Soldier's Letter, 17th Regiment, Civil War - July 1861

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 24, 1861

17th Regiment N.Y.V., Camp Mansfield, July 14, 1861

We are still in Camp Mansfield expecting [...unreadable...] 

A few nights since the "long roll" was beaten.  The signal which called for this roll was the one decided on as an alarm, and for some time everything had the appearance of a fight.  The men were not "backward about coming forward," and in less than ten minutes the line of battle was formed, and the ammunition was placed in readiness for action. We were not long, however, held in battle array, as notice came that the alarm was created by a band of strollers firing into one of the regiments camped on the right of us.  Our boys were disappointed and reluctantly returned to their quarters. The alacrity with which they seized their arms and hastened to the line, showed plainly that they are actuated by the right spirit.

A few days since, a thief was detected in the regiment, and was forced to parade for two days under guard, being placed in a barrel, with arm holes cut in it, which he wore as a coat, and on it was painted in large letters, "THIEF."  Generally, the rule is this--When a thief is detected in the Regiment he is held responsible for all thefts committed previous to his arrest, and for all following until another thief is detected, the amount being taken from his wages.  This was explained to our men at the assembly for drill one day. A few days after, a negro servant of one of the captains was caught thieving and confessed having stolen various articles--revolvers, money, a watch, &c; in all amounting to much more than the wages due him.  All were in a dilemma how to dispose of the case, when "Fost." Sayles came to their relief and said the only was to get pay for all he had stolen was to "sell the damned ***, and divide the money among the victims!"

On Wednesday last, Charley Ray, of the Chicago Tribune, and well known to you, paid us a visit.  He said he had noticed with great interest the organization of our company, as the proceedings were from time to time published in the Chenango papers, and as he was called to Washington on business, and learning that we were here, determined to see the boys which old Chenango had sent to represent her, even if there was not one among them who was known to him.  He however found several who recollected him, among whom was your scribe.  He declared that nothing made him feel his age as much as to see those "little boys," as he termed them, whom he had left in Chenango, soldiers in the army of the United States.  The interest which he manifested towards us was of the substantial kind, as on leaving he presented us with ten dollars to purchase a dinner for the boys on Sunday, or to be used as we saw fit!  A dinner was procured and arranged under the direction of Corporal Moore, and gave very general satisfaction, and was eaten with the greatest enthusiasm.  God bless such friends as these.  I'll venture the name of Charley Ray will be long remembered by the volunteers of Chenango.

Occasionally a good thing happens in camp.  The following joke I consider of sufficient point to give you.  Capt. G--- of one of the companies of this Regiment owned a very fine dog, at least one which was very valuable to him, named "Etaw,'---a direct descendant of the celebrated dog of that name brought from the Northern Regions by Dr. Kane, and for some time on exhibition at Barnum's.  Well, this "dorg" for some time made the "nights hideous" with his howlings, and one morning, after his yells had been more unearthly than before, Cap. S---, who is a wag, paid Capt. G--- a visit and stated that he wished to purchase half of the dog in question.  Capt. G--- who is a man of "serious inclining" wondered why he made such a request.  Capt. S--- who had collected some around to "see the joke" seemed determined on buying half of the animal for which he offered to pay a good price. After Capt. G--- had insisted on knowing why he wished to make so strange a purchase, Capt. S--- answered if he could make such an arrangement he would "shoot his half of the devilish dog before night!"

Feeling somewhat indisposed last week, I accepted an invitation from Mr. King, the proprietor of the Avenue House in this city to spend some few days at his house.  I did so, and under the ministering hands of himself and family I was shortly feeling in my usual spirits, and again ready for duty.  I passed the time very pleasantly, and met the hon. Henry Bennett.  I would say in this connextion, that should any of the people from Chenango visit Washington, they should not fail to make the Avenue House their Headquarters, as I can assure them they will find everything of the best quality and the house in both a pleasant and convenient part of the city.

I was very much surprised to see the notice in the Telegraph of the 10th, of an affray in Baltimore between some members of our Company and the Baltimore rowdies.  I can assure you that this statement is entirely false, as we met no obstacles in that city, save some "secesher" who from the opposite side of the way called out Jeff Davis' name, nothing in any way opposing to us occurred. Again today I have been shown a private letter from Norwich stating that our friends were very sorry that trouble existed in the Company between the officers and men. This too, is news in this quarter, and if such a statement has gained credence in Norwich, permit me to state that it is totally untrue.  One or two of our Corporals for reported neglect of duty, and for other improper conduct, have been reduced to the ranks, and better men placed in their stead.  If anything from this camp has been written conflicting with this statement, it is from the pens of deposed non-commissioned officers, and was written in the spirit of anger, arising from their deposition, which is unavoidably consequent on the neglect of duty, together with want of due respect and courtesy.

Regarding our Company, I can truly state it was never in a better condition, and the boys are just beginning to really appreciate, and I may day, like a soldier's life.  I would ask the good people of Chenango to put more confidence in us than to believe we would mar the good cause in which we have enlisted, by petty broils and quarrel.  It may not be worth the while for me to say that many errors may arise from crediting all the random reports which may be sent into Chenango by the dubious letters which may be written.  As proof, ‎empty‎ the report of the Baltimore fight, in the Telegraph of the 10th.

We are soon to change our muskets for Rifles.

Since writing the above, that is about twenty minutes ago, we have received orders to march tonight at 4 o'clock. We are to cross into Virginia, and occupy the rear of the right flank of the army in that section.  From the appearance of things now, we can begin to "smell powder." Our boys gave three hearty cheers on receiving the order.  They are good grit!  Please direct papers and letters as heretofore, as I cannot positively give you our next address.

As anything of import occurs, you shall know it, I am yours truly,  E.P.P.

P.S. We have later orders this moment received to go to Alexandria.  Telegraph reports state a terrible fight at Fairfax Court House  Gen. McClelland has also had a battle in which 150 Rebels are killed and 1000 taken prisoners.  His loss is only 10 men.  E.P.P.