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 [[109th New York Volunteer Infantry|Back to 109th New York Infantry]]\\
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+Letter of James M. Williams
+Annapolis Junction, Sep 3, 1862.
+Dear Friend,
+As I am not very well and do not have to go on duty to day. I will try and tell you something about camp life. I enlisted on the 11 day of August at Binghamton, stayed there until August 30. And then we started for the south. And after riding in the cars three days and three nights, and haveing nothing to eat but dry bread and a little beef that had been boiled a week or longer, we arrived at Annapolis Junction, where we pitched our tents...We are in Rebbledom now, only twenty miles from Washington and about the same distance from Bulls run. They are having some hard fighting not far from Washington every day. We don't know how long before we shall have to fight. There are about 600 guerillas within three or four miles of here that we expect will attack us in a few days. Let them come. We are ready for them. We will try and do them justice if they do come...after riding in the cars for three days and three nights and having nothing to eat but dry bread and a little beef that had been boiled a week or longer we arrived at Annapolis Junction where we pitched our tents and put up for the night...Our bill of fare consists of potatoes and boiled beef without any salt, and a very little of that, and have to eat it with our fingers and jacknives. We have no plates or knives or forks. It is hard to be a soldier..."
+https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/2052675_1124-civil-war-soldier-letter-signed-als-ny-infantry
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+Letter of J. C. Bull, for sale at:\\
+https://www.excelsiorbrigade.com/products/details/LTR-6480
+Beltsville\\
+November the 13th 1862
+Dear Friends,
+I will try to pen an answer to your worthy letter received a few days since which I can assure you was welcomely received. And if my letters are worthy to be answered, I can improve my leisure moments, for I cannot say they extend to hours. Then answering yours. But I must stop to strike tents. That done, I will continue. I still remain well and far as ever from the Field of Battle, but are in hopes by the removal of McClellan, there will be something done.
+I have returned from company drill which we are doing all the time or spending our time in vain labor. I will tell you how our time is spent: at six a.m. roll call and squad drill until eight, then breakfast at nine, our tents are taken down at ten, company drill which lasts till 12, then dinner. At two, battalion drill. We go about one mile from camp for that. It lasts until four. Our tents are then put up and dress parade till six and roll call at nine p.m. The effects we see by going through the hospital.
+The weather has been pleasant excepting one or two days the latter part of last week. The snow fell six inches. Our cloth tents were poor substitute to shield us from the cold. Until noon we contrived with 25 cents worth of iron to dig a hole in the corner of the tent to warm the tent and cook also.
+How did the election turn out? I have heard several different stories about it. Would not be surprised by the Republicans leaving that the Democrats have elected their Gov. W.
+Is the underground road in running order? There is a noble chance for passengers to leave here. There are several in our camp. Besides, several have been sent north as to war. There is nothing concerning it. There is quite an excitement in camp and all are waiting impatiently the effect in the change of generals of which many are pleased. But we hope it is a providential change.
+You must excuse me for this time it is nearly time for battalion drill, so good bye with love to all. Write soon.
+From your friend,
+J. C. Bull
+No doubt you heard things done in a hurry is not half done. I wrote your letter and as you will see, commenced one to Gideon Wright. And doing things in a hurry, put it with Elbridges’ letter for you and before I had discovered the mistake, the mail had gone. But knowing that you are acquainted with my many mistakes, it does not embarrass me as much as it might. Excuse blots, mistakes, and poor writing.
+Yours truly,\\
+J.C. Bull
+----
 //Union (NY) News//, November 20, 1862
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+Union (NY) News, December 26, 1862
-<figure label>
+LETTERS FROM THE WAR.
-{{:{{ :109th_ny:union_ny_union_news_12-26-1862.jpg |img}}
-<caption>union_ny_union_news_12-26-1862</caption>
+Army Correspondent of the "News."
-</figure>
+HEAD-QUARTERS, Annapolis Junction,\\
+Md. 109th Reg't N. Y. S. V. Dec. 15, '62\\
+FRIEND BENEDICT:
+As it is a very pleasant morning, and every thing in a prosperous condition about here, and all in good cheer for that happy land of carrion, as the soldiers cal it, I thought I would write to you. As for myself, I feel rejoiced to find myself feeling as well as I am this morning. All the trouble with me at present is my lungs are very weak and my speech is not any better. I am in hopes that it will be all right after a little, and I can fill my vacant place in the ranks and go forward with the boys, and be able to do my duty at every call. They cant say that I ever shrunk from duty when I was well. I am in the hospital yet. I was in hopes that I should be with my Company by the time I wrote to you again, but I find myself still on the sick list. The report of this morning of the number of sick in the Hospital that is under treatment, is fifty. There is not any that is dangerously sick - mostly of colds and jaundice - not many fever cases at present. Our Regiment, as a general thing, is very healthy, so called by the Doctors. We can't expect any thing else, where there is so many men together. It requires a man of strong constitution and good health to be a good soldier, one that can walk right up to the task, fodder or no fodder - that's what's the matter of the horse, not going off growling like a dog with a sore head, because he happens to find hard tack and bacon, instead of soft bread and fresh beef and nick-nacks; for such things we can't always have as we could at home, and we must not expect it. These foolish notions we must throw aside, for Uncle Sam can't afford to furnish such things for he has got too many boys, and that would make him hang down his head, and pinch those green backs closer than he does now. I have not seen one in so long, that I have almost forgot how they look. He had better come around before a great while, or I shall forget entirely. Please ask some of the noble and patriotic young men of Union if they can parse hard tack and bacon, if they can, I can get them a position as a Brigadier brindle. Probably they will not dare to leave the good old town of Union long enough to get a good position in the army, to help fight for their country, and that noble flag that has waved over them for many years - that blessed old flag that our forefathers fought and bled for! Can they stay at home and see it fall and be trampled in the dust, and be contented as though nothing had happened and nothing for them to do? I can't say that they would, but I think they like home far better. But never mind, they may have it to think of hereafter, if we should lose the true red, white and blue, but I hope not, for that glorious old flag must not fall and be trampled in the dust by them black hearted villains of the South, who would drench the last drop of blood that flows from the heart of a true American, and many a brave soldier has laid down his life for his country, and thousands have already fallen victim to those bloody villains. I will leave this subject and go to Annapolis Junction, and see how the boys are getting along, for you will want to know of course.
+Monday evening - I found the boys all enjoying good health, with the exception of David Miller, he met with a very bad accident a short time ago. He and one of the boys was standing on a round plank of wood talking, and it rolled from under them, and he fell back and the other fell across his leg, and broke it half way below the knee. He is doing well at present. I was glad to find the boys all felling so well and enjoying such good health. They are getting as fat and rugged as bears. I don't think there is one who has repented that he enlisted to fight for his country, and the majority of them would rather go in the field to fight, than to stay and guard the railroad, at least they talk so. But I [...] to come to the point of leaving, it would be like leaving homes. I think they would find the fare entirely different from what they expected, it would not be hard tack and bacon, but hard shells and bullets. They have got to have the railroad guarded, and we may as well do it as any one. The citizens along the railroad where we guard say, that we are the most peaceable Regiment that ever has been left to guard the railroad since this rebellion broke out. They complain of other Regiments plundering and stealing every thing they could get their hands on, and the largest and most influential men around here are trying their best to keep ours to guard the road. You see that we have a good name here if we didn't at home; so you see that soldiering don't make thieves of us.
+I will close for this time by saying, that I hope the rebellion will soon come to a close, and we may all live to get home safe, and fill these vacant places in the family circle that we left, and those sad countenances and bright faces may glisten with joy once more.
+Yours with respect, I. E. G.
+{{ :109th_ny:union_ny_union_news_12-26-1862.jpg?linkonly|}}
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+//Binghamton (NY) Broome Republican//, January 16, 1863
+FROM THE 109TH.
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+Annapolis Junction, Jan. 1st, 1863.
-{{:{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_01_16_1863.jpg?400 |img}}
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+FRIEND STUART: I am a Broome county boy, in the 109th, and perhaps you will have no objection to a few lines from me, particularly as I have a pleasant story to tell. Pleasant to us wayfarers in the wilds of Dixie, but perhaps, in your land of peace and plenty, it will be of little interest. The fact is we, that is Co. H, have had a Happy New Year. True we were not as of old, with the loved home circles, passing the joyous hours in the society of father and mother, and friends, (that means sweethearts, Mr. Editor,) but we had unmistakable evidence that we were not forgotten by them. By the kind generosity of the good friends in Little Meadows and Apalachin, a quantity of provisions was sent to us, sufficient to make a splendid dinner. All the morning we were busy with preparations, and in the fever of anticipation. A little after one o'clock we formed in the street and marched up to the brick houses, where the tables were spread, to the tune of "wait for the wagon" by our brass band. Confidentially, however, Mr. Stuart, I think they meant wait for the dinner. But we did not have to wait long, for we soon reached the house, upon entering which we beheld such an array of eatables as soldiers in Dixie seldom see.
-{{:{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_02_11_1863.jpg?400 |img}}
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+But, Mr. Stuart, you can form no idea of how they looked to us, until you have been initiated into the mysteries of salt meat and hard tack for five or six months. In short metre we were seated at the table, and then - well I will leave the ensuing scene to the imaginations of yourself and readers, knowing that you are more familiar with such things than we soldier boys are. I need not enumerate the various good things on the tables, such as oysters, chickens, turkeys, pies, cakes, coffee, milk, &c. I had almost omitted to say that the Col., Adjt., Q. M., and the wives of the Q. M. and Lieut Jones honored us with their presence.
-{{:{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_03_11_1863.jpg |img}}
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+After the dinner was despatched, we formed in front of the house and listened to some very appropriate remarks by the Adjt. and Quarter Master, which were greeting with hearty cheers by the boys, followed by rousing cheers for the Col. and for the ladies who had so kindly and successfully superintended affairs, and lastly for Capt. Alvord, of whom we are all justly proud. By the way, I don't think another company in the Regiment can boast of [...] officers as we. Lieut. Jones, of your place, is beloved by the whole Co. Well, to return to my subject, after cheering the band who had "discoursed unto us elegant music," we march back to quarters and broke ranks, feeling very grateful to the good friends so far away who had made for us so happy a New Year. Hoping, friend Stuart, that this will be a happy year to yourself and readers, and that the first rays of the rising [...] New Year day, may rest upon our land, freed from civil war, and the curse of slavery, I will bid you good night and close. OSCEOLA.
-{{:{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_03_18_1863.jpg?400 |img}}
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-{{:{{ :109th_ny:union_ny_union_news_3-26-1863.jpg?400 |img}}
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+{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_01_16_1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
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+----
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-<caption>binghamton_ny_broome_republican_04_08_1863</caption>
+//Binghamton (NY) Broome Republican//, February 11, 1863
-</figure>
+Correspondent of the Republican.
+Headquarters, 109th Reg't, N. Y. S. V.\\
+ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Feb 2.
+MR STUART: Sir: With this I mail a copy of the Baltimore American. It contains an article which may be of use to you as Editor. It is an article on "Day and his constituents," and shows the true position of another of those cowardly, contemptible things in human form, who call themselves "Peace men" but who, in reality, are the very men who inaugurated, and have done more to prolong this unholy war, than any other class of men.
+I am a member of Captain Lewis's Company, (E) which, by the way, we consider the model company of the 109th. Our Captain, certainly, is a model captain.
+Should we every be called on to show our fighting qualities, Broome county will have new names to add to her already lengthy list of heroes. I think I but utter the sentiment of our company when I say that we would sooner place our names beside those of our brothers of the 27th and 89th and 137th regiments, who have fallen, battling for right, than to yield an inch to the fiends, who are striking at our homes, our institutions, our country.
+It has been said that the 109th regiment has become "fearfully demoralized." I have seen no such state of demoralization. There are always men in the best regiments, who do not care for themselves or any one else, and the 109th is not an exception to the rule. I will ensure the friends of Company E, that it is not demoralized; on the contrary, so good is its discipline, that we need no guard around our camp.
+The health and spirits of the company are excellent.
+M.
+{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_02_11_1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
+----
+//Binghamton (NY) Broome Republican//, March 11, 1863
+FROM THE 109TH REGIMENT.
+Headquarters 109th Reg., N. Y. V.\\
+Annapolis Junction, Md.\\
+February 25, 1863.
+FRIEND STUART: A long and lingering month has passed since I have had the delightful pleasure of writing to a friend. But now that I can muster strength sufficient to "weather the contests," I will give you a description of our camp and an idea of our doings in "my Maryland."
+Here, we are encamped on a beautiful eminence - surrounded by everything that is beautiful in nature, while the companies stationed at Laurel are mud-bound. The 22d Inst., was the most disagreeable day that I have experienced in my sojourn in the barren State of Maryland. Yesterday the Baltimorians paid as high as fifteen dollars for the use of a sleigh for one hour - "a pretty big thing on runners." But I sincerely hope this weather will soon give way to a more pleasant streak of sunshine, and give us an opportunity to "drill."
+The sanitary condition of the Regiment is remarkably good. On the 20th inst., there were only twenty-three sick in the regimental Hospital, about fifteen of those will be reported fit for duty within a very short time. On the "Record of Desertions" in this regiment, we find just fifty names, and if they were to return and report for duty, I think that it would have a tendency to clear up the disgrace which now hangs over us, and place it in a good fighting condition, ready for the field.
+It really is too bad that a Regiment of one thousand and twenty men, is compelled to remain on this miserable Railroad doing "guard duty," and basking in the sun - when Governor Seymour has so many "short minded" fellows in New York who are just as competent to lay on this Railroad and draw pay as we are.
+At present we are entirely unprepared for a battle, three hundred rebel cavalry would scatter us like a flock of sheep, were they cute enough to steal in upon us, which they could easily accomplish without being molested by our pickets, such is the condition of our regiment that it ought to be placed in the field and there allow us to share the hardships with our brothers who so nobly are defending the "Union and the Constitution."
+[...] than an hour to [...] troops to any point along this Railroad, to do just what we would be unprepared, and if prepared, utterly unable to effect were we called upon.
+When once this strong and mighty Regiment is in the field, then the pages of history will be as bright and as interesting as those of the 27th or 89th.
+I enlisted because I thought it my duty, I came here to assist in crushing out this wicked, wanton and causeless rebellion, to reestablish the Union and protect our hallowed flag, polluted by imbecility and treason.
+Though at Annapolis Junction we are quite as unhappy as those on the beautiful banks of the Potomac. We too have left the cheerful friends where with our brother
+"Turned the blind-fold here round and round,"
+and those places where we shared the simple comforts of a "northern home" I say that we are unhappy and tired of this kind of life, but it is just because it is becoming too monotonous here. Soldiers love adventure and excitement, place us in Virginia where the tangled depths of political wire-pulling and "red tape" cannot reach us, (now that Hooker is at the head of the army), and we will be a happy lot of mortals.
+Hooker will not allow himself to be hoodwinked by the craft peace mongers, while he is thrashing the traitorous devils of the south into submission, he will be a match for the d--- I and the French clique too after he wipes out the traitors of the South, and hurls their bones in the polluted sands of "secessia."
+Give us more "brain on Horseback" good shoes and trusty rifles, a smaller allowance of Politics. Hang all croaking down-trodden politicians, burn those rattle-headed peace men at the stake, and we will kill, eat and digest in three months, any army that can be brought before us.
+This, I believe to be a "war of opinion," which enlists the very worst passions, it is loth, deplorable and sanguinary, and is becoming vindictive, cruel and terrible. Let us take off our "brass buttons" and "shoulder straps" and go at them with a vengeance, crush it out while we have the power, the will and the way to do it, and let "peace and happiness" reign through the land.
+Very respectfully yours,
+TOM. HUTTON.
+{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_03_11_1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
+----
+//Binghamton (NY) Broome Republican//, March 18, 1863
+FROM THE 109TH - BINGHAMTON BOYS.
+Camp at Laurell, Md., \\
+February 25th 1863.
+Friend Stuart: Thinking a few lines from this portion of the One Hundred and Ninth would prove interesting to your readers, and there being no correspondent from this camp, I will try and give you all the news there is to be found in a camp, so far from active operation.
+There are five Companies stationed here under command of Lt. Col. Catlin. We have comfortable quarters constructed of longs and covered with our tents, and the intervening space between the logs is filled with mud. During a rain storm, we are very forcibly reminded by the mud which is continually running down the inside of our chabang, that we are far from the homes and the friends we have left. The weather is very changeable here, we have all kinds in twenty-four hours. At present it is very pleasant, and mother earth is covered with a mantle of snow. In a few hours it will vanish and then comes the everlasting wind which plays so important a part in the drama now being enacted in the United States. There was quite a novelty in camp this morning; it was an antiquated specimen of a sleigh which attracted as much attention as a circus would in B. and many were the jokes cracked at the expense of the sleigh and its inmates; and our thoughts wandered to scenes at home of a similar nature in which were a pair of rosy cheeks and warm robes flying along behind our every faithful horse; it is then that we wish we were back for a short time to enjoy them again. But such thoughts as these idle visions soon are forgotten in the whirl of excitement which attends camp life. A few words about my own Company, which is from Binghamton and vicinity.
+We all enjoy good health, and if you could witness the cheerfulness and good humor which prevails in every tent, you would come to the conclusion, that Co. D., was a jovial a set of boys as can be found. We have become quite proficient in company and battallion drills; we are armed with the Springfield rifle, which requires considerable attention to keep clean. we have been complimented by the Colonel a number of times for our soldierly appearance and deportment and for our discipline; and when we are required to meet the enemies of our country on the battle field, new laurels will be added to Broome County.
+We patrol the Railroad two miles each way from camp, which requires thirty-two men daily, it is divided into reliefs of four men, who are allowed three hours to patrol the road for four miles.
+The Regimental Band is stationed here, and while I am writing, they are discoursing a march; it serves to make all our duties while on drill and elsewhere pleasant. Laurell is a place of about one thousand inhabitants; it contains three churches, a large machine shop, and the Laurell Cotton Mills, both of which are now idle, the effects of secession.
+I am glad to hear the protests that are coming in from all quarters of the army against the action of the infamous peace men of the North who are making themselves obnoxious to both Union and Rebeldom. And a party that is obnoxious to the rebels had not better be allowed in the North. We are all wishing for the passage of the Conscription Bill now before Congress, and then some of those who cry so loud for peace will have a chance to make peace at the only place where it can be made, and this is the canon's mouth. A peace that will be as durable as the most fervent heart could wish for.
+I would state the to the officers of Co. D., belongs the praise of our discipline; they have labored faithfully to promote the interest of the Company in every respect, and when the time comes for us to mingle in the fray, we will try and repay their efforts with interest to our country and officers.
+Yours, PERSIMMON.
+{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_03_18_1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
+----
+//Union (NY) News//, March 26, 1863
+LETTERS FROM THE WAR.
+Army Correspondent of the "News."
+HEAD-QUARTERS, CO. "E.," 109th Reg't\\
+N. Y. S. V., Annapolis Junction,\\
+Md., March 18th, 1863.
+FRIEND BENEDICT:— In accordance with my promise to write, though unavoidably neglected, (yet not forgotten,) I have made a flank movement on the duties incidental to camp life, and believing that all will be quiet in my lines for a few hours, I avail myself of this opportunity to give purpose to my promise.
+Had I written at an earlier date, my letter would have worn a different aspect, for but a few weeks have passed since I felt implicitly mightily discouraged, and I ask, how could it be otherwise, after reading the eternal, harangue of those poor - miserable - detestable -  "peace-men" of our State? I am proud of the name—New Yorker — and am prouder still to know that measures have been taken to put down the party feeling that existed there but a short time since. Why! I thought that the Union men left remaining were few indeed, most of them having "rushed to arms" to assist their beleagued country, and that the amount of pure, loyal atmosphere left to breathe, after holding conversation with or passing by those sol-called ""peacemen," whose very breath contaminated the air; engendering that most dreadful disease "secession," more to be dreaded than the bite of the venemous rattlesnake, would be incapable of inflating the lung of Liberty, and thus our free and liberal institutions would die from strangulation.
+Thank God, we have seen the same united, determined feeling that we expressed at the outbreak of this rebellion, when thousands of our loyal sons rushed forth to take an active part in its overthrow. The same patriotic impulse, triumphing over party prejudices, The same singleness of purpose to save our Heaven-blessed land from destruction! I had feared that we had a divided North, and that the hearts of the traitors had been made glad. Hope was whispering to them of their final success in their infernal machinations.  Whom the Gods would destroy they first make mad." Were we undergoing the maddening process which was to precede our destruction? It seem-ed so! Under the distracting influence of the late elections, the dark spirit of political madness seemed to have been fully aroused, and "rule or ruin"
+determined upon. God save us from the politicians! Will we ever learn wisdom! This should at least arouse us! That now, while the flames of destruction are threatening to utterly consume the temple of our liberty, these would-be servants are still sacrilegiously, quarrelling and wasting their energies over minor matters in efforts to retain or secure power.
+Parties are selfish. All their planning - all their world-be patriotic appeals-may me reduced to the one little word - power. Their final object is gain. To secure success, they leave no means untried; however, unworthy to hood wink the "dear people" whose masters they are, and for whom they care as little as for the Coolies in China.
+At this trying period in our National affairs, there should be no divisions - Party camp-fires, should, by common consent, be extinguished, and he who should offer a distracting sentiment, should be frowned into silence. This is no trifling task we have on our hands. The world scarcely seen the equal of this bloody rebellion. To crush it will require every energy we possess. We should have no side issues - no internal quarrels to weaken and disarm us, but, on the contrary, be as our enemies, a unit.
+I hope we will rise above party? Throw off the disgraceful shackles which have so long enslaved us. Divest ourselves of the foolish prejudice that under this name is all pure, and vice versa. It is all prejudice, and in an hour of peril like the present, every patriot heart should rise supreme above it, and give his singleness of heart to the noble work of saving the Union.
+I perceive that my later is becoming somewhat lengthy, however, I trust that you, at least will not esteem it dry, when the crisis in our loved country is the theme that ought to interest every American.
+I have said nothing of myself or circumstances, for I think that self, when compared with the interests of our common country, is as a drop in the bucket; yet, I have determined to do battle for the good old flag; If to save its sacred folds from desecration, even life itself is demanded as the sacrifice.
+R. B. M.
+P. S. In my next, I may give you an idea our camp, company, regiment, prospects, &c, and I assure you it will be a pleasing task to inform you of the fact, that the "gay and festive" 109th had been visited by their paymaster.
+R. B. M.
+{{ :109th_ny:union_ny_union_news_3-26-1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
+----
+//Binghamton (NY) Broome Republican//, April 8, 1863
+Camp Laurel, MD., March 8.
+Mr. Editor: I am sorry that it is not in my power to communicate something of interest relative to the war. And the only thing encouraging, that occurs to the mind, is to use the expression of Artemus War - "that the Government is about to take rigorous measures for the prosecution of the war. And also that Washington is safe. And all is quite along the lines." But to the point.
+Let me enquire of you how those Peace parties prosper among you. Those men who are so highly susceptible of sympathy for the suffering soldiers, and who so highly honor and congratulate them for their bravery and their devotion to their country. How I wish that their conduct toward their country and the soldiers, might demand the same compliment; but in justice to the government, to the soldiers be it known to those men and to all whom it may concern, that their sympathies thus expressed are not received with favor or thankfulness. Neither are we ignorant of the effect which they intend for Secession. Therefore in behalf of the soldiers, tell them for us, that we ignore and repudiate their pity for us in any such form. We ask not for their pity, and if tendered, should not consider it any more genuine than though it came from Jeff. Davis himself. Their sympathies are with him, or they would not be so over anxious that we should stop fighting secession. They may consider that they do us honor by calling their Peace Conventions, but we consider them insults. Not that we prefer the continuation of this war, not that we have long the desire for the society of our families and friends at home, not that we think ourselves braver than other men; but in honor and justice to the heroes who have already fallen upon the battlefield, for the preservation of the Government, through whose veins flowed the best blood of our country, in honor to them we refuse to compromise short of a complete victory. All the favor we ask is that the people professing loyalty, will show it by precept and example, and thus hold up the soldier's hands, and the day will soon be won, and the victory ours.
+Let Northern rebels beware how they undertake to barter our rights away, lest there comes upon them a day of retribution. For Secession must and shall be put down, both North and South.
+They talk of compromising with Secession after so much of our country's best blood has drenched the soil of Rebellion, and so many patriots have found grave in the domains of Jeffdom; so many fireside been made desolate, so many kindred ties have been broken forever; so many companions whose future hopes have been blasted, and the coming days of life made a burden; so many orphan children whose wails can be heard all over the land, and while suffering humanity still cries for justice, those mean sneaking, cowardly, deceptive demagogues, propose to disgrace our nationality by urging a compromise with rebellion, thus legalizing rebellion to be repeated in coming time and future generations. Let them put their hands upon their mouths, and cry [...], and like men grasp their fire-arms and rush to the rescue of their country and the soldiers for whom they would deign make it appear their sympathies are so much stirred.
+But my attention has been called to another [...] who in the beginning spared no pains to secure to themselves the cloak of Union, the object of which was best known to themselves, and the time, but has revealed itself more plainly as days and months have worn away. I allude to those men who in the beginning of this war cried war the longest and loudest, until they were called upon to do something to carry on the war, and then like the noble peacock that got a glimpse of his uncomely feet, their patriotism met with sudden death, and when true patriots were flocking around the old flag, jealous of its safety and honor, their patriotism has sadly degenerated.
+At different times it has shown itself in different ways. In discouraging enlistments and in swindling volunteers out of hard earnings, previous to their enlisting, but their disloyalty shows itself the clearest, when they encourage desertion, and furnish clothes and money for them, thus to cheat and swindle the government out of the money which it has freely donated to all who might become its friends and defenders. And again circumstances have show to the satisfaction of thousands that there is still another set of patriots. A class who are intent upon saving the Union at almost any sacrifice. They did not seem to be in circumstances to go to the war, but were quite willing everybody else should go, and to make the idea more tolerable for those inclined to go, they were not slow to answer, yes to almost any favor requested for the relief of families of volunteers, when they never intended to perform one thing, or redeem one promise, but will spend more time and money to obtain a certificate of exemption from draft, than it would take to keep every promise they made. But I am inclined to thing that the little article which Congress manufactured very recently, known as the Conscript Act, will have a tendency to bring them to time.
+Yours truly,\\
+RICHARD MONROE,\\
+Co. D. 109th Reg.,  N. Y. S. V.
+{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_04_08_1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
+----
+//Binghamton (NY) Broome Republican//, May 13, 1863
+FROM THE 109TH REGIMENT.
+Headquarters, 109th Reg't N. Y. V.,\\
+Anapolis Junction, Md.
+FRIEND STUART:
+It rains! You may see nothing in those two little words to breed disagreeable thoughts, sitting as you do between brick walls, with a good covering over your head, but with the soldier it is different, for the storm does not exempt him from duty. And as he walks his beat, visions of home and home friends, with warm hearts and hands flit through his brain, making all the more disagreeable his task by the contrast. Not that you ever hear him complain, for he does not, but like good soldiers bears it bravely.
+The 109th find themselves under rather better circumstances than are many of their comrades in their field, for while many are today shivering in the rain, without a sign of shelter, we are housed in good comfortable barracks, sitting (as I do just now) by a good fire, and enjoying soldiering hugely.
+From time to time as your paper finds its way to us - by the way, friend S., it always seems like receiving a visit from some old boyhood friend as we peruse it, which [...] to make its weekly visit at my fathers, where it always found a warm reception. I pay from time to time as it makes us a visit now, we notice letters upon the 109th, and elsewhere, proclaiming that we as a regiment, should be placed at the front; and I have heard a word used which sounded like "cowards," the latter of which I think is unjust. We are members of a regiment of which we feel proud, a regiment which we believe would do good service were they placed where they had a chance, and a regiment of which I believe you will yet hear as doing their duty bravely and manfully, as they have ever done since they left B. True their duty has been light, nothing but guard, but soldiers who do this well will be apt to do well whatever they undertake. I believe the men are willing to move; in fact some of them are anxious, and yet if this is the place for them they will stay, conscious that their country owes them as much honor for so doing as it would were they in the field. Human slaughter is at the present time a terrible necessity, and it was the necessity of the case that brought us here; and should the time come by which we should have a share in the carnage, we will do what we can - for our Country's cause, but we are not over anxious to crowd ourselves into it. But let's change the subject.
+The regiment at present are in good health in fact we have grown fat and lazy for the last few months of inactivity, but we shall now get over this as it is getting to be weather so that we can drill, for which we are famous. I believe that to make a letter short is to quit writing, and that is what I wish to do with this. I, like Artemus Ward, "Paws for a reply," remaining\\
+Yours truly\\
+HOLENBROWN.
+{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_05_13_1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
+----
+//Binghamton (NY) Broome Republican//, June 10, 1863
+FROM THE 109TH REGT. N. Y. S. V.
+Headquarters 109th Regt. N. Y. S. V.\\
+Annapolis Junction, Md.,\\
+June 4, 1863
+FRIEND STUART: This has been a day of rest with us; rest from drill and other duties, and "the boys" are all in excellent spirits. The fact is, the Major (Monell) visited us to day and gave us a new supply of "green backs" an article which is in great demand everywhere, and an article which will make even an editor smile to receive, especially if they come from "[...] subscribes. "The rest" offers an opportunity to write you a few lines, but there is so little of interest transpiring here, at present, that one hardly knows what to write. In may be of interest, however, to know that we are preparing for the "field," that is we are being drilled in battalion movements.
+Companies A, C and D have moved from Laurel to this place, thus giving us a battalion of six companies. Those who know say we drill well. Our Colonel is a good drill master, and a good officer, and will do all he can to prepare us for active service.
+I think however, that we never will be fully prepared to do justice to our country, and honor to ourselves and friends until we have drilled more as a whole regiment, for what we are gaining at this place, the other companies along the line are losing. Take us off this Railroad and give us two weeks thorough drill, and we will be prepared to fight, and to win laurels as fair and as lasting as those won by the regiments which have preceded us in the field from our vicinity, and to write us a page in history which shall gladden the hearts of our descendants, by telling them that we were indeed freemen. I cannot but think with many here and at home, that our place is at the front.
+The Colonel said, a few days since, in addressing the Battalion, that "the Government paid us well for our services, and that we ought to be ready to do our whole duty." That sentence contains a world of meaning, if it was the earnest endeavor of every man in the service to crush the rebellion at once, how soon we would be victorious and the hearts of millions made glad by the dawn of natural peace.
+It is painful to all, how we, both in the army and the citizens are divided. We should know no political party, no individual leader. The party which sustains the Union as a free and undivided Union, should be our party. The men who are most capable, and most zealous to conquer in Liberty's name, should be our leaders.
+There are but two parties in this country, namely, Union, pro and con. We are eight for or against the Union. It is either God or Mammon, and we ought to know which we are serving.
+The rebels say the time for compromise has passed, and they are right. They dispise the men who offer compromise. They would not even received the champion of armistice and compromise (Vallandigham) within their lines unless he would take their oath of allegiance. They have staked their all on a Southern Confederacy and will not, dare not retract. It follows then, that there remains nothing for us to do but to fight them to the bitter end.
+There is a class of man North who claim that the war is unconstitutional. I think they are not sincere in what they say. It is Constitutional because the constituted authorities have authorized it. They talk of their right as citizens being interfered with, of a state of anarchy and all that. Let them hold their poisonous tongues and they will have no trouble. If they will not keep quiet we should start them on double quick for Dixie where they can, with their very dear friends enjoy the fruits of their iniquity.
+The rebels have been able to hold out against us so far, because they have been united. We should, in this particular learn of them, and come us as [...] man in the [...] of the Government.
+Can we stand idly by and see a disappointed political party rob us of our nationality? Is life so dear or peace so sweet? Are we freemen? are we patriots? are we Americans? Are our wives, our homes and the glorious institution of our country of so small value that we can see them wrested from us by dastard traitors? Can we see our glory crowned banner - to sustain the honor of which a Scott, a Washington and a Taylor and many other brave men gave their best energies, and a Clay, Montgomery, Warren, Baker, Reno and a Lyon their heart's blood - trampled under foot by men should should protect it, without burning to strike to the earth the demons who are striving to rob us of all we hold dear.
+Our women [...] should help us. They wield a mighty influence over man and can do much. They should learn of southern women how to treat men who shirk duty. Let them scorn those poor things who sneak off to Canada and elsewhere to escape the draft. Let them loath even the right of those cowardly, crawling, slimy reptiles denominated "Copperheads." They are worse than open traitors and deserve the deepest, hottest hell. I am very truly,
-<figure label>
+JEROME.
-{{:{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_05_13_1863.jpg?400 |img}}
-<caption>binghamton_ny_broome_republican_05_13_1863</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
+{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_06_10_1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
-{{:{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_06_10_1863.jpg?400 |img}}
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+//The Baltimore Sun//, July 2, 1863
-<figure label>
+ARREST OF A SUPPOSED SPY NEAR ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION. Charles W. Ryder was taken up near Annapolis Junction, by one of the scouts of the 109th New York, on Tuesday, and sent by the Colonel commanding to Provost Marshal Todd, who committed him to the Old Capitol. Ryder was dressed in the United States infantry uniform, and represented himself to be from New York. He has been following the army for some time, it appears, and could give no reason for so doing. His conflicting and unsatisfactory accounts of himself caused suspicion. - Wash. Star.
-{{:{{ :109th_ny:union_ny_union_news_7_2_1863.jpg?400 |img}}
-<caption>union_ny_union_news_7_2_1863</caption>
+{{:109th_ny:the_baltimore_sun_thu_jul_2_1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
-</figure>
+----
+//Union (NY) News//, July 2, 1863
+LETTERS FROM THE WAR.
+Army Correspondence, of the News."
+Head Quarters Co. E.\\
+th Reg't N. Y. S. V.,\\
+ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, June 18, 1863
+FRIEND BENEDICT: Since my arrival in camp, May 15, nothing of interest has transpired to drive away the dull monotony till the 4th inst, when Major J. L. L. Morrell (the right man in the right place) Assistant Paymaster U. S. A. arrived to make the sad happy, and the joyous enthusiastic by paying them their hard-earned wages. The regiment is now paid in full to May 1st.
+We have been under something of an excitement for the past week, expecting a visit from the "rebs." All are anxious to "take a chance in." Col. Tracy has been untiring in his endeavors to build block houses and rifle pits for the defence of the Rail Road bridges between this point and Bladensburgh. they will soon be completed and should the rebs see fit to give us a call, they will meet with a warm reception from the 109th.
+I am glad that a raid has been made into the loyal States, and have only to regret that they dare to no farther. It would be a capital joke if they could reach Albany and "gobble in" some of their bretheren in the Capital of the Empire State. Were it not for the fact that the truly loyal would suffer, I would pray for it.
+Thank heaven the 109th was raised under the jurisdiction of a loyal man - EDWIN D. MORGAN, I say I am glad that the raid has been made, and so I am. It has a a good effect. It opens the eyes of the sleepers of the North to a full realization of the horrors of this rebellion.
+I have often been asked "what are you fighting for ?" and my answer invariably, has been a good hearty laugh at the fools that asked it, for it is a fool indeed that does not know. Why we are fighting the battles of FREEDOM, not the freedom of the negro, as many of the extreamists would make us believe (for the negro in _as quiescent in this struggle, as the clay in the hands of the potter) but we are demonstrating in characters of blood that a great and free people are capable of sustaining a government of their own choice, leaving to their children, and their childrens' children the blessings radiating from a free and glorious democracy.
+Although the struggle is one that requires almost superhuman efforts, yet I believe that we of the North, who have tasted the blessings of Liberty are equal to the emergency, let it cost what it may. The fiercer the struggle the more will it enhance in value of those great blessing we seek to secure.
+Let the vile copperheads hiss, and hiss on, methinks twill end in hissing, for I can almost discover in the impudent raid a divine interference designed to leave copperheads in the North and South minus tooth and poison bag; creeping, sneaking, crawling skeletons for "by the gods they must diet on the venom of their own spleen."
+The sanitary conditions of the regiment is excellent. We have a new Surgeon, Dr. Churchill, of Owego, but Dr. Wm E Johnson of Waverly is the man. He is an accomplished scholar, and a gentleman - ever ready to attend to the wants of the sick, and does it in a quiet pleasant manner, that makes the soldier feel that he is well cared for, and not thought a dog. Dr. J., should wear a double breasted coat - a gold leaf on his shoulders which he would wear with honor to himself, and profit to the regiment, then all would be pleased and say amen.
+{{ :109th_ny:union_ny_union_news_7_2_1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
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-//Bloomville (NY) Mirror//, September 1, 863
+//The Baltimore Sun//, July 15, 1863
+There was only one soldier taken down with the bridge at Laurel on Monday morning, though there were several others on it at the time. The unfortunate man was named Jeremiah Reid, of Co. K, 109th New York regiment. He went down under the stone and earth of the bridge.
+{{:109th_ny:the_baltimore_sun_wed_jul_15_1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
+----
+//Bloomville (NY) Mirror//, September 1, 1863
 ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Md., August 25.
@@ Line 681: / Line 973: @@
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+//Binghamton (NY) Broome Republican//, September 16, 1863
+THE 109TH REGIMENT. A correspondent of the Waverly Advocate says some sensible things:
+Annapolis Junction, Md,\\
+Aug. 27, 1863.
+Editors Advocate:
+If memory serves me right, it is just one year to-day since the 109th Regiment was mustered into the service of the United States. The time has passed rapidly by, and we can hardly bring ourselves to think that our Regiment has passed twelve months in the service, during which time there have been many battles fought, even within hearing of our camp, and we have not, as yet, seen a Rebel. We have lived in Maryland to see two crops taken from the same soil; how much longer we may be permitted to remain in our present position no person can conjecture. It is a soldier's duty to always obey orders, and obey without a murmur. If the 109th is to remain where it now is, for a year to come as it is for the year past, well and good; but if ordered forward the friends at home may rest assured, that there is not an able bodied man amongst us who will not shoulder his musket, sling his knapsack, and be ready to tramp for 'Dixie,' dinging his proud hurrah as he marches forward to the music of "Old John Brown." The duty we are doing we have had orders to do - that is sufficient for us to know. When ordered elsewhere, we shall go and ask no questions.
+Our Adjutant, Lieut. P. W. Hopkins, returned this evening from Elmira with recruits to fill our Regiment. They are a robust healthy looking set of men, and we hope will prove an agreeable accession to our Regiment. We are sorry that no more of our friends, who were so fortunate as to draw prize tickets in Uncle Sam's great lottery are among the number that grace our Regiment. In looking through the crowd we could recognize but one face we had seen before, and he a boy but sixteen years of age - a substitute of course for some persons, who, though pretending to be a supporter of the government which affords him protection, condems the administration which having the power, will enforce it so make him fight to defend himself. The boy who came in is to be pitied; he knows now what he must under-go. The man for who he came is to be despised.
+Soldiers in the army have but little sympathy with or kindly feeling toward northern men, who, having friends and relatives in the army will contribute money to pay exemption fees of men who are not able to pay their own, if they wish to help the man personally, why not pay the amount to his family to make them comfortable during his absence, and let him go to help quiet our great troubles? But no! they cry out against the government, against the Administration, against the continuance of the war, the raising of men and the raising of necessary means for carrying on the war, at the same time will unwittingly increase their taxes against which they cry, by preventing men from joining the army in our Government's need. It is men our government most needs, men it must and will have. If they can be had constitutionally, the soldier goes for having them unconstitutionally. He only stops to ask the question, is the Rebellion constitutional? was it commenced constitutionally? has it been carried on constitutionally? and says let's put it down either with or without a constitution; and then talk constitution afterwards.
+Excuse me Messrs. Editors, I have spun this out much longer than I intended when I commenced. Company I usually well, Capt. is gone to camp meeting, hope it will be of [...] to him. Yours, &c.
+O. B.
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Howard County, MD in the Civil War

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