Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, March 26, 1862
Civil War Letter, Homer Broadwell, 1st NY Cavalry
Head Quarters, 1st N.Y. Cavalry, March 15th, 1862
Since my last, there has been considerable going on in Virginia. On the 10th inst. we were in the saddle on our way for the Rebel stronghold. We all felt elated and cheer after cheer rang through valleys, hills and woods at the glorious prospect before them. Oh! It would have done a patriot's heart good to have seen an Army of 150,000 men march out for battle, with colors flying, bands playing national airs, troops cheering until their throats seemed cracked. We marched to Fairfax that day and encamped just back of the town. Here we heard that Manassas was evacuated.
The third day that we were encamped here, we had the honor of acting as bodyguard to Gen. Franklin and staff, to visit Manassas Junction. The enemy had Centerville well-fortified and everything looked drear and desolate. We reached Manasses about 1 o'clock in the afternoon and such a place. Everything had been blown up or burned to the ground. There were a few Union men there and they were helping themselves to the stores left by the enemy. It seemed as if they left in a hurry, for the ground was covered with everything. One man was drawing away a load of flour, he said that the Rebels had robbed him of everything he had and drove him off his place, and he thought that he was entitled to the flour. He asked us if we had got the Stars and Stripes with us, but we had nothing but our guide colors. But at that moment, an infantry Regiment came around the bend with their colors flying and band playing. At the sight, the old man seemed crazy. He took off his hat and shouted and danced for joy, that he have once more been permitted to look on the Stars and Stripes, the flag of his country. He said if we would pay him a visit, he would give us all we wanted to eat and drink if it took the last animal he owned. I can tell you, I felt proud at that moment that I was a soldier. We returned to Fairfax well tired out with our ride.
We remained there until last night, when we received orders to march back to camp. It is understood that we are going to join Gen. Burnside in North Carolina. We are expected order to march every moment.
Our Regiment, or at least a part of them, has made one of the greatest charges that has been made in Virginia during the war. Two companies were with Gen. Kearney, at the taking of Fairfax, and fourteen men under the command of Lieut. Hidden was ordered to charge the enemies pickets, which they did, bringing back fourteen prisoners and the body of Lieut. Hidden, who was killed in the charge. Each man had a prisoner. The enemy were about three hundred strong. Gen. Kearney stood on a hill and witnessed the charge. He says it was the bravest charge he ever saw made, considering the numbers. The Corporal who took command after the Lieutenant was killed is now appointed Lieutenant. He was the only non-commissioned officer with the boys.
I learn that we are to march this afternoon and in all probability, you will not hear from me again in some time.
Yours in haste, Homer Broadwell
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Adjutant Report, 1st NY Cavalry: BROADWELL, HOMER: Age, 21 years. Enlisted July 16, 1861, at New York; mustered in as corporal, Company D, July 16, 1861, to serve three years; re-enlisted (as private) January 1, 1864; mustered out with company June 27, 1865, at Alexandria, Va., as Homer Bradwell.
The Brooklyn Citizen, Brooklyn, NY, January 20, 1895: BROADWELL: Suddenly, on Thursday, Jan. 17, Homer Broadwell. Funeral from his late residence, 1845 DeKalb Ave Sunday afternoon, 2:30 o'clock. Perry Post, G.A.R. is respectfully invited to attend.
Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, Jan. 31, 1895: Mr. Homer Broadwell, who died in Brooklyn Jan. 17th, aged 54 years, was formerly a valued employee of The Herald, office. He was also a veteran of the rebellion. Mr. Broadwell had resided for several years in Brooklyn.
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