Vital Records, Oxford, NY - August 1863

 Oxford Times, August 5, 1863

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mrs. Almira Coffin, aged 62 years.  "Dearest mother, how we miss thee, / Gone from us to Heaven above; / Yet we know that thou art happy, / For'er from pain and sorrow free."

Died:  In norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. Mrs. Lydia [Graves], wife of David Graves, aged 52 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d June, of diptheria, Addie [Merritt], aged 7 years and 1 month; and on 11th July, of same disease, Charlie [Merritt], aged 8 years, 8 months; only children, of Mrs. Mary A. Merritt, widow of the late Emmet Merritt.

Died:  At Gettysburg, Pa. July 9th, of lockjaw, caused by a wound received in the battle of Gettysburg, Chas. A. Hyde, of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], aged 23 years.

Died:  In the Hospital at Brashear City, of typhoid fever, June 5th, Elijah J. Andrews, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on 31st ult., Mr. Benjamin Welch, aged 75 years.

From a letter written by Orderly Serg't N.W. Torrey, commanding Company K, 10th New York Cavalry, we learn that Addison Beardsley, who left here as a private in said company, and for some time past has been acting as one of the Orderlies of Gen. Gregg, was taken prisoner in one of the engagements at Shepherdstown, while bearing messages to different parts of the General's command, and is now a prisoner in Richmond.

Oxford Times, August 12, 1863

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango co., NY], on the 26th ult. by C.H. Babcock, Esq., Mr. John H. Wiswell of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Anna P. Titus of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rv. W. Peck, Mr. R.E. Crandall of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah A Sheperd of Sherburne.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY] on the 9th inst., Lydia [Lewis], wife of Mr. Samuel F. Lewis, aged 38 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mr. Jeremiah Wood, aged 71 years.

Death of William L. Yancey:  The Richmond papers announce the death of Wm. L. Yancey, one of the first and fiercest leaders of Secession  He was born in Columbia, S.C., in 1815, but made Alabama his home.  In 1844, he was elected to congress in place of that mountain of humanity, Dixon H. Lewis.  In 1845 he was re-elected, and voted for the annexation of Texas and in favor of "fifty-four Forty or Fight"  He subsequently continued his law business; was sent to the Democratic Convention in 1848 which nominated Cass, where he tried to get through a resolution intended to permit the transit and settlement of slaves all over the Union  He opposed the compromises of 1850, and from that time became a recognized leader of the extremists of the South.  In a letter written by him in 1858 occurs the oft-quoted phrase "to fire the Southern heart."  In 1859 he urged the Legislature of Alabama to call a State Convention in case a Republican President should be elected.  In 1860 he was a member of the Charleston Convention, and was among the earliest of the seceding delegates.  Then he went in tor Breckinridge, and came even to New York, where he spoke in favor of a coalition of all factions to beat Lincoln.  In December he was a leading spirit in the Alabama Convention and reported the ordinance of Secession  He was then sent as Commissioner of the Confederacy to Europe to plead for help, but returned in February, 1862, safely running the blockade, and took his seat as a Senator in the confederate Congress.  Mr. Yancey was impulsive and somewhat reckless in his manners, and, in common with the mass of Southern politician, passed through many rough scenes and had many bitter enemies.   Tribune.

Oxford Times, August 19, 1863

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mrs. Harriet Bennett aged 74? years.  With the death of Mrs. Bennett, we have lost one of the last of the earliest settlers of our village.  When as yet but a child of two years, she came with her father (the late judge Cary?) to this then wilderness, following the course of the River in a Canoe, the only way of access at that early day being that opened up by nature.  There were no roads, and two or three rude houses only marked the commencement of the new settlement.  Mrs. Bennett during a period of more than three score years and ten, had been a resident here, and  [unreadable] Mrs. Bennett was a careful and devoted student of nature and science and her accomplishments in this department were quite uncommon in either sex.  But she did not rest here.  Her study of nature and her views did not incline her to look lightly of revered truth, but strengthened and deepened her faith in the principles and promises of the Gospel.  She died with a Christian's hope, revered by a large circle of friends, and respected and lamented by all who knew her.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. Sarah M. [Nichols], daughter of John and Margaret Nichols, aged 17 years.

Died:  In the Marine hospital, New Orleans, La. July 29th, of chronic diarrhea, Mr. William Jobman, Co. A 114th Reg. of Guilford [Chenanog Co., nY, aged 49 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], July 9th, Mr. Abram Ives, aged 87? years.

Osford Times, August 26, 1863

Died:  At Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 11th, Russel Ford, Esq., aged 65 years.

Died:  in the Hospital at Brashear city, June 1st, Thos. S. Wiswell of Co. B, 114th Reg., aged 53 years.

Died:  At Donaldsville La. July 24th, Levi L. Secor, of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], Member of Co. C, 114th Reg.

Died:  In the Marine Hospital, New Orleans, July 8th, Ira A. Davis, of Co. B, 114th Reg. of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], aged 26 years.

Died:  In Lincoln Hospital, Washington, D.C., July 19, John J. Daily of Co. A, 8th N.Y. Cavalry, aged 18 years from Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Hospital, at Bedlow's Island, on the 10th inst., Mr. Abram Rose of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 38 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst Mahetable H. [Dunn], wife of Mr. H.G. Dunn, aged 43 years.

Died:  At Gettysburg, on the 24th July, from wounds received at that place on the first of July, Willson D. Race, son of Ruel Race of South Oxford []Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

Sad Fatality:  The family of Mr. Leroy W. Storrs, of Cannonsville [Delaware Co., NY], has been visited with an epidemic fever of the typhoid character, which has proved singularly fatal.  The family consisted of the parents and four daughters and two sons.  The first one attacked was the youngest son who, however, recovered.  The third daughter, Esther aged 15 years, youngest daughter and Mrs. Storrs were next attacked, Esther died five weeks since.  Mr. Storrs and his eldest daughter Phebe aged 22 years were then attacked with the same disease.  On Monday last Mr. Storrs died, and on Thursday the daughter. The remaining daughters are now ill, the elder, Alice seriously, the youngest, Kitty, convalescent.  Deposit Courier, 15th inst.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - 114th Regiment N.Y.S.V. - March 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, april 16, 1863

Letter from the 114th regiment

Headquarters Camp Mansfield, Bayou Becop, La., Monday, March 20, 1863

Dear American:  Since our removal to this camp "our side" has met with a serious loss, through the willful disobedience of an inferior officer.  Last Saturday Gen. Weitzel ordered an aid to take 100 men on board of the gunboat Diana as sharp shooters, and proceed up the bayous on a reconnaissance as far as Bayou Teache, but not to enter the latter stream on any account.  The Diana was accompanied by the gunboat Calhoun, on which was Company C (Capt. Titus) of this regiment. As the boats proceeded up the Bayou Big Chafalaye, the Calhoun run into the mud and was stuck fast so that she could not back off.  As no danger was apprehended, the Lieutenant in command, on board of the Diana, proceeded up the bayou until he arrived at the mouth of the Teache, and still seeing no foe, took the responsibility of going a little further. As the boat was proceeding slowly along, about a half mile from the entrance of the stream, all at once the thunder of eighteen field pieces was heard, and the crashing of shot and bursting of shell told the erring Lieutenant that his men together with the boat and crew were doomed to death or imprisonment. The bayou was so narrow that the boat could not turn round, (she had no stern guns to fight with), and the rebel battery, which had been masked by the thick growth of bushes on the banks, as the boat backed up, kept in her rear, so that not a gun from her deck could be brought to bear upon the enemy. At last a shot, a dozen perhaps, entered below her water line, and she commenced filling, and soon sunk.  The rebels, with their accustomed cruelty, after the white flag was up, continued their fierce fire, and did not cease until the ill-fated vessel went down. The pilot and three men escaped, and by them we learn that 9 men were killed, 8 drowned and 16 wounded.  Among the latter were the Captain of the boat, shot through the lungs, and Lieut. Allen, of Geo. Weitzel's staff, wounded in the shoulder and arm. The remainder of the soldiers, with the crew of the boat, being all taken prisoners.

All this time the soldiers and crew of the Calhoun were making superhuman exertions to get out of the mud, and at last succeeded, but it was too late to help the Diana, for the engineer of that boat, with the two soldiers who made their escape, came up, panting with fatigue and told their story.  It was useless to run into danger, without hopes of succoring those that had been captured, so the boat was turned round and headed for Brashaer City.

No blame can possibly be attached to Gen. Weitzel for this disaster, for he particularly charged Lieut. Allen not to enter the Tesche.  the Captain of the Calhoun speaks in the highest terms of Capt. Titus and his men in their efforts to clear his boat from the mud in time to go and lend the Diana a helping hand, but fortune (or fate) prevented their sharing the peril of those who preceded them.

The next day (Sunday) the Calhoun proceeded up to the scene of action with a flag of truce to get the dead and wounded, and to offer an exchange of prisoners, but the traitors, carrying their inhumanity still farther, refused to give up even the dead, telling us that they would see to them, sending us back without permitting us to land.

A few days before the above calamity happened, a rebel deserter came into our lines, and upon being searched, some $6,000 or $8,000 in gold was found upon his person, and upon being questioned,  he owned that he stole it from a place where a sun of $200,000 had been buried, and told where the remainder could be found.  On being asked why he did not take more, he said he could not get away with it very well.  He is on his way north before this, with the "spoils of war."

You have, ere this, heard of the expedition of Col. Dudley's brigade, up the Jackson & Mississippi R.R. to a point opposite Port Hudson, in which he dispersed numerous bands of guerrillas and secesh soldiers, and destroyed thousands of dollars worth of cotton, sugar, molasses, ammunition, corn and beef, together with a large quantity of medical stores.  It was a most successful raid, and will prove a serious loss to the enemy.  In fact, the news from all quarters east of the Mississippi river, is of the most cheering nature to us.

The health of this regiment is not very good.  It would astonish you to see how it has dwindled down from a first class regiment, in point of effectiveness to a third rate battalion.  I do not believe there are enough well men to fill up four full companies.  Deaths are not very frequent but indispositions from summer compliant are too numerous to mention. This climate is not the place for men who have lived among the hills of Chenango and Madison.  During the past week Co. E has lost one man, Charles Bump of Coventry.

I understand that Franklin W. Fish of Co. B, has received a furlough to return to New York to attend to some business affairs which involve a considerable amount of property, and he leaves for the North by the steamer Columbia on the first of April.  He will probably visit your town before he returns South.

Respectfully,   A.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, November 1863

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, November 4, 1863

Married:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. Joseph H. Latham, to Miss Frances L. Randall, all of Norwich.

Married:  Also, on the 1st inst., at the Parsonage, by the same, Mr. John H. Currier, to Miss Arvilla L. Sanford, of Georgetown, Madison Co., [NY].

Married:  At the Baptist Church in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 24, 1863, by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. P. Simons of St. louis, Mo., to Miss Emily Louisa [Breed], eldest daughter of Charles R. Breed, of Norwich.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 30th, by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. Charles A. Rosebrook, to Miss Phebe E. Dixon, all of Sherburne.

Married:  Also, by the same, on the same day, Mr. Warren Catlin, to Miss Cerintha M. Brunson, both of Hamilton, Madison Co. [NY].

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 2d, 1863, by Rev. J.C. Foster, Mr. A.Z. Thompson, to Mrs. Susan Tyler, all of the above place.

Married:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], Sept. 24th, by Rev. S.F. Whitter, Mr. Nathan Thackwray to Miss Eliza M. Smith, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At West Farms, on the 17th ult. by Rev. Dr. Winters, Mr. Charles F. Mead, late of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eva M. Clarke, of Wilmington, Delaware.

Died:  At sea, on the 22d ult. while on his way home, of consumption, Mr. George Isbell, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], a member of Co. B, 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V.

Died:  At Berwick City, La, Sept. 22d, of congestive chills, Mr. Wait Stiles, a member of Co. C, 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V., of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].  He was a soldier ever prompt and obedient in the execution of his duty; a friend always affable and obliging; and a man against whom the finger of reproach could not be lifted. We gave him all a soldier has to give, a grave hallowed by the last offering of his sorrowing comrades.  C.J.E.

Died:  At Cleveland, Ohio, on the 19th ult. Mr. Augustus Mowrey, of the 161st Regiment, while on his way to his home in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  At Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult, Mrs. Sarah Brownson, aged 80 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], at the residence of Nelson N. Greene, on the 25th of September, of consumption, Mrs. Cynthia Greene, wife of Arthur Greene, deceased, in the 73d year of her age.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, November 11, 1863

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. E. Puffer, Mr. Jacob Cline to Miss Sarah A. Willcox, both of Smithville.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by rev. W. A. Smith, Mr. J. Wilson to Miss Phebe A Scott.

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. W. A. Smith, Mr. W. B. Conover to Miss Maretta L. Foot.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 18th, by J.D. Newell, Esq., Mr. Charles F. Wood, to Miss Elsie Anderson, both of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday, Nov. 5th, 1863, Louise M. [Rice], wife of George C. Rice, Editor of the Chenango Telegraph, aged 29 years, 6 months and 20 days.

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 31t ult., of cholera infantum, Charles Maydole [Merritt], son of Charles H. and Cornelia Merritt, aged 9 months.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mary L. [Wells], wife of M.A. Wells, aged 25 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. Mrs. Thankful Fitch, aged 82 years, 4 months, and 16 days.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Flora [Rathbone], daughter of Lewis a. and Lois Rathbone, aged 8 years.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ult., Mr. William Stewart, aged 66 years.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, November 18, 1863

Married:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 29th, by Rev. William Searls, Mr. Ralph J. Randall, to Mrs. Ann F. Skinner, both of Norwich.

Married:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 27th, by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. Charles O. Dark, to Miss Frances L. Burrows, all of Norwich.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 15th, of diptheria, Sarah V. [Strong], aged 5 years and 4 months; Oct. 20th of same disease, Ellen A. [Strong], aged 7 years and 4 months, children of A.W. And Sarah C. Strong.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., of consumption, Mr. T. A. Kathan, aged 47 years.

Died:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 19th, Ivan M. [Eldridge], only son of Morell Eldridge, aged 3 years and 10 months.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, November 25, 1863

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Catharine [Fisher], wife of Thompson G Fisher, aged 58 years.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. Clara R. [Bellows], daughter of Dr. H.K. Bellows, aged 10 years.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., of consumption, Mr. George A. Wagner, aged 27 years.

Died:  In this town [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Charles N. [Hale], son of Hiram Hale, aged 2 years, 1 month and 22 days.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mrs. Lucinda Turner, in the 79th year of her age.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. Frankie [Davis], only daughter of Charles O. and Clarissa B. Davis, aged 16 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Abiah [Hiller], wife of William Hiller, aged 58 years.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mr. Levi Benedict, aged 56 years.

Died:  Killed at Port Hudson, June 14th, John D. West of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] a member of Co. B, 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V., aged 25 years.

Died:  At the U.S. General Hospital, Baton Rouge, La., Sept. 23d, of chronic diarrhea, Park Benjamin, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].  Also, Oct. 4th, at the same place, of typhoid fever, Chester Cook, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], both members of Co. K, 161st N.Y.S.V.

Found Dead:  Zira Church, a resident of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], a farmer about 45 years old, was found dead in the barn of Norman Cox, about a mile north of this village, on Saturday evening last, about 7 o'clock.  He arrived there about noon on Saturday, partially intoxicated; remained about the house for nearly an hour, during which time he drank large quantities of liquor from a bottle which he had in his pocket; then went to the barn, as the family supposed, to get his horse to go home, but was soon after noticed lying in one of the stalls asleep.  He was heard snoring very loudly as late as 4 o'clock in the afternoon, but on going to the barn about 7, Mr. Cox found him dead, and to all appearance he had been so for several hours.  At an inquest held by Dr. Bailey, a verdict was rendered that he died in consequence of organic disease of the stomach, caused by the excessive use of poisonous liquors.  Mr. Church was not a man that drank constantly, but when he did he made a business of it.  He leaves a wife and seven small children, together with some property.

Happenings of the Times - The National Cemetery at Gettysburg, Dedication Ceremonies

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, November 25, 1863

The ceremonies attending the dedication of the National Cemetery commenced Monday morning, Nov. 16th, by  a grand military and civil display, under command of Major General Couch.  The line of march was taken up at 10 o'clock, and the procession marched thro' the principal streets to the cemetery, where the military formed in line and saluted the President.  At a quarter-past 11 the head of the procession arrived at the main stand.  The President and members of the cabinet, together with the chief military and civic dignitaries took position on the stand. the President seated himself between Mr Seward and Mr Everett, after a reception marked with the respect and perfect silence due to the solemnity of the occasion, every man in the immense gathering uncovering on his appearance.

The military then formed in line, extending around the stand, the area between the stand and military being occupied by civilians, comprising about fifteen thousand people, and including men, women and children. The attendance of ladies was quite large.  The military escort comprised one squadron of cavalry, two batteries of artillery, and a regiment of infantry, which constitutes the regular funeral escort of honor for the highest officers in the service.

The prayer was made by the Rev. Mr. Stockton, Chaplain of the Senate.  Mr. Everett then commenced the delivery of his oration which was listened to with marked attention throughout.  The President also delivered a dedicatory speech.

Among the distinguished persons on the platform were the following:  Governors Bradford of Maryland, Curtin of Pennsylvania, Morton of Indiana, Seymour of New York, Parker of New Jersey, and Tod of Ohio; ex-Governor Dennison, of Ohio; John Brough, governor elect of Ohio; Charles Anderson, lieutenant governor of Ohio; Major Generals Schenck, Stahel, Doubleday and Couch; Brigadier General Gibbon, and Provost Marshal General Fry.

The great national cemetery is situated close by the Gettysburg cemetery on the west side of the Baltimore turnpike, and overlooks the general battle field and much of the surrounding scenery.  It was itself a portion of the battle field, on which was done some of the hardest fighting of those three terrible days. The state of Pennsylvania purchased the lot and presented to other states each a section proportionate in size to the number of bodies to be interred.  New York has the largest lot in the cemetery.  One plot of ground, devoted to the burial of bodies unrecognized, has been classed as "unknown." The lots radiate from a center to the exterior of a circle and the bodies are placed in rows with the heads toward the center and feet toward the battlefield.  A space of two feet is devoted to each body. A durable stone wall is built at the head of each grave and it is intended to place a high curb stone of attractive white marble also opposite each man's grave.  On each will be the name of his company and the regiment to which he belongs. The cemetery is symmetrically laid out, the walks being frequent.  The monument will probably be placed in the center of the cemetery.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - 114th NY Regiment - March 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 2, 1863

Letter from 114th NY Regiment

Headquarters 114th Reg., Brashear City, LA, Tuesday March 17, 1863

Dear American,  A ray of light again shines upon our unhappy land, so bright and gladdening that our hearts beat with a new and stronger pulsation, and hope, from a drooping state of uncertainty, lifts up her head and smiles as she looks at the future.  A noble name has added new laurels to an already bright crown.  That name, Farracut.

During the night of the 14th inst., the fighting Admiral under cover of the darkness proceeded up the Mississippi with his fleet, which had been lying at Baton Rouge since Banks' arrival here, and boldly ran by the vaunted batteries of Port Hudson, the flag ship Hartford leading the squadron.  There seems to have been no casualties resulting from the fire of the rebels, but the noble steam frigate Mississippi ran aground upon some shifting sand bar and her commander, after vainly endeavoring to get her off was compelled to blow her up.  Thus, the twin-sister, of the Merrimac has shared her unhappy fate. The officers and crew of the noble vessel were all removed without the loss of a man.

The importance of this movement cannot be too highly estimated for it cuts the last connecting link of the rebels with their supplies of salt and beef and corn they have been receiving from Texas by the way of Red River.  It will threaten Vicksburg with a new terror, and make that stronghold of traitors totter and fall under the terrible thunder of Porter's mortars.

Even away down here in the south-west corner of Louisiana we are having "picket firing," and it does us good to see a half-dozen men defy twice that number and make them fly like cowardly curs as they are.  A few days ago a gunboat landed eight men from the 75th N.Y.S.V.'s on the opposite side of the Bay, and they were ordered to protect a working party from surprise, and also to look around and see what they could see.  They were landed a half a mile below our camp (our camp is on the extreme north of the brigade) and we watched them as they slowly walked up the bayou, peering into empty houses and deserted sugar mills, until they had passed above us a considerable distance.  Of a sudden a volley was heard, and a thin blue cloud arose from the edge of the swamp, and a party of horsemen dashed out of the woods to cut them off, but the boys reserved their fire, and commenced retreating in good order. We soon found that the rebels dare not charge upon the boys while their guns were all loaded, and as only one or two fired at a time, the secesh kept at long range, contenting themselves with following up and firing with their double barreled guns.  As our boys commenced firing and kept it up, a battery, the 1st U.S. Battery of regulars, unlimbered and sent a shell into the direction of the cavalry, which burst immediately over their heads, scattering them and unhorsing two.  (By the way, these regulars are down on all seceshdom since the publication of an article in the New Orleans Era, describing the inhuman treatment received by the 8th regular regiment of infantry in Texas, and on every occasion they are crazy to fire shot and shell at a rebel; and that feeling is growing in our own regiment)  Every day since our pickets were attacked there has been more or less firing, and even now as I write, the crack of rifles are heard, and the trees that line the shore on this side of the Bayou are filled with men, anxious to see a rebel fall.

Wednesday, March 18:  Last night the long roll was beat for the first time in the camp of the 114th Reg. and in ten minutes from the time of the first alarm, we were drawn up in line of battle, guns loaded and bayonets fixed.  I did not know but we were going to have a brush, for just at dark a report came to camp by a refugee that a large body of rebels had crossed the bayou eight miles above for the purpose of destroying the railroad bridges between this point and Lafourche.  But we were disappointed, for it seems that Gen. Weitzel had ordered the same things to be done in the other camps of the brigade, and we could hear the drums beat "to arms" long after we had fallen in line. We received a compliment, and after a counter march or two were dismissed.  It was wonderful to see how soon men that were sick, and had been for days and weeks, became convalescent, marching out apparently strong, and well prepared for battle.

The 114th Reg. is rapidly improving in battalion movements and the manual of arms under a drill master furnished us by Gen. Weitzel since the well remembered day when he "got off is hoss" and exercised us, and it our staff officers will only learn as fast as the privates do, and remember what they are taught, we shall have more confidence of success in the day of battle.

Thursday, 19th:  This morning an accident occurred in Co. E, which will lay up for weeks one of its best members.  Co K was being drilled to sham firing, and its orderly went into his tent to get his gun and took up the wrong one, there being two standing side by side, one of which had been loaded and the cap taken off the -?- to prevent accident.  The Lieutenant in charge [unreadable] to put caps on their guns.  At the order, ready, aim, fire the orderly's gun exploded sending shell through two tents striking the left arm of Jeduthan Kendall (of East Greene) near the elbow, but I believe the bone was not touched.  No blame is charged to the orderly of Co K, by our officers, though I think it a pretty careless piece of business.

The officers of the different regiments in this brigade have been drafting resolutions and addressing them to the people of their respective States praying and protesting against all "peace movements." declaring that the officers and men would submit to no measures that did not give to the Untied States Government all that it claims and the 114th will soon forward to the different newspapers of Chenango and Madison counties, the voice of the regiment in regard to such meetings.  I will try and furnish your readers with a copy of such resolutions as the committee may draft, by the first steamer.

Our General either expects an attack from the rebels, or else he is getting extremely cautious, for he has ordered that all troops in his command shall be called up at 3 o'clock A.M. and stand under arms from that time until day light.  Yesterday our cavalry had a skirmish with the rebel cavalry, and several horses on our side were disabled, but no soldiers hurt.

Respectfully ours.   A.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY - October 1863

 Chenango Telegraph, October 14, 1863

Married:  HOLMES - MEAD:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 6, 1863, by Rev. M.S. Platt, Mr. John M. Holmes of West Eaton [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Althea M. Mead of the former place.

Married:  FORD - STILSON:  In Franklin, Delaware Co. [NY] by Rev. A.J. Champian, Mr. De Ver Ford of South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Laura Stilson of the former place.

Married:  PERKINS - JOHNSON:  In West Burlington, Otsego Co [NY], by Rev. S.N. Westcot?, Mr. Charles C. Perkins to Miss Frankie E Johnson, of the former place.

Married:  LUCAS - HAYNES:  In Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY], Sept 29, 1863, by Rev. Ashbel Otis, Mr. Samuel Lucas of Smithville to Miss Caroline Haynes of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  NORTHRUP - HARDY:  In Milwaukee, Wis. Sept 27, 1863, by Rev. George Street, Mr. DeWitt C. Northrup of Chicago to Miss Annie Hardy of the former place.

Married:  BUTTON - SLATER:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 30, 1863, by Rev. Charles Johnson, Mr. William H. Button, to Miss Florra H. Slater, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  BAKER:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept 25, 1863, of apoplexy, Thirza Baker, wife of Joseph Baker.

Died:  FOOTE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 27, 1863, of consumption, Mr. Lander R. Foote, Sept. 27, 1873 aged 44 years.

Died:  ROOT:  In the Regimental Hospital at Brashear City, La., and formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 3, 1863, of chronic diarrhea, Mr. Oscar F. Root, Co. A, 114th N.Y.S.R., aged 27 years.

Died:  SHELDON:  AT Court House Hospital, Baton Rouge, La, Sept. 11, 1863 of chronic diarrhea, Mr. Samuel S Sheldon, Co K, 161st Regiment N.Y.S.V.

Died:  COUGHLIN:  At University Hospital, New Orleans, Sept. 12, 1863, of dropsy, Mr. Michael F Coughlin, Co. E, 161st Reg, N.Y.S.V.

JACOBS:  In Camp Hospital at Folly Island, S.C., Sept. 19, 1863, Lieut. Ira D. Jacobs, Co. I, 89th Reg. N.Y.S.V.  Lieut. Jacobs enlisted as a private in the 89th Regiment in the fall of 1861, and for good conduct and soldierly bearing was soon promoted to Orderly Sergeant and served as such until a short time previous to his death when he was commissioned as lieutenant.  He had served his country faithfully for the past two years, and had been in every engagement in which his regiment took part and came out unhurt from all.  He had just attained a position in which he could reap the reward which he so richly merited for two years hardship when death overtook him  Another noble son is added to the list of heroes who have laid down their lives for their country's good.  A.L.S.

Death of George W. Isbell:  A correspondent of the Utica Herald, writing on board the steamer America, bound from New Orleans to New York, under date of September 22, thus speaks of the death and burial of Geo. W. Isbell, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Today we have to record a sad and solemn event.  A death and burial at sea.  The victim, if he may be so termed, was George W. Isbell, Sergeant Company B, 114th Reg., N.. Vols.  His home was in the village of Norwich, not many miles from Utica, to which he was returning to die, as he hoped, in the bosom of this family.  But alas!  God willed it otherwise, and death overtook him midway and he slept that sleep which knows no waking until the resurrection morn.  And here--

On the ocean's blue bosom, / Midway 'tween strife and home, / 'Neath the noble flag for which he fought, / Hero of many battles he died!  all alone / All alone.

He knew he could no longer stay, / Old "Time had thrown the die, " / And angels to him whispered come / We'll take thee to a happier home in the sky, / All alone--all alone.

Away from home, wife and cherub ones / Rocked upon the bosom of the sea, / He lay--sick, wearied and worn, / trusting in God, who willed it so to be / All alone--all alone.

Midnight bells had called the hour, / He rose, went forth at the -?- sound / But these, arrayed, no martial host he found / Sighed, returned, laid him down and died. / All alone--all alone.

'Neath flags at half-mast at an early hour, / His body we committed to the deep, / To remain 'till the sea gives up its dead. / Peacefully reposing in its watery bed.  / All alone--all alone.

The burial scene was one of unusual solemnity, it being the first time that I had seen a  body committed to the silent and awful deep.  The service was read by the pastor with much solemnity, and everybody present seemed to be more or less impressed by the mournful peace.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 21, 1863

Married:  BURDICK - ROSE:  In Davenport [Delaware Co., NY], Sept. 29, 1863, by Rev. E.C. Hodge, Mr. George Burdick to Miss Josephine Rose, both of Davenport.

Died: BREED:  In Philadelphia, Oct. 3, 1863, Mr. Ephraim Breed, Jr. aged 42 years, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  LEWIS:  At Marine Hospital, New Orleans, La. Sept. 6, 1863, Willard F. Lewis, Co. C, 114th Regiment N.Y.S.V., aged 24 years.  Funeral services will be held at his mother's residence, on Sunday afternoon, Oct. -?- at 3 o'clock, privately.

TUCKER:  In Hospital Beaufort, S.C., Oct. -?-, 1863, Mr. Bonapart? Tucker of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], a member of Co E 8th Reg. N.YH.S.V.

Chenango Telegraph, October 28, 1863

Married:  TERREL - WELLS:  In Smithville Centre [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 14 , 1863, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Lemuel Terrell to Miss Susan B. Wells, both of Smithville.

Died:  AGARD:  In Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY], October 1, 1863, of pneumonia, Erastus Agard, Esq., aged 76 years 7 months and 19 days.

Died:  AGARD:  At Union Mills, Erie Co., Penn. Sept. 15, 1863, Lucy [Agard] wife of Dr. J.C. Agard, son of Erastus Agard, Esq. of Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  BROWNING:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 15, 1863, of consumption, Mrs. Harriet Browning, wife of Halsey Browning, aged 44 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - 44th Regiment - March 1863

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 25, 1863

Letter from the 44th Regiment

Camp Near Falmouth, March 7, '63

For a long time I have been thinking of the termination of this terrible war.  After fighting so long we soldiers cannot think of compromise.  The blood of our dear friends and relatives killed upon the battlefield by the murderous rebels cry out against it.  Were it not for the traitors at the North, I think that long beforr this, our country would have been again restored to peace and happiness.  Northern traitors!  They are ten times worse than the southern rebels who are open and bold in their rebellion while their Northern allies are covertly waiting for an opportunity to open a fire in the rear while we are facing an open enemy in the front.  I could mention some of these enemies at home, but I do not desire to make a bad matter worse by laying to your neighbors' charge this foul crime.  I feel that there are patriots enough up North to attend to traitors at home, and we will attend to the Southrons.  I have no doubt, however, if these miscreants should raise a hand to trouble us the loyal north would rise en masse and crush them.  I see by the Copperhead press that much is said about the demoralization of the army.  Their information must be received from homesick soldiers who have tired of fighting for their country and homes.  Rest assured such is not the case.  The army was never in better condition than at present.  Give such flunkies who write such stuff home a chunk of fruit cake to eat, and a feather bed to lie upon, and they will be all right, provided they can lie "quiet upon the Potomac."  But as soon as a forward movement is made, at it they go again, and grumble, grumble, grumble.  These are the only men who talk about the army being demoralized.  I thank God we have got but a few of them in our Regiment. They are a curse to the service, and the sooner they are out of it the better, whether by desertion - their usual course - or by a court martial, it matters not which.

I hear a great deal is said in the North about men going to the war Republicans and immediately turning Copperhead or Democrat.  I don't see it.  For my part, I was a Democrat when I went to the war, and a rank one too.  I thought I knew all about the matter.  But when I came to investigate the matter in earnest for myself, I found I knew but little about it.  If a man wants to get an insight into Southern affairs, let him come down here and stay a couple of years and get acquainted with the negro bruisers, and he can go back and teach the thick pated Copperheads, or dough-heads, up North a thing or two.  I don't know of any Republicans in our regiment turning their coats.  I am sure this kind of business would not cause them to turn from right to wrong.  For my part, I am in favor of telling the old Union war horse to go through and not stop until he has got to the end of the race, and if he lives through it, all right it.  If he dies, he will have fallen in the performance of his duty. This doing anything up half way and then stopping because we have got opposition, I don't think much of.  To be sure, I would like to have this war ended, and we soldiers restored to our homes and friends once more, but never let it be done until it is ended in our favor, and complete at that.

(The writer here gives a detailed statement of his capture in the second battle of Bull Run, and of the condition of the rebel army.  He was a prisoner five days and was paroled, and afterwards exchanged.  He then continues)

The boys are all in good spirits and all express a wish to make a start to crush the rebellion as soon as the weather will admit.  There is not much "dead beating" going on in our Regiment this winter.  Most of the boys are enjoying good health, and are prepared for their duty. [unreadable] and the rebel camp can be seen plainly.  When Joe Hooker gets at -?- look out for week, Impatiently awaiting the onward movement to Richmond.

I am yours, &c. P.S.F., Co. D, 44th Reg. N.Y.S.V.

Vital Records, Greene, NY - November 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 5, 1863

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mrs. Thankful Fitch, aged 82 years 4 months and 16 days.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mary L. [Wells], wife of M.A. Wells, aged 25 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. Flora [Rathbone], youngest daughter of Lewis A. and Lois Rathbone, aged 8 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., after a short illness, Mrs. Elizabeth [Cole], wife of Samuel Cole, aged 57 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 12, 1863

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Louise M. [Rice], wife of George C. Rice, Editor of the Chenango Telegraph, aged 29 years, 6 months and 20 days.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., of consumption, Mr. T.A. Kathan, son-in-law of Thomas Gray, aged 47 years.

Died:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY], on the 19th ult. Mr. Charles Beckwith, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], late a member of Co. I, 114th N.Y.S.V., aged 38 years.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ult., Wm. Stewart, aged 66 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 19, 1863

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. by Rev. William Searls, Mr. Ralph J. Randall, to Mrs. Ann F. Spinner, both of Norwich.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. Charles O. Dark, to Miss Frances L. Burrows, all of Norwich.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - February 1863

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 18, 1863

Letter from the 114th Regiment

Brashaer City, Feb. 27, 1863

Dear Editors:  The 114th has at length managed to get united once more, and are "right glad" to be able to look one another in the face again.  Soldiers assimilate more closely probably than any other class of people.  Officers and men become as it were one family, united by ties most firm, more enduring and perhaps more affectionate than most families are in quiet pursuits of peaceful life.  Those at home, who have never been severed from all that they love, all they toil for, cannot appreciate the feelings of dependence upon one another that soldiers have.  Kind words become necessary to mutual comfort, and mutual needs demand mutual accommodations.  Selfishness among strangers is mean enough anyway, but amongst us here it is nothing more nor less than an act of sin.

Brashear City is a small village, dignified by title, but in fact a poor specimen of a country town.  It is situated on Berwick Bay, and was the crossing place of the New Orleans, Opelousas and Great Western Railway.  Berwick is another village similar in size on the opposite side of the bay.  The Railroad appears to be laid out for a considerable distance, but the war has put a stop to its further advancement.  We are now in close proximity to rebeldom, and really face to face with the enemy.  A flag of truce comes down almost once a day on the other side to send over someone into our lines, or to spy out the nakedness of the land, which is the more likely.  Why it is allowed is a matter that we privates are unable to comprehend.  There can be no doubt that the secesh lines are not very far from us, and it seems to me that if I were in command I would have cleared them out or they would have me before this line.  If it is going to be war I say give them enough of it, or as Gen. Rosecrans said "Our order are fight, fight right."  We lose a great deal in my opinion, by not following them up, give them no rest, let the advance be always on the enemy's front until we compel them to surrender, or drive them to the place good people are supposed to be anxious to avoid.  "Parish my name if aught afford / The rebels safety, but their sword / But fear not, doubt not, which thou wilt / We'll try this quarrel hilt to hilt"

Company B has been placed in a position in which to try their mettle, and nobly have they showed themselves men of coolness and pluck.  This is the universal opinion from on all sides.  On Monday afternoon (Feb. 23d), twenty men were drafted to go on board the U.S. Gunboat Kinsman to do the customary night picket duty at the mouth of the Atchafalaya river.  Blankets were rolled and slung over the shoulder, cartridge boxes examined to see if the usual forty rounds were not "lost, spoiled or damaged by unavoidable accident of actual service" (see regulations) and everything needful got in readiness.  Nick took command.  About half past ten the gunboat steamed up the bayou, but when from within a mile and a half to two miles from the city she struck a snag and commenced filling rapidly.  Capt. Wiggin, her commander, immediately turned her head down stream in order to make land below the steamboat docks, but she filled and sunk in deep water before he could reach the point proposed.  This movement on his part was a foolish one, as he could have landed at a dozen places on the banks between the fort and Brashear.  Our boys got ashore safely, some swimming and others being picked up by boats sent to their assistance from other vessels. To their credit be it added, there was not a murmur of fear escaped their lips.  But as coolly as if going to parade they "struck out" for shore.  Now with an overcoat on, bayonet sheath and forty rounds of ball cartridge strapped around your belly, swimming in a dark night is an amusement no one would pursue for pleasure.  That they all should get safely on land is almost a miracle.  Ira Dodge (by the bye, there is no dodge in him any way) made an ascension of the smoke stack, keeping himself in advance of the water as the steamer went down, and constituting himself a volunteer corps of observation.  Lieut. Nichols refused to leave until he was assured that every one of "his boys" were safe and than took his chance with the rest.  Bully for Nick.  "His boys" won't forget him.  If he ever gets in a tight place, you may bet high.  I do not wish to be considered bragging our own trumpet in the least. Anyone of the companies in the 114th would in my opinion have acted in like manner.  But it was our chance to get into trouble that night, and I have given you the facts as they were.  I was not with them myself, being on guard in camp, so I cannot be accused of undue egotism on the matter.  As to our regiment, I can safely say that a better set of men, physically and morally never left the Empire State, and with the same amount of drill would have been inferior to none in the service.  But it has been our ill fortune to have been buffeted around by land and sea, first on leaky transports, then dismal quarantines, and then detailed in companies on guard at one station and another until we have seemed like the mere football of military incapability.  Regimental or battalion drill appeared to us like a state of perfection seen afar off like the paradise of the true achiever, and only to be gained by weary marches and countermarches over ditch and corn fields, double quicking it until the legs begin to refuse duty, and the weary lungs to sound like a pair of blacksmiths' bellows in a high state of virtuous indignation.  We have one consolation that we may learn something before our three years term of service expires.  At all events we can try if we do not achieve perfection in the field, we can present arms and stand guard with the oldest veteran. To be of meanly habits appertains to no particular class of persons. To have our dwellings neat is a duty we owe to health.  To have our brasses bright a matter of personal pride and gratification.  But I have yet to learn if they constitute a perfect soldier.  One of company H's boys is reported to have said to a certain field officer.  "I don't know much about this presenting arms or standing guard, but if you want to fight, by thunder! I'm in."  A remark embodying more truth than poetry, true or not.

The health of our regiment continues good, although the warm weather has been coming upon us rapidly for the last two or three days. The nights are damp and chilly and the dew falls as heavy as a young rain storm, rusting our pieces and keeping us in constant labor at cleaning up.  Our camp is showing as busy a time as the Saturday scrubbing of your old-fashioned Yankee housewife.

Lieut. Gilbert, Company A, died in hospital a few days ago of fever.  He had been sick a short time before coming with us up to Brashear, and never rallied after his removal from Lafourche.  His decease is regretted by every member of his company, and by all in the regiment that had the pleasure of his acquaintance.

A short time ago I was detailed with five others to cross the river and keep watch for "rebs," while a gang of negroes were removing the ties from the unfinished railroad for use on this.  During my stay I had a conversation with a non-committed chap residing in Berwick.  He regretted the war because it emptied his pockets, but he gave me a curious insight into slave life.  Some years ago he purchased a negro woman as a house servant and paid a good price therefor, the savings of his own labor.  Shortly after he bought her husband, to use his own words "I was doing right well then, they made me six children, which if I could have kept with me would have been worth ten thousand dollars.  Now they have cleared out, and I have nothing.  I hired them out by the month, all but two little ones and I lived well enough.  Now you see I have nothing."  Good heavens!  thought I, to consider the relation of man and wife as a mere tool by which to increase slave property, and foster his laziness.  "Made him six children."  See for yourself how even the white becomes demoralized.  Leave the negro entirely out of the question, and with the principle of slavery as a basis of power for the capitalist over the laborer, you have a system which is in itself antagonistic to the ideas of an American democracy.  Abolish forced labor and you will find that paid labor tends to reduce money to dependence upon brains and energy, and that the industrious mechanic can hold as high a position of independence as the wealthy nabob that needs his skill.

Lieut. Nichols was astonished to see by the Union that he had resigned.  Nothing is further from his current intentions. When he does resign we are as apt to know it here in Louisiana before the people of Norwich, Chenango Co., New York.  [unreadable] right and justice in every name and should be discontinued by everyone.  This bye work of "they say" has done more harm than the gossip of fifty old maids at a village tea drinking ever tried to do.

Quarter Master Thompson is going home before long.  He is very much afflicted with lameness.  I am sorry Floyd is to leave us, on account of personal friendship and there are many others who will miss him as much as myself.

Lieut. Brooks, now in command of company C, looks as well as I ever saw him, and twice as natural.  Capt. Bockee remains still at Quarantine, although the restraint enforced by the doctor in charge is by no means agreeable.  I can appreciate his restiveness as we were stuck in that delightful place for three weeks.  I do not think that there can be a more uncomfortable resting place in the whole State of Louisiana than that self same Quarantine.  We have some thought of moving up towards the enemy before long, but do not know where.  The 160th N.Y., 75th N.Y., 12th Conn. 8th Vermont, three batteries of Artillery and one squadron of cavalry are here with us.  Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain.

Yours fraternally, One of the "Bumble Bees"

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - July 1863

 Oxford Times, July 1, 1863

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th ult. by Rev. . Robinson, Mr. H.H. Vancott to Miss Maryette Morse.

Died:  In Eaton, madison Co. [NY], June 24th, Mrs. Ruth Payson, mother of Rev. E.H. Payson, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] in the 8-th? year of her age.

Died: In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult., Mrs. Betsey Slawson, aged 66 years.

Died:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult., Mr. John Boylen, aged 80 years.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult. Mr. Thomas Paul, aged 67? years.

Died:  in Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], on the 4th ult. Mr. Ellsworth Phelps, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 66 years.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th ult. of diptheria, Susan A. [Brown], aged 4 years 8 months; also on the 20th, William H. [Brown], aged 11 years, children of Henry M. and Emily L. Brown.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th ult. James Lazelle [Cole], youngest son of Morillo and Mary E. Cole, aged 9 years 4 months and 11 days.

Died:  Killed in the battle of Magnolia Hill, Mississippi, Charles M. [Howe], second son of Rev. C.F. Howe, Chaplain of the late 14th Rev. N.Y. Vol. aged 24 years and 10 months.

Died:  At Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th ult. Mr. Chauncey L. Schermerhorn, aged 20 years.

The friends of Lieut. Stafford of Company A, 114th regiment, received intelligence last week that he had been severely wounded at Port Hudson, during a reconnaissance on the 12th June.  A letter states that a ball passed through diagonally from right to left just below his hip joint, and that he was doing well.

Oxford Times, July 8, 1863

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], July 2d, by rev. W. T. Potter, Mr. Wm. S. Youngs to Miss Harriet A. Houghton, both of Oxford.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. James W Sackett to Miss Mary A. Harrington, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At the Baptist Church, in East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on 28th ult. by Rev. B. A. Russell, Mr. John A. Benedict of East Greene, to Miss Theresa C. Brock, of Forest Lake, Susquehanna Co., Pa.

Marrieds:  In San Francisco, Cal. June 24th, in St. John's Chruch, by Rev. Mr. Brutherton, Mr. William L. Perkins to Miss Sarah R. Peabody.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Charles L. Humphrey of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Prudence E. Lewis, of the former place.

Married:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult. by Rev. O. Burton, Mr. Gilbert Manwarring of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jennie Utter, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., Mrs. Lucy [Putnam], widow of the late Eli Putnam, aged 64 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult. Mrs. Eunice Balcom, aged 87 years.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. Mrs. Grace Hollenbeck, wife of Silas Hollenbeck, aged 20 years.

Died:  In Edgewood, Effingham Co., Ill., June 19th Thomas M. [Balcom], son of the late Stephen Balcom, aged 5 years 2 months and 19 days.

Died:  At Independence, Mo., June 3d, suddenly, Mrs. Ellen L. [Mericle], wife of P.D. Mericle, aged 32 years, formerly of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, July 15, 1863

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rv. J.D. Webster, Mr. Wm. Potter to Miss Sarah Barr, all of Greene.

Married:  In Wet Boylston, Mass. on the 25th ult. by Rev. Wm. Murdock, Mr. Darwin Davis to Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Hattie A. Lovell of the former place.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, on the 3d inst. F. Tracy Allen, a soldier in the War of 1812, aged 77 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango co., NY], on the 3d inst. Miss Emma R. Birdsall, aged 13 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. Mr. Joseph Nightingale, aged 25 years.

Died:  At Ketchum's Corners, on the 22d ult. Laura L. [Culver], aged 17 years.  Also, on the 4th inst., Alice [Culver], aged 8 years, children of Mr. Wilson Culver.

Oxford Times, July 22, 1863

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Amos F. Hall of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Frances A. Hackett of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango co., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. L.F. Spafford, Mr. F. Russell Stork of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eliza A. Japhet of the former place.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. J.W. Matterson, Mr. Zeal Paddleford to Miss Mary F. Loop, both of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Rev. T.M. Williams, Mr. Levi G. Stanbro to Miss Lucy Knowles, all of Smyrna.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst. Thomas A. Barber, aged 20 years.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mr. Harrington Willcox, aged 80 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Susan B. [Ray], widow of Levi Ray, Jr., aged 71 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. John Merrihew, aged 84 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. Mr. Jerial Smith, aged 49 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. Mr. Joel W. Chandler, Jr., aged 24 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mrs. Martha F. Crego, aged 31 years.

Died:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst.,  Mr. Zadock Chamberlin, aged 76 years.

Death of Thomas A. Barber:  Another of our brave Oxford boys, a well beloved and cherished member of the 89th Regiment, has been called to the better land.  He was wounded last December at Fredericksburg, yet remained at his post until January, when Capt. Roome had him taken to the Hospital for medical treatment, but vain were all efforts to cure him, and eight weeks ago he came home to linger a patient sufferer, with loved ones around him, finally to close his eyes in death. Those who have shared the same duties, fought by his side, and been as brother soldiers, partakers of his joys and sorrows, will learn with regret that he has gone from among them, to return no more.

"Tread lightly, tread lightly, disturb not his sleep, / From his pains he's released, tho' friends o'er him weep. / Speak softly, speak softly, for he whom we love / Has gone to the regions of glory above."

Companion, beloved thy memory shall twine / As close round our heart, as some evergreen vine; / For sweetly and gently, thou sank to thy rest, / A spirit by Deity called to the blest.

Oxford Times,  July 29, 1863

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. James C. Warren, Master in the U.S. Navy, aged 45 years.

Died:  In Brashear City, La. May 1st, Isaac H. Brewster of Co. H, 14th Reg., formerly of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], aged 20? years.

Died:  At Vicksburg, Miss. on the 16th inst. of typhoid fever, Smith R. Wheeler, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years.

Death of Smith R. Wheeler:  This brief announcement has brought sorrow to a widowed mother, to an affectionate brother, to loving sisters, and sadness to a large circle of devoted friends.  But that the usual formal notice of such an event be not the only tribute to the memory of a noble and heroic youth is the purpose of the writer of this, who sustained to the deceased the character of acquaintance and friend.  It was four years ago this summer that two of our Oxford boys, Smith R. Wheeler and James F. Parsons, left our village and hied away to the distant West, to find their homes, as it were, in another land, and before the breaking out of the great rebellion, the subject of this sketch had gone to New Orleans, where at the beginning of the war, he narrowly escaped impressment by the Louisiana rebels, but made his escape, and hurried back to Illinois, where with his companion and friend, he at once volunteered for the defense of his country, and joined the first Regiment of Illinois Cavalry, which regiment was at once joined to the command of Gen. Grant, and moved onward in an unbroken path of victory, and never for one day was this brave soldier boy absent from his post, as those loyal conquering legions pressed onward and over the battlements of Fort Henry and Fort Donaldson, and were at Shiloh, Corinth, Clarksville, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion Hill, and at the fall of Vicksburg, and in all the bloody and terrific conflicts, he rode with his face to his country's foes, hurling back scorn for scorn, defiance for defiance, and paying back dead for dead.  And when the long days of conflict were over, when victory after victory had brought relief and rest to the weary soldier, he writes affectionately to a dependent mother and other loved ones, "that now for home once more with my honest wages saved for you," when the last conqueror approached unseen, and in four days his lifeless body was being brought back to his early home, where attended by a very large concourse of sympathizing and sorrowing friends, he was gently laid to rest, to sleep beneath the clods of the valley, that never in their cold embrace pressed upon the bosom of a kinder son, of a more devoted friend or a more noble, brave and generous man.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - March 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 26, 1863

Letter from the 114th NY Regiment

Brasher City, St. Mary's Parish, La., Wednesday, March 4, 1863

Dear American:  Again it is time that you heard from me, and though there is nothing of special importance to write about, I will speak of matters generally. As you see by the date above we are still in camp, but I assure you the boys of the 114th are anxious to be on the move towards the enemy.  Occasionally a company or two are called upon as sharpshooters on board of gunboats as they reconnoiter the shores of the various Bayous in this vicinity, and every night twenty men are drawn from a company as pickets on a gunboat that anchors opposite the fort building here, to prevent surprises and destruction to the works.  On the evening of the 23d ult. twenty men from Co. B were drawn as the guard for that night, and as the boat arrived opposite the fort a sudden jar was felt, and the sailors said she had run upon a snag.  But the captain of the boat thought there had no damage been done, as the shock was not sufficient to stave a hole in her bottom.  After a short interval a fireman reported to the captain that water was pouring into the hold.  After examination the boat was ordered to her dock, the pilot keeping her in the main channel instead of running near the shore.  As she neared her pier, the captain, still supposing there was no danger, hailed the sailors on the steamers lying at the dock and told them to bring boats alongside, but did not mention the danger he was in.  Before the gunboat had headed round, a sailor came running to the pilot and told him that the water was running in upon the lower deck and now the captain saw that something serious was about to happen if he did not work fast.  He ordered the boat ashore, and she was headed that way and soon ran aground.  Supposing all danger past, there was no haste made to get the soldiers and sailors off, and just as a boatload of twelve or fifteen men left the bow for shore, the stern commenced going down.  The whole boat at the same time sliding back into deep water.  So sudden and unexpected was this last movement that everyone still on board, sailors, marines and soldiers, found themselves thrown into deep water without warning.  And here commences a scene of terror, for there was perhaps fifty or sixty men struggling in the water, calling for help, and crying out to attract attention (for it was very dark) of boats that now quickly put out from shore and the other steamers.  Five of Co B's boys were in the water, encumbered with overcoats and cartridge boxes with forty rounds of ammunition, but they were good swimmers, and were picked up before exhausted.

The loss of this gunboat (the Kinsman) at this particular time is quite a serious accident, for it will retard for some weeks a movement that cannot be made without the cooperation of the fleet, and will give the rebels time to concentrate stronger forces and build heavier breastworks for us to overcome in the contemplated attack upon Franklin, the great rebel depot for beef packing and salt manufacture. There is also, an extensive powder mill at New Town, which supplies, or has supplied, the rebels of Port Hudson and Vicksburgh with ammunition for their siege guns. Franklin is thirty miles from our present encampment, and New Town is thirty miles further towards the Red river, and a very convenient point to Port Hudson.

The 114th is very pleasantly located.  We are camped on a level piece of ground, which has a clover turf, and as everything like dirt is cleaned up.  When it is dry the soldiers who are off duty are lounging about in the most convenient shape. We have been having "lots" of battalion drill lately, taking all our time, throwing aside our company exercises for the purpose of acquiring a habit of quickly changing positions in line of battle. We have yet had no instructor that is "posted," and our improvement has been slow under our own staff officers.  An agreeable incident (to the men) occurred in the forenoon of Monday last. We were called out as usual for battalion drill, and the senior captain was issuing orders. Finally, he somehow got us facing the rear rank to the front and it did seem to us that he was a long time in making up his mind what the next order ought to be to restore us to our proper position.  I had noticed a man in a fatigue military suit sitting on horse back and apparently watching our movements with interest.  Pretty soon in our trouble, he dismounted, threw the reins over an idle soldier's arm, walked with an unembarrassed manner and a firm military tread up to the Captain and said "your sword, if you please sir," and then he commenced giving orders and explaining movements to be made in such clear language that we learned more in one hour's drill from him than we would in three days exercise by our officers.

The boys felt grateful to Gen. Weitzel for the interest he took in us, and the act was so unexpected that our drill master was somewhat confused, and forgot on the return of his sword, to offer his thanks in the usual military salute of "Present Arms !"  It is a camp story that Gen Weitzel said the men of the 114th were as fine looking and acted as prompt to orders as any he had ever seen in the army.  It is a certainty that he takes a good deal of interest in us by appearing quite frequently in our camp.  He is a man of noble presence, being six feet and two inches tall, and well proportioned.  He is very sociable and takes a lively interest in the welfare of the soldier, and every man under his command has the deepest respect and love for him. As a military chieftain he is looked up to and respected by all in this department.

Friday Morning, March 6

A rainy and otherwise disagreeable morning, dear American and a feeling of discontented "wish-I-was-at-homeativeness" is breaking out in words as mournful as the thoughts of home and its comforts can make them.  The poor soldier has more trouble than the inclemency of the weather and hard fare to contend against to keep himself from homesickness and our friends at the north should bear in mind, when they write a soldier a letter to fill it with "good cheer," instead of mourning over the manner the war is carried on, and denunciations against the powers at Washington.

These fault finders are doing more damage to the Union cause, perhaps, than they are aware of, because, in a great many instances a feeling of distrust and discontent is engendered that would not otherwise have taken place.  I speak of this because I have seen the evil effects of such letters, and I consider it an act of injustice to the patriot who has taken his life in his hands and freely offered it to his country in sustaining a government that has always been just to those living under it, to endeavor to alienate his affections from that country and government.  Another thing that you and all true patriots at home should do is to frown down all "peace propositions" and "peace sentiments" that do not come from the yelped Confederacy itself. There can be no honorable peace unless the rebels concede all our government asks, and no lover of his country, no truly loyal man, no politician that wishes for future greatness through the suffrages of the people will attempt an interference with the plans and statements made in Secretary Seward's letter to the French Minister.

Now then, hereafter, dear friends in Chenango, let all that read these lines remember that pleasant words, patriotic utterances, and letters filled with hope that our country will soon be restored to its former position among the nations of the earth, are far better to keep the soldier's courage up than complaints and repinings at the manner in which the war is carried on. 

The friends and relatives of boys in the regiment will be as much disappointed as anyone when they learn that some twenty or thirty boxes of "goodies" that were sent to us by express while at Fortress Monroe, have been received, but that everything was spoiled.  Cakes, pies, apples, boots, stockings, mittens, everything had moulded and rotted so that they were worthless, and the muddy water of Berwick Bay received them all.

Last night the cry of "Mail for the 114th" went around the camp, and the men rushed to their company headquarters to inquire if there is "anything for me?" and all who received letters seemed to be indignant to the greatest extent over something.  One had a love letter broken open, and so did another, and still another, all "mussed" "and wrinkled up!"  Until finally, all observed that their letters did not look as neat as common.  Soon however, they began to wonder how it came about that these letters were a week older than those received a week ago. But their anxiety was quieted when told that this mail came by the route taken by the lost steamer Ella Warley.  Our mail had been fished up and sent on to us.

We have been hoping to hear "glorious" news ever since the month came in and still we are without cheer. Tonight a steamer arrives from the far north land with messengers of joy or sorrow - may they be all of joy - and we await with impatience to hear of "noble battles won."

Respectfully   A.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, October 1863

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 7, 1863

Married:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. Joseph H. Latham to Miss Frances L. Randall, all of Norwich.

Married:  Also, on the 1st inst., at the Parsonage, by the same, Mr. John H. Currier to Miss Arvilla L. Sanford, of Georgetown, Madison Co. [NY].

Married:  At the Baptist Church in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 24, 1863, by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. P. Simons of St. Louis, Mo., to Miss Emily Louisa [Breed]\, eldest daughter of Charles R. Breed of Norwich.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] Sept. 30th, by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. Charles A. Rosebrook, to Miss Phebe E. Dixon, all of Sherburne.

Married:  Also, by the same, on the same day, Mr. Warren Catlin to Miss Cerintha M. Brunson, both of Hamilton, Madison Co. [NY].

Married:  In South new Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 2d, 1863, by Rev. J.C. Foster, Mr. A.Z. Thompson to Mrs. Susan Tyler all of the above place.

Married:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY]\, Sept. 24th,by Rev. S.F. Whitter, Mr. Nathan Thackwray, to Miss Eliza M. Smith, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At West Farms [Westchester Co., NY], on the 17th ult. by Rev. Dr. Winters, Mr. Charles F. Mead, late of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Eva M. Clarke, of Wilmington, Delaware.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 14 1863

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., of consumption, Mr. Leander B. Foote, aged 48 years.

Died:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., of apoplexy, Mrs. Thirza Baker, wife of Joseph Baker.

Died:  At Little Falls [Herkimer Co., NY], on the 1st inst. Mrs. Julia A. [Simonds], wife of John L. Simonds, and daughter of Nelson Deming, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] in the 27th year of her age.

Died:  At University Hospital, New Orleans, Sept. 12th, of dropsy, Mr. Michael F. Coughlin, of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.]a member of Co. K, 161st N.Y.S.V.  He had his discharge papers, and was on his way home.

Died:  At Court House Hospital, Baton Rouge, La., Sept. 11th, of chronic diarrhea, Mr. Samuel S. Sheldon, of East Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], a member of Co. K, 161st Regiment.

Died:  At the Regimental Hospital, Brashaer City, La, on the 3d ult., Mr. Oscar F. Root of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 27.

Died:  At Folly Island, near Charleston, recently, Mr. Nathan Blencoe, of the 141th Reg. N.Y.S.V., formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years.  he was a young man much respected, and his loss will be mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Died:  At Annapolis, Md., Sept. 25, Mr. Albertus Kenyon, aged 23 years, a member of Co. H 168th N.Y.S.V.

Died:  At Lincoln Hospital, Washington D.C., July 31st, of typhoid fever, George W. Ames, of North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], a volunteer in Co. A, 89th N.Y. Cavalry, aged 19 years.  Few young men who give up their lives for their country will be missed and mourned as George is.  He was indeed a true and noble boy. Surrounded by all the obstacles that possibly could be thrown in his way, he had reached a position in society, upon which those on whom fortune had ever smiled, might well look with envy.  Frank, truthful, with intellectual abilities of the first order, he would, had he lived, have stood high on the list of fame.  His noble spirit would not allow him to stay with us, when traitors were striving against his dear country, and freely he gave his young life up at her altar.  "Mournfully, tenderly, solemn and slow, / Tears are bedewing the path as we go; / Kindred and strangers are weeping today, / A hero, a patriot, from earth passed away."  North Pharsalia, Oct. 14, 1863,  D. L.A.

Desertion and Elopement:  A correspondent writes to the Utica Herald that some three weeks ago, Daniel W. Dennis, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], an enlisted volunteer in the McClellan Cavalry, deserted the service, and enticed the wife of Joseph Edmunds, of the same town (her husband being a member of the 8th N.Y. Cavalry, in Virginia) to desert two little children and elope with him. She took with her near two hundred dollars, including some money just received from her husband for the support of the family.  Where they went is not known, but on Saturday morning last they took the stage at Utica for Norwich.  They stopped however over Sunday at Earlville, keeping themselves much secluded in their room.  She, when noticed by the attendants, was observed to have been weeping.  On Monday they returned to Utica in private conveyance, stopping at the Central Hotel as privately as possible. Sergt. M.C. Griswold, of the McClellan Cavalry, got a clue to this lurking place, and employed an attache of the hotel to keep watch until he could procure needful aid from Provost Marshal Richardson to arrest and secure Dennis. Before Griswold returned, and he was not gone ten minutes, Dennis and woman were hurried into a carriage in the back yard of the Central (as has since been ascertained) and driven off, and no intelligence has since been heard of them.  Her money, doubtless, did the job. Dennis was a poor squirt, but Mrs. Edmunds was of a respectable family, and was a pleasant, fine-looking and a reputable young woman.  Her children are left to the charity of others..

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 28, 1863

Died:  In Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., of pneumonia, Erastus Agard, Esq., aged 76 years.

Died:  in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. Mr. William H. Keech, aged 22 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. Emily D. [Steere], wife of Cyrus E. Steere, aged 38 years.

Died:  In Hospital at Beaufort, S.C., Oct. 6th, 1863, Mr. Bonaparte Tucker, of Pharsalia, N.Y. [Chenango Co. ], a member of Co. E, 89th N.Y.S.V.

Died:  In Philadelphia, Oct. 3ed, Mr. Ephraim Breed, Jr., formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 49 years.

Letter from the 114th Regiment - February 1863

 Oxford Times, March 18, 1863

Letter from John Brown Jr., 114t Regiment

Brasher City, La., Feb. 24th, 1863

Mr. Editor:  Dear Sir:  An absence of some months, I think sufficient excuse for addressing these few lines to you and being a resident of Chenango Co. and having an interest there, induces me to give you a short history of the 114th Regiment of N.Y. Vol. Infantry.

After leaving our homes with the good wishes and prayers of many of our neighbors we were taken by railroad to Baltimore.  Here we were joined to Gen. Bank's Expedition, and in time we arrived here, after doing great service to our country in the way of receiving green backs, partaking of rations and doing the same as other Regiments serving our country.

Our Regiment is composed of as good and patriotic men as ever took up arms in so good a cause.  Our Colonel is a fine and noble man.  He has been a father to us.  the health of the Regiment is good, and let me assure the friends of Chenango Co. that bears us in sweet memory and with many blessings carries us to the sweet place of prayer, that lives on the last words that fell from our lips at the parting, they are not forgotten by us.  The last pressure of the hands of friends that were dear to us.  the warm tears that fell from the eyes of those we loved, has made us feel that we are daily remembered at a throne of Grace, and many a warm heart awaits our return, whilst we wait to see the stars and stripes again wave o'er our land. Then the blessing of home will be ours if life should last.  If not, a glorious death, and we believe a glorious immortality beyond the grave. We are encamped on the shore of Berwick's Bay, that being the dividing waters between the two armies. the rebel pickets are on one side, and the noble sons of old Chenango on the other. What the four companies passed through that was unfortunate enough to come round Cape Hatteras on that old hulk called the Thames has made them fearless.

On our arrival here the 8th of Feb., we slept two nights with no floors in our tents.  The orders were given not to take any boards, nor to tear down any buildings.  But we failed to get the colonel's meaning and small buildings moved into our camp without the aid of Mr. Potter's rollers or screws, and the fences and some houses left in double quick time, as we have had some experience in that drill.  I think it generally believed that camp life is demoralizing, but allow me to speak in defense of the noble boys from Oxford, they are ready to do  any duty, but not suffer while rebel property can make them comfortable.  There are many associations remembered by us, many that were hard to leave and are remembered still with pleasure and we hope will be renewed soon. As the news of the day will reach you sooner through other sources, I forbear to write them. 

John Brown, Jr.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - February 10, 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 12, 1863

Letter from the 114th Regiment

Brasher City, St. Mary's Parish, Oa, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 1863

Dear American:  Since writing you at Quarantine, there has been nothing of importance occurring that would interest your readers until within a week.  Our regiment since the 5th day of November, has been separated so far that we had almost forgotten the features of our comrades.  The companies that were on the Arago A, B, and C, only uniting with the regiment yesterday morning.  The regiment has been ordered to this place that they may drill together and become familiar with battalion movements and I should think it was high time, for we have not had a fortnights' drill (as a regiment) since we enlisted.  

There has been some resignations since the 114th arrived here.  Quartermaster Thompson resigned soon after arriving, and also Captain Colwell of Co. F.  A few accidents have occurred which are or may become serious matters to those that are suffering.  Alf Johnson of Co. E, had a ball pass through his right hand, the wound of which will lay him up, perhaps for months.  He was hunting, and getting tired he stopped upon a log, standing up and leaning on his gun with his right hand over the muzzle.  Of a sudden the stock slipped, and the hammer, striking on the log, smashed the cap, sending the charge through the hollow of his hand.  One of Co. G's men met with a similar accident.  Another man, I do not remember the name or Co., shot a pistol ball through his right hand, and the doctor, when he dressed the wound, innocently asked him if "He wasn't afraid of hurting himself when he fired?"  The answer was --"You don't s'pose I did it on purpose do you?"

We have been looking, with a good deal of anxiety, for our boys that were left at the hospitals in Baltimore and Fortress Monroe, who were said to have been shipwrecked in the late heavy storms that have been prevailing in the north and on the eastern coast, but last night the glad news came that they had been landed in safety at Quarantine, a few miles below New Orleans.  When they join us our regiment will be as strong in numbers as any in Gen. Bank's department, and with a little battalion drill, so that we can move without confusion on the field, we will be as effective as any.

The 114th is now actually in a rebel country, surrounded with spies and traitors, and not exempt from attack by the enemy at any moment.  Across the river the enemy's pickets are daily seen, and occasionally a shot is fired by them and the compliment returned by us, which civilities are very disagreeable to them, as our guns seem to carry more to the point than theirs. A few days since a company of rebel cavalry came down the river and commenced firing on the contrabands who were laboring on the fort building here, who paid no attention to them. Soon, however, it was discovered that the rebel cavalry were acting as cover to a couple of six pound field pieces, when a gun boat, stationed some three miles below, and which they had not seen, sent a shell in their midst, scattering them at the first fire.  Since the late naval battle here, in which Commodore Buchanan lost his life, and the rebels their much vaunted steamer Cotton, they have had a mortal fear of gunboats, and well they may, for if there is anything in war that is sassy-looking and that acts ugly. it is a well armed and well manned iron clad.

I have lately seen and read articles in the Chenango Union purported to have been written by soldiers in the Federal army, that ought to damn the man that wrote them as a traitor to his country and the principles of freedom, or curse him as a coward and a poltroon; and any editor or publisher of a paper who will spread such language before his readers in these war times, or any other, is a fit consort with Jeff Davis and his great predecessor, Benedict Arnold.  If a soldier has become so utterly demoralized that he can see nothing but treachery and cowardice and incompetency in those in command, he should either be promoted to a position where he can correct such faults, or be placed before a file of men whose duty it is to execute mutineers. There is not, I believe, a purer man in politics and executive power, than Abraham Lincoln, and the Commanding General of the Army of the Potomac is the best that that army has ever had; and it is believed in army circles here, that had his Generals carried out the plans and manner of attack he had arranged for next day, Fredericksburg and Richmond would have been ours.

When home sick soldiers assume to censure the manner of carrying the war, and home papers publish articles in which there is no truth or reason, for the purpose of crippling the loyal support of the government by those who are left at home, it should be the duty of loyal officers, both civil and military to suppress them.

Sunday, Feb. 15:  I have delayed this letter because a rumor some days ago said that an expedition in which the 114th would participate was soon to come off, and I thought I would give you the result of it.  But as yet no adventure has occurred. There has been, however, several reconnoitering parties sent out, all of which resulted satisfactorily to our Colonel (who, by the way, is commander of this post, and has quite a number of troops under him, consisting of the 75th Regt. N.Y.S.V., 160th, N.Y.S.V., and 114th, N.Y.S.V.).  Yesterday, Co. B and G, with two companies from the 75th were ordered aboard the gunboats Diana and White Cloud, for the purpose of breaking up the erection of a fort the rebels were said to be building on the river Tesche.  Accordingly the Diana, White Cloud and Costells, the latter the Commodore's ship, set said, and after a pleasant ride of about 40 miles, we found the site of the imaginary fort, but there was no rebels. A few shells were thrown into the woods, but no answer was given. As army correspondents say, the object of our reconnaissance being gained, namely--the selection of a point to land infantry in some future movement, and that no fort existed, we returned to camp.

Hoping that these few lines may find favor with you and your readers, and promising that you shall hear form me oftener in the future, I am

Respectfully yours,  A.