Soldier's Letter, Civil War, C.B. Dunning, 8th NY Cavalry, June 1864

 Chenango American, July 7, 1864

Letter from the 8th New York Cavalry

Camp near Prince George Court House, Va., June 20th, 1864

Eds, American:  I noticed a communication addressed to, and inserted in your paper, a few days since, speaking of the 8th N.Y. Cavalry. The statement therein contained that the regiment had been at Baltimore recruiting.  I wish to correct, as I am a member of company "C" of the 8th N.Y.C., and anxious to correct all such errors, whether they are made through mistake or intention.

We broke camp from near Culpepper May 4th at two o'clock A.M. and crossed the Rapidan river at daylight.  We found nothing but a few Rebel pickets on the south side of the river, who scampered off at our approach.  May 5th were occupied in looking after the enemy.  We had poor success, for we found none.  May 6th at six o'clock A.M., we were in the saddle, and on the road leading to Cragg's Church, near Mine Run at eight o'clock A.M.  We found the enemy in force.  They charged on us in the road, and we had hand to hand fighting for ten or fifteen minutes, but we were too strong for the rebels, and they retreated in haste back to their main force of Cavalry.  Our Brigade then dismounted and fought on foot. We drove the enemy two miles, and met the advance of Gen. Lee's army.  Then came our turn to retreat.  The Rebel Cavalry charged us six or seven different times, but were repulsed with heavy loss each time.  In one charge Samuel Lenox from the town of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], was killed.  At two o'clock, Gen. Gregg came up and relieved us, and drove the Rebel Cavalry back to their infantry again. We were on the left flank of Grant's army, and had some fighting every day, until the 9th of May when we started for Richmond. We had but little fighting the first day.  May 10th the Rebels attacked our rear guard several times, and we repulsed them with loss every time. We participated in the fight at Yellow Tavern May 11th where the Rebel Gen. Stuart was killed, and three pieces of artillery captured. The same night at eleven o'clock we started on toward Richmond and got inside of the first line of fortifications at four o'clock A.M. May 12th two and one-half miles from the Rebel capital.  We could see the gas lights in the city. We were all very tired and sleepy, and as soon as a line of battle was formed, we fell into a sound sleep, and began to dream of home and pleasant associations.  We did not enjoy this long for a column of Rebel infantry, that lay in waiting, poured a shower of lead into our ranks, and then the Rebels opened eight pieces of artillery on us, and threw grape and canister over our heads at a wonderful rate. There was some confusion in our ranks, but it did not last long. We saw that the Rebels must be held in check, or the 3d Division of Cavalry would be cut to pieces.  Our Brigade (2d) dismounted and drove the Rebels a short distance, then fell back and secured a strong position, which we held till three o'clock P.M.  At seven o'clock A.M. it was discovered that the Rebels were in force in our front and rear, and had us completely cut off.  At Meadow Bridge Gen. Custer charged the Rebels with his Michigan Brigade of seven shooters and made them seek safety by flight.  At four P.M., the road was clear of Rebels, and the whole corps fell back on the Mechanicsville Road and bivouacked for the night at Gaines' Mills. We saw no more of the Rebels while on the raid. They did not like our style.  We arrived at Haxalls' landing on the James river May 15th.  Here we drew rations, which were very gladly received, for we had scarcely any thing to eat for the last three days.  Left Haxalls' on the 17th, arrived at White House May 22d, and joined Grants' army again May 25th.  Rested one night, and then started again, and commenced destroying the rail roads north of Richmond, and at the same time guarded the rear of the army.

June 3d our Brigade (3d Indiana, 1st Vermont and 8th New York) attacked Hampton's Brigade of mounted infantry near Salem Church, and drove them from their breast works. We killed a number and took a few prisoners.  Here Col. Benjamin of the 8th N.Y., was wounded.  Left Salem Church June 5th, and scouted through the country between the Pamunkey and Chickahominy rivers until June 11th, but found not many of the enemy.  On the night of the 12th we crossed the Chickahominy, and skirmished all night on foot.  Attacked Wade Hampton's Brigade of mounted infantry on the 13th.  Our Brigade dismounted and charged the Rebels, drove them from their camps, killed a number of them, and got some prisoners.  I saw in one pile of dead Rebels two Captains, two Lieutenants and six privates, nearly all shot through the head.  but it soon came our turn to "Skaddadle."  Our Brigade was attacked by a Division of Gen. Hill's Corps. They charged us, and we poured volley after volley into their ranks, until they were within a rod of us and around on both flanks. We were compelled to retreat in haste, but soon got under cover of another wood, where we were supported by a regiment of infantry, and held the Rebels in check until dark, and then retreated in good order.

In this fight David Myers formerly from Greene, was wounded and left on the field.   Burgess from Smithville was mortally wounded early in the morning.  The 8th N.Y. lost about thirty men in this engagement. We went to Malvern Hill and attacked some Rebel Cavalry on the 15th, and tried to make them fight, but they would not.

We crossed the James River June 17th, and are now in camp near Prince George Court House, enjoying a short season of quietude, the first we have had since the 3d of May.  Last evening, we had regimental dress parade, and listened to an order issued by Gen. Meade, praising in high terms the gallant actions of our Cavalry Division.

Yours Truly, C.B. Dunning

______________________________________________

Adjutant's Report, 8th NY Cavalry:  Dunning, Charles B.; Age, 21 years; enlisted August 30, 1862, at Smithville; mustered in as private Co. C August 30, 1862 to serve three years; wounded in action near Brandy Station, Va., Aug. 4, 1863; Appointed corporal, November 2, 1864; mustered out, June 7, 1865, at Alexandria, Va.

Obituary - The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington, Feb. 11, 1923

Judge Charles B. Dunning, a resident of Spokane for 37 years, well known in business and in G.A.R. circles, died yesterday afternoon at his home, W1507 Fourth avenue, after being confined to the house for three months with heart trouble.  Judge Dunning was 84 years old last month.

A native of New York, he came west in 1880, to Walla Walla, but soon after settled on a homestead a few miles south of Rockford.  He moved his family to Spokane in 1886, where he has since resided.  He served two years as member of the city council and for four years as municipal judge.

Probably Judge Dunning was best known for his activities in the G.A.R.  He was a member of company C of the Eighth New York volunteer cavalry, with which he served from 1862 until mustered out, June 7, 1865.  During that time, he participated in several engagements and was once wounded, necessitating his remaining in a hospital for several months.

He served as commander of the department of Washington and Alaska of the G.A.R. in 1906,. and had been an active member of Sedgwick post for 35 years, and served one term as commander.  At the time of his death he was a member of the council of administration for the department.

For a number of years, he had been superintendent of Greenwood cemetery, in which enterprise he was financially interested with Senator George Turner and the late Colonel William Ridpath, his intimate friends for many years.  He had been quite successful financially and owned considerable city property, including apartments and residences.

Of late years he had traveled considerably and made a trip around the world in company with Colonel Ridpath, being gone from Spokane a year.  Since 1867 Judge Dunning had been a member of the Masonic fraternity and was affiliated with Spokane lodge no. 34.  He was a member of the Unitarian church, which he served as trustee for several years.

In addition to his wife, Mrs. Josephine Dunning, he is survived by three children, Dr. Joseph Dunning and Miss Marie Dunning of Spokane and Miss Amat Dunning of California.  

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, April, May & June 1837

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY

Marriages

At St. Augustine, on the 7th ult. by the Rev. David Brown, Lot Clark, Esq. formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] President of the Southern Life Insurance and Trust company of that city, to Miss Una Stokes, daughter of the Ref. James O. Stokes, of this state.  [Apr. 12, 1837]

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. by the Rev. L.A. Barrows, Mr. David Pellet of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Polly Janes of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY]

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. by the Rev. E. Bronson, Mr. Wm. Baldwin, Merchant, to Miss Katharine Humphrey, all of that town. [Apr. 19, 1837]

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Sessions, Mr. James Kershaw, Merchant, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Fanny Bement, of the former place. [Apr. 26, 1837]

On Sunday inst. by the Rev. J.S. Swan, Mr. William Ransford to Miss Laura Pellet, all of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY]

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by the Rev. L. S. Rexford, Roswell Judson, Esq. to Miss Lucy Maria Babcock, all of that village. [June 14, 1837]

In Butternuts, Otsego Co. [NY] on the 13th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Gregory, Mr. William Otis Lyon of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Zepporah Thomas of the former place.  [June 28, 1837

Deaths

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] on the 29th ult. Mrs. Hannah D. [Gardinar], wife of Mr. John H. Gardinar, aged 33 yrs. [May 10, 1837]

In Cincinnatus, Cortland County [NY], on Saturday evening, April 29, Mrs. Sally Reynolds, wife of Mr. John Reynolds, formerly of Norwich, Chenango County [NY] and daughter of Deacon Joshua Grosvenor, of Pomfret, Connecticut, aged 40 years.  In the death of this extraordinary woman, her husband and two sons have lost a kind and affectionate wife and mother, and an instructive guide and counsellor; the church and society of which she was an exemplary member, one of its brightest ornaments, and the cause of Christian benevolence and Christian charity a constant and zealous advocate and supporter.  In the most trying arenas of sickness and distress, to which from an impaired constitution she had long been a victim, her well balanced mind never swerved from its center, but true as the needle to the pole pointed to her Redeemer as the source of all her hopes and consolation.  Nor did it fail her in the last trying scene.  She died the death of the righteous [May 17, 1837]

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, January to March 1837

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY

Marriages

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by the Rev. N. Doolittle, Mr. Davenport Parker of this town to Miss Waity Sheldon, of the former place. [Jan. 18, 1837]

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday evening, Jan. 1st, by Elder J.S. Swan, Mr. Sanford Kingsbury of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Harriet Kinne, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]. [Jan. 18, 1837]

At North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], yesterday morning, by the Rev. Mr. Barrows, Mr. Salmon L. Hunt of Cleveland, Ohio, to Miss Helen Per Lee, daughter of Abraham Per Lee, Esq., of the former place. [Feb. 22, 1837]

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday evening, the 16th inst. by Elder Chamberlain, Mr. Thomas W. Hall to Miss Sarah Westcott. [Feb. 22, 1837]

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday evening last, Mr. L. D. Walsworth of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lovina Fairchild, of the former place. [Feb. 22, 1837]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Tuesday morning, Feb. 28, by the Rev. J.S. Swan, Samuel Hibard, Esq. of Bethel, Vt., to Miss Ann W. Prentiss, of this village. [Mar. 1, 1837]

On the 30th ult, by the Rev. D.A. Shepard, Mr. William Burlingame to Miss Adeline Burlingame, all of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY]. [Mar. 29, 1837]

In Macdonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13rh ult. by the Rev.  H. Dyer of Preston, Mr. Peter Dalton to Miss Lamantha [Kinght]; also, Mr. Charles Dodge to Miss Mandana [Knight], daughters of Mr. Samuel Knight. [Mar. 29, 1837]

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday morning ast, Samuel Pike, Esq., aged 52 years.  No man was more highly respected in this community than Mr. P.  His loss has created a void among us which cannot be filled.  Honest and upright in all his dealings as a man and a Christian.   Kind, charitable and humane, he had gained the universal good will and esteem of all who knew him.  No prouder monument of all who knew him, no prouder monument to his worth can be erected than that which was visible in the immense concourse of people who attended his funeral on Monday, to testify the respect which they entertained for his character, while living, and the loss they had sustained in his death.  [Feb. 1, 1837]

In Philadelphia, Penn. on the 14th January, Dr. Joseph Prentiss, Jr.,  aged 33 years; a brother of Mrs. A. Louisa Hammond.  [Feb. 1, 1837]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Saturday morning last, Clinton [Steere] youngest son of Mr. Smith Steere, aged 6 years. [Feb. 8, 1837]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], yesterday morning, Mr. Beriah Lewis, an officer in the Revolution, aged 887 years. [Mar. 29, 1837]

Vital Records, Norwich, NY. August to December 1836

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY

Marriages

At South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, October 2, by the Rev. Mr. Doolittle, Mr. Alanson Holmes to Miss Sally Euphrasia Rathbun, both of that place. [Oct. 5, 1836]

In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], on the 29th ult. by the Rev. J.S. Swan, Mr. William Jones to Miss Betsey C. Gregory, all of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] [Oct. 5, 1836]

On Tuesday evening, Nov. 1st, by the Rev. Mr. Sessions, Mr. John T. Holmes to Miss Clarissa H. Hale, all of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY]. [Nov. 9, 1836]

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Bronson, Mr. James R. Wait to Miss Susan morgan, all of that town. [Nov. 9. 1836]

At North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Elder A. Parker, Mr. James H. Smith to Miss Elnora Hest(?). [Dec. 7, 1836]

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] on the evening of the 7th instant, by the Rev. L.A. Barrows, Mr. Heman Lee to Miss Elizabeth Walling of that place. [Dec. 21, 1836]

Deaths

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. after a painful and severe illness, Mercy [Sheldon], wife of Luke Sheldon, aged 59 years. The deceased was a woman highly exemplary in all the various relations and duties of life and was respected and beloved by all who enjoyed her acquaintance.  In her death, her husband has been deprived of an affectionate wife, her children of a kind and loving parent, and society of a useful member.  She has left a wide circle of relations and friends to mourn her loss. [Aug. 3, 1836]

At South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d, Mrs. Lucy Smith, wife of Mr. Dexter Smith, in the 56th year of her age, leaving evidence to her friends that she was worthy to be counted among the happy number "who die in the Lord."  As a Christian her piety was exhibited in a principled regard for the divine requirements as they relate to the duty of man to his Maker and to his fellow men.;  As a bosom companion she was assiduously kind and faithful.  As a mother she was affectionate and provident. As a friend, sincere and constant.  In her death a large circle of family connexions pay no ordinary tribute to the destroying angel.  [Aug. 3, 1836]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday morning last, Mr. Samuel Griffing, aged 72 years.  [Aug. 24, 1836]

In Wilna, Jefferson County [NY], on the 16th inst., Thomas Brayton, Esq. father of the Rev. Mr. Brayton of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 68 years.  Mr. B. was an excellent man, a devoted Christian, and highly respected by all who knew him. [Sept. 28, 1836]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Thursday last, Loring Fenton aged 36 years. [Dec. 14, 1836]

At Elyria, Ohio, on the 8th inst. Frederick Byington, late of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 32 years.  Mr. B. had been in poor health for about a year.  He left this place with his wife and only child in October, with the view of spending the winter at Elyria.  He was a good citizen, and  industrious, liberal minded man, and his loss will be sensibly felt in this community.  [Dec. 28, 1836]

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Mrs. Annah Colwell, aged 96 years. [Dec. 28, 1836]

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, May, June & July 1836

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY

Marriages

In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. by the Rev. P.G. Bridgeman, Mr. Roswell R. Bush, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Lucyna Burlingame, of the former place. [May 4, 1836]

On the 28th ult., Mr. Wait Wells of Cincinnatus, Cortland County [NY] to Miss Polly Root, of Solon [Cortland Co., NY].

At New Lisbon, Otsego Co. [NY], on the 20th ult. by the Rev. R.M. Davis of Springfield, Mr. DeLauzon De Forest, of Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Eliza Pettesgill of the former place. [May 4, 1836]

In the Methoist Chapel in Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] on Sunday the 16th inst. by the Rev. L. Beach, Mr. Lorenzo Adams to Miss Cloe Dimmick, all of that place. [May 18, 1836]

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by the Rev. S. Mills,k Mr. Alfred Pabodie, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Prudence Deline Bosworth, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] [June 8, 1836]

In Richford, Tioga County [NY], on the 3d inst. by the Rev. Mr. morse, Mr. Nelson Norton, of that place, to Miss Silvy Stedman, of Berkshire [Tioga Co., NY] [July 13, 1836]

Deaths

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] on the 28th ult. Mr. Harry N. Fargo, aged 49 years.  Mr. F. was postmaster of Sherburne. [May 4, 1836]

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mrs. Anna Hopkins, consort of George Hopkins deceased, formerly of Plainfield, Conn. in the 86th year of her age.  Mrs. H. was mother to Frederick and Samuel Hopkins, Esqrs. of this town.  She was an amiable and an excellent woman. [May 11, 1836]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday morning last, after a short but distressing illness, Mrs. Betsey [Brooks], wife of Otis R. Brooks, aged 25 years.  [May 11, 1836]

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday evening the 8th inst. at the residence of her son, Dr. Milton Mason, Widow Abigail Mason, relict of Gen. James Mason, formerly of Lebanon, Connecticut, aged 74 years.  Mrs. Mason had long been a professed follower of the Lord Jesus.  The Bible was not only her consistent companion, but the subject of her daily study.  Her cheerful acquiescence to the will of her heavenly Father, the patience and resignation with which she bore the trials of a most distressing and protracted illness, afford abundant encouragement in her friends to trust that it is now well with her, and to feel that they do not mourn as those who have no hope, and that in her may apply the divine benediction  "Blessed are the dead who die in the lord, for they rest from their labors and their works do follow them."

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday last, Mrs. Frances [Pellet], wife of David Pellet, aged 38 years. [May 25, 1836]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. Mrs. Irena [Blivin], wife of john Blivin, aged 32 years (June 1, 1836]

Lyman Baldwin, son of Mr. Rufes Baldwin, Merchant, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], a very intelligent and promising young man, 18 years of age, was drowned in the river on Sunday morning.  We learn that he went into this river with two others, and in endeavoring to cross, not being a swimmer, got into deep water.  The body remained in the water about half an hour. [June 22, 1836]

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Mrs. Maria Harris, wife of John Harris, Esq., late of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], aged 38 years.  The circumstances which caused and attended the death above recorded, were peculiarly afflicting.  On the 4th of July, a son of Mr. Harris, aged 12 years, was drowned in the Unadilla River.  The enunciation of this event to the family, produced a shock to the mind of Mrs. Harris from which she never recovered. Search was immediately made for the body of the boy and continued during the afternoon and night, but it was not until the afternoon of the 5th that it was found.  Mrs. Harris became deranged.  Her mind was destroyed, and in ten days from the melancholy occurrence of the 4th, she was no more!  Thus perished a fine boy, and thus perished and excellent and amiable woman.  To the surviving members of the family these were cause of the severest trials and affliction. We have never known the sympathies of the public more general and deep seated than on these occasions. [July 20, 1836]

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, February, March & April 1836

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY

Marriages

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult. by the Rev. L.A. Barrows, Mr. Davis J. Davis to Miss Mary M. miller, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] []Feb. 3, 836]

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday evening last by the Rev. L.S. Rexford, Elijah Smith Lyman M.D. to Miss Mercy White, all of that place. [Feb. 3, 1836]

In Butternuts, Otsego County [NY], on the 18th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Loomis, Mr. David R. Arnold, merchant, of Vesper, Onondaga County [NY], son of Stephen Arnold, Esq., of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Maria L. Thomas, daughter of James Thompson, Esq. of the former place. [Feb. 24, 1836]

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. by Elder Beach, Mr. Nelson Benedict to Miss Lucretia Aldrich, all of that place. [Mar 2, 1836]

At the same place, on the 25th ult., by Elder Bowdish, Mr. Alson Adams to Miss Betsey Evans, all of that place. [Mar. 2, 1836]

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday evening last, by Elder J.S. Swan, Mr. Jonathan Green, of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lucy P. Breed,  of the former place. [Mar. 23, 1836]

At Mount Morris, Livingston County [NY] on Thursday, the 17th inst. by the Rev. C.H. Goodrich, Mr. Hugh Harding, Editor of the Mount Morris Spectator, to Miss Emily M. Percival, formerly of Smyrna in this county [Chenango Co., NY], all of Mt. Morris. [Mar. 30, 1836]

In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst. by the Rev. Luther H. Peck, Mr. Roswell K. Bourne, Principal of the Sylvan Springs High School, to Miss Rosina Maria [Carpenter], daughter of Nathan Carpenter, Esq. all of the same place. [Mar. 30, 1836]

In Ithaca [Tompkins Co., NY], on the 21st ult. by the Rev. Mr. Castle, Mr. Ansel Berry of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Hannah J. Gage, late of New Hampshire. [Apr. 6, 1836]

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday last, by the Rev. Mr. Dyer, Doct. Milton Mason to Miss Sophia Slade, all of that town. [Apr. 6,  1836]

In Addison, Steuben County [NY], on the 11th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Butts, Mr. William M. Fenton, of Pontiac, Michigan, to Miss Adelaide S. Birdsall, of the former place.  The parties to this union were formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] [Apr. 20, 1836]

Deaths

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. Mrs. Mary Toby, daughter of Stephen Arnold, Esq., aged 30 years. [Feb. 3, 1836]

In Lebanon, Madison Co. [NY], on hte 23d ult., Mrs. Semanthe Monger, aged 33 years, and daughter of Israel Farrell, deceased, late of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY]. [Feb. 17, 1836]

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. Mrs. Theresa M. Smith, wife of Mr. James H. Smith, aged 31 years.  Mrs. Smith had been a member of the Baptist church in this place during the last eight years of her life.  She was ever devoted to the cause of Christ mind stating at all times the deepest anxiety for lost men, and though her health for the last four years was much impaired by illness, yet her wasting strength was employed in doing good.  Her afflictions until the last were borne with a Christian patience, and during her last illness, which was very severe, she manifested much resignation to the will of her Heavenly Father, and in her expiring moments she bade her husband and friends Farewell with a smile--warning them all to prepare to follow her into the Eternal world.  In this afflictive providence, Mr. Smith is left with a little son about five years of age, in connexion with other near friends, to mourn the absence of one near by the ties of nature, the church a devoted member, and society a faithful and affectionate friend.  "Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord."  [Mar. 23, 1836]

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. Mr. Samuel Guernsey, bother of P.B. Guernsey, Esq., of this village, aged 59 years.  A correspondent of the Oxford Republican pays the following brief and just tribute to the memory of Mr. Guernsey:  "He had been an inhabitant of Oxford nearly 40 years and was one of our most respectable and worthy citizens.  A man of industry, he reaped its rewards by the happy abundance that surrounded him.  A man of integrity and honor he enjoyed the confidence of a large circle of acquaintance and friends.  A man of strict morality and virtue, he commanded and enjoyed the respect of all.  Above all, he was a Christian." [Apr. 20, 1836]

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. Abijah Lobdell, Esq., in the 47th year of his age. [Apr. 20, 1836]

Soldier's Letter, The Fall of Atlanta, Sept. 1864

 The Fall of Atlanta

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, Sept. 28, 1864

Headquarters, 3d Brigade, 2d Division, 20th Army Corps, Atlanta City, Geo., September 3d, 1864

Dear Father, You probably will hear before this reaches you that the army is in Atlanta, and give the same credit to the report as of previous rumors concerning the occupying the city by our troops.  Let me confirm this report by assuring you that I am writing this letter in the city, and in the very house that Gen. Hood occupied as his Headquarters on the night of the 1st inst., and left on the morning of the 2d.

I was among the first Yankees that entered the city.  It was at 11 A.M. yesterday, at the head of about 500 men from our Brigade that were sent out from the Chattahoochee River early in the morning to reconnoiter in our front.  We advanced cautiously until we came to the outer works of the enemy, finding nothing on the way except a few deserters that were straggling along to our lines.

The Mayor of the city came out and met us and surrendered the city to us, although there were two regiments of rebel cavalry that were inclined to dispute our entering.  Skirmishers were sent in and as they advanced the cavalry withdrew.  At 11 A.M. the detachment from 2d Brigade, under the command of Lieut. Col. Walker, 111th Penn. Vet. vols, marched through the streets with colors flying to the City Hall. Col. Walker had gone into the city just in rear of the skirmishers with the Mayor, and I being the only staff officer present, had the honor of leading the column through the city, and the shouts and cheers of the citizens that came pouring into the streets, bidding us welcome.  Never did I before see so many smiling countenances as I did while passing through Mareitta street to the Hall.  I halted the column in front of the Hall, stacked arms, and waited further orders.  In the meantime the color sergeants of the 60th N.Y. and 111th Penn. Vol. started on a double quick, gained an entrance to the Hall, flew up the stairs, and in less time than it takes to write this the Stars and Stripes were floating where but a short time before the Stars and Bars were fluttering in the summer breeze. As soon as they made their appearance three hearty cheers where given for the good old flag, and three more for the gallant Col. Wallker, commanding the expedition. Citizens gathered around, and began the shaking the hands and telling of the risks they had run by staying in the city while we were hovering around it. The troops were then moved into the city Square and remained there during the day and all night. Gen. Slocum made his appearance about 1 P.M., and immediately ordered the balance of the corps that could be spared from the river, up to occupy the fortifications in and around the city.  About 10 P.M. the rest of our Brigade came in and took up a position on White Hall street, about a mile and a half from city Hall.  I must say I was greatly surprised to see what strong works had been evacuated by the rebels, and the number of citizens left in town, most of them Northern people, and how glad they were to see us. After I had the troops all right in camp at the Hall, I started out to reconnoiter the city and see if I could find any faces I knew.  I enquired for Mrs. Fifer, she that was Miss Parks, and found her with very little trouble, living on Collins street.  She was much pleased at seeing one from the North, especially anyone acquainted with her father.  I gave her all the news I had heard from home.  She said she was going to start for the north as soon as she could get transportation, and wished me to remember her to her father and friends at Norwich when I next wrote.

Atlanta was once a splendid city, but is now considerably damaged by shot and shell from our batteries; in the north and west part of the city hardly a home escaped without one or more shots.

Quite a number of large guns were spiked and left in the forts.  Streets were literally covered with artillery and rifle ammunition, caissons left burning in the streets and small arms laying around loose.  A great many prisoners and deserters were taken and are being picked up all around the city today.  Almost every dooryard has a bomb proof in it, as the citizens call them.  They are dug into the ground some like a cave and covered over with 4 or 5 feet of dirt, and as soon as our batteries would being to fire they would go into them for protection.  Many deserters are found secreted in these bomb proofs, and have been hidden in them for two or three weeks.

I have enclosed to you three packages of rebel papers which I hope you will get.  They are all just as they were printed, half sheets, and printed on one side. "The Southern Confederacy" of Sept. 1st, was the last paper printed in Atlanta, and then skedaddled for Macon or some other place.  When you read them you can hand them to some of the editors at Norwich for samples, with my compliments, if you wish.  I have sent quite a variety and the latest dates obtainable. Enclosed I send you maps of Atlanta and marked with red ink position of brigade headquarters, and where Mrs. Fifer lives.  It is not a very plain map but very correct.  This is my first copying.  If I have the time I would like to put the position of our forces while besieging the city down, but I have not.  

Gen. Hood has suffered a great loss to his army and a defeat.  Gen. Sherman has again whipped him and scattered his forces terribly.  The particulars of the fight I have not heard.

A train of ammunition was destroyed by the enemy, just below here the night before we came into the city, to prevent its falling into our hands, also a quantity of sugar and other stores.

I am well and in good health, and feel confident of great success to our arms during this campaign which is near a close.  Give my love to all enquiring friends.

Your affectionate Son, Wm. A. Scofield, Lieut, and A.D.C.

Sept. 4th, Church bells are ringing, the first I have heard for over one year.  About 200 ambulances and wagons from the main army with wounded have just passed our quarters, and as many as 2,000 prisoners captured on the last of August by Sherman. A great deal of excitement prevails throughout the whole army over the success of the last fights and capture of Atlanta.  W.A.S.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, October 1835 to January 1836

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY

Marriages

In Butternuts, Otsego county [NY], on Tuesday morning, 13th instant, by the Rev. Mr. Warren, Mr. George Wells of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Frances Donaldson, of the former place. [Oct. 21, 1835]

In Solon, Cortland county [NY], on Wednesday last, by the Rev. Mr. Johnson, Mr. Thomas Rockwell, of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], to Miss Lucia Holbert, of the former place. [Oct. 21, 1835]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Monday morning last by Elder J.S. Swan, Mr. Elias Breed to Miss Susan Enos, daughter of Mr. Roswell Enox. of this town. [Oct. 28, 1835]

On Tuesday morning, Nov. 17, by the Rev. Elijah Whitney, Mr. Wm. A. Baldwin, Merchant, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lucia G. Williams of the same place. [Nov. 25, 1835]

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by the Rev. L.A. Barrows, Mr. Dibble, of Michigan, to Miss Mary Burbanks, of the former place. [Nov. 25, 1835]

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], o the 22d inst. by the Rev. S.E. mills, Mr. Elijah Sexton of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sophronia Gleason, of the former place. [Dec. 30, 1835]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. by the Rev. Mr. Roach, Mr. Royal Coney(?) to Miss -?- Nevins. [Jan. 6, 1836]

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by the Rev. I.S. Rexford, Mr. Sylvanus Tinker(?) to Miss Sarah Samantha Whitney(?), all of that place. [Jan. 6, 1836]

At the same time and place by the Rev. Henry Snyder, Mr. William Rockwell (?) to Mrs. Betsey Loyd, all of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY]. [Jan. 6, 1836]

In Poolsville, Madison County [NY] on the 31st ult by the Rev. Mr. -?-, Mr. Daniel A. Chapman, Merchant of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Joan Nash, of the former place. [Jan. 6, 1836]

In Christ's Church, Sherburne [Chenango Co.., NY], on Thursday morning last, by the Rev. L.A. Barrows, Mr. Erasmus D. Garland to Miss Martha C. Porter, all of that village. [Jan. 20, 1836]

In the Episcopal Church in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday last by the Rev. Mr. Wheeler, of Louisville, Samuel B. Garvin, Esq. to Miss Julia Maria [Mitchell], daughter of the Hon. Henry Mitchell. [Jan. 27, 1836]

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Sessions, Mr. James M. Davis to Miss Eliza A. Leach. [Jan. 27, 1836]

Deaths

At South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday last after a short but painful illness, Mrs. Patience Dexter, wife of Peleg Dexter, aged 43 years, 3 months and 25 days.   In the death of this amiable and pious woman, the husband has lost a valuable companion, her children a kind and tender mother, and the church a worthy member. We trust she died as she had lived for more than 18 years, an exemplary and devoted Christian.  In the spring of 1817, as she frequently expressed it, the Lord, for Christ's sake, pardoned her sins.  She soon after united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which she remained much respected and beloved until she was called to join the Church triumphant where congregations never break up nor Sabbaths ever end.  [Oct. 7, 1835]

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on hte 21st inst., of consumption, James Thompson, Esq. aged 61 years.  Mr. T. was one of the early settlers of this part of the county, and a highly respectable man.  He held the office of justice of the Peace for a great number of years, which station he filled to the day of his death.  [Nov. 25, 1835]

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., Gerrit H. Van Wagenen, aged 83 years.  Mr. V.W. "served as a lieutenant in the army which assaulted Quebec in Dec. 1775, when the gallant Montgomery fell.  He remained thro'out the revolution a staunch whig, ardently devoted to the cause of liberty and his country." As a private citizen he was beloved by all who knew him.  [Dec. 2, 1835]

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. Miss Catharine M. Thompson, aged 50 years, daughter of Joel Thompson, esq. [Dec. 2, 1835]

In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 1st inst. Mr. Thomas Kershaw, father of mr. James kershaw, Merchant, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 67 years. [Jan. 6, 1836]

In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. Mr. Joseph Phelps, aged 66 years. [Jan. 27, 1836]

In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mr. Horatio N. Griswold, aged 26 years. [Jan. 27, 1836]

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. Mr. Theron L. Benedict, aged 31 years. [Jan. 27, 1836]

In Macdonough, [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Deacon John Punderson, a Revolutionary Soldier, aged 89 years. [Jan. 27, 1836]

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, April to September 1835

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY

Marriages

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on hte 19th inst., by the Rev. L.A. Barrows, James Chapel, esq. of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Savia Stebbins, daughter of Gaius Stebbins, esq. of Lebanon [Madison Co., NY]. [Apr. 1, 1835]

At Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 21st. ult. by the Rev. John Smitner, Mr. Oliver T. Hammond, late member of the Hamilton institution, to Miss A. Louisa Prentiss, recent Teacher in the Charlestown Female Seminary, Mass. [Apr. 1, 1835]

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], yesterday morning, by the Rev. L.A. Barrows, Mr. Horace Baldwin, Merchant, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Penelope Allen, daughter of the late Samuel Dyer Allen, esq., of North Kingstown, Rhode Island. [Apr. 8, 1835]

At Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday evening, the 19th inst. by the Rev. L. Bush, Samuel McKoon esq. to Miss Adalia Perkins, daughter of Capt. James Perkins, all of that place. [Apr. 29, 1835]

At Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday evening, 21st inst., by Rev. N.H. Adams, Mr. Frederick Juliand to Miss Jane Cameron Ringer, all of that village. [Apr. 29, 1835]

On Tuesday evening the 2d inst. by Elder J. S. Swan, Mr. Daniel M. Randall, of the firm of Kershaw & Randall, to Miss Harriet Bissell, all of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY]. [June 10, 1835]

At New Hartford, Oneida Co. [NY] on the 24th ult. by the Rev. Norman H. Adams of Unadilla, Mr. Lewis Juliand of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Cornelia E. [Butler] daughter of Mr. Joseph Butler, of the former place [July 1, 1835]

At Salina, Onondaga Co. [NY] on the 11th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Wilkins. Mr. Hiram Briggs to Miss Jane Merrill, daughter of Thomas Merrill, esq. [Sept. 2, 1835]

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday last, Mr. James Lewis to Miss Lorinda Gleason, both of that town. [Sept. 2, 1835]

In Richland, Oswego Co. [NY] on the first inst., by the Rev. E.B. Fuller, Mr. Sidney T. Smith, Merchant, of the village of Pulaski [Oswego Co., NY], formerly of Sherburne, Chenango Co. [NY], to Miss Harriet Wood, daughter of Mr. John Wood of the former place. [Sept. 16, 1835]

Deaths

In Wellsborough, Tioga County, Pa., on the 21st ult. Mrs. Wilcox, wife of Gates Wilcox, esq. aged about 43 years.  Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox removed from Macdonough [Chenango Co., NY] about four years ago.  Mrs. W.'s illness was of several month's duration. [Apr. 1, 1835]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday, the 21st inst. after a short illness, Mrs. Jane Farr widow of the late Bela Farr, aged 53 years. [Apr. 29, 1835]

In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], on the 6th inst. after a protracted illness, Mr. James H. Preston, formerly of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged about 60 years. [Apr. 29, 1835]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Monday last, of consumption, Mrs. Rowena Mitchell, consort of the Hon. Henry Mitchell, aged 42 years.  Mrs. M. was a most estimable woman in every respect, and in all the relations of life.  To her family and connexions, her loss is irreparable, and by all who knew her, it will be deeply lamented. [June 10, 1835]

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. Mr. Allen Nicholson, aged about 40 years. [June 17, 1835]

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] on the 24th ult. Mr. Zara Brewer, aged 36 years.  [July 1, 1835]

In Guilford, Chenango County [NY], on the 27th ult., Capt. Elihu Murray, in the 82d year of his age, who retained his mind and faculties to his last moments, a Revolutionary soldier, who by his services contributed much to the achievement of our independence, and one of the oldest settlers of the Town of Guilford, who has left a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn their bereavement. [July 1, 1835]

In Cincinnatus, Cortland Co. [NY], July 2, Mrs. Elizabeth C. [Boyd] wife of John W. Boyd, aged 23 years.  Mrs. Boyd was amiable, kind, affectionate, and beloved by a large circle of friends.  She has left an aged and widowed mother, who leaned upon her to rock the cradle of declining years, and a youthful companion, with other friends.  Yet they do not mourn as those who have no hope.  She has left a sweet evidence behind that their loss is her gain.  She died in the triumphs of faith.  In early youth she had given her heart to God and enlisted under his banner.  Ten months before her death, she was united in the bands of matrimony and looked forward to a life of usefulness.  But alas! How deceitful are the hopes of earthly happiness!  Soon after her marriage, death visited the happy family and summoned two of her friends, and last he fixed his cruel grasp on her.  But she met him with a smile. The morning before her death she wished her friends, if they thought her going soon, to let her know it.  In the afternoon they told her she must soon be in eternity. She replied, "Well, God will be just. I am reconciled to his will.  My confidence is strong in Christ." She then conversed freely with her friends, exhorting them to be faithful in the cause of Christ, and they should soon meet in a better world.  She then closed her eyes, and in a few hours her spirit took its flight, we trust to the mansions of peace. [July 22, 1835]

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Monday morning, Mrs. Lorinda [Berry], wife of Ansel Berry, aged 33 years.  Mrs. B. was an amiable woman, and highly respected by all who knew her.   [July 29, 1835]

Of billious Fever, at Selma, Alabama, on the 3d of August, after an illness of three weeks, Mr. Daniel W. Garret, in the 25th year of his age, son of Daniel Garret, of Bainbridge, in this co. [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. G. left this county about a year ago for the south, for the purpose of embarking in business, with the enterprise of youth.  It needs no record of his virtues upon paper to retain them in the remembrance of all who ever had the pleasure of his acquaintance.  Having been reared among us, he had endeared himself to all. To amiability of deportment and a gentlemanly and retiring disposition, were added the qualities of the Christian.  To his bereaved parents his loss is irreparable, having been the strong hope of their declining years. They, however, have the consolation of knowing that he died calm and resigned, tho' far from his native hills. He was by "Strangers honored and by strangers mourned." [Sept. 2, 1835]

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY] on the 19th inst. after an illness of a few hours, Miss Lucretia Packer, youngest daughter of William Packer, esq., aged 26 years.  In the death of this young woman we have a striking instance of the uncertainty of human life.  Yesterday we saw her enjoying and enlivening the social circle of friends, in all the bloom and beauty of health.  Today, alas! we consign her mortal remains to the cold and silent grave!  Could youth, beauty, or intelligence, have averted the shafts of the Dread Destroyer, we should now be spared the melancholy reflection that Lucretia is no more.  But it is the fulfilment of destiny from which there is no exemption.  "Tis the way of all the world."  "Here would I dwell and heave the sigh, / Nor, haste to wipe the weeping eye / Tis Pity's tear, O, let it flow, / It sooths my heart, relieves my woe" {Sept. 23, 1835]