Monday, June 15, 1863. "...if Lee's whole army were in sight, he would keep on drilling."

"Monday 15th.  Rumors & then positive knowledge that "Hooker's" whole army is coming in this direction. Before night, several corps have been heard of directly, either this side of M. Junction or even across Bull Run, near Centreville." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 127, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

"The 14th, 15th and i6th were very warm days, roads dry and full of dust, great clouds appeared wherever troops were on the march.The 6th corps, in which was the old Vermont brigade, crossed the Occoquan at the ford near our old camp ground at Wolf Run Shoals. An army of 100,000 could not all pass on a single road and hence occupied all the roads from Fredericksburg north between the Potomac and Bull Run and Manassas Junction. The diaries of Peter J. Dewey and John Brough say "General Hooker and staff passed our camp on the 15th of June.''

"The old Vermont brigade bivouacked for the night, June 15th at Fairfax Station. Some of our regiment who were at Fairfax Station reported meeting a few they knew, and they made inquiries about friends in our regiment and brigade. We were on this day ordered to take down A tents and load them to be hauled to Alexandria and use instead fly tents. Everything foreshadowed that we had marching orders and would soon follow..."~ Ralph Orson Sturtevant, Pictorial History of the 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers 173 (1910)

"Union Mills, Virginia June 15, 1863

"Dear Parents,

"We came back from Bristows as We expected, and are now here with the 12th. The weather is excessively warm, 114 by this thermometer hanging against the tent. We have to get up at 4:30 in the morning, a half hour earlier than usual, but I don't think that will hurt us any. 

"You wonder that they put us on a new drill when our time was so nearly out. Well perhaps you don't imagine that our colonel wants to make a big show when we get to Brattleboro. In fact the only great fault we have to find with him is that he does not know when men have drilled enough. Indeed it was remarked here today that if Lee's whole army were in sight, he would keep on drilling.

"There is a great movement going on among the troops composing Hooker's Army. The report is that Lee crossed the Rappahannock above Hooker's army and was making off up the Shenandoah Valley. ... The trains of the 1st Army Corps passed by our camp today. It is said that they will reach five miles to stand in a row just as close together as they can. 

"We hear tonight that the 15th has been ordered back here again and I have no doubt that this is true, and they would not be likely to leave a single regiment out there while the whole Rebel army is on the wing." ~ Hezron G. Day, pvt., Company C, Sixteenth Regiment, Letter from Union Mills, June 15, 1863

"Camp at Union Mills Va.June 15th 1863

"Hooker’s Army is all around us at Manassas, Centerville, &c. ... From the hill where we are encamped we can look over the river (Bull Run) to Manassas & beyond and see nothing but a cloud of dust in all directions, caused by the moving of troops; it has been so ever since yesterday noon. 

"To day is an extremely hot day, not a bit of air stiring & the sun scalds down awfuly. The nights are cool, so we get along quite comfortably through the day.

" ... We hear all sorts of absurd rumors every five minutes. Lee, close by, Stuart Cav. in sight &c. &c. but we have learned to beleive nothing, & care for nothing, that we do not see, or that does not concern us personally. We’ll come out all right in the end." ~ Joseph Spafford, 1st Lieutenant, Company E, Sixteenth Regiment, Letter, June 15, 1863 (uvm)




"Union Mills - June 15, 1863

"My Dear Wife:

"Your letter announcing your determination to visit Boston was duly received last Thursday, and I should have answered it sooner, but we came from Catlett’s that day and I had my tent to pitch, horses to see to etc., the next day I went on picket for two days, and yesterday I was too tired and sleepy to write. ...

"Last night the 11th Army Corps Gen. Howard commanding, moved to Centerville, only three or four miles from us. It is about 20,000 strong. Other movements are in progress but we do not yet know what. Our picket line on Bull Run, 7 miles long, has recently and is now being strengthened with trees felled from this side into the river forming an abatis almost impenetrable...

"The banks of Bull Run are covered with laurel which is now in full blossom. It is the same species as grows in Brattleboro, but it grows here with great luxuriance, some of it being 20 to 30 feet high. It is a great curiosity to our soldiers, for the laurel does not grow in Vermont more than ten or a dozen miles north of Brattleboro. All vegetation grows here with a rankness and luxuriance not know to the north, and wood ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, flies, spiders and the like bite with tenfold frequency and power than there. ...


"I am looking forward with delightful anticipation when I can see you and our dear children again. How I long to fold you all in my arms, yet I do not often allow my mind to dwell on such thoughts. They will come constantly and unbidden, but I should get homesick should I cherish them. Time flies rapidly and the few remaining days will pass away. 

"The 12th goes home the 4th of July, the 13th the 10th and the others the last of the month. It is now the middle of June and in less than six weeks our time will be out. After all this is a matter of regret. It is not right that a regiment so will drilled and disciplined as the 16th should, just as the men have become capable of rending their country efficient service, leave that service and this whole process of work, labor, toil and anxiety be gone through with to fit another set of men to take there place. ...."~ Lt. Col.Charles Cummings, Sixteenth Regiment, Letters June 15, 1863. VHS.

Sunday, June 14, 1863. The Army of the Potomac passes slowly back through the lines of the Second Vt. Brigade.

"The van of General Hooker's great army arrives on the 14th and crosses the Occoquan on a pontoon bridge laid across at Occoquan Village near our camp. We assist in laying the bridge and then for a number of days sit on the bank and watch the moving army, infantry, cavalry and artillery, a whole army corps cross here ...." ~ Ralph Orson Sturtevant, Pictorial History of the 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers 173 (1910).

"...the whole Army of the Potomac is falling back. 180 pieces of artillery stayed at Wolf Shoals last night [the 14th] and where we are we could see infantry, artillery and cavalry streaming off toward Centerville. Whether they stay there or go somewhere else I do not know. The army is confident of not having another Bull Run defeat in case of a collision here, though I believe Lee means Maryland more than he does Bull Run." ~ Hezron G. Day, pvt., Company C, Sixteenth Regiment, Letter from Union Mills, June 15, 1863

"Sunday 14th. Inspection of Guns & Equipments in A.M. Church in P.M. Weather pretty hot." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 127, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

Monday, May 18, 1863. At Union Mills. Thin lines; Rebels in the midst.

Union Mills

"Camp at Union Mills, VA 

"Monday morning, May 18th, 1863

"My Dear Wife ... I was Field Officer of the Day Wednesday and Thursday in charge of a fatigue party Saturday and yesterday and today an again Officer of the Day. Our regiment has six miles of picketing to do in a very rough line, without any help; but today the 15th comes back and will relieve us of some of this labor. But the weather in delightful and has been so for ten days so the men endure their labor well. The health of the regiment has at not former time been so good since we crossed the Potomac as now. 

"Then is nothing particularly new or interesting in camp just now. The only item of excitement that I have heard of is the capture of eight other men by the rebels a few days since. It appears that while half a dozen teams belonging to the 13th regiment were drawing supplies for the regiment from Fairfax Station, to near Occoquan village, a party of mounted rebs made their appearance and captured the men and horses and destroyed the wagons. In addition to a driver for each team were four or five men belonging to the regiment that had been off contrary to instructions and were riding back to camp, stragglers we call them here. The rebels, who are well posted as to our movements, made this dash and re-crossed the Occoquan River in safety. 

"We are in the expectation of a raid in here about these days. Then has been no time for a week when Mosby with 150 men could not have come in here and carried off the battery and the general. With 150 men at Bristow’s Station 100 on detached service, 200 on picket, and there is not many left for fight after taking out regimental guards and cooks. Saturday, however, we closed the fords on the river with felled trees, so that a dash cannot be made past our picket line by the mounted rebels. 

"There is nothing new out here of great moment. It is reported that the rebels have an infantry force this side of the Rappahannock and that they contemplate a raid or driving us back within the Defense of Washington. If they do this we may be able to extemporize a smart little fight out here. 

"Our nine months expire on the 23d day of July next, two months longer at the end of which time most of us will be in Brattleboro, where we shall be mustered out of the service of our respected Uncle.

"My love to all, and a kiss for the dear little ones. Your loving husband - Charles. ~ Lt. Col. Charles Cummings, Sixteenth Regiment, Letters May 18, 1863. VHS.

"Union Mills, Virginia, May 18, 1863

"Dear Parents Yours of the 6th came duly to hand and found me at Bristow, but was just as welcome there as anywhere. Co. "E" is down there now with enough men from other companies to make up 100. .... Stannard is much liked by the men under his command. He is not showy and dashing like Stoughton but seems to be a kind fatherly sort of an individual, chuck full of common sense with a good word for everybody.

"You want to know what a vidette is? It is a mounted sentinel posted outside the picket line to observe the movements of the enemy.

"I had the pleasure of taking another trip down the railroad the other day, going down within two miles of the Rappahannock. Went down as guard on one of the trains. I think from all appearances that we will not have to keep up this picket line alone a great while longer as I think the 12th and 15th will be brought back to assist us.

"There are not many troops left in the Dept. in Washington now. Most of them have been sent down on the front to help Hooker. I have heard that Phillip Crosly was killed in one of the late fights on the Rappahannock. If that is true he is the first Plymouth boy to be killed in action." ~ Hezron G. Day, pvt., Company C, Sixteenth Regiment, Letter of May 18, 1863

Phillip W Crosby of Plymouth, age 17 Pvt, Co. I, 2nd VT, kia, Marye's Heights, 5/3/63



"Monday 18th. Moved camp, by rail, to Bristow station. The two Co's K & G are still at Catlett's & the right wing at Bristow, & the other 3 at Mannassas Junction. Col. Blunt sent for me to help him move, & so I was detailed & had an easy time. On Picket, (not by necessity) to-night." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 120, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

May 11, 1863. Picket and guard duty at Union Mills.

Lr. Col. Charles Cummings
16th Vt.

"Camp Near Union Mills, Va. 

"May 11th, 1863 

"My Dear Wife,... I should have written you a day or two sooner, but I was on picket Saturday and Sunday. Our brigade is now so scattered that the 16th is the only regiment remaining here, consequently we have all the picketing to do for six miles, and furnish 100 men as a guard at Bristow’s Station, besides sending a guard of 25 men with the train down to the front daily. 

"The 12th is down the Rappahannock at Kelley’s Ford, the 15th at Warrenton Junction a dozen miles this side of the Ford. The 14th at Wolf Run Shoals, and the 13th down on the Occoquan near Occoquan village. 

"We had much rather be down on the front than here, but have to take things as we find them. The reason the 16th was not sent front was, we had the most men fit for duty and it needed a strong regiment to do our work. From present indications it appears as if we should remain here during the remainder of our pilgrimage, as I understand that this picket line is to be maintained for the present.

"The weather is now balmy, warm, and delightful. It is a treat for officers and men to go on picket, both as it relieves the monotony of camp life, and the air is fresh and fragment with blossoms. ...there is a great abundance of wild flowers more beautiful than with us the names of which I have no means of determining. I wish you were here a week to ride out on picket and see what then is beautiful here. But you would find the path you would have to travel anything but slow. It is the worst ground to travel over that I have picketed or seen, but it is easily defensible. Along the bank of Bull Run the ground is intersected by deep precipitous ravines full of laurel, which here grows large and luxuriant and tangled wood.

"Hooker’s attempt, like those of his predecessors, is a failure. It does seem as if the Army of the Potomac was fated to ill-success. Stoneman’s brilliant raid is the only redeeming feature and perhaps we except Sedgwick’s gallant fighting. There was a report in camp last night that Gen. Dix had moved up from Fortress Monroe and taken Richmond, but it is not credited, although it is among the possibilities as there are no rebels about there.

"Gen. Stoughton is in Washington confident of getting the command of the 1st Vermont Brigade. He is making out his official report of his capture. I hope he will get a command for he is above average of the more recent Brigadiers. Gen. Stannard is a capital officer, and a very fine man, and I do not want to change him for any one I know him so well, and he is so reliable. But Stoughton’s assignment to a command would be a good sequel to the unmentioned abuse he has received.

"I have had my head sheared so that there is not a hair on it half an inch long. It is much more comfortable and is easily kept clean. My old horse that I recently bought is picking up fairly and is today worth $100, but poor black is not doing well, he ought to be turned out to grass three months. He is better adapted to a buggy and smooth roads than picketing out here." ~ Lt. Col. Charles Cummings, Sixteenth Regiment, Letters May 11, 1863. VHS.

"May 11th. Hot and warm. Saw Stoneman's cavalry, 20,000, on the road to Falmouth. They were in an open field, marching by division fronts." ~ Diary of Oliver A. Browne, Co. K, 15th Regiment "Monday 11th. Off duty this A.M. & writing letters & taking it easy. Recd letters from home & feel well, & hearty as a fish in his native element. Weather is getting to be awful hot. Have taken off my underclothing & have to go in short-sleeves, it is so hot." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 118, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

Sunday, May 10, 1863. The 2nd Brigade holds a 50-mile front

Rappahannock Station.

"10th. Went down to Rappahannock station. Met with some Rebs at Kettle Run Bridge. They had fired the bridge and torn up the track. Were at work when we came along but skee-daddled at the sight of the train. We succeeded in saving the bridge and left a guard. When we came back the bridge, about one mile this side, on Cannon Run, was on fire. Just in time to save it. Saw the Rebs, about fifty of Stewart's Cavalry. They intended to capture the train, but found us enough for them." ~ Diary of Oliver A. Browne, Co. K, 15th Regiment


"Sunday 10th. On guard & detailed again as Col's orderly. Had a pleasant time. Day very hot. This A.M. 3 negroes came in & were put in the guard-house, as usual, to await the arrival of the train. About 10 A.M. who should come in but John Minor Botts for the three. One of them was very white & quite intelligent. Of Course, Col Blunt declined to give them up, till he consulted higher authority. I think, personally his feelings & principles would prefer to allow them their freedom, but as it is an important case, as it would establish a precedent, he prefers not to be responsible. I hardly see how they can be given up, after the Presidents' proclamation, but undoubtedly he would receive compensation, in time."~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 116-17, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

Bristoe Station.

"Bristow Station, Virginia

"Sunday, May 10, 1863

"Dear Parents

"We are still at Bristow, having been ordered to remain here four days longer than we thought when we first came out here. We have had considerable bad weather since we came, but have enjoyed ourselves very well notwithstanding We are expecting to go back to camp today. The 15th has left its old camp and gone down to Warrenton Junction.

"The fruits of our labor thus far have been 45 or 50 contrabands, one sword, one double barreled shot gun, and one carbine, which we found concealed in the houses of citizens. Also about forty Sesesh fowls, and a lot of hams, meal, etc. The cavalry that was with us has picked up a dozen or so of citizens accused of being sesesh in their proclivities and actions.

"It is as beautiful a Sabbath morning today as ever was; the grass looks green and thrifty, and the apple trees all in bloom. A few of the boys have just gone up the railroad with a hand car for a ride, and are now coming back. They were rather careless, as they had neither arms nor equipment along.

"Since we came here we have seen some good looking white women, the first we have seen since we came into Virginia. From one thoroughly Sesesh widow lady we have taken at least thirty Negroes, found a carbine secreted in one of her beds, etc. We have also in some of our excursions found some good Union people, but those that can be relied on are few in comparison with the whole population. The Unionists are all northern people, mostly from NY or NJ, who have worked their own lands, and have never owned slaves. However, slaves and slavery fast are disappearing from Prince William County. Brentsville, the former county seat, is a little one-horse place so thoroughly Sesesh that there is only four to seven men left there, and unless they are more exemplary in their morals, than most of the people here, they will stand a chance to have their numbers reduced whenever we get in some more cavalry here.

"Stoneman's Cavalry, I presume you have learned, has returned to the Rappahannock. They sent in some thirty prisoners yesterday, including one major, and two or three carloads of contrabands, all smart active young men. 'Tis said that Stoneman has twenty acres of land covered all over with mules, horses and cattle, all standing just as thick as they can be tied, which he brought with him on his return from his recent raid. General Stahl is getting his division all down on the Rappahannock, and it is said that he is going to make another raid while Stoneman takes a rest .

"The weather now is quite hot....We have learned that we are not going to be relieved before tomorrow, and then 'tis thought that the 13th will come out here. We would certainly rather stay here than go back to camp. The boys in camp have drawn all our boards, stovepipes, etc. They would like very well to have us come back and help them do the picket duty, which is coming rather severe on them just now, as there is only one regiment in Union Mills.

"We were deeply disappointed when we learned that Hooker's movement had failed, for we had an abiding faith in the success of this grand movement and even now we have hopes that he has only returned to try it again under what he may consider more favorable auspices.

"I saw Gen. Stahl yesterday. He was on board the cars. Not a very remarkable looking man for a General, though his men say that he is the only man that can take a regiment of cavalry and break a regiment of infantry. The boys are all well and in good spiriting full of fun and frolic, hale and hearty, ready to attack anything from a box of hard tack to a band of bushwhackers. Give my regards to all my friends if I have any, and tell them that we think of coming back to Virginia after the war is over, provided we can get some confiscated land...

"Not long ago the Rebs set fire to a bridge not more than a mile and a half from us but it was put out without damaging the bridge seriously. There are a few bands of these Rebs about here first in one place and then another whom we are not shrewd enough to catch. 

"There is a guard here from Co. "F" now that came down in the cars to guard the train. We need a whole regiment here instead of one company, and if the 13th is coming, I am glad of it. Good bye for now ... H.G. Day" ~ Hezron G. Day, pvt., Company C, Sixteenth Regiment, Letter of May 10, 1863


Camp Widow Violet near Occoquan ferry

"Camp Carusi May 10, 1863 

"Dear Mother

"Gen. Stannard has been on a visit to this regiment and has gone away
today. He stayed till after inspection. We all like his appearance first-rate. He does not appear much like Gen. Stoughton. I hear that he Stoughton has been exchanged and that he is in Washington. All we ask is that they will keep him there and not give him the command of this Brigade again, for we are well suited with the change we have had.

"We have been in this camp one month and nine days, so we begin to think it most time to move. The 12th at Rapahanoc Station and the 15th at Warrington guarding the railroad. We may not move for some time but we have not staid out about so long anywhere, so I think we shall move.

"I am going to Mount Vernon in a day or two if nothing happens. I do not suppose it will do me any good but I want to go. We are so near now and it may be the only chance I shall ever have. It is only 7 miles from here and I can get a pass for two days, so I shall be all right if I go. When next time you write, let me know if you have got my money that I have sent. If you have, do what you are a mind to with it--only have it safe.  ..." ~ James Willson, 13th Regt., pvt, Co. B. , Letter #42, March 14, 1863 (VHS)

Saturday, May 9, 1863. Emancipation in a fog of war.

"Saturday 9th. Clear & fine this A.M. Pretty warm in the middle of the day. Detailed to dig rifle pits to-day, but, as usual, did not injure my constitution, tho' we accomplished a fair job. 

"The way the negroes come in, is surprising. They average 6 to 8 to 10 per day, all seeking that haven of rest (to them) Alexandria. Trains run almost every day, & often 2 trains." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow (UVM), 116, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment 

"May 9. The operations of the past few days have been cheering in the extreme. Hooker is the man of the day, but I fear he will not be able to hold his position. Great achievements are expected from Stoneman." ~ John  C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp 118 (1864)

May 7, 1863. The 12th and 15th move to the banks of the Rappahannock.

"Thursday 7th. Still lowery & rainy. Orders to move on arrival of R.R. train. Left about 1 P.M. & in due season arrived at Rappahannock station & there encamped. Got boards & put up a shanty with all the tents & we 5 all live together. Baxter is yet in Alexandria. A Section of Artillery came down with us, or rather in a train following, & the 15th Vt. came down to "Bealeston" station." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow, 115, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment



"Camp in the field at Rappahanock Station on the banks of the Rappahanock River Va. May 7th 1863

"Dear Father, Mother, Brothers & Sister I now seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that we are yet alive & enjoying tolerable health, although I thought yesterday that I should have to lay off for a few days. I was threatened hard with a fever. But come to lay down in the mud knee deep to Sleep last night I found myself a good deal better this morning & I am in hopes that I shall come out all right in a few days.

"We had orders last night to be ready to move to day at 11 Oclock A.M. But the cars did not get along until one Oclock. when they got there we got aboard of them & came to this place, a distance of seven miles. we are encamped about sixty rods from the Rappahanock river & about that distance from the Bridge. The bridge is somewhat out of shape & it is talk that there will be workmen here immediately to repair it & that we are here to guard it

"I understand that if Hooker is successful that his supplies will have to pass over this road in the course of three or four days The 15th regiment came up to Bealton Station (three miles below here) to day.

"Lieut. Wait & Wilber Herrick were sent back to Union mills this morning they are both of them rather off the hooks. But are not very sick.   Wilber has been in the hospital three days.   But he was so that he was out doors this morning & looked pretty bright. They will probably be sent to Alexandria.

"...There is rumors of all sort in camp. Some are that Hooker has ben repulsed & others are that he has been Successful & that he has got the Rebs into such a position that he could withstand the whole force of confederates that there is & so it is. But we shall know sometime if ever we do I reckon right Smart.

"As it is about dark, shall have to close until morning J H Hammond"~ Jabez H. Hammond, West Windsor, age 20, Sgt. Co. A, 12th Regt Letter No. 40

April 28, 1863. Some sort of movement in progress.

"Tuesday 28th.  We are living pretty well now. Our bill of fare consists, in general, of Bacon, Fresh fish, corn-bread & biscuit, Molasses, & Coffee. Went to Camp this A.M. on horseback, about 9 o'clock. Saw the boys & got my pay for 4 mo's, $52.00 of the Capt. Had a nice visit & came back in rain about 3 P.M. Of course, after getting my pay, I did not visit the sutler, nor nothing of the kind."  ~ Diary of Horace Barlow, 111, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment

"Union Mills, Virginia, April 28th, 1863

"Dear Parents,

"You see that we still hold Union Mills, and have not taken up a permanent abode on the Rappahannock shore, though we are just now having a little more picket duty to do than we have had before. Our new Division General, Abercrombie, is mighty strict. He has ordered out all the fires on the picket line, made some new regulations about passes, etc. The boys feel rather aggrieved about the fires, and were so mad yesterday morning they set fire to the woods. 

"I was kept off picket this morning to make out the muster rolls, as we all have to be mustered for pay again the last day of this month. The paymaster has just been around with four months' pay ($52). Many of the boys are sending home a considerable portion of it. I am going to send $50 in the shape of a check from the paymaster, which I presume you can draw at any bank, as well as you could the widow's order that you dealt with last year. 

"There seems to be some sort of movement in progress down in front of us this morning. Artillery, cavalry, and a lot of mules have been sent down on the railroad this morning, and 'tis said that there was a skirmish down on the Rapahannock this morning, and that the first trains brought up some wounded soldiers, though I did not see them.

I imagine that if the weather holds good for a week, we will hear of awful fighting on the Rapahannock, and I feel confident of success, for they are taking unwearied pains to make it a sure thing and of all the forces of cavalry and light artillery that they have on the river 30,000 cavalry on the river around the railroad, and Warrenton, besides the artillery and what troops have gone down on the railroad last night and today*: all these exclusive of the troops that Hooker has with him in front of Fredricksburg. 

"We had some new non commissioned officers made last night, and concluded that the newly promoted men had better wet their stripes, so the company fell in to two ranks and marched down to the sutler's, the non coms heading the delegation, and there we devoured a half barrel of apples at their expense, the Adjutant and commissioned officers sharing with us. Then we marched back to our company ground, dispensed a few good lusty cheers and had a good time generally for the remainder of the evening. 

"We are now expecting to get back about the first of June. Have just got my check from the paymaster, which I enclose, but do not have time to write more. H.G. Day" ~ Hezron G. Day, pvt., Company C, Sixteenth Regiment, Letter of April 28, 1863

* At 10:30 pm, Howard’s XI Corps, 14,000-strong, crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford as part of Hooker's plan to flank Lee at Fredericksburg. 

Meanwhile (?) John C. Williams of Danby muses on why we fight.

"April 28. We were paid off yesterday -- received four months' pay.

"Recent circumstances indicate that the campaign is about to open, and much confidence is felt in Hooker, and that victory awaits our arms. This is to be an eventful week, and we are waiting very anxiously to know the result of the next movement. We are confident that success will inevitably be secured to our arms. The glorious old Stars and Stripes will yet float over every inch of soil where rebeldom lifts its accursed head, and where thrice accursed traitors trample it beneath their feet. 

"This is a cause which is worthy to be engaged in, one in which all mankind are interested. The preservation of this Union is one of the noblest things to fight for. Not anywhere in the annals of the past ages do we find a government founded upon such liberal principles. America! glorious America! long may she live to be an asylum for the oppressed of all nations, where men of all color can enjoy equal rights and privileges, and freedom the inalienable right of man; a country where the people do not bow to kings or tyrants, but in whose hands alone rests the power to govern, and where people can worship God according to the dictates of their own conscience; where education is unrestrained, and civilization unchecked.

"I blush to mention that one foul blot upon our country's fair escutcheon, which has been allowed to exist too long in one part of the land — I mean "that sum of all villainies," that evil system, which holds a part of the human race in bondage, which has impoverished the land, and reduced the people to the lowest state of misery and degradation, and has at last culminated in this wicked rebellion. But if slavery dies with this war, then shall we be well paid for the sacrifices that are now being made, and the glorious results which will bless millions yet unborn." ~ John  C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp 113-  115 (1864)