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Chamberlin, Leander. Manuscript diary by a private in the 141st New York Infantry. Sold at auction, 2011.
CIVIL WAR ARCHIVE OF ALBERT J. WHITLEY 141ST NEW YORK, 70 items. Offered at auction, 2005.
Figure 1: camp_hathaway_141st_regt_nysv_1863_max_rosenthal
Corning (NY) Journal, September 25, 1862
REMEMBER THE VOLUNTEERS. The importance of sending letters and papers to the volunteers is not properly realized the their friends. Rev. Thomas K. Beecher, the chaplain of the 141st Regiment, in a letter to the Elmira Advertiser, from their camp between Baltimore and Washington, thus speaks on the subject.
You would open your eyes to see the letters that pour into my tent for home - over two hundred and fifty to-day. And if you could see the men run to get the letters you'd tell people to write and send papers. I see already how cheaply you at home can do a great favor to any absent soldier, particularly in he be a private.
Take any late paper, send it to him at a cost of a one cent stamp and you make one man thoroughly happy for several days - a letter is still better.
corning_ny_journal_1862_09_25.jpg
Hornellsville Tribune, October 2, 1862
From the 141st Regiment.
CAMP 141 REGIMENT N. Y. Vols.
Laurel Station, Prince George County,
MARYLAND, Sept, 25, 1862.
EDS. TRIBUNE :—Our ride from Elmira to this place was one long ovation. Oue continued cheer and waving of fags, Hats and handkerchiefs greeted the regiment from the moment we stepped on the cars till we arrived Here. Our march through Baltimore was one of the kind you read of. From nearly every house was displayed the stars and stripes, and the Ladies gave us a good lunch. We are encamped in a fine meadow on a sloping ground, between the Baltimore & Ohio R. R., track and the carriage road, 18 miles from Washington, our tents extending from one road to the other, and so near the track that we can readily distinguish and converse with the passengers in the cars. Our duty is to guard the R. R, and the bridge which crosses the Patuxet at this point. Our men are now engaged in building an abattis and blockhouse at the bridge. Laurel is a neat, sleepy little lazy village of one street, the houses built mostly of stone, the streets shaded, and a large old fashioned pump in the middle of the street in front of every third or fourth house. Before the war it was quite a manufacturing town, but at present there is no business of any kind carried on, and hardly a white man to be seen. Everything is different from a Northern village. The wagons are large enough to make a dozen like those made by neighbor Conderman, and are drawn around by three or four horses with a slave riding one of them Everything human is sleepy, lazy, listless and inactive— 200 years behind the North. But the country is magnificent; such fine rolling land, and not a hill to be seen.— Fruit of nearly every kind is in abundance. Our boys go out and bring in bushels of grapes and peaches that grow wild on the river bank, The inhabitants all profess Union sentiments, and appear friendly, but they don't disguise their hostility to the Lincoln Administration. There is, however, no doubt that they are anxious for the war to close, and nothing would go more against them than to have Stonewall march up this valley. The health of the Regiment is unprecedented. This morning there are but two in the Hospital, and they are laughing and talking so that I hear them now. Our, boys are all well. Doctor Robinson is undoubtedly one of the most competent and certainly the kindest hearted and most sympathizing Surgeon in the whole Army— and to his foresight and care and that of his excellent assistants are we indebted to the excellent assistants are we indebted to the unusual good health of the Regiment. His previous experience in the service didn't hurt him any. Capt. Russell and Lieuts. Barton and Collins have already become veterans in the service—and do all in their power to make the men comfortable. Of course they stand high in the estimation of both men and officers—for what else could you expect when they are always ready to do one a kindness? Our company is fast learning the drill, and under the instruction of Orderly Fred Willor, bids fair to become the crack company of the Regiment.— Frank Crane, Ed Ward, Steve Gilbert and Jas Emery are members of the medical staff, and with Hospital Steward, Harris Sawyer, form quite a little company by themselves. They are gay as larks and make the life of the Regiment. Chief Bugler, George Gray, is organizing his men, and as I write the notes of his bugle come floating on the air. The living is a little tough to one unaccustomed to it, it is true, and it takes our boys some time to learn how to live on salt pork and hard crackers, but, as Levi Doty says, “it's better than Shaw's eggs,” and as the Colonel and all the officers feed on the same, we eat it without grumbling and grow fat. Soldier life is somewhat harder than sitting on Mack Browns corner and talking about it, but I havn't found a man yet that is the least bit homesick, or that would go home to day if he could. We have plenty to eat, drink and wear, and the only thing we miss is Billy Lavallett's Barber Shop, Have any of your readers any idea of where all the soldiers go? Every day we see from three to four Regiments pass, and it would do you good to see us exchange greetings— Don't we yell? We are expecting the 161st, (Col. Harrower) down this way daily and when they come we will make them deaf. This is an odd climate. The days are as hot as Steuben in July; and the nights as cold as a frogs nose. The dew comes on like rain, and the sun pops up hot as if shot out of a gun. The sky is red tilt near midnight, and we have lots of meteors and shooting star. We don't know how long we shall stay here, and by the Baltimore papers this morning. I see that we may be ordered on soon, so that my next may be written “mid dying groans, where shells shriek and bullets whistle.”
All communications should be directed
to the name of the person, care of Captain,
141st Regt, N.Y, Vols, Washington,
D. C.
M. W. H.
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Havana (NY) Journal, October 4, 1862
The 141st Regiment, (Col. Hathaway,) is stationed at Laurel, Maryland. A writer from this camp, says: “The boys have managed to capture one Secesh, and the Binghamton boys also succeeded in capturing one and shooting another through the breast. Everything is dear here—milk is 12 cents per quart, butter 37 1/2 cents per pound, and eggs 3 cents each, Our rations consist of a slice of raw salt pork, five sea biscuits, and a cup of coffee - sometimes beans in the place of pork. Our tents are poor affairs—very thing and small. Four men 'bunk' in a tent. It goes first-rate now, but when we have storm the rain will come right through and drown us out. We are now engaged in building a fort near our encampment to defend a railroad bridge. Their are not many in the hospital considering that the water is quite bad.— Some of our tents are named respectively “Montour House,” “Brainard House,” “Haight's Hotel,” “Wild Cat Tiger,” and “Fort Donelson.” The streets are named Havana, Baldwin, Third Avenue, Canisteo, Steuben, &c.”
havana_ny_journal_1862_10_4.png
Figure 2: corning_ny_journal_1862_10_09
Hornelleville NY Weekly Tribune, October 9, 1862
From the 141st Regiment.
CAMP HATHAWAY, 141st Regiment, N. Y. Vols. LAUREL, Md., Oct. 5, 1862.
DEAR TRIBUNE: We are here yet, and with no immediate prospect of a change of location. Of course this suits the boys, as we would much rather become skilled than killed. Since my last letter, two companies, B. and C., have been detailed on picket duty between here and Washington, and every day they pick up deserters, stragglers and spies.
The good health of the Regiment continues and we have had but two accidents, one of a young boy from Chemung, who was shot in the neck by the discharge of a revolver, but will probably recover—and the other was John Burnet, of Crosby Creek, who had his fore finger and the ball of his thumb shot off by the accidental discharge of his rifle.
Last week, Sergeant Mart Zimmerman, of Capt. Doty's Co, 23d Regiment, called on us, and brought the bad intelligence of the death of Olin Bennett, who was shot in battle while nobly fighting for his country.
Yesterday our camp was honored by a visit from Secretary Seward, accompanied by his son and daughter-in-law. They entered the camp without any parade or display, and “dropped in” at the Colonels, where they spent a quiet hour, and as I passed the open tent and saw them seated at a pine table, dining on plain soldiers’ fare, I could not help thinking that before me was an illustration of the simplicity and true democracy of our government.
Tribune—I don't want to brag, but we do think that this Regiment is the most highly favored of any in the field as regards its commanding officers, Some of your readers know Col. Hathaway, and will be pleased to learn that he is fully appreciated by the soldiers of his Regiment. Kind hearted, accomplished and impartial, his command over the men is perfect, and among the thousand here in camp, gathered from every walk in life, I don’t believe there is one who would knowingly disobey the least of his orders, for we all have full confidence in his bravery and abilities as a soldier.
The Hornellsville boys are all right.—— Hospital Steward, Harris Sawyer, has start ed a Drug Store nearly as large as a Side Show, and if be only kept the dailies you could easily immagine you had stepped into the “Red Front.” The other Hospital boys are well, and strive with each other in their kind attention to the sick, and it is well understood that if a soldier enters the Hospital ever so ill, in an hour they will have him up and laughing as loud as any of them.
The nightly prayer meetings are well attended, and are increasing in interest every evening, under the guidance of our Chaplain, Rev. Thomas K. Beecher. They are held in the open air with the stars above us, and the sweetest, most natural companions of camp life, are the old familiar Hymns, sung by the soldiers, and sung from our childhood by friends at home. They have a charm here which we never felt before, and seem like whisperings of the absent ones, and the prayers, as they ascend thro’ the night air, bring before us the home circle, and the old church, and every thing that is good and manly, Tribune—it has been truly said that camp life is either the making or breaking of a man, and it is being demonstrated every day, “my boy.”— You can tell all enquiring friends that our boys are “making,” and that we are bound to be a model Regiment.
One of these days I shall try to “get to go” to Washington, and if I do I will see Denny Brannan and the rest of the boys in and out of the hospital there.
M, W. H. hornelleville_ny_weekly_tribune_1862_10_09.jpg
Corning (NY) Journal, October 23, 1862
Muster Roll, Co. D. 141st Regt.
We are indebted to W. L. HINDS, Orderly Sergeant, for the following Muster Roll of Capt. Fuller's Co.
Capt.—CHAS R. FULLER, Corning.
1STt. Lieut. WILLIAM MERRILL, Lindley
2d. Lt. JOSEPH G. TOWNSEND, Corning
SERGKANTS.
Warren L. Hinds, Corning
Clemmon Osman, Lawrenceville,
James H. Wepells, Corning.
Hiram C. Turrell, “
Zalmon R. Loveless,”
CORPORALS.
John R, Rathbone, Caton.
Edwin Merrell, Lindley.
Justin W. Knapp, “
John Tanner, Corning.
John Q. Adams, “
Orvis P. Smith, “
C. A. Harradon, “
M. C. W. Cunningham “
MUSICIANS.
Pulaski D. Wescott, Caton.
Elleburt Niver, ”
WAGONER.
Henry Brown, Corning.
PRIVATES.
NAMES RESIDENCES.
Burley, Charles Corning.
Cristley, Andrew “
Clark, James “
Doolittle, William “
DeCarr, Lionell F, “
Fowler, Abram L. “
Fowler, John “
Freeman, Charles H. “
Glur, Frederick “
Hunt, Timothy “
Huycks, William “
Jeffery, Thomas “
Kreemer, Jake “
Knapp, Abram, “
Lewis, Audrew “
McCalloch, Francis “
McKinney, Charles “
Millard, Miner F. “
Merritt, Andrew J. “
Moore, Lewis G. “
Pritchard, Morris “
Rose, Isaac E. “
Simmons, Andrew J. * “
Snyder, Henry M. “
Satterley, Charles “
Stewart, Samuel “
Sweitzer, Jacob “
Turrell, Cassius M. “
Thorp, Henry “
Thompson, Andrew “
Vanderworker, Cornelius “
Weldon, George W. “
Wood, Nathaniel “
Weldon, Samuel “
Weaver, Lewis “
Williams, William “
Wilson William J. “
Weeks, John “
White, Alexander H. “
Williams, Henry “
Brace, Wulliam H. Caton.
Brown, Edwin “
Cole, William “
Day, Alonzo “
Emery, Rubin “
Ellott, Elijah “
Howe Harrison, “
Howe, Francis “
Honness, Solomon H, “
Hubbard, William “
Lindsley, Levi “
Reville, Nicholas “
Striebeck, Edward “
Faggett, Nathaniel “
Thornton, Richard H. “
Wright, Peter “
Wellman, John R. “
Tobey, Preston A. “
Booth, Elijah D. Lindley. “
Countryman, Alfred Jasper.
Elliot, Israel Lindley.
Houghton, Charles “
Lindsley, George H, “
Lindsley, William A. “
Millard, Sylvestas W. “
McGillioray, Abram “
Tremain, Gilbert “
Tremain, Warren H. “
Tremain, Lyman J. “
Wales, Nelson “
Wheelter, Isaac “
Webster, Charles H. “
Reeves, James Catlin.
Russell, David Erwin.
Stevens, Darias W. + Hornby.
Stevens, George E. “
Royell, George H. Van Etten.
Taylor, Lorenzo D. Hornby.
Lewis, Edwin B. “
Woodhonse, Henry — Jacksow Pa.
Woodhouse, Zina ”
Those marked with a (*) have deserted, and those with a (+) have been drowned.
corning_ny_journal_1862_10_23.jpg
Havana NY Journal, ca. October 24, 1862
Letters from Capt. A. J. Compton.
CAMP COMPTON.
Md., October 9th, 1862.
FRIEND LOOK:—I have had the pleasure of reading your excellent paper, which reminds me of home and its many pleasing associations, It looks like an old friend, and in eagerly sought after by the Havana boys of my Company.
I see an article, or an extract from a letter, in its columns, which I will notice. The writer says: “Our rations consist of a slice of raw pork, four hard sea biscuit and a cup of coffee; sometimes beans instead of pork.” I know not who the writer is, but should think he was a little sick of the army, and quite anxious to get home again.
The first day we arrived at Laurel Station our rations were rather limited; but as soon as our Quartermaster could possibly make arrangements to furnish the Regiment with good, wholesome food, he did so; since which time we have had good pork and beans, good corned beef, fresh beef twice a week, good potatoes, beans, rice, coffee, tea, sugar, &c. We were obliged to us hard crackers for the first week, but then have had good, soft bread. The first crackers that were given out were some wormy, but as soon as it was known they were replaced by good ones. Our Quartermaster has left nothing undone that he could do to furnish the Regiment with the best the market afford.
While I am writing I must speak of our Colonel: He is just the man to suit the times, being a perfect gentleman, with too good knowledge of human nature ever to be unpopular with his Regiment. He lives in his tent, in Camp, and has a kind word for every soldier. The same can be said of our Lieutenant Colonel and Major. I don't think there is a Regiment in the field that think more of their field officers than the 141st N.Y. V.
For our Surgeon we have a man of ability and experience, although not advanced in years, He has passed safely through nine battles, and is ready and willing to try the tenth. His assistant is also an excellent Physician, and a gentleman, and does all he can to alleviate the sufferings of the unfortunate.
I have neglected to send you a list of the names of my Company for publication, but will do so very soon.
Yours, truly,
A. J. COMPTON.
P. S. — We are four miles from Laurel Station - or Camp Hathaway—towards Washington, doing picket duty on the rail road, and for want of a better name the boys call our Camp after their humble Captain. There are but two Companies here, of one hundred men each, and I can honestly say they all appear to be contented.
Yours, &c., A. J. C.
CAMP COMPTON,
Md., October 14th, 1862.
FRIEND LOOK:—The first death in the 141st Regiment, N. Y. V., was in my Company. Last night, about 11 o'clock my Orderly Sergeant, George P. McCoy Tyrone, breathed his last. He was a young man 20 years of age, of more than ordinary ability, and beloved by every member of the Company. He was, sociably and morally, one of the finest young men it has ever been my fortune to become acquainted with— he had been brought up by Christian parents, and had never strayed from the path of duty. His disease was very malignant case of Typhoid fever. As soon as he was pronounced dangerously ill I sent for his father, who came immediately, arriving here on Friday last. He remained by his bedside until the spirit of the loved one had taken its flight to God, who gave it. This p.m, the Company followed his remains to Camp Hathaway, Laurel Station, and placed them on the cars, in charge of his father, to be taken home. His death has cast a gloom over the whole Company, and, it is to be hoped, has left a lasting influence in the minds of many.
He was the first to be called from this Reg't, and no other one, perhaps, was more ready to meet his Maker.
Yours, truly,
A. J. COMPTON,
The remains of Orderly Sergeant McCoy arrived at the Havana Depot yesterday morning, and were taken to Tyrone, by Henry Page, of this village. Lieut. S. F. Griffeth arrived on the same train and went directly to Tyrone to attend the funeral. He expects to return to the seat of war on Tuesday next. [ED. JOURNAL
havana_ny_journal_1862_ca_10_24.jpg
Figure 3: corning_ny_journal_10_28_1862
Figure 4: corning_ny_journal_1862-10-28
Figure 5: havana_ny_journal_1862_ca_10_28
Figure 6: hornellsville_tribune_page3_1862-10-30
Addison (NY) Advertiser, November 5, 1862
Letter from Lieut. Hammond.
HEADQUARTERS CO G., 141ST REG N. Y. V.,
ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Oct 24, 1861.
FRIEND JOHNSON: Two months have nearly elapsed since our Regiment, the 141st, left your district for their present locality. We have not in this short space of time, as yet, been called upon to try our strength in the cause we came to fight for, and perhaps it has been justly decreed by the “powers that be” that it is even so. I suppose you, “ere this,” are aware of our present locality, but for fear you have not been informed the particulars, I will briefly give them.
Our Regiment is encamped at Laurel, 3 miles from the Annapolis Junction, on the Washington branch of the Baltimore & Ohio R. R., close by the side of the beautiful Pautuxet. Our duty at present consists in guarding the Rail Road and drilling, both of which are most certainly essential to the interest of the soldier and the cause we are engaged in.
Our Boys are just becoming efficient disciples of “Casey,” and-already present the appearance of veterans in the various evolutions of Tactics. A personal interest seems to be given by all to the advancement of military knowledge, and scarcely an exception to the rule of “Obedience is the first law of discipline” exists. All are willing to do their duty, and all perform the same evidently to the best of their ability. Our gallant Col., S. G. HATHAWAY, Jr., we hear is a candidate for Member of Congress in your District. We heartily wish our Colonel success in all his intents, but if we were to give him our influence, politically, we fear we might regret our action in that direction, as were we to be deprived of his presence with us as our Colonel, we should feel very ungrateful towards the Democratic gentlemen who nominated him. We all love our Colonel, and feel assured that in whatever position he is called to, he will perform well his part and never prove a traitor to our laws, our Government, nor our Regiment. Major Dininny is highly esteemed by both officers and privates. His rare native endowments as a soldier are ripening fast under the manifold culture of study, and of experience, seconded powerfully by his “love of country,” for which he gave himself up to the service.
Co. G (commanded by our most worthy captain, Daniel N. Aldrich) holds at present a high post of honor, being stationed at Annapolis Junction, holding military control of this point, subject [of course] to the orders of superiors. It is an important point, regarded in a military point of view. Self praise is not at all times prudent, but the question arises, Why was our worthy Captain placed in command here, if not by the conviction of our superiors that we were No. 1, by merit, though not in the order of things. Our Captain gets along admirably. The sentiment is universal with those under his command, that “There is no one like our Captain.” All have the most implicit confidence in his ability to lead us, and that a test only is required of his bravery to convince the Rebs, who dare oppose us and our constituents at home, that his deeds will be worthy of praise. We have no daring feats or exploits, as yet, to record; our career here, so far, has been a peaceable one. Brilliant Bayonet charges and other scenes of conflict, have, as yet, been to us as things to meditate upon. Rebel raids are scarce here, an order from Gen. Wool to the contrary notwithstanding to look out for one. We are waiting patiently each day for an order to march, but may be highly favored by staying at our prevent location during the coming Winter. We are expecting each day news that a battle is raging in the vicinity of McClellans army. Who can tell the decision there to be made? We trust that the hosts of Freemen there awaiting the coming conflict, will strike from the opposers of our arms the last vestige of their power.—
Though battle after battle shall yet be fought, Freemen's sons will as oft renew with vigor the contest, until Victory and Peace shall be proclaimed simultaneously. I have written to you in haste, but hope to be able to write again soon concerning our every day life.
Yours respectfully,
JOHN W. HAMMOND.
addision_ny_advertiser_11_5_1862.jpg
Addison Advertiser, November 12, 1862
THE 141ST REG - We learn from a private source that the 141st Reg. (Col. Hathaway) will probably remain at Laurel, M. D., where they are now encamped, through the winter. On Monday last they commenced building their barracks for winter quarter.
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Figure 7: hornellsville_tribune_page2_1862-11-20
Corning (NY) Journal, November 20, 1862
The following Resolutions were adapted by Co. E., 141st Regiment, upon the death of Corporal Fox, of Avoca, at Laurel, Prince George County, Maryland.
Whereas; it has pleased Almighty God in his wise providence to take from our midst, our loved and honored comrade Corporal Hez Fox,of Co. “E”, 141st Reg't, N. Y. S. Vol.
Resolved, That while we bow with submission to the decree of Omnipotent Wisdom, it is with the deepest grief that we endure the loss of one whose character was irreproachable, whose conduct was ever patriotic and noble, and who was a friend indeed in adversity as in prosperity. A true Christian, a sincere patriot, an heroic soldier, we feel assured that he has passed from the toils and trials of this mortal life to reap the reward of the Christian Soldier, the crown triumphant of immortality.
Resolved, That we extend to the afflicted family and friends of our loved comrade, our heart-felt sympathy in this their deep bereavement, and that we trust their sorrow will be alleviated, as far as the sorrow for such a loss can, by the knowledge that our comrade went down to his grave loved and honored by all who knew him, and died the death of a Christian Soldier.
Resolved, That we feel deeply grateful to the Surgeon of this Regiment, and his assistants for taking their unremitted and kind care of and attention to our late comrade, and we feel assured that all medical skill and knowledge could avail was by them put forth in his behalf.
Resolved, That we feel deeply grateful to R. Collier, Esq., and his family for their constant and kind of our late comrade during his sickness, and return our sincere thanks for the same.
Voted unanimously by Co. E., 141st Reg't N. Y. S. Vols, Nov 13th, 1862.
W. K. LOGIE, Capt. Co. E.
J. A. SHULTS, 1st Lieut.
E. BELDING, 2d Lieut.
corning_ny_journal_1862-11-20.jpg
Sun, November 12, 1862
John Wesley Hopkins, residing in Howard county, Md, near Laurel, was arrested this morning, by order of Col. Hathaway, of the 141st New York Regiment, on the charge of aiding deserters to escape, and was sent this city and committed to the Old Capitol.
Addison Advertiser, November 26, 1862
From the 141st Reg. N.Y. V.
CAMP HATHAWAY, NEAR LAUREL, MD.,
November 17th, 1862.
FRIEND JOHNSON: - I have for some time been thinking of writing to you and have been waiting for something of interest to write. A common letter giving a description of the country in which we are located, the kind of timber, or the nature of soil and production, would be thought to be stale, coming from a soldier in the army. He is expected to write about battles, give the plan of the battle-field, the number of bayonet charges made, and the particular fields and woods through which the enemy were driven—give the number of the killed and wounded, and his wonderful escape from the enemy. He is also expected to give all the designs of the Southern Generals, with a full description of their armies, and to say most mysteriously, that there are movements in the Federal army about to be made, which he is not permitted to make public, but when they are made known, will astonish the world, Now you know me to be a plain, matter-of-fact man, and have no power to color great deeds or cover faults.
I have not seen much service, I am becoming familiar with camp life, and am pleased with it.
An incident occurred in camp last week may be of interest to your readers, as many have friends in this Reg't: It became known to our Colonel that a deserter from the 109th N.Y. Reg't, was at Clarksville, situated about 12 miles from camp. He determined to send out a squad and bring him into camp, Lieuts. Barton and Townsend, with a Corporal, were sent out on that duty. They were ordered to report themselves at camp as early as noon the next day. Clarksville and all of the surrounding country is strongly secesh, At 9 o'clock on the next morning, (14th) they had not returned. They had time to go out and back the day they started The Colonel was uneasy and fearful they had got into trouble. He ordered Capt. Compton, of Co B, Capt. Russell, of Co. F, and Capt. Logie, of.Co. E,, to get their Companies ready to go to the relief of the absent party.
The Major was given the command— orders were given by him to provide the men with one day's ration, and be ready to march precisely at one P. M.
Twenty-five rounds of cartridges were issued, and an ambulance wagon ordered, to follow with twenty-five rounds more.
All being in readiness, at one o'clock the Major gave the command to march, and we left camp. About two miles from camp we met the absent party. All were glad that they were safe, but many were in hopes to have an opportunity of doing something in a warlike manner.
The promptness with which the men responded to the order to turn out and march, proves that men in the 141st will distinguish themselves, if an opportunity occurs.
We are in a country strongly secesh, and are coming in contact with the inhabitants considerble of late. Some have helped some of our men to desert furnished them with clothes to wear over their uniform. One such - a Walter Smith, a large and wealthy planter—was arrested by order or of Col_Hathaway, and is now in the old Capitol Prison, unless he has found bail to await his trial - by Court Martial. I hope he will have justice done him. He induced two of our men, from Hector, Schuyler county, to desert and they were arrested and now lie in irons in our Guard House.
The penalty for desertion is death, if the Court Martial shall so adjudge. I hope these a poor fellows will not suffer that extreme penalty, but that their punishment will be severe I have no doubt.
Now. my good friend Johnson, I will relieve you from any further trouble at the present time.
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Addision (NY) Advertiser, December 17, 1862
From the Corning Journal.
From the 141st Reg. N. Y. V.
MINER'S HILL, VA., Nov. 29th, 1862.
MR. EDITOR: From the above you will see that we have changed our place of encampment since I wrote you last. Our Regiment left Laurel, Md., on Monday, the 24th inst. Our duties at Laurel had been light, our rations good, our quarters (which we had anticipated occupying through the winter) were very comfortable, and although anxious to see more of the country and the cause that brought us here, still it was not without feelings of regret that we turned our backs upon Camp Hathaway. While passing on the cars to Washington, many a wistful eye was turned toward our old camp, seeming to say, “good-bye, ease and comfort.” We took dinner at Washington, and leaving our sick at Trinity Church Hospital, left for our present camp at 3 o'clock P. M. It was the first marching of any length the Regiment yet the men stood it well.—
When we came to the Chain Bridge, all crossed on the double quick, each striving to be the first to tread the sacred soil of Virginia. A guard remarked, that when we came back the regiment would cross as quick marching at common time as we did now on the double quick, and judging from the manner in which the ranks of the other regiments from Steuban have been thinned, we would scarcely dispute it. From the Chain Bridge, we took the wrong road, more than doubling the necessary distance; and found it rough, hilly, and muddy, reaching Miner's Hill about 7 P. M., tired and hungry. Rolling our blankets around us, we laid down on the hillside, but discovered before morning, that in-door quarters was quite an important item in a sogers fare; and thought that the Sunny South had certainly given us the “cold shoulder.” At day-light we were awakened by the sounding of the revielle in every direction for miles around.
Our camp is situated on high ground. affording a fine view of the surrounding country. In every direction as far as the eye can reach: are encampments—not a hillside but is decked with white tents, with the “emblem of the free” floating proudly over them, while its supporters are wheeling and flanking, preparing for their post in the struggle for their country's rights. In night are many places of considerable interest. But a few rods from camp the German, and California regiments met in in the night, firing upon one another; a little farther is Falls Church, once in the possession of the Rebels, and used by them as stable for cavalry horses, just in the rear of which both Union and Rebel soldiers lay sleeping together. Fairfax Seminary Munson's Hill, the old camping ground of the 23d, and the place of their first skirmish can be seen.
The army teams that brought our knapsacks from Washington, arrived here the next morning. They had been distributed to the men, and part of the teams on their way back, when one of the boys made the startling discovery that his knapsack had been pillaged; soon the discovery became a general one in all the companies, but there are too many good lawyers among our officers to be imposed upon in such a way. Col. Hathaway ordered the teamsters under arrest, and sent after those that had left.
The investigation which followed was truly a laughable one. Officers' boxes had been opened and rifled; privates' knapsack stores opened and plundered. Shirts, drawers, socks, boots, shoes, and a variety of little articles of use and luxury were found among the booty.— One tall fellow; whose portly form contrasted strangely with his thin face, was examined and relieved of six extra shirts, &c., which reduced his rotund form to better keeping with his sharp visage:— The Colonel sent them to Washington in irons, and handed them over to the civil authorities.
During the day several of the boys were a short distance from camp, on an old camping ground, gathering bricks, to make fire-places of, when whiz, whiz, went something among them, breaking down a sapling and burying itself in the ground at their feet. One of them jumped on log, looking around with glances that seemed to inquire, “who frew dat brick;” when whiz went another ball, crashing against the log, and down he came, thoroughly satisfied with his inspection; and the manner in which they scattered for camp did great credit to their travelling abilities. It proved to be a battery practicing about a half a mile off, with shot and shell; there was some brush growing between which prevented them from being seen.
We are in Abercrombie's Division, and in Cowdin's brigade, and were inspected by the latter on Thursday, the 27th. Last night at tattoo we noticed some rockets go up, toward Washington; rising with a stream of sparks, then bursting into a bright blaze of light, presenting the appearance of a large star remaining stationary for nearly a minute, then disappearing, No one in the camp knew the nature of the signals; as we stood watching, the taps sounded when every man must be in his tent, and every light extinguished.
We had scarcely turned in when we hoard the call, “fall out for cartridges;” we laid on our arms all night, but had no occasion to use them. The health of the regiment is very good. We have not learned as yet whether we will quarter here this winter or go further south, but probably the latter.
Yours truly, A. B.
141st_new_york_primary_sources.1561137425.txt.gz · Last modified: 2019/06/21 17:17 by admin