Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 30, 1863
Letter From Robert A. Stanton, Army of the Potomac
Headquarters at Army Corps Camp near Culpepper, Va. Sept. 18th, 1863
Messrs. Editors: Day before yesterday the main body of the Army of the Potomac made an advance of about fifteen miles, now holding the country to the Rapidan, the limit of our recent cavalry reconnaissances. The headquarters of our corps are just outside the village of Culpepper, a very pretty little place. Although the effects of war are plainly discernible, the works of its cruel hand have apparently injured the village much less than most others through which we have passed. There are a couple of very fair churches and many fine dwellings some surrounded with beautiful hedges. It must have been a very thrifty place.
In making this advance we have brought within our lines the residence of a very prominent Virginian who, I believe, has ever remained true to the Union. Hon. John Minor Botts. As our corps passed near his residence, I took the opportunity to call upon him. I found him at home, in very good health, and just then in particularly good spirits. I was very much pleased to be assured by him that he still remains true to his sentiments of yore. Hale and hearty with a splendid farm and a large family including three comely daughters - very agreeable ladies, by the way - he seems enjoying life as well as possible under the circumstances. The Union army he welcomed right heartily and hoped we would be able soon to end the war. He thought the visits of this army in this vicinity, had been very fashionable heretofore, and trusted that hereafter we would hold permanent possession of the country. He was in the city of Richmond about a week since, and is very familiar with the condition of things there. People in moderate circumstances can with the greatest difficulty procure the necessaries of life, Its luxuries they have long since dispensed with. Mr. Botts made purchases of groceries, clothing, &c. he bought 350 lbs of sugar for $700. For four pair of shoes he paid $200. He purchased hams, salt, &c, and for what he could buy in 1861 for $64.80, he paid over $1,800. On my referring to his letters against the right and policy of secession, written about the time of the breaking out of the war he said "The predictions of that time, I believe, to be the realities of today." The "would be Southern Confederacy" he compared to an apple that has lost so many slices by the Federal knife that nothing but a core remains, which is itself wormy, and is fast being picked in pieces by the Federal arms. He thinks the majority of the Southern people have still great confidence in Jeff Davis, although many denounce him severely and attribute to his mismanagement all their recent disasters. Of Alexander H. Stephens he says "He does not amount to a pinch of salt. He has been unfaithful to every party and every principle he ever espoused. It is his firm belief that it is the intention of the Southern leaders, if ever a separation should be effected, which he considers an impossibility, to make the South a monarchy of which Jeff Davis shall be Emperor. He has fearlessly expressed his opinion of the folly and madness of secession and the hopelessness of their struggle to Confederate officers and prominent leaders of the South, and notwithstanding their many threats of hanging and the like, they have not dared to execute them. He is anxious to visit Washington to see President Lincoln, with whom he is well acquainted, and I doubt not he will be permitted to do so. To find such a man living near Richmond in the heart of Virginia, if not encouraging is at least very refreshing.
The military movements at this time are hard to fathom. I cannot believe that the policy is "on to Richmond." To hold the rebel army of Virginia north of Richmond for the present at least is all I believe that can be expected of the Army of the Potomac. Unless, therefore, the enemy recross the Rapidan. I do not think you will immediately hear of any very interesting news from this quarter.
Very truly your, Robt. A. Stanton
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Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 8, 1886
Death of Captain Stanton
In its appropriate department in today's Telegraph will be found the announcement of the death of Captain Robert A. Stanton, which occurred at his residence in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] at about ten o'clock on Sunday evening last. His disease was paralysis. Some two years since the Captain had a primary shock, from the effects of which he very nearly recovered by rest and a total abstinence from business at the sea side and at the Berkshire hills He returned to his office and his life work in the fall, and though careful of his habits of labor, he seemed to be as efficient in his practice as before his attack. In June last he again felt the hand of disease, which, though gradual in its approach, admonished him to again seek rest and seclusion, which he did upon his father-in-law's farm in Oxford. He grew worse so rapidly, however, that he returned to his home, and from the time he entered it it was apparent to the eye of his physician that it was for the last time, for his disease bore the marks of fatality from that hour. The best and most distinguished specialists from New York and Philadelphia were called for consultation, and all agreed that there were no hopes of recovery, and the efforts of the attending physician were directed to ward alleviating pain and avoiding suffering. To this end the operation of tracheotomy was performed on Sunday morning by Dr. J.D. Bryant, of New York in the presence of Drs. Avery and Brooks. The operation was a most successful one, and served to allay his sufferings by giving freedom of respiration to the last. He retained his consciousness fully until a half hour preceding his death, and during the last week he was unusually clear in his mind and gave careful and intelligent thought to business matters of importance, expressing his desires with clearness upon those to whom he entrusted their execution.
Captain Stanton was a native of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], being a son of the late Nathan D. Stanton, one of our earliest and most respected citizens. He received his education at our academy and other village schools. The breaking out of the rebellion in 1861 found him a law student in the office of the late Horace Packer at Oxford. Fired with patriotic impulse he in company with one Captain Baker, Harry Bloom and M.C. Griswold, recruited a company in this and adjoining towns in May of that year, which was to be attached to the Sickles brigade. Baker was sent forward with a detachment of men, but through his incompetency or neglect, the men were allowed to drift away. When young Stanton arrived, he expressed his disgust at the failure to carry his company into service intact, and united himself with those of his comrades who desired to [unite] with the 74th regiment as privates, mustering in July 6, 1861, entering the service he served with such signal bravery as to attract the attention of his superiors and rapid promotion was accorded him, until in December 1862 he was commissioned first lieutenant. At the second battle of Bull Run he was wounded in the second finger of the left hand which was amputated. On the 9th of March, 1863, he was commissioned captain of company C, 74th N.Y.V., in which capacity he served until he was mustered out with his regiment, June 26, 1864. During his entire service he was conspicuous for his unwavering loyalty and daring bravery, receiving again and again the commendations of his superior officers.
At the close of the war he returned to this village and resumed the study of the law, and was soon admitted to the bar. He at once entered upon practice and during the years that followed he was peculiarly distinguished for his zeal and fidelity in the cause of his clients. In civil as in military life his energy and perseverance was proverbial, and it received deserved recognition in the success that attended him and the confidence bestowed upon him by the entire community. He had been in practice but a short time when he was elected justice of the peace. In November 1868 he was elected district attorney, the difficult duties of which office he performed with signal satisfaction to the people. Three years ago his name was prominently mentioned as a candidate for county judge. He was a trustee of the academy and union school, and also of the congregational church. He was a member of the state bar association, and of the county as well. In that of common with other soldiers he longed for the touch of elbow in civil life, and helped organize and was the commander of the first G.A.R. post in this county, no. 13, organized in 1868. In September 1868 he married the only daughter of Nathan Pendleton, of Oxford, a most estimable lady, who survives him with four children, two sons and two daughters.
In social life, he was genial, whole souled and hearty, and as a citizen he never failed to perform his duty as he understood it, oftentimes at the sacrifice of long existing friendships. In the home circle, however, he was best known and appreciated, and in the midst of his family he was always happy and contented. For his wife and children no duty was irksome or sacrifice too great.
In the death of Captain Stanton the country has lost a patriotic and brave defender, our village a high minded and upright citizen and well-wisher and liberal contributor to its advancement and progress, the bar a brilliant, earnest and honest advocate, and the family circle a doting and loving father and an affectionate husband. His example was one worthy of all emulation, and his memory will long remain green in the hearts of all our citizens, who will unite in loving, tender sympathy to the stricken family in their great bereavement. The funeral will take palce from his late residence today (Wednesday) at 2:30 p.m. and at the Congregational church at three p.m.
