eldridge Elliot to Miss Josephine M. Belden, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, April 18, 1855

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. Thomas Applegate, John Crumb, Esq., to Miss Kate Carry, both of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

As sure as fate, / We learn that Kate / At last has got a Crumb; / And John and you, / Although Crumbs two, / Twain flesh, are "some."

Oxford Times, April 25, 1855

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Mrs. Elizabeth Cooke, aged 80 years.

Died:  In Bloomingdale, N.Y. [Essex Co.], on the 18th inst., Mr. Edward A. Roome, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], aged 53 years.

Died:  In Greene, Chenango Co., N.Y., on Sunday morning, the 15th inst., Mrs. Emily T. [Hodge], wife of Mr. Hial Hodge, aged 24 years.  Startling and sudden was the severance of the cords of life which these words indicate.  A bereaved husband is desolate under the pressure of an overwhelming sorrow.  No warning token was given that death was near until within a brief season ere he claimed her for his own.  Seldom is the sanctuary of home entered by the great Destroyer, where the parting has been more keen and bitter.  With a kind and devoted husband, surrounded by the means of earthly comfort and enjoyment, looking forward with hope to a sunny future, she has suddenly gone and left her companion, deeply sad and disconsolate. The deceased was of a happy and cheerful disposition, beloved by a wide circle of relatives and friends, and these gathered largely at the funeral rites to testify their sympathy and sorrow.  Her remains were deposited at East Greene, followed to their resting place by a long sad train.  "No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous, nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them that are exercised thereby."

Died:  At South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Nelson Otto [Potter], son of German and Mary L. Potter, aged 2 years and 3 months.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on 26th March, Joel T. Hatch, Esq., aged 91 years.

Civil War Letter from Alexandria Va. September 1861

 The Union News, Broome Co., NY, September 12, 1861

Camp Ellsworth, Alexandria, Va. Sept. 1st, 1861

Friend B.:  I have again sit (or rather laid down), to try and furnish something interesting, but there is at present such a dearth of news, I don't know but I shall fail in the undertaking.  There has not been anything going on in or about camp worthy of note.  Our daily routine of duties are about the same.  I don't know much about army movement and am not at liberty to tell what I do know at present.  It is a notorious fact, however, the rebels are slowly advancing all along the line of the Potomac, and that within two miles of our advance pickets there is a barricade or rather fortifications nearly a mile in length, and our pickets are every day having something to report that shows that they are getting more daring and collisions more frequent.

I see you have published a letter from Sergeant Milton Cafferty, describing an adventure of the Company to which he belongs, and I need not refer to it.  'Twas an incident in which he has won for himself unqualified praise as an officer.  Union may feel proud that she has as good a soldier in the field to represent her.  There was another brush, in which there were more engaged yesterday, at Ball's Corners, 'twas quite a spirited little fight in open field.  There were ten of our side killed and as many wounded, while of the rebels, sixteen were compelled to bite the dust, twice that number wounded, and several taken prisoners. As near as I can learn, (and my source of information is in part derived from Southern papers, which I get hold of when out on scouting expeditions) the rebels  are concentrating all their available force now in Virginia, and some of their organs place the number of their troops at 800,000 men already in the State (although I don't believe there are more than half that) and their object is to take Washington, if possible immediately, a little job I don't think they are able to do, even with the force they claim to have. There is some fight in us yet, and we are anxious to show it out.  If they don't think it practicable to attack Washington, they say they are going to try a tour in Pennsylvania, and appropriate Philadelphia, with all its loose change to their own use.  The saying and doing of all this are two very distinct items, and 'tis much easier to do the first than the last.

A party of pickets yesterday, in examining a building where 'twas said that arms and military stores were secreted, found instead a dozen barrels of whiskey (perhaps that will go under the head of fire-arms) and one of the Captains procured a wagon and brought half a dozen barrels in camp ('twas one of the 18th Reg. Captains) and the rest was thrown out to prevent the men from filling their canteens, and as a necessary result, getting drunk, a precaution not at all in harmony with the ideas of most the men.

I see from various sources, that the North are complaining that we are too slow.  Now, the truth is, that every day we lay still we are gaining slowly a victory.  'Tis in this wise:  The rebel army are now in a very unhealthy state.  Measles and small pox are raging, and the almost unbearable stench from the battlefield (where hundreds of horses were killed as well as some men) that were suffered to decompose on the surface, poisoning the air for miles around, which the East wind (and it blows that way most of the time) sends direct into Manassas, their stronghold.  This in connection with other causes is decreasing their number every day by hundreds, while our army's health was never better.  Most that were in the hospitals sick are now convalescent and have gone in the country, near Annapolis, to enjoy the fresh air, and most will soon be in health again. There  a couple of cannon has been fired from the Fort and the camp is all excitement.  If there is anything on hand, I'll drop you a line.  In the meantime, I'll remain as ever a Blockhead.

Vital Records, March 1855

 Oxford Times, March 7, 1855

Married:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], Feb. 7th, by the Rev. Mr. Lee, Mr. Elixur Anderson of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Welthy A. Hough of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, March 14, 1855

Col. Amasa Parker, a prominent lawyer and for the last 20 years the senior member of the Delaware County bar in practice, died suddenly at his residence in Delhi [Delaware Co., NY] on the 1st instant, at the ripe age of 70.  Col. Parker had been in the continual practice of his profession in Delhi for a period of over forty years and notwithstanding his age, death found him still at his post, with apparent physical and mental health.  Col. Parker was for some years the partner in business with Samuel Sherwood up to the time of the latter's removal to New York, and afterwards with his nephew, Hon. Amasa J. Parker, now of the supreme Court bench.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th, by Rev. J.C. Ransom Mr. Henry A. Robinson to Miss Martha M. Gardner, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Augustus Hamilton to Miss Lavina Porter, both of Oxford.

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], March 11th, by Rev. George Balcom, Mr. Benjamin Pierce, late of Conn. to Miss Nancy Elizabeth Hinman, of Coventry.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Harriet [Coville], wife of Mr. Joseph A. Coville, aged 30 years.

Oxford Times,  March 21, 1855

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on 14th inst., by the Rev. W. Bixby, Mr. Edwin Hill of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Cornelia H. Park of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 9th, by the Rev. W. Jerome, Rev. D. Potter of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Susan Burlingame of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 18th, by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Albert A. Hough to Miss Marilla B. Ashcraft, both of Preston.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Mr. William Curtis, aged 65 years.

Died:  In West Aurora, Illinois, on 1st inst., Mary Eliza [Tinker], wife of Mr. Gilbert Tinker, formerly of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], aged 28 years.

Oxford Times, March 28, 1855

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], on the 18th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Thomas J. Coughlan to Miss Margaret L. Horan of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At the Baptist church, in this village, on the 25th inst., by the Rev. Nath'l Ripley, Mr. James O. Dodge, to Miss Elizabeth A. Royce, both of Oxford.

Married:  At New Berlin Center [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Geo. W. Summer, Esq., Mr. John Smith of Burlington [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Fanny S. Read, of the former place.

Died:  In this village on the 25th, Mrs. Agnes M. Newkirk, aged 70 years.

Civil War Letter from Milton C. Cafferty - August 1861

 The Union News, Broome County, New York, August 22, 1861

We have been present the following private letter, written by our old townsman Milton C. Cafferty, to an Uncle in this village, giving a description of a skirmish he had with the rebels near Alexandria.  Our friend, Milton, enlisted in Capt. Boyd's Company of Cavalry, at Williamsport, Pa. where he holds the office of Sergeant.  He is bold and daring, and will do good service for his country.  He is the right man in the right place.

Alexandria, Aug. 19th, 1861

My Dear Uncle:  As I am excused from duty today, I thought I would spend a few moments writing to you, and inform you about a skirmish we had yesterday, Sunday.  We were ordered out as a scouting party, to go to certain cross roads and a certain church to capture a party of twenty-seven rebels that was pillaging the Union people in that vicinity.

In all scouting parties, they always send out an advance guard about a mile ahead.  Our guard espied them first, then came back and reported what they had seen.  We rode on until within half a mile of the church and then we marched on double quick time until we came up within speaking distance and came to a halt.  The rebel Capt. shouted "who are you."  Our Capt. says, "come and see."  Then we saw them preparing to charge us, but we being the quickest, we charged and fired first.  There were twenty of them or more.  After they fired they commenced to retreat and we after them.  Part of them went one way and part another and our column divided also.  We pursued them within two miles of Fairfax Court House, but their horses were fresh and out run us, we had rode ours up and down hills on double quick time, but we came so near them that we saw their camps very plain and we made up our minds we had better stop.  The Capt. and First lieutenant went one road, and I with the other took another road, the Capt. having two thirds of the men with him.  When we got back to the cross roads and all together and the roll called we found two men missing and one killed.  We killed three of them and wounded two and we got two horses.  I brought them with me parts and never was a man more loudly cheered than I was when we came in.  The Captain complimented us for pursuing them as were were not ordered any further than where we had the engagement, as we were outside of our pickets four miles.  We brought back all our horses and the body of the man that was killed.  The two missing men have not come in yet and perhaps never will. They both got throwed from their horses in the fight and I saw them after and asked them if they were hurt, but could not hear what they said, but saw them walking towards the woods.  Their horses kept in rank, so we have not much to brag of except driving them to their camps and getting two horses.  We had five of our horses shot, but none of them seriously wounded as to kill them we think.  I tell you it was quick work for about five minutes, the bullets whistling [about].  

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All the camps here are from New York.  There are some of the -?- here from Union.  I saw Charles Van -?-, a Crocker from Vestal and Major Bartlett is camped about one hundred rods from us.  I am the only York state man in our company but I have a comrade and we stick together like brothers.  He is second sergeant and Capt. B.?.'s son.  It is quite necessary that each man should have a comrade as if anything happens to one and not the other he will have some one to look after him.  The Capt. shows no more respect to his son than to me.  No more now.

Yours &c.  Sergeant Milton Cafferty

Vital Records - February 1855

 Oxford Times, February 7, 1855

Married:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Prof. Gallup, Mr. Murray Hall of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Clarissa T. Haight, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Permelia [Ashcraft], wife of Mr. Peleg Ashcraft, and daughter of Wade and Mary Hough, aged 35 years.

Oxford Times, February 14, 1855

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by the Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Cyrus M. Dow of Sherburne, to Mrs. Susan D. King, of this village.

Married:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], Jan. 17, by Eld. E. Baldwin, Mr. James Albert Porter of Morris [Otsego Co., NY], to Miss Mary Jane Curtis of the former place.

Married:  Jan. 31, at the same place, by the same, Mr. James Henry Hunt, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Frances Amelia Thompson of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].

Married:  Also, at the same time and place by the same, Mr. Henry S. Hodges of Dunkirk [Chautauqua Co. NY], to Miss Amanda C. Thompson, of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].

Married:  Feb. 8th, at the same place by the same, Mr. George G. Lee to Miss Harriet Baldwin (daughter of the officiating clergyman) all of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].

Married:  In Owego [Tioga Co. NY], by Rev. Geo. P. Porter, Mr. William D. Badger, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY]\, to Miss Harriet T. Sprague, of Schenectady [Schenectady Co. NY]. 

Oxford Times, February 21, 1855

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. John C. Loker to Miss Wald...(?) Koonnel(?), both of this village.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., by Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. Amos Miner to Miss Emely T. Graves, both of Preston.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th, by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Seeley Merriam to Miss Aurela E. Cole, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Milwaukee, Wis., Nov. 2d, by Rev. P.S. Bennett, Mr. John B. Judson, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Col., NY] to Miss Hetty Fairbanks.

Married:  By Rev. C.S. Brown, Jan. 14th, Mr. Albert Hyde to Miss Sarah Pratt, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  By the same, Feb. 5th, Mr. Milo S. Davis(?) to Miss Anna Eliza Johnston, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:   By the same, Feb. 14th, Mr. Theron Reed of Nineveh [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Juliett Beardsley of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th inst., Mr. Joel Winston, aged 84(?) years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th, Mr. Joseph Dimmick, aged 81 years.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 6th inst., Mr. Jonathan Leach, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Providence, Pa., on the 7th inst., of consumption, Mary Randall, wife of D.R. Randell, formerly of this county, aged 35 years.

Oxford Times, February 28, 1855

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st, by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Delauzon D. Shepard to Miss Christianna O. Dodge, both of Oxford.

Died:  At Whitney's Point, Broome co. on 13th, Harriet T. [Badger] wife of Wm. D. Badger of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Troy [Rensselaer Co NY], on the 20th inst., after a short illness, Almeda [Cole], wife of Mr. Spencer Cole, aged 35 years.