Regimental history of the First New York Dragoons (originally the 130th N.Y. Vol. Infantry) during three years of active service in the great Civil War

Preface

The preparation of this history has been carried forward with mingled feelings of pleasure and pain. In my really laborious search after historic material I have been singularly carried back, and have lived over those three eventful years of our regimental service. Like the successive presentations'^of a moving panorama, their scenes have vividly seemed to pass in review. Names of comrades, with their forms and faces, are recalled after the lapse of more than a third of a century, as if but yesterday. The battlefield with its movements of troops, the roar of cannon and rattle of small arms, the ringing commands of officers, the groans of the wounded and dying soldiers, are again living realities.

•Looking back over a period of thirty- eight checkered years I behold a magnificent regiment, with full ranks of patriotic young men, taking their departure for the, front. Three years later a portion return as battle-scarred veterans, some with a missing limb or serious wounds, and all more or less injured, and life shortened by the exposures and hardships incident to army experience. To-day we gaze upon the fragments that survive. We are but the rear guard, the main body having crossed the dark river and pitched their shining tents "where glory guards with solemn rounds the bivouac of the dead."

In this connection a word as to why the history has been written so long after the ending of the war, will be in place. Aside from the excellent little pamphlet prepared by Lieut. J. N. Flint, at the close of the war, we have no record of our splendid service as a regiment, although nearly every survivor has felt the desire for a more complete history. Several ett'orts in this direction have failed, although it is probable that had our iv PREFACE

beloved Major Smith been spared he would have succeeded. Some of the material he collected has been utilized in this volume. Excellent contributions have also been received from Lieutenant Flint and many others.

At our memorable reunion in Buffalo the author heard manyexpressions of regret that our history should go unwritten. But who should undertake the task? No one more competent seemed disposed, so after an extended correspondence, receiving many assurances of assistance and best wishes for mj' success, the work was entered upon with the knowledge that it would necessarily require a large degree of patience, perseverance, and hard labor; but I had then no conception of the ditlicult and burdensome undertaking before me.

Explanatory circulars were sent to comrades whose addresses could be obtained, with the request that each contribute some items of interest for the history. In answer to these personal appeals, much valuable data came to hand, gathered from carefully preserved army letters, newspaper correspondence, old army diaries, and from personal recollections.

During our entire three-years' service it was my custom to write quite elaborate descriptions of our battles, raids, marches, and camp life, for the gratification of friends at home, or for publication in home newspapers. Fortunately much of this material has been preserved and drawn upon in this work. These letters, written when all the facts were fresh, are more reliable than accounts written after the lapse of years. In a few instances I have copied largely from them, as containing a more complete record of our transactions than elsewhere obtainable.

Various war histories containing descriptions of campaigns or battles in which our regiment was concerned have been consulted ; also some forty large volumes of official records pertaining to the War of the Rebellion have been searched for official reports of ntei'est in this history. Such official reports made by commanding officers of both armies, immediately after the battles or cam-

PREFACE V

paigns, are coDsidered more reliable than any other source of information.

It may differ from most war books in that it is comparatively free from dry statistics and mere details of military movements. On the contrary, the ettort has been made to supply a missing part in soldier history by the introduction of suitable anecdotes, daring adventures, thrilling incidents, and descriptions of camp life, as well as the wreck, roar, and carnage of battle; all, however, drawn from experiences within our own regiment.

War, though a grim reality, had its humor as well as its tragedy, and our history would be incomplete without an occasional presentation of the humorous side of army life.

In fact, no effort has been spared to place in permanent form a reliable record of the entire three-years' service of the regiment, its heroic deeds, desperate battles, bold achievements, and undying glory; such a record as every dragoon will appreciate, and which will be prized by his family when the veteran has passed to the eternal camping-grounds. It is also impartial, giving credit and honor not only to the gallant officers who led us, but also to the brave boys in blue who composed the rank and file, for none should overlook or underestimate the courageous men who, in the carnage of battle, stood behind the bayonets or wielded the gleaming saber, and in the midst of whistling bullets and cannon's roar pressed with an unfaltering tramp, tramp, tramp, into the very jaws of death; or in the thunderous cavalry charge, with waving sabers and savage yell, swept down upon the enemy like a besom of destruction.

As before intimated, this history has been prepared under peculiar embarrassments and difficulties. The survivors were scattered from the Altantic to the Pacific. Besides sending out nearly two thousand printed circular letters, I have actually written by hand and mailed over two thousand three hundred letters and postal cards. In many instances from ten to twenty letters have been written to secure reliable imformation regarding

PREFACE

some one circumstance. Notwithstanding the care exercised errors may have crept in.

Comrades, this book is sent out without hope of pecuniary remuneration for the time and labor bestowed upon it. I do not even expect to get back the actual cash expenditures, therefore please be indulgent regarding its faults and failings.

Among those who have placed me under obligations for assistance are Capts. J. N. Flint, A. J. Leach, W. C. Morey, G. Wiley Wells, 11. A. Britton, S. Culbertson, and W. H. A. Godfrey ; Col. A. B. Lawrence; Drs. B. F. Kneeland and Robert Rae; Lieuts. Henry Gale, W. W. Tadder, and A. J. Aldrich ; Sei'gts. Walter H. Jackson, Ezra Marion, M. C. Grover, Harrison W. Green, Chester B. Bowen (for army letters), M. T. Hills, James D. Bishop ; Q. M. Sergt. John W. Barnard; Com. Sergt. S. S. Morris; Sergt. Merritt Norton; Color Sergt. W. A. Ferris; W. W. Stebbins, A. Bigelow, R. C. Jefferson, M. C. Grover, Geo. A. Peavy, A. F. Robinson, Henry Sawyer; Sergts. R. E. Robinson and E. D. Humphrey, also H. S. Mc Master, for loan of army diaries; Mrs. Mary Joslyn Smith, for use of valuable papers of her late husband, Major Smith, Mrs. Marvin W. Lindsley, for writings left by Mr. Lindsley ; Miss Emma A. Norton, for valuable information secured at Albany, N. Y; Dr. D. W. Harrington, for encouragement and assistance in many ways ; Col. T. J. Thorp, and others ; n fact, to every comrade who has sent words of encouragement and cheer. I am specially grateful for the numerous contributions and words of cheer from Lieutenant Flint, who has stood by me like a brother.

Last, but not least, am I indebted to my faithful wife, without whose sympathy and co-operation during the weary weeks and months, I should have given up in despair,

J. R. B.

Lyons, MicJi., June, 1900.

Contents

CHAPTER PAGE

I. Portage to Suffolk 7

II. Various Experiences at Suffolk 15

Appendix

List of Engagements 317

List op Captures 317

Itinerary of the Regiment 319

Three Hundred Fighting Regiments 322

Roster First New York Dragoons 324

Regimental Badge 401

A Patriotic Southern Lady 462

A Friendly Letter to the Author 404

ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

Rev. James R. Bowen Frontispiece

Ma.iou Scott akd Lieutenant Colonel Thorp 18

Col. Alfred Gibbs 23

A. B. Lawrence 34

Col. Thomas J. Thorp 39

Major Rufus Scott 55

Major Howard M. Smith 74

Major Jacob W. Knap. . .'. 91

Gen. Wesley Merritt, Gen. Thomas C. Devin. Gen. Philip H.

Sheridan, and Surgeon Benjamin T. Kneeland 110

Mrs. T. J. Thorp 127

Capt. Samuel Culbertson and Capt. A. J. Leach 138

Capt. John P. Robinson and Lieut. Joseph N. Flint 148

Lieut. Andrew J. Lorish 165

Capt. W. H. A. Godfrey. Lieut. Corydon C. Olney, and

Lieut. Wm. W. Tadder 170

Lieut. Samuel A. Farman and Lieut. Alphonso J. Aldrich 186

E. R. Robinson 196

Devillo W. Harrington. M. D 205

Sergt. Elon D. Humphrey and George H. Walker 216

Sergt. Milton T. Hills and Corp. Chauncy S. Pettibone. . . 226

Sergt. William Kramer 235

Corp. James G. Harris 245

Sergt. Harrison W. Green and F.uoler Henry C. Hollen-

BECK 256

Evan G. Gkiffith and Orancje A. Gardner 206

Sergt. Louis L. Lewis and Corp. Fernando W. Agard 276

Rufus C. J efferson and Parmer R. Karns 286

Geo. II. Kimp,all 295

Mrs. Lucy Reich , 303

Rev. Richard Gay 311

Introduction

BY CAPTAIN J. N. FLINT

Thirty-five years have come and gone since that memorable Sabbath morn when the echoes of war died away on the heights of Appomattox, yet no adequate record has been prepared of the part sustained by our regiment in the most gigantic war of the century. The present volume of history and reminiscences, edited by Comrade Bowen, heroically, under the discouragements of ill health and other disadvantages, is intended to meet that want. It will be eagerly read by the friends of the regiment, and especially by the younger class, who will be gratified to know that their people of an elder generation did not fail in duty to their country in a great crisis.

To those of the "old boys" who read this book will come back a flood of memories of our matchless field and staff, each one equal to any emergency. They will recall the good ofiices of a capable physician, who personally ministered to the needs of the boys on every battlefield ; of some company commander, trudging along a dusty road with a musket on either shoulder to relieve his worn-out men. They will recall how the pangs of hunger were forgotten in the glories of a battle won. To them will come the visions of comrades with bleeding feet making their way along the brier-covered fields of the Peninsula, or of many another one lying by the roadside or sleeping in a nameless grave at Ander sonville.

X INTRODUCTION

The members of the regiment were very proud of their organization, and earned their title to be classed by the historian among the four hundred fighting regiments of the Civil war. Very many have dropped out of the ranks since 1865. Those who still survive realize full well that for them the sun is rapidly approaching the western horizon. May each of them at the final roll call be able to answer, as did good old Colonel Newcombe, " Adsum " (I am here).

Sa/i Francisco, Cal.

April, I'JOU.

HISTORY OF THE FIRST NEW YORK DRAGOONS

Chapter I Portage To Suffolk

The history of the First New York Dragoons is, in one respect, unique, it having as an unbroken organization served in two distinct branches of military service, one year in infantry and two in cavalry. During the first year we were known as the One Hundred and Thirtieth New York Yolunteer Infantry, and had abundant experience as "dough boys'"" in fighting on foot, as well as in long and exhausting marches with blistered feet and aching joints. As cavaliers we also had our turn of pitying the poor boys who still had to " hoof it." We also learned full well that, though riding our prancing steeds, the mounted service was not all fun, especially under such vigorous leaders as Sheridan.

After our transfer to the cavalry branch of service, we became not simply " mounted infantry," but full-fledged cavalrymen, having changed not only our regimental name, but exchanged everything pertaining to infantry, — our Enfield rifles, together with all accouterments and clothing, for the carbine, saber, and revolver, as well as full cavalry uniform.

This explanation is made at the outset, that those unacquainted with the facts may not get confused. So far as the men were concerned, the One Hundred and Thirtieth Infantry and the First Dragoons were the same.

The regiment was organized at Portage, N. Y., in August, 1SG2, our phice of rendezvous being near the famous high bridge. It was recruited mainly from Livingston, Allegany, and Wyoming Counties, and composed of men who, for intelligence, high moral character, patriotism, nobility of manhood, and genuine fighting qualities, were unexcelled by any regiment in the service. Although the majority were from well-to-do farm homes, almost every trade and profession was represented — the legal, medical, ministerial, and educational. There were engineers, machinists, carpenters, painters, jewelers, printers, and other skilled mechanics; editors, bankers, merchants, college graduates, and professional musicians, — all actuated by a stern sense of duty and one common purpose to serve their country in time of her greatest need.

At the call of the president for more men, the regiment sprang into existence as if by magic. It was marvelous how quickly ten full companies were enlisted and the organization completed.

Time and space forbid lingering long at Portage, but we can not forego a few reminiscences of our camp organization.

We all remember Col. W. S. Fullerton, with his anti(|uated uniform, who was active there, but for certain reasons did not accompany the regiment to the front.

None of us will ever forget our thorough medical examination by Surgeon Kneeland; how he stripped, pounded, pinched, and pulled us, examining every limb, bone, muscle, and tooth, tested our hearts and lungs, accepting only those he could pronounce " sound as a

PORTAGE TO SUFFOLK 9

new silver dollar.'' We were turned over to the government as sound, healthy men. Yet, many of these noble fellows after three years of active and faithful service, exposed to hardshi}3s and the terrible strain of army" life, returned home broken in health; but now, strange as it may seem, when application is made for a pension, they are required to search from Dan to Beersheba for evidence to prove that they were not invalids and cripples at the time of their enlistment.

After our acceptance by the surgeon came the formality of mustering into the service for three years, taking the oath of allegiance to the government in whose defense we were soon to fight.

Then came the lettering of companies and the distribution of uniforms, the establishment of camp guard, squad drill, and election of officers.

We do not forget the thousands of visitors who overwhelmed us with good things to refresh the inner man, nor our evening camp-iires, where we listened to the yarns spun by the champion story-tellers of the regiment.

We recall the romantic marriage of Lieutenant-Colonel Thorp, performed on the battalion line, backed up by the regiment at "parade rest," thus presenting us with one more "major'" than the blue book provided for. (Mrs. Thorp's maiden name was Mandana Major.)

At last the eventful day (Sept. 6, 1862) came, and with it the order to break camp and go to the front. With knapsacks in place, a thousand newly made soldiers were in line of march for the railway station at Portage Bridge. Not less than ten thousand visitors were present to witness our departure. Who, present upon that occasion, will ever forget the touching scene, when for a short time the regiment broke ranks, that the boys might speak their last good-bj, or receive the parting embrace or kiss from fathers, mothers, wives, or sweethearts!'

"Attention!'" "All aboard!" rings out in stentorian tones from our young commander. The locomotive shrieks, and the cars move out midst cheers from men and the waving of a thousand handkerchiefs from the sad-faced women, who watched us as we passed out of sight.

The journey to Elmira was an ovation all the way. At that place the Enfield rifles and other equipments were issued, but not distributed until reaching Harrisburg.

P'ew of us will forget that night of torture as we moved out from Elmira, crowded into offensive-smelling cattle cars, seated with rough hemlock boards, without backs, affording us accommodations far removed from the luxurious Pullman and Wagner cars in which soldiers of to-day are carried.

Stiff and sore we disembarked Sunday morning at Williamsport, Pa., just as the church bells were calling the people to worship. But the kind-hearted citizens were at the depot, loaded with baskets of provisions, and gave us a sumptuous repast.

Our patriotism was so highly extolled by these good people that we almost imagined the collapse of the Confederacy must occur when it became known that the One Hundred and Thirtieth New York was headed South. But somehow the obstreperous rebs, instead of throwing down their arms, kept us dodging bullets for three long years.

After three rousing cheers for our kind-hearted hosts, we sped on to Harrisburg, where, under our new expe- I'iences, in the dirt of Camp Curtin, we made our first acfpiaintance with shelter, tents, and army "gray-backs."

PORTAGE TO SUFFOLK 11

Here, too, we received our first scare, as wild rumors were afloat that Lee was moving in that direction, and some of the more timid tremblingly awaited the onset of the enemy.

Monday evening we were hustled aboard a train of dirty coal cars, our destination being Baltimore, where we arrived a begrimed and disconsolate set, this being our second night of rough riding, giving us a foretaste of the rougher experiences awaiting us. Nearly all day we lay in the hot streets of the city, where, not long before, the famous Sixth Massachusetts had received their baptism of brickbats.

Public sentiment was divided; while some scowled and manifested extreme hatred, we found others intensely outspoken in their loyalty. Some who purchased and drank milk there became sick, leading to the belief that it had been purposely poisoned.

Proceeding to Washington, we stretched our tired bodies that night on the commons near the capitol. First, however, we were marched into the rough room called the " Soldiers' Rest," where was spread before us army bread, boiled pork, and dirty-looking coffee in tin cups. Many of the boys, just from homes of plenty, turned away in disgust, and ate ' nothing that night. A year or two later, however, less palatable food was devoured with avidity.

Following us came another New York regiment, more fastidious than ours. They were marched to the same place for supper, and after noting the general appearance of things, bolted outright, declaring: " We are Uncle Sam's soldiers, but not his hogs.""

Still fresh in our memory is our odoriferous camp at Washington, containing more bad smells to the square inch than any spot we ever saw; and no wonder, it being on the border of a dried-up goose pond.

Everything about Washington presented a military aspect. Regiments were moving here and there. Officers in bright new uniforms, with their gaily dressed orderlies, were galloping along the streets, while in striking contrast were seen the shabby, bronzed veterans, just from the front, and the maimed and crippled soldiers lounging in the shade of houses and trees. Everywhere we caught the gleam of the bayonet, and heard the roll of drums, and unceasing rumble of army wagons. Dirt and filth were everywhere visible.

Street fakirs and peddlers besieged us at every turn, offering every imaginable device for the convenience of soldiers. Vile women plied their vocation, and viler men offered their services to pilot the unsuspecting boys to dens of infamy.

Embarking on the transport " New Yoi-k," we left the Capitol City for Fort Monroe, making a pleasant trip down the historic Potomac. We recall the tolling of our bell as we passed Mt. Yernon and the tomb of the immortal Washington, also our ride over the Chesapeake Bay and arrival at the famous fortress, the recent scene of so many stirring events. We were permitted also to enjoy an invigorating sea bath, and a pleasant stroll about the fortifications.

Passing over Hampton Roads, we disembarked at Norfork, Va. , a city recently recaptured from the enemy, but still a stronghold of rank traitors. Here we caught whiffs of genuine secesh atmosphere, and were forcibly reminded by the haughty and insulting demeanor of both men and women that rebeldom had finally been reached The women in particular were emphatic in manifestation

PORTAGE TO SUFFOLK 13

of supreme contempt for Yankee soldiers, and when in response to Colonel Thorp's request the regiment lustily; sang "John Brown," their anger and disgust were unbounded.

One or two incidents described in a letter at the time, will serve to illustrate their venom. A number of the regiment were quietly awaiting orders, when a bevy of ladies (?) approached for the apparent purpose of offering insults, as one of them, looking directly at the boys, in a loud voice remarked: —

" What a horrid lot of dirty creatures they are; nothing but the dregs of society."

" We '11 be all right, madam," replied one of our boys, " when we get washed up."

"Yes, but that won't make gentlemen of you," she exclaimed. " Our Southern soldiers are all gentlemen."

To which our spokesman quickly retorted: " Perhaps they are; but, madam, if you are a sample, all Southern women are not ladies." Her face flushed with rage, and her attempt to scream out a reply was drowned by shouts of laughter.

Soon after this occurrence, a large, pompous man, who we learned had been a prominent city official, was boasting in the presence of some of the One Hundred and Thirtieth about the superiority of Confederate soldiers over the Yankee hirelings, reiterating the stale, old assertion that "one Southerner is as good as a dozen Yankees in a fight." He had scarcely got the words out of his mouth when a small, wiry young man of the regiment stepped up to him, and remarked: —

" See here. Mister, are you a Southerner?"

" I 'm proud to say I am, sir."

" Well, you old traitor, I 'm a Yankee, and not as big

14 REGIMENTAL HISTOUY

as you are, but it" you don't get out of here, or take your words back, I '11 knock them down your belly."

Without a word the fellow turned instanter and disappeared around a corner.

Taking the train we reached Suffolk, some eighteen miles southwest, about dark, Saturday, Sept. 13, 1862, just a week after leaving Portage. This place is about fifty miles southeast from Petersburg, and eight or ten miles from the North Carolina line. Here was being collected an offensive army to threaten the rebel capital from the south. This proved to be our army home for about nine months, as well as our training school for the severe and trying ordeals we were to pass through later on.

Chapter II

We can only glance at the more prominent incidents of our array life in this old-fashioned Southern village, where we, as raw recruits, were transformed into a welldisciplined and effective regiment, destined, before the expiration of our term of service, to be participants in some of the hardest-fought battles and severest campaigns of the war. and earning a reputation for fighting qualities second to no regiment in the service.

At the very mention of Suffolk, what a host of memories come trooping up. At the period of our occupation it was a sleepy though somewhat aristocratic place of less than two thousand people, and like those at Norfolk, intensely disloyal in sentiment. Almost without exception the white population were of a sour countenance and not disposed to be social with our soldiers. Many of the men were away in the rebel army.

Aside from its strategetic position, it was a place of no great importance. But owing to its geographical location at the junction of two railroads, together with its access by water to the seaboard, and covering the landward approaches to Norfolk, virtually commanding all that portion of Virginia and North Carolina east of the Black Water and Chowan Rivers, its importance as a base for military operations was at once apparent. That the Confederates regarded it as a point of great military importance is clearly evinced, not only by their official reports and correspondence, to which we now have ir, RF/JIMKNTAI. II1ST()I?Y

access, but by the many desperate efforts they constantly put forth for its recapture during our sojourn there.

Our first work was the clearing up of a camp ground, removing old logs and stumps, grubbing out laurel bushes, and leveling up the surface. During our first week at this work occurred our first experience with a Virginia rainstorm, with no shelter but small "pup tents,"" and not even a rubber blanket. The rainfall continued without cessation until our clothing became thoroughly saturated. O, how it poured. We were reminded of the days of Noah, when the "foundations of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened." If any had been skeptical regard ing the story of Noah's flood, all now admitted not only its possibility but probability. The newly dug-over camp was soon churned to a deep mud, and the men were literally daubed from head to foot. Altogether a more melancholy and bedraggled set of mortals it would have been hard to find. Some swore, the homesick ones almost cried, while the more philosophical ones tried to put on a cheerful face, and jokingly inquired, "Who wouldn't be a soldier, and die for his country^"'

Do you ask how we slept? Well, we didn't sleep much, for the water had flowed into our tents and saturated the bedding; but by putting brush on the ground under the blankets, and using knapsacks for pillows, we did the best we could, but found our sleeping accommodations quite different from the comfortable beds we left up North. As the men fell in for roll call next morning, they had the appearance of chief mourners at a funeral.

In this connection the writer recalls an act of kindness that has never been forgotten. While sitting in the little tent, shivering and trying to satisfy hunger with a piece of pork and hardtack, a man, I think from the Sixty-second Ohio, passing on our street, said to me : —

"Rather tough, ain't it, pard ? " And then added, "I've got a good fire over at my tent. Come and get warm."

Never was an invitation more gladly accepted. Not only did the fire dry the wet clothing, but a cup of hot coflfee and a dish of beans and soft bread gladdened the appetite.

We had two camps while there, the first on the Edenton road, east of the village, and in the immediate vicinity of the Great Dismal Swamp, a locality rendered famous by Tom Moore's exquisite poem entitled " The Lake of the Dismal Swamp," his description of the place being perfect : — ^

" Away to the Dismal Swamp he speeds —

His path was rugged and sore, Through tangled juniper, beds of reeds,

Through many a fen where the serpent feeds. And man never trod before."

Almost immediately sickness began to prevail, owing to the use of wretchedly poor surface water and the deadly miasma floating in the atmosphere. The doctor declared it was no wonder sickness was prevalent, when the noxious effluvia was so dense it could be sliced off with a knife.

The improvised hospitals were quickly filled, and notwithstanding the most skillful medical aid, the grim messenger gathered his harvest of victims. Almost daily the death march and muflled drums were heard, as some poor boy was borne by loving comrades to his last earthly resting place, until the muster roll of every company bore the legend, "Died in hospital at Suffolk."

Among the victims was Capt. Jeremiah Hatch, of Co. F, a man loved and respected by all. At home, he had been prominent as an educator and member of the Wyoming County bar, and also active in the organization of the One Hundred and Thirtieth New York. His loss was sincerely mourned by all. His son, Judge E. W. Hatch, has long been an honorary member of the regiment, and a favorite speaker at their reunions.

Notwithstanding sickness, the regiment was rapidly perfected in military practice and discipline, and our camps were models of neatness.

Our first hospital accommodations were very meager indeed, an old barn being utilized for that purpose, in which from fifty to a hundred of the poor, sick boys were confined, with cornstalks for bedding. The hospital headquarters were at an old house near the barn, but comforts for the invalids were scarce at either place. Our overtaxed surgeon chafed under this condition of aflairs, and did all in his power to correct matters, but his every step was blocked by red tape and the bullheadedness of certain officials who seemed more in sympathy with the secesh element than the sick Union soldiers. An extract from a letter written Oct. 5, 1862, illustrates the condition of things : —

" Near our camp lives a rich and very aristocratic old secesh, who, it is hoped, will be ordered away, and his house and grounds confiscated for hospital purposes. It seems too bad to keep our poor boys in the old leaky barn, and let this insolent old traitor and his family stay here, and not only freely express their rebel sentiments, but constantly heap insult and abuse upon us. Some of his women remarked the other day that the old barn was too good for such low-born Yankee trash, and the old chap says they may cut his tongue into strings before he will take the oath of allegiance. A sick man dragged himself over there yesterday to try to buy some milk, but only received a torrent of abuse; and yet this rank old secessionist has guards constantly detailed by order of our milk-and-water commander to protect his property. You ought to hear Dr. Kneeland express his opinion of what he terms ' a damnable outrage upon our men.' If Doc. had his way, that shameful nest of treason would soon be cleaned out, and our sick placed in comfortable quarters."