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Civil War soldier's correspondence
Description
An account of the resource
A collection of published correspondence from Civil War soldiers in Rockland County newspapers: the Rockland County Journal, the Rockland County Messenger and the Nyack City and Country.
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Our Correspondence.
Letter From Charles Potter—The Fight at Big Bethel. — How a Soldier feels when he first goes into Battle.
Camp Hamilton, Near Fort Monroe, Va., June 15.
Dear —,
We have had a Battle, and a very severe one. l am safe and sound. I was struck in the leg by a spent ball, but it did not leave a mark. It is impossible to learn how many are killed, but I think not more than ten. There are quite a number wounded, and two are missing. I cannot tell you how I felt when we first entered the field. It was indescribable; but that soon passed away, and I thought of nothing else but to go in. There was a perfect hail of shot where I stood, being one of the nearest to their battery. Kelly, Manderville, and myself were the last to leave the field. General Pierce came to Col. Duryea five times and ordered him to draw off his men, but the Col. would not do it.
I will try and give you a short account of of the affairs. Sunday night, about nine o'clock, we had orders to get ready, with one day's rations, for a march in the country. At half-past nine we were all ready and on the march. We reached Hampton at 11 o'clock. It took us two hours to cross over the river and form. At 1 o'clock, we left Hampton and started for a place called Little Bethel, where we were to form a junction with Col. Bendix Regiment from Newport News. Arriving there, they were nowhere to be seen, and after waiting about half an hour we started on without them. After marching about three miles further we suddenly came across a picket, consisting of one officer and two privates. These we secured and sent to the rear. We were about starting again when we heard firing some distance in our rear. Col. Duryca supposing we had marched past the enemy during the night, faced us about and gave the order to double quick march, back again, and arriving at Little Bethel, we there found Col. Bendix and the Albany Regiment had met, and mistaking each other for foes, had fired on one another, several were killed and wounded before the mistake was discovered. After the wounded were all cared for, we formed again and started. This time the whole Brigade, Col.Townsend's, Col. Carr's, Col. Bendix and our Regiment, forming a pretty long string—Col. Duryea's taking the lead. I wish to say in reference to the affair in the morning, that it was a very lucky thing for us that it so happened, for if it had not, we would have marched straight into the Masked Battery, as we were within a mile of it when we heard the firing in our rear. If we had, situated as we then were without cannon, and only about 500 men, we would have been either all killed or taken prisoners. But, thanks be to the Lord, this did not happen. But to resume. It was now about half-past four o'clock A.M., when the whole Brigade started forward. We marched about five miles, when suddenly, the first intimation we had of an enemy's presence was in the shape of a Rifled Cannon Ball which came tearing through the trees over our heads, fortunately hitting none, as it was aimed too high. The order of halt was given, and we immediately formed in line of battle. Our Regiment taking the right, our Col. (as he said afterward) having no idea that we had been fired into from a Masked Battery, gave the order to Charge, and away went down through an open field, helter skelter, until we got about half way across, when we were again assailed by a perfect storm of shot and shell, killing one man and mortally wounding another close alongside of me. The shot seemed to strike all around me, tearing up the ground and making great havoc generally. When l saw those two men fall alongside of me I trust say I felt rather queer, it being the first time that I had ever faced death in that shape; but after the first fire I seemed to forget myself entirely, mixing right in, and feeling no more concern than I would if they had been firing Fish Balls instead of leaden ones.
It was not until the Battle was over that I seemed to feel the danger I had been in ; but the mortification of having to back out swallowed up all other feelings. I venture to say, that had Col. Pierce let us go on, every Zouave would have been killed, or else we would have taken the Battery. As it was, he gave the order to Col. Duryea five different times for us to fall back, and the Col. repeated it to us; but the men did not heed it. Col. Townsend's men posted on the left of us, and when he saw us charging on the Battery, he said to his men, "Will you stand here and see the Zouaves slaughtered and not offer to help them — I am ashamed of you." At that, a few of them came to our support. But it was useless; the fates were against us as its seemed, and our ammunition failing, we had to retreat. Thus ended our first battle. You may think we were pretty well tired by the time we got back to Camp, having marched forty miles and hardly having an hours rest during the whole w time. This soldiering business is not what it is cracked up to be. There is a report in Camp that we are to go to Washington. I hope it is so, but can hardly believe it. You have the report of the killed and wounded in the papers.
-CHARLIE
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Our Correspondence
Letter from Charles Potter. - The fight at Big Bethel. - How a soldier feels when he first goes into battle.
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Charles Potter
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Rockland County Journal
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http://news.hrvh.org
Date Created
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1861-06-15
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1861-06-22
Date of Publication
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Title
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Civil War soldier's correspondence
Description
An account of the resource
A collection of published correspondence from Civil War soldiers in Rockland County newspapers: the Rockland County Journal, the Rockland County Messenger and the Nyack City and Country.
Document
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Our Correspondence
LETTER FROM THE 12th REGIMENT.
The following letter from a well-known citizen of Piermont, kindly furnished us for publication, will be read with interest by all his friends in this county :
Camp Anderson, Washington, June 3,1861
Dear Father: Back again in our old quarters in Washington. Of course the papers have informed you of our movements in Virginia. We were encamped at the base of Arlington Heights about six miles from Washington, on the Virginia side. The country round about is as fine as 1 ever saw. Potatoes and corn are about six inches high, and we have had strawberries in profusion. The farmers bring them in quart boxes, with the hulls on, and sell them for 30 cents; milk 9 cents a quart; butter 23 cents per lb. So with money a fellow can live quite comfortable. There are a great many cedars all around the country, the finest I ever saw : they are somewhat larger than ours and more beautiful in appearance.
I did not see but one armed secessionist while out there. I was stationed on the Picket Guard, about one mile from Camp, last Friday and Saturday. There were six men and a corporal composing the picket, and three of us were on two hours and then the other three, called the relief, took our places for two hours. At about half-past eight o'clock I was stationed the farthest picket from the Camp, in a dense grove of cedars, with about ten feet to pace in. I tell you I kept my eyes open about that time—heard a noise as of a horse or some other animal coming through the woods. I approached cautiously to the edge of the thicket and saw a Virginia picket on horseback. He was heading away from our Camp, and had evidently been reconoitering. When within about twenty paces I sung out,
"Who comes there?" and "halt" and raised my musket at the same time. He seemed surprised and put his hand to one side as if to draw his pistols, but seeing the Corporal with the relief coming, he deemed discretion the better part of valor and surrendered. He was sent into Camp and Butterfield sent him to Washington. I slept out of doors the whole time in huts built of rails and cedar trees, and am in perfect health.
We were relieved on Sunday morning by the First Connecticut Volunteers and immediately marched back to Washington. After marching about two miles we halted in air woods, unslung knapsacks, and spent about an hour in divine service, Matthew Hale Smith conducting the exercises. We were drawn up in a square, the officers and band in the centre. The Chaplain commenced by reading the army regulations, then made a prayer, and spoke for about half an hour, closing with "Auld Lang Syne" accompanied by the Band, and the benediction. Then we slung knapsacks and on to Washington.
As we got to the top of the hill a splendid view burst on our sight. The City of Washington, the Capitol, the Navy Yard and its surrounding, with the fields of grass and groves of trees between the Potomac and the mountain, formed one of the most splendid sights I have ever witnessed.
Land in Fairfax County is worth from 100 to 150 dollars an acre, and would by proper enterprise and cultivation be cheap at that. The weather is intensely warm, and on our march five or six men gave out and had to stop. They are all improving, however, at present.
I. D. Blauvelt
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Dublin Core
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Letter from the 12th Regiment
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Isaac D. Blauvelt
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Rockland County Journal
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http://news.hrvh.org
Date
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1861-06-03
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1861-06-08
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Blauvelt, I.D. "Letter from the 12th Regiment." Rockland County Journal, June 8, 1861, 2.
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Title
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Civil War soldier's correspondence
Description
An account of the resource
A collection of published correspondence from Civil War soldiers in Rockland County newspapers: the Rockland County Journal, the Rockland County Messenger and the Nyack City and Country.
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LETTER FROM REV. R. B. Yard.
* Tie following letter written by the above named gentleman to one of oar citizens, will < be read with pleasure. We are happy to state that Mr. Yard has consented, at oar re-' < quest, to write us letter* in regard to the | Movements of the Regiment of which be is Chaplain, and our readers may expect to hear jfroai him again next week through the col! omos of City and Country : i Headquarters N. J. Volunteers, ) "Camp Ou>rx," TaxKTOx, N. J., June Iff, 1861 v J Dear BaoTuxa VooaHia—ln fulfilment of promise I send you a few lines. lam regularly installed as Chaplain of the lstßegioicnt J. Volunteers, and encamped with my parishioners, about three mile* from Trenton. I form one of the Staff of our Commander, Col. Montgomery, (an old army officer,) and have my tent, &e., like the rest. Our Encampment is formed of three several camps, each Regiment being complete in itself. We occupy in all a plain of 51 acres, embracing a piece of woods, and a wide plain for battalion drills. The tents of the officers are " wall tcntaj' or marquees—having straight or gable ends. Those of the soldiers are the 44 Sibley tents," circular, large and capable of accommodating 20 men each. These tents resist the heaviest rains and winds and can be closed tightly, or ventilated at pleasure. Each Regiment has its hospital tent, with warden, hospital steward, and dispensary. The soldiers sleep on straw beds h.id on the ground. I have secured three lai'gc camp-stools, which may be used at nig'tf, placed together, as a lounge or bedstead. On these I lay a narrow mattrass, and with my pillow, blankets and shawl, sleep as soundly and comfortably as any of you. In the day, I roll up my mattrass and bedding, and use tbe camp-tools fjr seats. Most of tbe officers are getting tbese. Each Company has ite own cook and mess. The captain and lientenants of each company form a separate mess. The field officers form another mess ; to the l.xtter I belong. The equipments of these troops are being given out rapidly,- and by another week we shall probably be on the march southward. These equipment# are precisely such as are supplied to the regular army of the United States, and consist of overcoat, dress-coat, blouse, dress pants, fatigue pants, shoes, cap, knapeack, haversack, canteen, Springfield musket and blanket. All bre made of the best material, and in the best manner. Our troops drill remarkably well. Tbe battalion drill every afternoon at 8 o'clock, and the evening dress parade, being tbe chief attractions to the thousands of visitors who crowd the camps. There is great respect paid, on the part of many of the officers and men, to the Sabbath, and to religious worsfftp. I discover a large proportion of Christians among officers and men. In one Company are about a doisen stndents of Rntger's College. In another two divinity students. Two of the field officers are prominent Presbyterians. We have divine service at 4 o'clock on Snnday, and hold a prayer meeting in the evening. These services are deeply impressive and solemn, soui.etimes very affecting. Our camp is kept in a pleasant little ex- 1 citement continual!}'by the arrival of parties from various parts of the State, who come laden generally with refreshments and solid comforts for their friends among the troops. . On one day the Companies from New Brunswick were entertained with a grand pic-nie, gotten up by a party from that city. On another day a citizen of Trenton treated the Trenton Company, Capt Vansickle, to ice cream. Many of tbe families of officers and men have visited the Encampment, not a few of whom take board in the vicinity or in the City, determined to see their friends fairly embarked. But I am making a "very lengthy letter, and will reserve other matter# for another letter. Yours, very affectionately, R. B. Yard, Chaplain Ist Reg. N. J. VoL The Pat and Pension of our Voltjn- , teers. —The following recapitulation affords useful information to volunteers and their ! families: — # 1. After being mustered into the service of the United States, volunteers are entitled to pay the same as regular troops. 2. If disabled by wounds received in service or disease contracted in service, tbey are entitled to an invalid during life, or as long as tbe disabilty continues. 3. If any are killed or die in the service of the United States, leaving a widow, she is entitled to what pay was due her husband, and a pension. If there is no widow, tbe child er children t>f such volunteers are entitled to the pay, and a pension until they "are sixteen years of age. 4. If tbers is no widow or ehild uuder sixteen years of age, the other heirs of decedent are entitled to the pay due the volunteer at the time of his death—no pension. At this time neither the volunteers nor any heir is entitled to* land warrants, bnt there is no doubt an act of Congress will be passed early in July printing one hundred land sixty acres to every volunteer who shall serve fourteen days or engage in battle and be honorably discharged—first to the widow, second to the children, third to the mother, fourth to the father ; and if all of tbe foregoing beira be dead, fifth, tbe brothers and j sisters of those who may se %grve and die without receiving a warrant—in like man- 1 per as the volunteers who served in Mexico . are now rewarded. Seamen aad others who 1 take prizes, and those performing meritori- 8 ons feats, will undoubtedly be awarded with the fruits ef their valor. Those patriotic • men and women who suffer from robbery in t the slave State*, under the name of confisca- 1 tion, will almost certainly be rewarded—ac- f cording to the Scripture rnle—four-fold from t the property of the rebels—all State eon- t fications being wholly illegal—and mere or- « ganued picacy will be punished, and Con- " gress will undoubtedly pass a proper and t! effectual act whereby the United States Court * will take from the unfaithful and unjust ste- n wards what property they jm ay have and give © it to the faithful and true servants. tj 5. In addition to what the volunteers and i heirs are entitled to and may become enti- e tied to from the United States, the several I States have passed and will pass sets grant tl jag pay from the State JVw&liry. -op
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The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
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LETTER FROM REV. R. B. Yard.
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R. B. Yard
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Rockland County Messenger
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http://news.hrvh.org
Date Created
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1861-06-18
Date Issued
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1861-07-04
publication date
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Title
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Civil War soldier's correspondence
Description
An account of the resource
A collection of published correspondence from Civil War soldiers in Rockland County newspapers: the Rockland County Journal, the Rockland County Messenger and the Nyack City and Country.
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For the Rockland County Messenger.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Washington City, D. C. April 26, 1861.
I sit down the first opportunity in our splendid quarters, the "marble halls" of the ' House of Representatives' to give you some details of the doings of the National Guards, Seventh Regiment, N. Y. S. M. After our friends left me at the Armory on Friday, I I felt about as "blue as indigo." When we "fell into ranks," and balls, cartridges were served out to the men, it did seem like WAR for the first time. After the first feeling of depression left us however, we all began to feel like ourselves again, and when we left the Armory, formed regiment, and marched down Broadway, amid the splendid ovation which surprised and amazed even our corps, so often honored by our fellow citizens, we felt ready for anything. People rushed forward from each side, to grasp our hands, giving us handkerchiefs, bouquets, and many ladies took off their jewelry and gave it to us. One beautiful girl in Jersey City came forward herself, and gave me a very pretty tricolor decoration.
The ovation continued in Jersey City, and many ladies came to us and spoke to us blessing us, and shaking hands with us. It was the same at every station on the route of the New Jersey Rail Road. Many persons run very great risk of breaking their arms, to put their hands into the car windows to grasp our hands which they cordially shook. When we arrived at Philadelphia, at 2 1/2 o'clock in the morning, crowds assembled to meet us, although we stopped at the lower depot after crossing the ferry, mile and a half from the thickly settled part of the city. We staid in the cars until daylight, when seeing no prospect of proceeding, "the boys" as only the Seventh Regimenters can, to enjoy themselves, and have fun. One party commanded bv a little scamp of an engineer, run up in front of a small house, where an unfortunate old fellow was looking out of the window. The engineer flourishing his sword, demanded coffee for the party, which so frightened the old chap, that he slammed the window down and pulled the curtain over it in short order. At length after some hunting about we found a restaurant, made them open it, and rushed into the kitchen, and furnished ourselves with breakfast, coffee, a splendid beef steak, bread and butter. We paid the man liberally for it. It was then nearly six o'clock, and word was brought that we were dismissed, to re-assemble at 7 o'clock precisely, a lot of us chartered an omnibus and drove about to call on some friends.
I then bought a revolver in anticipation of the expected fight through Baltimore. While taking a drive with our friends, we met some members of the Regiment coming into the city from the depot, who said that we were ordered to provide ourselves with three days rations. We drove to a grocer's, and I supplied myself with lots of things. After being in suspense for hours, our officers necessarily keeping us in ignorance of our movements, we were dismissed for a short time, and charged not to go far away.
At about 4 o'clock we marched to the Navy Yard, where we took the steamer Boston, for we did not know where.
The crowd cheered lustily, the vessels of war manned the yards and sainted us as we - steamed off. The boys stowed themselves away, and we were soon fixed as comfortably as we could be in so small a ship. At 7 o'clock we had some coffee, a potato, beef steak and crackers served out to us, beside what we had bought in Philadelphia. I repaired at once to my "downy couch" which was a small straw camp mattress laid on the deck, and a knapsack for my pillow, I was so very tired that I slept soundly. We had coffee, beef steak and crackers for breakfast at about sunrise on Sunday morning. At 11 o'clock a. m. we had full service and a sermon, by Dr. Weston, of Trinity Church, New-York, our Chaplain, a very good sermon. We sung two hymns to "Duke Street" and "Dedham," and the music sounded very well, as there are some fine voices with us. We passed several vessels all raiding their flags and cheering us, as they passed, except one, which at the distance of a mile had her colors flying, ours were not yet hoisted, and as soon as she made us out, she hauled down, the American flag, taking us for a privateer, I suppose, but as soon as we shewed our colors, up went her flag again. We spoke her as we passed, and were informed that the Virginians were seizing all the vessels in their harbors. At four o'clock we had (by I way of change,) beef steak and crackers. We sung hymns and smoked pipes all the evening then sung the "Star Spangled Banner." I tumbled in on the floor with my uniform, as we expected to land and march on at any moment. It was sad to see the Virginia shore when we were in the Chesapeake bay, and think that it was an enemy's country.
We were all up at the dawn of day, and found ourselves off Annapolis, we steemed into the harbor, not approaching very near for we were not sure that the American flag was flying, a couple of balls in our hull would have sunk us in no time. We were soon rejoiced to see the different vessels raise our flag, and to see the frigate Constitution do the same thing. A boat soon came from her with her commander. While they were conversing in the ship's cabin I amused myself by a dialogue with the men on tho ship's boat, who said they were all for the Union, and that the frigate was to be towed away out of reach of the Secessionists, which was done soon after. A large Susquehanna steamer having 800 troops on board, which had left Philadelphia before us, lay aground there, so we had plenty going on all around us. Finally, after waiting until weary, all of us so long aboard ship, we steamed up the wharf of the Naval school, landed, and marched to the green in front of the academy buildings, where we stacked arms, and all laid our tired frames down to rest "in line." It was a gay scene, the splendid buildings, 180 midshipmen in their handsome blue uniform, gold lace and anchors. The ladies of the officers families and our fine band playing a variety of airs for their benefit. All this in the sunset of a Maryland April day. It was so great a contrast to the close confinement of the horrid ship, that we boys enjoyed it thoroughly.
At length we were all dismissed, and after a strong guard of 110 men had been detailed. The Regiment went into the recitation and other rooms and quartered themselves there. I was detailed on guard, and having a few moments to rest while the first relief went on guard. I and a few others, went to the Academys kitchen in search of provender. The "niggers" were ready to stand on their heads for us if necessary, one of the cooks devoted herself to me, and through her kind offers, I had a slight supper of bread and butter, splendid "hoecake," ginger bread, hot coffee and milk, which after the luxurious fare (over the left) which we had on shipboard was superb. We were reduced to half rations on the Boston, on a very small piece of meat, a cracker and a gill of water. I went on guard that night a new man, and would have been pleased to have challenged and shot at the least, 50 Secessionists, especially as I had my musket loaded with very healthy minnie balls these balls are pointed, the point is to make them go into the enemy easily. I had no molestation however, and walked mv two hours undisturbed;as we relieved the Academy guard almost entirely we had a large piece of ground to take care of, we were in numbers 108 men, besides 3 sergeants, 3 lieutenants and the officer of the guard.
It was divide into "three reliefs" of 18 files, 36 men each, a sergeant of the guard and corporal, at 9 1/2 o'clock the first relief goes on, thev march through the grounds, and pass the sentinels at different places; at 11 1/2 o'clock the second relief is formed, and march around to each guard, relieving him as the sergeant and the relief approach the sentinel, he plants himself immediately in their path, and charges bayonet calling out "who goes there," the sergeant answers "relief." The sentinel sings out "halt relief," relief then halts and the sentinel says "advance relief" and give the countersign, the sergeant walks as far as the point of the bayonet and whispers the password, which that night was "Scott." The new sentinel advances, the old one gives him the word, and tells him what to do, and then "falls in" behind the relief, and marches on with them until they reach the guard house and guards. Thev are then dismissed to stay about and hold themselves in readiness for an alarm.
I went on at 11 1/2 o'clock, and staid until 1 1/2 o'clock, and again in the morning, when mv turn came round again, we were then dismissed. The last part of the time I was at the gate of the Academy, and had a draught of warm milk, fresh from the cow, which a "nigger" brought to me, (the milk, not the cow.) I also purchased some cake and raw ovsters, which I had cooked in the kitchen of the Academy. Our "boys" had found out the kitchen, and going in with such a rush, which annoyed the cooks and a guard had been placed over tho kitchen, so that no one would go in. However, my oysters were stewed for me, in my tin plate, and make quite a respectable breakfast, with crackers, and coffee, which I begged from the kitchen. Having been on guard all night I was permitted to "lay off," and excused from the parade, which took place at eleven, I enjoyed it very much as a spectator. At 3 o'clock we had a sumptuous dinner of salt junk, potatoes and for a variety, some crackers and water, sitting on the green while we ate it from tin plates, and with our own tin cups and knives and forks. I stop here as the drums are calling us to dinner. No chance of a fight at present.
A.
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For the Rockland County Messenger. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Description
An account of the resource
<em>From the Rockland County Messenger in reference to this letter:</em> The following interesting letter is from a member of the Seventh Regiment, whose mother and sister live in this village, and who has spent many pleasant evenings with them prior to his embarkation to Washington with his Regiment.
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Rockland County Messenger
Date
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1861-04-26
Date Created
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1861-05-09
(Publication date)
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Civil War soldier's correspondence
Description
An account of the resource
A collection of published correspondence from Civil War soldiers in Rockland County newspapers: the Rockland County Journal, the Rockland County Messenger and the Nyack City and Country.
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For the Rockland County Messenger
Continuation of a letter from a member of the Seventh Regiment of the N.Y.S.M.
Now if vou are not bored, and I flatter mvself vou are not I will go on from where I left off in my last, at noon on Tuesday April 23d, and give you further accounts of our doings. That evening we observed rockets out at sea and a report was brought that the Secessionists were about to attack the Naval Academy. The "long roll" was sounded, and tbe National Guards Seventh
Regiment, the splendid little ''middies" of the Naval Academy, and the gallant Massachusetts 8th Regiment were almost immediately on the green. I never saw anything done more quickly. Tho Seventh was ready in just seven minutes, with howitzers loaded; for any attack which might be made. The middies were about as quickly in readiness, and we soon had 2000 men under arms, with five cannons, ready for three times that number of Secessionists, who might present themselves, but none appeared, and the "retreat" was sounded. "The boys" including middies, all returning much disappointed to their floors as beds. The next morning we prepared ourselves for our march! Coffee !! think of it, we had seen none for two days and a half, was served out to us for breakfast. hat and some kind of meat and crackers made our repast. We filled our canteens with vinegar and water, and commenced our march at 7 1/2 o'clock a. m. The 2d and 6th companies had already been sent forward a mile in advance as scouts, and skirmishers. They went each side of the road ahead, we marched to the Railroad track, and waited for the cars, which were but three, and a truck or two on car wheels. The Secessionists had tore up the track for five or six miles, and the Massachusetts men had mended it; so far. The Secessionists had sent all the cars and locomotives to Baltimore, except a locomotive and two cars. They had taken the locomotive to pieces, and distributed them over two or three fields, but the persevering Massachusetts men hunted up all the parts, and piled them together, and set one of their number, a machinist, to put it together. He had not been long engaged on it, when he recognized it as a locomotive which he himself had constructed in Massachusetts! and soon had it put together, and soon had it in running order again. If this be not Providence, I am mistaken. That this man should have been prevented from going through Baltimore and should go to Annapolis to perform such an important work. A good yankee trick.
We were obliged to lie off for an hour or more, on the track, until the baggage could be attended to. Then commenced our march in the broiling sun, hotter than July in our latitude, and marched slowly along, until we were actually unable to proceed further. We were halted, and a simultaneous rush was made in search of a spring, which when found presented somewhat the appearance, probably, as the rock which Moses opened for the Israelites, when they journeyed. It seemed as if "the boys" could not drink enough, and such rushing, crowding and tumbling is seldom seen. I will say though, that those who reached the spring first, were always ready to hand their comrades a drink, before drinking any themselves.
After this delightful refreshment and a cracker, (we decided to change the rations and have crackers.) I laid down with nearly all the others on the grass, and slept an hour and a half. A thunder storm coming up and a complete change of atmosphere, we recommenced our march, fortunately reaching a sl??, a store and other small buildings just in time to escape a drenching. You may imagine how we were crowded, we were 800 men in such "close quarters." The storm soon passed off, however, and we resumed our march, finally arriving at the place where the baggage was detained, on account of the track having been broken up, and not yet repaired. Here we discarded everything. ' knapsacks and all, except one blanket, and after loading our pieces with ball, and filling our canteens, we commenced the last part of our journey on foot, (of thirty-two miles,) over eleven miles yet to march. It was then about seven o'clock, p. m. the air delightful, consequently, we enjoyed the first part of this march verv much, and it was rather a novel sight. The long line of men marching "route step," that is every man choosing his own step, but "keeping in line," the bright muskets glancing in the splendid moonlight (the moon was about full,) the Regiment halting often for our engineers, who were ahead to repair the road, relay the track, &c. Those who could not walk, (and there were several,) and some important baggage, such as medical stores, rails, spikes, spades, &c. for repairing the roads, placed in two baggage trucks, and pulled along by the engineers, besides there were two howitzers loaded with grape shot on the trucks, so if they stopped, the whole time we were compelled to wait, for we would not leave them unprotected.
It was sad to think that there, in Maryland, we were surrounded by persons who wished to cut us off. After 10 o'clock the march become dreadfully tedious, and after 12 o'clock it was almost impracticable. We were obliged to stop for half an hour, on the track, in the thick woods, expecting an attack, and yet so wearied, that we really fell asleep searching and standing still. The men threw themselves upon the sides of the track, wrapped in thin blankets, and were instantly asleep. Sometimes we stopped on the track with a marsh on either side, the cold night air damp and chilling us to the very marrow. However, when day began to break we had accomplished nearly the entire distance, and : the Colonel gave the word to halt, and bivouac just where we were. The boys at once went to work, pulled down fences, built large fires and tried to warm themselves thereby. Others roamed the country around, for there was nothing eatable left, not even the luxury of a cracker. I went with five or six others about a mile, and in a nice looking house found a family about to sit down to breakfast. They were alarmed at first, but we showed them some silver and gold, and they willingly took it, and allowed us to take their places. They gave as hoecake, boiled ham, fresh milk, pancakes, &c. You can scarcely imagine how much we enjoyed it. Soon after the courier we had sent forward returned, saying that a train was waiting for us, two miles further on, which would take us to Washington.
We lost no time in getting to the cars, nearly every man fell asleep as soon as we were seated in the cars, and did not awake until, we arrived at the Capitol. We immediately marched to the President's house, and passed in review before him. The National Hotel was our quarters pro tempore. We marched to the Capitol building about 7 o'clock, and I soon found comfortable quarters in the rooms of the Clerk of the House, except that we must still lie on the floor, but we have nothing to complain of; on the contrary, we have the conveniences of gas, and plenty of water in the rooms, which are gorgeously furnished. Several companies are quartered in the Hall of Representatives itself and have much fun, calling upon the "member from Coney Island" and also on members from the most
outlandish places ever heard to express their views on different important public matters. I never saw anything so splendid as this building. I discover new beauties at every turn, every thing about it is perfection. For instance I took a bath, a delicious one, in this building is a bathing tub. cut from a solid piece of white marble, with a flight of marble steps leading to it, a most beautiful floor of encaustic tiles, indeed the floor of every room is of tessellated pavements.
We take our meals at the different hotels three times a day at 75 cents per day each man, which is vary cheap, for we have good meals. We have had some splendid presents from New York friends, from Mr. Aspinwall. $6000 worth of woollen shirts and jackets, and other important articles and stores. Mr. Hecker. (the celebrated ferina man), sent us a four horse power steam engine, and a cooking range large enough to cook for 1000 men, with all the paraphernalia, even to teacups and plates for the men. The New York Chamber of Commerce has equipped a steamer which arrived yesterday with $15000 worth of stores, for the Regiment, among which are cigars and whiskey. So you see our friends at home study our comfort. The Psalter for the dav is read every day, sometimes by "the boys" who are singularly reverent, so full of fun in general, and who read in their testaments and prayer books much, I read aloud in our room this morning, the Psalter for the day, and all remarked how peculiarly appropriate the Psalms were for ourselves, the patriot, and this city, (comparing it to Jerusalem.)
Do not believe the reports you read, especially about Anticipated attacks on this city. None are apprehended at present, although scouts, visitors, mounted guards, and spies are continually on the alert, and if the slightest demonstration were made we should know it at once, and are fully prepared.
* Day 27 (April) Book of Common Prayer.
A.
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For the Rockland County Messenger
Continuation of a letter from a member of the Seventh Regiment N.Y.S.M.
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Rockland County Messenger
Date
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1861-05-16
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1861-05-16
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Civil War soldier's correspondence
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A collection of published correspondence from Civil War soldiers in Rockland County newspapers: the Rockland County Journal, the Rockland County Messenger and the Nyack City and Country.
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For the Rockland County Messenger.
The following letter is from a member of the Seventh Regiment to a friend of his in this village:
Camp Cameron, Mount Pleasant,
Washington, May 16, 1861
Friend C.: —l was one of a party of 18 0 that left New-York on Monday tbe 6th inst. tn " at 6p. m. We arrived in Philadelphia at ks> 11.30, and .stayed at tbe Continental that night We left the next day at 11.30 by >rk r *'' or P err 7 T 'lk, opposite Havre de Grace. We came from there by boat to Annapolis, 60 and thence by rail to Washington, via Annapolis Junction, arriving here at 10.30 p. m. m- The 13th of Brooklyn were at Annapolis. rw I saw a spy arrested there. At Annapolis i we were joined by a party of the Massachusetts Bth, and we had a first rate time in ua tbe cars. The New-York 6th were guarding is the road from Annapolis to Washington, ed It was a beautiful sight to see the Camp fires and tbe tents in the woods. We staved at the National Hotel in Washington, The next morning I went to the Capitol where °g the Zouaves were quartered, and saw a good as many of my friends. I also went to the 7lst's quarters at tho Navy Yard. In the afternoon we reported at the Camp for duty, j ® There was a dress parade at sp. m. and the ; ie regiment was reviewed by tbe Secretary of j en War (Cameron.) Since then I have spent j »d the time as foil >ws : " Reveille" sounds at I sunrise, when, after washing, we attend roll j call, and drill for one hour; breakfast at 7 j o'clock; drill again at 9; dinner at 12 m.; j drill at 2.30 p. m. ; parade at 5 ; supper at j 6.30.; "tattoo" at 10 p. m. when we get j is ready for bed; "taps" at 10.30, when all j n lights arc extinguished, and all noise ceases for the night. That is one day, the next is a repetition. f d When I first came here, we were quarterie ed in an old mansion with the engineer corps, )n (the Col. and Quartermaster have their quarters there,) and were verv much crowded. We were packed in a room like sardines in I rn a box. We expected a large arrival of rew cruits from New-York, and on Fridav during ! id a heavy rain, we pitched a large teut to ac)n commodate 100. , On Sunday, we had no drill. Inspection a at 9a.m. ; church at 10.30 ; dinner at 12 m. ; 10 church at 3.30 p. m. ; dress parade at 5 id o'clock. On Monday, we received an addiiC tion to our Company of 62 men, and as I had a great many friends in the squad, I have been very busy siuce attending to them. We removed to onr tent on Monday morning, and we now have 106 men in the tent, ir ' Since then wo have pitched another tent IS j larger.than this one, for a mess tent. It is n a beautiful sight to see the tents lighted up at night " Camp Cameron" is situated on a beautid ful spot, overlooking Washington. There 0 are other regiments encamped all around us. i s Tfifr 7th were the first here. We are on the road leading from Washington to Harper's Ferry and expect an attack at any mo- , ment The regiment were sworn in for 30 j i- days unless sooner discharged. The thirty ) |, days will be up on Sunday the 26th inst. j j and we expect to leave here for New-York ) on Monday. The Government has bought I our Camp equipage. was sworn 'I I the same as the regiment, and we will leave j iS | with them. I know there is a strong feeling j j in New-York against the regiment returning ; I £Tlinless they have a fight. Will yon please j j I t-11 us how we're going to have a fight ? M I We are in the scr-ice of the United States, j e j We have to obey the orders of the Govern- j n j ment. We cannot make the Southern ariuv i ' j come nnd attack us, and we cannot leave j ] here unless ordered. We can see a secession ; ] flag living at Alexandria, aud there is not a ! man in the regiment, but would volunteer I e to go and take it. But we cannot go with- ' n out orders. If ordered, we would leave for ! Harpers Ferry, or any other place t at ten J minutes notice, or less. And again, there is • a feeling against us, because we are only • • sworn in for one month, while other regi nients are in for three months. We h;ivc - nothing to do with that. That arrangement ' t was made by the Governor of New-York, - and the government of the United States. , a The Secretary of War wanted the 7th Regi. ment to guard the Capitol until other troops ■* arrive. They could not be sworn in for a , less term than 30 days. They conld have - gone back one week after they were sworn - in, if the Sectetary ef War had so ordered. - Bnt I will speak more of this hereafter, i ! The men are ready and willing to fight t s But Camp life, after the first week, is very 1 monotonous. I want you to answer this - immediately, and I will write von again. c ' Yours truly, T. A. McC. '
URL
<a title="Rockland County Messenger" href="http://news.hrvh.org/cgi-bin/newshrvh?a=d&d=rocklandmessenger18610530.2.33&cl=&srpos=0&st=0&e=-------20--1-----all">http://news.hrvh.org/cgi-bin/newshrvh?a=d&d=rocklandmessenger18610530.2.33&cl=&srpos=0&st=0&e=-------20--1-----all</a>
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
For the Rockland County Messenger
The following letter is from a member of the Seventh Regiment to a friend of his in this village
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Rockland County Messenger
Publisher
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http://news.hrvh.org
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1861-05-16
Date Issued
Date of formal issuance (e.g., publication) of the resource.
1861-05-30