Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 8, 1862
Letter from Wm. H. Telford, 50th Regt. P.V. [Pennsylvania Volunteers]
Beaufort, Dec. 21 [1861]
Dear Editor: Your welcome visitor, The Chenango Telegraph, came to hand a few days since. I have perused its pages over and over. Almost every word was interesting to me. One thing only surprising, and that was the letter written by myself. Little did I think, when in haste I wrote it, that it would ever be read by any excepting those to whom it was written. Had I thought otherwise, I would have tried to make it at least more easily read, if not more interesting. However, after having passed through your hands it appeared quite respectable. But, I must hasten to give in brief, an account of the many interesting changes that have taken place since then. Our Regiment, which was the first that landed in this place is still in the advance, and afraid of nothing. The first sight after landing we hastened to post our pickets, soon after which a Rebel scouting party on horse back came directly upon them, they being stationed on the outer post towards the Forty, which is 10 miles from Beaufort landing. As they advanced, our pickets halted them, asking them who came there, but no response being made our pickets fired upon them and dismounted one of them. They returned the fire, shooting one of our men through the neck. The wound however was not serious as the ball passed through between the flesh and skin. The next day we followed them double quick to the Ferry, but on arriving there we found that they had passed over to their encampment, which is just on the other side of the river on the main land. We were all anxious to cross but could not because they had taken all the boats to the other side. After thinking the matter over a few moments, two companies were detailed to remain there on guard, the remainder to march back to camp. When we learned that we were among those that were to return we were very much disappointed. Most of us would have chosen to fight rather than to march back. But we have to obey those in command over us. So we gave the command "counter march, by file left," and back to camp we came, making a march of over 20 miles without much rest. We were tired, but stood it well, notwithstanding its being the first march of any account we have had. Since then we have been far better prepared for it from the fact that we are getting accustomed to walking. I have just returned from the Ferry where most of our Regiment for the past 8 days have been on picket duty close to the Rebel pickets and quite in view of their encampments, for they have a number of them all the way for miles up the river. We have driven their outer pickets in a number of times, as we are within musket shot of them in places. Yesterday a party of our men were ordered to cross in small boats, which they attempted to do, but were not quite successful. Just as soon as our boats, containing about 150 men, started from our shore, they opened their batteries upon them, throwing ball, shell and grape at an awful rate, cutting our oars in pieces and killing one man. After finding that they were in range of their batteries, they concluded that a landing at that point could not easily be effected, so they retreated in good order without confusion, notwithstanding the great danger which they were exposed to. We have now six Rebel prisoners within our camp, taken from their post on the other side of the river by a small party of our men, a number of who were from my company. In charge of Lieut. Chas. P. Cross, who had them on a small island collecting together the numerous articles that were left by those who fled from their splendid homes in haste. He, on hearing that a few intended to go over, volunteered to go with them, so he took along a few of our men. The capture was speedily accomplished and they returned safely, having with them six prisoners. Concerning the place I will only say that it is no wonder they felt bad on leaving. The houses are splendid, every thing about them nice, notwithstanding they have carried away the best of their furniture &c. Much remains in the shape of household furniture that could not be removed in haste, such as pianos, Marble Tables, &c. &c.
But I must close as it is quite time to go to bed, and as we have been sleeping out of doors for some time it will be quite a treat to get under the cover of our tents once more. I suppose you are aware that men get but little sleep while on picket, and that while relieved by someone else. In fact, whatever sleep we do get while on duty is out in the open air, exposed to the night frosts, which we have here now. Sometimes we lie on the ground, at other times leaning against a tree or fence. But the boys of our company, most of whom are young as myself, and some younger, stand it first rate. In fact our Regiment is generally healthy. We have had but 2 deaths since we landed on South Carolina's "sacred soil." Concerning future movements, I can only say that we are expecting to cross the river soon. The next attempt must be a successful one, and when you again hear from us, I hope that it be of another battle and Union victory. Be assured, dear Editor, that at all times your paper will be received as a welcome visitor to our humble tent, more welcome because it comes from norwich, a place ever to be remembered by me. There I may say, my early days were spent. My warmest friends are there. Hoping that I shall be enabled to act well my part here, and that I may be spared to visit your village again, with its pleasing shades and pleasant walks, when peace reigns, throughout our entire country, I remain
Yours truly &c. Wm. H. Telford, Captain Commanding Co. G. 50th Regt. P.V. [Pennsylvania Volunteers]
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