Long Road Home--—The Trials and Tribulations of a Confederate Soldier

Christian's Regiment, the Twenty- Sixth, which later arrived to-day from Elmira. Half-a-dozen other regiments are within sight, but I have not learned where from as yet. Could some of our Utica artists who have a particular eye for the picturesque but look in upon us, they would find ample employment for pencil or brush, and perhaps for their cacchiunatory muscles.

The encampment taken as a whole—the white tents mingling with the deep green of the trees above and around them—is striking, no pun and romantic, but once descend into details—once get a clear, microscopic view—and the enchantment vanishes, or at least assumes another form. Could some of our Utica friends behold some of their Fourteenth friends huddling about the Quarter-Master's Provision Depot, and finally, in triumph lugging off a chunk of salt pork or beef, they would, I think, be more struck with the novelty than the romance of the sight. Yet they might well envy us the appetite with which said salt beef or pork is eaten, cooked not quite so delicately as Utica kitchens were wont to prepare us food.

All sorts of men are turned cooks. Even your humble servant had the honor of making some beef steak and a cup of tea, to-day, which were pronounced "good" by Surgeon Churchill and Major Young. So I am vain enough to imagine that I could "keep a hotel," under certain circumstances. It is astonishing how proud it makes a man to feel that he can cook a meal of victuals in good style. The best man in the Regiment is he who can best handle a frying-pan, with a steak in it. As a general thing, I believe, the men get along well cooking their own rations, though there are some grumblers, as there must be for variety.

The allowance to day consisted of fresh beef, with a small bit of salt pork, bread, coffee and sugar, and salt. Those who have any money can for a few pennies buy enough luxuries to make a very nice meal, and those who live on the bare rations ought not to lose flesh. The secessionists are but a few miles from here, and we hear daily rumors of their movements across the river. To-night, however, on dress parade, more serious news came. An aid of General Sandford, Col.

Hamilton, rode up on a panting horse, while the Regiment was on parade. He brought intelligence that Beauregard was approaching Washington with 20, men. Orders were given for the Regiment to hold itself in readiness to march on five minutes' notice. Should such an order come, not a man will be found unprepared or unwilling. Some excitement was created to night in the camp by the report that a spy had got into the camp, and had been inquiring into business that did not belong to him.

He went into Captain Thompson's company, and that officer, suspecting something wrong, called a guard and ordered his arrest, but before the guard arrived the illustrious stranger had vanished. Every effort was made to find him, but he was gone entirely. The camp is on the alert, and double guard is posted. Scouts are busy on every hand, and just this moment a party passed my tent, in the moonlight, remarking to the sentinel that there was a spy somewhere in the camp, and cautioning him to keep special watch.

I only hope they'll catch the sneak. It really begins to look like war. The weather was very warm yesterday—thermometer up to ; but the men did not suffer much. The nights are glorious. The moon is full, and such a scene as it shines on here is perfectly enchanting. There is just excitement enough in camp to make one wakeful, and the night is so lovely that he cannot regret his wakefulness. Several times to-night it is now midnight I have heard sentinels discharge their pieces in neighboring camps, whether from real or fancied danger, I know not.

It sounds like the "rude alarm of war," whether it be or not. Yours, for our country, D. A detachment of the New York 14th Regiment arrested a spy this morning, who had full details of the number of troops, position and strength of the batteries around Washington. There was also found upon him a sketch of a plan of attack upon the city. He had the position of all the mounted cannon in the city. The scouts of the New Hampshire 2d Regiment wounded a man this morning, who was approaching the lines, and observing carefully the position of the camps and batteries.

He pretended to be unable to speak English at first, but recovered his knowledge of the language as soon as he was shot. Several members of the New York 14th Regiment to-day arrested a suspected spy, among whose effects at the boarding house were plans of camps on the Virginia side, the position of batteries and the number of troops, and other valuable information.

He was turned over to the military authorities. Utica Morning Herald and Daily Gazette. The Fourteenth Regiment at Washington. The Fourteenth Regiment, Colonel James McQuade commanding, is at last fairly settled in camp; and now that it is "at home," is not only ready but anxious to receive "calls. Leaving out the "panics," for which our regiment is unrivaled, life begins to grow monotonous.

All wish a change, and I imagine no more welcome sound could break on the ears of the majority of us than the midnight booming of the three alarm guns, summoning every soldier to arms, and perhaps to bloody tussle with the rebels. We have attained such a state of discipline and daring that the littlest man in camp can look and laugh "grim-visaged war" in the face.

At present the attention of the men is mainly devoted to the question of rations—a question, too, of large importance, and upon which very much might be said. I will, however, enter into detail only so far as to give the bill of fare furnished by the U. I copy it from the printed regulations issued this campaign to the Subsistence Department by Simon Cameron, Secretary of war, It may be of interest to those desirous to know just how their brothers, sons or husbands are faring. The following is the daily ration allowed to each man: Tea is allowed on special requisition, and fresh beef not less than two days in a week, nor more than five.

Such has been the draft on Government by troops, that often even these articles could not be furnished when needed by the regiments. In the basement of the Capitol, huge ovens are kept hot night and day, baking from 25, to 30, loaves of bread daily, yet often falling behind the demand. Much aversion is felt by the men against eating pork, and it is not strange, for the wallowing, grunting, filthy scavenger of a beast is totally unfit for human food, and should be shunned whenever possible.

The fare at the best is rough, and none who are dainty will do to "go for a soldier. A large number of the men are suffering from bowel complaints, occasioned either by the change of climate and water, or the food, or else all combined. It took place early in the forenoon, being all concluded by 10 o'clock. It was a proud sight for a Yorker to behold. At least fifteen thousand men passed in review before Gen. Scott, the President and his Cabinet—tread firm and bayonets glittering—all but a tithe of what the Empire State can and will do if requested. Scott was overheard by watchful ears to pay the Fourteenth a compliment.

Fearing that you will not hear of it unless I tell it, I trust my Regimental egotism will be pardoned, when I say that the old veteran viewed us keenly from under his portentous eyebrows as we passed, then turning to Abraham Lincoln remarked: All day long the streets swarmed with soldiers, and the Capital was alive with them.

They flocked thither to "see Congress" and the noble pile wherein that august body deliberates. The crowd in the House was fairly smothering, and the Senate Chamber was beset by thousands of eager individuals with straining eyeballs. To the mass the sights were entirely new, and were viewed with insatiable interest. And well might they be. The Capitol is worthy to excite admiration and wonder, with its magnificent marble, its grand stairways, sculptured columns and massive arches, mosaics, mirrors, labyrinthine halls and passages; its paintings and its statuary; its relics, mementoes and memories; and over all, its stately magnitude, so grand, so proud, so firm.

The Rotunda, within which one feels so small, attracted many visitors. Here are historic pictures and portraits of emminent [sic] Americans. Some rude person, not content with verbal expressions of contempt, has hurled a quid of tobacco against the canvass, the result of which is two brown streaks down across the forehead of the old Public Functionary, making him appear as if perspiring in great agony over the recollection of some of his past misdeeds. Next to this portrait is a painting, which more than any other has attracted my attention. It represents the embarkation of Pilgrims from Delft-Haven, Holland, in The scene is on the deck of the vessel, just before leaving.

The group, consisting of about twenty persons, are in the attitude of prayer. In the center, with an open Bible before him, kneels the grey-haired minister, the father of the flock, with his hands meekly clasped imploring the Divine protection, while around him are the fathers and sons, husbands, wives and daughters of the heroic band. The figures in the group which especially pleased me, were those of Miles Standish and his wife Rose.

In him the artist has most truthfully conceived and depicted the stern Puritan; in her face and expression he has thrown the soul of a trustful, devoted and devotional wife. There is in the attitude of Rose the most beautiful blending of the elements of religion and love. In the evening there were displays of fireworks, but none that would compare with those annually let off in Utica.

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Yet all about the city, on every hill, from hundreds of camps, burned fires and darted rockets. The night was full of baleful lights and shadows. It did not seem to me like a Fourth of July, full of joyous exultations. Every red fire that blazed, blazed fiercely; every rocket that pierced the clouds hissed war; the trembling fires from roman candles told only of tumultuous feelings that held sway in thousands of armed breasts; the very sky seemed lit with lurid lights; while the comet burned like a flashing falchion, overhanging with threatening poise the war-distracted land.

Occasionally the air would move with the dull, heavy boom of cannon from away down the Potomac, growling deep threats of vengeance and destruction from their iron throats. The intermediate stillness of the air seemed to embrace some indefinable horror, a vague foreshadowing, that made the soul stand back, afraid. To me the night was a solemn one, and I dreamed of shadowy armies, millions of moving men, black smoke, and thundering cannon. Soldiering is not play. It is not softening and refining to the disposition and habits of a man. It is one long, stern lesson of discipline, both physical and moral.

He who can not endure the bodily stress is unfit for a warrior, and should return honorably to the pursuit of peaceful labors. Upon every one falls, too, a strict and trying moral discipline. A soldier's life, though adopted from the purest motives, is best fitted to call out all that is evil in a man's nature, and blunt the excellent qualities he may possess. The restraints of society are not about him. He is but one in a great crowd, and wrong doing does not stand out so plainly, does not look so repulsive as when he was surrounded by kindred who would look with downcast faces upon the smallest deviation from the path of virtue.

I have penned these lines knowing that they may reach those who have brothers and sons in the army, and knowing that they may arouse painful apprehensions in their breasts; but they will not be causelessly aroused. While some depart from honor's side, there are many who nobly stand by their principles as bravely as by the flag under which they fight. Such will return from the war with a moral stability that will resist any attack. Yet I can not forbear speaking this word of warning to those who may be forgetful of the trials they are really undergoing.

Sisters and mothers can not utter an admonition in their letters to loved ones here, that will not find an acceptable and grateful resting place in the heart of a brother or a son. Temptations come here in almost impenetrable disguises. General items of interest are rather scarce here just now.

Our old friend, Carlincourt is here, still building balloons in the air. He is in the employ of the Government, and is to use his balloon for reconnoitering the enemy's position. His enterprise is very favorably looked upon by Gen. Ellis, of New Hartford, Oneida county, has recently been employed by Gen.

Mansfield, to act in the secret service. Ellis possesses the peculiar requisites for such a post—ready talent, experience in the country, and courage. He has already rendered himself serviceable to Government. The telegraph keeps you well posted in military movements, so I will not dilate thereon, except to say that many regiments have crossed the river within a few days, and are constantly moving.

As to political prospects and Congressional affairs, you will be too thoroughly posted for me to inform you anything new. Movements are on foot in Syracuse, started by Capt. Thompson, of Company H, to engage a band for our Regiment. I close this letter hoping that my next date will be in Virginia. Our camp was visited yesterday by Hon. Roscoe Conkling and T. They received many warm greetings. I learn from Utica that the sympathies of some of our good people have been aroused by unfounded rumors to the effect that the men of this regiment are not well provided for.

In order to save the expenditure of sympathy where there is no particular cause for it, I desire to say that the rations furnished to the men are abundant and of the best quality. They have fresh bread every day brought into camp warm, fresh beef three times a week, salt beef, salt pork, bacon, codfish, biscuit [sic], desiccated potatoes, mixed vegetables, fresh vegetables, beans, rice, vinegar, coffee, tea and sugar.

The men, in fact, have more than they can eat. One of the captains informs me that his company sold a barrel of pork saved from their overplus rations, and other companies have disposed of their extra rations in the same way. The health of the men is good. They were troubled with diarrhea to a considerable extent soon after our arrival, but have nearly all recovered, and there has not been a death in the regiment since we left Albany. Several men who were found incompetent to discharge military duty from various causes, most of which existed before their enlistment, have been discharged from the service.

The men are generally contented and happy, notwithstanding the efforts of mischievous outsiders to breed discontent among them. Panics are now of a mushroom character. I understand, also, that rumors are afloat in Utica that there have been other troubles in the regiment. The only one that I know of was a slight difficulty growing out of an order issued by the Colonel preventing the Sutler from selling lager beer. The men were then afflicted with diarrhea, and the Colonel agreeing with me that it was injurious, ordered that the sale should be discontinued.

During the illness and absence of the Colonel, some of the bad men of the regiment and I am glad to say they are few in number, tried to compel the Sutler to procure lager or liquor, which he refused to do. I merely write this letter so that our friends at home may not be unnecessarily troubled on our account, and for their information I have no objection to your publishing it.

We, the undersigned, Captains in the Fourteenth Regiment N. Goss signed the above in the absence of Capt. Thompson, who is home on leave. I am tired of dating my letters at Washington. Nothing would afford me more pleasure than to inform the many who watch our movements with deepest interest, that the Regiment of which I am a component part, is marching against Jeff.

Davis and his rebel crew. This I cannot do now. We are still in our camp on Meridian Hill, close by the Capital. Why we do not go with the crowd, is more than I can tell. Every day regiments cross the Potomac, leaving us behind. Some have gone over without stopping in Washington at all. Our men are well disciplined, and are fairly pining away for a brush with the enemy. In every respect we are capable to go into action, and I can only wish that we had a brave foe to encounter.

This chasing the white-livered "chivalry" from pillar to post will be no more like war than driving hogs. I am not anxious to bathe my hands in the blood of these "brothers," who have brought such deep and dark disgrace upon themselves and their long-forgiving Northern kin, but I would have justice dealt them; and moreover I am ashamed of them that they so poorly support their boast, and ashamed that such cowards should call themselves Americans.

As such we look upon them, and as such ours is the unpleasant task of flogging them, or chasing them, as the case may be. If they are "our brothers," as some hypocritical Congressmen pathetically assert, it is not our fault. We can only regret being so poorly related. Where is the pater familias who would allow Sambo, his son, whom he has always patted on the head, to whom he gave the nicest chunk of the old farm, who has always had the pick of everything, yet who has greedily taken these gifts and cursed his sire because he did not give him all—where is the "old gentleman" who would not, on learning that the ungrateful wretch of a son had conspired to burn up the house through spite, take him by the nape of the neck and boot him till he repented.

Or where is he who would look quietly on and witness the destruction of his family through the treacherous scheming of one base brother? I cannot believe that we shall much longer remain here, and can only account for our tarrying thus long by assuming that it has been a part of Gen. Scott's plan to keep a certain number of troops here, and that we have been among the unfortunate ones. The regiment is drilled constantly, and has attained a very marked degree of perfection in battalion evolutions, the manual, and the skirmish drill, the latter a feature of military exercise that has particularly met the approbation of the men.

The general health of the regiment is much improved, very few remaining on the sick list at present. In this connection I would say that the hospital department has been well organized and perfected, and received many compliments from visitors. In this department is especially felt the good service rendered by Utica ladies, in furnishing stores and little comforts for the sick. The hospital tent is fitted up with straw mattresses, an article almost indispensable, yet which we would have been without but for the thoughtful care of our dear feminine friends.

The men are rapidly becoming acclimated, and as their health improves, a corresponding improvement is observable in their dispositions. They feel a deeper interest in the regiment, and are less inclined to grumble when things do not go just right. There has been a great deal said about the regiment only being enlisted for three months. It is a mistake. We are in for two years.

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A few discontented spirits there are who would gladly go home at the end of that time, satisfied with the aid they have rendered their country; but I believe the regiment, as a whole, is unanimous for the war. They enlisted to fight, and will not turn back till the work is done. When they have helped to conquer a peace; when the land shall be ridded of traitors, and tyrants driven into the Gulf; when "naked rebellion, with the torch and ax," shall be crushed utterly; when the chief conspirators shall have dangled in the Southern breeze; when the flag floats free from Maine to Louisiana; when law and order, liberty and right prevail South as well as North, then will they willingly, gladly return home—private and high private, Corporal, Captain and Colonel—relinquishing the sword and bayonet as easily as they took them up, and engaging, as of yore, in the peaceful pursuits of citizens.

There are few new phases of camp life. The weather has for the last few days been delightful. Regiments are constantly leaving and coming in all about us, filling the highways with their covered baggage wagons, and the air with their shouts and music. Blackberries are "thick" and luscious in the fields and along the skirts of the woods, affording rare dessert for the soldiers, who pick them by the bushel. They eat them with nice fresh milk, which is procured from obliging cows that pasture in the neighborhood. The men have a habit of "foraging," which brings to camp many delicacies—but its morality is another question.

I am told there are hundreds of acres of land about Washington that produce nothing but blackberries. They are the only cheap article in market, selling for a "fip" sixpence a quart. In the city, the streets are as lively as ever. Willard's Hotel, which is just now the very center of excitement, is crammed night and day, so that one can hardly find standing room. Here concentrate all military men, hither flock news-seekers, and public men of all kinds.

All seem full of business and enthusiasm, discussing war news with great earnestness. Quartermaster Bates, of our Regiment, has resigned. Bates has filled the office of Quartermaster in an honorable manner, and has discharged the most arduous duties in such a manner as to deserve great credit. The Regiment has, to my certain knowledge been better provided for than two-thirds of those here, and will certainly miss the services of Mr.

The position, however, is proverbially a thankless one, and he who occupies it is not to be envied. Bates will be succeeded by Mr. Brodhead, formerly of Baggs' Hotel, Utica, who will be an efficient officer in this department, having had some experience in the business. It is the intention of Mr.

Bates to return to New York and complete the organization of a battery of flying artillery, toward which he has long had an eye. This is a branch of the service that needs strengthening, and is a department of military in which most brilliant success may be attained. Bates is fitted for the position, I believe his actions will show. A little incident occurred a day or two since, that did my heart good.

The chief actor on the occasion was Capt. He was in the city, busily engaged getting some men discharged who had been pronounced by the Inspector unfit for military duty, and feeling the pangs of hunger, stepped into a restaurant for a lunch. There were several rough looking fellows inside, who eyed him fiercely when he entered. Not noticing them, however, the Captain took his seat at at a small table, directly opposite two or three of them, and quietly called for his lunch. He had hardly seated himself before the villains, who proved to be secessionists, commenced casting slurs upon the volunteer soldiers from the North, and especially insinuating against the officers.

The Captain was accompanied by only one man, and he an invalid, and therefore the cowardly wretches were in their glory. He listened quietly but with boiling blood to the insulting language of the rascals, till at last, emboldened by the silence of Capt. This was more than Capt. Cowan's Scotch blood could stand. Quick as thought he seized an earthern [sic] bottle that stood on the table, and rising from his seat, dealt the cowardly traitor such a stunning blow upon the forehead that the blood spattered out, and he fell to the floor senseless.

The force of the blow shattered the heavy bottle, and left only the neck in Capt. But quickly picking up another of the same sort, he stood at bay an instant, expecting the rest of the crew to attack him. It seemed, however, that their pluck was gone, for they paid not further heed to the Captain, but hurriedly A few lessons of this sort administered to secessionists in Washington would do much to quiet their treasonable utterances.

The Twenty-Sixth Regiment, Col. Christian, will, at the end of three months from the time it was sworn in, be disbanded. As many of the men are unwilling to be soldiers any longer, Col. Those who remain of his present regiment will form the nucleus of a new one. The intelligence of the constant successes of our troops that arrives almost daily is received here with rejoicing, and a universal confidence prevails that our arms are destined to meet with unbroken success all through the campaign. Still, much impatience is manifested that the war is not pushed forward more rapidly.

The action and temper of Congress are, as far as I have been, able to learn, received with unconditional approbation by Union men. McQuade has been suffering lately from the effects of the fever with which he was prostrated before leaving Utica. He has fully recovered now, however, with the exception of a sore throat, and is engaged daily drilling the Regiment.

Among the many visitors to our camp, I was pleased to greet our friend Alvin White, of Utica. He came to visit his son, and see the land of the secessionists. The city of Utica, I believe, is furnishing more officers than any place of its size in the Union. The Regiment, mainly through the exertions of Roscoe Conkling, has been accepted, and will soon enter the service. Major Enright is posted in military matters, and will make an efficient officer.

Washington is crowded with distinguished visitors. Letters to the Fourteenth will be received at Washington at present, and even after we cross the river into Virginia, they will be directed as heretofore until further notice. We are all excitement here. Every one is talking about the war news from Manassas Junction. Messengers have been coming in all day from the other side, bearing intelligence from Gen.

Before this will reach you, full particulars of the conflict will have been telegraphed. The news that our troops have after a prolonged and bloody fight, captured Manassas Junction, and that Beauregard has retreated, is received here with a stern sort of joy. We are told that four regiments of our brave fellows are cut to pieces—two New York, one Massachusetts and one Wisconsin, regiments. The stories say that our men fought like lions till the day was theirs, and the glorious Stars and Stripes waved over the late stronghold of the secessionists.

But the slaughter has been immense. Among the troops quartered here there prevails the strongest desire to listen over and join their brothers in arms. The general opinion here is, that the troops will be pushed directly on to Richmond, and that Virginia will soon be cleared of rebel troops. Since writing the above, I have learned that the stories relative to the capture of Manassas, are not entirely reliable. Undoubted authority, the War Department says, however, that there has been a signal victory achieved at Bull's Run, and that the taking of Manassas is expected within a few hours.

In the 14th there has been considerable excitement for a few days. We have been hourly expecting marching orders, the Colonel having been instructed to hold his Regiment in readiness for any emergency.

Long Road Home: The Trials and Tribulations of a Confederate Soldier by Richard G. Zevitz

This morning a fine band came from Batavia, and has joined the Regiment. It was procured by the efforts of Capt. Cowan, and will add immensely to the spirit, style, and spunk of the 14th. Paymaster commenced paying off the regiment. He paid companies A, B, and C, and the Staff; and to-morrow will finish the rest. Another good bit of news for you is that we are to have the Enfield rifle. The regiment will be supplied from the lot of 5, which left New York city yesterday. I need not assure you that the men are willing enough to make the exchange, although target practice has shown the old musket to be more reliable than it was supposed to be.

It is suspected that very soon after our new rifles are received we will have orders to march. The provision panic has pretty much frittered itself away, notwithstanding severe efforts to keep it up by evil disposed persons. The men have had not only the regular army allowance of rations, but quite a number of extras; such as salt herrings, codfish, onions, and split peas, which are not included in the regular ration.

While some regiments here in Washington have been put off with hard biscuit five or six days in succession, we have only had one day's ration of it, and we have had fresh meat every other day nearly all the time since we have been here. The truth is, most of the trouble has been caused by a few individuals who have an especial talent for making trouble.

I learn through private letters that some of those sick persons who have returned home are circulating reports corroborating the lies that have been told concerning our late Quartermaster. All statements to the effect that he has not performed his duty while in that position are false. The regiment fared as well under his care as it could possible have fared, unless under the charge of an old hand at the business, I do not known of a single instance when he failed to act fully up to his duty, unless prevented by the lack of stores in the government warehouses.

Brodhead has entered upon the discharge of his duties, but it will take several days for him to get fairly worked into the harness. The health of the Regiment is good. For over a week we have had most delightful weather. The air has been cooled by frequent showers, and the sun has moderated his fierce heat so much that it is not unpleasant to go out at midday. Again we have pitched our tents. This time our tent-pins are driven into the "sacred soil" of Virginia, and there I think they will stick until every rebel tent-pin is withdrawn from the territory of the Old Dominion.

We are encamped not far from Fort Corcoran, on Arlington Heights. All about us the hand of the engineer has been busy fortifying the Heights that overlook Washington, completely commanding the city. Forts have been built, breastworks thrown up, and cannon planted on every commanding spot. Forests have been leveled wherever they obstructed the range of batteries, and roads cut in every direction to facilitate the movement of troops. And the labor is still going on. Night and day regiments of men are toiling with the ax, pick and spade. In one night this week our men cleared several acres on timber land.

It is intended that Arlington Heights shall be made impregnable, for were they once gained by our enemy, Washington would be lost. I have no idea, however, that they will ever be attacked by the rebels, and if they were, it would be a miracle if they should succeed in taking them. Our camp is in the midst of a peach orchard, not more than a hundred rods from Gen. Lee's former residence, which is situated still farther up the hill, and commands a fine view of Georgetown, Washington, the Potomac and surrounding country. McQuade is placed in command of the ferry and aqueduct across the Potomac from Georgetown to Arlington Heights.

A strong guard of our men watch there both night and day, and no person is allowed to cross unless provided with a pass from Gens. In some respects our camp is pleasanter than the former one, while in others it is not so agreeable. Here, the position is nearer the scene of action, consequently more exciting, but the ground itself is not so good, although the view is magnificent. The water in our old camp was excellent, here, it is execrable. The men are feeling amazingly well, and scarcely one is in the hospital.

They have treble the labor to perform that they had in Washington, but do not murmur. The regiment, I am glad to say, is gaining a good name here, and is in reality becoming thoroughly efficient in all the duties of soldiery. I believe when the Fourteenth is called upon to meet the rebels face to face, they will prove fearless and true. Out of this amount some of the companies have sent home five and six hundred dollars each. Companies A and B have fitted themselves out with leather leggins and Zouave caps, red and tasselled.

It gives them a very fierce and warlike look, and I have no doubt adds to the fierceness of their spirit. I have heard many stories of the late fight from men who were engaged in it—from members of the 79th, 13th New York, 69th, Wisconsin 2d, and others. They all indicate that had the skill of the officers been equal to the courage and endurance of the men, the record of July 21st, , would have been far different.

And even as the battle resulted, it was a victory for the federal troops but for the panic. Our running away was a phenomenon that surprised the rebels far more than the terrible execution of our guns. Now, we have the same ground to win over again. The noble blood that has been spilled so freely, the deeds of daring performed, not by individuals alone, but by whole regiments of men.

I believe the blood has not been spilled in vain, nor the deeds of daring wrought for naught. Although a portion of our army was seized with that ghastly fear that constitutes a panic, they are not defeated. They are only foiled for a time in their purpose, which will only make them more determined when they next undertake to accomplish it. Pages might be written about the incidents of the fight, in which our men maintained the name of Americans, reckless in courage as they are in all else, yet cool, collected and steady, as if merely driving a bargain—till the panic came, then wild and unreasonable as any crowd that ever "run" a bank.

Every day diminishes the number of our loss as the stragglers come in. I do not think our total loss will exceed six hundred, while according to the statements of Southern papers their own loss is over a thousand. A large number of prisoners are quartered here, and—would you believe it? These cursed rebels are prominent here, and have been heard to utter their treasonable wishes, before this battle gave them an opportunity to openly manifest their sympathy with secession by thus comforting and cheering their rebel brethren.

Kindness shown to prisoners I do not condemn in itself, but when the spirit that prompts these persons to carry wine, champagne and delicacies of all sorts to these rebel prisoners, and to refuse a cup of water to a federal soldier, is known to be a spirit of sympathy with the rebellion, then these acts become treason, and in my opinion should be treated as such.

Secessionists flourish in rank profusion right here in the Capital. Hang them, say I. Government thinks differently, and feeds them out of its own crib. Active preparations are going on for a more determined renewal of the war. Many troops arrive daily. McClellan and his body guard, a noble set of fellows, are in Washington.

The utmost confidence is placed in McClellan. Notwithstanding everything is quiet here in Washington, no advance movements being made just now, and our camp lying quietly and without fear of molestation on the banks of the Potomac, items enough transpire daily to make even a larger column than that devoted to matters of local interest to the readers of the HERALD.

I shall not encroach upon your crowded columns so much as to make an attempt to mention all these interesting little bits of news, but I will endeavor to give all who feel interested in our welfare, a general idea of how we feel, how we look, what we do, what we see, where we go, what for, and will not forget that you are all anxious to have at least a rational word from me occasionally, As no active campaigning is going on, our life is bereft somewhat of the stern aspect which characterized it when we first came across the river.

Still the strictest military discipline is maintained in camp, as in fact every camp in the army of the Potomac is subjected to a stricter discipline since Gen. McClellan took command of it. The most rigid rules are observed concerning passes, and the good effect of such a course is manifest in the rapid dwindling of the crowd of officers and men that before hung about Willard's Hotel, and other public places in Washington. One hundred men are detailed for guard duty daily in our regiment. It is situated directly opposite Georgetown, and forms the western landing place of the ferries. Being so easy of access from the Washington side, it is closely guarded to prevent the lauding of spies or Secessionists.

Never having accurately described our camp, I will endeavor to give you some idea of our situation. We are located about halt a mile from the Potomac, half way up the slope that is called Arlington Heights. The river is not more than a quarter of a mile wide here, and on the opposite side from us, on a corresponding slope, is built the village of Georgetown. Standing within our lines and facing the river, revealed at intervals between the intervening forests and hills for several miles below, a floe view is afforded of Georgetown and Washington and the surroundings.

Far down the Potomac on the right, so distant that it seems to rest on the surface of the water, stretches like a black thread across the river, the Long Bridge. Away beyond it, and scarcely distinguishable against the dim background of blue hills, can be seen the dark walls and towers of the Government Lunatic Asylum.

Conspicuous in front looms the Capitol, with its unfinished rotunda, while like a ghostly sentinel stands on the right of it, the white, square pile of marble, also unfinished, called Washington Monument. A little to the left and nearer the eye, rests on an eminence the Observatory, only its round white roof being visible among the trees that entirely surround it.

On this side of the eminence, earthworks are being thrown up which command our position and all parts of Arlington Heights. Still farther to the left extend the streets and residences of Washington. On the extreme left wind the banks of the Potomac, and rests the village of Georgetown. The view on the left is limited by woods and hills to a distance of not more than two miles. As Georgetown and Washington are closely joined, the only distinguishing line of separation being a small creek that runs between and empties into the Potomac, the view in the night is also an interesting one.

From the front of my tent I can look out and behold from Georgetown on the left, and in front, for several miles far to the extreme right of the Capital, the darkness thickly gemmed with lights. When the nights are moonlit, the scene is enchanting. Then the distant walls, roofs, steeples and towers are softly revealed by the quiet moonbeams, the Potomac is smoothly silvered as a sweep of light, while in the background, vague, shadowy and indistinct, lie the dark, wood crowned hills of Maryland. On almost every side of us in our immediate vicinity, the view is met with wastes of fallen forests, the leaves of the prostrate trees withered and dry.

Before the war, Arlington Heights was almost entirely covered with woods, but now the axes of the pioneers have made sad havoc with the Virginia oaks, and they lie strewn desolately everywhere. On the crest of the hill, immediately in rear of our camp is Fort Corcoran, which, although now apparently impregnable, is being strengthened every day.

I will for a moment consider myself an outsider while I repeat some of the compliments of which Col. McQuade and his regiment have been made the recipients. Sherman says the 14th is the best regiment, and it has performed its duty in guarding the ferries, etc. And this afternoon, while the regiment was going through dress parade, who should ride up, unexpected and unannounced, but Gen.

McClellan himself, with his staff and body guard. He reviewed the regiment and pronounced it the best he had seen. He said to Col. McQuade that they went through all the forms, and looked better than any other, and expressed himself delighted with the drill. This compliment, coming from so strict a disciplinarian and such a thorough soldier as Gen. McClellan, besides taking the regiment by surprise, is really worth a great deal.

McClellan is an earnest, energetic appearing man, apparently about thirty-five. He inspires confidence wherever he goes, and in whomever he approaches. A Division Court-Martial for Gen. McClellan's command has been summoned and commenced to-day. It is held at the head quarters of Brig. Richardson, at Fort Albany, about two miles from here on the Alexandria road. The body is composed of twenty Colonels, chosen from the Division, and of this body Colonel McQuade has been made President. I am informed that the court martial will have business sufficient to employ them steadily two or three weeks.

Since there is a probability of our remaining here some time, the camp is gradually becoming thoroughly fitted up. The Hospital is pleasantly, neatly and comfortably arranged. Our surgeons attend closely to the needs of their department, while under the immediate supervision of John B. McQuade, Hospital Steward, and R. Dryer, Ward Master, the invalid occupants of the Hospital, have no want compatible with camp life which is not fully met and supplied. We have lately received an addition to our medical corps, by the coming of Edwin Hutchinson, of Utica. He acts in the capacity of volunteer Assistant Surgeon, and will, I am confident, labor efficiently in his important department of the good cause.

From the hospital stores supplied by friendly hands, the sick, of whom there are very few now in our regiment, are furnished with nice sheets and clean cotton and linen underclothes to sleep in. No one can appreciate these comforts as thoroughly as a sick soldier, and I'll warrant many a silent prayer is offered from hospital beds for those whose kindly care was ministered to the wants of the sick and wounded soldier. We have even a barbershop among us, kept by Mr. Roper, of Company A. He occupies a tent, wherein is placed an impromptu but very easy chair, manufactured from rough boards and cushioned with a blanket.

Here the weary soldiers may recline, close their eyes, and as the soothing, creamy lather mesmerizes their tired senses, limbering the raspy beard till it is ready for the swath, and solacing the nasal organ with its unctuous smell, they may fly on the wings of fancy to the odoriferous bowers at Batchelor Brothers, and imagine themselves there at peace with all men, especially the barber. On account of the war and the hard times, Mr. Roper charges only five cents a shave, and will cut your hair so close you can see the grain, just for the fun of the thing—and ten cents.

Night before last, two hundred of our men, in connection with two or three hundred others, went out on a scouting expedition. Owing to a failure in the plan, the expedition failed in it object. It was commanded by Gen. Sherman, and had it not been for some premature firing, probably a large number of secession prisoners would have been taken. Our new Quartermaster, Mr. Brodhead, is working hard in his department, and gives general satisfaction.

No one can take a deeper interest in the welfare of the regiment than he, nor labor more assiduously for its benefit. A most interesting feature of our camp is the music. It is impossible to imagine what enchantment it lends to the evenings to hear ringing out on the starlit air from a full chorus of such voices as we have here, the old familiar airs and songs of home. I venture to assert that no common band of musicians can surpass our amateur club of vocalists, among whom are many names well known in the musical circles of Utica.

Serenades are not unfrequent, and they are carried through in regular style, the inmates of the tent rising and inviting the troubadours to partake of such refreshment as may be afforded. In return the musical revelers [sic] of the night join their voices in harmony, and now in glee, now in plaintive melody, patriotic hymns, or rich swelling choruses, fill the air with music, and carry one back on the wings of song to live over again the days and nights of the past, that furnish to the stern present some of its sweetest, dearest recollections.

Nowhere can music fulfill its mission better than on the "tented field," in the midst of the rude alarms and stirring scenes of war. It may in the thrilling strains of the Marseillaise, or Columbia's martial hymns, nerve the patriot till danger and disaster serve but to beckon him on to victory; in the sweet notes of "Home, Sweet Home," or the well remembered, sacred hymns of the church, remind him well of the fireside and the loved religion for which he fights.

The nights here are cool and pleasant but the days are sweltering. Yet most of the men are toughened and brown as Indians, avowing that they never suffered less from the heat than they have this summer. I know of no fatality nor a dangerous illness in the Regiment. Frequent bathing is practiced among them, which I doubt not wards off the hand of disease many times, when it might otherwise have been laid heavily on the form of its victim. Never since it commenced to flow has the noble Potomac received in its bosom the forms of so many Northern freemen.

Probably in the estimation of the "chivalry" its waters are disgraced by the sturdy plunges of these Northern boors. But the lordly river moves on as proudly as ever, and sometimes I even fancy that the contact of so many genuine monarchs of the soil, gives to its current a stronger flow and to its waters a vigor and life that they never knew before. But I must close. Yours for our Country, D. The largest and most interesting event of this week is a visit that we had Sunday from Prince Napoleon.

The first warning that we had of his coming was the announcement by Lieut. Ash, one of Gen. Mansfield's aids, who rode into camp with a detachment of 20 U. Skillen, commanding the regiment in the temporary absence of Col. McQuade, that the Prince was but a short distance off, and was coming to visit the camp. On so short notice, there was necessarily much bustle created in camp by the active endeavors of the men to get out on the parade ground, as Col. Sherman had selected the Fourteenth as the one from his brigade to be reviewed by the Prince.

A large number of the men were absent, and consequently the regiment appeared poorly, compared with what it might have done. In a few moments three carriages appeared in sight, and were announced as the cavalcade of Napoleon. They had no escort save the cavalry and two or three horsemen following at a respectable distance behind, whom I took for reporters of the New York papers, although they may have been Counts or Dukes. The carriages made their way to the parade ground, when the distinguished party alighted. The regiment was already in line, awaiting the approach of the noble visitor.

In company with the Prince was Mr. Seward, whose presence always seems so entirely apropos to any great occasion, whatever its character. There was no need to be told which was the Bonaparte, for his resemblance to his great uncle plainly distinguished the Prince from his companions, notwithstanding he was the plainest dressed of the party. He wore a linen suit of small check, and a straw hat. In company with Gen. Sherman he inspected the regiment, which then passed in review before him.

The Prince took occasion to speak of the Fourteenth as an intelligent and fine-looking body of men. After some conversation among the officers and the party, and the exhibition to the Prince of a map showing the position of the opposing forces, the party entered their carriages and drove off toward the Arlington House. The selection of our regiment to be reviewed by Prince Napoleon was a high honor, and an especial compliment to its commander. So suddenly was the whole affair commenced and carried through, that some on the ground were not aware of anything of the kind till it was all over.

In regard to the movements of Federal troops, orders have been issued forbidding newspaper correspondents to reveal any knowledge that they may have of such matters. I shall therefore be restrained hereafter from writing as freely as heretofore concerning regimental affairs. A few days since, Gen. Sherman had chosen this regiment to occupy the right of his brigade, consisting of the DeKalb Regiment, the Ninth Massachusetts and Second Maine, with a company of cavalry and a battery of artillery; but since then another panic has broken out in our camp about the time of service, which threatens to deprive us of the confidence of Gen.

Sherman, and lose us the post of honor that would otherwise have been given us. The regiment has up to this time enjoyed the perfect confidence of Gens. Sherman and McDowell; but a large number of the regiment are possessed with the idea that Government cannot hold them longer than the 17th of this month, and the discussion of the question has produced a state of demoralization in many of the companies that threatens to destroy in a great measure the usefulness of the regiment, for a time at least. The men will listen to no reason, and although one of the captains was dispatched to Washington to inquire into the matter for the satisfaction of the men, and he ascertained from the War Department that the regiment was legally in for two years, they still persist in believing that they will go home on the 17th of August.

I have heard no reasons stated why they desire to return home, and can attribute it to nothing else than that they are tired of the business. It is almost the sole subject talked of here, and I fear unless it ceases before long, some of the men will be court-martialed. Such insubordination at this juncture, when all the troops are needed for a renewed effort against the enemy, m I understand that quite a number of other regiments are in the same trouble. The Army of the Potomac, under the vigilant eye and untiring discipline of Gen.

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McClellan, must soon become equal to any emergency. He relaxes not a moment, appearing with his faithful body guard at all times of day, in all parts of the grand line. Early this morning he rode through our camp, having at that time been nearly through his entire command on this side of the river. If victory may be organized, he will certainly do it. In Washington, soldiers are getting to be a rare sight, although a large number of regiments are now encamped about the city.

Fractured Paths of Duty: Photographs, illustrations, maps, notes, bibliography and index. Letters from the Civil War. A collection of letters written to the local newspaper, The Paulding Independent, describing the journey of the Paulding County boys in the Civil War.

Paulding County Carnegie Library. Ohio University Press - Swallow Press. For years the Ewing family of Ohio has been lost in the historical shadow cast by their in-law, General William T. It was the Ewing family who raised Sherman, got him into West Point, and provided him with the financial resources and political connections to succeed in war. The patriarch, Thomas Ewing, counseled presidents and clashed with radical abolitionists and southern secessionists leading to the Civil War.

Michael Braswell

Three Ewing sons became Union generals, served with distinction at Antietam and Vicksburg, marched through Georgia, and fought guerillas in Missouri. The Boys of Company K: Stories of the ordinary soldiers of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Company K, as they experienced boredom, violence, extremes in weather, lack of training and supplies, and loneliness. War Behind The Lines: Includes three letters from Chance to his parents dated Reveals the lot of the soldier and unit, but puts their story into the larger context of the war.

It also explores a number of elements that thus far have been neglected, such as desertion, discipline, problems with officers, shooting of prisoners, and wanton destruction. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. Soldier of the Union by Ken Hechler. Through the period letters of his ancestors, George and John Hechler, Mr.

Hechler gives a vivid account of the 36th Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War and the trials and tribulations of the two men. Pictorial Histories Publishing Company, Inc. A Good and Holy Cause. The first book-length work ever published on this distinguished regiment, The Bully Boys addresses the 2nd Ohio's previous omission from Civil War literature. Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. I have published a biography of my great-grandfather, Joseph Patton, 93rd Ohio. He enlisted in as a year-old farmboy and fought until the end of the war, despite being wounded three times, and rose to the rank of Captain.

The book includes a biography of his son-in-law, Colonel Cornelius Gardener, whose 40 years in the army included 20 years fighting in the Plains Wars, Cuba, and the Philippine Insurrection. The Little Miami Publishing Company. Jacobson and Richard A. Shall Licking County Raise a Regiment?: This book is a compilation of the weekly articles that were done by local authors and have appeared in the Newark Advocate in , along with added photographs and other information that was not included with the original articles.

Incorporates Pike's book and National Tribune accounts. The Story of a Thousand. Kent State University Press. Historian Peter Luebke provides in this reprint a index and scholarly introduction. Fantastic Shadows Upon the Ground: Little Miami Publishing Co. From the Redwoods to Appomattox by Paul Magid. University of Oklahoma Press. To Crown Myself With Honor: Revised Edition edited by Gary L. The Men of Battery H: Edited by Mark Holbrook. Hardcover with dust jacket, photos, illustrations, notes, appendices, complete roster. Prepress services Cam-Tech Publishing.

The 26th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry: Hill - Foreward by John Thompson. May be ordered from Authors web page http: Paper; xii, 6 x 9; photos; illustrations; notes; index. Edited by Richard A. Hardcover with dust jacket, 6 X 9 format, photographs, notes, bibliography and index. Ohio's first German regiment. Translated and edited by Joseph R. The Fifth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry: Do They Miss Me at Home?: A fine book with a number of references to the 11th OVC.

Order from the Author. Concerns the 37th OVI. New Bremen Historic Association. Little Miami Publishing Company. Edited by Robert W. Paperback, appendix, notes, bibliography, index. Civil War Campsites in Ohio - 77 military campsites were established throughout the state. For a few, the campsites were only in existence a day or two. For others, the camps were in existence for a month or more; enough time to train and equip the troops for field duty. It became known as, The Great Locomotive Chase. The Ohio volunteers became known as, Andrews' Raiders. A history of the raid is discussed; interactive maps display the locomotive chase in detail; the aftermath of the raid; and biographies and photographs of the Raiders who are buried in Ohio.

Heroes of the Western Theater. Ohio and the American Civil War Disks 1 - 2.

History of the civil war monuments in Ohio. Identification of the seventy-seven civil war campsites that were established in Ohio. Abraham Lincoln's train visit to Ohio in and are addressed. In , 24 Ohioans volunteered to participate in a secret mission known as, The Great Locomotive Chase. These volunteers became known as, Andrews' Raiders. A history of the raid is discussed. Blood, Tears, and Glory: Info and order from Orange Frazer Press. Another Day in Lincoln's Army: The Civil War Journals of Sgt. Booth by Marie Mollohan.

Narratives of the 57th O. Compiled by Robert Van Dorn. Graphic Editor David P. Transcription and Commentary by David Wesley Chapman. Randolph County Historical Society. The Long Road Home: Myron Loop belonged to the 68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a veteran 17th Corps organization that saw nearly four years' service during the Civil War.

Observant and steadfast in keeping a daily wartime diary, Loop relied on it heavily to compose a memoir that was serialized in 21 issues of The National Tribune. Because an "official" 68th Ohio regimental history never appeared in print, The Long Road Home doubles as a useful substitute. Baumgartner has supplemented Loop's narrative with letter and diary excerpts written by 40 other 68th Ohio officers and enlisted men, and added 22 photographs and engravings.

Hardcover with dust jacket, acid-free paper, pages. Order from Blue Acorn Press. Time and the tempestuous twentieth century swept Ohio's famous fighting family into a twilight of obscurity. Now the true story of this remarkable Scotch-Irish family is finally seeing the bright light of day. The McCooks gave seventeen men in the fight to save the Union. Four lost their lives. The Family provided three major generals, three brigadier generals, one naval lieutenant, four surgeons, two colonels, one major, one lieutenant, one private, and one chaplain. The McCooks are followed across forty-six battlefields, in eleven states, across land and sea.

Their lives are intimately intertwined with the most famous, and infamous, men of the time, including President Lincoln, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, and General Ulysses S. Order from Westmoreland Press. Army of the Potomac By Franklin Sawyer. Sawyer's history of the 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was written at the urging of fellow regimental members, and a decade's preparation resulted in the final work, which provides a wealth of detail concerning the regiment's service with the Army of the Potomac.

This enhanced Blue Acorn Press reprint is supplemented with several appendices not found in the very rare, original edition, as well as 30 photographs and portraits of 8th Ohio personnel and their leaders. Hardcover with dust jacket, pages with 30 additional pages of photographs, four appendices, regimental rosters.

It Don't Look Right for the Times: In June, , Governor David Tod sent over troops and one section of artillery to the village of Glenmont then called Napoleon , Holmes County, to quell an alleged rebellion against the government's Conscription Act of It was believed that - men had gathered to prevent its enforcement. Similar activities were occuring in neighboring Coshocton and Knox counties. Pat Drouhard uses primary resources to provide an accurate account of this "rebellion," locally known as Ft. The names of over 80 men indicted for activities in these incidents are included. This book tells the history of the Civil War monuments in Ohio.

Why were they built and who built them? What did they cost and what materials were used?

These questions are answered in this publication. Giving examples of the twelve types of monuments that were erected, the book also includes a "then and now" photograph section. Also in the book is a table that lists the exact location of every civil war monument in Ohio. There are more than of them in Ohio. Over full color photographs are included in the book. Also available in CD format.