Soldier's Letter, Civil War - November 1862

 Oxford Times, November 26, 1862

Letter from the 114th Regiment

On board the Arago, off Newport News, November 17th, 1862

Mr. Editor:  Presuming that all our friends in Old Chenango are anxious to hear from the 114th, I take the liberty to address you these few lines.  On the 5th of November we left the shady walks of Camp Belger, according to order, and marched down to the city where three companies of us, A, B, and C, were put on board the U.S. Mail Steamer Arago, with the 128th Regiment.  The rest of the Regiment was put on the Atlantic and the Thomas, I believe.  I am not certain about the latter. We remained off Fort McHenry, until  Nov. 9th, when we weighed anchor and moved down the bay. We arrived at Fortress Monroe about 1 o'clock at night.  In the morning I awoke and went on deck, and found our vessel laying at anchor between the Fortress and the Rip Raps.  Here we stayed until the 12th when we steamed up and came as far as here (Newport News) where we have since remained, and having a chance to go on shore about every other day.

Where our future destination is none appear to know, some say Texas, others declare Charleston to be the place. We shall probably go in Gen. Bank's expedition when it is ready, and where that will go is all uncertain, as far as we can judge.

All will remember this place as the spot where the celebrated "Yankee Cheesebox" immortalized itself in the fight with the Merrimac. Here too lies the remains of the Cumberland and Congress, that went down on that memorable day.  Of the latter, its charred hulk is just visible, burned to the waters edge.  The Cumberland lays just as she went down, her weather beaten masts still remain above the water.  As I look upon that noble vessel, I can but think of the hundreds of brave men that went down with her into the briny waves and lay with her in one common grave, well might we say.

The Monitor is also here and lays at anchor near by, ready I suppose for any emergency that may arise. Gen. Corcoran's Irish Legion is encamped here. They appear to be about five thousand strong; all tough, hardy looking men. We don't have quite as good fare on board as we did in Camp, but we are trying to be patient, thinking that we will soon be on land again.  Then woe to the chickens and rebels that stand before us.   W.E.