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 __**Primary Sources for the 8th New York State Militia**__
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :8th_nysm:21256u.jpg |img}}
+{{:8th_nysm:21256u.jpg |img}}
-<caption>Scene in the Camp of the Washington Greys, 8th N. Y. S. M.</caption>
+''Scene in the Camp of the Washington Greys, 8th N. Y. S. M.''
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+//New York Daily Herald//, May 10, 1861
+THE EIGHTH REGIMENT.
+LETTER FROM SERGEANT TURNBULL, OF THE ENGINEER CORPS.
+RELAY HOUSE, OR ELKRIDGE,\\
+SEVEN MILES FROM BALTIMORE, May 6 1861.
+Departure from Annapolis - Encampment at the Relay House - The Bridge over the Patapsco Guarded - Rainy Weather - The Men Cheerful - Arrival of the Sixth (Massachusetts) Regiment to Reinforce the Outpost of the Eighth Regiment - The Accidental Death of Charles Leonard, &c.
+On Saturday night at nine o'clock we got orders to report on Sunday morning at half past four o'clock, for the purpose of departing from Annapolis. We left that place in accordance with said orders at six o'clock precisely. we marched to the depot at the Junction, where we took cars, and arrived at this place about one o'clock. We took position on the heights overlooking the village, and commanding the bridge (a massive piece of masonry resembling High Bridge, but not quite so wide) over the Patapsco river.
+After resting awhile we again shifted quarters about a quarter of a mile from our first position, and selected grounds for an encampment. We carried our camp equipage, baggage, provisions &c., up a very long and high hill, and accomplished our labors in that line, and had our tents erected by half past six o'clock P. M. A portion of the regiment quartered in a large house to the rear of the encampment. About seven P. M., and shortly after our quartering, a heavy rain set in and has continued up to this time (over thirty-six hours); the tents are drenched, the ground soft and heavy, the men wet through, both clothes and boos, and are in a very unpleasant situation. We will be all right, however, by noon to morrow, if the sun will only shine. The men are gay and merry, and take it as a matter of course.
+The Sixth regiment, from Massachusetts arrived last night at five o'clock, and now occupy the grounds we had shortly before their arrival vacated. We have also on the brow of a hill adjoining the Boston Flying artillery, a splendid set of artillerists, who will make themselves surely felt whenever they come into action. The Sixth regiment (Massachusetts) suffered greatly from wind and rain for the last two nights. We can truly sympathize with them.
+From the reports which we are constantly receiving from gentlemen in Baltimore [...] that that city is for the Union [...] can march into the same wi[...] attack. Be that as it may, it [...] the Eighth regiment where it [...] Very few of the men are sick, and those not seriously. We are more troubled at present with the rain and mud, and anxious as to how and when we are to meet the enemy.
+On our road from Annapolis to this place I saw a few of the bridges erected by the Eighth regiment, of Massachusetts also a portion of the road which they relaid. This regiment has truly done so far very great service for which I doubt not but that they have already received the needed praise.
+The splendid troop of the Eighth regiment, now acting as artillerists, are detained by Brigadier General Butler at Annapolis. We hope to have them with us soon. We do not know how long we are to remain here. Our friends at New York and elsewhere had better address to Relay House, Elkridge, Md. T. R. T.\\
+Engineer Corps Eighth regiment, N. Y. S. T.
+P. S. Will advise you of our next change, and all that transpires between this and next Wednesday night. Just received the intelligence that the New York Fire Zouaves are to march to Alexandria, Va.
+P. S. May 7. A member of Company G, Eight Regiment, N. Y. S. T., named Charles Leonard, has shot himself dead by the accidental discharge of his piece while in the act of drawing the charge. The weather has been extremely wet, which has rendered it necessary to draw our charges frequently. T. R. T.
+{{:8th_nysm:new_york_daily_herald_fri_may_10_1861.jpg?linkonly|}}
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-{{:{{:8th_nysm:new_york_daily_herald_fri_may_10_1861.jpg?600|img}}
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-{{:8th_nysm:new_york_ny_morning_express_1861_05_16.jpg?direct&400|}}
+//New York (NY) Morning Express//, May 16, 1861
+Our War Correspondence.
+—
+Letter from a Member of Company E, 8th Regiment, N. Y. S. M., to his Brother in This City - The Butcher Regiment of New York City in Camp.
+RELAY HOUSE, ELKRIDGE, MD., May 10, 1861.
+Our quarters here could not be better, We are all in excellent health and spirits and ready for action. Our only cause of complaint in the quality of food dispensed. It is almost intolerable, the only merit the beef has, it renders the use of umbrellas and overcoats superfluous, for we are always dry. No fear of the enemy now, for we've salt enough to preserve us. Our officers are capital fellows, and are very kind to the men. Col. Lyons is universally beloved, and his ambition seems to be to merit the good will of his command. He visits the sentinels every night, and if it proves stormy, he always has a little whiskey for them. Captain Griffin drills us pretty hard; he is an excellent soldier, and nothing is too good for his men. He drained his private purse for our benefit while at Annapolis. G. L. Fox, of the New Bowery Theatre, is a lieutenant in this company, and is very popular with the whole regiment. As the Fire Zouaves passed him, en route to Washington, they gave him three rousing cheers. I like a soldier's life very much. It is so novel to me. Our encampment is very picturesque, and hundreds visit us daily from Baltimore, and are profuse to their compliments as to the general appearance of things. Occasionally we have a little trouble with mounted rebels, some of whom are very bold and fire upon our "pickets"; but the sentiment of the respectable portion of the Batimoreans seems to be decidedly in favor of the Union. I trust we may soon have a chance to pass through Baltimore, for I wish to test the loyalty of its citizens. The march would prove beneficial anyhow. If we wore attacked it would afford us an opportunity to fight, (and I think we know how to do it) and if we passed peaceably through it would set the question at rest and prove wonderfully favorable to the Union cause throughout the country. Ben, brother of Florence, the Irish Comedian, and I are cooks this week for our mess. The mess consists of 12 men. We tried our hands at baked beans yesterday, and wore in hopes of securing for ourselves the title of the "Delmenicos" of the Eighth Regiment," and would have done so only we unfortunately happened to get a large piece of brown soap in the beans, The boys made a great time about it, just as if we could help it. The regiment being composed mostly of butchers, you can imagine their opinion of the beef furnished us. One of them, the "dismal man" of our mess, exclaims, "Here we are fighting for the public weal and yet only get such beef. Here our lives are at at steak, and still we only have salt junk." Never mind, all will be right soon. I hate to complain, but I must give the crackers a dash. They are tough as leather doughnuts, Lieut. Fox says he has sent home for another set of teeth. I think about hiring a darkey to masticate mine for me. The toughest work we have had yet is eating the army biscuit. Still we have plenty of fun in camp. As I write, numbers are playing quoits; a me are scupping; some singing patriotic songs; some reading the papers (the Express and Herald generally); but the majority are at a flag raising. When we march up Broadway, on our return to New York, we will open the eyes of the people. We have proved wonderfully, and the regiment moves like a piece of machinery.
+Our Captain has just come running up and tells us to be prepared to move at a moment's notice. There is great bustle in the camp, and we are all in high glee at the prospect of a row. You'll hear stunning news of the doings of the "old Eighth" yet.\\
+Your affectionate brother,\\
+S. C. T., Co, E, Eighth, N. Y. S. M.
+{{:8th_nysm:new_york_ny_morning_express_1861_05_16.jpg?linkonly|}}
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-//New York Daily Times//, May 25, 1861
+//The New York Times//, May 25, 1861
-THE EIGHTH REGIMENT.
+MOVEMENTS OF THE EIGHTH REGIMENT
-LETTER FROM SERGEANT TURNBULL, OF THE ENGINEER CORPS.
+CAMP MANSFIELD, EIGHTH REGIMENT N.Y. S. T.,\\
+WASHINGTON, Monday, May 20, 1861.
-RELAY HOUSE, OR ELKRIDGE,\\
+To the Editor of the New-York Times:
-SEVEN MILES FROM BALTIMORE, May 6 1861.
-Departure from Annapolis - Encampment at the Relay House - The Bridge over the Patapsco Guarded - Rainy Weather - The Men Cheerful - Arrival of the Sixth (Massachusetts) Regiment to Reinforce the Outpost of the Eighth Regiment - The Accidental Death of Charles Leonard, &c.
+Our friends in New-York are continually writing to members of this Regiment about their ignorance of our whereabouts and doings, while they read whole columns concerning other Regiments'; in consequence of which, I determine to give them, through the medium of your wide-spread and popular columns, a defiled account of our doings singe leaving New-York.
-On Saturday night at nine o'clock we got orders to report on Sunday morning at half past four o'clock, for the purpose of departing from Annapolis. We left that place in accordance with said orders at six o'clock precisely. we marched to the depot at the Junction, where we took cars, and arrived at this place about one o'clock. We took position on the heights overlooking the village, and commanding the bridge (a massive piece of masonry resembling High Bridge, but not quite so wide) over the Patapsco river.
+We embarked on the steamship Alabama the 23d ult., sailing under sealed orders to be opened at sea, and after a pleasant voyage arrived at Annapolis, Maryland, on the morning of the 25th ult, disembarking the same cay, and at night sleeping on the dewy grass with our blankets for a covering. The next day the Regiment went into quarters, occupying the Naval Officers' elegant mansions,' fronting the beautiful grounds of the Naval Academy.
-After resting awhile we again shifted quarters about a quarter of a mile from our first position, and selected grounds for an encampment. We carried our camp equipage, baggage, provisions &c., up a very long and high hill, and accomplished our labors in that line, and had our tents erected by half past six o'clock P. M. A portion of the regiment quartered in a large house to the rear of the encampment. About seven P. M., and shortly after our quartering, a heavy rain set in and has continued up to this time (over thirty-six hours); the tents are drenched, the ground soft and heavy, the men wet through, both clothes and boos, and are in a very unpleasant situation. We will be all right, however, by noon to morrow, if the sun will only shine. The men are gay and merry, and take it as a matter of course.
+While stationed at this post, a detachment of 7 engineers, 2 pieces, Capt. VARIAN's Eighth Regiment Battery and 200 men, under command of Lieut.-Col. WATERBURY, were detailed to erect a fort on Mount Misery, a point 7 miles up the river Severn, commanding all the land approaches to Annapolis. Our men suffered severely from incessant rains and poor rations, but performed their duties with credit to the Regiment. The remainder of the Eighth had eight days' guard duty to perform out of the ten we stayed At Annapolis, although 4,000 troops were at the station.
-The Sixth regiment, from Massachusetts arrived last night at five o'clock, and now occupy the grounds we had shortly before their arrival vacated. We have also on the brow of a hill adjoining the Boston Flying artillery, a splendid set of artillerists, who will make themselves surely felt whenever they come into action. The Sixth regiment (Massachusetts) suffered greatly from wind and rain for the last two nights. We can truly sympathize with them.
+Nothing further of special import occurred, except repeated calls to turn out at midnight to repel fancied attacks of the enemy.
-From the reports which we are constantly receiving from gentlemen in Baltimore [...] that that city is for the Union [...] can march into the same wi[...] attack. Be that as it may, it [...] the Eighth regiment where it [...] Very few of the men are sick, and those not seriously. We are more troubled at present with the rain and mud, and anxious as to how and when we are to meet the enemy.
+On Saturday, May 4, orders were received for the Regiment to prepare to march on the following morning at A.M. The "boys" were up bright and early with gladsome countenances, and eager to leave a station that had become so obnoxious to them, by the actions, of those over whom they had no control. At the precise time indicated, the orders were given to march but without our noble troop or music.
-On our road from Annapolis to this place I saw a few of the bridges erected by the Eighth regiment, of Massachusetts also a portion of the road which they relaid. This regiment has truly done so far very great service for which I doubt not but that they have already received the needed praise.
+It seems the band was stationed at the post without the knowledge of the regiment, and being a Government hand, we count not help ourselves; however, we made the best of our misfortune, only too glad to get away.
-The splendid troop of the Eighth regiment, now acting as artillerists, are detained by Brigadier General Butler at Annapolis. We hope to have them with us soon. We do not know how long we are to remain here. Our friends at New York and elsewhere had better address to Relay House, Elkridge, Md. T. R. T.\\
+The regiment embarked on the cars, not caring where they went, so long as there was active work, and after a few hours' ride, found ourselves at the Relay House, nine miles below Baltimore, on the Washington branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On leaving the cars and forming into line, the regiment took up the line of march for the heights overlooking the Relay House, the Harper's Ferry Branch a Railroad and the viaduct over the Patapsco River, which had been threatened by the rebels.
-Engineer Corps Eighth regiment, N. Y. S. T.
-P. S. Will advise you of our next change, and all that transpires between this and next Wednesday night. Just received the intelligence that the New York Fire Zouaves are to march to Alexandria, Va.
+The same night the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment arrived, and next day the Boston Flying Artillery—the latter immediately placing their guns in a position covering the points alluded to above. The brigade was under command of Brig-Gen. BUTLER, of Massachusetts. The telegraph wires were taken in charge by the General, and no trains allowed to pass either way without inspection. This was a most important position. Sixhteen carloads of provisions and clothing, as also DICKENSON'S celebrated steam-gun were taken by the combined efforts of the Sixth and Eighth Regiments, although the former have wholly monopolized the credit of those acts. The men were in daily expectation of an attack upon their position. Two companies of the Eighth were on picket guard constantly ranging from one to four miles from the camp. Guards were doubled every night, and the
+utmost vigilance prevailed. Notwithstanding the regiment was called up to repel attacks a number of times, they responded with alacrity, coming into line at 12 o'clock, midnight, and answering for duty in ten minutes from the roll of the drum. The camp rules were extremely rigid, and no man was allowed to pass the lines without special permission from the Colonel.
+Orders were received, on Monday, 13th inst., for a portion of the Regiment to proceed to Baltimore, and with the Sixth, of Massachusetts, to occupy that city. A detachment of artillery, also, accompanied us. The soldiers were very enthusiastic on receiving the orders, as symptoms of a fight were everywhere visible, certainly in the eyes of the Eighth members. At 4 P. M., six hundred uniformed troops marched out of the camp, amid the cheers of those who remained. We reached Baltimore about 5 P. M.—the Sixth Regiment leaving the cars, and forming into line, without a flag. The Eighth, however, supplied the deficiency, as almost the first man out of the cars, was our noble Color-sergeant, B. L. BLONK, who immediately unfurled the glorious emblem of liberty—the Star Spangled Banner—to the gaze of the astonished but delighted thousands. Cheer after cheer followed that noble flag as the Regiment passed to Federal hill, where the Sergeant hoisted it to the top of the flag-staff,—the two Regiments uniting in singing:
+"The Star Spangled Banner,\\
+Oh, long shall it wave.\\
+O'er the land of the free\\
+And the home of the brave."\\
+The sight of that flag seemed to nerve the dispirited Union-loving men in that city, and to unloosen the chains that had so long bound them. Free thoughts and free speech were once again privileges to the indulged in by the free men of Baltimore. Secession was crushed in Maryland; the reign of terror was over and mob-law ceased to be the order of the day.
+The Eight Regiment seemed to be especial favorites; whether it was from the fact that they carried the first national flag through the city since the riot of April 19, or to show their displeasure at seeing the Sixth Regiment, or not, I cannot say; but certain it was that the citizens threw open their doors to them wherever they went, and a gray coat was a pass anywhere through the city. We were treated hospitably and kindly during our stay, and regrets were expressed on ail sides at our departure.
+On Wednesday, orders were received to consolidate the regiment and report at Washington immediately. Thursday, A. M., the 16th inst., we left Baltimore, and on arriving at our old camp, our astonishment was great to find the recruits all uniformed; and on parade next morning, they equaled the "old members" of the regiment in appearance and drill. The uniforms that had been so long on the way, were received during our absence, new spirits were imbibed by the recruits upon receiving their equipments.
+Much credit is due to our worthy Quartermaster CORNELL, for his exertion in behalf of the regiment while in New-York.
+We have a fine body of men, and could we march up Broadway to-day, our friends would not be ashamed of the old Eighth.
+Saturday, 18h inst., we left our quarters at the Relay House, and proceeded to Washington, where we arrived at 10 A. M., immediately taking up the line of march for our camping grounds viz Pennsylvania avenue and the White House. Our camping grounds are beautifully situated, and the thanks of the regiment are due to Engineer in-Chief WALTON and Quartermaster CORNELL for their admirable selection. Yesterday the camp was inaugurated, and named in honor of the commander of this district, Gen. MANSFIELD.
+We have passed through great hardships, endured fatigues, and have been placed in trying and difficult positions, but we assure our friends that under the lead of our gallant Col. LYONS, the Eighth Regiment, N. Y. S. T., (Washington Greys,) no matter where our duty may call us to go, are now, as they ever were, Paratus et Fidelis.
+P. S.—I forgot to mention that the Regiment owes much to our worthy and self-sacrificing Adjutant, D. B. KEELER, Jr., for its present state of excellence and efficiency. He is respected and beloved by the whole regiment.
-P. S. May 7. A member of Company G, Eight Regiment, N. Y. S. T., named Charles Leonard, has shot himself dead by the accidental discharge of his piece while in the act of drawing the charge. The weather has been extremely wet, which has rendered it necessary to draw our charges frequently. T. R. T.