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 [[109th New York Volunteer Infantry|Back to 109th New York Infantry]]\\
+----
+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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+//Binghamton (NY) Broome Republican//, March 11, 1863
-<figure label>
+FROM THE 109TH REGIMENT.
-{{:{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_03_11_1863.jpg |img}}
-<caption>binghamton_ny_broome_republican_03_11_1863</caption>
+Headquarters 109th Reg., N. Y. V.\\
-</figure>
+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|}}
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+//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|}}
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_04_08_1863.jpg |img}}
-<caption>binghamton_ny_broome_republican_04_08_1863</caption>
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+//Binghamton (NY) Broome Republican//, June 10, 1863
-<figure label>
+FROM THE 109TH REGT. N. Y. S. V.
-{{:{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_06_10_1863.jpg?400 |img}}
-<caption>binghamton_ny_broome_republican_06_10_1863</caption>
+Headquarters 109th Regt. N. Y. S. V.\\
-</figure>
+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,
+JEROME.
+{{ :109th_ny:binghamton_ny_broome_republican_06_10_1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
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+//The Baltimore Sun//, July 2, 1863
+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:the_baltimore_sun_thu_jul_2_1863.jpg?linkonly|}}
+----
 //Union (NY) News//, July 2, 1863
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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.

Howard County, MD in the Civil War

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