Soldier's Letter, Civil War, February 1862

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 5, 1862

Letter from the 44th NY Volunteers

Camp Butterfield, Hall's Hill, Va., Monday, Feb. 24th, 1862

Editors of the Telegraph:  The glorious news from Roanoke Island, Fort Donelson, Bowling Green and other points "where breathed the foe but fell before us," is so engrossing that news from this camp may be of little interest.  The loyal soldier and the loyal citizen have celebrated the late victories of our troops and rejoiced at the speedy termination of the war which these triumphs presage.  On the evening of the 11th, our camp was set alive with rejoicing upon receiving news of the capture of Roanoke Island.  The band immediately struck up the "Star Spangled Banner," and the boys gathered around cheering to the most capacity of their voices. After parading our streets to the tune of "Yankee Doodle," the regiment marched en massse up to headquarters and called out Gen. Butterfield for a speech.  The General made a few brief but pointed remarks, noticing the improvement we had made as soldiers since we came under his command.  He expressed the hope that we might yet have a hand in the fight but should we never be called into action, let our discipline and soldierly bearing bespeak our prompt performance of duty.

After the General finished his remarks, we marched over to the Penn, 83d where we were addressed by several officers of that regiment.  One of the captains of the 83d, an old Methodist preacher, said if we caught Jeff Davis, he would preach his funeral sermon and we would bury him face downwards.  He thought when Jeff died, the D-----l, but not Jeff, would get his due. From the 83d we came to our own camp, where our Colonel, Lieut, Colonel and Major each addressed us.  Lieut. Col. Rice is an eloquent speaker and as patriotic and brave as any officer in the field.  We always consider it a treat to listen to him.  -?- Chapin, like our Lieut. Colonel, a lawyer, is also an eloquent speaker.  He addressed us and said he thought the troops were making it warm for the rebels.  We finally dispersed and until late at night our camp was noisy with cheers.

On Friday last, per order of Gen. Porter commanding this division, the brigades composing it were formed in hollow square to cheer the victories at Fort Donelson and Bowling Green.  Our brigade formed on the parade ground in front of our camp, and Col Lansing, of the 17th N.Y.V.,  read the news to the brigade and when cheers were proposed each [soldier cheered] as loudly as possible and caps flew [into the] air simultaneously.

Friday, the 14th, our regiment went out with a reconnoitering force to Vienna. We expected to meet the enemy but they had fled.  We caught a glimpse of a few rebel cavalry on distant hills near Vienna, but failed to catch them. We had a long tedious march through mud almost unfathomable.  we returned to camp about 6 P.M. weary and disappointed and not having met the rebels in contest.  We [thought that] we were within two or three miles of them.  Of our march you may form some idea from the following:

Head Quarters 3d Brigade, Porter's Division, Hall's Hill, Va., Feb. 16, 1862

General Order No. 2:  The general commanding, feels it both a duty and a pleasure to commend the 44th N.Y. Volunteers, Col Stryker, for their admirable bearing while on  reconnaissance Friday, February 14th.  It was the remark of experienced officers who accompanied the force sent out, that they had never before seen regular troops take such a march with less stragglers. Although they did not meet the enemy, the march of 27 miles over miserable roads, has shown to the men the effect of drilled discipline to fit them for service. The great importance attached to the prevention of straggling on the march by all military authorities makes the absence of it on this long and fatiguing march a commendable example.

The general sincerely trusts, that all his command will ever evince the same care when called upon for duty.

By command, of Brig. Gen. Butterfield, H.H. Perkins, Lieut, & A.D.C.

Yesterday in pursuance of an order issued by Gen. McClellan, each regiment on the -?- in commemoration of the anniversary birthday of Washington formed on their respective parade grounds, and listened to the reading of Washington's farewell speech.

The last few days have been fraught with exciting interest. The army on the Potomac is getting restless.  It is annoying to hear of victories in other portions of "secesh" and we are yet doing nothing but preparatory duty.  

Gen. McClellan and staff were here Thursday.  they witnessed our regiment on dress parade, and saw us go through with McClellan's bayonet exercise.  After dress parade the Gen. and his staff visited the regimental Hospital of the 53d Pennsylvania.  As he was walking one of our streets and our boys were cheering him on every side, he stopped and said to one of the boys leaning on his gun close by, "how do you stand it?"  The soldier replied, "I can't stand it long without some fighting to do."  the Gen. said to him in answer, "You will have some fighting to do soon."  He said to the Hospital patients, "You will have softer beds to lie on in a few weeks."  Gan. McClellcan is very much a soldier and a man.  He is free from ostentation and puts on less airs than some Corporals.  We have perfect confidence in him, and expect as soon as the weather and roads permit, that he will lead us on to victory, and that under his guidance we shall participate in some great military achievements.

Henry Thompson, of Norwich, who lately enlisted in this regiment has been honorably discharged, and started for home Saturday.  We have lately been visited by John Mitchell, Mr. Chapman of Plymouth, and by Mr. Terry.  The Chenango boys of this regiment are feeling well and hope ere long to be homeward hound.

Yours, G.H.S.