Howard County, MD in the Civil War

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[[units:1st Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry|Back to 1st Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry]]\\ 

__**Primary Sources for the 1st Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry**__

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//Lancaster Intelligencer//, June 18, 1861

FIRST REGIMENT PENNSYLVANIA RESERVED VOLUNTEERS.—The First Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserved
Volunteers, to which are attached the Union Guards, Lancaster Guards and Safe Harbor Artillery, has been organized by the election of R. BIDDLE ROBERTS, of Pittsburg, as Colonel; H. M. MCINTIRE, of West Chester, Lieutenant Colonel ; LEMUEL TODD, of Carlisle, Major: L. W. REED, of Norristown, Surgeon. These are all excellent selections The Regiment is composed of the following companies:

Brandywine Guards, West Chester, Capt. Nields.\\ 
Union Guards, Lancaster, Capt Barton.\\ 
Lancaster Guards, Lancaster, Capt. Neff. \\ 
Safe Harbor Artillery, Lancaster county, Capt. Hess.\\ 
Carlisie Guards, Carlisle, Capt. Todd. \\ 
Carlisle Light Infantry. Carlisle, Capt. McCartney.\\ 
Phoenix Artillery, Phoenixville, Capt. Dobson,\\ 
Slifar Phalanx, Rockdale, Capt. Dyer.\\ 
Archy Dick Artillery, Chester, Capt. Talley.\\ 
-----------, Gettysburg. Capt McPherson.\\ 

Below will be foand the muster rolls of the Union Guards and Lancaster Guards, of this city. We have not yet received the muster roll of the Safe Harbor Artillery:

MUSTER ROLL OF THE UNION GUARDS.

Officers:

Captain—Thomas B. Barton.
1st Lieutenant—Harry Hook,
2d " William L Bear.
1stt Sergeant—Strickler R. Everts,
2d " William E. Murray,
3d " John C. McCracken,
4th " George M. Bauman.
1st Corporal—Thomas S. Black,
2d " Philip L Sprecher,
3d " William M. Hoffmeier,
4th " Theodore Wenditz.

Musicians—Frank A. Haines, Thomas Judge.

Privates:
Nathan S. Bear,
Benjamin F. Benedict,
Albert H. Bitner,
Abraham E. Bear,
William H. Bubb,
James Coffee,
William W. Cox,
William J. Cake,
George A. Cox,
Augustus O. Duchman,
William L. Dellet,
John G. Eicholtz,
George W. Engle,
Edward Frankford,
Henry Feller,
Frederick D. Friday,
Isaac H. Fortney,
E. D. Freeland,
Abraham Greenawald,
James G. Humes,
George W. Horner,
William B. Harman,
Peter M. Heiser,
Henry Hackman,
Henry G. Hiestand,
Robert Holt,
Matthias Hart,
John G. Harvey,
Obed H. Kurtz,
Henry M. Killian,
Christian Kline,
George W. Kendig,

Robert B. Marshbank,
William G. McClain,
George M. Miller,
Gilbert C. Myers,
Emannuel C. Metzger,
George B. Miller,
Henry Metzger,
Grabill B. Myer,
Peter L. Magennis,
James T. McCully,
John McClain, 
John A. Moss, 
John L, Nauman,
Ambrose Neyman, 
Charles R. Pinkerton,
Theodore C. Parvin,
John B. Reoner,
Lewis A. Rauch,
Miles Rock,
John K. Ratter,
George F. Steinhauser,
Isaac B. Steers,
E, L. Sanders,
James E. Strachan,
Samuel S. Strachan,
William D. Stauffer,
Joseph R. Thomas,
Frank Whitlock,
John Weidel,
John M. Wortz,
Milton Weidler,
Jacob T. Zellers.

MUSTER ROLL OF THE LANCASTER GUARDS.

Officers:

Captain—Aldus J. Neff
let Lieutenant—P. I. O’Rourk,
2d " William T. McPhail,
lst Sergeant George L. Werntz,
2d " Ambrose Maynard,
8d " Daniel C. Fralich,
4th " Isaac Pickel,
Quartermaster Sergeant—Jacob M. Strickler.
1st Corporal—William F. Aument,
2d- " Jasper Morrison,
3d " Samuel J. Cooper,
4th " Charles O'Neill.
Musicians—John Eicherly, Jonathan Styer.

Privates:
Armstrong, Henry 
Blackburn, James
Baker, John
Black, William
Brindel, Jacob
Cunningham, James
Cunningham, Israel
Crumel, Jacob
Downey, David
Dougherty, Andrew
Dunkle, B. F.
Elliot, John
Eshbach, R. H.
Foreman, Joseph
Foreman, Harrison
Getz, Jacob
Greenly, Andrew G,
Highstreet, J. D.
Heargraves, W. G.
Hannum, Abel H.
Herr, Lorenzo D.
Hughes, David N.
Hughes, Edward
Jackson, John K,
Kunkel, Peter
Keene, George W.
Keene, Joseph
Kline,John
Kech, George
Kaily, Jesse
Lambert, D.
Lefever, John S.
Lefever, Elam
Lithgow, D. W.
Lockwood, George T.
Lonious, Witham A.
Markley, Charles A.
Morrison, John H.
Miller, Alfred H.
Milscheack, Augustus
Hauke, Philip B.
Hopwood, John
McKeegan, John
McLeall, Frank
Potts, I. B. 
Patton, Edwin C.
Phrame, Rohrar J.
Read, John C. 
Rinier, Samuel
Rinier, Jacob
Rettican, John
Riley, John
Ruth, Hiram
Ruth, David
Btark, Charles S.
Seibert, John
Short, Andrew
Templeton, Jacob
White, John
Wolfert, Peter
Winour, George
Werry, John A.

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//The Baltimore Sun//, July 27, 1861

The first Pennsylvania regiment of the reserved corps, who were stationed at Camp Carroll in this city, left yesterday to relieve those stationed at the Annapolis Junction and
Annapolis city.

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//Daily Exchange//, July 31, 1861

[Correspondence of the Daily Exchange.)

Excitement at Annapolis Junction Federal Pickets Fired Upon--Arrests.

ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION,
July 30, 1861.

The most intense excitement was created in this locality last night by several successive reports of fire-arms. The dram in the camp of the First Pennsylvania regiment, now stationed here, immediately beat "to arms," and the entire force was soon in battle array. Scouting parties were sent out, when it was discovered that the picket guard, stationed a few hundred yards from the camp, had been fired upon. 

After a thorough search of the vicinity, two young men were found and arrested upon suspicion of having been the parties who fired. They were brought to headquarters and confined until this morning, when they were sent to Annapolis. They represented themselves as Baltimoreans, but your correspondent was unable to ascertain their names; they had no guns, but carried side-arms. Some of the soldiers who were on guard, say that three men whom they saw, but were unable to secure, carried muskets or rifles. None of them were uniformed.

The soldiers here appeared to be somewhat frightened, and no doubt when they heard the firing, thought that Beauregard was about to open upon "Gen. Scott's rear" with a masked battery. All day the men seemed to be very nervous and excitable. The picket has been doubled, and a strict lookout will be kept for the return of the attacking party. One of the picket-guard fired upon, had his cartridge box shot from his person. Passengers going to and returning from Washington yesterday, evinced considerable uneasiness upon learning this occurrence, and many expressed doubts as to the safety of the Capital. S.


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//The Adams Sentinel//, July 31, 1861

The Adams Infantry - Capt. M'Pherson.

The First Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, Col. Roberts, left Camp Wayne on Sunday the 21st, and reached Harrisburg that evening. The next day they arrived at Baltimore, and encamped at Camp Carroll, near Mt. Clare Depot.

They remained there until Saturday last, when they left for Annapolis and Annapolis Junction - six companies being stationed at the former place, and four at the latter. The Adams Infantry are at the Junction of the Annapolis Branch railroad with the Baltimore and Washington Railroad. Letters and papers addressed to Annapolis Junction will reach them.

The Adams Infantry has a post of honor in the Regiment - its position being on the left. It is letter "B." Capt. Barton's company, (Lancaster) has the right, and Capt. McCartney's company (Carlisle) has the colors.

The Regiment relieves a New York Regiment whose time had expired.

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//The Daily Evening Express//, July 31, 1861

OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

FROM THE FIRST RESERVE.

CAMP TODD,\\ 
Annapolis Junction, July 25, '61.

By last Friday our regiment was paid off and the several companies were sworn into the United States service by a Lieutenant of the U.S. A., when we immediately received orders to pack up. We were glad to do this to get to a more permanent situation to get our meals more regularly. While in Camp Carroll we lived almost altogether upon our own resources. The cake and pie woman did a thriving business. Besides good bread, we received but little from the Commissariat. On Saturday (yesterday) morning we embarked on a train for this place. Four companies (A, Union Guards, B, C, and K, Brandywine Guards) are stationed at Annapolis Junction under the command of Major Todd, Adjt. W. L. Bear, of Co. A, to guard the railroad in the directions of Washington and Baltimore. The remaining six companies passed on to Annapolis to be quartered in the Naval Academy buildings. Our regiment relieved the Sixth Regiment, N. Y. S. M., who started for home last night, having remained several days over their time. As fay as I could learn, the land owners around here are all Secessionists of the deepest dye, while all others are for the Union, A slave with whom I conversed when we arrived said his massa was bad for Secession before the soldiers came here and he guesses he is yet, though keeping dark. We expect to remain here a good while, so all letters can be sent as follows: For the Union Guards—"Co. A. 1st Reg. P. R. V. C, Annapolis Junction, Md." For the Neff and Safe Harbor men, respectively, "Co. E, or Co. D, P. R. V.C., Annapolis, Md." We have not seen an Express since leaving West Chester. We hope to see it again every day, as we feel the want of it as much as we would of our daily bread. MILES.

 
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//The Daily Evening Express//, July 31, 1861

FROM ANOTHER CORRESPONDENT.

CAMP TODD, Annapolis Junction,\\ 
July 29, 1861.

A few minutes before the First Regiment left Camp Curtin, Col. Roberts detailed Lieut. Baer, of Company A, to take charge of all new recruits, keep them there until they were fully clothed, armed and equipped. Lieut. Baer thus found himself in charge of two hundred and twenty men. They were ready to rejoin their companies by nine o'clock next day; but in consequence of want of accommodations for transportation they did not get from Harrisburg until 3 o'clock, a. m., Wednesday morning. Before starting, every man was provided with cartridges and caps, and charged to keep cool and resent no insult offered them while passing through Baltimore, and put no caps on their guns unless ordered by the Lieutenant. The enthusiasm manifested by old and young, as we neared Baltimore, was cheering to all who witnessed it. Lieut. Baer marched his command, from Calvert Station, through Baltimore to Mount Clare, a distance of several miles and reached the Camp in safety, all happy to be reunited with their several companies. On Thursday, the men of a number of companies, including ours, were paid in full for State service, and on Friday were sworn into the service of the United States. On Friday morning, about half past one o'clock, we were again aroused for march at a moment's notice, but did not get off, and had to erect our tents before night. On Saturday morning, however, the tents were struck, baggage loadened, and about ten o'clock started for this place. We reached here about five o'clock. Companys A, B, C and K remain at this place, and the remainder of the Regiment went to Annapolis. Major L, Todd is in command of this division, who, on his arrival appointed Lieut. Baer, Acting Adjutant. We are very comfortable located, but cannot help noticing that we are in the midst of many unfriendly people, as indicated by their coolness towards us. Since we are here we have received strict orders to be vigilant and strengthen the pickets, who have posts along the Annapolis and Washington Railroad, and extending into the country; from eight to twelve men occupying a post, who are relieved every three days. Our Lancaster boys are all well and cheerful, and will spare no efforts to keep up the reputation they have thus far sustained. An Express would be received with joy by all hands. Send us one and we'll pass it around. 
 
 
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//North American//, August 2, 1861

Since two companies of the 1st Pennsylvania regiment (Col. Roberts,) have been stationed at the Relay House, their pickets have been constantly annoyed and once injured by the firing of some marauders in the neighborhood. Extra vigilance was resorted to, and on Tuesday night two out of five who had fired upon them were captured and sent to Fort McHenry. They will, it is hoped, be summarily dealt with.

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//Lancaster Examiner and Herald//, August 6, 1861


LETTER FROM 1st REGIMENT P. R. V. C.

[Correspondence of the Examiner and Herald.]

ANNAPOLIS, Aug. 1st, 1861.

MESSRS. EDITORS—After leaving Camp Curtin on the morning of 22d ult., we arrived in Baltimore the same evening, amidst a most drenching and continued rain. Being in open cars, and allowed to remain on them in Baltimore for at least four hours, you may judge, that being wet to the skin, with sharpened appetites, our career of soldiering was commencing to be very interesting. At length, however, shelter was procured for us in the Calvert Street Depot, to which we marched and "bunked" for the remainder of the night in our wet clothes and with empty stomachs. At sunrise in the morning we were called into line and marched about three miles to Camp Carrol, on Mount Clare, where we pitched our tents and remained, enjoying the regular routine of Camp life, until Saturday, the 27th ult., when we were ordered to this place. We commenced disembarking troops at the junction, Union Guard, First Brandywine Guard, Slifer Phalanx, Adams Infantry, and thus leaving four companies to guard the road, a distance of about 18 miles. The remaining six companies were brought here, and comfortably quartered in the splendid buildings formerly occupied as naval schools. We have every reason to rejoice in our good fortune thus far, as our quarters are of the most modern style, rooms large and airy. We are supplied with gas lights, pipes from heaters, (we have not tested their efficiency yet, as old Sol has bestowed more warmth upon us than we could reasonably expect the pipes to do.) The water is good and abundant, drill ground excellent, shrubbery and statues beautiful. Being immediately on the river and in view of the bay you cannot fail to imagine we are in an Eden. 

We are under much more severe discipline since sworn into Uncle Samuel’s service, but the boys bear all with the fortitude of Gladiators. We have roll call at 5 a. m., battallion drill at 9 a. m., dress parade at 5 p.m., and roll call at 9 p.m., when the boys are ready to retire to their respective bunks, for they are generally tired. Between drills, after properly caring for their arms, accoutrements, clothing, &c., they busy themselves crabbing, fishing, bathing, &c., (a splendid bath house extending out in the river.) 

There has no incidents of daring thus far occurred that would interest you. A few days ago some of the boys captured three runaway negroes who were in a boat endeavoring to effect a landing.  I understand they were given over to the disposal of  Gov. Hicks. They said they escaped from Virginia.

Three white men were also sent in by our pickets, as rebels. I did not learn what disposition is to be made of them. On Monday night whilst one of the members of the Adams Infantry was on guard on the railroad, a few miles from here, he was fired upon, the ball passing through his carttridge box, (rather close nicking.) This incident would infer that there are some rebels about. We will keep a vigilant look-out for them, and hope soon to exterminate the last one of them.

The Union Guards, Capt. Barton, I believe of your city, received the deserved compliment of the right of the regiment, being Company A. It is a fine company of men well officered.

The Lancaster Guard, also, from Lancaster county, Captain A. J. Neff, is known as Company E. They are a fine, hardy lot of men, The Captain, though small in statue possesses a lion heart, with all the qualifications constituting a gentleman.

Lieut. McPhail, a gentleman with whom I have had the pleasure of a slight acquaintance, I notice commands the most perfect respect of his brother officers, and his courtesy and care for the men, has caused them not only to respect, but admire him. All the other officers, I believe, stand in favor with the men. 
 
I will endeavor to keep you posted as we progress. The health of the camp is good.

Yours, &c., C. A. M.

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//The Daily Evening Express//, August 8, 1861

CAMP TODD, Annapolis Junction, Md.,
August 5, 1861.

I give you the circumstances of a cold-blooded murder which transpired yesterday (Sunday) morning, at a grocery and liquor store in Howard county, about two miles from the Junction. On Saturday evening a party of men in the neighborhood met at the above place, and after indulging in numerous drinks became very violent in their discussions, the difference being principally in relation to the present Federal troubles, composed as the party was of Union men and "Seceshers"—the former predominating. Yesterday morning a few of the same party met again, among them Richard Dorsey, a Union man, and George Marriot, a violent Secessionist. Angry words passed between them, when the latter, at a distance of seven feet, drew a Colt's revolver, firing two shots, the first entering the abdomen of Dorsey and the second penetrating the door frame over his head. Dorsey fell; while the murderer, jumping on his horse at the door, escaped, and tho' strict search has been instituted, has not yet been arrested. I was sent for, in consultation with Dr. White, of the neighborhood, and found the ball bad penetrated the abdomen just below the region of the stomach. His perception was clear, though the prostration of system was great, and he bore on his countenance the evidence of a dying man. We examined him carefully, and came to the conclusion that the bowels bad been perforated. The wound was not probed, nor search made for the ball in the abdomen, as such proceedings would have been eminently unsurgical. Stimulation was resorted to, as well as all else that was necessary to prolong his life; but, notwithstanding, he died at 6:20 P. M., after intense suffering of over ten hours. His death is particularly lamentable from the fact that he leaves a young and interesting wife, having been married but eight months. No quarter will be shown if the villain is caught.

We are here in the heart of the enemy's country, and the strictest vigilance is required from our pickets, in order to guard against surprise. A day or two after we arrived, it became necessary to locate a Hospital for this division, and having understood that during the stay here of the New-York 20th Regiment, they used a new Cottage about half & mile distant, it was selected as suitable—being built with every convenience, and ample ventilation. No apprehension was felt in relation to an attack, and with my friend "Miles" and a guard of one, I retired at 10 o'clock. The instructions to the guard at the door were specific, but he misunderstood the orders of the Corporal, who did not wish his musket loaded before dark. We had hardly been in bed ten minutes before we were alarmed by the firing of a shot at the front door, and the cry of the sentinel. We rushed out, and found that some villain had crept up the hill, to a small locust tree, from which he fired on the sentinel, the shot taking effect in the end of his cartridge box, and emerging at the brass  plate. The strain was so great, that the hook, by which the belt is kept upon the body, was opened, and both belt and cartridge box fell to the ground. Though whirled around, miraculous as it may seem the man was uninjured. Search was made, but they escaped through a corn field. The night was stormy and dark, favorable for this murderous purpose, and the aim well directed—the polished plate of the cartridge box being distinctly seen, We were annoyed frequently during the night and our pickets kept up constant firing both at real and imaginary objects. Subsequently the hospital guard was increased to ten and a Corporal. Since then, all has been quiet.

It is quite perilous for any man to attempt to pass our pickets after 8 o'clock in the evening. One of the most treacherous men within ten miles of us, was arrested while on horseback on Saturday night, and efficiently searched—some papers were found on him, but not sufficient to warrant us in holding him.

The Pickets of the Fourth Wisconsin Regiment extend within half a mile of our Camp, on the road to Baltimore. The men of that picket are in the habit of coming up here, and drinking the "strychnine" whisky—and get exceedingly unmanageable. This morning ten of them paid us a visit, with loaded minie muskets, and patronized the Hotel? most lovingly for two hours, and of course, got gloriously drunk. It finally became necessary for Major Todd to order out the Union Guards under Capt. Barton, who dispersed them satisfactorily. During their retirement, one of the Fourth stabbed their Assistant Surgeon in the breast, but the wound was not serious.

It will be gratifying to the friends of the "Lancaster Boys," to know that we are all well and tolerably well satisfied here. Too great praise cannot be accorded to Captain Barton and Lieut's. Hook and Bair, for the military proficiency of their company. Capt. B. desires to be remembered to all his friends The weather is quite warm—on Saturday, 90 deg. in the shade--the country poorly cultivated, but abounding in blackberries and whortleberries—game is plenty—the facilities for bathing are good, and I am glad to see the men avail themselves of it—not much sickness, and none in the Hospital. Prevailing diseases, Pneumonia, Influenza, Dysentery, &c. As it is possible we may be here for a short time, I will write again when much of interest transpires.

Truly, E. de W. BRENEMAN,\\ 
Assis't. Surgeon, First Reg't., P. R. V. C.



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Letter of M. M. Miller, Gilder-Lehrman Collection

First Pennsylvania Reserves

1861 Annapolis Junction August 11th

Wife

I received your letter yesterday and was very
glad to hear from you and to receive such a letter made me
feel sorrowful and yet happy sorry yes sorry in my verry
soul to think that you suffer yet i would sooner you would
tell me than not for Dear Lile i know your nature so well
that when you do not tell me i surmise your feeling and that
makes me feel worse than to have it from your pen, for Dear Wife
if you miss me, the lord only knows how i miss you not that i
would have you do any work for me But for the companionship 
of the one i love so truely if you were with me i would freely
endure all that i now endure and ten times as much to make you
happy for Lile i myself never knew how deeply i would love
till now you may believe it or not i think of you when on
parade in the woods or when i appear to be happily enjoying
myself with my fellow soldiers, and often in my sleep
have i dreamed that you were with and how happy i was
and as often wake wake up with a sad heart to find it Bit a
dream and last night i did not lay down till 4 o’clock this
morning when i was off picket i wrapped myself in my Blanket
and lay down under a tree to dream of you and home when i awoke
the sun was high in the heavens and nature had on its most lovely
garb. But i was not happy for i was disappointed to think
it was only a dream, But Dear Wife you must not think
Because i write out my feeling thus that i am a coward or that
i do not like the life of a soldier i do like it and such a thing
as fear has not entered my head although i have had several
narrow escapes But am thankful of my life for the sake those i so dearly


i so dearly love at home for if i ever prayed for any thing it is that
i may see you and Dear Little Charley once more you said in your
letter if i stayed three years i might forget home or become
a loose character so Dear Wife if i was to stay in the army ten years
or a thousand and never should i for get you and home and our child
But Lile if i should lose one of you or both with out seeing
again i tremble for the man it would make of me.  But i dare
think of such a thing as it makes me tremble that i can scarcely 
write i think sometimes i must come to see you But it impossible
with out disgrace and that i could not endure Leftenant will
Be home when you receive this you can speak to him about it
you need not Be afraid as he is very sociable he was to start on
Saturday but could not get off i put a a Bundle and a short letter
in Taney’s trunk on Friday that he was to take along and which he
will Bring on tomorrow i had not Received your letter then the
Trunk will be taken to Perry Taneys and the Bundle sent from
there to you you can see after them if they do not come, I am
still in the woods and do not know how soon we will return
to camp But do not suppose for a week you said in your
letter that i must shurely feel stiff and sore from exposure
you are mistaken Lile strange as it may seem i have not closed
an [...] sometimes at night have been soaked through lay out
in the Bushes on the ground for hours and i feel it no more
than if i slept on feathers in a dry Room but Dearest the
Blanket you love so much is loved just as dearly By your
humble servant at it is my nightly companion i
would not part with it for all the other clothes i have
got it is one of the Best i ever saw the over coat saves me


a great deal too but i would not give the Blanket for for six over
coats and you may be shure i will take all the care of it in my
power, do not let an Body see the letter in the Bundle nor say
anything about it to pop or any Body else, you will hear all
about it in a few days from other sources for if it comes through
me Bailey might hear of it there and i do not want his ill will for me
and him are on verry good terms here, although i hate him like fire
when Leftenant Herren started to Annapolis nearly all the Boys
from the four companies was at the depot and if Herring
Had not Pleeid for them not to interfere would have defied 
the officers and all Baileys friends to take him it was Baily
that Reported him. Bailey has verry few friends in camp while
Herring i loved by all for his kindness and manly treatment
Bailey hates him Because he is jealous of him and will have have
his tale to tell when he gets home. But i think his and
Capt McPhersons pedigree will be there Before long i for my
part do not want to Be in the scrape although i must say
that Capt. McPherson has treated him men worse than a
niger would have done we have seen him but ever since we
left Camp Wayne and that But a few minutes but he will
get his Reward when the men gets home, there is a power of soldiers
going through here to Washington the last few days there
was two Regiments passed through yesterday and two this
morning i think there will Be some awful fighting in a
few days again from all appearances there was two  or three car
loads of wounded passed through here the other day to 
Annapolis some were shot in the feet some in the legs some in the arms
some in the cheeks and almost every place on the Body


They were taken to the hospital and a good many said they
wanted another fight as soon as they get well others i think
were satisfied, i do wish they’ll would take us off these
Rail Roads for we are getting tired staying here But perhaps
we may get into a worse place if they would only give enough
to eat we have to buy nearly the half we eat or nearly starve
and that we cannot do and work as hard as the men have to do
the officers of course get plenty and now Dear Wife i will have to
close i am verry well i ever enjoyed better health the health
of the company is verry good But i would like to get home
to see what a women looks like i have only seen one or two
since we have been here and them were old ones But it does
not suit soldiers to see too many women for Lile i am
almost ashamed to tell you i have heard verry Respectable
midling old men in our company that when i came to camp would
not listen to a smutty word complains about not getting
home to their wives on that account But they are men
that would not have anything to do with another women
But you need never feel uneasy about me for you have known
me too long to doubt me, Lile why don’t papa and mother never
write anything to tell me if they angry or what is the matter
Give my respects to all and here is a kiss for you and
Charley and ask him whether he like a papa Best and now
good bye Dear Dear Wife and may the good man protect and
Bless you the Dearest Being to me on earth till you hear from
again write soon now don’t wait So long\\ 
Your ever loving Husband M. M. Miller\\ 


Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02155\\ 
Author/Creator: Miller, M. M.


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Letter of M. M. Miller, Gilder-Lehrman Collection

Annapolis Junction August 14th 1861

Dear Wife

J. Myers came out to the woods last evening
with a letter from Mary Sheads to me and told me that
Mrs. Phoutz and Miss Wade [.    ] but it was then dark and
i could not get in, he told me Miss Wade had something
for me and i could hardly wait till morning to see what
It was. I was certain it was your likeness, this morning i was
in as soon as i had my Breakfast But was sadly disappointed
to find it was not there. But i was very glad to get the letter
you said i would not thank you for the letter But dear Lile
you are sadly mistaken anything that comes from you is prized
dearly By me i care not how small or trifling it may be
you can send the likeness with Baily as for mine as dearly as i
would like you to have it, it is impossible to get it taken as
there is no place neared than Baltimore or Annapolis that i
can have it taken, and it is impossible for to get a pass to go to either
place But perhaps i will have a chance to have it taken before
so verry long you said you were jealous of the letter i wrote to
Lashes if it so i shall certainly not write to anybody But
you for i suppose you have trouble enough without Being
worried with what i do i am sorry i gave you any pain do not
think i was angry with you for it or for telling me i want you to tell
me what you think for i would not give you one moments pain if is
my power to prevent it. Oh Dear Wife how glad i were to meet
the women from home and to know that they been and spoke
to you i could have asked then ten thousand questions about
you if they could have answered then they were gust to see our


quarters and if it does not Rain too hard they come to see where
our picket is stationed Holdan Phoutz said he would fetch
them out Oh Lile how i have to have you come to see us if you can
come i will send yours five dollars all the money i have now
I had to spend the balance for eatings tobacco and postage &c Lile
you must not think i spend if foolishly not one cent of it
you can ask or write to any Respectable men in our camp
and they can tell you how i live if i had not Bought anything
to eat But what i get here i would never has stood it i now
have had to live since i am on picket on dry Bred more than
the half the time you perhaps may Blame me But i can not
help it one thing is as certain as there in good Being i do not down
any kind of strong drink, play no cards have nothing to do with
any women in fast have not spent one cent But what i have
compelled to spend you can see what cost Mrs Phautz and perhas
you can come with some person if you can not come we
will have to wait till i can come home there is nothing new
in camp But what i wrote to you on Sunday i am still in the
woods you say in your letter that i do not miss you half as much
as you do me Lile Dear Lile if i do not, may the lord pitty you
if you suffer double what i do, not dear Lile that i do not like
a soldiers life or that i am tired of it But Lile you cannot suffer
more from the separation the sad thoughts that harrow my
mind of my conduct Before i came and how i treated you Dear Wife
you may forgive me and i suppose you have long ere this ten
thousand times But Lile i cannot forgive myself nor Banish
it from my mind Dear Wife is true, Lile i now see the
disgrace and unreasonableness of my conduct and i am determined
that hence forthwith i will let the world see that i am a man or


or die in the attempt, i now placed in a position where i can
be a disgrace to you and my friends or an honor to you all
and By the help of god if man continue as i have started here
you need not Blush to call me husband and if you and all the Rest
can But Blot out the last few years of my life, i have to day
Been in the army seven weeks and i have never Received one Black
mark and have been treated with Respect By all for my
conduct and good behavior, and oh Lile if ever god spares me to get
home safe i will know how to prize the Being god has given me
as a partner for life Lile do not think that i write this
to please or flatter you if you had seen the Bitter Bitter tears i have
shed over these thoughts and over this Letter you would Believe
and pitty me why might i have not Been caught as others have
got i wife that neither love or Respected me But Lile you have
love me through all and thought has given me many a happy
thoughts since i have been here but Lile i have great thought
that perhaps i ought not write my feelings there in all my letter
as perhaps you would like to show them to the Rest of
the family if so tell me that i may be careful i will now have
to close as it is Raining Lile answer this as soon as you get it
please if so do not answer the others give my love to all my friends
farewell Dear Wife Amy god forever Bless you\\ 
Your true and ever Loving Husband M. Murray Miller\\ 

PS i will enclosed a stamp i have but one now and it it too wet
to get more i will send one in every letter if i can get them


Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02155\\ 
Author/Creator: Miller, M. M.

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//The Adams Sentinel//, August 14, 1861

Our Three Years' Men.

Lieut. BAILEY, of Company B, 1st Regt., arrived here on Monday last, and will spend a few days amongst us. He is in excellent health, and the Company is getting along very comfortably. They are stationed at Annapolis Junction. He wishes to add 12 or 14 men to the company, and we presume he will obtain them here without any difficulty.

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//The Daily Evening Express//, August 15, 1861

LETTERS FROM CAMP TODD.

ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Md, Aug. 13, 1861.

I mailed a letter for the Express last week, but it has evidently failed. It matters little as Dr. Breneman has informed you of the shooting affairs and other matters of interest. I will, however, mention that the first week we were here S. S. Strachem (Co, A,) on picket guard, arrested two suspicious persons going on foot to Washington, as they said, to get employment as teamsters. They were sent to Annapolis under the charge of Sergeant Bowman, the Colonel's Orderly, and two guards, one of whom was your correspondent, They were discharged, as nothing could be brought against them. We found the Naval Academy buildings and every thing connected, arranged on a liberal scale— everything is convenient and fitted for the purpose intended. The view of the Bay is very fine; in the foreground were anchored a man-of-war and two prize schooners. But what was more interesting to hungry soldiers, we enjoyed the hospitality of Capt. Hess during our stay; he is host of the Mansion House, Safe Harbor—his trade is to feed the hungry.

One regiment after another still continues to pass through here to Washington. Among them was the 19th Indiana volunteer regiment from Muncy, Delaware county, commanded by Col. Solomon Meredith, a second cousin of "Old Abe" and six feet seven inches in height, nearly every commissioned officer is over six feet high. Also the 14th Massachusetts, Col. Greene. We were out on regimental drill when the train stopped, and the Massachusetts men rushed pell mell into the field and cheered and clapped their hands at every movement our battalion made, which were all well executed, you can be assured, under such a stimulous Lieutenant Colonel McIntire drawing us up in line proposed three cheers for the 14th, which were heartily given. If any community in the world has cause to be proud of itself, it is Massachusetts with its men and institutions.

Last Tuesday evening, immediately after dress parade, Adjutant W. L. Bear stepped forward and in a neat little speech presented Capt. Barton with a sword in behalf of our company. He said it was a great pleasure to him to be the instrument of presenting this token of his company's high regard for its commander, and of the confidence they repose in  him; and in whatever way he shall point that sword they will ever be ready to follow him. As the presentation was a surprise to the Captain, he replied briefly, saying, that be accepted it in the same spirit in which it was tendered; that, although he believed be was unworthy of this mark of their confidence and respect, be would always strive to do his duty, and promised that its blade should never be stained but with the blood of an enemy of his country. It is a fine sword, with steel scabbard, browned—a tribute worthily bestowed.

On Sunday morning, a Union preacher of this neighborhood, on invitation of Major Todd, preach-  ed a sermon to the soldiers in the woods close by the camp, on the subject of sin and its penalties. In the afternoon several of us attended Sunday School in Savage, a small village two miles from camp. Nearly a hundred children were in attendance. During a conversation with the acting Principal, Mr. Clark, I ascertained that the people in the villages are mostly for the Union, while the landowners, and hence extensive slaveholders, are Secessionists. Not only is the soil barren, worn-out by tobacco growing, but everything else partakes of the same general dreariness and languor. They have a poor Common School system. Able people must get their children educated at Boarding Schools—the poor people must do without education and without niggers. About eight miles west of this place a number of Pennsylvania farmers bought a circuit of land very cheaply several years ago. Mr. Clark said a person having seen the place before would not know it any more, differing altogether from the surrounding country— productive fields and well built houses and barns. Much of the land between here and Annapolis, I think, would defy the industry even of Pennsylvania farmers. 

Major Todd has been replaced in command here at the Junction by Lieutenant-Colonel McIntire, and the Phoenixville Company G has relieved Company C, (Slifer Phalanx,) from which company most of the desertions have occurred; the company having never been full, and hence not sworn into the United States service yet, and being composed of heterogeneous material, it does not stick well. None of our men are in the Hospital except Edward Frankford, who is unfit for duty; but all complain of weakness superinduced, as the boys say, by a disease called starvation, which could be cured by such medicines as fresh beef, beans, rice and vegetables, all of which are allowed us by the Army Regulations. Why we do not get them as we should I will take pains to find out, and inform you.

I hitherto neglected to mention that, at the muster at Baltimore into the United States service, Peter Maginnis and Chas. R. G. Pinkerton, were rejected on account of physical disqualifications. I am sure I saw a tear glisten in Peter's eye as he had to stop out of ranks; Charlie Pinkerton was sick at the time.

The person kindly sending me packages of newspapers will please accept thanks, and send address. The Express comes regularly to hand now. All the Lancasterians abroad share the feelings of those at home for the loss of Bishop Bowman.

MILES.

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//The Daily Evening Express//, August 15, 1861

Camp Todd, Annapolis Junction. Md.,
August 11, 1861,

The influence under which I write are none of the most cooling; surrounded as I am by flies and bugs, with the thermometer at 96 deg. in the shade.

During the past week there has been considerable activity in military matters. On Wednesday, the First Regiment of Artillery, 800 men, 32 brass pieces, Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, commanding, passed through on their way to Washington. On the same evening, the 8rd Connecticut returned home. They were in the battle at Manassas, lost four killed and quite a number wounded. They had with them two five horses captured from the rebels at that place. One of the officers stated that they fired but once, and finding the canister and grape pouring in heavily from the enemy, were compelled to fall on their faces, to avoid total destruction.

On Thursday the 5th Wisconsin and 19th Indiana went south. They were both fine looking bodies of men, and particular attention seems to have been paid in arming and equipping them. The flank companies of the latter regiment were armed with Enfield Rifles; also five sharpshooters in each company. The remainder were Minie muskets.

On Friday evening the Southern train brought two hundred and thirty-five sick and wounded soldiers from the hospitals at Washington and Georgetown, destined for Annapolis; many of them were at Bull's Run. One poor fellow, with whom I conversed, stated that during the engagement he fell from exhaustion. Crawling for some distance, he came to a hut filled with wounded companions; while in the act of quenching his thirst with muddy water, abundant in that district, the hut was riddled with grape, and almost immediately followed by a charge of infantry—mercenaries—and all were bayoneted. This man was left by them under the supposition that he was dead. He was subsequently picked up by the Massachusetts 6th and taken to Washington.

On Saturday morning we greeted the arrival of the Fifth Pennsylvania Reserve, Colonel Simmone, and in the evening the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Massachusetts Regiment, accompanied by Nim's Artillery from Boston. This battery was formerly under the command of Col. Cook, and during their three months enlistment were stationed at Camp Carrol, near Baltimore, After their discharge, almost immediate reorganization was effected, and they return to do service in the next great battle soon to be fought not many miles from here.

A shocking accident occurred on Saturday night, about a half a mile from here. One of the pickets of the 4th Wisconsin regiment, while in a state of intoxication, threw himself across the railroad track, and the midnight freight train cut off his head and legs. This should be a warning to his companions, who have been a considerable source of annoyance to us lately, by their wild spirits and habits of intoxication. They are, however, stout able-bodied men, and render effective service, On Thursday one of the captains succeeded in ingratiating himself with a notorious though wealthy Secessionist in the neighborhood, and ascertained he had fifty muskets secreted in his barn. Throwing off his disguise, be had the rebel arrested and the arms conveyed to the headquarters at the Relay House.

We had the pleasure on Friday of shaking by the hand Captain H. A. Hambright from Lancaster, on his return from Washington, and are gratified to learn that he has permission from the Secretary of War to raise a regiment from Lancaster county. Pennsylvanians may rejoice at the position he will assume, while officers and men may feel satisfied they have a leader of undoubted courage, and military ability, whose motto will be Victory! The coming examination of field and company officers will cause many to quake; and well it may—as the test will be a severe one. As for the officers of this regiment, I can speak quite satisfactorily. Col. R. Biddie Roberts was a resident of Pittsburg, and recommended for the position by Gen. McCall. Lieutenant Colonel H. H. McIntire was formerly Captain of the Brandywine Guards from West Chester, (company K. of this regiment;) and Major Lemuel Todd, Captain of the Carlisle Guards, and at one time Congressman from the Cumberland district. Surgeon L. W. Read, from Norristown, is eminently competent for his position. He was one of the few Americans who entered the Russian service in the Crimean War, had the facilities of an extensive surgical practice at the General Hospital at Simpheropal, and acquitted himself with great credit to its close. The capabilities of Captain Barton are undoubted.

It is impossible to tell how long we may be stationed here, though the disposition of sick in the District of Columbia, the constant arrival of troops from all sections, the immense transportation of provisions, ambulances, baggage wagons, and horses, indicate a speedy engagement. When the veteran Scott, and the brave McClellan issue forward, I doubt not it will be to victory.\\ 
We are all well. Truly E. deW. B.

 
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//Daily National Republican//, August 19, 1861

Seizure of Contraband Goods.

One of our editorial corps, who happened to be present on the occasion, gives the following account of the seizure of goods in Anne Arundel county: 

On Friday morning last information reached the companies of the first Pennsylvania reserve regiment, Col. McPherson, who are stationed  at the Annapolis Junction, that two wagons of a suspicious character were passing through the county, evidently loaded with contraband goods for the rebels, Accordingly, a detachment was sent down the railroad to Phelp’s crossing, about four miles, who took their places in the woods and awaited the approach of the wagons. About eleven o'clock they hove in sight, and were allowed to cross the track, when they were halted and the contents overhauled, and the accompanying men,  Albert Brummell, of Baltimore, and a negro man, arrested. The third man of the party, named Gell, made. his escape by leaping from the rear of the wagon and taking to the woods. The contents were found to be principally  quinine, chloroform, calomel, military trimmings, &c., marked to a firm in the neighborhood, who perhaps sells about fifty dollars of such merchandise in a year. Among the goods, which were in some twenty boxes, marked "glass," was about three hundred dollars worth of calomel, and enough quinine to salivate the whole South.

The two men were taken immediately to the Junction, when Brummell made a confession, stating that the goods were bought from parties in Baltimore by merchants in Richmond, who sent a draft for $4,975 to cover the expenses. They were to pay him $150 for the safe delivery of the goods at Pope's Creek, on the Potomac, where the Richmond parties were to receive them. Tho confession of Brummell throws much light on the trading operations between Baltimore and Richmond, and implicates many parties in Baltimore who have heretofore made this kind of trade their chief business. At the time of his arrest, he had a large number of letters on his person, which were directed principally to officers and soldiers in the Confederate army.

Since the recent discovery of wagons going through with muskets, a regiment has been placed along the line, and with the increased vigilance consequent to this seizure, it will be almost impossible to pass more of such merchandise by this route.

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Letter of M. M. Miller, Gilder-Lehrman Collection

Annapolis Junction August 21st 1861

Dear Wife

I Received your most welcome letter on the 13th and
the one was welcome messenger to me but the other contained the
language of a man i could expect nothing Better of but i shurely 
thought he would leave you alone the money i borrowed and i thought
of it every day and should have Paid it and the Rent with my next
months wages which will be due in a week of so which is 15 dols 
but it seems he could wait i told you i did not Receive one month
wages the last time as i was not sworn in for nearly a week after it
was there and i was paid only from the time i was sworn in, and from the
time i went to Camp Wayne till we Reached Baltimore i had not one
cent of money do they think i should have worn my clothes all that
time with out working But it seems him Brinkerhoof care for
nothing But the money you say in your letter you Paid him if so
he has got all and more than was coming to him for he never pretended
to pay us for anything we done for him and now i think you should
let him hunt the county over Before you do anything for him But you
are his sister and do not look at it as i do and if Hen had owed me
fifty dols and i should have had to live on crackers and water and he
had been in my place i never should have treated him as he has me
But that is not all he must Blackguard me yet which he has done
ever since i have been married has he says i am spending for 
liquor that is false if he or any body else believe and let them
write to any men in our company they all know me and can give them
all the information they want i do not ask any one to take my word
i was going to send some of my money home but Mr Woods, Mr Henry and
and others told me if my wife could get along till i Received more i was verry
foolish i might need it Before i Receive more But if they cannot wait till
i get more i will sent what i got the first oportunity and will do that
But i can if i live you shall have all the money i get as or we got marching
orders yesterday and expect to for Washington every hour and then
i do not suppose i will need much money you may tell Hen as much
of this as you please and then tell him i forgive him for all he ever
done against me, an thankful for all he ever done for me for,
For Dear Dear Wife our position now that i would not like to be on
anything But good terms with all my fellow men and do not tell me till i let

You know anything that is said Bad of me or especially their name as i want
to Be at peace with all men for when i get deep spite it is hard to Banish
Dear Wife you said i should let you know whether we expected to get into
Battle Dear Dear Wife you ought not to ask such questions for i dare
not tell you an untruth if we leave here for Washington i do not think
we will Return without fighting they are gathering an immence army
there for that purpose but whether we will be engaged in the first
Battle or not i cannot tell but do not think we will unless it
takes all the force there in the Battle, Dear Wife will can not expect anything else But do not be uneasy or i will let you know the moment i am certain
that we will be engaged and if the worst comes Dear Wife we will trust
in god, and you want to know whether we are Safe here i do not think
we are in much danger of course we are liable to picked off by cecessionist 
for they have every chance while we are on picket But we are careful and do not expose ourselves more than we are compelled, S. Due is
getting along very well there was nothing done with him for
staying away so long But he is now sworn into the United States
service an behaves himself very well, i am still on picket and do
not know how long we will stay the first three or four days
we were here i had a mind to Return to camp for we had it verry
hard it Rained all the time and we had to be out eighteen hours
out of 24 that is all night and half the day with wet clothes on the
wet ground in the Rain and you may know i would not stand that verry
long, But they sent us more men so we have it easier now i can go
to camp and send some other one when ever i get tired of picket duty
But the Colonel says we are the best picket out of camp and would
like us all to stay. But he says we have bee out so long he cant
ask us to stay longer as i told you before our picket has taken about
between five an six thousand dols worth of contraband goods since we
have been here there is 14 of us, the picket that was here this spring
treated the people so bad that they were as fraid of us as death when we
first came here but now they are verry friendly me and another young man
was sent on a scout the other day we went to a house the women children
Ran as if we had been wild Beasts the man asked us in to get some peaches and then they were sneaking in they were surprised to find us such
decent Respectable men and treated us with the greatest Respect and told

[Additional pages missing.]



Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02155\\ 
Author/Creator: Miller, M. M.


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//The Adams Sentinel//, August 21, 1861

From Camp Todd.

ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Aug. 16, 1861.

Mr Editor - You may cheerfully give place to a few lines from this point — still the scene of the labors of the "Adams Infantry." The post is one of important responsibility, and involves a great deal of picket duty along the line of the two railroads which meet at this point. Our pickets extend ten miles towards Washington, eleven miles towards Annapolis, and several towards Baltimore.

One of our pickets to-day performed very good service. It was stationed at a point five miles from this place, on the Annapolis Railroad, at Phelp's X Toads where an important County road crosses the Railroad.. The pickets were under the command of Corporal John D. Sadler, and about 11 o'clock discovered the approach of two-suspicious-looking wagons, which were detained, until authority was obtained to examine the  contents. They proved to be freighted, with boxes (labeled glass"), containing nearly $5,000 worth of quinine,  chloroform, and various military stores, silks for Confederate flags, &c. &c. They were marked for a firm in this neighborhood, but were en route for Virginia, by point on the Potomac. Two parties were arrested, and now are in custody—one white and one black, both from Baltimore.  A third, the pilot, named Gull, who was in the rear, saw the danger and escaped.— He may be arrested on his return to Baltimore. The white man arrested, named Albert Brummel, a native of Carroll county,. about 35 years of age, made a full confession of the facts. The articles were purchased by parties in Richmond through agents in Baltimore, and he was to receive $150 for safely delivering them at Pope's creek.  On his. person a variety of papers were found—invoices of the goods and business letters relative to their purchase, and a bundle of 60 or 70 letters from Baltimore people to officers and soldiers  of the Confederate Army. The horses and wagons taken are worth several hundred dollars, and the goods are of the full value paid for them, nearly $5,000. It is supposed, that they will all be shipped to Baltimore for such disposition as Gen. Dix determines to make. The exploit threw the camp into great excitement, and Company B feels much pleased that its members played so conspicuous a part in the seizure.

The members of the Company are in fine health—no one sick. All are busy, and in good condition. The Captain returned on Thursday from Washington, where he has been detained by sickness, since the adjournment of Congress. We expect Lieut. BAILEY with recruits on Monday next. Lieut. HERRON has tendered his resignation, which has been accepted.

Several Adams county friends have lately been to see us:—Mr. Brandon, and Benjamin Gardner, of Petersburg, Mr. Keim, of. Arendtsville, and Col. J. L. Tate, of Gettysburg. The boys enjoy seeing their home friends. 

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Letter of Lewis R. Robinson to his Mother

Camp Todd Aug 25

Dear Mother

I recieved your letter and was very glad to hear from you and very glad to hear that you are all well we have a very pleasant time of it hear and we make a capture every once and a while we got a lot of contraband goods and two men at one haul. They must have bin fifteen or twenty boxes of drugs...the doctor says that they are worth five thousand dollars and then the three hourses and too wagons and they are worth from six to seven hundred. So I think that is a very good haul for one time and on Sunday our picket got a white man and a nigger and two horses and a cab...as they came back they took these contrabands of war...the police of Baltimore was after them and said that they had arms with them but the first man we took said that the drugs were for the Southern army so we cheated them out of it...the Secessionist intend to cross the Potomac and...take Annapolis and then take Maryland but they will have a gay old time of it...we would as...shoot a man as look at him...if he comes looking about after night...we are prepared...to [get] our [new] guns as we have still got the old flint lock guns...we will be ready for them. We presented our captain with a sword and sash lost night. One of our men made a presentation speech..."


http://www.hcaauctions.com/LotDetail.aspx?inventoryid=37713

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"Camp Todd
Annapolis Junction
August 25th 1861

Darling Wife,

Your letter of the 23rd inst. was received yesterday. You have no idea my sweet wife how happy it makes me to receive letters from you so often. If it was not for your darling, dear missives, my life, as a soldier, would become burdensome I think. I have the dearest and most attentive wife living. She seems to anticipate all my wants and wishes. When I am sad and low-spirited, which by the way, is very often, a letter from her reaches me and for the time being I am happy. To be candid with you beloved, I am satisfied that I did wrong in leaving you for the war. It grieves me very much that you should be so depressed in spirits and grieve so much for my absence. Do not do it darling. It makes us both unhappy. Be cheerful and look forward to a speedy reunion. You will soon have other cares to occupy your mind. Our infant, if God in his mercy should permit it to live, will be a great source of comfort to you in my absence. Your mind will be occupied and with the cares and wants of the infant and I in a measure be forgotten. Yes, darling, I will visit you when sick if I should be cashiered for it. I told major Todd, in a conversation some days ago, that if my wife should become sick and I could not get a furlough to visit her, I would go anyhow, let the consequences be what they would. He said he would do the same thing. It would not bring disgrace on me darling but would raise me in the estimation of my fellow officers and all who knew the circumstances.

There is a report current in camp that we are to be sent to Washington on Wednesday next to join General McCall. For my part I don’t think such is the case. General McCall wants us and General Dix and Colonel Roberts don’t want us to go. They have been fighting over our removal for some time. I must say I would much rather remain here than go to Washington and remain in camp for a long time, as we would have to do if there is the hot sun, without shade. If we are to remain in camp this is a pleasant place to be encamped. One has a good chance to see their friends as they pass in the cars. The mails are regular and we have plenty to eat and plenty to do. It is a much pleasanter place than Annapolis. You see I have changed my notions of this place lately.

Yesterday, Sergeant Cope of my company was shot accidentally by Bayard Shellady. He was wrestling with another man and had his pistol in his pocket and in turning over the pistol went off, the ball entering Cope’s hip, who was standing nearby. The wound is not dangerous but it may lame him for life. Cheyney took him to Annapolis to have the ball extracted. The day before two men of the Wisconsin Regiment stationed near us got into a quarrel when one of them was shot and it is supposed mortally wounded. The ball entered his stomach and came out at his hip. He is still living but Dr. Breneman who attends him says he will die. He is in the hospital right back of my tent and his groans at night are very distressing. 

Tell Watts to do his best to get us out of this regiment. It appears that I am not the only one that is anxious to be transferred. Captain Barton and Captain Neff are working for the same thing. They are anxious to get into Colonel Hambright’s Regiment now forming in Lancaster County. You can say to Watts that other influences are at work beside his to affect our transfer. Tell him also that in case I should be so fortunate as to be attached to his regiment, I will show him a company that can’t be beat in drilling and that the majority of the men composing it are gentlemen.

I see an order from the Adjutant General of the United States to the effect that all the volunteers are to be paid off the 1st of the month and every two months thereafter. If such should prove true, I will send you more money. I hope what I have sent you will purchase what you want for the present. I paid all charges on the package I sent you. Hope you did not pay also.

Oh, if I could only be with you. I would be so happy. God bless you and unite us soon.

Your loving husband,

John

N. B. I don’t think I will take the small pox, having been so lately vaccinated. My love to Watts and Annie.

I can’t make out the question you ask. It is written in lead pencil and reads something like this: “Who is Mests?” Please enlighten me."

Letter of John W. Nields, for sale online - https://www.excelsiorbrigade.com/products/details/LTR-5077\\ 

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//The Baltimore Sun//, August 27, 1861

A Soldier Accidentally Shot. A soldier named Polk, a member of the First Pennsylvania regiment, at the Relay House, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, was shot in the abdomen, on Saturday, by the accidental discharge of his revolver. The accident occurred while the regiment was resting. His wound is dangerous, but he will probably recover.

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//The Adams Sentinel//, August 28, 1861

Letter from Camp Todd.

ANNAPOLIS JUNCT., Aug 23, 1861.

Mr. Editor: - Wednesday last was an interesting day in Camp. Early in the morning a delegation of Ladies from Prince George and Montgomery counties, gathered in, bringing with them a large and very beautiful Flag, for presentation to the troops stationed at this post. They desired thus to testify their appreciation  of the protection the troops had given them, and of the uniformly proper manner in which the soldiers had demeaned themselves. It so happened that Capt. MCPHERSON had just been left in command of the post, which he still holds, owing to the absence of the regimental officers upon other duty. Upon him devolved the reception of the Flag, on the part,of the battalion, as well as making the arrangements necessary thereto. JAS. CREIGH, Esq. represented the ladies on the occasion. The battalion was drawn up, in line, and there was a large attendance of citizens.  The exercises were very interesting, and the speeches elicited great applause. The affair closed with an elegant  collation, to which ample justice was done.  The incident is gratifying, as showing the feelings of the Unionists of Maryland. — They welcome Union troops—not only give them aid and countenance. If the whole North were as sincerely loyal s the Union men of this neighborhood, patriotic hearts would not have occasion to grieve over the  degeneracy and apostasy of the treacherous and disloyal.

J. DURBIN SADLER, of York Springs, was to-day elected Second Lieutenant of Company B. He is a worthy son of a worthy father. 

JACOB A GARDNER, Esq. paid the Company a visit to-day, and was very, warmly  welcomed. He has done, many acts of kindness, showing how deep is his feeling of interest, and he is very popular.

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//Boston Evening Transcript//, September 4, 1861

ANNAPOLIS, MD., Sept. 1, 1861.

FROM THE 21ST MASS. REGIMENT. My last letter was written at Patterson Park, Baltimore, where we were then encamped. On Wednesday evening, orders reached our Colonel to move the following morning for Annapolis, to guard the railroad from the junction to the port. At eleven o’clock we took up the line of march to the tune of Yankee Doodle, through the streets of Baltimore, to the Washington Depot, receiving from many warm tokens of applause, and from all, respect. But one accident occurred to mar our passage. A member of Co. F, Worcester Zouaves, fell from the car as we were leaving the depot, breaking his arm, rendering amputation necessary on our reaching this place. 

On our way we stopped for an hour at the Relay House, when those of our regiment who had been posted at this point in the early part of the war, met with a most cordial reception. This point is now guarded by a Wisconsin regiment. Nine miles below this place, at the junction of the Annapolis and Washington Railroad, where our guardianship commenced, we left four of our companies, and with the balance continued on to this locality, a distance of about twenty miles. 
 
The entire line of the road is now guarded by the Massachusetts 21st. The 1st Pennsylvania regiment, Colonel Roberts, who has been in command for the last six weeks, left for Washington as we arrived. We are quartered in the buildings belonging to the United States Naval School which was established here in 1815, under the secretaryship of George Bancroft. The grounds enclose about twenty acres, well provided with elegant buildings~bath houses, gardens, and so arranged to make it one of the most delightful spots I have ever seen. This institution has been a great source of encouragement to the city of Annapolis, as it contained in 1815 about 2500 inhabitants, but now has increased to 6000. They feel the loss of the school much. This is the spot taken possession of by General Butler, when our transit through Baltimore was for a time obstructed. He took boats at Havre de Grace, and landing at this place, opened communication with Washington via the railroad, which we are now guarding. This is one of the oldest built towns in Maryland, most of the buildings being fashioned after the then English style, and give evidence of great durability. 

Here stands the State House, built more than one hundred years ago. In it is the Senate Chamber, where Washington surrendered up his commission as commander-in-chief of the forces of the republic. The house of Gov. Hicks, the staunch Union governor of Maryland, faces our quarters, and it is refreshing to glance at it occasionally to strengthen (if it were needed) our Union principles. This place is also used by the government as a hospital for wounded soldiers, and there are now here a large number of those who were wounded in the battle of Bull Run. About the grounds we find many monuments erected by the naval officers to the memory of those who have fallen in battle or died on foreign posts. The monument to the lamented Herndon stands conspicuous. 

How long we shall be posted here I know not. It may be for weeks, or tomorrow’s mail may bring us the order to march. The more I become acquainted with this regiment the more my respect for it increases. It is composed almost entirely of Worcester County men—men who I believe fully realize the importance of the issue in which we are now engaged; and who I believe will win a name if occasion presents itself,—such men as I believe would respond to the call of our Senator, which I have just read, and I am proud to think such as he will find in numbers on the soil of the brave old State—our home. 
Boston.

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//The Adams Sentinel//, September 4, 1861

Captain McPherson.

We mentioned last week, that Capt. MCPHERSON had been attached as a Volunteer Aid to Gen. McCall, and had, in consequence, resigned his Captaincy of the Company. The following is the correspondence on the occasion:

CAMP TODD, Annapolis Junction, \\ 
August 26, 1861

To the Members of Company B, First Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps.

I am under orders to report myself without delay, at Camp Tennally, the headquarters of Brigadier General McCall, to whose staff I have become connected. Before leaving, I desire to say that I have forwarded to the proper officer my resignation as your Captain, to take effect on the last day of this month. I have don this, with great reluctance, after much thought, and because I am convinced it was my duty to do so, for these reasons:

There appears to be in the minds of many well informed and conscientious persons, a doubt as to the compatibility of my civil office with the military position I would assume upon being mustered into the military service of the United States. As a question of law, this may be debatable, but the examples recently set by several distinguished men, and the representations of others whose opinion is entitled to great respect, have settled the question for me, and induced, in disregard of all minor considerations, by tendering my resignation to avoid even the appearance of violating the letter or spirit of the Constitution. I have done this, at the first moment the difficulty referred to, became a practical one for me to meet.

Regarding my Congressional office, I am assured, from many sources, that it is the general, if not universal, desire of the kind friends to whose exertions I owe my election to the term lately begun, that I should not, in the present posture of affairs, resign it. For this desire, they have reasons satisfactory to them, and, in their opinion, conclusive upon me. In resigning my Captaincy, it is proper to say that I am unwilling - however unimportant may be my labors - to abandon the military service of the country in this hour of need when the very institutions which have nourished us, are threatened with desolating destruction by a formidable rebellion, the most wicked and causeless in all history.

Under the circumstances I have thought I could fill the not unreasonable demands of my home friends, avoid the constitutional difficulty, and, whiles not in any way impairing the efficiency of Company B, or the First Regiment, serve my country even more valuably than as your Captain, by becoming a Volunteer Aid in the Staff of a general officer - a position probably more suited to me than a Captaincy, because of the better adaptation to its duties to my strength and the nature of my previous training and habits. I leave you now to enter upon a position, which, I hope, will often bring us together in agreeable intercourse. In severing the relations which have so pleasantly existed between us, I beg to assure you, members of the Adams Infantry, of my gratefulness for the confidence you reposed in me, of my gratification at your steady improvement, high position and uniformly soldierly bearing, and of the deep interest I feel in your prosperity. I am confident that, wherever called in the discharge of duty, you will perform it well, that you will bear an honorable part in suppressing this vile revolt, conceived in wickedness and already developed into hideous despotism, and that you will every freely offer yourselves in the cause of the Constitution, the Union and the Nation - which is the cause of social order, of political freedom, and of the personal and aggregate safety, security and honor - to be remembered always with affection, by a grateful people.

I have the honor to be, very truly,\\ 
Your Friend. EWD. MCPHERSON\\ 

CAMP TODD, August 26, 1861

At a meeting of the members of Company B, 1st Regiment, P. R. V. C., the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, It has become necessary for our Captain, Edward McPherson, M. C., to resign the position he has held in our Company, for reasons set forth in his Resignation, therefore be it

Resolved. That in his present course he has but followed the promptings of his patriotic nature and he has consulted the best interests of his country and constituency, and we approve and fully sustain him in his choice. And be it further

Resolved, That we deeply regret the necessity of parting with one who has taken so much interest in the welfare of our company, and who has labored, incessantly for its advancement, and whose kindness and worth bearing has endeared him to all that were under his command.

Resolved, That the foregoing preamble and resolutions be published in the Country papers.

COMMITTEE.

The address of Capt. MCPHERSON is now "Capt. McPherson, Aid-de Camp to Gen. McCall, Camp Tennally, Washington City." We have not heard whether our Company has yet gone to Camp Tennally, or not, but it was expected daily. E. Z. TAWNEY has been appointed a Corporal in the Company. 

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Howard County, MD in the Civil War

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