Soldier's Letter, Civil War - January 1862 - Battle of Logan's Cross Roads

 Oxford Times, February 12, 1862

Letter describing Battle of Logan's Cross Roads, January 19, 1862

Somerset, Ky, Jan. 26th, 1862

Editor Oxford Times:  As I am now in Standart's Battery of Schoepf's Brigade, stationed at Somerset, Ky., I will enclose a few lines to you concerning the late battle of Logan's Field, Ky., some 16 miles from Somerset, and between Fishing Creek and the Cumberland River.  

Our Brigade consists of 7 Regiments, viz, the 17th and 31st and 39th Ohio, and two Tennessee Regiments, the 12th Ky. and 38th Ohio and 2 batteries of Artillery, one Captain Standart's Co. B, first Regiment Ohio Artillery, the other is Ky. Artillery, commanded by Captain J.M. Hewitt.  On the 17th our Battery, Captain Standart's, and the two Tennessee Regiments and the 12th Ky Regiment, received orders to march to a forks of the road, some 3 or 4 miles on the other side of Fishing Creek, and about 14 miles from Somerset, where we formed a junction with General Thomas and part of his Brigade. The balance of our force under General Schoepf started out on another road and was to cross Fishing Creek some 6 or 8 miles below, and as soon as both Divisions got up in proper position, it was the intention to move forward on the rebels under Zollicoffer,15,000 strong and strongly fortified, at a place called Mills Springs on the Cumberland river. But owing to the heavy rains for the last two or three days, Fishing Creek was almost impassible.  The gallant boys soon got a rope stretched across the creek by which they could steady themselves while wading, which was almost chin deep, and about ten rods across. This, of course, caused great delay and those men did not get up in time to participate in the fight, for Generals Crittenden and Zollicoffer got news on the 18th that our forces were concentrated for a move on them, and they immediately started out with 10,000 men and 12 or 14 pieces of artillery to give us battle, and if possible to rout us before we could get our forces concentrated. They marched all night and got up and attacked our pickets at break of day.  They were out about two miles. Our men hearing the firing, some rallied and was off to meet them.  Three companies of Walford's Cavalry were soon out to assist the pickets.  Next went the 19th Indians, next the two Tennessee Regiments and our battery. But as we had to go by way of the road to get through the woods, the 4th Ky. Regiment [cut] across the lots and beat us in. We were soon in the ranks however, and soon our Battery was belching forth their fiery missals among the main body of the rebel army.  The Tennesseans were off on the left flank, and for a while had nothing to do. But soon they got a show and in they went, and if ever there was hard fighting it was at that time. The rebels had tried to flank us in that direction and if possible to take one section of Captain Kinney's Battery that was playing on them from that direction. (Kinney's Battery belonged to Thomas's Brigade).  The rebels out numbered them two to one, but they did not flinch, but fought like tigers. They kept up a constant fire for twenty minutes, then charged bayonet and the rebels broke and run. During all this time our line was keeping up a constant roar of musketry and artillery. The rebels were above us, on a hill and behind a fence.  Our men were below them and in the brush and woods. During the fight the 4th Ky. Regiment exhausted their ammunition, and were ordered to fall back. The rebels seeing this thought the day was theirs and fixed bayonet for a charge, and General Zollicoffer rode up in front of his column and fired his pistol at Col. Fry of the 4th Ky. hitting his horse in the hip, whereupon Col. Fry wheeled his horse round and fired at Zollicoffer, and killed him on the spot.  As Fry's regiment fell back the rebels pursued on with bayonets fixed, when up came the 2d Minnesota and 9th Ohio and in they went. Welford's Cavalry was now out of ammunition, and were falling back. They had been fighting and dismounted as it was impossible to do any good with horses in the bushes. They charged the rebels again and thinking to break our lines, rushed towards us to a ford between us and them, when we gave them a few rounds of shell from our guns that piled them in heaps.  Then the Col. of the 9th Ohio gave orders to fix bayonets.  In the twinkling of an eye the bayonets were fixed and on they went at a charge bayonet without orders.  We were giving them shell from our guns at the same time. The rebels met our boys at the fence, then came the struggle to see which should get their bayonets through the fence for a charge.  I saw one of the Ohio boys fighting to get his bayonet through, but the rebels, were like to beat him and he gave a spring backwards, then one spring forward with his gun in a horizontal position about his head, and drove it through the fence just below the top rail and pierced a rebel through the neck. The bayonet stuck out six inches on the back of his neck.  Our boys beat them bad at the charge and they broke and ran. We went into the field up to the time that they dispersed in a mass.  It was two hours and forty-five minutes, during which time the firing was so steady that you could not distinguish one volley from another, except the booming of the cannon, which I am told could be heard at the distance of thirty miles along the Cumberland Valley.  

When the rebels ran we moved on after them. They drew up their cavalry for a charge at one time, but a few shells from our guns hastened their speed and they did not stop again until they got into their entrenchments, eight miles from the battlefield.  When we passed the ground on which they stood in battle it was strewed in every direction with the dead and wounded.  We went to within one mile of their fortifications the same night and got there at about twenty minutes before sundown.  We commenced shelling their fortifications as soon as possible, and shelled it as long as we could see to sight a gun, which was answered by one gun only, and that at long intervals.  Their artillery did not damage us any during the whole battle, and there was no artillery man hurt on our side, except myself.  I was hit with a spent ball from a musket which bruised me severely, but did not disable me. The next morning after the battle we all marched on to their breast works and found this camp deserted. We pushed on to the river and reached there in time to see their steamboat burning.  They had been crossing all night in flat boats and one steamboat.  They left everything in their flight.  We captured thirteen pieces of artillery, -?-, ammunition, forage and battery wagons, 700 horses and -?-, baggage wagons, about 2,000 bushels of wheat and corn, and other commissary stores, such as sugar, rice, beef, bacon, coffee, clothing, &c. The road from the battle field to the river was strewn with blankets, haversacks, knapsacks, cartridge boxes, guns, sabers, baggage wagons stuck in the mud, two pieces artillery, dead horses, broken harness, corn dodger biscuit, boiled ham, and everything that they could throw way to speed their flight.  I think it is the greatest victory that has been won since the war broke out.  Our soldiers buried 309 rebels, on the field and took a great many prisoners.  I am told that we have 1,200 prisoners.  E.H.N.

Battle of Mill Springs - Wikipedia

Vital Records, Greene, NY, August 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 7, 1862

Married:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 57th ult., b Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. James E. McClelland, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Harriet S. Willcox, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mr. Almon Janes, aged 58 years, 6 months and 18 days.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Mary Ann [Seward], daughter of Daniel C. Seward, aged 21 years.

Died:  Killed at the retaking of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, by the Rebels, on the 13th of July, Mr. David Ingersoll, of the 7th Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, son of David H. Ingersol, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], aged 18 years, 3 months and 5 days.

Died:  At Charles City, Iowa, July 18th, Rosalia M. Coley, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult. Edgar M. [Cooley], son of Robinson Cooley, aged 3 years.

Died in Key West:  Orlanto W. Jones, son of John B. Jones, of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], died at Key West on the 24th ult.  His father has received a letter from the chaplain of the Regiment with which he was connected, announcing the melancholy fact.  Young Jones was a private in Co. E, 90th Reg. N.Y.S.V.  He was 24 years of age.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 14, 1862

Died:  At Camp Morgan, Key West, on the 9th of June, Charles J. Hall, of Co. E., 90th Regiment, N.Y.S.V., son of Otis Hall, of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], aged 16 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Mary Ann [Seward], daughter of Daniel C. Seward, aged 21 years. 

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th ult. Mary E. [Wheaton], daughter of Reuben and Nancy Wheaton aged 26 years. 

Died:  Also, of the same disease, on the 16th ult. Mr. Reuben Wheaton, aged 61 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], April 12th, Charles Sumner [Benedict], youngest son of Orville and Cyrena Benedict, aged 2 years.

Died:  Also, June 7th, Oliver Fremont [Benedict], third son of Orville an dCyrena Benedict, aged 4 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Hellen [Thompson], daughter of Richard and Olive Thompson, aged 12 years

Oscar Phelps of the 27th Regiment, formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], is among the sick and wounded which arrived at Philadelphia on the 7th inst. from Harrison's Landing..

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 21, 1962

Married:  At A.A. Barr's hotel in this village [Greene, Chenango co., NY], on the evening of 15th inst. by Rev. Jas. D. Whebster, Mr. Charles H. Lotheridge, to Miss Emily A. Weed, all of Norwich.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Mr. James S. Ireland, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Martha Dodge, of Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. Peter Brink, of Owego [Tioga Co., NY], to Miss Hattie Hull, of Oxford.

Married:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. by Rev. E.N. Ruddock, Mr. Daniel M. Rathbone to Miss Helen Lucretia Padgett, of Oxford [Chenango Co.., NY].

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 11th inst. by Rev. Mr. Scoville, Mr Wm. H. Pertilla, to Miss Betsey C. Robbins, all of Norwich.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Celia M. [Fairchild], daughter of Benjamin and Julia Esther Fairchild, aged 15 years, 6 months and 28 days.

Died:  In Thompsonville, Conn., Maria Theresa [Clarke] wife of Thos. W. Clarke, formerly of Norwich.

Died:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Mrs. James Bisbee, aged 75 years.

Died:  In Clarkville, Madison Co., [NY], on the 11th inst., Mrs. Esther [Clark], wife of Hon. Joseph Clark, aged 71 years.

Died:  In Brookfield [Madison Co., NY], on the 29th ult. Hon. Thomas Keith, aged 59 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 28, 1862

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst. by P.L. Wescott, Esq., Mr. Hiram White, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eliza J. Owens, of Norwich.

Died:  In Key West, Fla. June 5th, of brain fever, Mr. Jeremiah Slawson, of Co. E, 90th Rev. N.Y.S.V., formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], aged 28 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Lizzie Hallem [Bacon], daughter of C.A. Bacon, aged 34 years.

Died:  In Waconsta, Mich. on the 8th inst. Mr. John Lawrence, late of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY] aged 73 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mrs. Lucy Miller, widow of the late William G. Miller, aged 60 years.

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 22d inst., suddenly, Mr. Seerling Gilmore, formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], aged 43 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, January 1862

 Oxford Times, February 5, 1862

Letter from the Burnside Expedition

Oronco Inlet, Cape Hatteras, Jan. 16th, 1862

We left Washington Sunday, Jan. 4th, and went to Annapolis that night, staid on the cars.  We left the cars about 10 o'clock and marched to the Navy Yard and stood in snow all day, but we put up one of our stoves and made coffee, and at night went to a church to stay, but were removed to the College buildings for better quarters.  Went out in the morning to take a look at the city.  It is the poorest place I ever saw. Did not see only one white woman and she lived in the rich part of the city, and was for the Union strong, for she came out to the door and held out a nice pair of knit yarn mittens with a finger on them and asked some soldiers if they would take them, and I supposed they were afraid of a pretty woman, not seeing one in so long a time, and no one started, so I went, had a piece of dry bread eating, and took the mittens and told her I would fight for her, and in turn she asked me to come in and get something to eat.  I went in and had a good breakfast, the only one since I left Washington.

We went on board, the Arricon, a new ship and staid one night, and in the morning the Captains of Companies E,C,D went on shore to Gen. Burnside and got the schooner Horace E. Brown, 200 tons burden, and our Company and two others went on board. The others laughed at us because it was small and rocked so, for the Arricon was 1,400 tons and did not rock any, but when we started we beat them six hours, and then had to wait two nights and one day, and the wind blew a perfect gale. When the wind went down the captain said that if the wind had changed, he would have put to tail and run her on ground.  One nice steamer got wrecked with 500 soldiers on board, but all were saved but two men. She has gone to pieces and a schooner nearly as large as the one that we are on, beached and sat two rods off.  Tried to move in the night and got on a sand bar and by [unreadable] and now coal boat and all is gone and [unreadable] a sign of distress, and our captain says that there is no danger at all.  The harbor is the worst on the coast.

We are on the ground where a battle was fought only a few months ago, and the fort on the point was taken by our forces, and one of their schooners was sunk and at this point and just about 500 prisoners were taken, some of which I saw at Washington. We will go into North Carolina, through Dismal swamp, or so the rumor is, and help the loyal citizens to maintain their liberty as they are coming back into the Union, and we will have what I wanted, a chance to try my gun on a rebel, though they are scarce.  A division leaves Kentucky to meet us so as to cut them off from the supplies from the South and then the forces at Richmond will be in close quarters, for they will be surrounded and then they must either surrender or starve, and I don't believe they will do the latter as it is very unpleasant to think of, and I for one don't think I should like it.

A pilot came on board last night. He was from one of the towns below here and said that the inhabitants was looking for us, and was ready to use us well and give a good hand to help, for some of the people can't get salt to put in their bread.  In the town that he was in, there was 75 Union and 5 secesh, so you see that they have got the upper hand, and he says that the most part is just the same, and if it is so, we won't be very bad off, but I had rather go in the very heart of them, and everything is lawful plunder and we will have good living.  As it is, we will have to live on government fare, and I will tell you what it is, nine soda crackers as hard as flint, and can't break one with your hands, white corn hominy, not half cooked, and beans the same (neither of them can be eaten by your humble servant) and a quart of water if you are around in the morning. You will see that it is rather hard for one who has had Oxford fare and water, but it will be better soon.  S.F.B.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - July 1862

 Oxford Times, July 2, 1862

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 23d ult., Sally A. [Kinsman], daughter of David kInsman, aged 10 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Sarah Ann [Seneare], wife of L. Seneare, aged 37 years.

Oxford Times, July 9, 1862

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], July 18th, Mariva [Isbell], daughter of Eleazer and Laura Isbell, aged 9 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], June 18, of Diptheria, Charley N. [Sherwood], only child of Gilbert and Adaline Sherwood, aged 4 years.

Oxford Times, July 16, 1862

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY] on the 9th inst. at the residence of the Hon. Samuel E. Lewis by the Rev. Daniel Ballou, Mr. J. Gardner Barber of East Haddam, Conn., and Miss E. Augusta Smith of Preston.

Married:  At Sidney, Delaware Co. [NY], on the 6th inst. by F.W. Courtney, Esq., Mr. Samuel J. Neff of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Martha Smith of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].

Married:  Also, at the same time and place by the same, Mr. A.A. Neff to Miss A.G. Wheeler, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Willie H. [Loomis], son of Daniel W. and Laura M. Loomis, aged 4 years.

Wounded:  Among the wounded in the recent battles near Richmond, we notice the name of Henry Tracy, of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], son of the late Col. Otis J. Tracy, deceased.  Young Tracy was recruited with 44th Regiment, if we mistake not, and received a wound in the leg.

Death of Sergt. H.H. Rhodes:  The following letter from the Chaplain of his Regiment, announces the death of one who early in life, has laid his life a sacrifice upon the altar of his country.  Mr. Rhodes was the son of Asa W. Rhodes of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Headquarters 90th Reg. N.Y.V., Camp Morgan, Key West, June 28, 1862

W.G. Rhodes:  Dear Sir:  It is my painful duty to inform you of the death of your brother, Sergeant Rhodes, who fell asleep in Jesus on Thursday afternoon, 26th June.  Your brother had been long sick and hopes were entertained of his recovery, and in fact he had got so much better, that he was able to walk about when he was taken down with severe diarrhea, which reduced him in strength and finally robbed us of a valuable young officer and soldier, and his family and friends of an ornament and pride.  My acquaintance with your brother was close and intimate.  He was one among the number of religious young men that I could always rely on to assist me and encourage me, as the Chaplain in my duties and labors.  He was not only a regular attendant at all of my meetings, but took part in them with a modesty, earnestness and sincerity which made him a blessing to us.  His life in the camp was as became a "son of God", pure and holy, without rebuke.  In his sickness, he was patient and trustful, and in my daily visits to the hospital it was a privilege to sit and listen to him as he magnified the grace of God in Jesus Christ.  His death was peaceful and triumphant.  I was with him in the solemn hour when he was to close his earthly career, though unable to speak, he had his intellect clear and could by signs give us the assurance that "all was well."  From him in answer to my questions, I was desired to write to let his friends know that he died in the faith and hope of the Gospel.

During his sickness, he had all the care and attention he needed.  The Surgeon and nurses were kind and attentive, his officers and friends in his own and other companies did all they could to render him comfortable.  I mention particularly Capt. D'LaPaturelle, Lieuts, Locke and Ireland, Sergt. Lathrop, and Ireland and Jacobs. We buried his remains in hope of Eternal life through Jesus Christ, in the Soldier's Burial Ground, with military honors.  Col. Morgan and many of the officers of the Regiment around his grave, paid a tribute of respect to the remains of a worthy man.  May you and I thus die.

You have my sympathy and that of the regiment in your sad bereavement.  May God in Infinite mercy sanctify it to the good of his friends.  To your parents tender my sincere regard and prayer that God would richly afford them the consolations of his grace to comfort their hearts.

Your, in Christ, J.G. Bass, Chaplain

Oxford Times, July 23, 1862

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. by Rev. G. White, Rev. S. Comfort of Triangle [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Sarah Foster of Greene.

Married:  In Colesville [Broome Co., NY], on the 18th ult., by Rev. N. Palmer, Mr. Lewis J. Poole of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jennie Blakesley, of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 19th inst., Mr. Robert Shipman, recently of Springfield, Otsego Co. [NY], aged 82 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Albertus [Hayes], son of Samuel P. Hayes, aged 6 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 13th inst., William R. [Harrison], son of James j. Harrison, aged 6 years.

Died:  in Corning [Steuben Co., NY], on the 23d ult. Mrs. Jerusha Fanning, formerly of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], aged 95 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Ellen [Weaver], daughter of John Weaver, aged 11 years.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Julia [Hamilton] daughter of Dea. Orris Hamilton, of Norwich, aged 20 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. Erasmus D. Johnson, aged 54 years.

Oxford Times, July 30., 1862

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Re.v G.G. Donnelly, Mr. William Slater to Miss Juliette Van Zandt, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

Died:  In Dundus, Canada West, on the 15th inst. Mr. Orrin R. Wells, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 48 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 21st inst. Mr. N.H. Stanton, aged 32 years.  

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - January 1862

 Oxford Times, February 5, 1862

Letter from 90th Regiment N.Y.S.V.

90th Regt. N.Y.S.V., Key West, Florida, Jan. 22d, 1862

Dear Times:  A little more than one year ago I was walking the streets of your pleasant village and answering to the pleasant calls of your Academy bell.  Today I am away down upon the most western of the Florida keys, answering, I trust with equal promptness, to the call of the fife and drum.

Our Regiment has been encamped on the Island of Key West since the 13th.  During this time many ornamental works have made their appearance throughout the camp, notwithstanding we are having double the drilling we have been used to, before we came here.  You will not wonder when you remember the latitude and realize that the climate is sufficiently warm to admit of gardens being in a forward state, oranges, and lemons (where cultivated) hanging almost ripe upon the trees, and all vegetation looking green; that many of our men coming directly here from the cold climate of New York, are stricken down by disease, and some of them alas! already laid in the silent tomb. A few days since a respected member of our company was  summoned away by death's imperative call.  More than usual respect was shown his remains. I think this was in consequence of his having been a Free Mason.  His body, was borne upon the shoulders of six of our members and was preceded by the Band, marking the cadence of the step by a mournful tune.  Following the pall bearers, were 7 files selected to fire over the grave. Next the remainder of the company without arms; and last in the procession, nearly all the officers of the Regiment.  After the military ceremonies were over the officers formed a circle about the grave each one as he came near, dropping in a green sprig. They joined hands and sang, then knelt and prayed.  Hardly a dry eye was seen among them.  After they arose from their knees, the Major removed a glove from one hand and dropped it in at the head of the grave, than all quietly retired.

I think many more of our number would have sickened and died ere this, had it not been for the cleansing influence of the sea sickness they endured on the passage.

There are about 400 Regulars on this Island, including a small battery of flying artillery.  The 90th Regiment numbering about 800 and 91st New York, numbering about the same, together with about 3,000 inhabitants including slaves; all of which must consume more or less water, and there is none on the Island except cistern or rain water, that is fit to drink (if I was home I should think it hardly fit to wash my hands in).

We have to be put on allowance, even of this poor water.  The Quartermaster has chartered a schooner to bring supplies, if necessary, from Havana, which is about 90 miles distant.  We enjoy very much this liberty occasionally granted us, in the form of a pass, to roam over the island.  During these rambles we often meet and converse with many of the slaves.  They seem to be quite intelligent, and are very glad of an opportunity to converse with us.  They say they are well used, and have considerable time to themselves, but still they all express an ardent desire to be free.

It is generally supposed that our Regiment and the 91st, will be sent sometime between now and the 1st of March, together with other forces on an expedition to make a strike at the same time with the advancement of the Northern Army.  But of course we really know little of our further destination, and much less than we should, if we could scan the columns of the New York papers.

Our officers, of course, are as much in the dark about our further movements as we are, but seemingly they know the whole program marked out for us, judging from their prompt replies when questioned by one of the men.  But their statements so soften conflict, that the men have lost confidence in their foreknowledge and now only hope that we may leave here before the weather becomes any hotter.  For my part, I had rather face the enemy than the disease incident to this climate.  I feel truly it would be sweet to fall in battle for one's country, but I shrink from the preying diseases.

H.H.R.    

Vital Records, Greene, NY, July 3, 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 3, 1862

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 25th ult., by Rev. H. Cllahan, Mr. Frank A. Lyons of Lanesboro, Pa., to Miss Hattie McNeil, of Oxford.

Married:  In Earlville [Madison Co.., NY], on the 26th ult. by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. T.W. Shapley, Esq., of Eagle Harbor, Mich., to Miss Ellen Stoddard, of Earlville.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., Mr. John C. Fitch, aged 41 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mrs. Mary Wood, wife of Jeremiah Wood, in the 69th year of her age.

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th ult. of diptheria, S. Lucretia [Lamb], wife of Rheuben L. Lamb, aged 26 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 10, 1862

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Jerome Loomis of Oxford, to Miss Polina Beatman, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Geo. W. Stratton, to Miss Mary J. Webb, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rev. E. Nuddeck, Mr. Henry Blackman, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY]\ to Miss M. Adelade Miles, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY]\, on the 3d inst., by Rev. J.H. Nason, Mr. David M. Hakes, of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ophelia L. Crane, of Lincklaen.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by J. Ferguson, Esq., Mr. Andrew Bean to Miss Jerusha Waters, both of Freetown, Cortland Co. [NY].

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. Rosannah [Watrous], wife of William Watrous, aged 40 years.

Died:  in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., States [Loomis], son of Vincent and Betsey Loomis, aged 3 years and 6 months.  

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Rev. John B. Hoyt, Senior, Pastor of the 2d Congregational Church, aged 68 years, 5 months and 4 days.  Deceased was born in the town of Walton, Delaware Co., N.Y. in 1794, a graduate of Yale College, Class of 1814, and studied Theology under Rev. Seth Williston, the pioneer preacher of Western New York.  In 1818 he was licensed to preach the Gospel, by the Associated Presbytery, at Durham, N.Y., and ordained by the Union Association at Greene, N.Y. which church he supplied for many years.  In 1829 he accepted an invitation ot the 2d Church of Coventry where he has labored ever since.  The Rev. Father Hoyt, was one of the honorable and ancient landmarks in this part of the State, where his ministry of 44 years has been entirely spent.  His labors have been greatly blessed of God, to the building up of his kingdom.  He assisted in the formation of the Presbytery of Chenango, of which he has been long the oldest settled Pastor, and was the first moderator of the Synod of Susquehanna, held at Franklin, Del. Co., N.Y., Oct. 20th, 1853.  Few men have been so universally respected and beloved.  He died as he had lived in the active functions of the sacred office, though for the past few months laid aside from public ministrations by the increasing signs of dissolution.  He leaves an attached people, who cherish his memory.  It was a source of joy to him to be spared to witness the ingathering of a rich harvest of souls, the fruits of the spirits outpouring upon the church during the winter months just past, when over sixty were brought into the Church on profession of their faith in Christ.  He leaves the church in charge of his colleague, Rev. I.B. Hopwood, late of Union Theological Seminary, New York.  He died in full faith of the doctrines he had so earnestly preached, and went down into the valley of the shadow of death, leaning on the Saviour whom he had trusted for over fifty years.  He was a man of peace, and his end was peace.  May those who knew him, profit by his bright example of Christian gentleness and unassuming goodness.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - January 1862

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 22, 1862

Letter from Capt. J.O. Martin, 17th Regiment, N.Y.S.V.

Head quarters, 17th Regiment, N.Y.S.V., Camp Butterfield, Hall's Hill, Va., January 13th, 1862

Messrs. Editors:  Do you still publish The Chenango Telegraph(?).  If you do, why don't you send a copy down this way occasionally?  We have not seen a paper from Chenango for six weeks.  I propose in this letter to tell you how we spent the holidays in camp, and what we are expecting to do in a few days.

For several days before Christmas, we spent our leisure time in beautifying our camp.  Beautiful cedar trees were set between the tents and little gardens made around them. A large arch was sprung over the front of the principal street of the camp, in which were the names of our generals, Butterfield, Porter and McClellan.  Smaller arches were placed over each company street and in front of each tent. Christmas Eve, as soon as it became dark, the entire camp was brilliantly illuminated; large fires were built on the parade ground and every body "went in" for a good time. The men were furnished with eatibles and drinkables by their officers, while the officers went to enjoy a splendid entertainment provided by the Colonel and other field officers. All the officers of the division were invited to the party.  It was held in the Colonel's new log house.  Generals Morell and Martindale were present.  The straps of colonel's and officers lower in rank were glittering as brightly as the stars without.  A supper fit to satisfy an epicure was spread in the mess tent, which was partaken of with a relish such as is known nowhere but in camp.  Champagne flowed freely, and it seemed necessary and appropriate to drink the health of various individuals, from "Old Abe" and the "little Corporal," down the list of army officers.  Many good jokes were cracked, and we could all see "where the laugh came in." All seemed to agree in the conclusion that this was a great country, but that it was a hard matter to fence it in; that the Rebels were great rascals and deserve to be severely thrashed, and that we were all bold soldiers and would annihilate those scamps down South one of these days.  After supper there was a dance. Silk dresses were not as numerous as they are at "upper ten" parties in old Chenango, yet a number of those articles floated in the images of the dance, and were worn by as fine looking ladies as you could wish to see.  Mrs. Col. Lansing, Mrs. Col. Stryker and Mrs. Col. Morris were among them.  All seemed to enjoy it finely, and retired to a late hour to dream of home and battles.

Christmas day we visited, ate roast turkey and wondered what people were doing at home.  The 44th had a burlesque dress parade in the afternoon which was very amusing. The men were fixed up in every conceivable ridiculous manner that a fertile fancy could suggest.  The music, the maneuvers and the orders read were all in keeping.  If you can imagine a Pandemonium of ragged soldiers, gathered from every nation under the sun, dressed in every uniform that was ever worn, and as many others, never worn, with the Devil mounted on a hippopotamus acting as Colonel, you may have some slight idea of the way this dress parade looked.

On New Years Eve, the officers of the Brigade were invited to a party by the officers of the 83d Pa. Regiment.  I was not able to go and found I lost a great treat, for the entertainment was said to be very fine.

Last Saturday we were favored with a visit from David L. Fottett, Esq., and Hon. Joseph Bush of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]. The Chenango boys were not a little pleased to see them.  They staid to see the dress parades of the several regiments of our Brigade and seemed to think we were in pretty good fighting trim.  Mr. Follett kindly offered to carry home money for us, and went away with quite a pocket full of Treasury notes from Company H to their friends in Chenango.  Mr. Bush carried home some hard crackers to the ladies of Bainbridge that they may see how "we poor soldiers suffer."  We hope to see both the above named gentlemen in camp again before we leave the "sacred soil."

George Beckwith of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] was discharged from my Company for physical debility, and started for home yesterday.  Beckwith was a first rate soldier, always ready and willing to do his duty and we were sorry that he was obliged to leave us.  We are under obligations to his mother for providing stockings, &c.  They have kept us warm these cold winter nights.  May a kind Providence reward her for these gifts to the soldiers.

Some two weeks since, General Porter called together the colonel's of his Division and told them that the Division would leave their camps and go into active service within four weeks and might go any day.  That for the next four weeks after we left here we would see plenty of hot work, that we would leave our tents and live for that time under little tents which the men carry on their backs and that at the end of that time our tents would reach us.  We are ordered to have an inspection of our companies everyday and to have everything in readiform to march.  He does not tell us where we are going. There are various theories among the officers.  It is generally supposed that we are going on an expedition of some sort, and that we will go within a week.  Nothing else can please us so well as the order for the Division to start.

The general health of the men is good.  Sergeant Moore of Company H is still sick with fever and ague.  The snow is six inches deep on these cold hills of old Virginia this morning.  You can imagine how pleasant it is to stand guard and to drill in the snow.  Hoping that we may soon have a chance to do the work we came to do.  I am yours respectfully

J.O. Martin

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, June 1862

 Oxford Times, June 4, 1862

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., Mrs. Sally M. [Ingersoll] wife of David Ingersoll, aged 54 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mrs. Elizabeth [Sturgeon] wife of John Sturgeon, aged 56 years.

Oxford Times, June 18, 1862

Execution for murder:  Ft. Monroe, June 13:  Private John McMahon, of Co. F, 99th New York Volunteers, was hung today for willful murder, at the Rap Raps, according to the sentence of the court martial, approved by the Commanding general.

The circumstances of the case show no mitigating facts, the prisoner having calmly and deliberately shot Private Michael Dolan, of the same company and regiment, at the same time using the words, "God have mercy on your soul."  The prisoner pleaded guilty to the charge of willful murder, and the plea having been confirmed by the court, he was sentenced to be hung.  Today at noon, having been appointed for the execution by Gen. Wool, the sentence was carried into effect by the Provost marshal, Lieut. Blake.

Everything was carried out in the most exemplary manner, and the prisoner died with scarcely a struggle.  Up to the very last he appeared indifferently as to his fate, and refused to make any explanation of the object of his act, which, therefore, remains a secret.

Immediately after the execution, a general order was read, remitting the sentence to be shot for sleeping at their post of Privates Patrick Flarity, Co. F, and John Dillon, Co. H, both of the 106th regiment.

Oxford Times, June 25, 1862

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Eveline E. [Howland], daughter of Hiram ad Frances Howland, aged 8 months.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Charles [Dibble], son of Edson and Eliza Dibble, aged 4 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - December 1861

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 22, 1862

Letter from I.O. Foote, 61st Regiment NY Infantry

Camp California, Va., Dec. 26, 1861

Dear Cousin:  The pleasures of Christmas with you have passed, and had it not been for the hand of Death in our company yesterday, I might have given you an account of the games and sports in Camp California and how they resulted. The 61st, and especially Company C, seem to be somewhat afflicted at the present time. Measles and colds have reduced the company to thirty-one in number fit for duty - thirty-nine being on the sick list.  It has been remarked, and with truth, I think, that our boys are not made for soldiers. But be assured your humble servant is an exception.  I've not been unfit for duty since the day of my enlistment.  Some of the boys who were thought to be able to endure the most, being hardy, some of farmers, when they tried the perspiring ordeal of a knapsack march, were as ready to throw themselves on the ground at "hale" as "we, us & Co."

Yesterday was a sorry Christmas for us and two other companies.  A corporal, beloved by all his brother soldiers for his kind and genial disposition, his wit and humor being the life of the company, died; and, almost in his last moments breathing forth, Hood-like, a witticism that would bring a smile to the veriest stoic, spent a portion of his Christmas in the spirit world.  His disease, Measles, by reason of some imprudence, was thrown back upon the system, causing congestion of the lungs and shortly death. Today we escorted his body as far as Alexandria on its way home. Twelve men and a corporal, besides six pallbearers, are allowed from the company as an escort for the body of a corporal.

Friends at home think the battle field is terrible, but the field of disease is more so.  They think only of bullets and bayonets dealing out death while these comparatively bring but few to the earth.

The daily routine of a soldier's life becomes rather irksome when there is nothing to do but eat and drill, and drill and eat, with a variation now and then.  The reveille, as you are aware, beats at daybreak, when every "son of Mars" turns out and falls in on the "color line" for rollcall.  You can imagine that this cold weather makes us step quite briskly at so early an hour of the day.  This done, we march back in two ranks to our company street, "break ranks," hurry away to our tents, roll up blankets and bind them on the top of the knapsacks, double up our "ticks" and arrange things generally, last of all giving the "grocery" a thorough dusting.  Presently the breakfast call sounds, when we walk up and make a "right face" to the cook and kettles, and are helped to the healthiest of food and as much as any common man could wish to eat.  Squire C. is boss of the pots, and the boys have reason to congratulate themselves that they have so good a governor in this department.

At eight-and-a-half o'clock is guard mounting, from nine to eleven, either battalion or brigade drill, and again from two till nearly sunset. After forenoon drill, the boys convert themselves into washer women, when there is a great waste of soap and little rubbing, as such business doesn't agree with their feelings and digital extremities.  You can rest assured that I do as little as possible.

The evenings are spent in as many different ways, almost as there are persons.  Writing, readng, telling stories, smoking the fragrant Havana, or the "weed" raised on the "sacred soil" broken and pressed into the clay pipe; cards in white with hearts and diamonds of red, thus using two-thirds of the national tri-color, are sometimes rubbed between the Ongers.  Some perhaps, will like exercising their muscle and take a turn at boxing; others will look on, and like the "trumpster," blow for the rest to fight.

Roll call at eight and-a-half P.M., taps at nine, all lights in the tents must then be extinguished, before which we spread out bed and blankets preparatory to taking a journey to the land of dreams. We soldiers have the advantage of you civilians in one thing; no time is spent in dressing and undressing; down we lie at night ready to jump up at any time the "long roll" may beat and fall in if necessity requires it to march three or four miles to strengthen our pickets.

I can hardly make myself believe that 100,000 men are in array against me.  In fact we seem to rest as securely in these tents and within six or eight miles of the enemy as if we were at home.  For a brigade hospital, we have the once splendid mansion of Commodore Forrest, formerly of the U.S.  Navy.  The grounds around it are beautifully laid out and numerous shade trees almost conceal from it the view.  Lawns there are in front and rear, which I could but think many a fair one had tripped, never dreaming that the rude hand of war would mar the beauty of that [-?-] mansion and ruthlessly defile its surroundings. But the soldier knows no beauty, and the General looks only to the comfort of his soldiers and the property being confiscated 'tis our right to use it.

Our Brigadier General is Howard, a man who means to do as near right as military rules will allow.  S.... is General of this Division.  We hope and believe if ever this brigade is called into action, though there are some deaths, the 61st will prove itself to be [...unreadable...] returning "with honor upon its shield."

All confidence is placed in McClellan and the president.  Even though we have thus far been inactive, it is judged to be for the best.  It is not the -?- of flesh that always conquers.  We are confident that infinite wisdom will bring this contest to a close in His own appointed time if our leaders but desire to be guided by it.  L.O.F.

Vital Records, Greene, NY, June 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 5, 1862

Married:  In Eaton, Madison Co., [NY], on the 22d ult., by G. Morse, Esq., Mr. Theodore A. Drew, of Georgetown [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Ellen A. Braman, of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Utica [Oneida Co., NY], on Saturday evening, 18th ult., J.C. Dana, aged 37 years, son-in-law of Mr. Moulter, of the Lewis House, Binghamton [Broome Co.., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., Julia A. [Eggleston], wife of Samuel Eggleston, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult. of disease of the brain, Mr. Ezra Kingsley, formerly of Otis, Mass., aged 76 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Anna Burch Allen, aged 1 year and 8 days.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18thg ult. of diptheria, John A. ]Coy], youngest son of Alanson and Mary J. Coy, aged 5 years ad 10 months.

Died:  At Chesapeake Hospital, Fortress Monroe, on the 20th ult., Mr. Stephen R. Brown, of Co. C, 14th Regiment U.S.., son of Erastus Brown, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], aged 20 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 12, 1862

Married:  At the residence of the bride's father, in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of the 10th inst., by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Geroge A. Chamberlain, to Miss Josephine A. [Tillots] youngest daughter of Silas Tillotson, Esq., all of this town.

Married:  In Nebraska City, on the 14th inst., by Rev. M. Adams, Dr. J.C. Campbell, and Miss S.P. Childs, of Deposit, N.Y. [Delaware Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by the Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Lyman Rathbone, Jr., to Miss Susan M. Crandall, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Lisle [Broome Co., NY], on the 29th ult. by Rev. Wm. Gates, Mr. Wilbert A. Williams, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Annie E. Brainard, of Lisle.

Married:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. E.N. Ruddock, Mr. Erastus Ford, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary Boughey, of Portsmouth, Ohio.

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr. Clement Miller, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Amelia D. Philley, of the former place.

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. G.G. Donnelly, Mr. Loyal S. Nye, of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Lenora E. Pollard.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mr. Judson Seely, to Miss Josephine Cannon.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Kattie [Adams], only child of Wm. H. and Caroline Adams, aged 2 years, 9 months.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Miss Ida A. [Lewis], daughter of Alonzo and Mary Lewis, aged 12 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mr. Martin Sackett, aged 85 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Widow Timothy Davis, aged 65 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge (Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst, Widow Pardon Redfield, aged 75 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 19, 1862

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. Aaron Thompson, to Miss Caroline E. Shepard, all of Sherburne.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Horace R. Palmer, to Miss Amelia J. White, both of Sherburne.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Lewis [Lyon], son of George M. ad Eliza Lyon, aged 6 years and 8 months.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mrs. Elizabeth McBirney, aged 48 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Eva A. [Baxter], daughter of Augustus Baxter, aged 2 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Lucy P. Tillotson, aged 3 years, 2 months.

Died:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mr. W. Oysterbanks, aged 70 years.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Mary Jane [Taylor], wife of Wm. Taylor, aged 30 years.

Died:  In Pana, Ill., on the 10th inst., Mr. Henry Brown, formerly of Norwich, aged 54 years.

Died:  At Union Grove, Racine Co., Wis., on the 21st ult. Mr. Liver Bemeny, formerly of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], aged 80 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Mr. John Havens, aged 72 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 26, 1862

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 23d inst., by Rev. O. Ellerson, Mr. John H. Morley, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Calista C. Cole of McDonough.

Married:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Bradford S. Willcox of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sophronia Ingalls, of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., Sarah Ann [Sencare], wife of L. Sencare, aged 37 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d int., Sally Augusta [Kinsman], daughter of David Kinsman, aged 19 years.

Died:  In Marietta, Pa., on the 29th ult. of Quick Consumption, Mr. Eli Haynes, formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], aged about 75 years.

Died:  At Washington, on the 17th inst., from a wound received at Fair Oaks, Mr. Hial Ford, son of Orrin Ford, of German [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Lewis [Lyon], son of George M. and Eliza Lyon, aged 5 years and 8 months.  The little one, who came and went, / Who looked on us with loving eyes, / The messenger our Father sent / To win and lead us to the skies.

Happenings of the Times

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 26, 1862

No More Slave Territory!

A bill has passed Congress and been signed by the president, and is now a Law of the land, prohibiting Slavery in all of the present and future Territories of the United States.  It is one of the clearest of evidences that the public mind is being gradually educated to look differently upon the Slaver question from what it has hitherto done, that a bill with this provision should pass without exciting hardly a comment.  This question of Slavery in Territories has been the bone of contention in our country for years, and now it is settled and forever disposed of without creating a ripple upon the political waters.  Verily the world moves!

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, December 1861

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]

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, May 1862

 Oxford Times, May 7, 1862

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th ult., Luia B. [Hotchkiss], infant son of George and Almeda Hotchkiss, aged 7 months.

Died:  In Mcdonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th ult., Mrs. J.L. Isbell, wife of Lyman Isbell, aged 45 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., Jerusha [Kinney], wife of Mr. Stephen Kinney, aged 51 years.

Oxford Times, May 14, 1862

Died:  In Harrison, Potter co., Pa., March 7th, Mr. W.H. Holcomb, formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], aged 34 years.

Arthur Brooks, son of Rev. W.R. Brooks, of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], raised the third company of volunteers from Hamilton, and, at its head, joined the Sixty-first regiment.  His military skill and soldierly conduct secured his promotion to the position of  Major of the regiment, recently.  and his prospects for winning glory were as bright as the day.  But on Tuesday afternoon his father received a telegram announcing his serious illness, and in a few hours, a second dispatch announced his death at Yorktown.  Major Brooks death is said to be the first one in either of the three companies from Hamilton.

Back from the war:  Thursday last, R.L. Stevens, Henry Frazer, D.C. Bronson, Henry Knapp and George Stevens, returned to our village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], completing the entire list of the Oxford Band, who last fall went to the war and have returned. They all look hale and hearty, and wear the bronzed features which are the natural result of camp life.  They have seen the elephant, added largely to their life experiences, and laid up in store many things to tell their children and grandchildren. We are quite sure that most of them prefer the "Home Quickstep" to the martial airs to which they have so long listened, and in which they have joined.  Samuel H. Farnham and Selah H. Fish, of the Oxford Band, returned some time since, having been discharged on account of ill-health.

Oxford Times, May 28, 1862

Died: In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst. Mrs. Susan J. [VanCott], wife of Mr. Harry H. VanCott, aged 44 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mrs. Lucretia Merritt, aged 60 years.

Died:  At South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mr. Jonathan Matthewson, aged 51 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on 22d inst., Mr. E. Condo Chase, aged 42 years.

Died:  At Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., Henry Davidson, Esq., recently of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, March 12, 1862

Information Wanted:  Information is wanted of Asahel Thomas, a person about 65 years of age, who left Upper Lisle in Broome County [NY] on the 28th of November last, to visit his son at Collierville, Otsego Co. [NY]. The last heard from him was at Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY] on 30th Nov.  Any information respecting him, will be thankfully received by Alexander Thomas at Collierville, or Elisha Thurston at Louisville, Otsego Co.  

Oxford Times, May 7, 1862

Body Found:  We learn from reliable sources that the dead body of a man was found on Sunday about a mile below Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY], on the Genegantslet brook.  Appearances indicated that the body had been in the stream, and was washed ashore by the water and left after the same had subsided.  It was believed to be the body of Asahel Thomas, who has recently been advertised as missing in several papers, here and elsewhere.

 Oneida Weekly Herald, Utica, NY, May 1862

Chenango County, May 14, 1862:  To the Editor of the Utica Morning Herald:  Coroner Dr. Botsford Prindle held an inquest last week on a dead body found on the Genegantslet Creek in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].  It proved to be a Mr. Asahel Thomas, of Lisle [Broome Co., NY], who has been missing since last fall.  He was an irregular man.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, December 1861

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 9, 1862

Letter from Henry Winter

Camp Clay, Washington, Dec. 20, 1861

Dear ---:  I received your kind letter tonight, and as I have a good opportunity to answer will improve it.  I have been to see Charles.  [Charles Winter] and have just got back.  I started Wednesday morning, and rode down on the steamer to Alexandria, 6 or 7 miles from Washington.  I had a very pleasant trip. Charlie is encamped 3 miles north west of Alexandria.  I came back a foot, across the country.  I wonder if you have any idea of the appearance of the surrounding country, and the reality of the stern and warlike appearance everything wears?  Think of the immense army quartered on the Potomac.  This is a noble river, and can well sustain the interests in which it is held.  It is, and ever will be, famed in history and in song.  I feel a veneration for it, and have done for a long time. What paramount relics of veneration or prominent objects of pride, both national and individual, that are not directly or indirectly connected with this river.

You remember of hearing about our troops cutting down the forests in Virginia.  I have seen some of it today. Hundreds of acres felled, so as to impede the approach of the enemy and give a clear view of the country.  Coming back to Washington from the 27th I saw some half dozen forts. They are built with commanding distances from one another all along the lines.

We are having splendid weather.  There has been no rain since we have been here. There is a Catholic cemetery about half a mile from camp.  There is a small chapel in it built of small poles and looks very well. There are flowers still in bloom and rose buds on the bushes, but they will not blossom.

Yesterday on my return from the 27th, I fell in company with a cavalry soldier who had been out on picket, near Mount Vernon.  He had a piece of the moulding of the pulpit of the church where Washington was married and attended Divine service.  I believe it is called the pohick.  He gave me a piece, also a twig of cedar or bachnatac or something else I can't find out what, but I conclude it is cedar.  The moulding is smooth pine, and is an emblematical memento of the pure simplicity in the private life of a great man.

We have just been cleaning our tent.  You would laugh if you could see our style, I guess.  You ask how I like our officers.  Some I like and some I don't.  I like our Captain very well, and our First Lieutenant is a favorite with the whole company.

In the bakery in the basement of the capitol, how many loaves to you suppose they bake in one day? 50,000.

Ever your affectionate brother,  Henry Winter

Vital Records, Greene, NY, May 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 1, 1862

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. by Rev. J.G. Ransom, Mr. Wm. H. Gage to Miss Adaline S. Fry, all of Oxford.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 8, 1862

Married:  In Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. I.O. Fillmore, Mr. William K. Packer, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jennie E. [Davis], daughter of Guy Davis, Esq., of the former place.

Married:  In Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. I.B. Hopwood, Mr. F.W. Curtis, to Miss Emily Peck, of that place.

Married:  At the same, time, by the same, Mr. Berrian Fish to Miss Nellie Truesdale, also of Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY]

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult. Lydia Terwilliger, aged 84 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., John R. Hetrick, aged 18 years and 6 months.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Chas. R. [Dibble], son of R.R. Dibble, aged 9 years.

Died:  In KIng Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., Mary Jane Follett, aged 24 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mr. Chas. Merritt, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., after an illness of nearly seven years, Mrs. Maria Angel, aged 46 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., Mr. Charles Vincent, aged 20 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 16, 1862

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. Wm. D. Ransford, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Julia H. Pabodie, of the former place.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Rev. L. Wright, Rev. N.R. Everts of Cincinnatus, Cortland Co. [NY], to Miss Hattie M. [Wait], daughter of Jon Wait, Esq., of Norwich.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 14th inst. Margarite [Griffin], daughter of Dennis and Mary Griffin, aged about 3 years.  Also, on the 17th inst., Patrick [Griffin], son of the same, aged 1 year, 6 months.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Seth [Andrews], aged 4 years, and on the 28th ult., Wm. Wesley [Andrews], aged 6 months and 13 days, children of Rev. Wm. W. and Mary S. Andrews of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 22, 1862

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] on the 14th inst. by Rev. Webster, Mr. Benjamin S. Hayes to Miss Elizabeth Rogers, all of Greene.

Married:  In Fleming, N.Y. [Cayuga Co. NY], on the 8th inst. by Rev. A.M. Lake, Mr. Seneca Lake, Publisher of the Cazenovia Republican, and Miss Cornelia Chubbuck of Cazenovia, N.Y. [Madison Co., NY].

Married:  At Augusta [Oneida Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. O. Bartholomew, Williams Avery of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary L. Payne of Georgetown [Madison Co. NY].

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Lois M. [Carter], wife of Eli W. Carter, aged 32 years.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mary Eliza, [Lyon]\ daughter of George M. and Eliza Lyon, aged 2 years, 9 months.

"Death saw strange beauty on that cherub brow, / And dashed it out.  There was a tint of rose / On cheek and lip.  He touched the veins with ice, / And the rose faded; forth from those sweet eyes / There spake a wishful tenderness, a doubt / Whether to grieve or sleep, which innocence / Alone can wear.  With ruthless haste He bound / The silken fringes of their curtaining lids / For ever; there had been a gentle voice, / With which the loved one claimed its mother's ear, / Charming her even to tears. The spoiler set / His seal of silence. / But there beamed a smile / So fixed and holy from that marble brow, / Death gazed, and left it there; he dared not steal / The signet ring of Heaven."

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Charles [Berry], aged 6 years and 4 months. Also, on the same day, Edward [Berry], aged 5 years.  Also on the 19th inst., James [Berry], aged 2 years, all children of James and Mary Berry.