Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 12th, 1862
Letter from George H. Spry, 44th NY Infantry
Camp Butterfield, Hall's Hill, Va., Wednesday, January 29, 1862
Eds. Chenango Telegraph: It's a long time since I ventured to write to you and in the interim, we have shifted our quarters from Albany, to Hall's Hill, Virginia. You have learned through communications from our camp and from Chenango friends who have visited us, that we are pleasantly quartered and are as comfortable as could be expected. Frequent visitations in edible form have been a dessert to our rations, and there is a fair prospect of our wintering through.
The monotony of camp life, broken only by occasional picket duty and holiday festivities, drives a soldier to his wits' end for ideas with which to interest his friends at home. Here we are, in perpetual uncertainty of expectation, waiting for some movement which shall bring us nearer Richmond and victory. For some time we have expected to be sent down the coast and have not yet relinquished our hopes that such may be our fortune.
Our Christmas and New Years festivities have been described to you, and Frank Leslie's artist represented them no less ludicrous than they were. Until New Years the winter here was extremely mild and pleasant, but since then the weather has been very changeable and unpleasant.
As to our regiment, it still flourishes, and from the compliments given us by Gen McClellan and Dr. Russell, you can judge whether or not there is any "rivalry" between this and any regiment in the brigade or division. Our immediate neighbors, the 83d Penn. Reg't, are an honor to the Key Stone State. The mutual attachment existing between the 83d Penn. and the 44th N.Y., is a source of gratification to us all and in camp or in field, we are brothers, and whoever offers an insult to one insults the others.
We are becoming somewhat acclimated to the weather of Virginia and consequently have less sickness, fewer pills and prescriptions. The measles, at one time prevalent among us, are now eradicated and of 107 men in company D, 100 do duty; and should the "long roll" be beaten tonight, nearly every man in the regiment would be found in the ranks ready to march. We have lost, in all, 15 men. Most of the deceased have been sent home for interment, and all who died in camp, will be sent to their friends, where may be paid the parting tribute to the brave.
Last Monday eve we built a glowing bonfire on the parade ground in front of our camp and by its light raised a pole and hoisted a storm flag, which, we trust, will yet float in the interior of "Secesh." Our band enlivened the hour with music, and short, animating speeches from our Colonel and Major, elicited deafening cheers from our boys. Our Colonel is endeared to us by every day's acquaintance with him and his sociability and friendly association with his men distinguish him from most commanders. He engages with us in our sports, has a word of friendly greeting whenever he meets us, and treats us more like equals than subordinates.
The weather is so inclement that we drill but little at present. When at leisure we read the U.S. Tactics, write letters, or polish our guns to an unearthly brightness that they may pass inspection by our General. General Butterfield, "Young Napoleon" as he is sometimes called is a fine officer and we trust much in his superior skill.
While the roads continue so unfavorable it will be almost impossible to make an advance. We are kept in readiness, however to move on short notice. If McCall's division is attacked, as it is expected to be, we shall be called into the fight if reinforcements are needed.
We have occasional visits from Chenango boys in different regiments hereabout and are frequently called on by "Dave" Bunnell, the "Union soldier" whose "thrilling adventures" you so recently published. Hoping we may soon write from a more Southern quarter,
I remain. Yours, Geo. H. Spry
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