Soldier's Letter, Civil War, January 1863

 Oxford Times, February 4, 1863

Letter from the 10th N.Y. Cavalry

Camp near Fredericksburg, January 24th, 1863

Editors of Times:  I presume everyone is on the qui vive [lookout] for news from the Army of the Potomac, and more so are our friends anxious to hear from us, whom we left behind a few month ago toiling for a livelihood up and down the old Chenango valley, and along the now snow covered hill tops while we are encamped on the banks of the old Rappahannock, ready at a few minutes notice to hazard our lives for the union of our beloved country.  We are all enjoying the blessings of health, as far as could be expected, considering how we are exposed to the inclemency of the weather at this season of the year.  Mud is knee deep where ever the teams travel and ground is perfectly drenched with rain. After the days toil through mud and water, it might be expected we have rather wet feet and clothes spattered with mud.  There is but little murmuring among our boys at this, and we thank Him who rules the storm and holds our lives as in the hollow of his hand, that it is as well as it is with us. The last move of our army you have before this received the particulars.  Our regiment was out picketing at the time of the move on the banks of the Rappahannock, except a part of our Company who were Orderlies for Generals in different Divisions. The Rebel pickets expressed their mind quite freely to our boys, and said they were tired and sick of war, and wanted our boys to come across the river and exchange tobacco for clothing and other articles. I am told by the Orderlies who were out at the time of the late move, that a great many horses died, and loaded wagons and Cannons were stuck in the mud, while nineteen horses were hitched to one cannon and could not draw it.  True is the old Latin maxim, "Nihil sine magno labore" [nothing without a great deal of labor]. Well it may be said that January rains and mud along the bands of the old Rappahannock have triumphed over the noblest army that the world ever beheld, and held it in check with greater ease than the most formidable enemy.  One thing I wish to mention, for it is due from us. It is rather late, but the old maxim it is better late than never, may suffice.  It will be remembered by our patriotic friends of Oxford, that we were presented with a goodly number of sewing kits, which were distributed to our company.  I can speak for one, and am assured that it is the sentiment of the rest that they were most gratefully received, and the boys can be seen not infrequently using them whenever there is a few spare moments.    C.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - December 1862

 Oxford Times, December 17, 1862

Letter from the 10th N.Y. Cavalry

Camp in the Wilderness, near Brook's Station, Dec. 7, '62

Dear Times:  As we have made an advance with our Oxford Boys, I thought it would perhaps interest many of our friends to know some of the adventures thus far.  We left Alexandria on the 2d inst., with 350 mounted men under the command of Major A.G. Falls, of Gen. Bayard's staff. The first day we marched only about 8 miles from Alexandria, but we traveled some 12 or 15 miles by a round about road to get there, when we encamped on the side of a fine creek, on a Virginia flat, picketing our horses to one fence, using other fences for fuel.  At daylight on the 3d we were on the move again, about 10 o'clock we passed the celebrated Bull Run river, and passed the fortifications erected by the rebels to defend the ford, and then passed southwest to a creek that empties into the Potomac at Shipping Point.  Just before we got there, we found a rank secessionist, whom the officer thought had more hay and oats than he ought to have, and so we relieved him of two stacks of hay and one of oats, then on looking around, we found he had more stock than he could well keep after losing his hay and oats, so we relieved him of three fine cows, just to accommodate him, then marched about two miles to the place of encampment. The next day we moved on at daylight, about 2 o'clock, we passed Aquia Creek and on by Warwick Court house and about 10 o'clock P.M., we arrived at Brook's Station,.  We are now about a mile from the station in the wilderness. We had a hair breath's escape from Stuart's Cavalry, near Stafford's Court House, and there was much anxiety about us on that account. We are now only four miles from Fredericksburg.    F.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - February 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 12, 1863

Letter from Lyman Marvin of the 8th Regiment N.Y. Cavalry

Camp of 8th N.Y Cavalry, Near Bell Plain, Va., Feb. 1 [1863]

Dear ---:  Your very welcome letter of Jan. 26th and 27th I received last evening, and hasten to reply.  It found me well and in as good spirits as usual.  I am acting Hospital steward for a time, don't know how long, and get along first rate though I fared pretty hard for two or three days before we got our tent fixed.

We live on coffee, pork, and hard bread.  Once in a while we buy flour and make pancakes of wheat flour and water, cooking them in a frying pan over a campfire.  I think if ever I get home that I can live very cheap, unless I grow more particular than I am now.  I think we eat about a pint of dirt a day as a general thing.

You wanted me to write more of the particulars of a soldier's life.  There is not much of a routine.  It's about the same every day.  Feed and take care of your horse, cook your own victuals, stand guard, &c.  The boys are pretty busy now building log huts.  It is generally labor lost, for by the time we are nicely fixed we have to move our camp.

Two squadrons of our Regiment have been out on picket a week or two, but have all come in tonight to be paid off.  The old Regiment boys get paid off, but the Recruits don't get any pay.  The boys are a good deal dissatisfied at not being paid, and I can't blame them much for we were promised a month's pay in advance and I have been in service nearly six months and not a cent of pay have I received.  Men on small rations and no pay won't fight very well unless compelled to, and our officers as a general thing don't care enough about fighting to urge them up much.  Almost every officer is trying to get up a notch higher so as to make a little more money, more than they are to work for their country's good, and it is such officers that do more harm to the cause of the north, than all the good the men can do.

Where we are you can hardly buy anything that you want, and what you can get costs about five times its value.

The Recruits have been assigned to different companies all through the Regiment, eight or ten in a company.  Alonzo is in company E and I believe I am assigned to that company if I leave the Hospital.  Mark is in company G and Mr. Rose in Company F.

From your son,   Lyman Marvin

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - June 1863

 Oxford Times, June 3, 1863

Died:  At his residence in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Sion Martindale, at the age of 70 years, and 10 months.  Mr. Martindale was for many years the Sexton of St. Paul's Church in this village.  Altho' occupying an humble sphere in life, he discharged the duties of that sphere with singular fidelity, and lived and acted in all the affairs of life the part of an honest man.  His sudden death casts a gloom over a large circle of friends who knew the man and truly appreciated his unaffected truthfulness, sincerity and piety. The Society whom he had so faithfully served, deeply deplore his loss, while they can but reflect that for him "to die was gain,"  Funeral Wednesday 2 P.M. at St. Paul's Church.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on 25th ult. Harriet R. [Knickerbocker] daughter of Charles E. and Mary Jane knickerbocker, aged 10 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], on the 22d ult. George C. [Wheeler], son of Mr. Charles A. and Permelia Wheeler, aged 5 years.

Died:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly on the 25th ult. Mr. Clark Drisdale?, aged 69 years.

Died:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], March 30th, Caroline [Livermore], wife of Chas. C. Livermoore, and eldest daughter of Hon. Adam Storing, aged 39 years.

Died:  At the 3d Division Cavalry Hospital, at Acquia Creek, Va. May 8th?, of typhoid fever, Mr. Adna Rosa of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24? years, a member of Co K, 10th N.Y. Cavalry.

Oxford Times, June 10, 1863

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Timothy C. Stanley to Miss Amy E. Dillenback, both of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. John H. Phelps of Owego [Tioga Co., NY], to Miss Huldah A. Bixby of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co., NY], on the 10th ult. by Rev. L. Parley, Mr. Austin D. Sayles to Mrs. Sarah Dickinson, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mrs. Phebe P. DeForest, aged 55 years.  The deceased was the subject of a protracted and painful disease, which she bore with Christian fortitude, until she was at length happily released form her sufferings by death.

Died:  in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 25th ult. Mrs. Sally Squires, mother of Selah Squires, Esq., aged 77 years.

Died:  In Colesville [Broome Co., NY], on the 2d ult., John R. [Blunt], aged 3 years, 3? months; on the 8th ult., Mary E. [Blunt], aged 1 year 2 months; on the 9th ult, James K. [Blunt], aged 6 years 8 months, all of diptheria, only children of Simon T. and Sarah A. Blunt.

Died:  in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mr. Henry Crandall, aged 76 years.

Death by Drowning:  We have never had to note an accident more sad, and one which touched the heart of our entire community with more general and sympathetic sorrow than that which occurred on the afternoon of Saturday last.  It seems that Sylvester [Gomes], a son of Mandwell Gomes, aged 12 years, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], had been playing with a mate in the Slaughter house below the Lewis Mill on the East bank of the river, during the afternoon, and a little past five o'clock, was discovered floating in the river, with his hands extended upwards, and in a most helpless and perilous condition.  An alarm was immediately given after the discovery, but too late to rescue the little victim from his watery grave.  He was precipitated from the door nearest the mill, in the rear of the building, but the exact circumstances of the fatal accident are unknown, as his companion seems to have been completely bewildered by the sudden calamity.  Altogether the cries of the bereaved father who had come too late to render any efficient aid in rescuing his son, but who swam and waded into the swollen water vainly calling for his lost boy, and the thin veil which even then seemed to stretch between the living and the dead, but which nevertheless held its victim fast bound in its stern and relentless grasp, afforded a scene which impressed many with feelings which none could describe.  The body was recovered after considerable search on Sunday morning, in deep water a few feet Westerly from the West corner of the mill.  The boy was a general favorite, of a mild and gentle  nature, frank and generous, and his teacher pronounced his best eulogy when he said to us that Sylvester was a good boy.

Oxford Times, June 17, 1863

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. Mr. Webster, Mr. Willis Forbes to Mrs. Julia E. Bryant.

Married:  In Eaton, Madison Co. [NY], on the 9th inst. by Rev. Mr. Willson, Mr. N.H. Short of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Martha A. Cole, of the former place.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. Mr. Scoville, Mr. Harvey R. Brown of Lewisborough, Westchester Co., N.Y. to Miss Phebe A. Hoyt of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. Mr. Daniel Osborn, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th May, Rosanah [Bunnell], wife of Mr. Edward Bunnell, aged 42 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. Sally [Agard], wife of Mr. Erastus Agard, aged 66 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on 7th inst. Mary Jane [Leach], daughter of Loren Leach, aged 10 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult. of diptheria, Sarah Jane [Rogers], aged 11 years.  Also on the 3d inst., of diptheria, George W. [Rogers], aged 6 years, children of Willard C. and Fanny W. Rogers.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. George H. [Nichols], son of Hiram F. and Serena H. Nichols, aged 6 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult. Eliza [Smith], wife of Joseph Smith, Jr., aged 30 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], May 22d, Mary [Evans], daughter of Edward D. and Kate W. Evans, aged 5 years.

Died:  In Baltimore, M. on the 19th March, Mr. Ransom A. Bartholomew, of West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 35 years, a member of the 114th regiment.

Died:  In Edgewood, Effingham Co., Ill. May 25th, Mr. Stephen Balcom, aged 47 years, son of the late Francis Balcom of this village, leaving a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his departure.

Accidents:  Franklin Merrill, son of Dwight Merrill, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], a lad of about 15 years of age, on Monday of last week was thrown from a loaded wagon, the wheels passing over his body and crushing him so badly that he died in about two hours.

Mr. Jabez N. Beardsley, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], a man 34 years of age, was drowned in a pond in that town, on Tuesday of last week.  He was fishing from a boat, and the boat capsizing, he lost his life.  Two others were in the boat who saved themselves by clinging to the boat until rescued.

Oxford Times, June 24, 1863

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. by Rev. Mr. Robinson, Mr. John P. Davis of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Almeda M. Buckley of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At Eaton [Madison Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. H. Wheat, Mr. John J. Bennett of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ellen L. White of the former place.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Mary [Smith], wife of Hiram Smith, aged 56 years.

Died:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], May 29th, Mr. Rufus Bennet, aged 64 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], May 27th, Mr. Hawley B. Tinkham, aged 45 years.

Died:  In Harpersville [Broome Co., NY], on the 25th ult. Mrs. Pamelia [Harpur], wife of Hon. Robert Harpur, and daughter of the late Judge Peter Betts of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], in the 66th year of her age.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. Amanda [Horton], wife of Mr. Calvin Horton, aged 32 years.

Death of Lt. Col. Wm. Irvine:  Lieut. Col. William Irvine of the 10th N.Y. Cavalry, was killed in the late fight across the Rappahannock.  Mr. Irvine was formerly a resident of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].  He removed to Corning a few years since, and has represented the Steuben District in Congress with much ability. At the breaking out of the rebellion he was instrumental in raising the Cavalry regiment at whose head he fell while gallantly leading it in the advance of the battle.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, December 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 1, 1863

Letter from the 114th Regiment

Steamer Arago at Sea, Monday, Dec. 8, 1862

Dear American, Nearly a month has passed since I last wrote you, and the most of that time, until Thursday last, was passed in entire inactivity save an occasional airing on shore, which was grudgingly given us.  On the morning of the 4th of Dec., a boat from Fortress Monroe brought orders for us to move out to sea, and lay off Cape Charles light house, and wait for the steamer Baltic and the United States Gunboat Augusta, the former being the headquarters of Gen. Emery and the latter our consort for the voyage.  There were thirteen transports having two brigades on board, besides provisions for twenty-two days.  Accordingly at 1 A.M. we weighed anchor, and at 4 P.M. we hove too, to await our flagship and the gunboat which was to accompany us.

A ship laying too in a heavy swell is a fruitful cause of sea sickness and here our boys began to feel the effects of being on the sea, and the writer was one of the first to get into that state where it is an indifferent matter whether "school keeps or not," and for three days I was not able to keep a very correct diary of things that were passing around me.  Thursday evening however, about 8 o'clock, our flagship and consort arrived, and we all put out sea, bearing a south east course, all sail keeping within sight of each other until about 2 o'clock Friday morning, when a heavy rainstorm, accompanied with wind from the south set in and continued until Saturday.  On Friday night it blew a gale, and the rain poured in torrents, while lightning the most vivid and thunder whose crashes seemed to rend the very elements around, made us fearful that the less seaworthy boats of our fleet would not outlive the storm.  This seemed to be the "clearing up shower" for on Saturday morning the clouds began to break away, and yesterday (Sunday) the heavens became clear, and today we are enjoying one of the most beautiful days that nature can give.  Our fears respecting a portion of our fleet are not altogether quieted, for since Friday we have not seen nine of our vessels.  The Augusta has been flying about, skirting the horizon in every direction, but she reports "nothing in sight."  We have laid too about one day, hoping, if they were behind, that they would come up, but now the flagship says "keep on your course," and we, together with the gunboat, have to follow the Baltic.

Our destination is yet a mystery.  Even the officers are in profound ignorance of the port for which we are sailing.  It cannot be Charleston, Port Royal or Savannah, for we are below either of those.  It may be Mobile, New Orleans or Galveston.  Whichever it is, we are all willing to go where we are most needed, for this long confinement has made us crazy to go on land, and when once there, and we get over our enervating sea sickness, we will follow where ever our officers lead.

Our regiment has been very much decimated by sickness.  There must have been, at the least estimate, 250 men left at the Fortress Monroe and Baltimore Hospitals, and among them were Captains Bockee and Titus, both of Norwich.  Co. B has lost one man.  Henry D. Scott of North Norwich died the 29th ult. of typhoid fever.  He was thought much of both by officers and men, and we know that he was a sincere Christian.  His only sister and friends in Chenango have the heartfelt sympathy of all the company.  His remains were placed in the soldiers' burying place of the Chesapeake Hospital, Fortress Monroe.

Tuesday, Dec. 9:  We are still "Out on the ocean sailing," our course due south, and at the present writing off the southern coast of Florida.  All day we have been in sight of land, enjoying the warm western breeze which is as the zephyrs of May in our northern clime.

Wednesday, Dec. 10:  Five weeks today since we came on board of the Arago.  Five weeks of close confinement.  Five weeks of patient waiting on the part of some, and five weeks of bitter cursing by those who would damn the greatest privileges.  Five weeks of crowded life where the jostle on one side is succeeded by a push on the other.  Five weeks of babel, where almost as many tongues are spoken as there were created on the great day when God sent confusion among the people.  Five weeks of sighs for home and wishes for home comforts.  Five weeks of miserable existence, which, to present appearances, is to be carried out indefinitely, have "dragged their slow length along."  There must have been insanity in the mind of the man who sent us aboard of these transports, or else a mismanaging hand had hold of the pen that wrote our orders, for confinement on shipboard to men who have lived in the open air is sure to being on fevers and contagious diseases of different kinds and more men have been lost to our brigade by sickness and deaths since we left Baltimore, and its healthy camps, than would have been had we gone into immediate battle.

Today we passed Tortugas, and are now bearing north westward, intending to stop at Key West should our flagship think it necessary, though from present indications we will keep to the west of the Island.  We have passed several light houses that seemed to be built in the sea, but whose foundations are laid upon the choral rock with which the Gulf Of Mexico abounds. One of these was a splendid looking piece of work with spiral stairs from the water, its lamp resting upon six iron pillars that were imbedded into the solid rock.  This is called the Sombrero light house.  We have also met several sail [boats] that were bound north, but we had no opportunity to speak [with] them and the many letters that have been written to send home, should we have an opportunity, are still kept for some other and better chance.

Thursday, Dec. 11:  There is a strong southeast wind today making it difficult for the soldier to keep his feet, and the decks are covered with prostrate forms, some sick, some laying down because it is easier to be in that position than on their feet, and a large share of them cursing the day that Uncle Sam placed them upon the ship.

There has been two deaths on board since we started, both occurring in the 128th regiment.  A Lieutenant died yesterday and today a private followed his leader through the last great conflict between life and death.  How sad it is to think of, a death on shipboard, far away from home and friends, to be buried in the blue waters where no mark can tell the last resting place of the dead.

Friday, Dec. 12:  At sunrise this morning as the heavens were clothed in azure and gold, and the sea beautiful and calm, the dead of yesterday were dropped into their watery grave.  No spade to grate harshly upon the ears of mourning friends, no dirt to fall heavily upon the coffin lid, no sound but the solemn voice of the Chaplain as he reverently read the burial service, but all was silent and peaceful and still. A deep feeling of awe seemed to pervade the hearts of all that witnessed the ceremony, so different, and yet so beautiful, from that which we are accustomed to.  And as we think that their graves can never be visited by father or mother, and that no sister can plant flowers and weep by their tombstone, nor brother nor friend stand by the last resting place of those whose hearts beat warmly and purely with a sincere friendship, we are constrained to lift our petitions to Him, who is God over all, and beg that He will permit us to die where a mark can be placed to designate the spot where we sleep our last long sleep.

Having parted from that portion of the fleet with which we had been sailing, during the night, the Captain of the Arago opened his sealed orders to find out where we were to rendezvous, and reported Ship Island as our first stopping place.  He gave assurance that on the morrow he would anchor off that port.

Saturday, Dec. 13:  At daylight we came in sight of sand islands, and at 9 o'clock A.M. sighted the Island made famous by its being the rallying point of Maj. Gen. Butler's expedition against New Orleans, and in two hours we were anchored inside the harbor.  It is a long sandy island with a fort, a few frame houses and a light house. We had not been anchored half an hour before we were ordered to proceed at once on our way to New Orleans, and we again lifted anchor and are now on our way to the "Southwest Pass."

Sunday, Dec. 14:  This morning at daybreak found us lying too, off the main channel of the Mississippi, our signal flying for a pilot, and the ship rocking and pitching in a strong sea from the west.  About 7 o'clock A.M. a pilot boat, came bounding over the waves and soon placed one of those men on board who take so many lives in their hands, and assume such a vast responsibility, that we trembled almost as we thought how easy a disloyal hand and heart could send us to a watery grave.  Our pilot, however, had a true and loyal soul, and when we saw how careful he was to avoid the bars and with what precision he followed the winding stream we knew that we were safe from the storms of old ocean, from the quicksands of the "Father of Waters" and from a traitorous pilot.

The soldiers all evinced the interest they felt as we wended our way up the river by lining with guards from stem to stern and covering every inch of available space on the decks, the wheel house and the rigging, that they might see what was to be seen along the shore.  After passing up some twenty miles we came to orange groves, and the yellow appearance of the trees told us that the fruit was ripe and fit for eating. We passed Forts Jackson and Philip at noon and soon stopped opposite the Quarantine Hospital, where, on account of the measles, we are ordered to stay for ten days.

Thursday, Dec. 18:  We have enjoyed three days of rambling up and down the levees of the Mississippi, picking and eating the luscious oranges and now there is an opportunity of sending a letter, so I will close my tedious scribbling, wishing you and your readers good health, a merry Christmas, and one of the happiest of New Years.     A.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - November 1862

 Oxford Times, November 26, 1862

Letter from the 114th Regiment

On board the Arago, off Newport News, November 17th, 1862

Mr. Editor:  Presuming that all our friends in Old Chenango are anxious to hear from the 114th, I take the liberty to address you these few lines.  On the 5th of November we left the shady walks of Camp Belger, according to order, and marched down to the city where three companies of us, A, B, and C, were put on board the U.S. Mail Steamer Arago, with the 128th Regiment.  The rest of the Regiment was put on the Atlantic and the Thomas, I believe.  I am not certain about the latter. We remained off Fort McHenry, until  Nov. 9th, when we weighed anchor and moved down the bay. We arrived at Fortress Monroe about 1 o'clock at night.  In the morning I awoke and went on deck, and found our vessel laying at anchor between the Fortress and the Rip Raps.  Here we stayed until the 12th when we steamed up and came as far as here (Newport News) where we have since remained, and having a chance to go on shore about every other day.

Where our future destination is none appear to know, some say Texas, others declare Charleston to be the place. We shall probably go in Gen. Bank's expedition when it is ready, and where that will go is all uncertain, as far as we can judge.

All will remember this place as the spot where the celebrated "Yankee Cheesebox" immortalized itself in the fight with the Merrimac. Here too lies the remains of the Cumberland and Congress, that went down on that memorable day.  Of the latter, its charred hulk is just visible, burned to the waters edge.  The Cumberland lays just as she went down, her weather beaten masts still remain above the water.  As I look upon that noble vessel, I can but think of the hundreds of brave men that went down with her into the briny waves and lay with her in one common grave, well might we say.

The Monitor is also here and lays at anchor near by, ready I suppose for any emergency that may arise. Gen. Corcoran's Irish Legion is encamped here. They appear to be about five thousand strong; all tough, hardy looking men. We don't have quite as good fare on board as we did in Camp, but we are trying to be patient, thinking that we will soon be on land again.  Then woe to the chickens and rebels that stand before us.   W.E.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, August 1863

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 5, 1863

Married:  CRANDALL - SHEPARD:  At the house of E.W. Walker, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], August 2, 1863, by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. R.E. Crandall of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah A. Shepard of Sherburne.

Married:  WISWELL - TITUS:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], July 26, 1863, by C.H. Babcock, Esq., Mr. John Henry Wiswell of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Anna P. Titus, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  MATHEWSON:  In the Hospital at Brashear City, May 31, 1863, John P. Mathewson, of Co C, 114th Regiment N.Y.S.V. aged 20 years and days.

Died:  WHEELER:  At Vicksburgh, Miss. July 10, 1863 of typhoid fever, Mr. Smith R. Wheeler, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years.

Died:  BEWSTER:  At Brashear City, La., May 1, 1863, Mr. Isaac H. Brewster, Co H, 114th Reg. formerly of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], aged 20 years.

Died:  GRAVES:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 27, 1863, Mrs. Lydia Graves, wife of David Graves, aged 51 years.

Died:  MERRITT:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] July 25?, 1863, of diptheria, Addie [Merritt], aged 7 years and 1 month; also July 11 of the same disease, Charlie [Merritt], aged 8 years and 8 months, only children of Mrs. Mary A. Merritt, widow of the late Emmet Merritt.

Died:  WOOD:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] August 32, 1863 at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. E. Stanley, Mr. Jeremiah Wood, aged 71 years.

Died:  THOMAS:  In Carbon Cliff, Rock Island Co., Illinois, July 17, 1863, Susan Miller Thorp [Thomas}, only daughter of Wm. S. and Sarah B. Thomas, aged 3? weeks.

At Home:  We are pleased to see amongst us, now and then, some of the brave soldier boys who have fought well and gallantly for their country, and are glad when their appearance shows them to be in good health and spirits.  Lieut. Geo. A. Colton  of the 144th (Delaware County) Regiment, came home on a short visit to his parents last week, and the evidence of good condition which he carries about are pleasing to all who know him. He was sent to Elmira to receive about two hundred drafted men to fill up his regiment, and while waiting for these, was given a furlough to visit his home. George says the universal feeling in the army in regard to the riot in New York, was that every Copperhead in the North should be bayoneted.  One universal wish was expressed for a chance to get at them.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 12, 1863

Died:  LEWIS:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], April 24, 1863, of diptheria, Lyman Loel [Lewis], aged 4 years.  Also at Pitcher Springs [Chenango Co., NY], July 27, Emeline Lovinia [Lewis], aged 6 years, children of Cyrus V. and Dolly Lewis.

Died:  JOBMAN:  In the Marine Hospital, New Orleans, La., July 20, 1863, of chronic diarrhea, Mr. William Jobman, Co. A, 114th Regiment, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 49 years.

WISWELL:  In the Hospital at Brashear City, June 1, 1863, of chronic diarrhea, Mr. Thomas S. Wiswell, Co. B, 114th Regiment, aged 53 years.  In August 1862, when the call was made for volunteers, Mr. Wiswell, not fearing the draft, but like many others out of pure love to his country, volunteered to go and maintain its honor, and help roll back the murderous hosts which were gathering for its destruction.  His chief desire appeared to be to engage the enemy and do his country a service, but this boon was denied him. He was taken with disease and died before he had the privilege of showing valor on the field of battle.   He leaves a wife and number of children--one of the number, his next youngest son is in the army--to mourn his departure.  May a kind providence smile on the widow and fatherless children.

IVES:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], July 8?, 1863, Mr. Abram Ives, aged 87? years.  He was one of the early settlers of the town, and the last of four brothers and a number of sisters who, residing in the same neighborhood, by their energy and toil gave a character for thrift and competence which few neighborhoods possess.

We find in the Peoria, (Ill.)Transcript the melancholy announcement of the death of Rev. H. Doane, formerly pastor of the Congregational Church in this village.  This sad news will cause mourning in many hearts here, for he was well known and loved by many, best loved by those who knew him best.  He died on the field of his usefulness, died, as we know he wished to die, in the very midst of the labor to which he had devoted his life. 

"Died on the United States Hospital boat, near Vicksburg, on the 23d ult., The Rev. H. Doane, recently chaplain of the 17th Ill. regiment, and late city missionary in this city, aged fifty-seven years.  In the death of Mr. Doane, his regiment sustains a loss not only of a true chaplain, but a friend and companion, one who sympathized in all the hardships of a soldier's experience, and was ever ready to extend a helping hand to relieve the wants and necessities of the afflicted, and point the mind of the soldier to the higher and nobler life in Christ Jesus.  Mr. Doane was the soldier's friend and for him and his country has laid down his life  As a pastor he was not excelled, ever being and walking in the faith of his great master, whom he most devoutly loved and faithfully served. As city missionary in this city during the year 1862, Mr. Doane labored with zeal and faithfulness and many hearts were made glad by his words of love and gospel truth, and the seed sown by him in his missionary labors here will still bear testimony of his faithfulness and apostolic zeal.  He leaves a devoted wife and several children to mourn his loss, as well as a large number of friends in this city."

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 19, 1863

Married:  BROOKS - WELLER:  At Milford, Otsego Co. [NY] by Rev Wm. Watson, Mr. Lyman Brooks of Salem, Columbiana Co., Ohio, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. Mary S. Weller, of Pittsfield, Mass.

Died:  LEWIS:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], August 9?, 1863, Lydia [Lewis], wife of Mr. Samuel E. Lewis, aged 28 years.

Died:  WILLIAMS:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 11, 1863, Mr. Nathan S. Williams, aged 67 years.

Died:  ISBELL:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], August 4, Lucius H. Isbell, son of Lyman Isbell.

Died:  STRONG:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], July 10, 1863, Mrs. Rosalinda Strong, wife of Judge Cyrus Strong, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 70 years.

Died:  DAVIS:  At the Marine Hospital, New Orleans, July 8?, 1863, of consumption and chronic diarrhea, Mr. Ira A. Davis of Company B, 114th Regiment, N.Y.S.V., aged 26 years.  -?- attractions, felt nevertheless a strong attraction for country and its welfare.  When the call was made for volunteers in 1862 he responded and went, hoping to be of service in checking the fratricidal hosts which were gathering for the purpose of destroying the government which had so long nourished them.  His hopes were however blighted by sickness.  He was taken sick while his Regiment was at Fortress Monroe from which he never fully recovered, but lingered in feebleness more or less till he died.  His letters to his wife and friends breathed the spirit of the Christian patriot.  He sleeps with the brave who have fallen victims and martyrs for their country.  He leaves a wife and numerous friends to mourn his early departure.

Died:  FORD:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], August 11, 1863, Russell Ford, Esq., in the 65th year of his age.

The deceased was born in Delaware County in this state [NY], and came to this County when a boy.  He held many important positions in his town.  He was elected a Justice of the Peace of the town of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] in 1830 and held the office until a few years previous to his death.  He was admitted to practice in all the Courts of this state upon motion of his old friend Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson at the General Term of the Supreme Court, at Binghamton in the year 1851, and continued the practice of law until his failing health compelled him to withdraw from the active and exciting pursuits of his profession.  At the time of his decease he was a member of the Baptist Church and had been for 29? years.  Ability, integrity and purity were his characteristics in all the relations of life.  He was a consistent Christian, a kind husband, and an affectionate father and was beloved by all who knew him.  As his earthly pilgrimage drew near its close he looked back upon a life well spent, and died without regret, regretted by all.  His funeral was attended by a large concourse of his fellow citizens and he has left a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 26, 1863

Died:  DUNN:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 15, 1863, Mehetable H. [Dunn], wife of Mr. H.G. Dunn, aged 43 years and 10 months.

Died:  ROSE:  In Fort Wood Hospital, Badlow's Island, Aug. 10, 1863, Mr. Abram Rose of the 8th, N.Y. Cavalry, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 38 years.

Died:  BENNETT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], August 9, 1863, Mrs. Harriet Bennett, aged 74 years.

Died:  NICHOLS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], August 15, 1863, Sarah M. [Nichols], daughter of John and Margaret Nichols, aged 17 years.

Died:  THOMPSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], August 12, 1863, Willie Harvey [Thompson], son of Harvey and Elizabeth Thompson, aged 2 years and 12 days.

Died:  SMITH:  AT the Barracks Hospital, New Orleans, July 19, 1863, of chronic diarrhea, Mr. Charles P. Smith, of Co. A, 114th Regiment, N.Y.S.V., formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 35 years.

Died:  ENSWORTH:  In the Barracks Hospital, New Orléans, June 16, 1863, of diptheria, Mr. Waterman Ensworth of Co. A 114th Regiment. N.Y.S.V., son of Nathaniel and Lydia Ensworth of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] aged 21 years.

Died:  SCOTT:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], August 25, 1863, Leander H. [Scott], only child of Wm. G. and Sophia M. Scott, aged 2 years, 11 months and 16 days.  Loved was little Leelia, for whom we mourn; / Sad are our hearts, now he has gone / Yet oft we know that to us He'll come, / Bringing bright blessings from the spirit home.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, November 1862

 Oxford Times, November 12, 1862

Letter from the 10th N.Y. Cavalry

Near Alexandria, Nov. 3d, 1862

Mr. Editor:  By request of Captain Loomis, I will occupy a few moments in writing to inform you that we are all pretty well, except bad colds and of our whereabouts.  We left Baltimore about ten o'clock, Saturday, A.M. for Washington, where we remained until ten o'clock, A.M. Sunday, when we packed up and marched about two miles to a wharf on the Potomac, where we got aboard the steamer Hugh Jenkins, and landed at Alexandria about three o'clock, P.M.  Thence we marched a westerly course, through the city by the Hotel where Ellsworth was shot. We have got a very good place for camping. It is under the hills west of the city, near Fort Ellsworth.  I went this morning some three miles west over the hill, but could see nothing but forts, tents and a section of country laid waste of almost everything in the shape of fences and trees.  I passed through a field that had been fenced some time, of about thirty acres, that had been set out some time with apple and peach trees, just large enough to bare some, and I don't think there was fifty trees left that is good for anything, but are broken down, and the fields left just as they were when the war commenced, half plowed, and left just as they were planted.  Most of the troops here seem to be on the move to their regiments, except about five thousand paroled prisoners and nearly the same stragglers. There is fighting going on in about thirty miles or less, at Bull Run or near there.  A great many troops have marched that way from here. We heard heavy firing here yesterday north, and today south.  We expect to stop here for the present. We would like to see or hear from our Oxford friends, but we are bound to be free or die before we return. The boys begin to stick by the Captain like soldiers, and we are prospering very well.  You must excuse me from writing anymore this time.   W.D.C.

P.S.  I just learned by the way of Capt. Loomis that the fighting is at Thorofare Gap, under the command of General Siegel.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, November 1862

 Oxford Times, November 12, 1862

Letter from the 10th N.Y. Cavalry

Another Correspondent from the 10th NY Cavalry, Nov. 5, says:

We are now fairly encamped in Dixie, and our old friends in Old Chenango may depend that we are, as a company, ready to perform all the duties required of us, by our superior officer, but we expect to remain in this camp for two or three months to come, preparing to meet Stuart, or any other Rebel. As regards the face of the country there is no need that I write to you.  I will only say that it presents all the desolation possible after an invading army, not a vestige of a fence or barn, and there is hardly a tree to be seen of any account. This is quite an extensive camp, including all the different defenses in and about Washington, full as extensive as anyone in your vicinity would imagine.  You many take a position on the highest elevation possible, and look every way and your eye rests on a constant continuation of camps and fortifications. So far as taking Washington from the south side of the Potomac, it is an impossibility, for as you come from the south there is a continuation of fortifications and the one north commands the one south until you get to the Potomac.  I think if one fort were taken they would only place themselves in greater danger by occupying it from the other forts which command it.  The boys are all well.

Vital Records, Greene, NY - September 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 3, 1863

Married:  In Middleport, Niagara Co., N.Y., on Tuesday, the 25th ult. at the residence of W.S. Fenn, Esq., by Rev. A. Kelsy, Mr. Wm. D. Hoyt, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Louisa E. Fenn.

Chenango American, September 24, 1863

Died:  In West Colesville [Broome Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Rev. Henry A. Sherwood, aged 34 years.

Died:  At the Marine Hospital, New Orleans, on the 30th ult., of consumption, Daniel L. Wells, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], a volunteer in Co. I, 114th Reg., N.Y.S.V., aged 31 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. of diptheria, Henry E. Arnold, son of William and Melissa B. Arnold, aged 13 years and 5 days.

Died:  At the National Hotel in Norwich, on the 21st inst. of typhoid fever, Mr. William E. Carl, of Candor, Tioga Co., N.Y., aged 22 years.

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

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Mrs. Elizabeth Peacock, wife of Daniel Peacock, aged 55 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Francis Bockee [Clark], son of Francis G. and Clara B Clark, aged 6 months and 27 days.

Serious Stage Accident:  A young man, private of the 26th N.Y.V. Tuesday mounted the Norwich and Utica stage at Oriskany Falls.  Owing to the crowded state of the vehicle, he had to take a seat on the baggage on the top, and had proceeded only about a quarter of a mile out of the village when the jolting of the stage threw him prostrate on the road.  The blood gushed freely from the unfortunate man's mouth, and it was evident to the passengers that he was very seriously injured.  The driver of the stage most inhumanely refused to allow time for the passengers to attend to the man, and drove off, leaving him on the turnpike, to all appearances to die uncared for.  The latest information from Oriskany Falls states that he was then only just alive, and no hopes were entertained of his recovery.  It is not surprising that such an accident should have occurred, considering that a vehicle adapted for accommodating twelve passengers was at the time carrying, we are informed, twenty-six.,

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - November 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 27, 1862

Letter from the 114th Regiment

On Board Ship Arago, off Newport News, Va., Thursday, Nov. 13, 1862

Eds. American:  On Wednesday of last week, the 114th had orders (together with the other regiments composing the Brigade) to take shipping to join an expedition, the destination of which was and is kept secret.  The excitement of breaking up camp, and the speculation of wise ones respecting the point of our future operations, occupied us till about 9 o'clock A.M., when the orders to "sling knapsacks and march" were given. The embarking of our regiments and stores took the greater part of Wednesday and Thursday, and the tedious snowstorm of Friday, 7th inst., prevented our sailing.  On Saturday, 8th, orders came to sail early the next morning, and at the appointed time we weighed anchor, put on steam, and headed for the South. The propeller Thames, steamers Arago and Ericsson were the only ones that could get over the bar, leaving the steamers Atlantic and Baltic stuck fast in the mud, and up to last evening (12th inst.) they had not left the harbor of Baltimore. We had a pleasant sail down the Chesapeake, and at 2 o'clock on the morning of Monday, 10th inst., our anchor was cast off Fortress Monroe, the most formidable fortress on the Southern coast. As viewed from on board ship, this fort has the appearance of a village surrounded with a huge wall, and the wall mounted with a continuous row of cannon   The privates had no permission to go ashore while there, and the officers did not communicate to us what they saw or the news they heard, so we remained in profound ignorance of what was going on within its walls.  We lay off the fort two days, when Maj. Gen. Dix ordered us down to Newport News, to drill and await the arrival of the expedition, which will rendezvous here for orders for their final destination.

Yesterday, Wednesday, 12th, we sailed for this famous place, and found it composed of a few negro huts, earthwork fortifications, built by the rebels, and spent balls, said balls being examined by our boys with peculiar interest.  After anchoring we were soon on terra firma, and going through the company and battalion drill. We also went through a sham battle, which was high fun for the boys.

About 2 P.M. the officers aboard the boat saw a strange object coming down the James river, and the Captain of our steamer, after taking a long look thro' his glass, guessed that it was the rebel Merrimac No. 2.  The signal station here also signaled the old Monitor which fired a shot at the supposed enemy, which struck within a few yards of it, without, however, getting a reply.  It had very much the appearance of a house roof set upon the water, and whether it was the Merrimac or not, this morning (Thursday) it had disappeared, and the Monitor lays up the stream as far as the eye can reach.  The mouth of this river is completely blockaded by iron clads, there being two Monitors, the new Ironsides, the Galena and other boats to the number of seven laying here.  We are expecting and hoping that the rebels will send down their second champion, confident that she will be compelled to join her predecessor.  Evan as I write, Gen. Dix signals the Captain of the Arago to be prepared to slip her cable at any moment and move under the guns of the Fortress, and the crew are taking in the slack chain. The soldiers are looking up the river in momentary expectation of seeing the long looked for Merrimac No. 2, and the fast little scout that lays by the Ironsides is making up the river to see how formidable she may be.

Friday, 14th

The alarm of yesterday proved to be a false one, the rebel steamer only coming down about 40 miles and then returning.  The remainder of our Brigade arrived at Fortress Monroe today.  Brigadier General Corcoran's Legion also arrived and were set to Newport News to form a camp.  They seem to have some trouble, for the first day they arrived here, a captain was shot by a private, and the second, a regiment threw off their knapsacks and refused to do duty.    A.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - November 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 27, 1862

Camp Marcy?, Nov. 22?, 1862

Eds. American:  One would think from the manner it has rained during the past two or three days that the rebellion would soon be crushed by a deluge as vast in extent and as terrible in destruction as the one of old.  The rain pours down in torrents and the hills around look like mighty cataracts with their resistless floods, all rushing, with a roar akin to that of Niagara, down the sides of the mountains into the dark bosom of the Potomac. Several times I have found myself involuntarily yet anxiously looking around to see if some modern Noah was not constructing an ark that would survive this dread accumulation of waters.  But I could see none, for all, whether soldier or civilian, was forced to seek shelter from the raging storm. Our camp which is situated on a side hill presents a scene of much mud and slosh that "beggars all description."  The soil here is mostly clay, and I leave it to your own conjectures as to the usefulness of the material in manufacturing mud. Frequently an individual starts to go down hill, when his feet slipping from under him, he will suddenly be thrown into a most desirable attitude for sliding.

Our employment thus far has been mostly confined to digging rifle pits, making roads and building bridges.  This kind of work does not add much to the contentment of the regiment.  The men feel as though they were sent down here to fight and to assist in re-establishing on a firmer basis than ever the principles of our forefathers, but when instead of drilling with the musket they are obliged to practice with the pick axe and shovel, and instead of learning battalion movements they are merely taught to "fall in line" for ditch digging, it is not to be wondered at that they should be disappointed and chagrined at the manner in which they are assisting to "work out the salvation" of our country.  Yes, today, should we be attacked by a band of rebels, we could do more towards resisting them by the use of the agricultural implement I have mentioned than by the use of our rifles, for in the use of the latter we have received scarcely any instruction whatever, while we have been drilled in the utility of the former until we have reached a standard of perfection which would be difficult to excel.

There has nothing particularly exciting transpired among us since I wrote you last.  There are some feelings of indignation among some of the old troops on account of the removal of Gen. McClellan. They are very vociferous in their condemnation of this last act of President Lincoln. They insist that the abilities of McClellan as a Commander far exceed those of any other General in ancient or modern times. But when questioned as to the rate of speed he marched to relieve Harper's Ferry, or the unmolested evacuation of Yorktown by the rebels, or the manner in which his army was decimated in the Chickahominy swamps by the most malignant fevers and diseases, or the great loss of life his army experienced when he executed his much ridiculed strategy of "changing base" to the James river, or of his signal and disastrous defeat before Richmond, or of the drawn battle of Antietam, they, like the boy who tore his pants, have nothing to say.  I am one of those who believe his removal to be one of the most encouraging "signs of the times" that has happened since the war began.  His inactivity and utter disregard for the wishes of the people for an "advance movement" had well nigh discouraged the loyal efforts of the north and provoked the intervention of foreign powers.  His removal is what the interests of our Country long since demanded, but which the people have hardly been prepared to receive until now.  His successor is a man who earned the confidence of his countrymen before they bestowed it upon him. With his name is indissolubly connected the glories which cluster around the battles of Newbern and Roanoke island.  He has incorporated in his disposition a certain "goaheadativeness" which predicts the ultimate triumph of the army of the Potomac.  Of late every one feels encouraged, and nearly every soldier is laying his plans to eat dinner at home on New Years, but in this I think many will be disappointed.

We are for the present detailed with one or two other regiments to guard "Chain bridge" which is about three fourths of a mile form our encampment.  How long we shall continue to perform this service I am not able to say, with certainty, but I should judge all winter as we have been ordered to "log up" our tents for winter.  Abercrombie, who headquarters are near here, is now under marching orders and they are making every preparation to move at a moment's warning. Trusting that you will soon hear of Richmond's capture, I remain,

Yours in haste, J.L.T., of Co. F.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, May 1863

 Oxford Times, May 6, 1863

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by the Rev. W. T. Potter, Mr. Charles Gordon, to Miss Celestia Russel, all of Oxford.

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th of April, by Rev. L.F. Spafford, Mr. G.L. McNeil to Miss l. Miller, both of Oxford.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th ult. by Rev. A. Ketchum, Mr. D.A. Gilbert to Miss Amelia H. Bixby, daughter of Charles Bixby, Esq.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th ult. Mary E. [Johnson], wife of Henry E. Johnson, aged 23 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., Anna M. [Field], wife of Orville Field, aged 25 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th ult., Phebe [Baccroft], wife of Allen Baccroft?, aged 47 years.

Died:  In Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. Miss Harriet VanHorne, daughter of David VanHorne, Esq.,  

Died:  On the 22d ult. David Van Horne, Esq., aged 59 years.

Died:  On the battle field, from wounds received in the battle of South -?-, Sept. 15, 1862, Charles H. Sweet, a member of Co F. Bocktail? Reg. Penn. Vol. and son of C.B. Sweet of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], aged 25 years.

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. Sarah C. [Gibson] wife of S.C. Gibson, M.D., aged 30 years.

Died  In Stockton, Chautauqua Co., N.Y. April 24th, Mr. John Grant, in the 790th year of his age.  He was born in Litchfield, Ct. and removed to Smithville in this county [Chenango Co., NY] in 1839 and removed to Chautauqua County in 18--?.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. Mr. Leander Webb aged 79? years.

Death of a Soldier:  The following communication from Lt. Lownsbery, briefly recites a terrible accident which resulted in the death of Jotham Woods, of the 10th N.Y. Cavalry, on the 24th ult.:  Warrenton Junction, Va., April 25, 1863;  Editor of Times:  Yesterday, at 7 A.M. in Camp, Jotham Woods of Co. K, accidentally shot himself with his own Carbine, while getting ready to move Camp.  He took hold of the muzzle of his piece with his right hand in a stooping position, and while drawing it towards him, the hammer caught and flew back on the cap, causing a premature discharge of the contents of the gun, passing entirely through his right side, yet he lived along until 4 o'clock, this morning, at which time he died of his wounds.

Oxford Times, May 13, 1863

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Calvin Tyler of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary King of Barker [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. by Rev. Mr. Otis, Mr. Freeman Utter to Mrs. Christianna Dingy, both of Triangle [Broome co., NY].

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult. of diptheria, Charlie J. Bresee, aged 13 years.

Died:  in North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. Helen M. [PerLee] wife of Isaac B. PerLee, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Portageville, Wyoming co. [NY] on the 14th, Mr. Silas Sarle, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], aged 49 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on April 16th, Frances M. [Ives], wife of Henry D. Ives, aged 31 years.

Died:  In West Salem, LaCross Co., Wis. on the 27th? April, of congestion of the lungs, Mr. Spencer Cole, formerly of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], aged 54 years.

Oxford Times, May 20, 1863

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. at the Presbyterian Church, by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. Austin C. Coville of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss J. Vanette Eddy, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. Chandler Cummings of Greene to Mrs. Sarah Blowers of Bridgewater, Pa.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Charles F. King to Miss Amanda Rogers, all of Greene.

Died:  In Brashear city, La., Lieut, Geo. G. Donnelly of Co. E 114th Reg. of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], aged 37 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th, Mr. Roselle Weed, aged 45 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., of scarlet fever, Elmer Ellsworth, only son of Lucien D. and Catherine L. Sherwood, aged 1 year and 10 months.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. Charles E. [Knickerbocker], son of Charles and Mary Jane Knickerbocker, aged 8? years.

Died:  We take from the N.Y. Independent of the 14th inst., the following obituary notice of one who was formerly an esteemed resident of our village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY]:  In Minneapolis Min. April 23d of consumption, Mrs. Julia M. Vanderburg, wife of Judge C.E. Vanderburg of Minneapolis and daughter of Wm. Mygatt, Esq., of Oxford, N.Y.: One year ago the fatal disease manifested itself.  A sudden hemorrhage of the lungs startled the happy family with sad premonitions.  The stricken wife showed no alarm.  A devoted husband with two children made her long to live.  For this she prayed.  Three months ago a new phase of this disease brought her, as she supposed, to the door of death, expecting to be torn thus suddenly from her loved ones, she felt no fear.  "Heaven seems come down to earth," she remarked, so assured was she that her peace and readiness must be from God.  "My peace I give unto you." was fulfilled to her.  Since that time she has rapidly failed, entertaining never more than a dim hope of prolonged life. "For the sake of my husband and children, I would love to live," she said, "but I have no fear; my trust is in Jesus."  Thus inspired and comforted by the Son of God, she neared the river.  On the last day of her life she spoke much of her faith in Christ.  She urged all to love Christ.  Thursday, the day of her going home, was a sunny spring morning.  Nature lifted up her song of praise.  "I would," she said, "love to go to heaven on such a day as this.  Her last words were "Blessed Savior, receive my spirit," and thus "he gave his beloved sleep." The character of this disciple was rarely beautiful in its symmetry.  A wide circle of friends bear tribute to it.  Unselfishness was the rule of her life.  Her anxiety and interest was centered upon others.  Her nature was infused with love. Christlike love breathed from her life.  In her early home she was the loving and the loved.  On her dying bed she said, "I love everybody, heaven is love, God is love, Christ is love." How congenial to her the atmosphere of heaven, the loving companionship into which she has entered. Combined with the characteristics referred to was an unusual balance of judgment, a cleanness of decision in questions of duty, which won the confidence of all.  She was an active Christian.  Her benevolence sought the neglected and the poor. The bright Sabbath on which her frail body was laid to rest, the theme of the sermon "To live is Christ, to die is gain," the trust that kindled mourning hearts with the assurance of a happy reunion in the better land.  These made the last services rather those of praise than of sorrow.

Oxford Times, May 27, 1863

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. David Shattuck of Barker [Broome co., NY], to Miss Elizabeth P. Hogg of Greene.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th? inst. by Rev. A.. Benedict, Hamilton Phelps, Esq., to Miss Anna M. Keyes, all of Norwich.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango co., NY], on the 14th, by Rev. Wm. Searles, Mr. Nathan B. Watkins to Miss Libbie L. Stanton, all of Norwich.

Married:  At East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst. by Horace L. Barnes, Esq., Mr. Peter Henry Pease of Oneida Valley, Madison Co. [NY], to Miss Ellen Marinda Andrus of Cleveland, Oswego Co. [NY].

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst. Mr. Stephen Ketchum, aged 85 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. Huldah [Slawson], wife of Mr. Caleb Slawson, aged 37 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] at the residence of David Griffing, Esq. suddenly on the 18th? inst. Ansel Lull, M.D. of Syracuse, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mrs. Almira Card, aged 66 years.

Died:  In Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Frankie LeRoy [Miles], son of LeRoy B and H. Miles, aged 2 weeks and 6 days.

Departed for the Spirit Land, April 2, 1863, Mrs. Ellen B. Stanley, wife of Adams E. Stanley, and daughter of J.L. And Betsey Beebe, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] in the 37th year of her age.  It is but justice to say of the departed, that as a wife, mother, daughter or sister, she was much beloved.  Her faith in the ministry, and her hope of immortality, were on the word and works of the Creator of all things.  A short time before she died she called her near and dear relatives to her bedside, and said to them that she had no fears for the future, and wished them not to shed any tears for her after she was gone, for she was going to rest. She wished her children brought to her, that she might kiss them for the last time, and bid them farewell, till they should meet in a purer and happier world beyond the River. She has left a husband, five children, and many relatives to  mourn for her.  May they be comforted with the thought that their great loss is her infinite gain.

Lieut. G.G. Donnelly:  The friends of this brave man have received news of his death.  When he enlisted into the 114th Regiment, he was pastor of the Baptist Church in Afton, Chenango county [NY], and he left his charge and proceeded with his regiment as Lieutenant of one of the companies to New Orleans, in Gen. Banks' expedition, where he saw considerable hard service.  Just before his death he had been quite sick, but had so far recovered as to be doing duty when by accident he fell through a draw bridge while out on picket, at Brashear City, La., April 26th.  he had been in the ministry but about three years, and was beloved by his Chruch at Afton and the community at large.  He left a pleasant home, and kind friends, and associated himself with those who went forth to fight for the old flag, the Stars and Stripes, and has fallen a victim to this wicked Rebellion, at the age of 39.  His widow will have the sympathy of all her neighbors and friends.  Oneonta Herald

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - October 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 9, 1862

Letter from the 114th NY Infantry

On Special Duty, Baltimore, Oct. 6, 1862

Eds American:  It is troublesome and perplexing to speculate upon things that are hidden from our view by the future.  "Special Correspondents" are apt to think "forward movements" are to be made because they see no reason to prevent, and immediately, through the columns of their "special" papers, long articles on the route of the army, the results and benefits to be secured by such a move, are put forth, and the people who read, await anxiously for the development of their plans until their patience becomes worn out and their confidence in military commanders shaken if not entirely destroyed.

The policy that once broke up the fine and effective army of Gen. McClellan into separate divisions, under Generals who held different views upon the manner of approaching Richmond, will not again gain a foothold in the Cabinet, and McClellan will probably have the privilege of choosing his own way, and select the time and place for another struggle with rebeldom that may, to him, seem advantageous. There is now, as there has heretofore been, the constant cry of "Why don't McClellan push his advantages?" and correspondents predict, and reporters telegraph startling rumors and sensation newspapers come out with large headings of "Impending battle!" and again, as of yore, the public are duped.

There is a host even now fighting a long but terribly sure battle with the enemy.  A combatant as remorseless as famine, and as fatally sure of victory.  Even famine itself, and our General knows that while the rebel army are among the mountains of the Blue Ridge, with only half rations to eat, and poor at that, and scarcely a blanket to keep them from the chilly night air, they are becoming more and more reduced in strength, and their faith in the cause for which they have been compelled to fight, never strong, is completely swept away.

There is yet no change in our regiment, and how near or distant the day when we shall be ordered to move, no one can tell.  The daily drill and the monotonous routine of guard duty is becoming "too much of a good thing," and unless we soon have something to vary our everyday life, I fear that discontent will be brooded in our camp.  The only thing that seems to interest the "boys" now is the rumor that we were to be brigaded with the 116th N.Y.S.V. and a Connecticut regiment, the number of which has escaped me.

Company E Capt. MacDonald's company, has lost a member by sickness and death.  The name of deceased was Albert Teachout, of West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]\.  He is said to have been in poor health before he enlisted and the fatigue of drill and guard duty prostrated him with a fever, and he rapidly declined, until death claimed him, another victim to Jeff Davis' Confederacy.

Respectfully &c, A.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, October 1862

 Oxford Times, October 29, 1862

Letter from the 114th NY Infantry

Upper Marlboro, Md. Oct. 17, 1862

Dear Sir:  I now take the opportunity to write a few lines and let you know how the boys of Co. H prosper.  You probably have learned that a detachment of our Co. have been sent to Upper Marlboro, a distance of eighteen miles southeast of Washington for the purpose of aiding the enrolling officer in discharging his duty. We left Camp Belger the last of September and soon found ourselves pleasantly in the cars on our way to the above place, and by 7 o'clock arrived at the Bladensburgh depot, six miles above Washington, where we halted for the night. The next morning with knapsacks strung we commenced our first march which is so common to the soldier and by passing o'er hill and dale, through the numerous tobacco plantations we reached Marlborough early in the evening, where we found another squad of men drawn up in line of battle ready for execution if it turned out to be the enemy.  The next morning we had a good view of the village, but O! castles in the air.  I have read of the sunny south and her fair daughters, but little did they compare with the scenes that were before me.  By this time the company was called together and marched for our camp ground, a distance of three quarters of a mile out of town in a grove of oak and cedar which we named after our Captain, Camp Bullock.  Here we enjoyed the pleasures of camp life for two weeks, when a cold rain storm came on. Then arrangements were made for us to move into the Methodist Church where we at present remain.  I would say to you a very important arrest of a young man who formerly was a lawyer of this place, but when the rebellion broke out he was one of the foremost to take up arms against his country.  He was engaged in the first battle of Bull Run, which from that date has acted as spy for the rebel government. He had  made a number of visits to this place, but always had friends who secreted him. We consider it an important arrest, one that will be a loss to rebeldom and a credit to the Union. We feel that we are doing something for our country, not only aiding the Provost Marshal in discharging his duty, but keeping down the rebellion in this place, for yesterday Capt. Bullock arrested the editor of the Marlbobo Gazette for printing a piece to discourage the draft which took place on the 15th.  But let turn up what will, may it ever be said that Co. H of Chenango and Madison will sustain the stars and stripes and ever be faithful in discharging their duties.   H.D.M.

Vital Records, Greene, NY - August 6, 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 6, 1863

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mrs. Almira Coffin, aged 62 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., of paralysis, Mr. Jeremiah Wood, aged 71 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 20, 1863

Died:  In Fort Wood Hospital, Bedlow's Island, on the 10th inst., Mr. Abram Rose, of the 8th New York Cavalry, of this town, aged 38 years.

Died:  in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mrs. Harriet Bennett, aged 74 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Sarah M. [Nichols], daughter of John and Margaret Nichols, aged 17 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Willie [Thompson], son of Harvey Thompson, aged 2 years.

Died:  In Mount Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Russel Ford, Esq., in the 69th year of his age.

Died:  In Lincoln General hospital, Washington, D.C., on the 19th ult., John J. Daily, of Co A, 8th N.Y. Cavalry, from Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], aged 17 years and 11 months.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th ult., Mr. Abram Ives, aged 87 years.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mahetable H. [Dunn], wife of Mr.  H.G. Dunn, aged 43 years and 10 months.

She's gone to quiet rest, / No more to suffer here; / She dwells among the blessed, / And no'er will shed a tear.

How peacefully did life depart, / To tranquil, sweet repose; / How beautiful the vital spark / Departed from earth's woes.

Ah!  who can tell the clime / Where that blest spirit dwells? / Or who can know the time / When we shall go ourselves?

Farewell, departed one; / How sudden thou wert taken; / We'll linger out this life alone, / And meet thee soon in Heaven.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, July 1863

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 1, 1863

Col. Smith is Dead

B a letter received by Mrs. Smith this Tuesday noon from Capt. Bockes, the worst fears of our citizens are realized.  Col. Smith is dead. We have but time to announce the fact, and leave comment to the future.  He died with the harness on in the cause of his country, at once a hero and a martyr.

The following letter from Lieut. E.P. Per Lee, confirms the sad news:

St. James Hospital, N.O. La., June 20, 1863

My Dear Uncle:  Col. Smith is dead.  He died about 1 A.M. yesterday.  His remains were brought here, and I was to accompany the body home.  Everything was arranged, even to the procuring of the transportation, and I went to the undertaker to have the body taken on board the boat.  But in the meantime he had discovered that decomposition had so far taken place that it would not be safe to send the body at present, and said we would be obliged to wait eight or ten days.  Then it can be transported in safety, and I shall undoubtedly accompany it.  I am improving.  I am obliged to make this note brief, as the mail is on the point of closing.

Yours Truly, E.P.P.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 8, 1863

Married:  NEARING - TAYLOR:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], June 17, 1863, by Rev. T.N. Williams, Mr. Percival D. Nearing to Miss Clara Taylor, all of Smyrna.

Married:  TAYLOR - NEARING:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], June 22, 1863, by Rev. T.M. Williams, Mr. William Taylor of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Myra A. Nearing, of Smyrna.

Died:  AUSTIN:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], June 27, 1863, Bertie L. [Austin], the only child of Luman and Mary J. Austin, aged 3 years 2 months and 13 days.  Little Bertie was a bright little boy showing activity and intelligence beyond his years.  he was a joy in the household, a pet and favorite of all his kindred.  May a kind Providence bring the parents and kindred to enjoy with Bertie that state of bliss where sorrow and separation are never known.

LEWIS:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], June 29, after severe illness of -?- months, Elmer E. [Lewis], only child of Willard F. and Libbie Lewis, aged 2 years and 1 month.  And now he is gone, forever gone, / From woe and pain set free, /Bright angels whispering, say, come / To glorious immortality.

Killed:  Among the list of killed at Gettysburg is Lt. Col. Arrowsmith of the 157th N.Y. Volunteers.  He was a graduate of Madison University where he was afterwards Tutor.  He raised a company for the Twenty-sixth Regiment, from which he was transferred to be Lieut. Colonel of the 157th.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 15, 1863

Married:  STANBRO - KNOWLES:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], July 7, 1863, by Rev. T.M. Williams, Mr. Levi G. Stanbro to Miss Lucy A. Knowles all of Smyrna.

Married:  POTTER - BARR:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY],k July 3, 1865, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. William Potter to Miss Sarah Barr, all of Greene.

Married:  YOUNG - HOUGHTON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 2, 1863, by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Wm. S. Young to Miss Harriet A. Houghton, both of Oxford.

Married:  SACKETT - HARRINGTON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 3?, 1863, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. James W. Sackett to Miss Mary A. Harrington, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  HUMPHREY - LEWIS:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], July 1, 1863, by Rev. H. -?-, Mr. Charles L. Humphrey, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Prudence E. Lewis, of the former place.

Married:  GATES - WOOD:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], July 6, 1863, by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Henry A. Gates of Bridgeport, Conn., to Miss Julia A. Wood, of the former place.

Died:  MERRIHEW:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], July 6, 1863, Mr. John Merrihew, in the 84th year of his age.

Died:  ALLEN:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], July 3, 1863, Mr. E. Tracey Allen, a soldier in the war of 1812, aged 77 years.

Died:  BIRDSALL:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], July 3, Miss Emma R.? Birdsall, aged 18 years.

Died:  NIGHTENGALE:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], June 30, 1863, Mr. Joseph Nightengale, aged 25 years.

Died:  CULVER:  In Ketchum's Corners, June 23?, 1863, Laura L. [Culver], aged 17 years.  Also July 4, Alice [Culver], aged 8 years, children of Mr. Wilson Culver.

Died:  LEWIS:  In Binghamton, July 2, 1863, Col Hazard Lewis, aged 58? years and 8 months.

Died:  HOLLENBECK:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 30, 1863, Mrs. Grace Hollenbeck, wife of Silas Hollenbeck, aged 20 years.

Died:  WHITE:  At the Hospital, New Orleans, Mr. Liberty White, a member of Co. I, 114th Regiment, N.Y.S.V., aged 31 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 22, 1863

Married:  PADDLEFORD - LOOP:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] July 4th, 1863, by Rev. J.W. Matterson, Mr. Zeal Paddleford to Miss Mary E. Loop, both of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  STORK - JAPHET:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 11, 1863, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. F. Russell Stork, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Eliza A. Japhet of Oxford.

Married:  MILLER - BARTHOLOMEW:  In Pittsfield, Otsego Co. [NY], July 4, 1863, by Rev. W.W. Andrews, Mr. John Henry Miller to Miss Cordelia Ann Bartholomew, all of Pittsfield.

Died:  BUTTON:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], July 21, 1863, Matilda A. [Button] wife of Henry [Button], aged 34 years.

Died:  RAY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 9, 1863, Mrs. Susan B. Ray, widow of Levi Ray, Jr., aged 71 years.

Died:  BUTTON:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], June 8, 1863, of diptheria, Charles Button, son of Blevit Button, aged 21?  years.

Died:  CHANDLER:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 8, 1863, Mr. Joel W .Chandler, Jr., aged 24 years.

Died:  CREGO:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 8, 1863, Mrs. Martha E. Crego, aged 81? years.

Killed:  John Doing, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], a member of the 44th N.Y.S.V. was killed at the battle of Gettysburgh. 

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 29, 1863

Married:  HALL - HACKETT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 18, 1863, by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Amos F. Hall of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Frances A. Hackett of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  MORELY - DUNNING:  At the residence of the bride's father, July 2, 1863, by Rev. Jacob Rice, Mr. Alonzo R. Morely of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah L. Dunning, of Cassopolis, Case Co. ,Michigan.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - October 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 9, 1862

Letter from 152d Regiment

Camp Schuyler, Herkimer Co., Oct. 6, 1862

Eds. American:  You have undoubtedly expected to hear from me before this, and you would, had not "changing scenes and circumstances" deprived me of the complete control of my own actions and inclinations.

You have probably learned that I am not going in the Syracuse Regiment.  Yielding to the wishes of friends and my own feelings, I enlisted, shortly after leaving you, in the 152d Regiment, from Herkimer County [NY], and with the fate of that noble band of patriots my own destiny is now linked.  Our camp is situated on a high piece of table land overlooking several thousand acres of as rich and fertile land as the Empire State can boast of.  Since our tents were "pitched," the weather, with the exception of two or three days, has been beautiful, and that with the magnificent scenery around us has made camp life, thus far, romantic in the extreme. A more contented and happy "lot of boys" you can not find, than the soldiers of the 152d Regiment.

Last Friday we received orders to march on Friday next, the 10th, but I hardly think we will get off before the first of next week.  Our regiment received and accepted an invitation last week to attend the County Fair held at  Mohawk, and a fine time we had. The men behaved like true soldiers, and though liquor was sold on the ground, only two soldiers were seen to be intoxicated. We think this fact speaks well for the character of the Regiment.  We are, one and all, eager to get down in "Dixie."  The spirit of patriotism burns brightly in old Herkimer county.  Men and money are poured forth like water.  Many of our towns give three hundred dollars bounty; among them Fairfield, Newport and Little Falls.  The County gives fifty, which with the Town, State and United States bounties makes five hundred dollars that each man gets who enlist in many of the towns I have mentioned, so you perceive old Herkimer is not behind her sister counties in liberality and patriotism.

You will hear from me again, as soon as our Regiment arrives in Washington

Your, Truly, J.LT.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - September 1862

 Oxford Times, October 8, 1862

Letter from the 114th Regiment

Baltimore, Md. Sept. 29, 1862

Dear Times:  Having a leisure hour, I thought I would improve it in writing, and let you know how the boys of old Chenango get along soldiering.

I believe as a general thing that they are remarkably well, for you must know that we are encamped in one of the most beautiful groves in old Maryland.  It is located on a rising ground overlooking a view of the city of Baltimore, and a venerable part of the surrounding countryside.  I think that we could not have made a better choice if we had been permitted to select our own ground for a camp.  All other Regiments are encamped near us, and any quantity are passing thro' the city daily, for the seat of war. 

All but two hundred of our Regiment have been taken for guard in the city.  A few were at first detailed from each company.  Then the whole of company I was detailed.  They are divided up in squads to guard the Hospitals, Railroad stations, &c.  Everything passes off as pleasantly in camp as in a well regulated company.  There has not been a quarrel in our Regiment since we came here.  Our camp ground is kept as nice and clean as a house parlor (and I guess that it is swept and cleaned about as much as some).  We are proud of our camp and I think we have a reason to.  We have a regular Post Office, and mail twice a day, tens, and hundreds of letters are dropped into the box daily that are to go to many lonely hillsides, among the green hillsides of Chenango.  Letters are the soldiers -?-, and when the mail comes, and letters are distributed you will see a look of disappointment pass over the faces of those that do not receive of the precious document.  Look around camp in an hour of leisure and you will see men seated under the spreading branches of our beautiful oaks, with pen in hand, writing many messages of love to friends at home.  As many as a thousand have gone from the post office in one day, many of them to be delivered among the hills and valleys of home.  We miss the weekly visits of the "Times."  Let one of the copies get into camp and you will see a crowd collect immediately to hear the news.  Everybody is delighted with the idea of borrowing, and the owner will have no peace till he turns it over.  

Since I have been writing, orders have been received for one hundred and fifty more of our Regiment, company F, and a part of Company H are taken.  Fifty are to proceed to St. George Co. to aid the enrolling officer in the discharge of his duties. The remainder are to take the place of one of the Mass. companies in the city belonging to the 38th Mass. Regiment.  The order calls for duty.  Good-by for the present.   

W.E.