Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 30, 1861
Letter from M. Shaw, Ellsworth Regiment
Ellsworth Regiment, Fort Barracks, New York, October 26, 1861
[...unreadable...], but the boys bid adieu to the Old Brick Barracks with all its associations, and are actually on the move. Nothing could give the boys better satisfaction than this. Not that we [unreadable] better how to make a soldiers life pleasant, and plant by the wayside brighter spots for reminiscence than the Albanians. Many of us will remember the good dinners and pleasant tea parties that we have enjoyed "downtown" for a long time. Especially shall we think of the donors of those quilts and blankets when cold frosty nights visit us. We have not become tired of the citizens but the monotonous routine of duties and the inexplicable weariness about the Albany barracks created a desire, young America like, for something new. Besides, it was evident that the "boys" and the "contractor" had had a falling out--he not furnishing wholesome food lately.
We were reviewed last Saturday by the Committee for the last time in Albany. After a few evolutions and a little musket exercise, we were formed in the order of a hollow square, to listen to an address. The Committee were introduced to the regiment by Col. Stryker and were received by three cheers. Three more were then given for the colonel, who is cheered every time anybody else is. Secretary Hughes spoke to us in an impressive and eloquent manner for a few moments, on the duties and responsibilities resting upon this regiment. He alluded to the first meeting on the 8th of August, when only about seventy or eighty members could be assembled. Now that it had swollen to such gigantic proportions, he realized the full fruition of his hopes in its formation. He expected that every man would do his duty, would faithfully represent his constituency at home. As he concluded, the feelings of the regiment found expression in continued applause.
Our officers manifest much interest in our welfare. If we lack any essentials of war, food, clothing or equipments, it will not be their fault. There have been several inspections lately to ascertain what is wanting so that we may be fully supplied.
The friends of H.D. Burdick, our 2d Lieut., of Lincklaen, Chenango County, may think, by reading a succinct history of this regiment in the Albany Express, that he has been growing since his promotion. He is there said to be the tallest man in the regiment, measuring six feet seven inches in his boots. Now, however much he may have grown corporally, he is evidently the same man in feeling. It is evident in the selection of Lieut. Burdick for this position he occupies, we have got the "right man in the right place." I apprehend his measurement was taken while on the shoulders of the company, on his way to the sutlers. I have seen less said about our Lieut. Colonel than the other field officers. This is not because he is less deserving of praise. Ranking with the first lawyers of New York, he is eminently qualified to fill his position with honor, He is a man that is always around attending to his duties punctually.
Albany saw one of its greatest days, last Monday, on our departure. Perhaps a larger crowd was never witnessed in that city, or more honor ever shown of soldiers. The whole length of State street was a dense crowd of spectators, while at every window, door, roofs of buildings, and every other place that afforded a chance for a look, were seen anxious lookers on. Some were laughing, some crying, others cheering, while all felt much affected. It was truly a sight to see parents bid adieu to sons, sisters part with brothers, friends, acquaintances, and lovers, separate, perhaps, never to meet again in the world of war and woe. But the country must be defended, and this unprovoked rebellion put down, and both sire and son may well feel proud that they can bear a part in some of the honors of this struggle. But pardon this digression. We were halted in front of Hon. Erastus Corning's dwelling, on State street, and were presented a very nice flag. It bears the name of the regiment in large gilt letters. Hon. Chas. Hughes made the presentation speech in behalf of Mrs. Erastus Corning, the donor. We were escorted to the boat by the Zouave Cadets and Caledonia Guards. One hundred guns were fired on our departure, and salutes and other demonstrations of honor were shown at various places as we passed down the river. In the firing an accident occurred which will detract somewhat from the interest of the occasion. At the firing of the first gun a soldier had his arm carried away below the elbow. We arrived in New York about 10 o'clock next morning, and were well received by this cotton covered city. Some said that we marched as well as the 7th Regiment, and others that they never saw such a body of men march through New York before. We have just received our Springfield rifles, which are said to be the best in the service, and shall proceed toward Washington this afternoon.
We have instituted two Societies, a Christian Association and a literary Society, so that we may better cultivate the finer feelings of the heart and develop the reasoning faculties. Our Colonel has very generously promised to carry a library with us as large as we shall desire. Now, how we shall procure such a library as we want, is the question? For this purpose a Committee of three for each society has been appointed; but as yet they have had no opportunity to meet so as to act in concert, but each one is at work as best he can for the object. We propose to appeal to our friends, who, we doubt not, are ready to lend a helping hand. Chenango has done a fine thing for this regiment, furnishing Capt. Connor, the bravest and best Captain of the regiment, a majority of his men, and now I suppose she will respond with a will to the call for a library, either in books or money. It may seem to be a novel thing for a regiment of soldiers, going from their homes to help maintain the honor and integrity of their county, to ask for a library, or to form associations of the character of these; but so much the more readily, I apprehend, will the help be given. The committee will probably, soon issue a circular, specifying our wants more definitely, but till then all moneys or books will be thankfully received and properly acknowledged.
Your for the Union. M. Shaw.
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