Soldier's Letter, Civil War, May 1862

 Oxford Times, May 21, 1862

Letter from T.B. Harrot

Roanoke Island, N.C., Co. E, Fort Foster, May 4th, 1862,

Today being Sunday, which is rather a lazy as well as idle day in camp, generally, (when no moves or marches are on hand) through most of the military department.  Think our friends would like to hear from the boys, what they are doing, and what they have been doing, I resolved to impart some of my time in giving you some of our proceedings for a few days past.  All has been very quiet on Roanoke, and our boys began to be rather impatient for something to do, when one day the steamer Alice Price (Gen. Burnside's Ship) came in sight followed by a number of other steamers. The boys knew something was in the wind, our hearts beat quick with anticipation as we waited anxiously for orders. They came and we must have three days rations in our knapsacks, 50 rounds of cartridges, blankets rolled ready to sling on our shoulders to sleep on our arms to be ready at a moment's warning, and thus we waited two days. We embarked April 19th about 3 o'clock P.M. sailed in a direction toward Elizabeth city  We brought up about midnight a short distance from Elizabeth City in the Pasquotank River. The day had been pleasant and the night was still and beautiful as ever greeted this Southern clime, and our small army of five regiments presented a rather romantic scene as they went wading on shore all along the bank of the river and clambering up the bank. This was a sight worth witnessing.  Not a sound could be heard except the occasional splash of oars, the chirp of crickets as we got on shore, or the low commands of Officers calling their companies together.  So silent was this move conducted that had you been on shore asleep, you would not have been disturbed.

The Regiments were formed on the bank and we started on our march about 3 o'clock A.M. and a very pleasant march until the sun came out, when we began to realize they had some very hot weather here south.  The boys began throwing off their blankets, they could be seen strung along the road the whole day's march. We suffered greatly of thirst, I drank many times out of mud holes.  I once drove a hog out of a hole and drank.  I saw many others do the same. This was what tried a man's spunk and constitution.  Our men were giving out constantly.  After marching 34 miles we came to the field of action.  The enemy commenced throwing shells at us as we were marching through the woods. They went over our heads, their range being too high.

We marched out into the field. Our regiments divided and crept along the edge of the woods on both sides. Our field pieces were soon ranged and began to play into them, which soon silenced them.  The N.Y. 9th Zouaves made a charge on their battery, were cut to pieces terribly, and were obliged to retreat.  Our regiment took their place, charged on them. They ran in all directions, and we gained the ground.

We could not follow their retreat, we were too tired.   Nearly half our troops fell out on the road, not able to continue the march, and the rest in no way fit to go into action.  We fought the celebrated Georgia 3d. They term themselves "Georgia Tigers," also the "Louisiana Wild Cats," and some militia.  The bullets flew like hail all around us, but strange to say not a man of our regiment was killed. One man was mortally wounded who has since died, a number of our company received bullet holes through their clothes, myself included, with one through my coat just below my belt.

We stacked our arms on the field and gathered up our blankets, knapsacks, &c. which we left outside the field.  At this time it commenced raining and we were obliged to resort to the woods for shelter.  It was nearly dark.  I rolled myself up in my blanket, and lay down and soon forgot the hardships of the day, as my dreamy thoughts wandered back to our northern home, with old friends and enjoying myself in the anticipations of a peaceful home.  I had slept just about two hours.  What was my feelings when one of my comrades shook me and says make no noise, for the enemy had received reinforcements and that we must return to our boats, which were an 18 miles march.  I hardly knew whether to make the undertaking or to stay and take my chances with the rebels. I resolved to do my best. I knew I could not hold out to get to the boat.  Worn out, wet and hungry, we started on our march through rain and mud ankle deep at 10 o'clock. We had marched seven miles, I stopped to a well and found some good water.  I sat down felt a little hungry.  I had two small biscuits in my knapsack, I ate them and felt stronger and able to continue the march. We reached our boats just at daylight.  Our rear guards brought up neatly all our stragglers, but two or three are missing in our regiment.  Our loss is estimated at 14 killed, 61 wounded.  the enemy's loss is not known as they carried most of them off in their retreat.  30 I believe were found on the field.  We took six prisoners.  our long and tedious march was owing to our negro guide, who had been hired by the rebels to lead us out of the way.  It has been found out that we could get there in marching 4 miles by sailing up the river farther.  He won't be very apt to lead any more soldiers, for one of the Zouaves' bullets penetrated his brain.  Had we not been misled we should no doubt accomplished all that was anticipated.  It was the intention to destroy one of the locks in the Dismal Swamp Canal to prevent their Iron clad boats from coming down on us from Norfolk.  We find some differences here in ---ing through the country, [....unreadable....] We expect try them again soon, when they will not get off so easily.

The report is that we are going to leave the Island, and that Regulars are coming on in our place.  I expect we shall go to Newbern, though it is impossible for us to tell.  I think there is an advance to be made.

The weather is pleasant, with once in a while a day that makes us take off some clothes. We have pleasant quarters, good clothing, good living and I think all are enjoying themselves well.

T.B. Harrot

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - February 1863

 Oxford Times, February 4, 1863

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Luther Davis to Miss Lavinia Miller, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Lewiston, N.Y. [Niagara Co., NY] on 23d Dec., by Rev. H.R. Smith, Mr. Henry G. Greer, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Nancy Willcox of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At Mount Upton [Chenango Co. NY], on the 16th ult. by Rev. E.D. Thurston, Mr. Dwight E. Bradley of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah M. Lamb, of Jeffersonville, N.Y. [Sullivan Co., NY].

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Mr. George Delevan, aged 76 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th, ult. Elizabeth [Locke] wife of Mr. Collins locke, aged 90 years. 

Died:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult. Elizabeth R. [Upham], wife of Mr. John Upham, aged 73 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult. Leuther [Stanton], son of Cephas and Betsy Stanton, aged 18 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult. Theana Hunt, aged 61 years.

Died:  Also, on the 20th ult, Walter Morey, aged 79 years.

Died:  in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult. Delos W. [Gleason], son of Joel and Amanda Gleason, aged 5 years.

Oxford Times, February 11, 1863

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. Mr. Will H. Ellis, aged 61 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on 29th ult. Mr. Robert B. Holcomb, aged 63 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 29th, Emer Jane [Bosworth], daughter of Pike D. and Laura J. Bosworth, aged 5 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 14th, Mrs. Phebe Bartlett, aged 51? years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult. Walter Mowry, aged 10 years.

Frozen to Death:  On the night of the 3d inst. a Mr. Lemuel Polley was found frozen to death about 40 rods from the house of Henry Gray, near Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY].  Said Polley had upon his person, when found, two revolvers, seven dollars in money, and papers by which he was ascertained to be the son of S.D. Polley, of Richford, Tioga County [NY].

Death of Thomas Dolan:  We find in the Chenango Union, a letter written to that paper by Capt. D.D. Bullock of the 114th, and dated United States, Barque Voltigenn, South West Pass, Mississippi, in which the following beautiful and touching description of the death and  burial of Thomas Dolan, son of Patrick Dolan of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY, and a member of Capt. Bullock's Company, appears:

"But hark, I hear another sound, a call for me to visit one of my Company.  I sit down upon the deck beside Thomas Dolan, a young man, who but a few days before was one of my most healthy boys, only nineteen years of age; but alas, fever has so shaken his constitution that there is now no hope of his recovery.  I sat by him about half an hour, when he gave up his spirit to the God that gave it, and his lifeless form lay cold in death by my side.  This is the first death in my company.

"Buried at sea at the midnight hour.  How shall I describe it?  Not a sound is heard, all is still and peaceful around.  Old ocean heaves not, the countenances of our men are sad indeed, the deck of our vessel is the house of death, and preparations are being made to commit his body to the great deep, there to rest till the sea shall give up its dead.  It was one of the most solemn burials I ever witnessed.  He was buried with military honors. the moon and stars were shining with more than their usual brilliancy, and at twelve o'clock the solemn cortege moved from the bow of our vessel to the after deck, where lay our deceased brother soldier, to bear his body amidships where the last rites and ceremonies were to be performed by our chaplain. The sound of the muffled drums and the music was very impressive.  It was a scene that will never be forgotten by those who witnessed it. The exercises consisted of reading the scriptures, prayer, remarks, singing, &c.  The following hymn was sung, commencing thus:  "Unveil thy bosom, faithful tomb, / Take this new treasure to thy trust."

"After singing the first verse, the body was given to the great deep, and then the balance of the hymn was sung by the choir, after which there were three volleys fired by the guard, then followed the benediction, which closed the mournful scene. The reason why he was buried at night was that he died of typhus fever (not typhoid)."

Oxford Times, February 18, 1863

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. George W. Brabazon to Miss Sarah Blackman, both of Oxford.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. by Rev. D.H. Macurdy, Mr. Bruce Sanford to Miss Maria L. Lindsley, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co.., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. John Hagaman to Miss Ann Skillin, all of Greene.

Died:  in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. Lewis Post, Esq., aged 54 years.

Died:  In North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. of diptheria, Malvina [Rhodes], wife of Nathan H. Rhodes and daughter of Silas and Olive Button, aged 20 years.

Died:  Also, same day, Oscar [Button] aged 3 years, son of Silas and Olive Button. The occasion was solemn and deeply affecting while the services were conducted by the Rev. T.D. Hammond.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY]. on the 4th inst., Mr. Israel L. Burroughs, aged 32 years.

Died:  Killed in battle in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Dec. 31st, Elijah Youlin, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY]. aged 34 yrs.

Oxford Times, February 25, 1863

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Benaiah Soule to Miss Rexaville A. Hollenbeck of Greene.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Emily L. {Warner] daughter of Joseph L. and Lucinda Warner, aged 28 yrs.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. Mr. Abraham Per Lee, aged 74 years.

Died:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. of scarlet fever, Willard [Harvey], aged 11 years; on the 9th, Anaresta [Harvey], aged 6 years; on the 10th Franklin [Harvey], aged 1 year, children of David Harvey.

Died:  In Madison, Wis. on Feb 10th, Mrs. Sophia Morris, relict of the late General Jacob Morris, of Butternuts, Otsego Co., N.Y.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - April 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 16, 1862

From Roanoke island - Letter from G.W. Tillotson, 89th NY Infantry

Camp Dickinson, Roanoke Island, April 21st 1862

Dear ----, I mentioned in my two last letters of having orders to be in readiness to march at a moment's warning, and now I will try and give you a description of the expedition.  We started Friday the 18th in the forenoon, our regiment (89th) going on board the Massasoit and Philadelphia the right wing, and Co. H of the left on board the former, and companies E, K,G, and B, on board the latter. The expedition was composed of the 9th NY (Hawkins' Zouaves) on the right, the 89th N.Y., 6th N.H., 51st Penn. and 21st Mass., making a force of about 3000 men on board seven steamers.  Three gun boats also accompanied the expedition. We arrived a few miles below Elizabeth City and disembarked about 1 o'clock Saturday morning, and commenced our march--except the 51st Penn and 21st Mass., which landed at -?- o'clock and followed us, but they took direct route and arrived on the battle ground first.  We were misled by our guides (a negro and white man) so that when we had traveled 12 miles we were only 3 or 4 miles from where we started.  but the guides paid dear for their treachery for they were shot all to pieces by the Zouaves. We kept on marching, taking the route by Currituck till 1 o'clock in the afternoon, when we arrived within two miles of the battle ground and heard the cannonading which the rebels commenced upon the 51st Penn and 21st Mass. who had arrived in front of the enemy's position. We were there met by one of Gen. Reno's (our commanding General) aids, who urged us to close up and press on, for we should be in an engagement in twenty-five minutes. At that time our lines were very much broken, nearly half of our men having become completely exhausted and fallen by the roadside to rest. Anyone used to marching in the ranks can possibly imagine something of our fatigue after marching a forced march of thirty-five miles (which it was from the place of landing to the battlefield) in less than twelve hours.  Co. H started with twenty-six files, but when they wanted to form companies for the battle, all we could get together was fourteen files, and other companies and regiments were the same or worse  The day was very warm and a good many fainted from the heat and fatigue. The enemy was 2700 strong and their position was very well chosen, their battery raking the road for over a mile, and rifle pits dug so as to face us from every direction.  They were the Georgia 3d, the Red Riflemen of Mississippi Wild Cats, and the Louisiana Tigers, three of the best regiments in the southern army.

When we got within about a mile of their battery, the 9th and 89th filed off to the right and followed the edge of the woods down towards the enemy.  The 6th N.H. was to follow the road down in front of the enemy but instead filed to the left and followed the Mass. 21st down, the 51st Penn having previously gone down ahead of us and stationed themselves in the woods on the rebels left wing.  The rebel batteries played right and left upon our lines but without doing much execution, but after our battery, consisting of four pieces, two belonging to the 9th N.Y. and two taken off the gun boat Virginia and manned by a party of marines, got in position in the road in front of the rebel battery, the attention of the batteries were turned upon each other, our battery doing great execution; while the rebels on ours neither damaged a gun, nor hurt a man while working them.  Our quartermaster, while watching the effect our artillery had upon the enemy said he saw several of the enemy fall, one poor fellow being hit in the collar bone and his head taken clear from his body.  Our artillery kept gradually advancing and the rebels falling back up on their rifle pits, until the 9th and 89th made a charge when the rebel artillery charged with grape and canister were turned upon us and their rifles first began to send the lead whistling about our ears.

The Zouaves were ahead, and we had to follow them down through the woods in two ranks or double files, and double quick time, for a half a mile so that when we got into the open field in front of the enemy, most of us were so tired with that and our previous double quicking, that we could hardly raise a gun sufficient for a decent charge of bayonets.  By the time we had got out so as to get a good fair sight and chance at the rebels, the Zouaves were badly cut up, and were falling back and Gen. Reno ordered us to turn to the right and seek the shelter of the woods, as the fire was too hot for us there. So we just covered the retreat of the Zouaves and then followed them to the cover of the woods.  It was while crossing that field that the bullets whistled the liveliest, yet by a miracle only two of our regiment were hit, one private of Co. A, supposed mortally, and a Lieut of Co A, flesh wound in the thigh.  I think in going across to the woods which I and all the rest did half bent, there was not less than a dozen bullets went directly over me, so near that they would have hit me had I been standing straight up. We were rallied again here under shelter of the woods and the Zouaves were to be rallied and support us.

We then struck through the corner of the woods coming out near the rebels left wing and charged bayonets on them with a yell that made everything ring, and the 51st Penn. did the same, when the rebels broke and skedaddled.  Being fresh they were able to do some taller walking than we were after our long march, so we took only about half a dozen prisoners. There were only five dead rebels left on the field and they probably fell in the last charge, but come to look in the woods we found a pile with thirty red riflemen in it.  Our loss is about 12 killed and 50 wounded and some missing. The killed and wounded is mostly to the 9th N.Y.

We had just got through the battle and stacked arms, when there came up a thunder shower and wet us all thru.  Co. H was sent to guard the General's quarters and others were thrown out as pickets, but hearing that the enemy had received reinforcements to the amount of 20,000 from Norfolk (which is only 24 miles distant) and not having rations enough to stand a siege, we started about 10 o'clock for our comfortable little quarters on Roanoke Island.  Instead of going around 35 miles to get back we got back to our ships in 15 miles, but the rain had made the roads, which are clay, very muddy and the night was very dark, so you had better believe there was some slipping and sprawling about. We arrived at our landing a little after daylight Sunday morning, having marched 50 miles and fought  a battle in a trifle over 24 hours, and a more tired set of fellows ever came back from Bull Run, although we wasn't so badly scared.

G.W. Tillotson

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, March & April 1863

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 18, 1863

Married:  PADDLEFORD - CASE:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Mar. 8?, 1863 by Rev. King Ewell, Mr. Louis Paddleford, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lucy A. Case of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  OSBORN - MILES:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 14?, 1863, by Rev. D. Williams, Lieut. Edward M. Osborn of the 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V., to Miss Sarah E. Miles, formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  STARR - CUSHMAN:  In Christ's Church, Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. I. Barrows, Mr. Addison M. Starr of Portland, Oregon to Miss Harriet K. Cushman, of the former place.

Married:  McKOON - KELSEY:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 4, 1863, by Rev. H. Garlick, Rev. B. McKoon of Cedarville, N.Y. [Herkimer Co., NY] to Miss Caroline Kelsey of Preston.

Died:  TANNER:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 13th?, 1863, suddenly, of inflammation of the bowels, Theodore G. Tanner, aged 51 years.

Died:  McINTOSH:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 4, 1863, Mr. Asa Dean McIntoch, aged 51 years.

Died:  MARVIN:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 11, 1863, Harmon [Marvin], son of Henry and Cynthia Marvin, aged 3 years and 5 months.

Died:  CAMPBELL:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 4, 1863, Charles W. [Campbell], son of Rufus and Lovina Campbell, aged 7 years 5 months and 11 days.

Died:  CURLEY:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 7, 1863, Bridget Jane [Curley], daughter of John and Bridget Curley, aged 2 years, 7 months and 7 days.

Died:  BRETT:  At Willoughby, Lake Co., Ohio, Dr. J.R. Brett, of Mount Upton [Chenango Co., NY], Surgeon of the 7th N.Y.S.V., aged 28 years.

Died:  CHURCH:  At the Marine Hospital, new Orleans, Feb. 14, 1863, of typhoid fever, Corporal Frederick J. Church, of Co. A, 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V., aged 30? years.

Died:  KETCHUM:  In Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 6, 1863, John Ketchum, Esq., aged 37 years 8 months and 13 days.

Died:  DYER:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], March 15, 1863, Mrs. Sally Dyer, widow of Nehemiah Dyer, aged 67 years.

Guilford Items:  The remains of Lieut. J.E. Gilbert, of the 114th Regiment, arrived on Thursday last from New Orleans, The funeral was largely attended.

The friends of Loten Bush received the news of his death last week.  He died at Baton Rouge of typhoid fever.  He was a member of Capt. Tillson's Company, 161st Regiment.

Death of Edson Harris:  Edson Harris, formerly of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], and well known in this vicinity, but latterly of Lacrosse, Wis. and a member of the 1st Wisconsin battery, died in camp before Vicksburg, in February last of measles.  His Captain in communicating his death to his mother says:

"His death to us is a severe stroke, as he had all the qualities of a good soldier and none better than Edson Harris.  His memory is indelibly written on our hearts, and though the changing scenes of the tended field might cause us to forget many things of great interest, yet the name of Edson Harris will long be remembered when this command is disbanded and many a battlefield forgotten.

"He was buried with the honors of war, covered with the same flag whose folds he had marched under, both in the field of battle, and at his late home, Lacrosse.  He was engaged in both battles "Chickasaw Bayou" and "Arkansas Post," and although under a most galling fire seemed to fear no danger.  His grave is opposite the mouth of Yazoo River about one-fourth mile west of the west bank of the Mississippi River. The spot is marked with a neat epitaph upon the head board of his last resting place, and will not be obliterated for many years."

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 25, 1863

Died:  JOHNSON:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Mar. 18, 1863, Ann Eliza [Johnson], aged 9 years and 8 months.

 Died:  OTIS:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Mar. 15, 1863, Mary [Otis], wife of Rev. Ashbel Otis, pastor of the Congregational Chruch, aged 62 years.

Died:  PARTRIDGE: In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Mar. 15, 1863, Mr. Avery B. Partridge, aged 47 years.

Died:  TURNER:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 7, 1863, Mr. Ethan Turner, aged -1? years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 15, 1863

Married:  WILLIAM - DAVIS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], April 2, 1863, by Rev. A. Ketchum, Mr. George W. Williams, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eliza A. Davis of Bainbridge.

Married:  BISBEE - BROOKS:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY], March 1-?, 1863, Prof. R. Bisbee of East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Ellen Brooks of South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  RATHBONE - INGERSOL:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], March 1, 1863, by Rev. C.S. Marvin, Mr. Daniel S. Rathbone to Miss Hellen Ingersol, all of Pharsalia.

Died:  BAKER:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], April 6, 1863, of scarlet fever, Emma Louise [Baker], daughter of John B. and Betsey C. F. Baker, aged 14 years and 5 months.

Died:  DAVIDSON:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 5, 1863, Florence A. [Davidson], only child of John W. and Elizabeth Davidson, aged 4 years 3 months and 23 days.

Died:  BATES:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 7, 1863, Elmer C. [Bates], son of Melvin T. and Lovina Bates, aged 1 year and 6 months.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 22, 1863

Married:  FRINK - COOLEY:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], April ?, 1863, by Rev. Charles Warton?, Mr. Francis Frink, to Miss Eliza A. [Cooley] daughter of Mr. J. Cooley all of Pharsalia.

Married:  SENEARE - RANDALL:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 1-?, 1863, by Hon. G.S. White, Mr. Lewis Seneare to Miss Mary E. Randall, all of that village.

Married:  GRANT - GATES:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April ?, 1863, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Oliver D. Camp, to Miss Hannah Gates, all of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

PEARSON:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. ?, 1863, Mr. James G. Pearson, aged ? years.

LEWIS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 1?, 1863, of consumption, Mr. Abram G. Lewis, aged --? years.

HALL:  In Hartford, Washington County, N.Y., March 27, David [Hall], child of David and Mary I. Hall, aged 4 months and 16 days.

OLSON:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], March 4, 1863, Mrs. Sarah Church Gibson, wife of S.C. Gibson, M.D., aged -0? years 10 months and 11 days.  Mrs. Gibson was one of those quiet unassuming individuals who move noiselessly in the world of her acquaintances, keeping within their [unreadable]. She was a faithful and affectionate wife and mother and performed her duties as such with good fidelity and propriety. She died the death of the righteous, beloved and lamented by all who knew her.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 29, 1863

Married:  GILBERT - BIXBY:  At Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], April 8th, by Rev. A. Ketchum, D.A. Gilbert to Amelia H. Bixby, daughter of Charles Bixby, Esq.

Married:  THOMPSON - MURDOCK:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], April 23, 1863, by Rev. O. Eastman, Mr. Wm. H. Thompson, to Miss Loranett E. Murdock, both of Plymouth.

Died:  SMITH:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], April 19, 1863, of erysipelas, Harriet C. Smith, daughter of Jonah and Jane Smith, aged 30 years, 2 months and ? days

Died:  BANCROFT:  in Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], April 15, 1863, Phebe [Bancroft], wife of Allen Bancroft, aged 47 years and 13 days.

Died:  FIELDS:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday April --?, 1863, of diptheria, Anna M. [Fields], wife of Orville L. Fields, and daughter of Asa Barnes, aged 25 years 7 months and 16 days.

Dead:  Simeon Eckerson, well known to our citizens, and lately a member of the 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V. died at the Marine Hospital, New Orleans, March 16th.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, April 1862

 Oneonta Herald, April 23, 1862

We are permitted to publish the following letter, written by a former resident of this village [Oneonta, Otsego Co., NY], who was in the battle of Pea Ridge, with the 9th Iowa Regiment:

"I am yet numbered among the living, but some of our Regiment have fought their last battle.  I cannot write you all the particulars, for it would take too long.  Our regiment has been in two battles, the first one, not a man discharged his gun, but our battery, fired fifty rounds.  On the 13th of February we marched into Springfield without any difficulty.  Price found out that we were coming and he left and we followed him and fought him four days.  He then made a stand, but we made him leave with a loss of 80 men; our loss eight.  There we camped ten days, when 350 of our regiment, 250 of another and 400 cavalry started for a place called Huntsville, which was about 45 miles, our Col. commanding.  The second day we entered the town and found some of the Devils, took them prisoners, also quite an amount of sugar, &c.  Went back two miles and camped for the night. The next morning a message came stating that Generals Price and McCulloch were advancing upon our troops, and we must return as soon as possible, and at dusk we reached camp, making the 45 miles in one day.  This was the 6th of March and Gen. Seigel was fighting all that day.  On the morning of the 7th we were surrounded in the timber, and at 10 o'clock our cannon opened on the enemy from all sides.  That day the enemy held their ground. Gen. Curtis was in command of our whole force. At 8 o' clock in the evening the firing ceased on both sides.  On the morning of the 8th, Cutis wanted to retreat, but Seigle said to him, give me command and I will whip them in two hours, and he told him to go ahead.  He done so, and the Devils were thrashed in double quick time.  I cannot give you a list of the killed.  In our regiment 237 were killed and wounded, 127 killed.  the Captain and five privates were killed in our Company, our first Lieutenant had one leg broken.

I tell you, when those grape shot and shell came whistling around, it would make one think of home if anything would.  I am tending to the wants of some of the wounded.  I have had but little sleep since the battle.  I had to stop while writing this letter and help carry out a lieutenant who had died of his wounds.

We are in tents, about two miles from the battle ground, but are moving as fast as possible back to a town in Missouri, about 23 miles from here.  We shall probably stay there some time.   P.M."

Vital Records, Greene, NY, April 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 2, 1863

Married:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday, Feb. 18th, by Rev. Mr. Merrell, Mr. John J. Stoddard, to Miss Lucelia Judd, both of Coventry.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Catharine Laurinda [Barnard], only daughter of Mr. Robert P. and Margaret H. Barnard, aged 4 years and 8 months.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Martha Rosetta [Graham], eldest daughter of Alexander J. Graham, aged 9 years and 10 months.

Died: In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Catharine [McMoran], youngest daughter of David McMoran, aged 1 year and 2 months.

Died:  In Ninevah, Broome Co. [NY], on the 12th ult., Catharine M. [Lawton], aged 84 years and 11 months.

Died:  In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 23d ult. Mr. Chas. O. Van Name, aged 17 years.

Another Soldier Gone:  We learn as we go to press, of the death of Robert G. McMoran, of this town [Chenango Co., NY], who was connected with the 8th New York Cavalry.  He died at the Division Hospital, Stafford Court House, Va., on the 27th ult.

Found Dead:  On Wednesday morning of last week, Zachariah Bradley, one of the first settlers in this town, was found dead near the residence of Philo Webb.  A Coroner's jury was summoned and rendered a verdict, that the deceased came to his death from fatigue and exposure.  He was in his 84th year.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 9, 1863

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ult., by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. Charles Franklin, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Melissa G. Franklin, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., Mr. George Peck to Miss Amelia L. Arms, both of Guilford.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. Mr. Ketchum.  Mr. George W. Williams of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eliza A. Davis, of the former place.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango co., NY], on the 5th inst. by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. George C. Thompson, of Augusta, Oneida Co. [NY], to Priscilla B. [Foster], daughter of C.C. Foster.

Married:  In Sanford, Broome Co. [NY], on the 16th ult. by Rev. Levi Peck, Mr. Hiram C. Partridge of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Laura A. Humphrey, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult. by Rev. J.M. Crandall, Mr. Charles B. Lewis, to Miss Abbie R. Campbell, all of Otselic.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] suddenly, on the 3d inst., Florence A. [Davidson], only child of John W. and Elizabeth Davidson, aged 4 years, 3 months and 23 days.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. Elmer C. [Bates], son of Melvin T. and Lovina Bates, aged 1 year and 6 months.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. at the residence of his son-in-law, Isaac S. Newotn, Esq., Mr. Robert Dunlap, aged 76.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mr. Prentice Grant, aged 79 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. of diptheria, Lovisa [Morgan], aged 9 years and 10 months; on the 2d inst. Nettie E. [Morgan], aged 8 years, 11 months, children of N.T. and Antoinette Morgan.

Died:  At the Regimental Hospital, Brasier city, La., on the 11th ult. of brain fever, Oscar Nichols, of Co. F, 114th N.Y.S.V., and son of John Nichols of Oxford, aged 19 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th ult. Sally [Rathbone], wife of Jonathan Rathbone, aged 59 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 21st ult. Esther [Holmes], widow of John Holmes, aged 86 years.

Died:  Near Hall's landing, Acquia Creek, Va. of typhoid fever, William F. [Purdy], son of Charles and Orpha Purdy of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] aged 19 years.

Died:  At the General Hospital, Hilton Head, on the 18th ult. after a protracted illness, of typhoid fever, Elijah [Osborn], oldest son of Lieut. Edward M. Osborn, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 13 years.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 21st, Adelia C. [Brown], aged 11 years, 11 months and 4 days; March 14th, Lydia [Brown], aged 14 years and 3 days; March 26th, Harriet E. [Brown], aged 8 years, 6 months and 1 day, daughters of Russel and Avis Brown, all of diptheria.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 7th, mr. Ethan Turner, aged 81 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 16, 1863

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult. by Rev. G. S. White, Mr. Lewis Senearb to Miss Mary E. Randall, all of this village.

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Oliver B. Grant to Miss Hannah J. Gates, all of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 7th, 1863, Mr. James G. Pearson, aged 73 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. of consumption, Mr. Abram G. Lewis, aged 42 years.

Died:  In Delhi, Michigan, on the 28th ult. of cancer in the stomach, Mr. Dexter Phillips, formerly of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] in the 58th year of his age.

Death of Benjamin Welch, Jr.:  Commissary General Welch died at Clifton Springs on the 14th inst. aged 44 years.  He was a resident of this county [Chenango Co., NY] where he commenced his Editorial career at Oxford, about 1840.  He was soon transferred to the Oneida Democrat and subsequently to the Buffalo Reublicac.  He was a vigorous political writer, and possessed much influence among his associates.  Some years since he was elected State Treasurer, and for the last four years has held the office of Commissary General of the State. About a year since he entered active service in the Army as a member of Gen. Pope's Staff and was present at the engagements of that officer in Front of Washington.  His health for some years past has been frail, his exposure in that campaign left his system a prey to typhoid disease from which he has never recovered.  We learn that his funeral will take place from the residence of his father in this village on the 17th inst.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 23, 1863

Married:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. by Rev. Charles S. Marvin, Mr. Francis G. Frink to Miss Eliza A. [Cooley], daughter of Mr. J. Cooley, all of Pharsalia.

Died:  At Winsor, Broome Co. [NY], on the 15th inst., Mr. Theodore Bingham, formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] aged 64? years.

Died:  Near Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Cornelia [Rogers], wife of Earlman Rogers, Jr., aged 34 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. Alice [Hill], daughter of Ransom Hill, aged 8 months.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. Sally [Tillotson], relict of David Tillotson, aged 76 years.

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] on the 8th? inst. of diptheria, Frank Hamilton [Griswold], aged 10 years and 6 months; on the 9th inst. Sarah Lilian [Griswold], aged 18 years and 4 months; and on the 13th inst. Georgian I. [Griswold], aged 15 years and 17 days.  Children of George W. and Sarah L. Griswold.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. of erysipelas, Harriet C. Smith, daughter of Jonah and Jane Smith, aged 30 years, 2 months and 2 days.

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. Mrs. Miranda Wood, wife of Ephraim Wood, Esq., aged 57 years, 8 months and 14 days.

Died:  At Quarantine Station, La, 72 miles below New Orleans of typhoid fever, Daniel Nichols, a member of Co. C, 114th N.Y.S.V., from Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] aged 23 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 30, 1863

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. E.L. Spafford, Mr. G.L. McNeil, to Miss L. Miller, both of Oxford.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst. by Rev. O. Eastman, Mr. William H. Thompson to Miss Loranett E. Murdock, both of Plymouth.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. by Rev. A. Ketchum, D.A. Gilbert to Amelia  H. Bixby, daughter of Charles Bixby, Esq.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], on the 15th inst. Mary E. [Johnson], wife of Henry E. Johnson, aged 23 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., suddenly, of diptheria, Anna M. [Field], and daughter of Asa Barnes, Esq., aged 25 years, 7 months, 16 days.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. Phebe [Bancroft], wife of Allen Bancroft, aged 47 years and 19 days.

Died:  In Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. Miss Harriet Van Horne, daughter of David Van Horne, Esq.  On the 22d inst. David Van Horne, Esq. aged 59 years.

Died:  On the battle field, from wounds received in the battle of South Mountain, Sept. 15th, 1862, Charles H. Sweet, a member of Co. E, Bucktail Regiment, Penn. Volunteers, and son of C.R. Sweet, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], aged 25 years.

Died:  In Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the 23d inst., Julia M. [Vanderburgh], wife of Hon. Charles E. Vanderburgh, and youngest daughter of William Mygatt, Esq., of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult.  Mrs. Sarah Church Gibson, wife of S.C. Gibson, M.D., aged 30 years, 10 months and 11 days.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. of scarlet fever, Emma Louisa [Baker], daughter of John B. and Betsey C.F. Baker, aged 4 years and 5 months.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 23, 1863

Death of General Welch

Benjamin Welch, Jr., was born in Kingston, Ulster County, N.Y. in December, 1818, where he passed his youthful years.  In 1837 his father removed to Oxford, Chenango County [NY] accompanied by all his family save the subject of this sketch. At the time of the father's removal to Oxford the General was a clerk in the city of New York, where he remained until some time in the year 1839, when he repaired to Canandaigua to aid a friend in closing business, which, after the lapse of a few months, being accomplished, he joined his family at Oxford. Very soon after Mr. Welch arrived at Oxford he entered the office of Henry R. Mygatt, Esq. to aid Mr. Mygatt as a clerk or copyist.  While thus engaged, and but a brief time having passed thus employed, the editor and proprietor of the Oxford Republican, an old established and influential paper, failed, and the friends and patrons of that paper, and the active and influential men of the democratic party, observing and appreciating the ability, capacity and fitness of Mr. Welch for the place, urged him to become its editor and proprietor. With much diffidence as to his own ability and fitness he yielded to the solicitations of friends, and in January, 1841, entered upon the duties of an editor and issued a paper styled the Oxford Republican and Chenango County Democrat.

Mr. Welch was but little more than twenty-two years of age when he thus took upon himself the delicate and responsible duties of a party editor, yet he more than realized the sanguine expectations of his friends and advisers, and continued for about one and a half years to conduct the paper with a tact, energy and ability far beyond his years, and with the approval of his party and a discriminating public.

In October, 1843, Mr Welch removed to Utica [Oneida Co., NY], and became the editor of the Utica Democrat.  The greater responsibility thrust upon him by this wider sphere and more extended field of action, was promptly met by him with an energy and capacity which developed itself as labor increased, and though still but a mere youth, he by his own unaided efforts soon won his way to, and took a position among the leading men of his party in Central New York.  Immediately after his arrival at Utica he became a student at law in the office of the late Charles A. Mann, Esq., whose friendship he early gained, and he continued while at Utica to pursue his career as a student while he plied diligently and with telling effect the pen editorial.  he was never, however, admitted to the bar.

It was while in charge of the Democrat that divisions and dissensions arose in the Democratic party, and Mr. Welch espoused with all the enthusiasm of his nature the radical cause.  Amid those dissension and divisions he was a prominent actor, attending the various conventions which were held by the portion of the party to whose interest and policy he was devotedly attached; and in the fall of 1847, and about the period of the celebrated Herkimer convention he received and accepted a proposition to unite with another in the publication of the Buffalo Republic, and immediately thereafter took up his residence in that city.  His connection with the Republic was at this time very short, terminating in the spring of 1848.  Mr. Welch was in the canvass of 1848 an ardent, honest and able supporter of Mr. Van Buren, and with stern convictions of duty and conscientious regard for the best interest of this country sustained the principle upon which Mr Van Buren was nominated and the platform upon which he was run, readily, heartily and vigorously.

In 1851, Mr. Welch was nominated for State Treasurer by the Democratic party, and elected to that office.  In his management of this important branch of our State Government he displayed that stern, unyielding integrity which had ever characterized his life, and brought to its administration that energy and capacity which ever rising with the circumstances surrounding him, and developing themselves as he advanced, made him ever and always equal to the occasion.

In March, 1853, he again took an interest in the Buffalo Republic, and became its editor.  He continued in this position until 1859.

Those who knew the innate honesty and integrity of Mr. Welch, and his fixedness of purpose, could not have been surprised when, in 1856, discarding the party name under which he had previously been proud to rally and to act, he was found battling manfully as he believed for the principles of the Democratic party as handed down to him by the fathers, in which he had been taught and educated, and to which he lent his support in the campaign of 1848.  Upon these principles he ever acted, in this political faith he lived, and he died adhering thereto.  

In 1859 he was appointed by Gov. Morgan, Commissary General of this State.  He found this department in a very loose and disordered condition, and immediately commenced a laborious and successful effort to bring order and system out of chaos and confusion.  Labor and toil incessant have been the characteristics of the office since he assumed its duties and direction.  the Rebellion found the military resources of the empire State upon a strict peace and not war footing, and to meet the urgent demands of the General Government, and the responsibilities resting upon her in the great and terrible emergency the labors of this important branch of the State government were constant and onerous and talent and capacity of a high order were required to manage its affairs.  These requirements were fully met and answered; the necessities of the service were by him as fully complied with as under the circumstances it was possible, and toiling on early and late he again evinced the traits of no ordinary man by rising fully to the comprehension of the duties of his position and the necessities of the hour.

The arrangement of his department being reduced to a system, his ardent patriotism and unswerving loyalty prompted him to accept a post upon the staff of Gen. Pope, with the rank of Colonel tendered him by that officer in the summer 1862, still at the earnest request of Gov. Morgan, retaining his position as Commissary General.  No piping loyalty, no sentimental patriotism found a lodgement in his breast, but relinquishing the labors of his then position, although still bearing its responsibilities, he, at the call of his country, exchanged those labors for the still more incessant labor and exhausting fatigues of the camp and active service.  Despising and abhorring that system of peculation which sometimes leads men to prey upon the public Treasury without any excuse or palliation therefor, he received during his services in the army only the pay to which his rank therein entitled him, and declined to accept any pay from the State as Commissary General, though responsible for the fidelity with which its trusts were discharged.

It was while serving in the disastrous campaign of Gen. Pope in Virginia, and in undergoing sufferings and hardships which might have been averted, that Mr. Welch contracted disease which terminated in his early and lamented death.  He returned from that campaign in September last, and was soon prostrated by a severe and almost immediately fatal attack of fever, from which he did not recover sufficiently to attend to any duties for more than three months.  So violent was his disease that with his frame somewhat enfeebled by constant and wearing toil, and his constitution shattered by exposure and suffering he gradually declined until the flickering light of life went out forever. He died at Clifton Springs on the 14th inst. whither he had gone, hoping the medicinal effects of the water might resuscitate and revivify the decaying embers of life; but alas, "death loves a shining mark."  His last moments were calm and peaceful, and he expressed a willingness to be taken hence.

Mr. Welch wielded a ready and vigorous pen, and while he wrote with urgency, maintained controversy with great ability and shrewdness, and was many times sharp and caustic in the expression of his views, and in the maintenance of his principles, his amiability, good nature and courtesy prevented his giving away to bitterness.  As an antagonist in disputation he was formidable, yet courteous.  He was true, sincere and unwavering in his friendships; affectionate and devoted in the family circle; an ornament to society; a good citizen; an upright and faithful public officer; an honest man.  His best eulogy will be found in the love of his relatives and the high esteem of those who shared his friendship.  He was buried at Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 17th inst. his remains attended to their last earthly resting place by a large and deeply afflicted circle of relatives and friends, and his body committed to the silence of the tomb under the solemn and impressive services of the Episcopal Church.  "earth to earth, dust to dust, ashes to ashes, waiting for the general Resurrection on the last day."

 

.

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.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, January 1863

 Oxford Times, January 7, 1863

Married:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th Dec. by Rev. J.W. Barr, Mr. Ethan A. Shelly to Miss Amanda M. Baldwin, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. Mr. John Johnson, aged 92 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. Eleanor [Terwilliger], wife of Capt. Harmon Terwilliger, aged 70 years.

Oxford Times, January 14, 1863

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 6th, by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Hiram King to Miss Sarah A. Root, both of Oxford.

Married:  Also at the same place and time, Mr. Chester A. Race, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jane A. Whiting, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Albany [Albany Co., NY], on the 8th inst. by Rev. W. Griffing, Mr. P. Monroe of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss W.M. Cunningham, of Albany.

Married:  At North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] on the 1st inst. by Horace L. Barnes, Esq., Mr. James H. Steele to Mrs. Almira R. Surdam.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 24th ult by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Silas Hallenbeck of South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Grace Whitmarsh of the same place.

Married:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. Wm. H. Hinman of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss M.J. Lenderson, of the former place.

Married:  Also, by the same, on the 1st inst. Mr. Darwin Jacobs of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss E.T. Wessels of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  Also, by the same, on the same day, Mr. N.D. Bartle to Miss E.S. Jacobs, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] on the 18th ult. by Rev. I.B. Hopwood, Mr. H.H. Norton of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah L. Roe of Coventry.

Married:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Rev. O. Eastman, Mr. Erastus Hamilton of Oxford, to Miss Harriet L. Martin of Otselic.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mr. Oliver Janes, aged 85 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. Mrs. Almira [Packer], wife of Jotham Packer, Esq., aged 71 years.

Died:  in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult. Miss Jane A. Bingham, aged 41 years.

Oxford Times, January 21, 1863

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Rev. Wm. M. Robinson, Mr. Samuel Boyd to Miss Margaret Morehead, both of Smithville.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. E.Z. Lewis, Mr. Wm. H. Cole to Miss Mary Ann Taney, both of Norwich.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on 13th inst. Mr. John Wiley, aged 62 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango co., NY], on the 13th inst. Jacob Mowett Tier [Crandall], only child of Dr. Ralph P. and Ann E. Crandall, aged 5 years, 7 months and 28 days.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult, Mrs. Prudence Randall, aged 83 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. Mr. Reuben Rice, aged 32 years.

Oxford Times, January 28, 1863

Married:  At Hazel Wood, on the 21st by Rev. D. Williams, Mr. O.M. Westover to Miss S. Eliza [Chapman], youngest daughter of W.E. Chapman, all of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst. Aristarchus Monroe, aged 64 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 21st, of diptheria, Libbie [Olds], daughter of Ezra and Eliza Olds, aged 3 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 9th, of diptheria Georgie [Olds], son of Ezra and Eliza Olds, aged 5 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on 15th inst. Mr. James A. Watson, aged 25 years.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th Dec. of diptheria, Calitta E. [Wessels], aged 4 years, On the 25th, Winona [Wessels], aged 2 years, Also on the 18th inst. George A. [Wessels], aged 6 years, children of Wessel C. and Mary S. Wessels.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Catharine [Hickox], wife of Cyrus Hickox, aged 44 years.

Died:  At sea, on board of one of the transports, Thomas Dolan, son of Patrick Dolan of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] and a private in Co. H, 114th Regiment, aged 19 years.

Died:  In East Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 2d inst. of diptheria, Jenny Rorapaugh, aged 12 years and 11 months, being the third child which Uri and Julia A. Rorapaugh buried within twelve days.

Died:  Also, in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on the same day, of same disease, Alburtus Holdridge, aged 10 years.

Oxford Times, January 28, 1863

The Rebel Cemetery at Warrenton:  A correspondent describes the graveyard at the southwest of the town of Warrenton, Va.  The mortality among the rebels has been fearful.  There are over a thousand ne the rough headboards, seem to be in the majority.  How the soldiers from this State have suffered since the war broke out.  The mass of the rebel troops killed at Antietam were from Georgia.  Fresh garlands of flowers are placed daily on many of these graves by the ladies afflicted with secesh proclivities. They do this, no doubt, with the intent to show us how ardent they are in their politics.  Poor misguiding creatures, they now begin to realize what war is.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, February 1862

 Oxford Times, March 19, 1862

Letter from 90th NY Infantry

Key West, Fla. 90th Regiment, N.Y.S.V., Feb. 28th, 1862

Dear Times:  The arrival on the 21st inst. of Gen. Brannon and Staff, to whom is assigned, the command of this Brigade and Post caused no little excitement in the several camps, extra men were detailed for police duty and many volunteered their services to clear away all the refuse matter which had accumulated, and to set everything in order throughout the camp.

Each Regiment attempted to rival the others in giving to their camp the most neat, cleanly and comfortable appearance.  Our Regiment had the advantage in respect to location, having been the first here to select, however the Gen. manifested a satisfaction with each of the camps.

Gen. Brannon is defacto the man to command the post for he is not only thoroughly disciplined, and a thorough disciplinarian, but having been commander of the regulars here when Florida seceded, is well acquainted with the sayings and doings of the residents of Key West, and consequently knows who can and who cannot be trusted and we think he will meet out to all their just rewards.

I have been told by several individuals living here (and I believe it true) that had it not been for the timely and strenuous exertions of Gen. Brannon, that important post of Key West would today have been in the hands of the rebels.

When the State of Florida seceded, the forces here under the command of Captain Brannon were quartered in the barracks, nearly or quite a mile distant from the Fort, while this being in an unfinished state, and having but few guns mounted, was unoccupied, save by a few soldiers.  One evening about this time, Captain Brannon learned by some means, that the inhabitants intended on the next morning to take possession of Fort Taylor.  His determination to defeat them was immediately made, and accordingly as soon as night set in he procured all the small boats within reach, and with his men embarked in these, rowed around to the Fort and cautiously entered.  Some of his men crawling in at the portholes, they proceeded at once with whatever they found in reach to obstruct the entrance, loaded the few guns that were mounted, and directed them on the town, and although the amount of provisions and water within the Fort was scarcely sufficient to supply a dozen men for two days, they determined to resist to the last.

The morning came, and the inhabitants were not a little surprised when they saw that the regulars had "stolen the march on them" and already taken possession of the Fort.  After making these observations, they deemed it expedient to delay any attempt to possess the Fort. They however hoisted a secession flag and had the impudence to demand of Captain B a salute, likewise a surrender of the Fort.  Captain B. replied that he should wait until his powder was all burned.

No further attempts were made in this direction.  The Fort is now nearly complete, and already 100 guns are mounted.  It will eventually mount 200, and can command the whole Isle and harbor.  Fort Taylor is the third in size of the forts of the U.S.

The anniversary of the birthday of the great and noble Washington was observed here in a manner to suit both the reflective and sportive classes. At 9 o'clock A.M. the 3d Regiment with their respective bands assembled on the general parade ground, and were formed by Gen. B. and his aide in the following manner, Each Regiment (being closed in column, by division, first division front) forming one side of a hollow square, while the 4th side remained open. The Gen., his Staff, the Cols, and Staff officers came inside the square. When the "Farewell Address of Washington" was read by Quartermaster R.B. Locke.  Appropriate addresses were delivered by several of the officers. The Bands interspersing the exercises with excellent music. The Brigade then conducted by the Gen. paraded by platoon through the principle streets.

At 2 o'clock the members of each Regiment reassembled without arms, at the parade ground to witness and perform the gymnastical feats mentioned in the afternoon programme.

First came off the foot race.  There were about 15 competitors for the prize.  They all ran very well, but of course, all could not win.  2d came the wheelbarrow exercise in which both officers and soldiers participated.  A stake was stuck in the ground about 20 rods distant, the performer was blindfolded, made to turn around until he could make no certain calculations of either latitude of longitude when the handles of a wheelbarrow were placed in his hands, and he was directed to move in a direct line to the stake.  Many attempted in this way to arrive at the stake, but none succeeded, some going directly in the opposite direction.  The race in the sack caused a good deal of mirth and jollity.  4th and last on the programme was the chase for the pig.  The member of the swine family selected for the occasion had been previously prepared by a free nub of the razor and sweet oil, and no pains were spared to render the rooter's narative unfit for a handle.  The pig was allowed a few scramble start, when the word go was given to those prepared for the race.  There was enacted the most ludicrous scene I ever witnessed.  About twenty were in hot persuit of the pig.  Many of them arrived sufficiently near to get their grasp on Mr. Rooter, but he taking advantage of his smooth skin would slide out carelessly, let them measure their length on the ground.  Finally one more active than the rest succeeded in removing the pig from his pen and he was declared the winner of the race.

We are becoming more used to this climate, so that although the thermometer ranges from 80 to 100 degrees in the shade, we [unreadale].

Vital Records, Greene, NY, March 5, 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 5, 1863

Married:  In Elmira, N.Y. [Chemung Co., NY], at the residence of T. Stanley Day, Esq., on Wednesday morning the 25th ult. by Rev. Irving L. Beman, Seymour Scott, Esq. of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Daisy S. Day, of the former place.

Married:  In Charlotville, Schoharie Co. [NY], on the 10th ult. by Rev. Mr. Killey, Mr. E.D. Ireland, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ardella A. Merchant of the former place.

Married:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. G.J. Kaercher, Mr. Horace Rogers, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Adalaide V. Cooley, of Pharsalia.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mrs. Sarah Kane, aged 78 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mr. James Harrison, aged 58 years.

Died:  In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 2d inst. Mr. Charles Mix, aged 59 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 26th ult. Eleanor B. Padget, aged 50 years.

Died:  At South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], at the residence of her brother, Daniel H. Robinson, on the 1st inst., Faith Robinson, aged 80 years.

Died:  Near Falmouth, Va. Jan. 23d, Mr. John T. Landers, son of Benajah Landers of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] aged 23 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 12, 1863

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 8th inst. by Rev. King Elwell, Mr. Levi Paddleford, of this town, to Miss Lucy A. Case of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., by Rev. D. Williams, Lieut. Edward M. Osborn, of the 114th Reg.  N.Y.S.V. to Miss Sarah B. Miles formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In the Universalist Church in Malone Franklin Co., N.Y. on the 25th ult. by Rev. E. Fisher, D.D., Rev. A.B. Harvey, Pastor of the Universalist Society in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Sarah E. Andrew, of the former place.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, on the 5th inst., Mr. Asa Dean McIntosh, aged 52 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. Hermon [Marvin], son of Henry and Cynthia Marvin, aged 3 years and 5 months.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Charles W. [Campbell], son of Rufus and Lovina Campbell, aged 7 years, 5 months and 11 days.

Died:  At the Regimental Hospital, New Orleans, on the 16th ult. Lieut. Gilbert of Co. A 114th Reg. N.Y.V.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Rev. Charles C. Brady, aged about 35 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, on the 9th inst., Mr. William H. Cole, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Bridget Jane [Curly], daughter of John and Bridget Curly, aged 2 years, 7 months and 7 days.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., Mrs. Laura M. Himes, wife of Hiram Himes, aged 83 years and 8 months.

Died:  At Willoughby, Lake co., Ohio, Dr. J.R. Brett, of Mount Upton [Chenango Co., NY], Surgeon of the 7th N.Y.S. Vols. aged 28 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., of diptheria, Condo C. [Bliven], only son of William C. and Helen M. Bliven, aged 8 months and 9 days.

Died:  At the Marine Hospital, New Orleans, on the 14th ult., of typhoid fever, Corporal Frederick J. Church, of Co. A, 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V., aged 30 years.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ult. Polly [Sumner], wife of Cyrel Sumner, aged 64 years.

Died:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] on the 18th ult. of apoplexy, Mr. Timothy Warner, aged 69 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th ins.t, suddenly, of paralysis, Mrs. Phoebe Monroe, wife of John Monroe aged 85 years.

Died:  At Quarantine Hospital, La., on the 12th ult., of small pox, David W. Place, of Co. C, 114th Rev. N.Y.S.V., son of Foster C. Place, of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years and 6 months.

Died:  In Smithville Flatts, [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., John L. Ketchum, Esq., aged 37 years, 8 months and 13 days.

He fell a victim to that flattering but fearful disease, pulmonic consumption.  He was much esteemed in his native town where he resided until his death, and in which he held the office of Justice of the Peace for 8 years.  In his decease the town has lost a magistrate of sterling merit, the community a citizen of worth, the circle of relatives a friend beloved, and the wife and only son a kind, affectionate and sympathizing husband and father.  We commend them to the father of the fatherless and the friend of the widow.   G.S.W.

Reported Death of Capt. Loomis:  We learn, says the Chenango Union, that information has been received of the death of Capt. Wheaton A. Loomis, of the 10th N.Y. Cavalry, who resided in the south part of this county [Chenango Co., NY], and entered the service last fall.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 19, 1863

Married:  In Barker [Broome Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. S.R. Scofield, Mr. Myron S. Root, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jennie P. Westover, of the former place.

Married:  In Christ Church, Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by J.L. Burrows, Mr. Addison M. Starr, of Portland, Oregon, to Miss Harriet K. Cushman, of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Ann Eliza [Johnson], eldest daughter of Mr. Henry Johnson, aged 9 years and 8 months.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mary [Otis], wife of Rev. Ashuel Otis, Pastor of the Congregational Church, aged 62 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. Mr. Avery B. Partridge, aged 47 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., suddenly, of inflammation of the bowels, Theodore O. Tanner, aged 51 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mrs. Sally Dyer, widow of Nehemiah Dyer, aged 67 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst, suddenly, of paralysis, Mrs. Phebe Monroe, wife of John Monroe, aged 85 years.

A Mistake:  The Oxford Times says:  A report of the death of Capt. Wheaton Loomis has gone abroad, and found its way into several papers.  It is certainly a very serious and quite groundless mistake.  We have it from those who know, that Capt. Loomis, so far from either sickness or death, is in the enjoyment of good health, and in the regular and faithful discharge of his duties as a Captain in the 10th Cavalry, near Fredericksburg, Va.

Headquarters 114th N.Y. Vol. Brasier City, La, Feb. 18, 1863

General Orders No. 11

The Commanding Officer is deeply pained to announce to the Regiment the decease of 2d Lieut. James E. Gilbert of Co. A, who died at this Post, of typhoid fever, on the 16th inst.  In his death, the Regiment has lost a faithful and valuable officer, and one whose memory will long be cherished by the command.  As an appropriate tribute of respect, the commissioned officers of the Regiment will wear the prescribed badge of military mourning, crepe on the left arm and sword hilt, for thirty days from the promulgation of this order.

By command of Samuel R. PerLee, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding., James F. Fitts, Adjutant

the remains of Lieut. Gilbert were escorted to the Railroad Depot on the evening of the 18th, with all the impressive ceremonies prescribed by the Army Regulations. The last honors to the deceased were rendered with the solemnity which an occasion of this character must always produce.  Peace to the manes of the faithful soldier, the true friend, and the lamented comrade!

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 26, 1863

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. M.N.C. Leighton, Mr. W.H. Wheeler, to Miss Addie M. Allen, both of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At Nanticoke Spring, Broome Co. [NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. P.S. Worden Mr. Edward D. Hatch, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Diana E. Brooks, of Maine, N.Y. [Broome Co.]

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rev. Mr. Williams, Mr. Smith Flowers, to Miss Clara Baker, both of Plymouth.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - January 1862

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 19, 1862

Letter from Robert H. Stanton, 5th Regiment, Excelsior Brigade

The following letter from Robert H. Stanton, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to Harvey H. Bloom has been kindly handed us by Mr. B.  It is of general interest and we gladly give it a place in our columns.  "Bob" writes of what he knows and it is reliable.

Camp Magan, Liverpool Point, Md., January 18th, 1862

Dear H.  Yours of the 2d inst. has just come to hand, and in obedience to your request I will tell you something of our situation.

After leaving Camp "Good Hope" (near Washington) we went to Port Tobacco, Md. where we were employed in cutting off communication between the rebels of that vicinity and those of Eastern Virginia.  From that place we came here, and are now stationed about one-eighth of a mile from the Potomac, on Liverpool Point.

Our position is excellent for viewing the Potomac, but it would be very much exposed if the rebels should see fit to fire upon us, as we are nearly opposite their batteries at Acquia Creek.  The other regiments composing the brigade are stationed above us along the river at intervals of from half a mile to two miles, Gen. Sickles' headquarters are about half a mile distant in a thick grove of small pines.  The country here is very thinly settled and is mostly covered with woods,  What few houses there are are miserable, compared with country houses at the north.

One great source of trouble and discomfort to us at this season of the year, is the mud, which is truly of "sublime and unfathomable depths."  You can form no idea of it, or of the state of our roads from anything you ever saw in old Chenango.  In going from our regiment to another on foot, you might easily become so fast in the mire that it would be impossible to get out without assistance.  It seems to serve one good purpose: that of making military life more democratic by destroying all distinction between officers and men, and leaving only faint lines of the person discernable.  We use it, also, in erecting log houses, in filling up the chinks.  By the way, while I think of it, our regiment is building winter quarters about one-fourth of a mile from here, out of small logs.  It is the general impression, however, that we will no more than get into them before we are ordered to move on, and everything now seems to be done with a view to a forward movement in a few days.

For provisions we get the regular army rations, with the exception that we get no soft bread.  We are obliged to content ourselves with the hard pilot-bread, in comparison with which the nether millstone is a miracle of softness. We have the usual round of bacon, salt and fresh beef, salt port, &c, and twice per week we have mixed vegetables, rice, molasses, potatoes, &c.  Purchases are made of the Brigade Commissary expressly for the use of the officers of a better quality than are the supplies for the men, and in much greater variety; but the officers have to pay for all their things immediately. A great deal is of course bought outside the regiment.

After all, the cooking is the great thing, and the great difficulty is to obtain good cooks.  When we had so many contraband negroes from Virginia, we selected one of them, a splendid fellow, for our cook, but after remaining with us about a month, they were ordered away to the landing, to unload Government boats, and since then we have fared as best we could.

The men of the regiment who came from Chenango are all healthy and looking well, including Sergeant White (of Otselic?) and Terry, and David Hoteal?, Barnes?, Cady, Dwight Adams, Niedick, Brown, Miles G. Lander? &c.  Andrew Landon was sick at camp "Good Hope" when we marched from there, and I have since heard that he died at that place.  He was a -?- soldier, and will long be remembered by his associates, as he should by all, as one who willingly gave up his life in the service of his country and of liberty. White has been promoted to the 1st Sergeantcy of his company, by the Colonel, who had noticed him and became favorably impressed with his abilities and integrity.  

A few nights since we discovered the store houses of the rebels at Acquia Creek, nearly opposite us, in flames.  We are uncertain whether they were set on fire by them fearing an advance by us, or were accidentally burned.   I think it however accidental, as the railroad which runs from there is still in a flourishing condition.  We can hear the cars running very plainly while in bed at night and can see them in the daytime from a place a little distance from our encampment.  We can see the smoke shoot up from their cannon as they fire at our vessels and see the balls as they strike the water.  the other morning, the Pensacola, mounting thirty-two guns came down from Washington to join the Burnside Expedition   The rebels had been expecting her and were lying in wait for her.  Just as she got a little past our regiment, the batteries at Acquia Creek with their heaviest guns fired upon her.  I have not heard them fire so heavy guns before; such terrible thunder shook the ground like an earthquake.  I was not watching them at the time, but understood that it was the Pensacola, and so wrote to my folks at home.  I have since learned, however, that the Pensacola run all the batteries of the rebels without firing a gun or being hit by them to injure her.

Most of our provisions are landed here at Liverpool Point, and come in Government vessels from Baltimore.  Between here and Washington the rebels have so many batteries that none of our gunboats can run them.  At Mattawoman landing, twelve miles above here, they are at work building batteries and it is unsafe although we do run our boats from there to Washington.  It is by that route that we bring our mails and express matter, and by that route is all the travel between our Division and Washington.  In going from there to Washington you pass Mount Vernon, in passing which, all uncover their heads in veneration for him who reposes there in silence, while all around is tumult and war.  You can see from the boat the house and Washington's tomb.  The grounds seem to be unoccupied.  You also have an opportunity to test your courage, for every boat that comes in is fired upon several times by them, and of course you cannot tell where they will shoot, but they have not yet chanced to do much injury.  You can generally tell the timid, and I am sorry to say that a couple of days since two officers went below deck in passing the batteries, rather than face these dogs of war and laugh at their awkward shooting.  Sometime since the Drummer boy of Co. I, Tommy, (as he is called) an intelligent and good looking little fellow, and another little boy who stays here with Lieut. Andrews, together with three men from the 2d Regiment went out in a boat and went over so far on the other side that they were captured by the rebel pickets. We thought they were lost to us for the present, but the other day the two boys appeared here and are of course now the heroes of our brigade. They were taken (I speak of the boys, not the men now) to Richmond and there lionized by the rebels.  They had what "shin plasters" given them that they desired.  They were lionized and feted by the ladies as well as the great military men and on the whole had a great time.  "Tommy" says that he kissed the belle of Virginia.  He was closely questioned in Richmond, and told them that he was not in service but was Capt. Wilkinson's son, which was a stroke of policy with him, as he would have been held for an exchange had he acknowledged himself drummer  They were sent to Fortress Monroe under a flag of truce, from thence to Washington where they were introduced to the President and Gen. McClellan, and congratulated by them, and finally returned in triumph to camp.  They are now at home to the great rejoicing of their mothers no doubt, and having seen a trifle of experiences which they will remember through life.  "Tommy" got a very good idea of the situation of the rebel regiments opposite us and described them with a great deal of precision.  He says not more than half of the rebels he saw are uniformed, that they were very ragged and most of the guns he saw were the flint lock musket.

The rebels are now firing at a schooner that is coming in from Baltimore and the boys are all running out as far as they can within the lines to watch her.  the batteries are a little below us and the shells that strike on this side are mostly about 1/2 or 3/4 of a mile below us. There are any quantity of broken shells down there on the shore.  One of the boys in Capt. Glass' Company got a whole one which was thrown over by them but did not explode.  They took out several pounds of powder and the shell weighed 72 pounds.  Capt. Glass took it to Pittsburgh with him, and the Union Pitt works of that place recognized the shell as one of their manufacture.

Yours truly, R.M. Stanton, 5th Regiment, Excelsior Brigade

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