Soldier's Letter, Civil War, 114th NY Infantry, December 1864

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 18, 1865

Letter from the 114th New York Infantry

Headquarters, 114th N.Y.S.V., Camp Russell, Va., Dec. 30, 1864

Since the date of my last, a division of cavalry, under Gen. Custer, made a reconnaissance up the Shenandoah, a few miles above New Market to within some nine miles of Harrisonburg - the object ostensibly being to ascertain the strength of the enemy's infantry, if any, in the Valley, and to learn of his whereabouts.  The Baltimore American, of yesterday in reference thereto, contained the following, under date of December 22d:

"The Third Cavalry Division of General Custer returned early today from a reconnaissance up the Valley as far as Lacey's Spring, nine miles from Harrisonburg.  The division, which has been absent about five days, had a cold march, but met with no enemy until they reached Lacey Spring, where they encamped on Wednesday night. Before daybreak on Thursday morning, intending to take advantage of the union camp and catch them napping, Rosser's cavalry attempted to surprise them, and made a dash into the camp. The rebels were dressed in blue overcoats, and mixing with our own men, it was impossible for a time to distinguish friend from foe.  There was confusion worse confounded.  Had the enemy really found our men off their guard, the consequences would have been serious; but they were on the alert, and the rebels only penetrated into the edge of the camp. Their firing assisted our men to distinguish them."

The account further states that the enemy captured and were making off with some fifty prisoners.  These, however, were recaptured, except three men and a Lt. Colonel.  the enemy was driven back, leaving fifteen filled and many wounded behind.  Union loss between twenty-five and thirty killed and wounded, all of whom were brought off. The Richmond papers deemed this demonstration a diversion in favor of the Cavalry Generals Torbert and Powell, who some days before crossed the Blue Ridge, through Chester Gap, and whose objective point was Gordonsville or Charlottesville, a few miles beyond.  The first named place, at the junction of the Virginia Central and Alexandria and Orange Railroads - an important railroad center, seventy-four miles from Richmond - it is reported is in our possession. At Charlottesville, the railroads diverge, the Central running on to Stannton, and the Orange running to Lynchburg, eight-two miles from Gordonsville. The distance from Alexandria to Gordonsville, by the Orange Railroad, is ninety-two miles.

The raid doubtless settled the camp rumor for some time rife - no rebel infantry of any amount being found - that the 19th A.C., the 8th and 6th corps having already been withdrawn, was to fall back.

Last evening marching orders came.  At daybreak this morning, leaving their quarters, which much labor had rendered comfortable, the troops, most of them, were on the road to Stevenson's Depot, except the 114th, who remained in their earthworks in the arc of the circle, or crescent shaped lines, to protect the lumber and stores of the Brigade until they also could be removed.

This afternoon, the commanding officer, who, also, for the time being, is Commander-in-chief of the Valley above Winchester - our Regiment being the principal force left - with the field and staff, and a couple of Captains from the line, made a raid upon the ancient town of Newtown.  The splendid dash of the troupe, at full gallop through the town, took the inhabitants by surprise, and they were about to capitulate on easy terms.  Suddenly, by a strategic movement, they were flanked by the enemy, who appeared from behind breastworks of cotton, and after a resolute resistance, by the force of arms, were obliged to surrender.  The insurgents, proud and boastful of their superior tact and skill, won the day.  Later in the day, after the smoke of the contest had subsided, the Commander of the Department, having affected his escape, attended by a field officer and a single orderly, made a reconnaissance by moonlight, with what result, I am not yet cognizant.

It is a source of much discomfort to many of our gallant Yankee officers, that they did not know before that there were so many admirers of Southern chivalry, so many aiders and abettors of Southern Rights, in the little town of Newtown in the "Old Dominion."  They flatter themselves they could materially have aided union interests by inducing them, if not by saber and sword, by the persuasive and adhesive power of eloquence and good looks, to espouse the cause of the despised Puritan and Saxon, as between the pound Cavalier and Norman.  The work of "reorganization of society" has indeed begun!  some having already, with full purpose of heart, adopted the beautiful language of the pious Ruth in Scriptures: "I pray thee not to depart from me. Where thou goest I will go; where thou lodgest I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God."

Capt. Pellet and our new Chaplain, Rev. Mr. Robison(?), joined us a few days since. We think, although our acquaintance is short, that we shall like the Chaplain.  He does not appear to have that starch about him of some who hold the high office, and which renders one so unapproachable to the soldier, and unacceptable to common minds.  Having been so long without one, gladly we hail his coming.    H.