Civil War Letter from Capt. Lawrence Mersereau - September 1861

 Union News, Broome County, New York, October 10, 1861

Headquarters, 43d Regt. Co. H. Camp Union, Sept. 1861

Capt. Lawrence Mersereau--Respected father:  I suspect you will be astonished to learn from this letter that I am at the seat of war.  You will see from the top of paper following that I had very short notice of my departure from New York.  

State of New York, Dept. of Volunteers, New York, Sept. 10, 1861

Special Orders No.   210:  Special Orders No. 208 are hereby modified by designating John C. Mersereau as First Lieutenant of Company H in place of Francis Turner, rendered.  [portion unreadable]  By order of Charles Yates, Brig Gen Commanding N.Y. Depot, Thomas Hillock, A.D.C.

Well, father, I received this order on the 19th, 5 p.m., with orders to go forthwith to camp at "Ricker's Island," 14 miles out of New York, and report on Mon. at N.Y. the next day ready for marching to Washington by 6 p.m., train the 20th inst.,  So you see father, I had not time to spare.  I immediately ordered a steamboat and started for the camp, and arrived in N.Y. too late for 20th, but got off at 5 a.m. on the 21st and arrived in Washington on Sunday morning following and went into camp at "Meridian Hill," two miles West of Washington and remained there until Friday last at 2 o'clock p.m. when we received special orders to move into Virginia in company with six Regiments and have our tents all loaded &C, &C. and be ready to march at 5 a.m. which I can assure you was done all in time. We had 6,000 men and 120 luggage wagons, all on a move for the celebrated "Chain Bridge," and reached it at 6-1/2 p.m., and crossed into Virginia and encamped as above. 

Here we are in sight of the enemy, with the pickets within fifty yards of our lines.  Half of our Regiment was ordered out on skirmish duty yesterday afternoon and had a quiet little skirmish and took three "prisoners;"  we lost no men.  One of the other Regiments lost five men, the Cavalry lost four and two wounded and two horses shot.  We are all ordered out tomorrow morning with 20 rounds of cartridges. We are all going to bed tonight with our guns in our hands. We are expecting a big fight and probably a great slaughter on both sides.  There is 30,000 U.S. troops in sight of us now in camp.  Here it looks like a city in the evening.  The hills of Virginia are nothing but one continued camp of U.S. Troops.  Father, I never saw such a sight in the world.  It certainly is astonishing to know where they all come from, to see them in lots of 1,000 and tens of thousands from every State North and they all hail us as brothers in one common cause of "Liberty" or "death," which I can assure you is "the password." It is liberty or Death, and there is no such word as fail with such men to fight as the North have sent.  And with the cause of liberty and resources as endless as the U.S. Purse, there is no such thing as a failure.  No father, I have more confidence today in the success of the U.S. cause than ever,  and father, there will be no more Bull Run fights.  I must bid you good-by and God-bless you.  If I live, I will write you again.  Give my love to all inquiring friends.

J.S. Mersereau, Lieut. Co. H. 138 Regt N.Y.S.V.

Answer from Lawrence Mersereau

Union, Oct. 2d, 1861

My Dear Son:  I have just received your letter dated Camp Vinton, somewhat surprised to learn that you had entered the army, but I can't say that I regret that you have done so.  Since the Government has been assailed by armed traitors, it must be sustained at every cost.  I hope and expect that as you have entered the service, you will remember what our family suffered to establish this Government and imitate that example of your Grandfather in the struggle of the Revolution.  I am happy to learn that you have a spot of honor, as well as responsibility, and that you seem to feel the responsibility of your position.

The friends here are all well, and will feel an interest in your safety there.  Write as often as you can.

I will write more next time, as I am now in a hurry,

Your father, L. Mersereau.

Vital Records - March 1856

 Oxford Times, March 5, 1856

Bernard Casey for many years a resident of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], was buried at the Catholic cemetery in this village last week.  He had attained the extraordinary age of 104 years. and retained his faculties and bodily vigor down to his last illness.  At the fall election he attended the polls and voted the Republican ticket.  His eye sight continued good, so as to enable him to read without glasses.  He was born in the "Emerald Isle," but had adopted this country as his home many years since, and reared a numerous family, who are respectable citizens of several states of the Union.  

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. W. Bixby, Mr. Elias K. Fosgate to Miss Mary M. Fletcher of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. John E. Lewis to Miss Lucy E. Calvert both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on Friday morning, Feb. 29th, Willie B. [Washburn], infant son of J.Y. and Sarah A. Washburn, aged 10 months.  "folded then his hands of whiteness / O'er the marble lifeless breast, / While sweet strains from harps of brightness / Welcomed him to heavenly rest; / And the eyes of blue were closing / O'er the cheek where death damps fell, / While in dreamless sleep reposing / Was the child we loved so well."

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Philinda L. [Bowers], daughter of Perry Bowers, aged 2 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 6, 1856

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on Monday morning, the 25th last, by Rev. E.D. Thurston, Mr. Albert Stedman, to Miss Corinthia B. Beedle(?) all of this village.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., by The Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Charles B. Waters to Miss Janette M. Lyons, both of North Norwich.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. by the Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Arvin C. Walsworth, to Miss Jane R. Kelsey, both of Preston.

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] on the 26th ult., by the Rev. W. Bixby, Mr. Elias R. Fosgate of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary M. Fletcher of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. David Thomas to Miss Margaret Ramsey, both of the above place.

Married:  In Millville, Wisconsin, by the Rev. A. McWright, Mr. Ira Phillips of New Berlin, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Octavia Wightman, of Columbus, N.Y. [Chenango Co.]

Married:  At Sheboygan City, Wis., Feb. 10th, by Rev. C.W. Camp, Mr. J.H. Goodrich, junior editor of the Sterling (Ill.) Times to Miss Hattie S. Norwood of Sheboygan Falls.

Died:  At the residence of his son, in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Bernard Casey, in his 104th years.  Mr. Casey emigrated to this County, in 1828, and since that time his deportment has been such that he was not only a credit to the land of his birth, but also won the affections of a large circle of friends and acquaintances, and edified all who knew him.  Mr. Casey retained all his mental faculties to the last moment. At this own request he was brought from home, a distance of two miles, and voted at the last election.  Up to the week before his death he was able to read the finest print.  As he perceived his final dissolution approaching he resigned himself to the will of God, and enjoying such consolation that it really appeared as if he was experiencing a foretaste of heaven.  He died apparently without the least pain.  Smithville, March, 1856.

Died:  At New Hudson, Oaklin Co., Mich., of Consumption, on the 22d ult., Smith Clark, formerly of Yates Co., N.Y. aged 79 years.

Died:  In New York City, on Monday, Feb. 25th, of scarlet fever, Charles Augustus [Frost], the only son of Charles L. and Caroline A. Frost, aged 7 years and 7 months.  Jesus said--"Suffer little children to come unto me."

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 0th ult., Charles [Lewis] infant son of Jason  and Frances A. Lewis, aged 10 months.

In Kings Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mrs. C.R. Townsend, wife of Rev. Robert Townsend, aged 81 years.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mrs. Abigal Tower, aged 81 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 13, 1856

Married:  At Cincinnatus, Cortland Co., [NY] on the morning of the 10th inst., by Rev. Mr. Lee, Mr. B.B. Porter of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Electa A. Kellogg of the former place.

Married:  At Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 26th ult. by the Rev. S.C. Ainsworth, Mr. James A. Land, of Atlas, Genesee Co., Michigan, to Miss Ira C. Land of the former place.  

Died:  In the town of Barker [Broome Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Miss Phebe C. Kinyon, daughter of Nathaniel Kinyon, aged 16 years and 6 months.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Nathan Eaton, aged 40 years.

Died:  In Sherburne, on the 10th inst., of typhoid fever, Elijah C. [Holmes], eldest son of Frederick N. and Betsey A. Holmes, aged 15 years.

Oxford Times, March 19, 1856

Married:  in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Joseph A. Hopkins of White Rock, Ill., to Miss Sarah Jane Curtis of Oxford.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 20, 1856

Married:  In Camden [Oneida Co., NY], on the 5th isn.t, by the Rev. J.L. Harrison, Mr. S.M. Tinkman, of Taunton, Mass. to Miss Margaret E. Bright, daughter of the late George Bright, of Hamilton, Madison County.

Died:  In Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], on the 18th inst., of consumption Jedediah Randall son of Dec. Charles Randall, aged 26 years.

Died:  in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 13th inst. of consumption, Mary E. Babcock, daughter of the late Gardner Babcock, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], aged 36 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Isaac Boyer, aged 87 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. of pulmonary consumption, William T. Brown, in the 45th year of his age.

Died:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Andrew Baker, formerly of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], aged 56 years.

Oxford Times, March 26, 1856

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th, Mr. Jeremiah White, aged 57 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st(?), Mrs. Ruth Ostrom, aged 90(?) years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Elizabeth Parker, daughter of Joel Parker Esq., aged 17years., 

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 27, 1856

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of the 26th(?) inst., by Jeremiah Tillitson, Esq., Mr. John Burgess to Miss Abigail Atwater, all of this town.

Married:  At the Baptist Parsonage in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. by the Rev. L. Wright, Mr.  Andrew Young of Norwich to Miss Elizabeth Mon...r of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At the Chenango Hotel in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. by the same, Mr. Levi Toby, of Davenport, Delaware Co [NY] to Miss D[-?-] Adelia Light of Morris Otsego Co. [NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] on the (?) inst., by Rev. R. Queal, Mr. (?) Reynolds to Miss Janette Davidson, all of the above place.

Married:  Also on the 20th inst. by the same, Mr. Henry M. Swan to Miss Ph--- Ames, all of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the (?) inst., Mrs. Rebecca Decker, aged 89 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 18th inst. Sarah [Wentworth], wife of Gideon Wentworth, aged 88 years.

Died:  In New York city, on the 1-th inst. Charles H., eldest son of S.S. (?), Esq., formerly of Norwich, aged 21 years and 6 months.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. Sanford Greene, aged 55(?) years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] on the 15th inst., Amy D. [Shaw], wife of Daniel Shaw, aged 35(?) years.

Died:  In Dayton, Illinois, on the 3d ult., Martha [Beebe], wife of J.A. Beebe Esq.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. of consumption, Mary [Reynolds], wife of Timothy Reynolds, aged 68 years. 

Oxford Times, March 19, 1856

Murder in Nelson, Madison Co. [NY]:  A Mr. Buck was murdered at his residence in Nelson, Friday night and was found on Saturday morning in his barn yard.  He was awfully mangled by some person with an axe.  The axe was found near him.  He had a difficulty with his hired man, a Dutchman, who is arrested on suspicion. It is supposed that Buck had about $180 in money with him which is missing.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, March 19, 1856

Murder

One of the most shocking murders we have any account of was committed last Friday, about three and a half miles from Nelson [Madison Co., NY], on the road leading to Morrisville [Madison Co., NY].  Mr. John Buck, 80 years old, was killed in his barn in broad daylight, by blows with an axe, and left lying on the barn floor, with the door partly open.  He received a blow on the left side of his head, and the upper part of his skull was almost entirely crushed.  A Dutchman named William Sidler has been arrested for the murder and was under an examination on Monday before Justice Kern, in Morrisville.

In order to obtain the particulars of the tragedy, we sent a messenger to the place, who has furnished us with several circumstances connected with the case.  Mr. Buck's house was formerly a tavern, and he has lived in that place upwards of 60 years.  He has two sons and two daughters, all of whom are married, and he has lived alone in his house for some time.  About the first of last January, Sidler, with his wife and child came to live with him, and they were to stay until the first of April, but left about four or five weeks ago, and shortly after Sidler left, Mr. Buck missed about $30 in money.  Since that time Sidler has been at his house frequently, and has been employed as a workman.  On one evening he returned to the house twice after he left, and this circumstance being rather singular, caused Mr. Buck to mention it to others.

About two days previous to the murder, Mr. Buck made arrangements to board with the family of Mr. Alvin H. Howard, a neighbor living a short distance this side.  On Friday morning, Mr. Buck felt more feeble than usual, but remarked that he expected Sidler to chop wood for him, and left between 9 and 10 o'clock.  As he did not return, Mr. Howard sent his son, a lad of 12 years, to ascertain the reason.  The was about 6  o'clock in the afternoon.  He went to the barn and saw the deceased lying on the floor, and hastened back to give the alarm.  Mr. Howard then went to the barn and finding him dead he procured the [..unreadable..] the body to the house of his son-in-law, Mr. Clark, where Coroner Sherman held an inquest on Saturday. The murder was probably committed between 11 and 1 o'clock, and the body had been left near the door of the barn, and the door was partly open--so that anyone passing in the road could have seen it.  Yet it was not discovered until 6 o'clock.  This was certainly the boldest murder ever committed. The barn is situated very near the road, and teams are passing at short intervals.  Mr. Howard resides but a little way off, and men were chopping wood within hailing distance.

Sidler was seen to go to Mr. Buck's house on the day the murder was committed, although he denies being there at all; and persons passing the house in the forenoon saw Mr. Buck going from his house across the road to his barn, followed by a man answering the description of the prisoner, with an axe in his hand.  Sidler was seen to leave the place at a later hour in the day, and went home by an unusual route, going through the fields part of the way.  On his way home he stopped at a neighbor's house, and was asked if he had been at Mr. Buck's  He denied being there.  After reaching home he cut off the skirts of his coat, rolled them up and laid them away.

Upon the discovery of the body, a dispatch was sent to Sheriff Barnett at Morrisville and we understand that Mr. W.F. Bonney, Under-Sheriff, arrested Sidler at his house about 2 o'clock Saturday morning.  Spots of blood were found upon his pantaloons, which he said were caused by killing a calf.  He had killed a calf for Mr. Buck about the first of January.  His  house was subsequently thoroughly searched, but so far as we can learn, no money of any amount has been found.  Sidler is about 25 years of age, and emigrated to this country about two years ago.  He is described as an intelligent looking man, about medium height, and rather slight figure.

Whoever committed this atrocious deed evidently expected to obtain money.  After he had brutally killed the old man, he carried the bloody axe across the road and left it in the house, where it was subsequently found with the stains of blood upon it.  Our informant has examined the house throughout, and found that trunks, desks and doors had been broken open. The murderer searched the whole house for money with the blood of his victim fresh upon his hands. The print of a bloody hand is distinct upon one of the doors, and drops of blood may be found in different parts of the house.  The barn in which the murder was committed presented an awful spectacle.  Considerable blood was on the floor and the sides near the spot where he was found, and blood was spattered on the beams overhead.  It was a deliberate, cold-blooded deed for the purpose of robbery, without a single palliating circumstance.  It is earnestly hoped that the monster who committed this unparalleled outrage may be detected and punished as his crime deserves.

Mr. Buck had recently sold his farm containing 100 acres, but had not received the money for it.  It is not probable that any large amount was found in the house, but what he had in the house and about his person was taken.  His pocket book was found in his coat pocket, entirely empty.  

We are indebted to Mr. Alvin H. Howard and family for most of the particulars contained in the above account, and for their courtesy and kindness we return our acknowledgments.

Civil War Letter from L. Hibbie Whittlesey

 Union News, Broome Co., NY, September 19, 1861

Camp Versos, Sept. 18, 1861

Mr. Benedict:  Today I have been engaged in the pleasing occupation of ditching, and am not very full of "passing events," consequently.  Yesterday our Regiment was ordered to march, and we took peaceable possession of a high hill, about 1-1/2 miles from our Old Camp.  Our whole Brigade is here at present, engaged in building a Fort, which commands a range of "the country round about," and which I think will be called after our much esteemed commander, Gen. Slocum.

We are, as far as situation is concerned, "all o.k." But we are decidedly "after the old sort," in respect of "fodder."  Really, Mr. B. I do not wish to complain, but if our patience is ever tried it is now. We have plenty of pork and coffee, with a slight sprinkling of other things, but, as you are aware, I am not over partial to the former article, and consequently naturally take to the other things.  Something, though, appeared to "assuage our grief," in the shape of a new gun, called the "Springfield Rifle musket," and are much like the Mime musket.  The men are fairly wild over the change and I do not believe you could lure one to keep his out of sight, for a few hours.

In my last, I forgot to note the appearance in our midst of Mr. Jerome Mersereau, son of John P. Mersereau, of your Burgh.  He is Drummer Boy in Company H., but is already so homesick he can hardly relish his dinner.  He won't acknowledge it, however, and I presume it's all right.  Among our new recruits is Will Johnson, brother to Dr. L.M. Johnson, your neighbor.  Will is a good boy, much like his brother, and will made a good soldier.

The other day, I was out on picket again.  W.H. Gates, myself, and one or two others, went out on the outposts and Corp. Coleman of our Company and Yours Respectfully were detailed as a guard for Col. Mason's House.  This gentleman is in command of the Ordinance Department at Richmond and does not show himself at home at all.  His brother, Dr. Mason deserted his property, hiding a splendid library in the Corn crib.  Mr. Gates returned to camp with a goodly selection of books, some of them being more than two hundred years old.  It is a pity that such valuable works should be destroyed, or even scattered in camp.  They do no good here, and I am glad to learn that Mr. G. intends to send his home.

The view from the home of Col. Mason is grand enough.  You can look down the valley to the Potomac, eight miles distant, no hills intervening to shut from view the vessels in the distance.  The valley is about two miles across, and is cultivated to a great extent.  It is the loveliest vale I have [ever seen] in the South and I would vote it the finest I ever saw, but for the reason that nobody but secessionists have or own property here.

At night, we returned to the main body of our men, under command of Capt. Charles Wells of Co. [?] where we found "His Highness on board," him looking [?], when one of his boys had taken him [for] a secessionist.  The day before, five darkies belonging to the owner of the house, ran away and went to camp with the 26th N.Y. Regiment.  The owner's second loss somewhat riled him, and he threatened to have the whole rebel force on us by night.  We were kept awake during the night and once were firmly convinced that we were about to be attacked.  Added to this, the cold wind which arose during the night we were in no very enviable state.  The night passed as all others, do, only seeming much longer than any other we had ever lived through. We were much disappointed in not having a good time, for we fully calculated on an attack, and were ready for five times our number.  The Maine 5th Regiment relieved us.

Charles Van Dusen, Bony Bacon, and all the rest are well.  Not one of them, to my knowledge is sick of soldiering.

Blockhead has just returned from Dr. Mason's with a large package of Books.  He won't be fit for anything until he gets them read through.

Good bye!  We are called out on Dress Parade, and so I must close.

Your, Hib

Vital Records - February 1856

 Oxford Times, February 6, 1856

Married:  In McDonough, on the 29th ult, by Rev. L.D. Howe, Mr. Leonard A. Franklin of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary M. Matthewson of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  Also, Mr. Harrison Matthewson to Miss Susan F. Randall, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult., Elijah Hull, aged 42 years.

Died:  In Brooklyn, on the 27th ult., Mr. William B. Hall, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], aged 26 years.

Died:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on 21st ult. Mr. John Comstock, aged 65 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 7, 1856

Married:  In New York, on the evening of the 27th ult., at the Church of the Messiah, by Rev. Dr. Osgood, Mr. John Moore, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jane Cumming, of the former place.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mrs. Jane A. Wilbur, wife of Ralph Wilbur, and daughter of Elisha Cutting, aged 20 years.

Oxford Times, February 13, 1856

Married:  In Joliett, Ill., Jan. 8th, 1856, at the house of Hon. Uri Osgood, by Rev. H.R. Walworth, Mr. Francis L. Cagwin of Joilett to Miss Frances S. Cary of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Laharp, Hancock, Co., Ill., on 31st Dec. last, Mrs. Olive Norris, aged 67 years, formerly of this county [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 14, 1856

Married:  In Christ Church, Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. R. Whittingham, Rev. G.M. Skinner, of Coldwater, Michigan, to Miss Julia A Marks, eldest daughter of Dr. B.H. Marks of the former place.

Married:   In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] on the 7th inst., at the house of Lewis Van Wagner, by Edward B. Dart, Esq., Mr. Lewis D. Hopson, to Miss Lucy D. Finks, both of the above place.

Oxford Times, February 20, 1856

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. John Crandall of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Fanny M. Burlison of Oxford.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th ins.t, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. Delos Francisco of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Esther l. Ireland of Bainbridge.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. Lucy [Osgood], wife of Mr. Luther Osgood, aged 77 years.

Died:  In Tecumseh, Mich, on the 4th inst., Mr. Ives H. Miles, aged 52 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], on 4th inst., of consumption, Mr. Charles Betts, son of Peter Betts, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 21, 1856

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by Rev. E.D. Thurston, Mr. Albert Wilkins, of Coventry [Chenanog Co., NY] to Miss Mary Burroughs, of this place.

Married:  In front of the Kirkwood Hotel, Kirkwood [Broome Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by John Darling, Esq., Mr. James K. Evans, of Conklin [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Elizabeth A. Lewis, of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. D.W. Thurston, Mr. Wm. H. Hickok, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elizabeth Aldrich of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. C.P. Sheldon, Mr. Albert J. Ferris to Miss Mary J. Stebbins, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. D.W. Thurston, Mr Wm. Dann of Aurora, Erie Co [NY], to Miss Sarah C. Wood, of Norwich.

Married:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 6th inst., by Rev. C.P. Sheldon, Mr. Burns Case of Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Polly Younglove, of Hamilton.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th ult., Mrs. Louisa B. Davenport, wife of Mr. Israel C. Davenport, aged 35 years.

Died:  At Richfield, Otsego Co., N.Y., on the 14th inst., Mrs. Lydia Markham, aged 84 years.  Mrs. Markham and her first husband, Mr. Edward Purple, for many years resided in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] and in Smithville, and were among the early settlers of the "Chenango Triangle."  They raised a family of respectable and intellectual children.  Doctor William D. Purple of this place, and Thomas L. Purple of Smithville, and others are now living.  Death severed the bonds of matrimony with her first and estimable husband, and she married Mr. Markham, in advanced life, a kind and affectionate husband.  In the relations of wife, mother and friend, she was affectionate and faithful.  She has gone to her rest, and her friends must not mourn for she rests after her labor, in the arms of her much loved Saviour.  With affectionate feelings, does the writer remember the many kind motherly offices of the "good Matron" to his wife and infants.

Oxford Times, February 27, 1856

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., of pulmonary consumption, Mr. Amos Yale, aged 49 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 28, 1856

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on Monday morning, the 25th inst., by Rev. E.D. Thurston, Mr. Albert Stedman, to Miss Corinthia C. Bedell, all of this village.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Aaron D. Gates, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary J. Hall, of the former place.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by Rev. D.W. Thurston, Mr. Orsman Aldrich, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Amelia Mundy, of the former place.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., by the same, Mr. Martin Sher, of Norwich, to Miss Nancy M. Eccleston, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  Also by the same, on the 25th inst., Mr. William B. Ward to Miss Jemima Moe, both of Norwich.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by L. Ingersoll, Esq., Mr. Almon Tompkins to Miss Caroline Skinner, both of the above place.

Died:  In  Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., of consumption, Mrs. Harriet Lincoln, wife of  Mr. Ira Lincoln, and daughter of Chauncey Gibson, Esq., of Norwich, aged 50 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th inst., Mrs. Martha Plumb, wife of James Plumb, aged 44 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mrs. Anna M. Wailer, wife of Mr. Jacob Wailer, aged 42 years., 

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mrs. Lucy Osgood, wife of Luther Osgood, Esq., aged 77 years.

Died:  In Cortlandville, Cortland Co. [NY], on the 12th inst., Mrs. Nancy J. Stone, wife of Rev. Wm. R. Stone, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Civil War Letter - September 8, 1861

 Union News, Broome County, New York, September 19, 1861

Camp Vernon, Alexandria, Va., Sept. 8th, 1861

Mr. Editor:  There is nothing of particular interest about camp, further than the accession of a company of Cavalry, numbering about 100 men with horses to match, and the regular official report of the appointment of officers, which was published at dress parade last evening. Our Major was promoted to the rank of Colonel, Capt. Adams to that of Lieut. Col. and Capt. Gardner to the rank of Major. The other minor officers are too numerous to mention, as my time is limited.  However, Dixon Wahenor Hampden, alias Wm. H. Brainard of Com D. is promoted to the rank of Sergeant Major, the best non-commissioned officers in the Regiment.  He is beginning to receive notice somewhat in proportion to his military talent, as he is abundantly qualified for that or any other position in the Regiment.

I notice in our last week's' issue a letter from Mr. Hine, in which he speaks of the regiment with which he stands connected as being "more than usually intelligent, and PROBABLY the finest body of men that has been mustered at Elmira during the war."  Now I happen to be somewhat acquainted with the 27th Reg't that was mustered from that same place, and I think I speak safely in saying, that it has no equal in intellect in the service, as there is but one Blockhead in the regiment (and he is not unknown to most of your readers) and moreover, their reputation as regards their fighting qualities is established beyond the bounds of PROBABILITY, they having proved themselves more than a match for at least one third more than their equal in numbers; and just here, I'll repeat a remark made by Gen. McClellan, when he handed over this Brigade to the command of Gen Slocum, our former Col. He said, "General, when you bring the rest of the Regiments of your Brigade up to the standard of the 27th, you will have the best volunteer Brigade in the service."  That came from Gen. McClellan and is considered here a compliment of no little weight.  I'll write no more at present, as I am called away.

Yours as ever, Blockhead.

Vital Records - January 1856

 Oxford Times, January 2, 1856

Fatal Accident:  On Monday the 24th inst., Bear Rosenburgh was instantly killed in the town of Pharsalia, in this County [Chenango Co., NY], by the falling of his wagon on him.  Coroner Curtiss being called, an inquest was held on his body on the following day and from the testimony elicited it appeared that the deceased was a peddler, and from papers that he had recently bought good in Utica.  From his own statements made previous, it appeared that he was a [-?-] Pole and had a family in Utica.  It also appeared that he was going up a hill that was very icy and that while he was attempting to hold his wagon upright, it [-?-] and fell crushing him.  Verdict of the jury in accordance with the above.  Advocate

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 12th, by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. William F. Allen of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Elizabeth J. Wood of Oxford.

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult. by Rev. L.D. How, Mr. Erastus Ford to Miss Anna Boughley, both of McDonough.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. E.M. Haynes of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss R.U. Keech of the former place.  

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. E.D. Thurston, Mr. William R. Leach of East Greene, to Miss Eleanor Leonard, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]

Died:  In Jasper, Steuben Co. [NY], on 19th Dec. Mr. Samuel Wescott, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 77 years.  He was for many years a resident of Oxford, in this County, where he has left a large circle of mourning relatives and friends.

Died:  In Utica [Oneida Co., NY], on 29th ult., Nicholas Devereux, Esq., aged 64 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. of typhoid fever, Mr. William Tracy, aged 33 years and 8 months.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] on the 17th ult. of dropsy, Mrs. Nancy Sexton, widow of Capt. Seth Sexton, aged 76 years.

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Capt. Abel DeForest, father of Gen. H. DeForest of Norwich, aged 94 years and 3 months.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 3, 1856

Married:  At Bouckville [Madison Co., NY], Tuesday, the 25th ult., by the Rev. M.S. Platt, Mr. Hiram Lewis, to Miss Sarah Tucker, both of Morrisville [Madison Co., NY].

Married:  At New Woodstock [Madison Co., NY], on the 20th ult. by the Rev. T.B. Rockwell, Mr. Robert Allen of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lucretia DeClenco of Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY].

Died:  In the village of Bloomington, Illinois, on the 18th ult., Curtis T Allen, late one of the proprietors of the "Star Clothing Store," Hamilton [Madison Co., NY].

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Mrs. Helen Brown, aged 91 years.

Oxford Times, January 9, 1856

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Alvah Green of Triangle [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Alzina Sacket of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  Also, by the same, Mr. Emer Aldrich of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Drusilla A. Aldrich of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th Dec. by Rev. Mr. Bartholomew of Upper Lisle, James Ferguson, Esq. of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Marilla [Tillotson], daughter of Abraham Tillotson, Esq. of Oxford.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. Mr. Cutwell, Mr. Jesse D. Rogers to Miss Mary Ann E. Clark, both of Preston.

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. W. Bixby, Mr. Molbro Wells to Miss Jerusha Gale.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 10, 1856

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Jonathan Dickinson, of Unionville, Ohio, to Miss Julia C. Welles, of Norwich.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by the same, Mr. Wm. C.G. Shaw, of Norwich to Miss Amanda J. Robinson, of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Henry W. Sage, of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Frank A. Osgood, daughter of Hon Luther Osgood, Jr., of the former place.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th ult., by Rev. N. Ripley Mr. William F. Allen, of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Elizabeth J. Wood of the former place.

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Rev. L.D. How, Mr. Erastus Ford, to Miss Anna Boughley, both of the above place.

Married:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. O. Ketchum, Mr. Rodney A. Harvey, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary Brown, of Pharsalia.

Married:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by L.E. Carpenter, Esq., Mr. Ralph Wilbur, to Miss Adeline Cutting, both of Norwich.

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. J.B. Hoyt, Daniel Beecher, Esq., to Miss Betsey J. Parker, all of the above place.

Married:  Also, on the 3d inst., by the same, Mr. Thomas E. Porter of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Huldah L. Leonard, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Union, Broome Co. [NY], on the 27th ult. by Rev. F. B. Racott, Mr. John H. Courrier, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] to Mrs. Mary E. Nevins, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Morris, Otsego Co. [NY], on the 25th ult. by Rev. Wm. T. Doubleday, Mr. D.C. Booth, local Editor of Milwaukie Free Democrat, to Miss Sarah M. Bacon, recently a teacher in the Primary Department of the Norwich Academy [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. by Rev. H. W. Gilbert, Mr. Moses Tuttle, to Mrs. Jane Harrison, all of tis town.

Married:  At Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. C. Fitch, Mr. Thomas B. Foote, to Miss Henrietta M. Hinckley, both of Coventry.

Oxford Times, January 16, 1856

Accident:  A sad accident occurred about one mile east of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on Tuesday morning inst.  A man name Crapo, a resident of Lisle [Broome Co., NY], was out rabbit hunting in company with his brother. It appears from his own statement, that he was standing on a stump, with his gun, a double barreled one, resting by his side; and that while in the act of stooping to remove some obstruction, his gun slipped off from the stump and in its descent the hammers of both barrels caught, discharging their contents in his left side, forcing a portion of his clothing completely into his body, breaking two ribs and lacerating his flesh horribly.  Medical assistance was immediately rendered, but he was beyond the reach of human aid.  He lingered in the most excruciating agony until Wednesday morning, when he expired.  He leaves a family to mourn his untimely end.  Chenango American.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. John Rathbone to Miss Almira Philley, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by the Rev., N. Ripley, Mr. LaFayette Briggs of Deposit [Delaware Co., NY] to Miss Almira H. Smith of Oxford.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. at the residence of her father, by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Henry W. Sage of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Frank H. [Osgood], daughter of the Hon. Luther Osgood, Jr.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on 11th inst., Mr. Robert Brooksdank, aged 77 years.  The subject of this notice was born in Market Weighton, Yorkshire, England, Jan. 3d 1779.  Came to Troy, N.Y. in 1804; in 1816, moved to Oxford.  He was one of the old residents of the east part of the town, and in his sickness manifested a perfect confidence in the Lord Jesus Christ, as a savior, and said that to depart and be with him, was far better.  Funeral attended on Sunday the 13th.  Sermon by Rev. E. R. Clarke.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 17, 1856

Married:  At the M.E. Church, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. by Rev. W. Bixby, Mr. Edward H. Davies, to Miss Sarah A. Palmer, both of this town.

Married:  At Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. G. Ketchum, of East Pharsalia, Mr. Hugh G. Crozier, of New York City to Miss Nancy Harrison, of the former place.

Married:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. by Rev. E.L. Benedict, Alfred Nichols, Esq., of Earlville [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Pamelia Post, daughter of Dea. Levi Post, of the former place.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Alvah Green, of Triangle [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Alzina Sacket of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  Also at the same time, by the same, Mr. Emer Aldrich of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Priscilla A. Aldrich, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married: In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st last, by Rev. D.W. Thurston, Mr. George Thomas, to Miss Huldah E. Mallory, both of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  At the residence of her son in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, on the 13th inst. Mrs. Lovica Tillotson, widow of Capt. Joseph Tillotson, aged 81 years.  The deceased, with her much respected husband, settled in the then new settlement of the County, more than 50 years ago, like most early settlers, poor in purse but strong in spirit.  By honest industry, prudence and economy, and by their united exertions, they acquired a large property.  Mrs. Tillotson was for many years a member of the church, a devoted Christian, and a kind mother. She died full of hope in the merits of her Saviour.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mrs. Lydia Niles, aged 78 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., William Sturgeon, aged 10 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Dr. Henry Mitchell, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mrs. Betsey Reynolds, wife of Mr. John Reynolds, aged 60 years.

Oxford Times, January 23, 1856

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of the 16th inst., in the M.E. Chruch, by the Rev. W. Bixby, Mr. Edwin B. Davies to Miss Sarah Palmer, both of Greene.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mrs. Jane E. Fish, wife of Luman B. Fish, and daughter of the late Otis J. Tracy, aged 30 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 24, 1856

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Sherman Chamberlin of Des Moines, Iowa, to Miss Almria M. Ransford, Daughter of H. Ransford, Esq., of Norwich.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., by Rev. Ethan R. Clarke, Mr. Cyrus Blackman, of Plymouth, to Miss Emily A. Crandall, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Israel Kinyon, Esq., Mr. Densmore Sanders, of Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Louisa L. Beckwith, of the former place.

Married:   In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Rev. C. Starr, Mr. Orson Davis, of Brookfield, Madison Co. [NY], to Miss Anna M. Bancroft, of the former place.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. U. Ferguson, Mr. Matthew Knodt of Sherburne to Miss Caroline Carvin, of Milford, Otsego Co. [NY].

Married:  Also on the 15th inst., by the same, Mr. J. Monroe Billings of Earlville, Madison Co. [NY], to Miss Jennie E Waters, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., John Alexander [Tracy], son of the late Willard Tracy, aged 12 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., of consumption, Mr. Alfred Wilcox, aged 86 years.

Oxford Times, January 30, 1856

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Halsey D. Godfrey to Miss Elvira O. Smith, both of Guilford.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 31, 1856

 Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., by Rev. E. D. Thurston, Mr. Robert A. McCrey, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Catharine Hamilton, of the former place.

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst., by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. S.S. Merriam to Miss Betsey M. Peck, all of  this town.

Civil War letter from Charles Van Dusen - September 1861

 Union News, October 3, 1861

We have been permitted to publish the following extracts from a private letter from Chas. Van Dusen, dated Alexandrea, Va. Sept. 26, 1861

Dear Brother:  Today is Thursday, the day which the President has appointed for a National fast, and our regiment, with all others, are excused from duty, with exception of the Companies on picket.  I was on guard last night, which excuses me from that duty.  I have been waiting for something of importance to turn up before writing to you, so I could tell you some news, and also for our pay, which we have not had in almost three months.

We are stationed one mile and three-fourths from Alexandria, on a hill, where we are building a Fort, one of the strongest fortifications on the line of the Potomac.  It is named after Daniel S. Dickinson.  The Fort encloses fifteen acres of ground, and there is to be a rifle pit built around it. We are within plain sight of the rebels at Mason's and Munson's Hill.  They are fortifying very strong, and have about 30,000 men there with some of their largest guns.  Our pickets and the enemy's are only a short distance apart.  Only a week ago, one of the 36th Regiment boys was shot on the same post where I stood the last time I was out last night.  One of our company was shot through the leg a week or so ago.  Three hundred of the rebels came to Chain Bridge and delivered themselves up to our men.  They said they were out of provisions.

Gen. McClellan and aides were here yesterday.  He came to see how we progressed with our Fort and make observations in regard to the rebels fortifications at Munson's Hill, which he did from the headquarters of General Slocum with a telescope.  It is a house owned by a secessionist.  It is  a large house and stands within the enclosure of the Fort.  It has an observatory on the top and you can get a good view of the country for miles around.  Bony Mersereau is here.  He belongs in Com. H.  He enlisted for a drummer boy.  He got his uniform, but has not drilled any yet.  I guess he wishes he was back home again.  -?- is well and out on picket.  It is quite healthy here considering the low marshy country.  Some few of the boys have got the fever and ague.  Yours &c

Vital Records - December 1855

 Oxford Times, December 5, 1855

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on 29th ult., by Rev. Wm. Bixby, Mr. Cortland Carruth of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Valera M. Wells of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday, 29th ult, Clement Sands [Clarke], youngest son of James W. Clarke, aged 5 years, 8 months and 13 days.  

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday, Nov. 29th, Doct. C.E. Field, aged 27 years.  "Now thy weary toil is o'er, / Fold thy arms across thy breast; / Sinking to a dreamless rest, / Life shall claim thee never more."  We are not of those who believe in idle eulogiums of the dead; yet we should be basely ungrateful, could we forget our kind and warm hearted Physician and friend, or withhold a tribute to his worth.  But little over three years have elapsed since, a stranger, he came among us, yet in that time, he has done more for the relief of suffering humanity than some with wealth, and time to spend, accomplish in a long life.  Those who have tested his skill as a Physician, will never forget the one whose presence was like a sunbeam, and whose genial sympathy and unfailing cheerfulness inspired them with hope and confidence. A faithful watcher, he has passed many long nights in vigils by the couch of the poor and needy, and true to the instincts of a generous nature, "his heart was open as the day, to all the melting charities of life."  His illness not long, but painful, was endured with patience, and the approach of death brought no terrors, for the faith he had ever cherished, rose triumphantly above mortal weakness.  Our tears must fall for the aged mother, who has lost the stay and staff of her declining years, and for the wife of scarce eleven months, now a widow, for "Like a blessing still his shadow / Lingers yet, a moment's space."  And amid our future loneliness and sorrow, will come the thought of the reunion beyond the dark river.  ":And the promise of its morning, / Glorious in life and light, / Casts its joy although the night."

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on 27th Nov. Elizabeth T. [Nichols] wife of Silas D. Nichols, formerly of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], aged 27 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on 20th, Nov. James G. McCreat, aged 35 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 21st, Mrs. Mary Lewis, aged 70 years, widow of the late Clark Lewis.  Thus has died one who lived for all but herself.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 6, 1855

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. by Elder Woodmancy, Mr. Benjamin Franklin to Miss Sarah A. Avery of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. By Rev. F.H. Hill, Mr. Leonard Tuthill, to Miss Mary Bartlett, all of the above place.

Married:  At Whitney's Point, Nov. 119th, by Rev. William Gates, Mr. Theodore S. Winton, of Waukesha, Wis., to Miss Emily A. Tilson, of Triangle [Broome Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., of consumption, Luther Newton, aged 74 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Albert Eugene [Bingham], son of Frederick M. and Mariette Bingham, aged 6 months, 7 days.

Died:  In Willet [Cortland Co., NY], on the 2d inst. of consumption, Mr. Samuel Canfield, aged 74 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Caroline [Sturges], daughter of J.O. and Caroline Sturges, aged 6 months and 2 days.

Oxford Times, December 12, 1855

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult., by W.H. Brownell, Esq., Mr. Frederick J. Church, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eliza Crandall, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 13, 1855

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., at the house of Mr. Joel Beebe, by Rev. R.O. Beebe, Mr. Adams E. Stanley of Winchendon, Mass., to Miss Ellen Beebe, of the former place.

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 19th ult., by Rev. Wm. M. DeLong, Mr. Lyman Buck, of South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY) to Miss Sarah An Crane, of Sidney, Delaware Co. [NY].

Married:  In Pittsfield, Otsego Co. [NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. C. Starr, Mr. Justus Woodard, of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Clarissa Persons, of the former place.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Richard [Gaylord], son of John and Ann Gaylord, aged 1 year, 5 months and 13 days.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., of inflammation of the lungs, Amos J. [Ketchum], son of Isaac Ketchum, aged 27 years.

Oxford Times, December 19, 1855

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by the Rev. S. Hanson Coxe, Frederick P. Newkirk, Esq., to Miss P. Arminda Yale.

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. James Harrigan, Edward Welch of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Bridget D. Quin, of the former place.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mr. Squire Smith, aged 56 years and 8 months.

Died:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., of consumption, Mr. Luther Newton, aged 74 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 20, 1855

Married:  At New Ohio [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by H.L. Miller, Esq., Mr. Jonathan Statts, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Roena Scouten, of the former place.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. S.U. Ferguson, Mr. Thomas Swan, to Miss Martha C. Harris, all of the above place.

Married:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. O. Ketchum, Mr. Daniel M. Rathbone, to Miss Mary L. Scott, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  At Church Hollow [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Nancy [Shiffer], wife of Phillip Shiffer, aged 66 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Patience Phillips, wife of Rufus Phillips, aged 77 years and 1 day.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., John Holcomb, aged 92 years and 2 months.

Oxford Times, December 26, 1855

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., by Rev. H. Gee, Mr. Joseph H. Erwin of Philadelphia, to Mrs. Amelia MacDonald of Oxford.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 27, 1855

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] on the 26th inst., by Rev. E. D. Thurston, Mr. William R. Leach, of East Greene to Miss Eleanor Leonard, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst., by Rev. E.D. Thurston, Mr. Henry H. Saxton, to Miss Electa Roberts, all of Triangle [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. W. G. Queal, Mr. Nelson B. Holmes, to Miss Ruth Wilcox, both of Norwich.

Married:  At Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. A.W. Bruce, David Ransom, M.D., to Miss Martha Towne, daughter of E. Towne, Esq., all of that place.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., of typhoid fever, Mr. Willard Tracy, aged 33 years and 8 months.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17t inst., of dropsy, Mrs. Nancy Sexton, widow of Capt. Seth Sexton, aged 76 years.

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 24th inst., Capt. Able DeForest, father of Gen. H. DeForest, of Norwich, aged 94 years and 8 months.

Civil War letter - July 1861

 Union News, Broome County, New York, August 8, 1861

Camp Anderson, Washington, D.C., July 28th, 1861

Mr. Editor:  This (Sunday) morning there is a prospect of rain, and we need something of the kind to clean us out.  One man whom we supposed taken prisoner, (Corporal Spencer) has since turned up all right.

Camp life goes on as usual, but a good many of the boys and two or three of the officers are powder sick.  These cowardly officers, I was informed, tendered their resignation yesterday.  I have not heard whether they were accepted or not.  One thing I know, Capt. Rodgers is not one of this nervous cowardly sort of men.  He is  a man of steel, one that I ask no greater honor than to follow.  Bold and daring he does not fear to lead us into the field, where we have to face the fiercest of the foe.

Last evening, "Old Abe" rode around the camp and was an object of considerable interest to many of the boys, who affected to see, I suppose, something more than a man.  But if I am a judge, they did not see more than a third rate one at most; but then, every man has his own opinion.

Just here, I would have it distinctly understood, that if anything appears over Blockhead's signature which is not generally relished by the public, he is himself alone responsible.

I understand there is a law passed requiring officers to be inspected before allowing them to command in the field against an enemy.  If this thing had been done before the fight of last Sabbath, our General in command of the Division would have been counted out.  Gen. McDowell, I think, made an ass of himself in the manner of attack, ordering regiment after regiment forward to the attack singly, only relieved after they had been driven back with severe loss.  When, if they had been properly flanked and three or four regiments charged in a body, the works might have been kept after they had been carried (as they were three times by single regiments) and this disposition of the force might have been made and had a strong reserve ready to have rushed in, in case the charging force were in danger of being forced back.  I noticed in every instance where our troops met the rebels in a charge, they (the rebels) were invariably driven before them like chaff, although they had better arms. We captured a few of their guns, which are much superior to the Springfield or Harper's Ferry muskets, with which our Regiment were armed.  Their guns are mostly M..nord's self primer, a very rapid loading "institution" which we found out to our cost.  However, they shot too high most of the time; some whole volleys would not hit a man.

We are to go soon to church in rank.  I suppose must go to keep up appearances; although much as has been said of the Christian soldier, I think their Christianity would have taken the same turn mine did last Sabbath, when we were forced to retreat and the accursed rebels bayoneted our wounded as they lay on the field, and we were powerless to help.  Then all sober thoughts were supplanted by a deep seated revenge and before the day was through, some of them felt the effects of my change of thoughts.  My naturally thick heartedness was gone and I would "bead" my musket on their breast with no more, no! not as much feeling as I was wont to exercise on the death of a snake.

Whittlesey is around and stands it better than any of us.  His last fight has only made him fiercer for another.

Wm. H. Gates has at last made his appearance at our barracks.  He is safe enough for the present, as he probably won't be called out for a month at least.  His patriotism has received a severe trial here as have most of us, and if we are not better off now, I shall go for insurrecting [--?--] Every other Regiment is bearing fare well enough, but for our regiment, we have had it good enough since the battle.  

[portion unreadable]

Yours affectionately Blockhead

Vital Records - November 1855

 Oxford Times, November 7, 1855

Married:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 17th ult., by Wm. Jackson, Esq., Mr. Robert Patterson to Miss Martha Adair, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 1, 1855

Married:  In Duanesburgh [Schenectady Co. NY], on the 24th ult., by Rev. D.B. Hall, Dr. Austin A. Baker of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Caroline M. Weaver, of the former place.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th ult., by Rev. R. Queal, Mr. John H. Reynolds of that place, to Miss Betsey M. Wilbur, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, November 14, 1855

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mr. Sears Squires, aged 60 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mrs. Mary Gould, aged 42 years.

Died:  In Ellington, Chautauqua Co., N.Y. on the 27th of October last, Mr. John Stafford, formerly of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], aged 62 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 12th, 1855, in the 72d year of her age, Mrs. Hannah [McCall], wife of Mr. James McCall.  Mrs. McCall was a native of Connecticut, but early removed to Unadilla, Otsego Co., N.Y.  Of a clear and vigorous mind she early studied and intellectually embraced the principles of her fathers.  In her youth she experienced that change without which no man shall enter into the Kingdom of God, and uniting with the Church she maintained with singular consistency, as a teacher, a friend, a wife, a mother, and member of the Church her principles of her profession. The Bible was her study "in its light she saw new light."  The ordinance of God's House ever her exceeding great joy, and every work having for its object the advancement of the Kingdom of God, received her efficient support.  During her last illness, which was long and painful, she enjoyed her Savior in the peaceful hope of eternal life. The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 15, 1855

Married: In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. S.U. Ferguson, Mr. Rufus Babcock, to Mrs. M. Faulkner, all of the above place.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. Mr. Starr, Mr. John Eddy of Pittsfield, Otsego Co., [NY] to Miss Harriet Baker, of the former place.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. Mr. White, Mr. John Vivyan, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Harriet J. Shippey, of the former place.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mrs. Sarah Brooke, relict of the late Dea. Levi Brooks, deceased, aged 60 years.

Died:  In Franklin, Delaware Co. [NY], Oct. 23, Mrs. Currence Bostwick, aged 102 years, 7 months.

Died:  At his residence near Poolville, Madison Co [NY], on the 6th inst. William Lord, Esq., aged 71 years.

Oxford Times, November 21, 1855

Fatal Accident:  An aged gentleman named Cady, residing in the town of Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY], about two miles and a half from this village [New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY], while engaged on Tuesday last, in the construction of a shed, adjoining his house, was struck by the falling of a stick of timber, on the back of his neck, depriving him of his senses, and causing his death in a few hours.  Mr. Cady was aged 71 years, and has long been a resident of this section.  New Berlin Visitor.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on 10th inst., by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. John S. Atwater of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Urania King of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th October, of consumption.  Miss Harriet A. Sannick, aged 19 years.  The deceased was a young lady whose kind disposition and gentleness of manner endeared her to a large circle of relatives and friends.  She passed through her long sickness and endured all her sufferings with Christian fortitude, resigning herself wholly to the care of the Lord.  The aged parents and relatives of the departed, will check the rising tear and remember she sleeps in the arms of her Saviour.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., suddenly, Mr. David Brigham, aged 73 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 22, 1855

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. Mr. Webster, Mr. Wilbert Bowen, of Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], to Miss Lavinia P. Pendleton, daughter of Wm. Pendleton, Esq., of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. Wm. Gates, Mr. Wm. C. Terwilliger of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary Leach, of Barker [Broome Co., NY].

Died:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on Friday the 16th inst., of consumption, Daniel Younglove, Esq., aged 53 years.

Died:  At Aurora, Kane Co., Illinois on the 16th of Sept. inst., of cholera morbus, Mr. Norman M. Sexton, formerly of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], aged 30 years.

Died:  In Bridgewater, Oneida Co. [NY], on the 31st ult. Harmony [Tunnacliff], wife of R.W. Tunnacliff, and daughter of Merrit Clark, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], aged 26 years.

Died:  On his return from Havana, where he had been for the benefit of his health, Mr. Alberto B. Haxton, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] in the 26th year of his age.

Oxford Times, November 28, 1855

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., by Laman Ingersoll Esq., Mr. Lewis McComber to Miss Polly Hall, both of Oxford.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th by the same, Mr. Lucius Hall to Miss Laura Burlisson, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 29, 1855

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst., Elizabeth T. [Nichols], wife of Silas D. Nichols, aged 27 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., James G. McCray, aged 35 years.

Died:  In Barker [Broome Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Thurston Kinyon, Jr., aged 80 years.

Died: In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., of consumption, Clara [Hoyt], aged 64 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., of consumption, John [Eaton], son of Horace and Clarissa Eaton, aged 22 years.

Civil War Letter from Washington DC, July 1861

 Union News, Broome Co., NY, August 8, 1861

Washington, July 27, 1861

Mr. Editor:  I have been unwell but am better now, able to drop you a line at all events.  I was somewhat surprised at the list of killed published in the Republican of Binghamton.  there are seven known to be killed in our company alone, (Capt. Rodgers) and some companies lost more than we.  That will be all straightened when you receive the official report. 

The rebels are making a great blow over their victory, I see by the Southern Journals.  They admit their loss to be between three and four thousand killed, and claim ours (which we know to be but little over seven hundred) to be 15,000 men.  They claim to have captured 33 cannon, 25,000 stand of arms, 1200 horses, and stores to the value of one million.  The truth is, we had but 10 pieces of cannon; all of which we have now but one which was burated at the Run.  There was but about 19,000 men engaged.  All that were not killed brought back their arms with them, at least we are not 1,000 stand out, all fold, and them mostly spoiled. We had 420 Cavalry, all back but 12, and the stores they brag of capturing is confined to eleven baggage wagons, which the drivers got scared and cut the harness loose and left.  They were upset, however, and broken.  So much for their boasted captures.

The boys have nearly all of them been sick, not so bad though as to leave camp.  The citizens of Washington have nobly responded to this call upon charity, and have been on hand to administer to the sick and wounded such little comforts as the necessity of the case demanded.  One man in particular (a Mr. Stuart, living on J street) brought tea, toast and medicine to administer to the sick boys of our barracks, and his two little boys were always on the go with something inviting for us to partake.  He is decidedly a Southern man, though union.  He don't recognize a negro equality with a white, nor do I either.  I begin to believe the negro question to be a humbug like everything else. As far as my experience goes, judging from what I saw through Maryland and fifty miles in Virginia, I have been forced to believe that the "shades" are the happiest race of beings alive.  They have no wants but what are supplied and don't do enough to earn their bread, we North would think.

A great many of the friends of our soldiers have been rushing in since the battle of Sunday last to see who is dead and all that.  Mr. Sampson of Binghamton was in camp yesterday.  His son Will was shot the first charge at the Run in the foot.  His wound was not severe, yet I am afraid the rebels made way with him.  Mr. Harris Rodgers, Mr. Gregory, Mr. Doubleday and others from Binghamton visited camp yesterday.  The Hotels are running over with the soldier's relatives, anxious to hear the fate of their friends. 

The soldiers made great preparation for a feast last night which 'twas said the citizens - the ladies more particularly - were going to furnish the Regiment.  Early in the afternoon the boys began to erect tables along one side of our camp ground, out of  dirty boards, old boxes, &c.  'Twas soon finished and some of the most aristocratic took their straw ticks for table spreads, and about seven the provision began to be distributed along the muddy, greasy boards.  The entertainment consisted of two small potatoes, a small biscuit, a slice of bread and butter, one small cucumber cut in vinegar to twenty men and three crackers.  That I believe includes the whole and was a happy change from our rations of sour bread, coffee without milk and slice of fat port, which is our regular fare.

The war news for a day or two has been unimportant.  The rebels I believe are slowly advancing towards this city, but there is no fear.  The defenses on the West side of the river are not to be taken by any force they can bring against it.  there are three vessels of war lying off Alexandria and a heavy land force.  I think we may not fear any advance from the rebels nearer than Fairfax that is the main body.

I am so sleepy I cannot write any more now.  I was on guard last night.  Will write tomorrow if I feel well enough.

Yours, Blockhead

\

Vital Records - October 1855

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 4, 1855

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 2d, by Rev. Z. Paddock, D.D., Mr. George M. Lyon, to Miss Eliza C. Lewis, all of this town.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., by Rev. H. Gee, Mr. Joseph Willson, to Mrs. Eliza Ann Odle Brown, both of the above place.

Married:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 20th ult., by Rev. M.S. Platt, Mr. Cornelius L. Durfee, to Miss Amanda P. Simmons, both of the above place.

Married:  In Clarkville [Allegany Co., NY], on Wednesday evening, Sept. 19th, by Rev. J. Clark, Mr. Geo. W. Holman, of Clayville [Oneida Co., NY], and Miss Barbara M. [Clark], daughter of Hosea B. Clark, of the former place.

Married:  In Lyons [Wayne Co., NY], Sept. 19th, at the Presbyterian Church, by Rev. G.R. Rudd, Mr. O.K. Klick, to Sophia J. [Rozell], daughter of David R. Rozell, of that village.

Died:  In Albany, [NY] Sept. 13th, J. Stacy Phelon, formerly student of Oxford Academy, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Mrs. Lucretia Blood, wife of Mr. Charles Blood, aged 65 years.

Died:  In Delhi Centre, Michigan, Mr. John R. Aldrich, late of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], aged about 36 years.

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

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

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

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 11, 1855

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. Mr. Glenn, Mr. William S. Thomas of Rock Island, Illinois, to Miss Sara S. Thorp, eldest daughter of Chas. A. Thorp, Esq., of Norwich.

Married:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. D.E. Carr, Mr. William Bard, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss A.J. Rockwell, of the former place.

Married:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. Mr. Robb, Mr. Oscar L. Woodruff, to Miss Sarah Wheeler, both of Hamilton.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th ult. by Rev. H.G. Queal, Mr. Willis Wheeler, to Miss Sarah Jane Johnson, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mary F. [Yeomans], daughter of Peter Yeomans, aged 11 years.

Died:  In Willet, Cort. Co. [NY] on the 6th inst., Benjamin H. Sternberg, aged 26 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Thomas Milner [Allen], son of Joseph C. Allen, aged 4 months.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Miss Hannah Cary, aged 53 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 17, 1855

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 17th inst., by the Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Charles B. Wheeler of Whitney's Point, Broome Co., [NY] to Miss Permelia [Carter], daughter of John W. Carter, Esq. of this village.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th Sept. by Rev. H. Gee, Mr. Alonzo Fowler to Miss Lydia Packard, both of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Sheldon Bolles to Miss Eveline Armstrong.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. D.W. Thurston, Mr. Charles E. Barber to Miss Mary A. Brooks, all of Norwich.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., David F. Smith, aged 46 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Nathan Phillips, in the 79th year of his age.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 25, 1855

Married:  By the Rev. E.D. Thurston, Oct. 24th, Mr. Joseph W. Fancher, of Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY] to Miss Sabra Ann Spencer, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  By the same on the 25th inst., Mr. William Church to Miss Mary Jane Race, both of East Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Homer, Cortland Co. [NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. W.H. Miller, Mr. Nathan G. Watson, of German [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary B. Walrath of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY].

Died:  At Willet [Cortland Co., NY], Oct. 24th, Caroline M. [Egleston], daughter of Seth Egleston, aged 13 years.

Civil War Letter - July 1861

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

Camp of McDowell's Brigade, Three miles from Centerville, Fairfax Co., Va., July 19, 1861

Friend Benedict:  I have tramped about the city considerable and visited most of the public buildings, but then your readers have had a better description of them, no doubt, than I could give, therefore I will pass them by for the present.  If there is any one thing more deserving of note than another, I think Mills Statue of Jefferson deserves that notice.

Nothing however transpired in camp worthy of note except our daily rations of paving stones and salt pork, until the 16th when, we being on drill parade, &c, at 1 o'clock P.M. we received orders from head quarters to march at one hour's notice, with nothing but bread and bullets. All was excitement in camp.  Our able bodied men were all on hand except Dixie, of the Republican, and some friends who were with him.  They had stayed already three hours longer than their pass allowed.  I don't know whether they heard of the order to march or not.  I always considered them men of blood, and don't wish to charge them with staying down town to get rid of going out.  Well, we were on hand at the hour, and marched through the city, crossed the long bridge (two miles) over the Potomac, and at 4 o'clock we were on Virginia soil, secession ground.  However, our troops have possession there at present and have extensive fortifications erected, with cannon mounted, commanding the river and all the surrounding country within four miles. The works are swarming with soldiers. We marched two miles, perhaps, when we had to halt to let a regiment of artillery come in ahead from the North side of the river.  There were thirty-five Regiments on the move today. The road was four files deep with soldiers for about eight miles in length.

Until today, the rebels had possession of the road to within seven miles of the Capitol.  However, the pickets retired as we advanced, and we did not get a sight of a rebel.  For the first day we marched seventeen miles, and arrived at our camping ground at eleven o'clock.  We had not even an overcoat to cover us.  You may think we did not need one, but the nights are colder here than in that latitude, and there has been but three oppressively hot days here since we came from Elmira. the rest of the time a man was comfortable with a coat on.

Well, we stacked our guns, threw ourselves upon the ground, and slept sound as bricks.  In the morning we ate our rations of dry sour bread and raw fat bacon, and started again, rather sore from our march the previous evening.  As we came near to Fairfax we were divided into platoons to flank the enemy, but before we could be brought up, the rebels fell back about four miles and made a stand. We were wearied with marching and went no farther yesterday, the 18th, but took possession of the town and rigged up our camp. The rebel troops went out in such a hurry, they left behind them about fifty stand of arms and a quantity of military stores.

There was a shameful waste of private property by the second Rhode Island regiment and the Zouaves. A number of houses of Secessionists were sacked, one in particular, ex-Senator Thomas' house was completely gutted, through revenge, I suppose, as Mrs. Thomas was a sister of Jackson, the man that shot Ellsworth at Alexandria.  Maj. Gen. McDowell has ordered the arrest of the ringleaders.  He has also issued an order, threatening punishment of the severest kind to anyone meddling with private property in any instance.

Our Regiment was nearly starved out when it reached Fairfax, so the boys drove in a three-year-old bull, fourteen pigs, 100 lbs each, and about fifty fowls, and we lived one day I conclude.  But there was a stop put to our appropriating to our use everything we could lay our hands on.  We left Fairfax yesterday afternoon, expecting an engagement at this place, but here we achieved another bloodless victory.  They might have made a successful stand against us at Fairfax, I think, as they were 10,000 strong, if they had artillery, and I don't know whether they had or not.  The town was defended on every side by raised embankments that covered every entrance. However, they have concentrated all their forces at Manassas Junction, and as near as I can find out, they are 60,000 strong, and better fed and equipped than the Government troops.  It is estimated that the different divisions of the Federal Army,. which had the rebel troops now surrounded, can muster 125,000 troops, yet the rebels have the advantage of position, and the fight to come off tomorrow, 20th, will be the biggest and fiercest that was ever known on this Continent.

We are all eager for the contest, yet none can tell how many of us will live to see another day.  There has just been a squad of rebels brought in, a sergeant and eleven privates.  The sergeant was taken once before and released on taking the oath of allegiance.  He will probably be shot tomorrow morning.  There have two more batteries arrived, at this moment making twelve in this McDowell's division.  I have just read in a Southern paper, the fact of the total annihilation of the Union, New York regiment.  But the truth is, the main body of the Regiment has not been in any action yet.

I cannot help but notice the difference in the powers of endurance between our Regiment and the United States' Marines, with their West Point Officers.  In marching here yesterday in their Company of 840 men, 28 of them fell out of the ranks from the effects of the heat, while in our Company of near 1000, but one gave out, although half of them are troubled with the black diarrhea.  Ours is a bully Regiment however, and we make as good an appearance as any in the brigade.  What has become of the boasted Southern Tier Regiment of Elmira, that started before us?  They are camped about four miles North of the Capitol, while we are on the scratch every time. We have come in before over thirty Regiments that have been laying around Washington, Arlington Heights and other places for months.

Our friend, W.H. Gates, came to Elmira and swore into the service of the United States for two years, but when we left for Washington, he slipped the train and has not been heard of since.  Bully for him.

I have a chance to send this to Washington.  Remember to send a paper to Maine, to my address.  If I live through tomorrow, I will write again soon.  Whittlesey is well and spoiling for a fight.

Dixie has just arrived in camp with his friends.  He was badly worked up at being left behind.  His blood is up, however, and he is with us every time.

Blockhead.

Our correspondent, Blockhead, at the time the above was written, Friday, July 19, supposed the battle at Bull's Run and Manassas Junction would take place Saturday, July 20, but as our readers already know, it did not take place until Sunday, the 21st. - Editor