Vital Records, Norwich, NY - November 1841 & December 1861

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, November 3, 1841

Died:  At his residence in New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult. Mr. Nathaniel Foote, aged 45 years.  As a husband, friend and brother, he was faithful and kindly affectionate.  He was pious, and his piety was of that genuine kind which consists in love to God and all mankind.  His last lingering illness he bore without a murmur and when he died it was with a humble yet confident hope of pure and endless happiness.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, November 10, 1841

Died:  At the residence of his father in Willet, Cortland county [NY], on the 1st inst., Mr. Thomas Brooks, 2d, Student at Law, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] aged about 19 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, November 17, 1841

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Denison, Mr. Orlando Harrington, to Miss Hannah Brown, all of that town.

Died:  in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday morning the 11th inst. Mary [Rexford], wife of Rev. Lyman S. Rexford.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, November 24, 1841

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Mrs. Bridget [Wells], wife of Mr. Ephraim Wells, aged 72 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 4, 1861

Died:  SENEARO:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult. Alice G. Senearo, aged 4 years, 6 months and 12 days.

Died:  VAN HORN:  In Otsego [Otsego Co., NY], on the 31st ult. Mrs. Henrietta [Van Horn], wife of Cornelius Van Horn, aged 32? years.  As a wife and mother, the deceased was an exemplar, always gentle, winsome and cheerful minded, her household influence was blessed.  She possessed in an eminent degree those tasteful, attractive and considerate womanly qualities and characteristics which make -?- happy.  In all the neighborly and social relations she was the type of the true woman, and made works of charity and benevolence that was the pattern for the generous hearted and liberal minded.  Her funeral was largely attended and her remains deposited in Lake Wood cemetery.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 25, 1861

Died:  BEADSLEY:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th ult. at the residence of his son, H.S. Beardsley, Paul F. Beardsley, aged 91 years 10 months and 14 days.

Vital Records, Greene, NY - December 1861

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 5, 1861

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult. by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. R.B. Green, to Miss Alexiewna Reynolds, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  Also at the same time and place, by the same, Mr. Wm. Carnalia to Miss Lovina Burlingame, both of Norwich [Chenango C., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. Ellen May [Westcott], only daughter of Dr. J.J. and M.M. Westcott, aged 10 months and 11 days.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 12, 1861

Married:  In Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. Wm. M. DeLong, Mr. Samuel Steere, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Miranda Risedorph, of Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. of consumption, Mrs. Manetta Waite, wife of the late Ezra J. Waite, aged 2 years and 6 months.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 26, 1861

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. by Rev. J.L. Jones, Mr. Russell Cheney, to Miss Amelia Ann Pratt, all of New Berlin.

Married:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. Jarvis Close, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Eliza Jane Reynolds, of Lebanon [Madison Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Mr. Gideon Wetmore, Sen. in the 82d year of his age.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst. David E. [Bedford], youngest son of David and Clara Bedford, in the 7th year of his age.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. Elcy [Justus], daughter of George Justus, aged 11 years.

Died:  In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Robert O. Edwards, Esq., aged 76 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil WAr - 17th NY Regiment - August 1861

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 5, 1861

Headquarters 17th Regiment, N.Y.V., Camp Jane, Near Ft. Ellsworth, Alexandria, VA. Aug. 27, 1861

Friend Frank:  I received the Chenango American a few days ago, and your kind invitation for me to write you.

As the regiment to which our company is attached, has as yet been engaged in no fight, correspondence from me will not be as interesting as from those who can describe the excitement and horrors of battle, and yet as our company is from your county, and quite a number of its members from your section of the county, an occasional note of our affairs may not be wholly uninteresting to many of your readers.

You cannot tell how rejoiced I am at the tenor of the articles in your paper.  From the commencement of the issue in 1855, I have been its constant reader, and until the past Presidential campaign, it has been my "style" politically; and even last fall, I could but admire its candor and National course, although of different political preferences.  But political days have passed.  Now it is the duty of all good citizens to rise above the partizan, and lose sight of all else save the struggle in which we are now engaged, to enforce the laws, maintain the constitution, and preserve the Union.

From the attack on Sumter, you have not ceased to declare this a causeless rebellion, and one without a parallel in history.  While other journals have been abetting the cause of the rebels by opposition to the Government, and cries of "peace" and "compromise", you have declared that the sword wielded by strong arms, and bullets sighted by unerring yes, the only set element, till that monster, Secession, shall have buried its hydra head.

"Compromise!"  That word which six months ago was to me the synonym of returning happiness to our country, is now the bitter drug which can be coupled only with treason, submission and recognition.  The cries of "peace" heralded by the tory journals of the north, is but a delusion, and will, if followed, (which God forbid) be the ignis butuus, leading all who follow into the swamps and quicksands of disunion!  They cry peace - peace - when there is no peace. The blood of patriots endeavoring to defend the fray, has been shed by patricidal hands, and now those who should buckle on the armor and swear an unceasing war until the shades of those dead ones are satisfied, sneak behind the delusive phantom of peace, to aid the rebels in this unholy rebellion. There were tories in '76; there are tories in '61 - and however much they may attempt to disguise the truth - the cloven foot will discover itself.  I hear from my friends in Norwich that there are a few tories (I cannot call them traitors, for they never were loyal) who proclaim their hostility to the Government and the war.  'Twas useless to write their names, for I could have guessed who they were.  They are men who have nothing involved, and nothing to lose.  They had neither honor nor character at stake, and, thank God, their influence is no more than their principle, and it really matters little which side they espouse.  Mob law I am opposed to, and yet if the civil law will not reach their cases, I would declare martial law in Norwich, and ornament the trees with these rare specimens.  If the people of that peaceful town cannot attend to their cases they had better turn them over to us, and although the various regiments around us are cutting down the woods and groves, yet they leave now and then a tree on which such "jewels" might be suspended. By all means send them here.

Eight companies of our Regiment are encamped just outside of Fort Ellsworth, and two companies are within it.  It is under the control of the 17th.  I, of course, cannot describe this Fort to you, as all descriptions and diagrams of any word of this kind are strictly forbidden.  Perhaps at some future time when such a description can in no way possibly do injury, I may give you  a description of it.

The Chenango Company is doing well, and I think in every way equal (except in numbers) to any other company in the regiment.

Captain Tyrrell and Sergeant Clancy have gone to Chenango to recruit. Any from your section who may wish to aid in the cause of sustaining the Government have now an opportunity, and I can assure them that this company is attached to as good a regiment as has left New York.  You have probably seen the opinions of the New York press regarding the 17th. The Field officers are men of military education, and have an eye to the welfare of their command.  I should much like to see a number of Greene boys, on the return of our recruiting officers.  Pay to commence at the date of enlistment, and uniform furnished as soon as they arrive.  Please do what you can for us.

Having nothing of interest to communicate, I have spun this yarn to a good length.  I shall not write to trouble you again till I have something of importance to communicate, like a battle and half the company killed, for instance.  But rest assured when anything of real interest does occur you shall not be the last to learn it.

Yours for the War,  E.P.P.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - November 1861

 Oxford Times, November 20, 1861

Letter from Smith R. Wheeler & James F. Parsons, 2d Reg. of Illinois Cavalry

Mr. Editor:  At a time when so much is said and written upon the subject of the war for the Union and the protection of our liberties, and when so many letters are published coming from the war, I think we ought to find room for one letter from the soldier boys, and I will offer this one, real boys' letter, received a few days ago.

Cairo, Ill., Nov. 1st, 1861

Mr. E.A. Bundy, and other friends in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]: After leaving Oxford for the West a year or two ago, we traveled a great ways over the country, and when the war come on, we enlisted into the army, with a great many more in Illinois, and so here we are, hard at work for uncle Sam, in good health, and anxious to be doing something for the Union.  We belong to the Cavalry, and besides carrying swords, we carry "hollow irons," as Cadish used to call them, and if we could get a chance could kill a secessionist a great ways with them as much deader than a smoked herring, as that is deader than a live weasel as you used to tell about. We have to drill a great deal, and go on picket guard, rain or shine, and have been scouting once down in Missouri. We did not come across any "cheap made" secessionists there, but if we had we shouldn't made the many better than they were before, as Cadish did the cheap made Dutchman up in Oxford, when he cut him half-in-two with Dr. Sands and Dr. Wagner to help him.  It is a queer country down in Missouri. We have not got our pay yet, and so did not have the "spondulix" as Nicholas Sharp, used to call it, to pay for some things our company brought back to camp with them. They did not steal the things, but if anybody happens to touch any such thing as chickens, roast pigs, butter, &c., they all stick to their fingers, so it is impossible to get them off till they get back to camp again.  Don't you think it is a strange country there?

It is going to take a great many men to conquer the South and make them behave again, and won't more of the men from the North come down and help, for it must be done. If you would come down yourself "in your own shoes," we think there would not be many dry eyes when you get here. We have good times so far, and like camp life well, but should like some of that good milk punch we used to have when we worked for you in haying time, and should like to see your neighbors, Bradford and Captain Gifford, and all the rest.  Please remember us to all our friends.

Smith R Wheeler, James F. Parsons, 2d Rev. of Illinois Cavalry

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - December 1861

 Oxford Times, December 4, 1861

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ult., by Rev. Mr. Fisher, Mr. Augustus W Slater of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss L. Jennie Rogers of Preston.

Married:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d ult. by Rev. J.W. Barr, Mr. Prentice Lamb of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Roby Thompson of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Vernet E. [Steere], daughter of Cyrus E. and Emily E. Steere, aged 18 months.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ult., John W. [Hills], oldest son of James B. and Maria Hills, aged 10 years.

Died:  In New York, on the 25th ult. of diptheria, Frederick Austin [Hayes], aged 5 years and 11 months, oldest child of Clark I. and Minerva H. Hayes, of Unadilla, N.Y. [Otsego Co.].

"Oh it was the lamp of our life, / Blown out in a night of gloom, / A leaf from our flower of love / Nipped in its first spring bloom, / But the lamp will shine above / And the leaf again shall grow, / Where there are no bitter winds / And no dreary, dreary snow."

Mr. Asa Fry, one of the oldest and most worthy citizens of Morrisville, Madison county [NY], was killed on Wednesday morning in the following manner:  While on his way to his wood lot, and just after passing the residence of Mr. B.F. Cloyes, about a mile north of the village, he came upon Mr. Cloyes' hired man, leading a Hereford bull and driving a cow, which C. had sold to Mr. Stephen Hill, of Fenner. The cow, just then, broke away into a lot, and Mr. Fay, either at the request of the hired man or voluntarily, left the team and undertook to hold the bull while the man drove the cow back into the road, when the bull turned furiously upon Mr F. goring him shockingly and killing him before any one could reach the spot.  Mr. Fry had reached his seventy-fifth year, was an honest, quiet man, and a kind neighbor.

Oxford Times, December 11, 1861

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 3d, Mr. Philo Scott, aged 71 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on 22d ult. Mary [Conant], daughter of Rufus and Sarah Conant, aged 4 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mr. Hiram Tyler, aged 23 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult. Mr. Jefferson Adams, aged 54 years.

Oxford Times, December 18, 1861

Married:  At the residence of Henry R. Mygatt, Esq., in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. Pardon Smith to Miss Caroline Adams.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by B.F. Lownsberry, Esq., Mr. Hezekiah Wheeler to Miss Louisa Victoria Adkins, all of Oxford.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., of injuries received from falling from a Canal Boat, Edmon T. Lawton, of Greene, aged 22 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mr. Charles E. Barnes, aged 27 years.

Oxford Times, December 25, 1861

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. James D. Webster, Mr. James K. Webster to Mrs. Cecelia Bump, all of Greene.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th ult., of ditheria, Arthur Delos [Foote], eldest son of Thomas B. and Henrietta M. Foote, aged 4 years and 6 months.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. Mason U. [Gale], son of Mason S and Celia N. Gale, aged 16 months.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - August 1861

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 28, 1861

Headquarters 17th Regiment N.Y.V., Camp Jane (near Fort Ellsworth, Alexandria VA) Aug. -?-, 1861

Friend G.C.R.:  This morning's mail brought your paper of date 14th August, and as usual, it was very acceptable.  I wish you could see how eager the men of Co. H. are to see the Norwich papers.  As soon as it is known among them that they have arrived, all are after them.  After reading them ourselves we lend them from one to another, and I should judge the news was very nearly all read out of them by the time they are returned to us.

For the past few days the weather has been delightful.  We now appreciate all we have heard about the loveliness of the South.  The God of nature has blessed Virginia with all the beauties which can be bestowed on any land!  When I look over the fair fields and verdant hills, studded with pleasant groves, it makes me sad to think how designing demagogues have transformed all this beauty into ugliness, all this prosperity into desolation. As far as the eye can reach, all seems to be the picture of departed loveliness.  From yonder hill rises a stately mansion, with all the surroundings which good taste could desire or ingenuity for happiness sake invent.  The woodbine, as in other days, creeps o'er the lattice, and the trees as usual have put forth their foliage.  Nature still continues her functions, though in this land where rebellion puts forth its hydra head and festering treason pollutes the air, it seems as if she would frown on every effort to transform this Eden, as it might have been, to the theatre of civil strife.  I approached this elegant residence.  It was tenantless.  Before the gathering clouds of secession and war, the residents of that once pleasant home fled away, leaving all to the charge of the soldiery.  Camps are located in groves and lawns, and headquarters of regiments are in deserted houses.  Poor Virginia!  The hand of misery lies heavy on her. That once star of the nation, that noble and patriotic member of the young Republic, is now in disgrace. The mother of the Presidents and the Revolution's pride has bowed before the Moloch, and must await her punishment.  Intriguing wretches have achieved their ends, and Virginia must suffer.

Fruits are now ripening, and watermelons, peaches, and pears abound in great quantities.

The "activity to the War Department," so much spoken of in the dailies for the past two weeks, but not seen by us till now, has become apparent.  Within the last four or five days a dozen or more Regiments have settled around us.  One of them, is the 14th (McQuade's), which we didn't join.  Things now look more like a speedy advance.  I think it is time, for the rebels are throwing up heavy fortifications at Fairfax.  It seems a pity to let them work so quietly, when we might dislodge them, and better now than to await the placing of their strong batteries. but I suppose the Government knows its business, and I, of course, am not paid to think of this.

A body of regulars (marines) are throwing up a work at the right of Fort Ellsworth, perhaps thirty rods therefrom. The contrast between their motions and those of the volunteers is very strong, and shows that much and steady drilling alone can make perfect soldiers.  They are mounting columbiads of large size.  I think they are 96's.  Of our regiment, our company can execute battalion, or company movements as well as any other.  Companies are drilling now mostly in the manual of arms.

Some regiments, either cowards or cravens, are trying to "go home," without having rendered any service to the government.  The 79th (Highlanders) which fought with credit at Bull Run, made such an effort.  Also the 5th Maine. The result has been that McClellan has brought to bear on them companies of regular artillery, and forced them to lay down their arms. The ring leaders have been delivered over, placed in prison, and will be tried for their lives. Those following, have been sent to the Dry Tortugas Islands in the gulf of Mexico to do all the dirty work in the forts.  An order this day received says that sixty-two non-commissioned officers and privates of the 5th Maine have already been sent.  I like this firmness on the part of Gen. McClellan.  It has inspired a confidence already felt in this region among the military.  Regiments continue to arrive. Six have arrived since I commenced this letter.  I think this means something.

A member of Co. K died yesterday  His body was sent to his home in Wyoming Co. attended by a corporal and a private.

Col. Lansing injured his leg day before yesterday by a fall from his horse.  He is, however, improving.

Capt. T. is here, but has not yet reported for duty.

Nothing more of importance, and perhaps what I have written is not worth the paper I have used.  Take it for what it is worth.

Yours Truly, E.P.P.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY - October 1841 & November 1861

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 6, 1841

Married:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Monday, the 27th ult., by the Rev. J.T. Goodrich, Mr. Brown Tiffany, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Lovinia Leach, of the former place.

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by the Rev. L. Howard, Mr. Lewis Bryant, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary Terry, of the former place.

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY\, on the 30th ult., by the Rev. Mr. Chamberlin, Mr. Wm. Johnson, to Miss Mary Ann Randall.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 13, 1841

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by Eld. Chamberlin, Mr. Lemuel Sawtell, of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Amy Philips, of the former place.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Abel, Mr. Nelson E. Murdock, to Miss Emeline Cushman, all of that town.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Mrs. Mary E. Dodge, wife of Mr. John Dodge, and only daughter of the Hon. Charles York, aged 21 years and about 10 months.  The deceased very early in life believed the Gospel, and turned to the Lord.  She united with the Baptist church in Norwich and has ever since sustained an excellent character respected and beloved by all her acquaintances.  A general sympathy is felt with her bereaved husband and her father's family in their early loss.  But, though cut down in the bloom of youth and in the midst of prospects the most flattering, her affectionate and afflicted husband and friends have great relief and comfort in the manner of her departure.  "The peace of God which passeth all understanding kept heart and mind through Christ Jesus."  Taking an affectionate leave of the whole family individually, she manifested clear views of the heavenly glory, an unshaken hope, perfect peace, joy unspeakable and full of glory, and sweetly fell asleep in Jesus.  "If we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus, God will bring with him" Thess 4, 14

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. Mr. Seth P. Hart, aged 46 years.

Died:  In New York, on Sunday morning last, Samuel H. [Barnes], only child of Mr. Samuel H. Barnes, aged one year and four months.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 20, 1841

Married:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Backus, Mr. Otheniel Arnold of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah Roberts, of Pittsfield, Otsego County [NY].

Married:  In Litchfield, Bradford county, Pa., on the 27th ult. by the Rev. J. Towner, Mr Alfred Hicks of Rome [Oneida Co., NY], to Miss Mary P. Baldwin, of the former place.

Died:  At Little Valley, Cattaraugus county [NY] on the 3d inst. Samuel Kelsey, Esq. aged 66 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, November 3, 1861

Died:  At his residence, in New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult. Mr. Nathaniel Foote, aged 45 years.  As a husband, friend and brother, he was faithful and kindly affectionate.  He was pious, and his piety was of that generous kind which connects in love to God and all mankind.  His last lingering illness he bore without a murmur and when he died it was with a humble yet confident hope of pure and endless happiness.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, November 10, 1861

Died:  At the residence of his Father in Willet, Cortland county [NY], on the 1st inst. Mr. Thomas Brooks 2d, student at law of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged about 19 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, November 17, 1861

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Denison, Mr. Orlando Harrington, to Miss Hannah Brown, all of that town.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday morning, the 11th inst. Mary [Rexford], wife of Rev. Lyman S. Rexford.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, November 24, 1861

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Mrs. Bridget [Wells], wife of Mr. Ephraim Wells, aged 72 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - July 1861 - First Battle of Bull Run

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 8, 1861

Letter from Franklin Spencer - 27th NY Infantry

Washington, July 23, 1861

Dear Father, It is with a feeling of the depest sadness that I seat myself to write these few lines to you.  Sunday last is a day that will long be remembered by me and thousands of others.  It was this day we had the fight at Bull Run. This place is in the hands of the rebels.  We were marched to the battle field about 10 o'clock in the morning and the battle lasted until 4 in the afternoon.  We were to have 60,000 men and had only 18,000.  the rebels had -?- men.  We fought till the order to retreat was given, then we retreated and left the field, much to our regret, to the rebels.  In the first place we were in a order to fight.  Most of our troops were tired complete out.  Some of them marched 29 miles before we got there.  Our regiment marched from 2 o'clock the night before till 10 the next day, and the last 2 miles we run.  We were very tired, but not scared.  Sufice it to say we were whipped, or drove back.

I will try to give you a list of the names of the wounded and dead in our company, for that is as far as I can go.  I fear Bud Spencer is among the lost.  William Henry Parker, is dead. Sam'l Estabrooks is dead.

The ensign of our company, his name was Parks, was shot through the heart by a minnie ball.  One Mccawley was hit by a cannon ball in the foot.  Probably he bled to death.  Our Colonel was badly wounded in the thigh.  It was broken twice.  They think he will recover.  I hope he will, for he is as fine a man as ever lived in the world.  One Charles Fairchild killed.  Nelson came very near being killed by a grape shot.  It jsut missed his arm and that is all.  All of the wounded that were left on the field the rebels come out and killed, running their bayonets through them.  Napoleon ...ott had the seat of his breeches shot off.  He turned around to load, and a cannon ball took off his breeches as clean across the right hip as it could be done with the shears.  Out of 94 men in our company, only 35 are gone.  Some companies can't count 40 men. We are those alive in Camp Anderson. After the fight they followed us most to Washington.  Just think of marching 40 miles in about 18 hours, and being chased by some four times our number. What are alive are in Washington.  I got hit in my thigh by a spent ball, not to hurt me very much, but it is very lame.

Yours, &c, Franklin Spencer

Vital Records, Greene, NY - November 1861

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 7, 1861

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by D. Fisk, Esq., Mr. Frederick H. Dobson, to Miss Martha M. Brown, all of Oxford.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 14, 1861

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. W. S. Adamson, Mr. Leroy Porter to Miss Eliza Jane Hubbard, of this village.

Married:  At Preston Corners [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Rev. A.C. Smith, Mr. J. M. Fairbanks of DeRuyter [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Lydia Glazier, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. by Jacob Birdlebough, Esq., Mr. John Crosby, aged 62 years, of German to Miss Becky Murphy, aged 74 years of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. of Diptheria, Miss Mary A. Dutton, aged 17 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 21, 1861

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Norton S. Hull, to Miss Mary A. Tanner, both of Norwich.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. by P.L. Wescott, Esq., Mr. Chas. J. Hart to Mrs. Malinda Sparks, both of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 28, 1861

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. Thomas Fisher, Mr. Augustus W. Slater, of Mcdonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss L. Jennie Rogers of Preston.

Married:  In South Edmeston, Otsego Co. [NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Thoma H. Van Nest, of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Maggie A. Moore of Johnstown, Herkimer co. [NY].

Married:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rev. J.W. Barr, Mr. Prentice Lamb, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Roby Thompson of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. G.N. Boardman, Mr. Joseph N. Page, to Miss Mary A. VanName, all of Binghamton.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th inst., Alice G. Beneare?, aged 4 years 6 months and 12 days.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. John W. [Hills], eldest son of James B. and maria hills, aged 10? years and 10 months.  Lord, what is life, 'tis like a flower / That blossoms and is gone; / We see it flourish for an hour / With all its beauty on, / But death comes like a wintry day / And takes the pretty flower away.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - July 1861 - First Battle of Bull Run

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 8, 1861

Letter from Frederick Fowler - 27th NY Infantry

Washington, July 23, 1861

Dear Brother:  Last Sunday was a day which I shall long remember, as will many others.  We were marched to the place called Bull Run, where we fired into them and they at us as hard as they could, but they had such an advantage that they cut our troops all to pieces, and we retreated, they firing into us. We got back to a hill and laid down, and then we got up and went at them again. They were too much for us, for they drove us off the ground.  Out of the regiment that I am in there are 300 and over killed. The colonel was shot but not killed.  All the boys that went from Coventry have got back, but I don't think there are any of them but what got hit somewheres.  Pole Elliott got his pant most all shot off of him, and others were hit, but not bad enough to lay them up. I think the next battle will be at Arlington Heights, but it is hard telling.

They have got more men than anyone tho't of, and they have got to be taken in a different shape. I don't think our company will see any more action very soon, as it is badly cut up.  I think it will be kept as a guard in camp.

It was the hardest fight ever fought in this country.  No one knows how many were killed on either side, but I hope there is as many of them as of ours, for after the Doctors had dressed the wounds of our men and taken them to the hospitals they came up and kill them all.  That is enough to show what the devils will do.

Truly yours, Frederick Fowler

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - November 1861

 Oxford Times, November 6, 1861

A Horrible Confession:  It may be recollected by many of our readers, that about four years ago we published the awful account of the burning of the house of the Perkins family, at Millburn, at night, when all the family, including father and mother, grandmother and eight children, eleven in all, perished in the flames.  A Scotchman by the name of Walter Mitchell, who lived in the neighborhood at the time, and who had a dispute with Perkins as to the property, was suspected of the murder, but no proof could be found against him.  He left soon after for the West. Before the burning of the house he warned Perkins off the premises, and threatened if he did not leave, to burn the house over his head.  This Mitchell recently died in Illinois and on his death bed, confessed that he committed the horrible crime!  He stated that he threw into the house a bottle of liquid, which set fire to it, and stupefied the inmates.  That Mr. Perkins aroused himself and came to the door, when he knocked him back again, killing him.  This is a most revolting story, disclosing a depravity which was too horrible to die with the murderer.  If there be in the infernal regions one place deeper and hotter than another, this eleven fold murderer will find it!  Bing. Rep.

Oxford Times, November 13, 1861

Married:  In Willet, Cortland County [NY], on 21st ult. by Calvin J. Bliss, Esq., Mr. Charles B. Aldrich of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary J. Snow of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., Mary E. [Cowan], daughter of Benj. F. Cowan, aged 5 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. Maria R. [Moore], wife of Thomas L. Moore, aged 30 years.

Died:  In Churchville, Monroe Co., N.Y., on the 4th Inst. Ellsworth [Balcom], son of George and Florinda Balcom, of consumption of the bowels, aged 5 months and 8 days.  Thus God has given us a lesser light in the window of Heaven, to beckon us to steer right straight for him, also a tie that binds.

Death of Mr. Slocum:  A telegram announces the death of Smith E. Slocum, late of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], at the Camp Hospital, at or near Washington, on Sunday last.  Mr. Slocum was a musician in the Anderson Zouave Regimental Band.  He had been laboring under pulmonary difficulties for some time and he went into the army in the hope that a milder climate and a congenial employment would restore his health.  But his case was past cure and he has gone thus early to his grave.  He was a man of fine musical talent and of social, generous qualities, and he leaves many friends to sorrow for his loss.  His age was about 25 years.  Chenango Telegraph

Oxford Times, November 20, 1861

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Arden J. Webb of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Frankie A. Puffer of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mr. Leonard Daniels, aged 57 years.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Hannah [McCulpin], wife of Thomas McCulpin, deceased, aged 83 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mr. joseph Chapel, in the 65th year of his age.

Oxford Times, November 27, 1861

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by Rev. H. Garlic, Mr. Edwin C. Clarke of Westerly, R.I., to Miss Anvernette A. Holmes of the former place.

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. Wm. M. :Phelps to Miss Mary Taylor, all of South New Berlin.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. S.L. Rorapaugh, Mr. Delos E. Landers of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Arvilla Rorapaugh of Smithville.

Married:  In New Haven, Ct., on 13th inst., by Rev. Dr. Phelps, Mr. Almon Galpin of Washington, to Miss Hattiette N. Hall of the former place.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] on the 15th inst., Delos Foot, son of Benj. Foot, aged 4 years and 6 months.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst, Mary E. Schrom, wife of Col H. Schrom, and widow of the late Geo. m Smith, aged 47 years.

Died: In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., Jane Eliza [Foot], youngest daughter of Robert E. and Susan R. Foot, aged 8 years and 10 months.

Behold a sweet and lovely child, / Who once so fair, serene and mild, / Had bid the world adieu, / No more she feels the pangs of death, / Or heaves an agonizing breath, / No tears her cheeks bedew, / Here's warning from the tomb, / And counsel form the sky; / Repent of sin believe on Christ, / Thus saith the Lord on High.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - July 1861, First Battle of Bull Run

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 8, 1861

Letter from Charles  N. Elliott, 27th NY Infantry

Camp Anderson, Washington, July 27, 1861

Dear Friend James, Yours of the 24th was duly received and perused with pleasure.  You stated that you was feeling discouraged on account of the defeat of our forces on Sunday last, near Manassas, and you state that we lost some 3000 men.  This is not so, for according to the last report, we only lost some 1300 in killed, missing and wounded.  It is true we lost some arms in the action, but they have been recovered since, and the ammunition lost was rendered useless by the rain. there are 91 missing and killing in my Regiment.

The 27th Union Regiment was one of the first to take part in the battle.  We were on the field from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. doing our part I will assure you.  Although we were very tired when we got there having made a march of some fifteen miles without any rest, and going some of the way in double quick time, we were ordered to take the right of the batteries. To get there we were exposed to a galling fire from the enemy's batteries, throwing shell and balls through our ranks at a great rate. For the first introduction, one ball from a cannon passed so close to my head that it staggered me.

After we gained the right of the batteries, we advanced on them and met a body of them in a hollow, secreted by a stone house and a piece of woods.  They had a battery on the hill.  They threw grape and shell at us, but we drove them from there about a mile.  Then they planted their batteries on a hill so they could play on us from three positions, and the men made another stand. They ran up the American colors and sent a man to us stating that they would lay down arms. We then advanced toward them, and when near them they fired on us, mowing our men down on all sides.  Of course we were all confusion, each man for himself, but we stood our ground, and they retreated again, but poured such a raking fire on us, and no Regiment coming to our relief, Col. Slocum ordered us to retreat.  In the meantime I had got ahead of the rest, and took my station behind a large tree which sheltered me from their fire.  I saw one of them stick his head around a hay cock.  I told him to come out or I would shoot him.  He did not comply, but said "don't shoot, don't shoot," but I had my gun to my eye, and when he showed his head I shot and took him in the head.  He jumped about two feet high, uttered an awful grown, then fell, the blood gushing from his head in a stream.  He was the poor sneak that said they would surrender.  He got his due.  I saw another off walking in the grass.  I shot him, and then I saw for the first time that the Regiment had left, so I turned and run to the best of my ability, and they poured a whole volley at me, putting three holes thro' my pants, and cutting off a part of the seat of my trousers as clean as if done with a pair of shears.  My gun was struck by a ball the stock part of it taken off and it was knocked clear from my hands, but I got another on the ground and brought it through with me.  Our haversacks, containing our food, were all thrown off at the commencement of the action.

Sometimes it would seem as if the day was ours, but about 4 P.M., orders came to retreat, and we started and did not rest until we reached Washington, a distance of 47 miles.  All I ate in the meantime was 4 crackers.  The worst of all was the leaving of the wounded at the mercy of the enemy, as they would come along and thrust a bayonet through them, and the house where we carried the wounded was blown up by the rebels.

I was among the wounded, where of all the sights one ever saw, that best all.  Lead me up to a masked battery, face to face with the enemy, but deliver me from another such a place as that.  Those groans still ring in my ears, and always will.  As you pass along you will see one just gasping for breath, another crying for water, another begging you to blow his brains out, and put him out of his misery. Some have their limbs blown off, others part of their faces off, then you will pass by one already in the cold embrace of death.  You may read, but you cannot imagine a thing about it.  

You sent me a paper containing Dickinson's speech, and I like it very  much and am glad you sent it to me, and you state you will send me money if I want it.  To be sure it is hard for us to get hold of a cent now until the government pays us what is our due, and we fare hard, but I return my thanks to you for offering such kindness, though I will not ask so much of you.  If you want to come here tell C----- that you want the password, and be careful to hold your oats.

Your friend, Chas. N. Elliott.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, October 1861

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 2, 1861

Married:  MEAD - PER LEE:  In Bridgewater, Oneida Co., N.Y. Sept. 14th by Rev. L.H. York, Reuben Mead to Miss Anna Per Lee, both of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  HYER - POTTER:  On the 22d ult. by Rev. O. Ketchum, Mr. Henry H. Hyer of Taylor, to Miss Hellen J. Potter, of Cuyler, Cortland Co., N.Y.

Died:  MONROE:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 30th, Mary Ann [Monroe], wife of Phileetus Monroe, aged 42 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 9, 1861

Married:  WILCOX - BROWN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], October 24, by Rev. Mr. Callahan, -?- H. Wilcox, of Brockton, N.Y. to Miss Helen M. [Brown], eldest daughter of C.M. Brown, Esq., of Oxford.

Married:  CLINTON - DAVIS:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th? ult., by Rev. N. Ripley, Wm. Y. Clinton Jr., of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Olive A. Davis of Morris [Otsego Co., NY].

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Oct 23, 1861

Married:  ASHCRAFT - DAY;  At the Baptist Parsonage in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on the 20th inst. by Rev. L. Wright, Henry M. Ashcraft to Miss Electa A. Day, both of Norwich.

Married:  REYNOLDS - HARRIS:  At the M.E. Parsonage in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 17 by Rev. W.H. Olin, Alfred Reynolds of North Norwich to Miss Lovena Harris of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

SMITH - DOUGHERTY:  At the residence of the bride's father, Jan. 23 by Rev. B.D. Marshall, J.N. Smith of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lottie E. [Dougherty] daughter of Alexander Dougherty Esq. of Buffalo.

Died:  HOLLIS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. John Calvin [Hollis] son of SD. and Eliza Ann Hollis, aged 13 months and 5 days.

SINNICK:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 14, Elmire Sinnick, aged 63 years and 3 months.

VAN NEST:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 10, Mrs. Elizabeth Van Nest, in the 67th year of her age.

SMITH:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 12, Mrs. Augusta Smith, aged 46 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 30, 1861

Married:  BELDIN? - PENDELL:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst. by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. Wayne Beldin? of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Rebecca Pendell of Norwich.

Married:  WARNER - KINYON:  in Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th? inst. by Rev. Benjamin Pheve?, Mr. James M. Warner to Miss Gi...a Kinyon, both of Pitcher.

Died:  PARKER:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Eugene? D. [Parker] youngest son of -?- and M... Parker, aged 1 year, 1 month and 15 days.

Died:  HOLMES:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the -?- of consumption, Uri T. [Holmes], son of Henry Holmes, in the 20th year of his age.  The subject of this notice was a young man of no ordinary mind.  He was a contributor to a number of our newspapers.  

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - July 1861 - First Battle of Bull Run

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 8, 1861

Letter from George L. Smith, 1st Regiment, Minnesota Volunteers

Washington, July 23, 1861

Dear Brother:  Fearing that you might hear a report of my being killed in the disastrous action of the 21st, I take this method of informing you and other friends that I am alive, and by the intervention of Providence, untouched.  I have  experienced a new sensation lately, that of hearing the rush of shot and shell, and of seeing friends and companions in arms falling by my side in the cold embrace of a glorious death. We were driven, routed, but not until the ground was covered with the slain. We are not disheartened. We hope to regain and will regain our position, or die in the attempt.  I can give no certain account of our loss, as we retired in disorder.  Probably 100 killed outright and 250 wounded in this Regiment alone.  Our wounded will, I fear be killed at last.  I have heard that the house used as a hospital was burned and all killed.  the enemy were in a strong force, and after the charge was made they retreated to a strong position where they had batteries which could not be seen until they opened fire, and then only by the smoke. We were rushed up in disorder to a masked battery, with a large number of the enemy in a concealed trench. We discovered them before they fired, but our officers refused to let us fire, because they said they were friends, but they fired, and many a gallant heart ceased beating. We dropped on the ground and fired, reloaded and fired, formed as well as we were able and fired, and kept firing. We were repulsed and returned again, again separated and again rallied on our colors, which we brought with us from the field.

In our Company C, the color Co., we lost about 25 killed, our Captain wounded, 2d Lieut. [ditto], 3 Sergeants killed or missing, and some 6 others slightly scratched.  I was loading the 5th time, when a ball passed between my fingers, taking my ramrod from my hand, leaving me with a useless gun until I could pick up another ramrod. I got one, but it was too large at the large end, and I had to load with the small end.  Well, I gave them 14 rounds, and then left with a mixed crowd of Fire Zouaves, Minnesota and Massachusetts troops, Garabaldi Guards and U.S. regulars.

They killed our wounded on the field, and we understand that they killed all in our hospitals.  They were in strong force, and were reinforced by 10,000 men, just as we were marched on to them.  

Please write, and send papers, and have others do do, for we are much pleased to get them in camp.  Direct to Co. C, 1st Regiment Minnesota Volunteers, Washington, D.C.

Yours, &C, Geo. L. Smith

Vital Records, Greene, NY - October 1861

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 3, 1861

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. I.W. Day, to Miss O.R. Kelsey, both of Greene.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], July 23d, 1861, of diptheria, Mary A. [Felt] daughter of George J. and Philura Felt, aged 12 years, 10 months and 14 days.

Died:  Also, August 8th, Orrin James [Felt], son of the above, aged 9 years and 22 days.

Died:  On the 25th of Sept. Philura [Felt], wife of George J. Felt, aged 38 years, 4 months and 6 days.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 10, 1861

Married:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Rev. Benj. Shove, Mr. Chas. Higgins of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY], to Miss Elizabeth R. Dye, of Pitcher.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 17, 1861

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. W.H. Olin, Mr. Henry S. Vaughan, to Miss Emily Briggs, both of Norwich.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Luther A. West, to Miss Polecsa N. Eaton, both of Sherburne.

Died:  In Burkesville, Cumberland Co., KY., Sept. 19th, of fever, Mr. George P. Bixby, aged 25 years, Principal of Burkesville College, and son of Samuel Bixby, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 24, 1861

Died:  In Madison, Madison Co. [NY], after a lingering illness, on the 15th inst., C. Kirk White, aged 32 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 31, 1861

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Rev. I.B. Hopwood, Mr. S.F. Allis, to Miss Elizabeth Kales, all of Coventry.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th inst., Edward M. [Juliand], youngest child of Mr. George Juliand, aged 8 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, on the 25th inst., Mr. Luther Alexander, aged about 65 years.

Died:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Ransom [Franklin], only son of Moses and Abigail Franklin.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th inst., Mrs. Margaret [Ingham], wife of Leonard Ingham, aged 58 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, July 1861 - First Battle of Bull Run

 Chenango Telegraph, August 8, 1861

Letter from Charles Winters, 27th NY Infantry

Washington, July 23, 1861

The last time I wrote to you, I believe I was in Fairfax C.H., near Centerville.  Since then I have witnessed as terrible and bloody a battle as American history can boast of.  We were routed up Sunday morning at two o'clock and marched toward Bull's Run, a distance of about fifteen miles, where we arrived at twelve o'clock.  The battle immediately commenced by cannonading on both sides.  But this was too slow work, and we were marched up in musket distance.  The first regiment we met we were going to fire into, but they told us not to fire into our own men, so we shouldered our muskets and had hardly done so when they poured into us with a whole volley of musketry, cutting down several of our men.  They use all manner of stratagem, which was very effectual at first.  They would send out little squads of men to get our men to chase them, and as soon as we got near enough, there would a whole regiment rise from behind some embankment and pour into us.  Some would hoist the Stars and Stripes to make us think they were Union men. But these things finally played out.  One regiment of cavalry tried to play this game on the New York Fire Zouaves.  They allowed themselves to be fooled till a good opportunity presented itself, when they poured in upon them cutting them all to pieces. The report is that there were but six left.  Bully for the New York boys. The rebels were very strongly fortified. They had embankments all around them, and a thick wood behind them where they could retreat and be in perfect safety.  In short, they had every advantage, but we made them retreat once and should have probably gained the day had they not been reinforced by a brigade from S.C.  This was worse than we could stand, so we had to retreat.  They gained the day, but whether they gain the morrow is another thing. They have got to be routed out of there, and when once out of there and Manassas Junction, their cake is dough.  Their only hope of salvation is to keep those two places.

I never should or never could have suspected a people reared as they have been under the blessings of Christianity and civilization, to be possessed of such inhuman cruelty.  I have often shuddered, and had my blood run cold when reading of the cruelties of lads in wars, but I don't know as I ever read of anything more cruel than to deliberately pull wounded men out of the wagons and cut their throats.  I did not see this done, but there re boys in our company that did.  Every wounded man they came across on the battle field, they would either cut his throat or run him through with the bayonet.

Our retreat march, before we could get in any kind of safety, was back to our old camp fifteen miles, and in this the rebel cavalry tried to outflank us, and they came very near doing so.  Some ten or twelve of us stopped at a mudpuddle to get a drink, when we heard a great noise.  On looking up to ascertain the cause we saw the rebel cavalry coming down a line at right angles with the path we had to take. The boys scattered in every direction.  I stopped half a second to see what to do, and finally ran for the woods. We came to a creek about the time the rebels got to a bridge where the creek crosses the main road.  Our only chance was to jump in and wade through which we did in double quick time.  They fired at us as we were crossing but did not hit us. After we had crossed, all the boys but myself ran for the woods. I suspected that part of the rebels had gone that way, so I kept along the edge.  Three or four balls were fired at me but without effect. We finally got to our camp where we stayed about two hours, when we were ordered to march, for it was not safe for us there.  We came back to Washington where we arrived last night at four P.M., making almost forty-eight hours without sleep, nothing to eat but sea crackers, a march of sixty miles, and a battle of five or six hours.  You may judge for yourselves whether we were tired or not.

Charles Winters.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - October 1861

 Oxford Times, October 2, 1861

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., by Rev. G. White, Mr. Everett Baldwin to Mrs. John Hubbard.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st ult., by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Charles R. Hotchkiss to Miss Hellen J. Mosher.

Died:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult. Mrs. Phebe Allen, aged 94 years.

Died:  In Los Angeles, California, on the 8th ult. Hon. K.H. Dimmick, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, October 9, 1861

Married:  In this village, on the 2d inst. by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. Gurdon H. Willcox of Brocton, N.Y. [Chautauqua Co.] to Helen M. [Brown], oldest daughter of C.M. Brown, Esq., of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 26th ult. by Rev. Mr. Southworth, Mr. Leroy A. Cornwell, to Miss Rozella M. Lyon, both of Guilford.

Died:  In this town, on the 30th ult. Mr. Philip Bartle, aged 89 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult.., Mrs. Amy E. [Randall], wife of Ralph J. Randall, aged 30 years.

Died:  In Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], on the 27th, ult., Mrs. Rizpah B. Hoyt, wife of John B. Hoyt, aged 37 years.

Oxford Times, October 16, 1861

Married:  In St. Peter's Church, Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday morning, Oct. 9th, by the Rev. W.A. Johnson, Mr. John Banks to Miss Frances E. Somers, all of Bainbridge.

Married:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co., nY], on the 3d inst. by A.V. Bentley, Esq., Mr. Wm. N. Smith of German [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Hester Ann Baldwin of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. B. S. Williams, Mr. S.N. Harris of Fabius [Onondaga Co., NY], to Miss Celia E. Titus of the former place.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on 2d inst., Mrs. Eunice Brown, aged 75 years.

Died:  In Wellsboro, Pa., on the 7th inst., Ada [Tenbroeck], wife of Mr. Andrew Tenbroeck, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst, Mr. Delos Janes, aged 48 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Lucy Ann [Edgerton], wife of Mr. James S. Edgerton, aged 51 years.

The Late Mr. Philip Bartle:  Seldom are we called to record the departure of one whose whole life has been so blessed to himself and others, as that of our aged friend Mr. Bartle.  He was one of six sons, who came with their father to our valley, while it was yet an unbroken wilderness,  His manly strength helped to cut down the vast forests, and through all the difficulties, discouragements and privations of a pioneer's life with honor and integrity unimpeached, to see a new Eden arise amid the desolation, was his ultimate reward.  He built the first school house in this town and in it humble walls his young wife taught the first school.  His hospitality and sympathy knew no limit.  He was eyes to the blind, feet to the lame and the cause he knew not he searched out.  With no children of his own to love, he became the father of the fatherless, and caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.  His faith like a shining light grew brighter as the lamp of life grew dim, and his last hours found him repeating the assurances and promises of that Book, which had been his chart and compass for so many years.  One thing only seemed to grieve him, that I must leave that dear woman behind me--but it's only for a little while, she will not stay long after me, the devoted and faithful companion of seventy years.  He leaves to all who knew him, a precious legacy of recollections, and an example of what a good man can do in blessing and benefiting all around him.  "Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."

Oxford Times, October 23, 1861

Married:  In this village, on the 16th inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Oliver W. Stoddard of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Sarah J. Philips of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Eunice [Johnson], youngest daughter of Ebenezer Johnson, aged 11 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Hannah [Chapin], wife of Mr. Israel Chapin, aged 66 years.

Died:  At North Stonington, Ct., on the 7th inst., of cholera infantum, Annie Lora [Berry], only child of B. Gage and Ada Wheeler Berry, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 13 months.

Died:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], on the 4th inst. Helen [Buck], daughter of  Noble and Sarah Ann Buck, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] aged 22 years.

Oxford Times, October 30, 1861

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. Halsey W. Burlisson of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Phebe Ann Loomis of Bainbridge.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango co., NY], on the 17th inst. by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. George Palmer to Miss Susan McNeil.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 19th inst. by Rev. A.B. jones, Mr. Arnold H. Horton to Miss Charlotte Sharp both of Greene.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst. Mr. Leonard B. Ashcraft, aged 59 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. Lovern [Fisher], daughter of Thompson and Catharine Fisher, aged 18 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on 17th ult. Mrs. Anne Gibbs, aged 24 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - July 30, 1961, Retreat from Bull's Run

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 7, 1861

We make the following extracts from a private letter received from our correspondent "E.P.P." written at Alexandria, Va., July 30.

"On Sunday, the 21st, while we were assembled in the grove listening to our chaplain, we first heard the cannonadin from the direction of Bull's Run and Manassa.  For hours we heard an almost incessant discharge of artillery, and could but think that the heavy firing was from the enemy's batteries, and were fearful that we had underrated their artillery force.  These fears were soon confirmed.  Lieut. Col. Morris, and Capt. Bartram, of our Regiment, went up to see the fight, and returned late on Sunday night, reporting that our men had been led into the very face of masked batteries, which at the signal, opened a most destructive and gaining fire on our ranks, and that the rout of  our troops was perfect, and they were retreating towards Alexandria.  Following close on this report, a messenger rode into camp with orders for us to immediately march to the Fort and be ready to come.  The retreat and as report said, the victor was fiercely pursuing our fleeing men,  We must repulse the rebel army and at all hazards cut off their advance towards Washington.  As Lieut. Martin was Officer of the Guard, the command devolved on myself.  At midnight I called together the company and gave them the order to pack their knapsacks and await further orders.  Soon they were drawn into proper line and the entire Regiment marched into the Fort.  It was a beautiful moonlight night and the bright muskets and bayonets glistened in the pale light, as I saw cast silvery rays around.  Never did the company appear to better advantage.  Hardly a question was asked, and the strict attention and firm steps of the men told plainly that they were intently bent on doing their duty, whatever it might be.

"At an early hour on Monday, the results of the previous day's fight became apparent.  Soldiers came struggling into Alexandria in the most pitiable plight imaginable.  Fatigued, sick and hungry, the poor fellows came in, bleeding, fainting and dying.  I saw men with their feet shot off, hands torn off, faces disfigured and ghastly body wounds. They told a fearful tale, and "twas sickening to listen to their reports regarding the condition of our forces.  The Fire Zouaves presented the worst appearance and the few who returned reported their regiment entirely cut to pieces.  It rained all that day and to this many of the retreating troops owe their safety, as they never could have stood the march in a scalding sun.

"This stampede kept up until Tuesday, and [.?.] in broken ranks, had assembled in the city which was literally covered, pavement, street and all with the poor fellows who were sleeping on the hard ground, and stone walks.  Even this was a luxury to them after such excessive fatigue as they had experienced.  From five miles above here to Manassas, the road was perfectly blocked up with wagons, ambulances, haversacks, knapsacks, guns, pistols, &c.  I was informed by those who passed over this road, that revolvers by the bushel were strewn along the road.  Hundreds of them, including cavalry pistols, swords and rifles, have been brought to this city and sold.  Many a Zouave has made a little money by selling the arms thrown away by timid officers and men, and well the poor boys might, as they had not been paid one cent by the government.  Since, they have commenced paying them.  But this loss to our army was not nearly as large as first reported and now the regiments see collecting their scattered men."

  

Vital Records, Greene, NY - September 1861

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 5, 1861

Married:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 27th ult. by Rev. Mr. Brooks, Rev. William F. Benedict, to Miss Elvina Atkins, all of Hamilton.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., wife of Philetus Monroe, aged 40 years.

Died:  At Belle Plain, Scott Co., Minnesota, on the 27th ult., Mr. James U. Whittenhall, aged 27 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mrs. Margaret [Hallenbeck], relict of the late Abraham Hallenbeck, aged 99 years, 6 months, 7 days.  It seems a fitting duty to chronicle the departure of the venerable and extreme aged with something more than the mere statistics of her years. The deceased who had reached so closely on to the limits of a century of life possessed some remarkable personal point in her character and history.  Her memory ran back vividly to Revolutionary times when the Fathers of our republic were toiling to erect that glorious temple of freedom which mad men are now seeking to destroy. She was herself a Pensioner, for the service rendered by her husband in that hallowed struggle.  She had lived in this valley a large share of her life, had known it when it was sparsely tenanted by the white man, and when the wild beasts of the forest roamed free over this uncultivated region, and her recollections of frontier life were full of interest in the recital.  She was for many years disabled from active employment by lameness, but bore with calmness and patience this disability.  in the tranquil enjoyment of life, with serene temper, and with unclouded faculties she saw the shadow of lengthened years deepening upon her path, and when the time of her departure came she met the summons with unshaken confidence and fortitude of soul. She had seen five generations of descendants gather round her; had buried seven children, and six survive her.  If it be the fortune of few to attain her advanced age, it is equally true that seldom do we witness such unruffled equanimity amid the infirmities of so long a life.  As we beheld her form as she was descending to the grave by easy stages, we thought of the Century Plant which blooms in such beauty just ere it withers, bearing the crown of glory ere it is gathered to its burial.

The remains of Merrick Read, of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] who died in San Francisco last fall, arrived here for interment, on Wednesday.  They were to be deposited in Sylvan Lawn Cemetery.\

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 12, 1861

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mr. Consider Coomes, aged 72 years and 8 months.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 19, 1861

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Miss Margaret E. Hatrick, aged 17 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst, Lucinda [Cummings], wife of Chandler Cummings.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Willie [Porter], infant son of Geo. W. and h.S. Porter.

Died:  In New York, on the 8th inst., Mr. Calvin Franklin, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], aged 52 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 26, 1861

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by Rev. Geo. White, Mr. Everett Baldwin to Mrs. John Hubbard, of this village.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Charles R. Hotchkiss, and Miss Hellen J. Mosher, all of the above place.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Hubert V. [Gale], youngest son of Lemuel and Harriet Gale, aged 1 year and 11 months.

Died:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. Mrs. Phebe Allen, aged 94 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Joseph D. [Wood], son of Abner Wood, aged 19 years.

Died:  In Los Angelos, California, on the 8th inst., Hon. K.H. Dimmick, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Willis G. [Ludington], only son of M.B. Ludington, aged 8 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - July 29, 1861

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 8, 1861

Letter from A.G. Northrup - 27th Regiment

First Battle of Bull Run

Camp Anderson, Washington, July 29, 1861

Editor American:  You have probably seen the full particulars of the great battle at Bull's Run, in which our forces were defeated, and I will give you some of my own experience.

Our company was on picket guard the night before the action, and at 2 o'clock, A.M., we were called in, and in an hour were on the march for the scene of action.  We marched about 12 miles when we began to hear the boom of cannon, and we knew that the strife had commenced. We pressed forward at a double quick rate and were soon in sight of the rebel batteries.  Our regiment was one of the first to charge the enemy in our column.  We drove them from their battery, and followed them into a deep valley, where they displayed a white flag, and our Colonel, supposing them to be our men, ordered us not to fire, but we soon found out our mistake and fired upon them. They returned the fire, killing our ensign and two privates.  Our brave fellows fell all around me, and I expected it would be my turn next, but, thank Heaven, I escaped without a wound. We were soon compelled to retreat, and we became separated and each one had to take care of himself. After four hours of hard fighting we were all on the retreat.  Our men were nearly exhausted, not having had anything to eat or drink except sea biscuit and muddy water for two days.

We actually filed our canteens with water from Bull's Run that was thick with mud, glad to get even that.  After we had retreated about 5 miles, the rebels fired upon us again, and we scattered in the woods in confusion.  I was completely exhausted and laid down in the woods and in less than ten minutes I was sound asleep.  When I awoke I was alone and it was dark.  I knew not which which way to go, but started  as near as I could judge in the direction of our army.  I soon came to where I heard    men at [.?.] approach, [but fearing] them to be rebels, I did not dare approach them but lay down under a beast heap and staid [.?]. 

When it was light enough to see, I started again and went directly toward the battle field again.  I inquired of a slave which way it was to Centerville and was told that it was in an opposite direction from that which I was traveling I soon retraced my steps toward Washington, with faint hopes of seeing it alive, as I was almost certain the enemy were between me and our army.  I threw away everything that I had, made a breakfast of whortleberries, and amid a drenching rain commenced my march.  The first man that I saw, stood in the road directly before me with a musket in his hand.  I supposed him to be a rebel, but went up to him and bade him "good morning." He proved to be one of our soldiers from the State of Maine.  At Centerville I fell in with three men from one of the Binghamton companies, and remained with them during the rest of the day. We were about the last on the road, and expected at any moment to see the enemy's cavalry approaching, but we did not see them. Several times during the day I was on the point of giving up in despair, but my companions urged me on, and after one of the hardest days of my life I succeeded in getting to Alexandria, Va., where I staid at the hut of a slave, glad to get as good shelter as that. The next day I took a boat and came to Washington where I found our regiment in their old quarters. Our boys thought I was either killed or taken prisoner, and when I made my appearance among them I was greeted with many a hearty shake of the hand.

Your townsman, Delos Payne, was in the thickest of the fight, and fought valiantly, and is anxious to get another chance to "pepper" them.  I am unable to say how long we shall remain here, probably three or four weeks.

Oscar Phelps is with us, having done his duty faithfully on the field of battle.

Our defeat was a bad one, but we hope to do better the next time.

Yours truly,  A.G. Northrup

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - September 1861

 Oxford Times, September 4, 1861

Married:  At Christ Church, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 28th ult., by the Rector, the Rev. Mr. Lightner, John T. Mygatt, Esq., of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] and Mary Stevens Dickinson, youngest daughter of the Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson, of Binghamton.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., Miss Margaret Case, aged 84 years.  In the death of Miss Case, one of the last ties which bind us to the past is broken, and we mourn the loss of one who beyond the age of four score years, with natural force unabated, held in her vigorous grasp the hallowed memories of two generations, blended with the liveliest interest in all that pertains to the present.  In her youth, Miss Case embraced the Christian religion and through a long life maintained an eminently consistent walk and conversation, and rich in faith, rich in good works, rich in the experience of God's love, she has in a good old age, in hope, been gathered to the General Assembly and Church of the first born on High.

Died:  At Lock Haven, Penn., Aug 8th, Susan Hosmer [Morris], wife of Mr. John H. Morris of Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], and daughter of the late Uri Tracy of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., Y], aged 34 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Albert [Cowan], son of Benj. F. Cowan, aged 10 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mrs. Margaret Hollenbeck, aged 99 years, 6 months and 7 days.

Oxford Times, September 11, 1861

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst.., by Rev. J.D> Webster, Mr. Harvey Symonds of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Jane C. Towslee of Greene.

Oxford Times, September 18, 1861

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Samuel Titus to Miss Mary Case, both of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. I.B. Hopwood, Mr. I.S. Sampson, of Cortland [Cortland Co., NY] to Miss Emogene L. [Martin], daughter of F. Martin, Esq., of Coventry.

Married:  Sept. 2d by Eld. M. M. Everts, Mr. Baruch Phelps of Barker [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Adelia M. Hayes of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mr. Consider Coolies, aged 72 years and 8 months.

Died:  In Alexandria, Va., on the 3d inst. of measles, Mr. John T. Wedge, of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], a member of Capt. Tyrrell's Company.

Oxford Times, September 25, 1861

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. by Rev. W.R. Cobb, Mr. W.D. Willoughby, to Miss Lucy E. Wilcox, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Erastus Tremain, Jr., to Miss Mary A. Gates of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2oth inst., Mr. Joseph Wood, aged 29? years.

Happenings of the Times - Oxford Times, September 25, 1861

How a Man Feels When He Is Wounded and How It Does to Be Shot At

We take the following from a letter written by one of the gallant Iowa volunteers, who fought in the battle near Springfield, Missouri:

I was standing, or rather kneeling, behind a little bush, reloading my musket, just before the rebels engaged in this close work retreated.  Suddenly I felt a sharp pain in the shoulder, and fell to the ground.  Jumping up, one of our boys asked me if I was hurt.  I replied I thought not, drew up my musket to fire, when he said:  "Yes, you are shot right through the shoulder." I think it was this remark, more than the wound, which caused the field, all at once, to commence whirling around me in a very strange manner.  I started to leave it, with a half ounce musket ball in my shoulder, and once or twice fell down with dizziness, but in a short time recovered sufficiently to be able to walk back to Springfield, nine miles, where the ball was taken out.  I was very much pleased to find that the wound was not a dangerous one.

In the battle, every sensation was drowned in excitement. We had no time to think of being killed, except when standing to be shot at by cannon, without a chance to shoot back.  This, to us, was the most trying part of the battle. When we had a chance to use our muskets, every thought and feeling was gone, except the one thought, of shooting down the rebels as rapidly as possible.  Our regiment certainly did its share of the work that day.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - July 1861 (First Battle of Bull Run)

 Chenango American, August 1, 1861

Letter from John W. Burrows

Washington, July 24, 1861

Dear Brother and Sister:  We have had a hard battle since I wrote you last.  Last Sunday will long be remembered.  Our regiment was a picket guard on Saturday night, until 2 o'clock, when we were ordered to march.  We were encamped between Fairfax and Centerville, Va.  We marched within six miles of the battle field, when six regiments were sent six miles around to flank the enemy, while the main force attacked them in front. We marched around to the field. Here McDowell ordered us to take the right of the battery.  We marched half a mile to do it, while the enemy poured shell and chain shot and grape and cannon balls into our midst. We were the first on the ground.  We marched down into a small hollow, to take a battery, the enemy on both sides of us.  Here the battle commenced in good earnest. We returned the fire on both sides, until one party run up the stars and stripes and surrendered. We marched up to take them when they opened fire on us again, on both sides.  We stood and fought as long as there was  any chance for us.  Napoleon B. Elliott, Frank Spencer, Pardee, and myself got in a file.  We fought so until Pardee was shot, and the whole regiment was broken up.  We loaded and fired as fast as we could. The Infantry fell back a little and we tried to form a line.  Our Captain was wounded, and he spoke to me to help, but we could only get eight of ten in line. The firing again commenced on both sides, and we saw the cavalry was going to attack us. We were in no shape to meet them and had to retreat.

Another regiment came to assist us. We met them on the top of the hill, just marching into the field. Our Colonel, Lieut. Col. and our Captain, were wounded, and Ensign was shot dead. We tried to get into other regiments, as ours was so badly cut up it had orders not to attempt to form, but they were all numbered and would not take us in.  Elliott was almost melted.  We found some water which was muddy, and a dog lay asleep in it.  We drank what we dared to, and then went to the woods where the wounded were carried.  There was a hard sight.  Some had their legs shot to pieces; some had their legs off; some their arms; some were shot through the neck; one sat leaning against a tree spitting large mouthfuls of blood.  They were dying in all shapes.  One had a bullet put through his head; it come out just between the eyes, and he still breathed; some had their faces blown all to pieces; some had their heads cut off.  The living ones bore their pain well.

Our whole force retreated.  When we came back to where we left the main road to flank them, their cavalry attacked us at the bridge, and killed quite a number.  What become of the main force that was to attack them in front I don't know; they didn't help us.  We had nothing to cover our retreat and were driven back to Washington.  The southern army was twice as large as ours. They had three masked batteries; one behind the other, and their men in the woods. They would retreat from one to have our men come and take it; then they would open on us with another and the infantry; then the cavalry would cut us down.  They had their whole force there, about 100,000 men.  Beauregard was there himself.

I never heard anything sound better than the chain shot, shell and cannon balls did when they passed over and by us.  they sounded so good I was almost willing to be hit by them, though of course I knew it would be all day with me if they did  I had no fear of them, they sounded like a jay bird.

We had a hard tramp of it.  We went two nights without sleep, and marched 15 miles to battle without eating breakfast or dinner, only what little sea biscuit we could eat on the road. We fought in this way until the retreat.

I never saw tired men before.  I would not have carried my body ten miles further, for it.  The roads were lined with soldiers that were tired out.  Some gave out before we reached the field of battle. When Elliott and I got inside the fort at Washington we lay down and slept, until we were wakened by officers, when we got some supper.

Elliott and I went in together and came out together. We were not separated only once, then he was behind a tree shooting some Secessionists who were hid behind bunches of hay.  When we retreated they crowded up the hill after us, and as I was getting over a fence, one man was shot by my side, and a ball passed over my shoulder. There were but a few that did not get holes shot through their clothes, but I did not get hit.  Pardee was shot in the hollow.  He would look up and say "give it to the cowards."  He was shot just above the knee.  He had good grit, and got away though, nearly melted.

I don't know how long we shall stay here.  It will take some time to recruit again, and then we shall give them another try. We only got our "puppy teeth" pulled this time, but some of them came awful hard.  It is pleasant while in the battle, but it is hard to see what has been done afterwards.  I want to meet them once more even handed; that is all I desire.  We had a hard time of it.  They would hoist our flag, and they were dressed so near like us, that we could not tell them from our men. They are worse than Indians, for they had no more principle than to murder our wounded and prisoners. Daniel Hawkins is all right.  I saw him last night.  Our boys from your way are all sound except some slight bruises.

Yours, &c., John W Burrows.

Vital Records, Greene, NY - August 1861

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 1, 1861

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult., by Rev. J.H. Chamberlain, Mr. M.B. Ball, of Morris [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Libbie [Lewis], only daughter of James Lewis, Esq.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 8, 1861

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on Saturday, the 27th ult., by Rev. M.C. Lightner, Mr. James I. Curtis, of Cochecton, N.Y. [Sullivan Co.] to Miss Jenny E. Hawley of Binghamton.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 15, 1861

Married:  In Christ Church, Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., by ev. Mr. Burrows.  Mr. C.F. Robertson, of New York, to Miss Carrie R. Brisben of Sherburne.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 22, 1861

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ist., by Warren Gray, Esq., Geo. Edney to Charlotte [Verrill], youngest daughter of Johnny and Mary Verrill.

Died:  In South Troy [Rensselear Co., NY] on the 12th inst., after an illness of four days, Mr. Hezekiah King, formerly of Kings' Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], aged 64 years.

Sudden Death:  Mr. W.W. Chubbuck, of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], well known in Central New York and at Albany, as a politician, editor and office holder, died suddenly in Utica [Oneida Co., NY] last Tuesday morning.  We have no particulars.  Mr. C. was editor of the Hamilton Republican during the last Presidential campaign.  His age was not far from 35 years.

Drowned:  A perambulating peddler of pills and essences, says the Norwich Telegraph, named Gould Stratton, was drowned in the Canasawacta creek, near the south bounds of that village, on Wednesday last.  He was seen to fall from the bridge, but before assistance could reach him he was dead.  His body was taken to the house of T.H. Prentice, and on Thursday a coroner's jury, after a full investigation of the case, gave a verdict of "accidental drowning."  Mr. Stratton lived in Binghamton, and was not careful about using whiskey.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 29, 1861

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th inst., Anna Juliand [Rathbone], daughter of Peter B. and Eliza G. Rathbone, aged 2 years and 10 months.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst., Albert [Cowan], son of Benj. F. Cowan, aged 10 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst. Mrs. Margaret Hallenbeck, aged 99 years, 6 months and 7 days.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Nellie J. [Newell], infant daughter of Horace J. and Jennie A. Newell, aged 5 months and 6 days.