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 __**Primary Sources for the 20th New York State Militia**__
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-<caption>Letters for sale</caption>
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 //New York Daily Tribune//, May 30, 1861
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+----
+//Windham (NY) Journal//, June 6, 1861
+From our Regiment.
+It is due to our old and highly valued friend, Brevt. Lieut. A. N. B., of Co. R,, 20th Regiment, to day that the following extracts from his letters were not written by him with a view to their publication, but simply for the perusal of his friends, and we, by permission think of enlarging that circle. Believing that anything concerning the welfare of our gallant 20th, who have gone forth to brave toil and danger for us, will be interesting to our readers we publish all for which we have space. We trust that measures will immediately be taken by us of the "mountain towns" to allow our brave fellows that they will not be permitted to suffer privations, which it is in our power to prevent, viz: want of clothing and other necessaries, We do not doubt that aid would be rendered as freely here as it has been in the river towns, if some one would only take the
+initiatory steps. ED. JOUR.
+CROWNSVILLE, May 21, 1861.
+The 20th Regiment is guarding the Railroad from Annapolis to the Baltimore Junction. It is far from being completely equipped or uniformed; but I think no blame is chargeable to the commanding officers. Requisitions for these things have been repeatedly made upon the State, General government, and Union relief Committee; but the enthusiasm of the North has outstripped the powers of all these to relieve the wants of the soldiery - so rapidly concentrated - but all that are men endure this cheerfully.
+The Regiment is daily under the strictest drill, and rapidly improving. Discipline seems to chafe the dignity of a few, but such will find U. S. service no child's play - where for seemingly trifling misdemeanors the penalty is death. Thus far I am delighted with the service, but only fear we may not have just one chance to measure our nerve with the rebels.
+The Schuyler Guards, from Rhinebeck, consolidated with our Company, are all fine men. The Journal of one day may give you a little idea of our duties: Reveille at 4 1/2 in the morning, when the nightly sentries are relieved, and all the Company fall in line for roll call and a short drill; breakfast at 7; Company drill at 6, dinner 12; dress parade at 3; supper at 6, and at 7 1/2 we station our sentinels along the track for guard, being relieved every two hours by a Sergeant and Corporal. Besides there is an officer of the night to oversee all these, watch the sleepy sentries, and guard against attack: which duties I am performing tonight, almost stealing time to write.
+Our bill of fare includes, first and chiefly, sea biscuit, hard as flints, to speak after the manner of men; very salt beef, pork and bacon, with now and then some rice or beans. But it is astonishing house this, for rations, does slide out of sight. Of course the officer's mess occasionally sees something a little different. Last Sunday, however, we were invited out to a sumptuous dinner with a planer near here.
+We sleep wrapped in a single blanket, on the bare floor, little touch at first, but now it's no trouble at all, only the nights are chilly here.
+Our arms are within reach, to guard against any sudden attacks, which however now we but little expect, for Maryland is yet loyal, although there are traitors enough within her borders. The general sentiment toward us is friendly. Vegetation seems forward to us, but very backward to the inhabitants. Peaches are abundant - about the size of walnuts. Climate very healthy, and water good. We have New York and Baltimore dailies. You may believe we devour the war news greedily.
+The gigantic plans of Gen Scott are fast ripening, and soon we expect to witness and perhaps help in some hot work, for it is a fact that Southern troops can fight, and they are hastening North. But if beaten at first,
+"In God is our trust,\\
+And our cause is just."
+The most discouraging thing we hear is the miserable jangling of a few men and journals about party and the like; such men I did not come here to fight. Norther Secessionist now are much worse than Tories of '76; and if the volunteers ever see a secession flag hoisted around home, you may conclude there will be something of a row.
+We have a great deal of fun as well as work. The other night a Jewett volunteer was Sergeant of the guard, and an alarm being given that men were seen skulking back of the camp, he took two or three men and bravely led on the attack. The night being dark they charged upon an object, which proved to be a hen-coop made of a barrel, killing six chickens. Some though, had the old hen been awake they would have had a warm time of it. Fort Chickens is a by-word.
+Sunday last some of our men came to the quarters drunk. The Captain dispatched a detachment under my command to arrest those who were found in that condition, and the seller of the liquor. After some little trouble we found out the offender - a free negro. We arrested him, and while the men stood guard I searched the house. It reminded me of Dinah's kitchen, in "Uncle Tom's Cabin." We played Maine Law with his liquors, and brought him off.
+We are only enlisted for three months, from April 23d. If after that our country needs me I may stay longer. But 'tis almost morning, and I must Close. B.
+ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION,\\
+May 28, 1861.
+We have suffered cruelly, as a Company, and indeed as a Regiment, from not being better equipped before leaving home. Almost any day barefooted sentries in shirt sleeves might be seen. By advice we left many articles in Kingston we should have brought. Greene County men in the Regiment are not so well provided for as are Ulster county's, from want of home aid; though I know it is from your ignorance of our destitution. This thing I hope will obtain general publicity, for it is not yet too late for a speedy relief. I don't ask this so much for myself as for others; suffering sons of Greene county. I think at least the mountain towns might do a little. B.
+{{ :20th_nysm:windham_journal_6-6-1861.jpg?linkonly |}}
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+//Windham (NY) Journal//, June 13, 1861
+Extract of a letter from the 20th.
+The following extracts are from a private letter from one of the Windham boys, now with the 20th Regiment: [ED. JOUR.
+ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION,\\
+June 2d, 1861,
+We are all camped out in tents, upon a piece of ground that was formerly used by the enemy as a drill and parade ground, but when the Federal troops appeared they fled like "chaff before the wind." Its curious that I don't receive any letters. I have written eight or nine and received two, and one Windham Journal. I would like the Journal, but don't get it. We had an Ulster county supper last night, consisting of cake, bread, &c., which was sent to the Regiment by the ladies of Ulster county. It's curious that Greene county does not do something for the boys from that county. Other members of our Company have had revolvers presented to them by their friends, and if the town of Windham cannot do, as much as other towns I am mistaken, that's all. I am sitting in my tent, surrounded by soldiers, and the most of them are writing to their friends, and homes. While I sit writing this my next door neighbor has been shot through the hand. It was done accidentally. This is the most serious accident which has taken place as yet. W. A. M.
+{{ :20th_nysm:windham_ny_journal_6-13-1861.jpg?linkonly |}}
+----
 //Albany Evening Journal//, June 13, 1861
 PICKETS FIRED UPON.
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 {{:20th_nysm:new-york_daily_tribune_june_17_1861_page_6.jpg?linkonly|}}
+----
+//Windham (NY) Journal//, June 20, 1861
+Extract of a letter from the 20th Regiment.
+CAMP REYNOLDS,\\
+ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, June 5, '61.
+The 20th Regiment are yet the protectors of the Annapolis & Washington Railroad, are are enjoying it very well, have plenty to eat, and their quarters are very good, much better I think than any regiment in the vicinity of Washington, outside its limits. I can contrast our position with that of others with some degree of intelligence, as I visited almost every camp outside Washington.
+Last Friday, in company with Col. Pratt, we started from here by Rail in the morning; took a carriage in Washington, and went over the long bridge, famous as the one passed over by the troops the night Alexandria was taken; made the entire rounds of the army in Alexandria; visited the Howard House, where the gallant Ellsworth fell; stood upon the very spot where himself and the rebel Jackson died; saw the flag-staff where then floated the secession flag, but now glorious waves the stars and stripes, and now hangs at half-mast, in respect to the memory of the honored one who planted them there. I also brought away with me a part of the piratical sheet he so gallantly tore down, and a piece of the handkerchief that was in the left pocket of his coat, when the wound was inflicted; both flag and handkerchief being stained by his noble heart's blood, spilt in defence of his country's honor.
+We then went some three miles out of Alexandria, where the Michigan 1st and Ellsworth's Zouaves are throwing up entrenchments. Saw the out-posts of the enemy, and the spot where the fight was had last Friday night. On that very night, about four hours after we were there, in fact the very corps of cavalry that had the engagement, were drawn up before headquarters, ready for a start, and started a few minutes after we left, as we did not leave until eight in the evening. They were a fine looking body of men. We also visited Arlington Hights, the Headquarters of Gen. McDowell, saw the General, and reviewed his command. The spot I think is one of the most beautiful I ever saw, commanding the entire view of Washington and surrounding country for miles. In a military point of view it has the entire command of the city. It has been raining a perfect torrent; New York rains can't being with it.
+R. L.
+{{ :20th_nysm:windham_ny_journal_6-20-1861a.jpg?linkonly |}}
+{{ :20th_nysm:windham_ny_journal_6-20-1861b.jpg?linkonly |}}
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+----
+//Windham (NY) Journal//, July 4, 1861
+Extract of a letter from the 20th Regiment.
+HEAD QUARTERS, 20th Regt.,\\
+N. Y. S. M., ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION,\\
+June 22, 1861.
+DEAR BROTHER —Not knowing when I shall write you again, I will do so now. During the forenoon the 20th Regiment has been all excitement and activity, preparatory to marching at a moments notice, in consequence of, of an order received this morning, from the powers that be—ordering the Colonel to hold his regiment in readiness for immediate service. Within one hour after the order was received the entire Regiment was all packed, and in marching order, excepting the tents,—now we await the approaching steam horse, to "stack tents," get on board and be off. God only knows where.
+Probably to the scene of action, soon to be, (if not already,) inaugurated on the "sacred soil" of the, once justly, proud "mother of Presidents;" but now, alas! polluted by the tread of rebels and traitors, to the generous government which made them all they are or ever will be.
+There has been many rumors hereabouts, as well as at home. I understand that we are to go home, to Baltimore, to Annapolis, where we were first located, &c, So says rumor; but in my humble judgement the only move we will make, if any within the next four weeks, will be as above suggested, to the front.
+You cannot imagine the extreme desire among our men to move forward, All are ready and eager for fight; and should they be fortunate enough to be accomodated, woe be unto the traitor's band that stands before them, At present I have charge of the Hospital, established for the Regiment here—a fine commodious dwelling house situated on a knoll, in a fine and airy position, about one fourth of a mile from the camp,—in fact, just the place for such an institution. When I announced our orders to the patients this morning, I advised them to remain quiet at least until the train was ready to start—and to remain there, if not well enough, as I feared some would not be. The spontaneous answer of the eight was, "never! When the 20th goes, we go also, sick or well." This shows the stuff of which our Regiment is composed, give them a chance and I will be responsible for their valor.
+There are constant rumors here of battles on the front, in Virginia, of success and reversion between the contending powers; but there is nothing certain.
+We are expecting that a powerful and decisive move will soon be made. This is all the satisfaction I can give you at present. When I shall be able to write you again I cannot tell—perhaps, never; If not, my friends shall have the satisfaction of knowing that my life, though but short and uneventful has not been entirely in vain. Should our Regiment not be permitted to return to their homes, and former associations; should they be destined to fall on the battle field, in the defence of our time honored flag, and the institutions under which the American nation has become one of the greatest and happiest nations upon earth, tell the friends of the 20th to stand ready and willing to take our places, and battle for the right until treason and rebellion, ceases in our land; which eventually it will, if the administration stands firm, and an opportunity is given to the American people to show their strength in the defense of liberty and justice, which they so dearly love, Wishing to be remembered to all who may inquire,
+I remain your affectionate brother,\\
+R. LAUGHRAN.
+{{ :20th_nysm:windham_ny_journal_7-4-1861a.jpg?linkonly |}}
+----
+//Windham (NY) Journal//, July 4, 1861
+From The 20th Regiment.
+CAMP REYNOLDS,\\
+ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Md., June 23.
+EDITOR OF THE WINDHAM JOURNAL.
+As we are formerly from the town of Windham and vicinity, we thought a few lines would be interesting to our friends and fellow citizens. We have just taken our breakfast, and now are seated on the shady side of our tent, to give as good an account of ourselves as circumstances will admit of.
+We have had orders, within a few days, to be in readiness for a march at an hour's notice; and yesterday we took it for granted the hour had arrived. Our knapsacks were quickly thrown up on our shoulders, haversacks put up, tents taken down, and our canteens filled, (with water only) but alas! our wishes and expectations were immediately put to an end, as far as all prospects of leaving were concerned, by an order from one of our officers to "fall in for battallion drill." We have thus been disappointed several times, and now we have come to the conclusion to remain here until further orders, which are hourly expected. Our boys from Greene county are unusually well, and complain but little. The weather is very warm, thought the Marylanders say:
+"I reckon you have not seen the hottest." The mercury yesterday stood at 90 in the shade, with a prospect of getting higher. W. A, M. received a box from Windham last week, which upon being opened was found to contain articles. which a soldier knows only how to appreciate, The cake, &c, were quickly distributed to our boys,. who gave three hearty cheers and a tiger for the ladies of Windham. The bottle of "Costar's Rat Exterminator" was soon opened, and the "rats" went in. The donators will please accept the thanks of said "rats." We are happy to learn an Aid Society has been organised in Windham as well as other towns in the county. It is one of the best institutions, we think, that ever was established, and shows a feeling of kindness never to be forgotten by the soldier, Over six thousand troops passed through here the past week, en route for the seat of war, and more are daily expected. You are as well posted, probably, in regard to the movements of troops and war news as We are; therefore we deem it unnecessary to comment any farther upon the subject, The sun is getting the advantage of us, and we must soon come to a close. It will be useless to forward us any more boxes, as we know not at what moment we will receive orders to move. Though letters will be thankfully received as heretofore, it will be well enough to write on the envelope, "To follow the Regiment." Hoping this will reach you in safety, we remain Yours, &c.
+W. A. M. & L. S. O.
+{{ :20th_nysm:windham_ny_journal_7-4-1861b.jpg?linkonly |}}
+{{ :20th_nysm:windham_ny_journal_7-4-1861c.jpg?linkonly |}}
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Howard County, MD in the Civil War

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