Vital Records, Norwich, NY - January 1864

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 6, 1864

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 24th, 1863, by Rev. J.C. Foster, Mr. Stephen Curtis, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emma A. Sage of New Berlin.

Married:  By the same, same date, Mr. William D. Borden, to Miss Elizabeth Chappels, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  By the same, Dec. 29th, 1863, Mr. J.G. Rider, of Sidney, Delaware Co., to Miss Frances a. Thompson, of Masonville, Delaware Co. [NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 26th, 1863, by Rev. E. Curtis, Mr. Thomas H. Coates, to Mrs. Sybil French.

Married:  By the same, Dec. 30th, Mr. Isaac N. Bentley, to Miss M. Amelia Hartwell, all of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 23d, by Rev. J.H. Nason, Mr. Myron Collins, to Miss Annie V. Hunt, all of Smyrna.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 24th, by the same, Mr. Henry H. H. Tracy, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary D. Brooks, of Oxford.

Married:  I Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 22d, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. James A. Burlison, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Caroline W. Isbell of Guilford.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 23d, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Jack Chidester of Binghamton [Broome co., NY] to Miss Mary E. Webb of Greene.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 1st, 1864, Mr. Porter E. Clark, aged about 50 years.

Died:  At the residence of her son, J.O. Sturges, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 2d, Mrs. Susannah Sturges, widow of Caleb J. Sturges, aged 65 years, 5 months and 24 days.

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], of consumption, Mr. Charles B. Thompson, son of Daniel D. and Mary Thompson, aged 24 years and 11 months.

Died:  Died In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 30th, 1863, Flora [Ford], youngest daughter of Norman and Elizabeth M. Ford, formerly of this village, aged 8 years and 6 months.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 28th, Wealthy [Hull], aged 63 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 24th, Mr. N.R. Merchant, aged 63 years.

Died:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 22d, Mr. Cary Y. Reynolds, aged 85 years, 1 month and 14 days.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 19th, Mrs. Betsy Hutchins, aged 75 years and 10 months.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 29th, Emeline [Buck], wife of D.S.H. Buck, aged 47 years and 9 months.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 28th, of typhoid fever, Mr. Hiram White, aged 53 years.

Died:  In Orange, N.J., Dec. 17th, Rev. Thomas Towell, formerly Rector of St. Paul's Church, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 53.

Died:  In the Hospital at New Iberia, La., of disease of the lungs and chronic diarrhoea, Mr. Giles F Sanders, of Norwich, Chenango Co., N.Y., in the 40th year of his age.  A member of Co. K. 161st Reg. N.Y.S.V.

Dearest father, thou hast left us, / Here thy loss we deeply feel; / But 'tis God who hath bereft us / He can all our sorrows heal.

My father now is sleeping / In the cold and silent grave, / And a widow's heart is weeping / For her soldier true and brave.

Chenango Union, Norwich, January 13, 1864

Married:  At the residence of D. Hunt, in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 30th, 1863, by Rev. W. Searls, Mr. Sylvester R. Goodrich, to Miss Mary E. Shaver, all of Norwich.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 7th, 1864, by Rev. H. Garlick, Mr. George H. Sage, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Harriet M. Trass, of Plymouth.

Married:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 24th, by Rev. J.W. Barr, Mr. Workman Totman, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emilie J Wheeler, of Roading, Schuyler Co., N.Y.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 30th, by Rev. R. Woodmansee, Mr. Nelson Reynolds to Miss Anna Maria Aldrich, both of Plymouth.

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 31, by Rev. Mr. Burnside, Mr. Wesley Phelps of Morris [Otsego Co., NY to Miss Julia A. Trask of New Berlin.

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 3, by C.H. Babcock, Esq., Mr. Bradford A. Borden to Miss Lucetta A. Phillips, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 2th, by Eld. H. Stillman, Mr. Cyrus Cartwright, of Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Maria Fifield, of the former place.  

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Dolphus Burton of Oxford, to Miss Emily E. Holcomb, of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 3st, by Rev. B. McKoon, Mr. Otis Francisco, to Miss Catharine Allen, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 31st, b Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. George R. Lewis, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Margaret M. Dunning, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 30th, by Rev. W.M. Robinson, Mr. Albert Johnson, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Adaline Van Ness, of Greene.

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 3d, by Rev. J.L. Jones, Mr. John E. Wheaton, of New Berlin to Miss Mary J. Bagg, of Morris [Otsego Co., NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 30th, by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. Edwin A. Tinker, to Miss Cornelia M. Shipman, all of Sherburne.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 29th, of scarlet fever, Jennie A. [Wheeler], youngest daughter of Jedediah R. and Theresa H. Wheeler, aged 9 years and 6 months.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 3d, Warren James [Newton], son of Isaac S. and Jane C.D. Newton, aged 8 months and 19 days.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 8th, Willie [Crozier], only son of William and Margaret Crozier, aged 1 year, 6 months, 6 days.

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 27th, of scarlet fever, Charlie N. [Hall], only son of Charles C. and Amelia Hall, aged 1 year, 9 months and 23 days.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 2d, Eveline [Smith], only daughter of Hiram C. and Catharine Smith, aged 1 year, 9 months.

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 28th, Susan E. [Holcomb], wife of Abner R. Holcomb, aged 40 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 25th, Mr. Benjamin B. Hayward, aged 73 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 25th, Mr. Anson Reed, aged 73 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 1st, Elmer [Root], son of Ansel B. and Clarissa Root, aged 2 years and 4 months.

Died:  In Cahoes [Albany Co., NY], Dec. 23d, Mr. Smith E. Ladd, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], aged 64 years.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 20, 1864

Married:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Jan. 17th, by Rev S. Scoville, Mr. Aaron Dwight McNitt, to Miss Helen A. Carr, all of Norwich.

Married:  In Sherburne, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], January 14th, 1864, by Rev. E. Curtis, Mr. Henry H. Pudney, of New York City, to Miss Matila M. Wickham, of the former place.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 12th, by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. William H. Brookins of Co C, 61st N.Y.SV., to Miss Rena M. Paul, both of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Holmesville [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 3d, by Rev. J.W. Darling, Mr. Delos W. Gazley, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Frances A. Sharp of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At the same place, Jan. 5th, by the same, Mr. Francis Gomes to Miss Loretta H. Davis, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] Jan. 7th, by Rev. Mr. Williams, Mr. Fernando C. Keyes, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Antoinette M. Pittsley, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 2d, by Rev. O. Ketchum, Mr. John Berdell to Miss Eunice Pierce, all of Lincklaen.

Married:  At Honey Creek, Wisconsin, Jan. 5th, by Rev. D. Lewis, Mr. Alonzo Lobdell, of Otisco, Onondaga Co. N.Y. to Miss Annie Comstork, daughter of Cyrus Comstock, formerly of Guilford, Chenango Co. [NY].

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 6th, Miss Harriet E. Drake, aged 18 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 9th, Laura P. [Yeomans], only daughter of P. P. and Fanny Yeomans, aged 16 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 28th, Ida [Gook], daughter of George and Jane Cook, aged 5 years and 5 days.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 3d, Emogene [Ingraham], daughter of Albert and Charlotte Ingraham, aged 3 years, 1 month 5 days.

Died:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 29th, Dea. Samuel Brooks, in the 69th year of his age.

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 6th, Mr. Joshua Lamb, aged 84 years.

Died:  At Baton Rouge, August 4th, Mr. Jacob Shipman, of Co. A, 114th N.Y.S.V. Aged 34 years.

The Hon. Laman Ingersoll of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], died on the 30th ult., aged 53 years.  He was long a prominent resident of that town, and had been honored by his fellow citizens with numerous responsible trusts.  In 1851 he represented the Second Assembly District of this county in the legislature. He was distinguished for his intelligence, force and decision of character, and in many ways was a highly valuable citizen.  Among the last acts of Mr. Ingersoll was the writing of an obituary notice of his friend and townsman, Sylvester Humphrey, for this paper.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 27, 1864

Small Pox:  We hear that there have been several cases of small pox in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], four miles east of Oxford village.  George Lamphere, a soldier, came home from Washington a few weeks ago, and was shortly after his arrival taken down with the disease.  He lived but a short time.  An old man named James Walker has since died with it, and there are now several others sick. Every proper precaution has been taken to prevent the spread of the disease.  Telegraph

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, 114th NY Infantry, April 1863

 Chenango American, May 14, 1863

Letter from the 114th NY Regiment - Battle of Fort Bisland

Headquarters 114th Regiment, Brashaer City, La., Monday, April 27, 1863

Dear American: On the 9th of the present month Gen. Weitzel's command consisting of the 8th Vermont, 114th, 75th and 160th N.Y., and the 12th Conn. Volunteers, together with three batteries of artillery and two squadrons of cavalry were ordered to cross Berwick's Bay and take up a position and hold it until the entire division, some 15,000 men, had gained a foothold in our rear to support us.  All day did our transports work faithfully and the entire night was consumed in landing regiment after regiment on the enemy's side of the water.

The morning sun of the 10th beamed upon a busy scene, and horses, mules, cannon, wagons, ambulances, and all the appliances of war seemed mingled in an inseparable mass, but before noon all was in order, and we awaited the final signal to march.  We however bivouacked the second night opposite our old camp, sleeping upon our arms, that we might be ready for sudden attacks.  Today our cavalry had a skirmish with the enemy, but no one was lost on our side.

At noon, on the 11th, the long looked for signal from Dudley's brigade, who were to cooperate with us by taking a steamer and gaining the rear of the enemy while we occupied their attention in front, was given, and we immediately commenced our march, which was disputed by sharp skirmishing on the part of the enemy. After an advance of about three miles, our commander ordered a  halt, and sending forwards a section of a battery, told the gunners to send a couple of shells into a sugar mill that was about half a mile ahead, expecting that a battery had been planted there, but no reply was given.  Again the guns were moved up in range of another and a larger mill, and this time our fire was returned from three pieces of artillery, but they did not wait to receive an answering fire from us, and our brigade was ordered to advance slowly, keeping within supporting distance of our skirmishers.  In this way we advanced another three miles, when of a sudden the rebels seemed determined to make a stand, as they commenced firing with new vigor, and from a larger number of guns. We were again halted, and our artillery went rattling by to add its thunder with that of the rebels.  Our gun boat Clifton now came up the Bayou Teache, and she, firing a shell from her 92 pdr. scared the enemy into a dead run, and the infantry had no more opposition to its advance during the day, but the Clifton continued her fire until darkness closed objects from the view of her gunners.  As we bivouacked for the night we thought of the morrow, and wondered if our ranks would be decimated by the death dealing engines of war, for we were told that we lay within three miles of the enemy's fortifications, and that there we should have warm - perhaps desperate work.

The 12th of April - Sunday, the day for battles - will ever be remembered by the soldiers of the 114th regiment as the day when their "nerve" was tried.  It was a beautiful day, though very warm, and at early morn the troops were in their places, looking anxiously ahead, and patiently waiting for the order to advance.  Our General is a prudent and humane man and does not rush his men into unseen danger. The country here is covered with the last year's cane crop, and the fields are rendered a perfect cover, for riflemen, and even large bodies of infantry can lay in complete ambuscade.  Thus, you see, we have to advance cautiously, sending out skirmishers to patrol every foot of ground over which we have to advance.  The 160th N.Y. had this duty assigned to them, and at 10 A.M. reported the way clear to the fortifications. The order was given to "march," and again we moved cautiously toward the enemy. We advanced only a mile when our skirmishers were found to be falling back before a body of rebel cavalry, but our ever present "flying" artillery, checked the advance of the enemy, but they did not retreat.  Here was formed in line of battle and awaited an attack from the enemy, but all that they seemed to wish was to hold us in check.  Our line of battle was this:  on the extreme right six pieces of artillery - four 12 pound brass pieces and two 6 pound steel rifle guns; next the 8th Vt. and 114th N.Y., which last regiment supported the 6th Massachusetts battery of six 12 pound brass field pieces; next came the 75th and 160th N.Y. and between the last named regiment and the 12th Conn. was the 6th Maine battery of six 12 pound brass guns.  Our line was supported by four brigades of infantry and eight 20 pound Parrott guns of Mack's Massachusetts black horse battery, and four 30 pound Parrott guns from the Indiana battery, and a regiment of Louisiana cavalry.  Thus, every thing being in order, our reserve in proper distance, at 2 o'clock P.M., Gen. Banks, who is in personal command of the expedition, gave Gen. Weitzel the command to advance upon the enemy's works and slowly but firmly we marched along. At first the skirmishers had warm work, and the sharp crack of our rifles could be plainly distinguished from the coarser sound of rebel musketry, but soon the firing ceased, and we steadily advanced. The silence was ominous and every nerve was braced to meet danger and death in whatever shape it might come.  In this hush we arrived within half a mile of the enemy's line, when suddenly, like the crash of thunder from a clear sky, a terrible cannonade was commenced upon our whole line.  Our batteries wheeled and in less time than I can write it, the fire was as vigorously returned.  The plantations here are one up into deep ditches, and into one of these we were ordered to drop to protect us from the bursting shell, and there we lay for an hour and twenty minutes, with the shell screaming over us or bursting near by, the pieces flying around with a peculiar "whir" that was not at all agreeable to the ear. The second shot, from the enemy killed two horses, and wounded the rider of the battery in our rear. A shell from one of our guns burst as it left the piece and parts of it slightly injured two men in our regiment, but I have not got their names.  It was about 5 P.M. when the enemy commenced their "defense," and our General, finding they were strongly intrenched ordered us to fall back on the reserve for the night, which was done in good order and with perfect safety, and the firing ceased upon both sides. We learned by "an intelligent contraband" that the rebs cheered lustily at our "retreat" and that their band was out and played "Dixie's Land," the "Bonnie Blue Flag," etc., and had a "good time generally," which means that Kirby Smith, Dick Taylor and Tom Monton got "gloriously drunk"  The above "intelligent" also tells us that our shell "played de debil" with the enemy, for we dismounted two canon and killed about 40 of their men, and that they were swearing at the "d....d Yankee gunners."  Our brigade had six killed and from twenty to twenty-five wounded; six in our regiment were slightly hurt, but not disabled from duty.

Our night's rest was undisturbed, and our coffee was drunk in peace in the morning at an early hour, but we were assured that there was work ahead, and we prepared ourselves for even a hotter fire than that of yesterday.  At 6 o'clock A.M., the gunboat Diana, which fell into rebel hands some weeks since, commenced firing from her long Parrott gun, but the range was too long and she could not reach us with her shell. Gen. Weitzel ordered up his two 6 pound steel guns to cover the movement of the 20 and 30 pound guns which had been ordered forward into a position, the 20 pdr's on our right, two of the 30 pdr's on our left, and the other two 30's across the bayou on a pontoon bridge, which had been built during the night, to gain and "enfilade" fire upon the enemy.  These movements were all completed with success and apparently without awakening the suspicions of the rebels, who seemed to think that our attack would be made principally with infantry.  If this was their tho't they were mistaken, for soon Mack's battery on our right, which was somewhat protected by the huge bodies of live oak trees, commenced a heavy fire upon the right of the enemy's front, which rested in a wood, and our 80 pdr's at the same time opened upon their left, which was formed upon the bayou, and protected both by earthworks and the gunboat, Diana.  This gunboat, however, did not last long, for the second shot from our 30 pdr's killed both her engineers and wounded twelve men, most of them mortally, and she, finding that our range was too accurate upon her, drew back and did not again appear in the fight. This was an event unlooked for by us, for we knew that the enemy could not have better guns in the field than was upon her decks, and we considered the battle half our own as she steamed out of sight. The fire, however, continued along the intrenchments, and a heavy 32 pound slege gun on the enemy's left gave us shot after shot, and proved an inconvenient "impediment" to our advance.  Our General, at last, found a way to bring it to terms by "smaller caliber," for he sent a party of sharpshooters across, the bayou, telling them to cautiously work their way behind trees, cane and other obstacles, to easy rifle range and pick off the cannoneers as they came up to load their piece.  In this way, at about 4 P.M. this heavy gun of the enemy was silenced. From early morning until dark did the roar of artillery fill the air with heavy thunder, and the blue smoke of battle clothed the earth with its mantle of glory.  Patiently did we wait under the heavy and continuous fire from the rebels for orders to advance, but they did not come until long after noon, when it was rumored that a large force of Arizonians and Texans were working their way through the woods on our left to flank us. As our commander received this news, he ordered the 75th N.Y. to deploy into the woods as skirmishers, and our regiment, and the 8th Vt. to march forward and throw out skirmishers in front to relieve those of the 160th NY. and 12th Conn. Our advance was slow and tedious through a cane field, and when we were halted, Co. B, Capt Bockee in command, were deployed next to the wood or thicket in which were said to be concealed a thousand Indians, with orders to fire at the stir of a bush or the smoke of a gun.  We felt our way cautiously and soon drew the fire of the enemy, but no one could be seen through the thick foliage of the bush, and our fire was returned at random but low (We subsequently learned from prisoners that our fire, though no enemy could be seen, was most fatal, and caused them to fall back to the main body). After firing three or four rounds we received no reply and the order to "cease firing and advance" was given.  We came to the Cane field and a broad cane lot lay between us and the rebel breastworks and we could see the rebels behind them.  Our skirmishers continued to advance occasionally rising and firing, and receiving a return fire, until all at once a heavy volley was poured into us, and the order "in retreat" was given, when a double quick soon took us out of range of the rebels' in the woods.  One of our men, Wm. Weston, of South New Berlin, I believe, as he was rising from a kneeling position, received a ball through his right side, but he is recovering from his wound. We were ordered to fall back and join our regiment, and after getting there, one of the Staff visited each Captain and cautioned them to have his company lay close, as the 75th were about to fire upon the rebels concealed in the wood to "scare them out" if possible.  Agreeable to orders, we lay close to the ground, between the cane rows, awaiting the fire, many of us expected a warm engagement, as the 75th were old campaigners and a tough lot, and plenty of visits from stray bullets, but we did not expect the perfect storm of leaden hail that rained in upon us.  In answer to the first volley of the 75th, there was a continuous roar of musketry, for at least three quarters of an hour, and the bullets all seemed to fall around Co. B.  But strange as it may seem, only two men were hit - one seriously and one slightly.  Geo. Ballou was hit in the knee, the ball slanting downward, creating an ugly and painful wound, and Frank Fish slightly, on the shoulder. After the firing had ceased, we were ordered to fall back for the night, and as quietly as possible we took up our position beside a ditch in the cane field, nearly a hundred yards in rear of our former position.  The 75th in the bush, did gloriously, firing volley after volley, and returning cheer for cheer, until finally the enemy retired from before them, and they (the 75th) came out with the loss of but two men killed. We learned that our loss during the day was 30 killed and about 125 wounded - 6 killed in our regiment and 20 or 25 wounded.  It is not in my power to give particulars and names, though one man in Co. H was killed by one of our shells, it bursting as it left the gun.

Among all the occurrences of the day, one little circumstance created fun for the time, and has since been "laughed" about by all of our boys who saw and heard it.  When our big guns had arranged matters to their satisfaction, and the smaller field pieces taken up their position, they all commenced their fire at once, and the rebels replied with equal vigor, their shells bursting in close proximity to our position. Every Captain and Lieutenant has a black servant, "you know," and these sable warriors follow each company to which they are attached. At the commencement of the fire, one of these men came rushing back, the very picture of terror.  Our boys asked him if he was afraid, and what he was running for? "Oh, no, me no 'fraid! me no 'fraid! but me am mighty inconvenienced by de smoke!  me never did like smoke!"  and away he went with a hearty laugh after him for his wit.

The 114th bivouacked at night without supper of any kind, as it would be dangerous to build fires to make coffee, and our "hard tack" was miles back with the wagon train, but there was no murmuring, each soldier submitting to a "military necessity."

From some unaccountable reason, I could not rest this night, and I lay watching the stars as they shone so peacefully, that one would doubt that they looked upon a battlefield or had listened to the noise and strife of the day that had just gone to rest.  I wondered if any friend in our northern home was wakeful like myself and thinking of him, who that day had passed through a "fiery trial," under the protecting hand of the God of battle, and an answer came from a conscious heart, "aye many are wakeful, praying and hoping for the best."  And thus the slow hours wore away, sleep refusing her refreshing portion, and my sense of hearing as acute as the watchful sentinel.  As near as I could judge it was 1 o'clock A.M., when the faint boom of a gun was heard away to the northwestward, and others heard it too, for in less than half an hour the whole rebel encampment was in motion, and whether they were evacuating or receiving reinforcements I could not tell, but trusted that our cautious General knew what was going on.  It soon proved to be an evacuation, for a couple of aids passed by, and they said that the signal gun of Grover had just been fired telling us that he had just landed in rear of Franklin, and that the rebel army would be "bagged" without the further loss of men.  I hoped so, but it proved otherwise with Grover, for the retreating rebels saw that only by cutting their way through his forces could they escape, and at noon on Tuesday, the 14th of April, they fell upon him in a body and forced a passage. But they (the rebels) lost over 600 in killed, wounded and prisoners.  Among the killed was Gen Taylor. Grover's loss was about 100 killed and wounded.

On Tuesday morning our forces were put in motion after the retreating rebels, and for four days we made rapid marches after the foe, until we arrived at Vermillion river, when we were stopped by a burning bridge, the rebels having just crossed.  Here the army halted for a rest having marched about 90 miles in 7 days and fought a pretty severe battle.  Here, also, the hopes of the 114th for further honor were crushed, for we were detailed by Gen. Banks to return to Brashaer City, and on our way to steal all the horses, mules, cattle and sheep we could lay our hands on. We started back on Sunday the 19th inst., and the elements, as if to hide our shame, vied with each other in fury, for the wind and rain, the lightning and thunder, seemed conspiring together to do its worst.  From the 19th to the 28th inst. the men have worked hard as cattle drivers. Co B, arrived here two days ago, having been detailed to drive in the mules and horses, the rest of the regiment driving cattle and guarding prisoners.

Wednesday, April 29

Yesterday we heard from Gen. Banks army, and the news was very encouraging, they having been successful in capturing a large force of rebels (8,000) and now, together with a portion of Gen. Grants' army, are laying a siege to Alexandria, a fortified town on Red river. This expedition is a most damaging one to the Southern Confederacy, for it cuts off all supply to Port Hudson and Vicksburgh, and ought to have been done long ago. The country we passed through was a very rich one, and as we ascended towards Opelousas, the surface became more rolling, and the large plains were filled with cattle, sheep and horses.  Cotton and sugar are raised in abundance, and the government will more than pay the expense of the expedition from these last two articles.

Today we have orders to march, but where we are to go is a mystery to me.  I shall endeavor to keep you posted, however, at every convenient time I have.

Respectfully yours, A.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY - December 1863

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 2, 1863

Married:  BURTON - HAVENS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 4, 1863, by Rev. D. Williams, Mr. Andrew J. Burton to Miss Fanny B. Havens, all of Oxford.

Married:  MEAD - BADGER:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 23, 1863, by Rev. L. Sperry, Mr. Lewis Mead of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss May L. Badger, of Bainbridge.

Died:  GARDNER:  In Panola, Ill., nov. 20, 1863, Frank Angell [Gardner], only child of Elizabeth A. and Andrew J. Gardner, aged 3 years and 2 months.

Died:  HALE:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 2-?, 1863, of scarlet fever, Charles N. [Hale], youngest son of Hiram and Abigail M. Hale, aged 2 years, 1 month.

Died:  KINGSLEY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 26, 1863, Benjamin Gorton kingsley, youngest son of Hon. Lewis Kingsley, aged 1 years, 2 months and 8 days.

Died:  WETMORE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], suddenly of apoplexy Dec. 2, 1863, Mr. Henry G. Wetmore, aged 22 years.

Sad:  On Monday of last week a little child of Michael Conway, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], seventeen months old, fell into a vessel of boiling water and was so badly scaled that it lived but a short time.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 9, 1863

Married:  MILLS - COOPER:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] Dec. 2, 1863, by Rev. W. Burnside?, Mr. -?- C. Mills to Miss Maria Coopers, both of New Berlin.

Married:  BROWN - HODGE:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] at the residence of -?- Brown, Dec. 2, 1863, by Rev. A. Brown, Mr. -?- M. Brown to Miss Caroline Hodge? all of Otselic.

Married:  BACON - WILLIAMS:  In Sidney, Delaware co. [NY], at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. T.M. Williams, Mr. Charles W. Bacon? to Miss Mary A. Williams, both of Sidney.

Died:  At North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. ?, 1863, John S. Hall, son of George and Mary G. Hall, aged 3? years.

Died:   RICH:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 20, 1863, Nancy [Rich], wife of Charles Rich, Esq., aged 32? years, 1 month and 15 days.

Death of Miss Harvey:  The telegraph brought us news, a few days since, which has cast an unwanted shadow of gloom over our little community.  Miss Harriet Elizabeth Harvey, daughter of U.T. Harvey of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], left home to visit friends in Whitewater, Wisconsin, where she had just arrived, when she was attacked with diptheria.  Only one day's notice of his illness preceded that of her death.  Mr. and Mrs. H. started immediately on receiving news of her illness, but the sad tidings of her death met them at Buffalo.  Mrs. H. returned, but Mr H. proceeded on his sorrowful journey, and returned with the remains of his loved daughter on Saturday evening last. The funeral services were attended today by a large concourse of deeply sympathizing friends.  Seldom have the sympathies of our community been more deeply stirred.  The deceased, whose age was 26 years, was a model of physical health and vigor, and we find it difficult to associate her with our idea of death, or to realize that she is gone from among us forever.  Her uniform cheerfulness and kindly qualities of heart endeared her to all who knew her well, and it will be long before "Libbie Harvey" will be forgotten among us.  On the last occasion of the visit of the Bishop of the Diocese to our Parish, she was confirmed as a member of Christ's Church. She took an active interest in the Sunday School of that Church, and her class followed her to the grave as mourners.  Her death occurred on Monday, Nov. 23d, at the residence of her cousin, Dr. Littlejohn, of Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Col. Francis M. Botch, of Morris, Otsego county [NY], died on the 28th instant at the age of 41.  He was a gentleman of superior education and accomplishments, and was greatly respected both in public and private life.  He served one term in the Senate of the State, and received an appointment from Gov. Morgan in the military Bureau soon after his term expired in 1861.  Both here and in the Senate he fulfilled his duties efficiently and with great accomplishment.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 16, 1863

Married:  DEVERELL - PUFFER:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Dec. 5, 1863, by Rev. Mr. Boardman, Mr. John Deverelle to Mrs. Lottie L. Puffer, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  ANNABLE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 5, 1863, Mrs. Hannah Annable, wife of the late Elisha Annable, aged 79 years.

Died:  NASH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], DEc. 2, 1863, Mr. Nelson H. Nash.

Died:  JERMY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 4, 1863, Mr Wm. Jermy, aged -0? years.

Died:  CHESEBRO: At the residence of her son-in-law, J.H. Sinclair, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 13, 1863, Mrs. Sarah Chesebro, of Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], Aged 70 years.

Died:  RACE:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Dec. 8, 1863, Laura A. [Race], wife of Charles T. Race, aged 26 years.

Died:  HARRIS:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. Jenny [Harris], daughter of Albert G. and Phebe Harris, aged 4 years and 6 months.

Died:  HUMPHREY:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 5th, Mr. Sylvester Humphrey, aged 77 years.

Died:  ACKLEY:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., of diptheria, Charles L. [Ackley], eldest son of Charles T. and Laura E Ackley, aged 5 years, 4 months and 12 days.

Died:  WHITE:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26 ult. of typhoid fever, Ellen G. [White], daughter of Hiram White, in the 16th year of her age.

Died:  BAKER:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 14, 1863, Dr. Andrew Baker, aged 58 years.  Dr. Baker removed to this village from Bath, in 1848, and succeeded to the office and business of the late Dr. Mitchell.  He secured a good practice, and his skill as a medical man and Surgeon was deservedly high, both with his professional brethren and the community. Dr B. has been prominent as a citizen in aiding and promoting every good work.  He was benevolent to the full extent of his means, and the calls for charity were never unheeded by him. Though his health had not been firm for some time, his very rapid decline and sudden death were a surprise and shock to all. The Doctor was truly a man of mark, and his departure leaves a void not easy to fill.

Died:  RIDER:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 13, 1863, George L. Rider, Esq., Aged 71 years.  Mr. Rider came to this town from Coventry and has resided here near forty years.  he was for some time a Hotel keeper and Stage Proprietor, and for many years a contractor, builder and man of business generally.  His judgment was good and in his dealing he was prompt and square.  He aided liberally in erecting and establishing the public buildings and institutions of this village.  He was generous and benevolent to the worthy poor and in all respects was an estimable citizen.  He often discharged the trusts of village and town officer, and at the time of his death was one of the Assessors of this town.  

Died:  BALDWIN:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 13, 1863, Deacon Joseph Baldwin, aged 48 years.  Mr Baldwin was a former respected resident of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], of which town he had been Supervisor.  He became a citizen of this village about nine years ago in consequence of his connection with the Piano establishment which ceased some time since.  His constitution never firm has been for some time sinking under consumption.  Mr. B. was pure  honest and upright in all his relations and he exemplified his Christian profession by a daily walk in the ways of goodness and practiced religion.  

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 23, 1863

Married:  ELDREDGE - BROWN:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 9?, 1863, by Rev E.W. -?-, Mr. John M. Eldredge of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elizabeth J. Brown of Pharsalia.

Married:  MUSSON - BREED:  At the residence of -?- Clark, by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. Richard Musson of Butternuts, Otsego Co., [NY] to Miss Abby D. Breed of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  COLE - BURR:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY] Dec. 7?, 1863, by Rev. J. C. Foster, Mrs. Henry D. Cole to Miss Adda Burr.

Married:  EYRICH - COSEY:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 5?, 1863, by Rev. Wm. Searles, Mr. R. Eyrich, to Miss Jane Cosey, both of Norwich.

Married:  ANTHONY - LEWIS:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 15, 1861, by the same, Mr. Henry Anthony of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Carrie Lewis of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY].

Married:  PELLETT - EVANS:  In norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 15, 1863, by the same, Mr. Wilson H. Pellett to Miss A.C. Evans, both of Norwich.

Died:  BUTTS:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 14, 1863, Mr. Oscar Butts, aged 33? years.

Died:  COLE:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 5, 1863, after an illness of nearly two years, Mr. Philo Cole aged 46 years.

Died:  MONROE:  In the U.S. Hospital, Donaldsonville, La., July 8, 1863, Charles Monroe, of Co. B, 114th Reg., N.Y.S.V., aged 20 years.

Died:  MONROE:  At Baton Rouge, Sept. 7, 1863, Samuel Monroe of Co. B, 114th Reg N.Y.S.V., both sons of Samuel Monroe of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].  A member of their company in communicating the sad intelligence of their death says:  "that they were good soldiers and held that reputation with all the company, but not being acclimated and being obliged to endure long marches was too much for their constitutions, and they passed away to their long rest, 

Died:  GREEN:  In the university Hospital, New Orleans, La. Oct. 11, 1863, of typhoid fever, M. Jonathan W. Green, of Col C. 114th Reg. N.Y.SV. aged 39 years.  His funeral will be held at the house of his wife's mother, Dec. 27, at 3 o 'clock.

GALE:  At the U. Hospital, New Iberia, La., Sergeant Horace Gale, of Co. B 114th, Reg. N.Y.S.V., aged 27 years, 11 months and 15 days.  He was one of the first to respond to his country's call in its hour of peril, when treason and rebellion ran loose throughout the length and breadth of the land.  After the first few months of service, his health began to decline.  But he was one of those ever ready to perform his duty.  He was wounded at the ever memorable assault on Port Hudson, but soon rejoined his regiment and continued to perform the duties assigned him until four days before his death and then it was only by the urgent request of a brother and the kind advice of his physician that he left his duty and reported at the Hospital.  No man was more respected, and in his society has lost a member than can never be restored.  He leaves a wife and child to mourn his loss.

How hard it is for us to part, / With those we truly love / And yet, how pleasant it is to think / That we have dear ones up above.

O may he guard his wife and child / While here on earth they stay. / And lead them on that heavenly road, / That pure and holy way.

And while his friends will mourn his death / To wish him back is vain / So let them remember that what's their loss / Is his eternal gain.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 30, 1863

Married:  COLLINS - HUNT:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 23?, 1863, by Rev. J.H. N..., Mr. Myron Collins to Miss Annie V. Hunt, all of Smyrna.

Married:  CASE - PECK:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 23, 1863, by Rev. Wm Searls, Mr. Albert Case, Jr. to Miss Clara C. Peck, both of North Norwich.

Married:  SCHENCK - KINNEIR:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 21, 1863, Mr. Theodore S. Schenck to Miss Elisa Kinneir , all of Smithville.

Died:  PALMER:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], Dec. 19, 1863, Mrs. -?- Palmer, aged -?- years.

Died:  WHITLEY:  In Triangle [Broome Co., NY], Dec. 13, 1863, Earnest Whitley, aged 2 years and 7 months.

Died:  TUTTLE:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], Dec. 11, 1863, Mr. George Adelbert Tuttle, aged 3 years, and 10 months.

Died:  GRANT:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 13?, 1863, Mrs. Amy Grant, wife of Luther Grant, aged 26 years 7 months and 19 days.

Died:  SANDERS:  At Barrupcoeuquet? Bayou, La, Oct. 27, 1863, Mr. G.F. Sanders, of Co K. 141st Rev. N.YS.V in the 41st year of his age.

Died:  GOODRICH:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 22, 1863, Julia A. Goodrich, eldest daughter of H. Goodrich, Esq., aged 18? years.  Weep not for her!  There is no cause for woe; / But rather nerve thy spirit, that it walk / Unshrinking o'er the thorny paths below, / And from earth's low dealers not keep thee back / So, when a few fleet surviving years have flown, / She'll meet thee at heaven's gate, and lead thee on! / Weep not for her!"

Happenings of the Times

The Completion of the Capitol Dome

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 16, 1863

At noon on Wednesday, the head and cap of the Goddess of liberty were placed upon the apex which completes the statue upon the dome of the Capitol at Washington. About three thousand people had gathered in East Capitol Square to witness the crowning.  As the head rose to its position, a large flag was raised about twenty feet above the statue, and as it unfolded to the breeze a battery of artillery from Camp Barry fired a salute of thirty-five guns, one for each State. The scaffolding around the statue will not be removed for two or three months, that much time being necessary to complete the base on which the statue stands.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - April 1863 (176th Regiment)

 Oxford Times,  May 20, 1863

Letter from the 176th Regiment

Hauma, Southern, La. Apr. 26, '63

Friend Times:  I have to confess to a decided neglect on my part, in not writing to you until this late day.  If you will accept a few lines now, I will try to present to our friends of Chenango some facts relative to us and the country we are in.  Perhaps it would be well in the first place, however, to give you a brief of our experience since leaving New York and previous of our occupation of the little village I now address you from.

We left New York Harbor Jan. 17th, in the ship Alice Counce, and had a pleasant trip of two days and a half to Fortress Monroe.  We lay at Fortress Monroe ten days, going on shore one afternoon in that time, were transferred to the ship William Woodbury, and on the 29th started out of the harbor for New Orleans. Soon after rounding Cape Hatteras, a heavy gale arose almost dead ahead, which lasted eight or ten days, and drove us eastward into the ocean some six hundred miles. At the end of the eight days we were about as far from N.O. as when we left port.

Soon as the storm had subsided, we unfurled the white canvas and once more pointed our prow toward the warm lands of the "sunny South."  We had fair winds and pleasant weather most of the remainder of the voyage. We had it a little rough the night we were off the Florida Reefs, and were becalmed a day or two soon after entering the Gulf of Mexico, also were delayed two or three days at the mouth of the Mississippi, getting over the bay, otherwise we were kindly favored until we reached our destination, which we did, and dropped anchor early in the evening of the 17th day of Feb., with the lights of the "Crescent city" twinkling down the long levees and intersection streets and winding around to the left in half circle until the beautiful night pageant was lost in the distance.

We were detained at New Orleans and kept on board the vessel two days and a half waiting for orders from Gen. Banks.  Finally on the morning of the 20th a tug came alongside, threw out her rope and we started up the river for Carrollton, a place 14 miles from the city proper, but a part of its suburbs. But it was not to be our fortune to exchange the hard planks of the vessel's desk for terra firma yet.  And if you had ever experienced a voyage of five weeks duration on board a government transport, you could form some idea of our impatience at this continual delay. Two days longer we were doomed to endure that old prison house in which we had been incarcerated for 38 mortal days. But there is an end to all troubles, and so there was to ours. About noon of the 22d, the long wished for order came to "pack knapsacks and be ready to go ashore," and if a military order was obeyed with cheerfulness and executed with alacrity, that one was.  Arriving on shore, we were marched about a mile back from the east bank of the river. We pitched our tents and made ourselves as comfortable as possible in our new quarters.  I will not go into detail about our accommodations during the voyage. We have, however, one gratifying record to make, to wit:  we had no sickness, except sea-sickness, during our confinement of forty days in the old ship's cabin, and to run up the account to the present date, we have not lost, by death, but seven men since the regiment was organized, and there is not another regiment around here with as few sick on their list, as ours.

But to continue: we remained in Carrollton only about a week, when we were ordered to Terrebonne Station, a depot fifty-five miles west of New Orleans, on the railroad called the N.O. Opelousas and Great Western Railroad. This railroad is the grand highway, over which the vast products of Texas were formerly conveyed to market. Gen. Banks has possession of it now as far as Berwick's Bay, eight miles west of N.O.

Our regiment was posted along this railroad by companies, from Bayou Lafourche, another station three miles below Terrebonne, to Berwick's Bay, four companies remaining with ours at Terrebonne. We remained there three weeks, when two companies of us were ordered to Bayou Hamos, within four miles of the Bay, to guard two bridges, one the railroad bridge over that Bayou. The next day after arriving there, Weitzel's Brigade, stationed at the Bay, began falling back to Bayou Boeuf.  Soon as his brigade had passed we received orders to follow on, which was accordingly did, and kept on down to our old position, Terrebonne.  During all these transitions from place to place, we were fortunate enough to be conveyed by water or railroad. But the moving mania had not subsided yet. We were ordered to remain at Terrebonne two weeks, when our company was ordered to occupy Hauma, where we have been permitted to stay now two weeks.

Hauma is a small town almost entirely deserted by the "aristocracy." What few people there are remaining being mostly poor French people.  They have all to take the oath, but they are at heart as disloyal as Jeff Davis himself.  All of them, as far as we have seen, have turned a cold shoulder on us, but I believe Hauma goes a little beyond them all. They are respectful towns, coldly respectful, but there is a certain air about them, an unmistakable disdain, that shows plainly "which way the wind blows."  It would need only a reverse in the success of our arms, to create an uprising in those portions of La. now occupied by our troops, and then a fearful vengeance would be taken upon companies detached like our own from their regiments and scattered over the country, doing guard duty on plantations and in small villages. They have suffered so terribly from the loss of property, that a hatred is engendered in their bosoms, deep and impenetrable as the root of an oak.  Almost every plantation is deserted, and plantations here are measured by the mile.  I have been upon one which was three miles long by two wide. This in it prosperity, was manned by two hundred negroes, one hundred mules, from forty to sixty carts, while droves of cattle, horses, hogs and sheep "lived in clover" on its broad, green acres. Add to this the mansion, with its rich furniture and beautiful pleasure grounds almost equaling in splendor and costliness the palace of a king, and you have some idea of the wealth of a plantation in La.  And all this has been deserted, the accumulation of years given up in a moment, the owner of millions, reared in luxury, turned a beggar and braving death in the ranks of rebellion. Who can doubt that such men will fight to the death.

All the negroes, as far as we have possession, are now free, but the government has entered into a contract with their former owners (what few are left) that the negroes shall work for them one year for one-twentieth of the year's crops or a fixed monthly compensation, as follows:  Mechanics, sugar makers and drivers, three dollars each; able-bodied field men, two dollars; able-bodied field women, house servants and nurses, one dollar.

All that are not otherwise employed, are required to work upon the public works and none capable of labor, will be supported at the public expense in idleness.  The negroes employed upon the plantations under the above contract, are to be fed  and clothed by their employers. They are to be properly treated and are to maintain a respectful deportment towards their employers, are to work diligently from sunrise until sunset, and at the end of the year will receive their compensation. 

Aside from all contracts, however, is a permission given to every negro, to enlist into the army.  It seems to be growing more and more into the minds of our loyal people, that the negroes ought to help fight this war.  Stern necessity is beginning to open the eyes of men. They see before them means not employed, strong, friendly arms not raised, sober calculations and deep reasonings begin to occupy the minds of our leaders, and, though I am no prophet, I venture to predict that the slaves of the South are yet to form an important element in the crushing out of this rebellion. Take away their slaves and you take away their chief resources.  Form them into regiments, properly drilled, armed and officered, and you have a force of an hundred thousand men, accustomed to the Southern climate and acquainted with every pass and bayou of the South. Shall the North reject such an ally, in her present emergency. Some at the north seem to doubt their courage to fight as also their loyalty with arms in their hands, but both have been tested satisfactorily, and from what I have observed of their character and nature since coming here, I could repose perfect confidence in their loyalty, and as to their courage I think they would fight like bulldogs. Setting them free has made them warm friends to the North, and remembering as they do their cruel treatment while in bondage, they cherish a corresponding hatred towards their old masters of the South.

Our company is quartered in the heart of the village, the officers living in the upper part of the town in a fine house richly furnished with confiscated goods taken from different deserted plantations around Hauma.  We have good "bunks" to sleep in, with mosquito bars, which we purchased ourselves. We find them indispensable for the mosquitoes are so thick that they would torment us to death without them. We have plenty of fresh beef, (under the confiscation act) have good, soft bread and manage, by purchasing a few eggs and a little butter now and then, to live very comfortable for soldiers.

Butter can be bought here for thirty-five and forty cents per lb, cheese fifty cents, eggs thirty to thirty-five per dozen and milk ten to fifteen cents per quart. Our regiment was paid off about three weeks ago to the first of March, and we expect two months more pay now in a few days.  O.E.B.

Vital Records, Greene, NY, March 1864

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 3, 1864

Married:  At the house of the bride's father, in this town, on the 18th ult. by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. Joseph W. Burgess, of La Prairie, Wis., to Miss Mary M. Miller, of this town [Greene, Chenango co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Hendrick Houghten, to Miss Minnie E. Ingarm.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Albert Willcox, of Oxford, to Miss Frances K. Sanders, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. by H.J. Locke, Esq., Mr. Warren Stockwell, of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Sarah N. Beardsley, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 1st inst., by Rev. E.H. Payson, Henry C. Roone, Captain Co. E, 89th Reg't to Mary Jane [Rouse], eldest daughter of Austin Rouse, M.D.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 10, 1864

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Peter A. Ockerman to Miss Almira Eldridge, both of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 17, 1864

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th ins.t, by Warren Gray, Esq., Joseph Verill, of the 89th Reg., to Lucy Widger, of this village.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. Wm. Searls, Mr. Martin Calson, of East Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Mary C. Marsh, of Norwich.

Married:  By the same, at the Parsonage, in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 9th inst., Mr. Morgan Pellett, of Ill., to Miss Ellissie Morse, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Exeter, Otsego Co. [NY], on the 8th inst. by Rev. H. Derrick, Dea. Cyrel Sumner of East Pharsalia, Chenango Co. [NY] to Mrs. Dorthea M. Child of the former place.

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr Lewis Huntly to Miss Harriet E. Elwood, all of McDonough.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. Salmon [Beach], son of Alvin Beach, aged 19 years 9 months.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. Russell Horton, Esq., aged 65 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mrs. Julia McMahon, widow of the late Wm. H. Clarke, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Henry M. [Clarke], only child of Mrs. Julia M., and the late Wm. H. Clarke, aged 3 years, 10 months and 6 days.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th ins.t, Mrs. Ada E. [Douglas], wife of George Douglas, M.D., aged 31 years.

Died:  In Lisle, Broome co. [NY], on the 7th inst., Mr. Theodore Wade, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 84 years, 2 months and 24 days.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 24, 1864

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. A.N. benedict, Mr. Dyer M. Thompson to Mrs. Sarah M. Carr, all of Norwich.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 31, 1864

Fatal Accident:  On Tuesday of last week a stranger, wearing civilian's clothes, hired a livery team at Marathon to go to Chenango County on a visit to some friends.  While descending a hill about three miles north of Upper Lisle, the horses became frightened and ran away, throwing him from the wagon and killing him instantly.  No papers were found upon his person by which he might be identified and his name is unknown.  His carpet sack contained a suit of soldier's clothing, and $40 in money.  He was about 60 years of age.  Whitney's Point Gazette

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - April 1863 (10th NY Cavalry)

 Oxford Times, May 6, 1863

Letter from the 10th N.Y. Cavalry

Warrenton Junction, Va., April 26th, 1863

Dear Times:  Having been absent from you for but a short time, yet having passed through many changes since, I thought perhaps you would like to know of our whereabouts.  When I reached our old camp, I found the Regiment had left at 7 a.m., and as soon as I could get ready I took my blankets, one suit of under clothes, and at 6 o'clock p.m. I started in pursuit of my command. I rode some 25 miles through the lots and woods.  About one-half of the way was through a country previous to that had been occupied by the enemy.  I went on alone, yet well armed, and at 12 m I came up with the rear of the column and staid there until 3 a.m. when I again started on as before in pursuit of my company.  I found at daylight, Co. K doing picket duty on the road, and in about 15 minutes afterwards the column was put in motion, and at 12 m we were drawn up in line of battle at Realton Station, where the enemy for the first time made any resistance to our march.  At this place they had a strong picket, yet they left like leaves before a whirlwind at our approach.  It would have done our patriotic friends at home good to see how anxious were all the boys to meet the rebels in mortal combat, aside from a man or two, who were a little weak kneed, they acted like veterans.

The 1st Maine Regiment who were on that day in the advance of our Brigade moved from the Station to the Rappahannock River in two lines driving the Rebels before them and across the River, one at the ford above the Rappahannock Station and one at the Railroad bridge at the Station, two companies now dismounted and crossed the bridge in the face of the concentrated fire of the rebel sharp shooters, driving them from their entrenchment, killing four and wounding five, they also killed several horses. They left in such a hurry as to leave six carbines, without first discharging them, which with some other articles fell into our hands, the artillery not being up.  We were obliged to wait awhile for them to come up, and in the meantime it commenced to rain, and by daylight the next morning the river had risen six feet, so we were unable to cross at the ford and had to fall back.

We therefore fell back to near Realton Station, and just as we were fairly out of range, the rebels commenced to shell our former position from the opposite side of the river. In all our encounters with the rebels so far, strange to say, we escaped without injury of any kind to our side.  The same storm which caused the flood rendered the roads impassible for the wagons with forage for our horses.

We are now at Warrenton Junction about 60 miles from Washington, on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad.  Yesterday at 5 a.m., Jotham Woods of our company who left Oxford last fall with us and pledged his all in the defense of the old flag, and had once we have been here shown the strongest attachment to the Union cause, and was justly entitled to the respect of his comrades for his steadfast devotion to the cause, he had so heartily espoused, died of his wound. His death was a sad blow to the company although there had been three previous deaths in the company, they occurred in the Hospital and not in the company.  He was buried at sunset the 25th inst., in a pleasant place near a large cherry [tree], on an elevated mound near the Station, all the company being present.  The men would have subscribed $200 to send his remains home, yet the authorities would not allow it to be done.  I offered to furnish their funds, but the request was denied us, for good reasons, I suppose.  We are all in hopes that a like accident may not befall us, yet if for the putting down of this rebellion it is necessary that good men and true fall, we are here to stand our chance and to do our all for the cause of the glorious old institutions and for the support of the right.   F.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, September 1863

 Oxford Times, September 2, 1863

Died:  At the Barracks Hospital, New Orleans, July 19th, of chronic diarrhoea, Mr. Charles F. Smith of Co. A, 114th Reg. of Oxford, aged 36 years.

Died:  In the Barracks Hospital, New Orleans, June 16, 1863, of diptheria, Mr. Waterman Ensworth, of Co. A, 114th Reg. son of Nathaniel and Lydia Ensworth of Oxford, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Mr. Ira Whitmarsh of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 42 years.

Oxford Times, September 9, 1863

Married:  In Middleport, Niagara Co. N.Y., on 25th ult., by Rev. A. Kelsey, Mr. Wm. D. Hoyt, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Louisa E. Fenn.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY, July 23d, Mrs. Jemima Grant, aged 82 years.

Died:  In Baton Rogue, La, July 23d, Robert Wedge, of Co. E, 114th Reg., son of David Wedge, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] aged 20 years.

Died:  In the Regimental Hospital at Manassas Junction, on 29th ult. Mr. Charles Barnes, of Co. H, 168th Regiment, of East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 40 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, on the 29th ult., Mr. Geo. W. Gibson, aged 50 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mr. Riley Mead, aged 37 years.

Died:  In Xenia, Clay Co., Ill. on the 21st ult. Mr. Riley Fitch of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 39 years.

Oxford Times, September 16, 1863

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Miss C.E. Gilbert, daughter of Mr. O.S. Gilbert, recently of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 26 years.  Again the wing of the dakr Angel Azrael has overshadowed the happy home circle, and the loved one has followed her brave, and lamented brother to the land of rest.  Miss Gilbert was the idolized and petted member of the family, one of those ministering spirits whose whole life is spent in doing good, and her death leaves them desolate, but they sorrow not without hope, for her "to live was Christ, to died is gain."

"Alone unto our Father's will / One thought hath reconciled / That He whose love exceedeth ours / Hath taken home his child.

"Fold her oh Father! in thine arms, / And let her henceforth be / A messenger of love between / Our human hearts and thee."

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 8th inst. Jennie E. [Rowley], daughter of Gilbert S. and Sarah A. Rowley, aged 13 mos. and 8 days.

Sweet Jennie's gone; shed not a tear / O'er death's cold billows, damp and drear; / A seraph band hath safely bore / Her spirit to that better shore.

God's ways to us are oft denied; / Yet faith, the golden gates open wide, / It views her standing just within, / Free from every care and sin.

Heave not a sigh; her spirit's fled / Beyond the graveyard's molding dead, / Close nestled by her Savior's side; / She's safe from pain, from sorrow's tide.

Mourn not for her, fond mother, now / A shining crown adorns her brow, / A golden harp, a better song, / She sings amid the angel throng.

She's only just across the tide, / She's only on the other side;/ She only waits for thee to come, / To bid thee welcome, welcome, home.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th, suddenly, Mr. Benjamin Dudley, aged 78 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., suddenly, Mr. John Upham, Sen. aged 65 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th int., Amanda [Packard], wife of Mr. Larking Packard, aged 65 years.

Died:  In Belvin Hospital, Washington, D.C., on the 30th ult., of fever, Mr Wm. H. VanOstrand, of Co. C, 10th N.Y. Cavalry, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 32 yrs.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Hattie Bell [Law], daughter of H.S. and Almira Law, aged 15 months.

Died:  In the U.S. Hospital at Frederick City, Md., on the 30th ult. Myron H. [Dunn], of Co. H, 168th Reg. son of H.G. Dunn of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 18 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 18th, Louise Marsh [Bradbury], daughter of George and Weltha Bradbury, aged 2 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], July 20th, Arsalia A. [Beardsley], aged 8 years; and July 22, Eliza L. [Bradbury], aged 6 years, children of Russel B and Roxena Beardsley.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], at the residence of Daniel Cornell, on the 6th ins.t, Mr. Aaron C. Mosher, aged 47 years.

Died:  At Camp Hubbard, near Thibodeaux, La., Aug. 16th, Franklin Boyce, of Co. C, 114th Reg. of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  At the St. Louis Hospital, New Orleans, Willard G. Finch, of Co. C, 114th Reg. of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]

Died:  In the Regimental Hospital, at Manassas Junction, on the 29th? ult, Charles Barnes, of East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 40 years.

Died:  In the U.S. General Hospital, Baton Rouge, La., Aug.. 25th, from the effects of a wound in his foot, received in action, and of a fever contracted in the army, Freeburn S. Young, of Co. A, 114th Reg., of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 44 years.  Mr. Y. was among the first who enlisted in the Regiment, and by his efforts many others were enrolled.  He was a true soldier, one whose death we deplore.  Vainly will comrades look for his coming. He has left them, and his wife and son to return no more.

Oxford Times, September 23, 1863

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th ult. by Rev. A. B. Jones, Mr. David T. Winchel to Miss Mary Wenchel, all of Greene.

Died:  At Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 14th, 1863, Francis Bocker [Clarke], son of Francis G. and Clara B Clarke, aged 6 mos and 27 days.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 9, of Asthma Consumption, Mrs. Mary Rice, aged 60 years.  In the death of Mrs. Rice, her friends have lost a kind, affectionate mother, sister and friend.  While in this world her sufferings, both physical and mental were great, almost beyond endurance.  But she suffered all with Christian patience and fortitude.  Her illness was long and distressing, but her sorrows are ended, and she has gone to rest in the bosom of her God - in that world where pain and sickness, sin and sorrow never enter, where all tears shall be wiped away.  There the wicked cease from troubling and there the weary are at rest. She had a calm and firm reliance on Christ her Savior, saying "I know in whom I have believed and trusted, and he will never forsake me."  Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. after a short illness, Florence a. [Padget], aged 4 years and 7 months; also, same day, Anna E. [Padget] aged 2 years and 5 months, children of James H. and Samyra Padget.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mr. Milo Hunt, aged 70 years.

Died:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Ursula [Place], wife of J.F. Place, aged 36 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Mr. James Colman, aged 45? years.

Oxford Times, September 30, 1863

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. Mr. Scoville, Mr. Samuel A. Hopkins of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary A. Graves of New Berlin.

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

Died:  In Otego, Otsego Co. [NY], Hattie S. [Reed], only daughter of Platt Reed, aged 6 years and 8 months.

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

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. Henry F. [Arnold], son of William and Melissa B Arnold, aged 13? yrs.

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mr. Lewis Guile, aged 47 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - April 1863 (89th Regiment)

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 29, 1863

Letter from the 89th Regiment, N.Y.V.

Camp Near Suffolk, April 21st, 1863

My Dear Father:  Your letter from Goshen is at hand.  I have no time to write very lengthy. We celebrated the anniversary of Camden (10th) by fighting another battle.  Only two regiments were engaged.  The 89th and 8th Connecticut crossed the river, charged a fort, capturing five large guns and 128 prisoners - the boldest dash of the war.  Four of our Company were wounded, viz:  Yarns, Utter, N. Fiske and Tompkins.  Fiske was struck by a grape shot above the knee which passed through coming out the under side, just below the hip.  It is mortal.  He fought nobly.  Tomkins' right arm is amputated.  Yarns was hit near the small toe, the ball passing through his foot, coming out at the heel.  Utter's ball struck the edge of a book and followed a rib, coming out of his back.  I think his case is doubtful. I commanded the Company, Captain Brown being sick and Lieut. Burghar is detailed to command Company I.  Crossed in a gunboat five or six miles below Suffolk. We were exposed to a terrible fire for a short time.  We rushed the prisoners aboard the boat and took the guns from the fort and placed them in position.  Three of them were taken from us on the Peninsula and two at Harpers Ferry.  You will get the particulars in the papers before this reaches you.  I wish you had remained here through this battle.  We have been in the field eleven days.  We are now at Fort Montgomery, situated on the railroad about two and a half miles from town.  How much longer we are to remain there I do not know. All are nearly worn out. The orderly of Company K was killed, and one man of Company H.  All the wounded were from Company F.

Please publish the following in the the Telegraph,

Truly Yours,  G.H.B.

Head Quarters to Division 9th A.C., Suffolk, Va, April 21, 1863

Lieut. Col England, Commanding 89th N.Y.S.V.

Colonel:  The General desires me to convey to you and the officers under your command his hearty congratulations and thanks for their success and gallantry in the affair of the 19th last.

Very Respectfully, Your Ob't Serv't, R. McKromnie A.D.C.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY - December 1863

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, December 2, 1863

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 18th, by Rev. E. Curtis, Mr. Leander G. French, to Mrs. Caroline M. Blanding.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 4th, by Rev. D. Williams, Mr. Andrew J. Burton, to Miss Fanny B. Havens.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 12th, by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. George W. Bates, to Miss Jennie E. Riddell.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 22d, by Rev. L. Sperry, Mr. Lewis Mead, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary L. Badger, of Bainbridge.

Married:  In Washington, D.C., Nov. 18th, by Rev. R. Lewis, Chaplain U.S. Navy, Lieut. Glenville Cox, of the 18th Cavalry N.Y.S.V., to Miss Arabella S. Cox, daughter of Sackville Cox, Esq., of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY].

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, December 9, 1863

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 1st,by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. John F. Buell, to Miss Mary A. Bassett, all of Sherburne.

Married:  At Aylesworth's Hotel, South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 2d, by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Hiram Mills, to Miss Maria Cooper, both of New Berlin.

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 12th, by F.E. Dimmick, Esq., Mr. Samuel Hodges of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY] to Mrs. Rachel Ore, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Flagg, Ogle Co., Illinois, at the residence of the bride's father, by F.R. Willoughby, Esq., Mr. James J. Root, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Ann Eliza McGerth, of the former place.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, December 16, 1863

Married:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. E.W. Allen, Mr. John M. Eldredge, of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elizabeth J. Brown, of Pharsalia.

Married:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 1st, at the residence of Isaac Brown, by Rev. A. Brown, Mr. Horace M. Brown, to Miss Caroline Dodge, all of Otselic.

Died:  At the residence of her son-in-law, J.H. Sinclair, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Mrs. Sarah Chesebro, of Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], aged 70 years.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., George L. Rider, aged 71 years.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on the 13th inst., Joseph Baldwin, aged 48 years.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Andrew Baker, M.D., aged 58 years.

Died:  In this town [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Jenny [Harris], daughter of Albert G. and Phebe Harris, aged 4 years and 6 months.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 5th, Mr. Sylvester Humphrey, aged 77 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., of diptheria, Charles L. [Ackley], oldest son of Charles T. and Laura E. Ackley, aged 5 years, 4 months and 12 days.

Died:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., of typhoid fever, Ellen G. White, daughter of Hiram White, in the 16th year of her age.

Col. Francis M. Rotch died at his residence in Morris, Otsego Co. [NY], on the 28th ult. aged 41 years.  His death was sudden, and until almost the last hour, unexpected.  He had been ill only three days, and the disease terminated in congestion of the brain.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, December 23, 1863

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 5th, 1863, by Rev. Wm. Searle, Mr. R. Evrich to Miss Jane Coney, both of Norwich.

Married:  By the same, Dec. 15th, Mr. Henry Anthony, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Carrie Lewis, of Hamilton, N.Y. [Madison Co.]

Married:  By the same, Dec. 15th, Mr Wilson H. Pellet, to Miss A.U. Evans, both of  Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At the residence of E.S. Clark, by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr Richard H. Musson, of Butternuts, Otsego Co. [NY], to Miss Abbie D. Reed, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. D. Williams, Mr. T.M. Williams, of Brookfield [Madison Co., NY] to Miss F.M. Turner, of Oxford.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Ross Blivin, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary J. Miller, daughter of Samuel Miller, of Smithville.

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. Mr. Boardman, Mr. J.C. Deverell, to Mrs. Lottie L. Puffer, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 5th, Mrs. Hannah Annable wife of the late Elisha Annable, aged 79 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 5th, Mr. Philo Cole, aged 46 years.

Died:  In Binghamton [Chenango co., NY], Dec. 8th, Laura A. [Race], wife of Charles T. Race, aged 26 years.

Died:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 19th, Mrs. Amy Grant, wife of Luther Grant, aged 23 years, 7 months and 29 days.

Died:  In Utica, N.YH., on Friday, October 30th, at the residence of her brother-in-law, William W. Wood, Mrs. Emilia A. Bosworth, wife of Josiah Bosworth, of Pharsalia, Chenango Co., aged 51 years and 9 months.  The subject of this notice was one of earth's precious gems.  From her youth she always felt it her duty and privilege to administer to the wants of the poor, the outcast, the sick and afflicted, of earth's children.  It was her meat and drink to do the will of her Heavenly Father.  Her faith in God as the Father and Savior of all men, made her a practical Christian. She loved the sanctuary.  She loved the church of Christ, and its ordinances.  She delighted in signing the praises of God, and to pour out her soul in prayer to the Father of Spirits. She was a good companion, a tender and affectionate mother, a devoted sister and dutiful child.  She had a smile and a word of cheer for the sick, and the dying, and the mourner. During her protracted illness, not a murmur escaped her lips.  Perfectly resigned to the will of God, she made all necessary arrangements for her departure, and having expressed an earnest desire for the writer of this notice to attend her funeral, she folded her arms upon her breast, and fell asleep in Christ, the hope of her soul.  Her remains were brought to her home in Pharsalia, and on the Sunday following her funeral was held in the Presbyterian Church, where a large congregation of sympathizing friends and neighbors listened to a discourse in defence of that faith and hope she loved so well in life, and which gave her such joy and peace in the hour of death. She has left a husband and seven children, and a large circle of relations and friends, to mourn her departure.  What is our loss is her immortal gain.  A.G Clark

Probably Fatal Accident:  Mr. Harvey Sherman, a stone mason, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday of week before last, while working on D. Maydole's new engine building, had his foot badly crushed by the falling upon it of a stone weighing several tons. We regret to add that the accident is likely to prove fatal, mortification having taken place, and he being in no condition to have the foot amputated.

Mr. Frederick Hollister, formerly of Utica [Oneida Co., NY], and at that time one of the most extensive and widely-known business men of the central part of the State, died in the city of New York on the 16th inst.  The "Mammoth Store," of this village, was founded by him, and was one of the numerous branches of his Utica establishment.  He was unfortunate in his business affairs, and died in comparative obscurity.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, December 30, 1863

Married:  At the residence of the bride's father on the 23d inst., by Rev. W. Searls, Mr. Albert Case to Miss Clara C. Peck, both of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by Rev. A. Otis, Mr. Theodore B. Schenck to Miss Eliza Kinnier, all of Smithville.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 22d, 1863, Miss Julia A. Goodrich, daughter of Hiram Goodrich, aged 18 years.

"Weep not for her!  There is no cause for woe; / But rather nerve thy spirit, that it walk / Unshrinking o'er the thorny paths below, / And from earth's low defilements keep thee back; / So, when a few fleet severing years have flown, / She'll meet thee at heaven's gate - and lead thee on! / Weep not for her!"

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Mr. Oscar Butts, aged 32 years.

Died:  In Delhi [Delaware co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mrs. Hannah S. McKoon, widow of the late Merritt G. McKoon, Esq.

Died:  In Beloit, Wis., suddenly, on the 2d inst., Edwin [Rathbun], youngest son of Gideon Rathbun, aged 11 years.

Died:  At New Iberia, La., on the 16th isn.t Mr. Giles F. Sanders, of Co. A, 114th N.Y.S.V., aged 41 years.

Died:  In the U.S. Hospital, Donaldsonville, La., July 8th, Mr. Charles Monroe, of Co. B, 114th N.Y.S.V., aged 20 years. At Baton Rouge, La., Sept. 7th, Mr. Samuel Monroe, of Co. B, 114th, N.Y.S.V., sons of Samuel Monroe of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In the University Hospital, New Orleans, Oct. 11th, Mr. Jonathan W Green, of Co. C, 114th N.Y.S.V., aged 39 years.

Died:  In New Iberia, La., Sergt. Horace Gale, of Co. B, 114th N.Y.S.V., aged 27 years 11 months, 15 days.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - April 1863

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Aril 29, 1863

Letter from the 161st Regiment N.Y.S.V.

[unreadable], April 4th, 1863

Messrs. Editors:  Well, we have been up to Port Hudson, there or whereabouts, or that vicinity (as a particular friend of mine used to say up in Chenango) and we have got back all safe; and so is Port Hudson too, for that matter.  We were under marching orders for about ten days and finally started on the morning of the 14th of last month. We marched in easy marching order, which means from fifty to sixty pounds of baggage to each man, and [that] makes no trifling load for one to carry ten or twenty miles a day. We constituted a part of the 3d Division and were held as a reserve.  The morning was cool and airy, as all our mornings are here, and we moved off in fine spirits expecting and hoping for a battle the next day.  Our line of march for three or four miles was through a dense forest, and over a beautiful and level road made of a springy kind of clay which, when dry, is as soft and firm to the feet as a brussels carpet; but when not is a kind of liquid putty having the strongest kind of affinity for anything in the shape of shoe leather.  Our road ran parallel to the river and after leaving the forest was skirted on either side by large sugar plantations which had the appearance of being abandoned by the occupants about the time of our arrival here last winter, as last year's crop of grain was ungathered and rotting on the ground.  It appears singular to a northern man that there is no dwelling house of any kind along the highways in this country.  All of the buildings are situated a half or three-quarters of a mile back, and one can just see the tops of the chimneys of the sugar houses above the surrounding trees.  The only evidence of civilization visible in the shape of "entertainment for man or beast."

The hot sun, after we entered the clearings, soon began to tell upon the men who were unused to marching under such heavy burdens, and now and then some poor fellow would drop out, faint and wearied, by the wayside. Stopping behind to assist one of our men to get aboard one of the baggage wagons, I fell entirely to the rear of the whole division, our regiment passing ahead some two miles or more.  In endeavoring to overtake, I experienced for the first time the full bounties of a double quick movement and a knapsack drill combined.  Weary with the march and nearly exhausted with the heat, I sat for a moment to rest, and while doing so Gen. Auger and Staff halted in the road opposite of me.  Scattered firing towards the right directed the General's attention to that quarter where he espied soldiers pursuing and firing into a flock of sheep.  Calling an Orderly to him, and pointing in the direction of the sheep, the Gen. ordered him to take one of those fellows and bring to him adding in an under tone that he would make an example of one of them.  Off started the orderly and so did the general.  Half an hour afterwards I passed the General halted at the head of the 21 Brigade, and as I did so up rode his orderly with a half grown lamb strung across his saddle bows.  Saluting the General he remarked "General, I've got one of them, but he is rather a small one."  The General turned sharply around; his eye rested for a moment upon the sheep; his first glance was indignation; the next, one of merriment at the ludicrous mistake, and merely remarking "you are a d--- fool," rode on.  In the evening l, having business at headquarters, I observed the General and Staff had mutton for supper.

I overtook our regiment about noon.  Soon after we bivouacked in a beautiful wood bordering a plantation. A few of the men soon scattered over the plantation in pursuit of loot and so to the luckless sheep, hogs or chickens which showed themselves to our men.  They were speedily "gobbled up" regardless of Army General Orders to the contrary. A small squad of Company K's men with their rifles went out to secure some fresh meat for supper, and [unreadable] a guard had been detailed to seize all men found confiscating property on the plantation.  I, with a view to bring in our men and to visit a plantation in full working order, set out in pursuit of the men.  I first visited the cotton house, which contained about fifty bales of cotton, half ginned and half in the ball as picked. this would have brought quite a little fortune up north.  It being a superior article would bring $400 a bale, but here under the circumstances, if I had owned it, I would have traded the whole lot for a half dozen chickens or a dozen eggs.  I next visited the plantation house which I found to be an unimposing looking edifice, about a third class farm house in Chenango, the negro quarters in the rear being miserable, dilapidated shanties. A guard had been stationed around the premises to protect the sheep, cattle, hogs and chickens of the owner.  But notwithstanding the guard, the frequent squealing of pigs and squawking of hens indicated that the work of jayhawking was still going on. The owner was almost distracted at the sudden incoming of the Yankees, and the consequent out goings of his domestic animals.  He was gesticulating, raving and running about like a madman.  Now a gun fired in the vicinity of the pig yard and off he would start in that direction on a double quick. Then a hen or turkey would flutter in another direction and then right about to the rear on a run, all the time making loud professions of his neutrality.  I should have had more sympathy for him had I not learned from  a conversation with his negroes that they had but just returned from Port Hudson whither they had been sent by their master to work on fortifications.  His wife, a sleepy, sympathetic looking woman complained bitterly of the meanness this play by the Yankee soldiers and showed her neutrality by comparison between them and "our soldiers" as she termed the rebels, a party of whom left as our advance came in sight. They steadfastly refused to sell anything to us though offered four times its value in Government notes, and to tell the truth, before the army left the next morning, I'd not believe they had anything in the shape of eatables to sell.

I found our guard in the yard and was glad to learn that they had taken nothing, for in the army "orders are orders," and though we deem them wrong they must be obeyed. While talking with the planter's family an order came from Gen. Dudley to arrest every man found upon the premises and to being them before him forthwith.  So there being no alternative, we fell into line, a large company of us, and off we started.  I being the only professional man in the company considered myself retained to defend the whole squad, and as I had frequently observed that appearance went a great ways in condemning or acquitting one charged with an offense, my first efforts were to put the men in as good shape as possible to support the defenses I intended to set up .  A large portion of the men had their guns with them. These we managed to dispose of by the help of friendly outsiders.  Some of the men went after water and had a number of canteens full, and by substracting from those who had a surplus and adding to those who had none we were prepared to put in the plea, with a good, outside show of success.  "Went after Water," which, if we could establish, would entitle us to an honorable acquittal.  We arrived at headquarters, were mildly received by the General who kindly listened to our defense, and as none of the confiscated property was found in our possession we were dismissed with a recommendation to get our water nearer camp and the captain of the guard was ordered to be more diligent to guarding his post from surprise by the enemy, and to display less zeal in protecting a secesh hen roost.  We left with a high opinion of the judicial qualities of our General. We slept upon our arms that night with no other covering but our blankets, and being very tired slept soundly until about midnight, when we were awakened by the booming cannon which announced that the "Ball had opened" and the expected attack had commenced. At first we could distinguish a pause or short interval between the report of each gun when fired, but soon as all the batteries of the enemy opened fire and the whole fleet had been brought into action, these intervals were raised and one could hear but one long continuous roar, resembling deep and loud thunder. About two o'clock, the firing gradually ceased, save a few shots from a ship descending the river. We soon discovered that it was a ship on fire from the bright flame which lit up the heavens for some distance around.  Soon the bright flame leapt like lightning heavenward, earthward and all around us, followed instantaneously by a report so sharp, so loud, so unlike any thing I ever heard before that I can find no words adequate to afford you a description.  It was the explosion of the flag ship Mississippi with her tons of powder and thousands of shells. [unreadable].  After this, the firing entirely ceased.  We were drawn up in line of battle, ignorant of the fate of the attack made by the fleet.  Our commandant evidently expected an imminent attack from the rebels, as word was passed along the lines to allow no man to fall out to assist the wounded, but to leave them to the care of the ambulance corps, but we saw nothing of the rebels who remained behind their entrenchments and acted strictly on the defensive. 

About noon, we formed our lines rearward and marched to Baton Rouge, but with far less alacrity and a heavier step than when we passed over the same ground the day before.  We bivouacked at Bayou Monticello without shelter of any kind. During the night the rain poured down in torrents, wetting us all to the skin.  The men were dispirited and disheartened.  But the next day being addressed by Gen. Banks and assured by him that the expedition was all he designed' that Commodore Farrogut had passed the batteries at Port Hudson with the Hartford and Albatross, and cheered by a gill apiece of "H.I.legiral" as the men facetiously call "Old Bourbon," they received again and were as cheerful as ever.  We were conveniently encamped near a sugar mill which contained thousands of pounds of excellent sugar abandoned by its owner.  The men helped themselves liberally. We stayed there four days when we were ordered back here.  After receiving orders we packed up, formed in line and marched back to ----, a distance of five miles, in one hour and thirty minutes. This too under a burning midday sun.  A boat was waiting for us at the wharf to transport us to Point Coupes, a point nearly opposite Port Hudson.  We staid about half an hour in camp and then embarked.  What I did and saw there I will tell you in my next.

Thanks for the full files of Telegraph received.

Your, &c., H.E.W.