Soldier's Letter, Civil War - August 1861

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 28, 1861

Headquarters 17th Regiment N.Y.V., Camp Jane (near Fort Ellsworth, Alexandria VA) Aug. -?-, 1861

Friend G.C.R.:  This morning's mail brought your paper of date 14th August, and as usual, it was very acceptable.  I wish you could see how eager the men of Co. H. are to see the Norwich papers.  As soon as it is known among them that they have arrived, all are after them.  After reading them ourselves we lend them from one to another, and I should judge the news was very nearly all read out of them by the time they are returned to us.

For the past few days the weather has been delightful.  We now appreciate all we have heard about the loveliness of the South.  The God of nature has blessed Virginia with all the beauties which can be bestowed on any land!  When I look over the fair fields and verdant hills, studded with pleasant groves, it makes me sad to think how designing demagogues have transformed all this beauty into ugliness, all this prosperity into desolation. As far as the eye can reach, all seems to be the picture of departed loveliness.  From yonder hill rises a stately mansion, with all the surroundings which good taste could desire or ingenuity for happiness sake invent.  The woodbine, as in other days, creeps o'er the lattice, and the trees as usual have put forth their foliage.  Nature still continues her functions, though in this land where rebellion puts forth its hydra head and festering treason pollutes the air, it seems as if she would frown on every effort to transform this Eden, as it might have been, to the theatre of civil strife.  I approached this elegant residence.  It was tenantless.  Before the gathering clouds of secession and war, the residents of that once pleasant home fled away, leaving all to the charge of the soldiery.  Camps are located in groves and lawns, and headquarters of regiments are in deserted houses.  Poor Virginia!  The hand of misery lies heavy on her. That once star of the nation, that noble and patriotic member of the young Republic, is now in disgrace. The mother of the Presidents and the Revolution's pride has bowed before the Moloch, and must await her punishment.  Intriguing wretches have achieved their ends, and Virginia must suffer.

Fruits are now ripening, and watermelons, peaches, and pears abound in great quantities.

The "activity to the War Department," so much spoken of in the dailies for the past two weeks, but not seen by us till now, has become apparent.  Within the last four or five days a dozen or more Regiments have settled around us.  One of them, is the 14th (McQuade's), which we didn't join.  Things now look more like a speedy advance.  I think it is time, for the rebels are throwing up heavy fortifications at Fairfax.  It seems a pity to let them work so quietly, when we might dislodge them, and better now than to await the placing of their strong batteries. but I suppose the Government knows its business, and I, of course, am not paid to think of this.

A body of regulars (marines) are throwing up a work at the right of Fort Ellsworth, perhaps thirty rods therefrom. The contrast between their motions and those of the volunteers is very strong, and shows that much and steady drilling alone can make perfect soldiers.  They are mounting columbiads of large size.  I think they are 96's.  Of our regiment, our company can execute battalion, or company movements as well as any other.  Companies are drilling now mostly in the manual of arms.

Some regiments, either cowards or cravens, are trying to "go home," without having rendered any service to the government.  The 79th (Highlanders) which fought with credit at Bull Run, made such an effort.  Also the 5th Maine. The result has been that McClellan has brought to bear on them companies of regular artillery, and forced them to lay down their arms. The ring leaders have been delivered over, placed in prison, and will be tried for their lives. Those following, have been sent to the Dry Tortugas Islands in the gulf of Mexico to do all the dirty work in the forts.  An order this day received says that sixty-two non-commissioned officers and privates of the 5th Maine have already been sent.  I like this firmness on the part of Gen. McClellan.  It has inspired a confidence already felt in this region among the military.  Regiments continue to arrive. Six have arrived since I commenced this letter.  I think this means something.

A member of Co. K died yesterday  His body was sent to his home in Wyoming Co. attended by a corporal and a private.

Col. Lansing injured his leg day before yesterday by a fall from his horse.  He is, however, improving.

Capt. T. is here, but has not yet reported for duty.

Nothing more of importance, and perhaps what I have written is not worth the paper I have used.  Take it for what it is worth.

Yours Truly, E.P.P.