Battery L, 1st Artillery Regiment (Light) - George Breck Columns: Chapter 4: “Who Wouldn’t Be A Soldier?” Elmira And Albany Oct. 25, 1861 – Nov. 21, 1861

At the start of the war, New York state established three major depots for the organization and training of new recruits. These depots were at Elmira, Albany and New York City. Most western New York recruits passed through the Elmira depot. Breck offers a rosy picture of Battery L’s first days in service there and at Albany. Too rosy, it seems. Many of the Rochester area soldiers who arrived at Elmira in the first weeks of the war complained about the food and shelter there. (1) Perhaps conditions had improved by the time Breck arrived. Nonetheless, it is interesting that when Breck passed through Albany later in the war, he referred to the battery’s “terribly bitter” experiences there. There is little or no hint of that in the dispatches below. Breck’s motive for putting such a positive spin on the battery’s experiences seems obvious: The battery arrived at Elmira with barely half the 150 or so men it needed, and Breck no doubt wanted to paint a soldier’s experiences in glowing terms to encourage more men to enlist.

Barracks No. 2
Elmira, October 25th, 1861
(Appeared in the Union and Advertiser Saturday, October 26, 1861)

Mr. Editor – Dear Sir: The oath of enlistment into the United States service has finally been administered to Capt. (John A.) Reynolds’ Artillery Company. Not one of the seventy-eight men present, when asked if he had any objections to taking the oath, manifested any unwillingness to do so, but all stepped forward when their names were called, and promptly and solemnly swore to do service for their country for three years, or while the war lasts. Your readers are doubtless aware why the company declined to be mustered in on their arrival at Elmira. It was thought if they did so before the minimum number required for the complete organization of the company was filled up, the company would be consolidated with another partially organized company, and in this case some of the officers would be thrown out, and others substituted, whom we knew nothing about; and then again, we might be obliged to take men who were every way objectionable. The company was composed of the very best men, and it was determined that it should be made up of nothing else. Inducements were held out to Capt. Reynolds that if he would consent to the consolidation of his company, he would be promoted to the position of Major in Col. (Guilford D.) Bailey’s regiment. (2) But all praise to our worthy Captain, he couldn’t be persuaded to catch at this glittering bait. The interests of his company were his interests, and on no account would he leave the men who had chosen him for their Captain, and under whom they had enlisted, to take any chances that would work for their displeasure or injury. He would stand by them if they would stand by him. In consequence of our declining to take the oath under such contingent circumstances, Gen. (Robert B.) Van Valkenburgh (3) – who by the way is every inch a man and a gentleman, and towards whom the boys entertain feelings of the greatest respect – was obliged to transfer us to other Barracks. We were then in Barracks No. 3, where Col. Bailey’s and an Infantry regiment were quartered, the most pleasantly situated of the four Barracks here. We were assigned to Barracks No. 2, formerly designated as No. 3, the old Barracks of the 13th Regiment (4), about which everybody in Rochester is so familiar. Everything pertaining to them has been described time and again, and I will not therefore weary your readers with another description.

While making efforts to fill up our ranks to the requisite number of men, it was suggested by two or three prominent and influential gentlemen in Rochester that application be made to Gov. Morgan to get us accepted as an independent Artillery Battery. Application was made, and through the kindness and influence of Colonel (Isaac) Quinby, Professor (Martin) Anderson and Judge (Oliver) Palmer, the latter going to Albany and conferring with the Governor and Adjutant General on the matter – our company has been accepted as an independent battery, and orders received to fill up to 130 men, immediately. (5)

There was a general hurraing by the boys when this news came, and there being no risk of consolidation now, all were anxious to be sworn in as soon as possible.

Our acceptance as an independent organization to be fully armed and equipped, places the company on the very best basis. Attached to some good Brigade, as no do doubt it will be, the company, under the command of such officers as it has, will distinguish itself in a manner which it would be impossible to do if it acted in conjunction with Col. Bailey’s Regiment. There will be an independence felt by the officers and men, that will prompt them to use every effort for efficiency and distinction in the service of their country.

We expect to receive our uniforms very soon, and now, all that is necessary is the full compliment of men. Lieutenant (Gilbert H.) Reynolds (6) will return to Rochester to-night to recruit, and to-morrow Captain Reynolds will also return to Rochester for the same purpose. Messrs. (Charles L.) Anderson and (Judson H.) Arnold are going to Palmyra, their place of residence, to get more volunteers, and we hope and expect that within two or three weeks at the latest, we shall be in Washington, or on our way thither.

Every man is in the best of spirits, not a word of complaint or dissatisfaction being heard from any one. We occupy the building that Captain Smith’s company had, and with stoves and blankets, we live very comfortably.

The “rations” are bountiful and tip-top. They are served up at the “St. Nicholas,” in good style, plain, very plain to be sure – the table service consisting of tin plates, quart tin cups, tin spoons and solid steel knives and forks – but every thing is nice, clean and relishable. The food will give no one the dyspepsia, but it is very productive of strength and health.

During Captain Reynolds’ absence, the company will be under the command of Lieutenant (Edwin A.) Loder.
Yours truly, G. B.

Barracks No. 3
Elmira, October 31, 1861
(Appeared Saturday Nov. 2, 1861)

Dear Union – I presume you know what it is to move. Who hasn’t had a hand at the business, and who hasn’t pronounced it a “great job?” If three moves are as bad as a fire, Capt. Reynolds’ Artillery Company must be considerably damaged, for yesterday it went through the process of moving for the second time since arriving in Elmira. Everything is all right and straight today, however, and we are not sensible of having received any damage in consequence of but two removals. Indeed we feel a thousand per cent better for the last change.

You perceive that my letter is dated at Barracks No. 3, the same barracks that were assigned us on our first arrival here. We took possession of our new quarters yesterday morning, and without question they are the best and most comfortable on the ground. They are not leaky, and the cold wind can’t come whistling through, but they are snug, warm, well lighted, and very pleasant. We occupy the first building at the right, facing Water street, the one assigned to Co. A, Col. Bailey’s Artillery Regiment. Our Company is now designated by that letter. In these barracks are quartered Col. (Thomas J.) Parker’s 64th Infantry Regiment, which, I think, has its full quota of men, or very nearly. (7) They are all uniformed, but not armed. Besides our own, there are six other unattached companies here, occupying the buildings vacated by Col. Bailey’s Regiment. (8) One is Artillery, one Infantry, and the remaining four Cavalry.

Yesterday afternoon Lieut. Loder returned from the headquarters of Gen. Van Valkenburgh with orders, assigning to the command of Capt. Reynolds all the unattached companies at Barracks No. 3, and during Capt. R.’s absence, the command to devolve on Lieut. Loder. This is certainly a great compliment to our Captain and Lieutenant, and speaks well for the estimation in which they are held by the General and staff. The companies seem very much pleased at these orders, and most assuredly we boys feel very happy over it.

The Elmira papers have doubtless furnished you the particulars of the review which occurred here on Monday afternoon of this week (Oct. 28). It was a grand and imposing demonstration, the greatest military display that ever took place in Elmira. About 4,500 troops were reviewed by Gen. Van Valkenburgh and staff, and when they were all drawn up into line two ranks deep, it extended three quarters of a mile.

Three regiments were uniformed, and the whole affair was very fine. In Col. Bailey’s 1st regiment of light artillery was a Utica company numbering 156 strong, in full dress, with sabres and everything complete. They were assigned to the right of the battalion, while our company was on the left; the two posts of honor in a military parade and review. It has been remarked to Lieut. Loder, who had command, that his company made the best flank and wheel movements and the best line of all the other companies reviewed. This was said by two of the staff. I noticed Col. H. (Harrison) S. Fairchild of your city among the high military dignitaries who reviewed the troops. (9) After the review the several regiments marched through the principal streets, and thousands and thousands turned out to see them. They were greeted and followed with vociferous cheers, by the waving of handkerchiefs and demonstrations of the greatest enthusiasm.

The review took place on the parade ground of these barracks. No better spot could have been selected. The ground is quite level and covers some ten or twelve acres. In point of situation, barracks No. 3 are pleasanter and in every respect better than any of the other barracks here. They command a beautiful prospect, and everything about them has most agreeably disappointed those who came here expecting to find all the inconveniences and privations generally associated with camp life. Instead of finding these they have found, not all the comforts and endearments that belong to home, but all that one needs to make him comfortable and contented. Plenty to eat, and drink, and wear, -- warm garments and many a pleasant feature incident only to a soldier’s life. And the object which has brought us here. Surely a man who would complain here, or who can complain under all these circumstances, would be likely to murmur and find fault though his life were all that wealth and ingenuity could devise to render easy and happy. Thank fortune we havn’t a grumbler in our company to my knowledge.

I musn’t close this letter without mentioning the new uniforms and stock of good, warm underclothing our company received on Tuesday of this week (Oct. 29). It was a good sight to the boys when they saw three large dry goods boxes delivered at the door of their barrack on the morning of the above day and witnessed the disclosure of their contents. Jackets of dark blue beaver, with red trimmings quite tasty and well made. Pants light blue and like those worn by infantry and cavalry. Overcoats with capes, and proof positive against frost and cold weather. Cotton shirts, woollen undershirts and cotton drawers, woollen socks – nice and warm – all these so pleasant to a soldier’s eye, were disclosed on opening and emptying the huge boxes.

Three hearty cheers went up for Lieut. Loder for his management and perseverance in getting this small clothing establishment into his possession against considerable odds with which he contended while trying to secure it, for there were several officers of other companies working for the same thing at the Quartermaster’s depot.

Every one in the company is furnished with all the under-clothing he wants, and each man has a jacket.

There were not enough overcoats and pants to go around, but the deficiency will be made up in a few days. All we wish for now are cannon to drill with, and these we shall doubtless have very shortly. Yes, another thing we want, and that is the full complement of men to complete the organization of our independent battery, and this, too, we shall have, I am certain, before ten more days or two weeks elapse. Letters from Capt. Reynolds and others who are recruiting for the company give us to understand that they are meeting with good success in the enterprise of getting volunteers for the artillery branch of military service. But I will not trespass on your patience any longer, so good-bye for the present. G.B.

Barracks No. 3
Elmira, Nov. 5, 1861
(Appeared Wednesday Nov. 6, 1861)

Dear Union – Who wouldn’t be a soldier when every thing is conducive to the pleasure and comfort of a soldier’s life? No doubt that there are privations and hardships, and many of them, too, associated with the experience of him who gives up home and its endearments for camp life. But truly we know nothing as yet of a soldier’s toils and trials. We have read of them only. So far we have nothing more than a theoretical knowledge of them. They may be, and probably are, in store for us, and sooner or later we shall probably know them experimentally. Since, however, we threw aside the garb of a civilian and donned the dress of a “soger boy,” our path has been a smooth, easy, and in every respect pleasant one. Every day, instead of lessening our like for camp life and its associations, only increases our fondness for it and them. Just think what a beautiful autumn the soldier has had granted him, and this, as much as any thing else, and perhaps more, is what has rendered camp life so very pleasant. Very little cold and rain, but day after day a mild, genial sun, warm, balmy air – in a word, the most delightful weather. It is no task to the soldier to perform guard duty – generally the most disagreeable feature of camp experience – when such splendid days and magnificent nights are almost constantly favored him. He rather covets the privilege of doing it and treads his “beat” with cheerful heart and light step.

But I didn’t commence this letter intending to discant on the beauties and pleasures of camp life. I only wish that many more might be induced to see and taste them, than those already experiencing them, and thus judge for themselves.

Yesterday there was another arrival at our camp, thanks to the energy of Lieut. Loder. Another large box, such as mentioned in a previous letter, was dislodged at the door of our palatial residence, and it wasn’t long before it, too, disclosed its contents. Seventy-two caps, with oil cloth covers and capes, were brought forth, and in two or three hours’ time the company presented altogether a different appearance from what it did before the arrival of the box. Every man had a new cap on, and there was no longer that variety, unpleasant and comical, in those instances of head coverings which had presented itself whenever the company had been drawn up in line. A new cap or hat, like a new bonnet, makes a wonderful change in the looks of a person. The caps furnished us are well made, of good cloth, and very tasty. We look more like soldiers now than ever.

A few more overcoats and pants, and we shall then be all uniformed, and these we expect daily.

A new order was promulgated last evening throughout these barracks. Heretofore morning parade has taken place at 8 o’clock, shortly after breakfast. In future it is to occur before breakfast, just after calling the morning roll, at half-past 6 o’clock. This new change didn’t seem to be taken with very good grace by the boys when they were first made acquainted with it, but a few moments’ reflection convinced them that it would be a capital thing to have them up early in the morning and get up a good appetite. Of course, early rising will, if not from choice of necessity, be a virtue with us hereafter, and I know of nothing now to prevent the truthfulness of Dr. Franklin’s old adage becoming verified in lines, viz; “Early to bed and early to rise, will make a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Our faith is a little wavering, however, as to the “wealthy” part of the maxim, on an income of $14 per month. (10)

Last night Capt. Reynolds returned from Rochester, bringing with him eleven new recruits. Several little matters of interest which I intended to mention are deferred. Very truly, G. B.

Albany Barracks
Fort Albany, Nov. 14, 1861
(Appeared Friday Nov. 15, 1861)

Dear Union – We have not yet reached Washington, but we have certainly made quite an advance toward that important and world renowned place, since my last letter was written you. As early as three o’clock yesterday morning there began to be a general stir among the boys at our quarters in Elmira, cries of “turn out, turn out” sounding from one end of the building to the other, and a few minutes witnessed officers and men all up and dressed, their trunks, valises or carpet bags all packed, blankets thrown over their shoulders, ready to start for the depot and take their departure for Albany.

The order came, “Get into line,” and soon we were on the march, headed by the Band attached to Col. Parker’s 64th Regiment, and escorted by several companies.

Another Artillery Company, Capt. (Lorenzo) Crounse’s, with 50 or 60 men, quartered in the same barracks where we were, had received orders to leave for Albany with us, and the two companies filled three or four cars. (11) We did not get away Tuesday morning (Nov. 12) as anticipated, it being necessary to remain in Elmira that day to “swear in” a number of new recruits who had come from Rochester the night previous, and then we wished to elect our 2d Lieutenant. Gilbert H. Reynolds was elected to that position by the unanimous voice of the company. Three good cheers were given for our newly elected and popular officer, with calls for a speech, to which he made a neat and happy response.

Our trip from Elmira to Albany was particularly delightful. There was fun and pleasure the whole distance. We went to Jefferson, and there embarked on the boat J. H. Field for Geneva. The ride to Jefferson was over a branch of the Erie Road. We passed through two or three pleasantly situated and apparently thriving towns, and whoever has ridden in the wide cars which run over the Erie Railroad knows how comfortable and easy they are. The pleasantest part of our journey, however, was on the above mentioned boat, on Lake Seneca, one of the most beautiful little lakes in our country. Its width is two, and its length forty miles, and on either side the country and its surroundings are as fine and charming as the eye generally falls on. There is a gentle declivity to the shore, presenting to the view a lovely and varied landscape, but the country becomes very level as you approach Geneva. No better farming land can possibly be found, I think, than that lying on both sides of Seneca Lake. (12)

The steamer in which we rode was small, but fast, and perhaps you can imagine the good times we soldier boys had aboard; not especially lively but nice and quiet. There was a lively season for about an hour, when breakfast was announced. The eating room was too small to accommodate us all at once, and so we had to eat in squads. The rush of each squad at every fresh laying and replenishment of the table was terrific. Your correspondent happened to be in the second attack, and before he reached the room where the rations were served up, he thought surely that his life would be squeezed out of him. But he was amply rewarded when the table was reached.

Arriving in Geneva at 10 o’clock, we immediately took the cars, after a march of half a mile, and in three hours we were in Syracuse. It may be blowing one’s own trumpet to speak in praise of one’s own company, but I guess what I am about to tell you will be pardonable, if it does savor a little of self praise. When at Geneva, Cayuga and Syracuse, the remark was made by citizens of each of those places, who saw us as a company, that it was the finest company that had made its appearance in their respective towns during the war. This was not addressed to the company personally or collectively, but the remark was overheard by some of us, as these gentlemen commented on our looks among themselves. Of course it didn’t make us feel at all badly to hear so good an opinion expressed as to our behaviour and appearance. Whether we merited it or not, we couldn’t help elevating our heads a little higher, and stepping off with a more dignified air. We shall try, however, to prove ourselves worthy of the high opinion entertained towards us.

At Syracuse we “spread our bread and butter” which we had taken with us in the shape of rations from Elmira – in the cars, and it was eaten with a relish. A soldier’s appetite is a wonderful thing. It very rarely fails him, and it is a very essential matter that it should be gratified. Who knows but part of the Bull Run battle defeat is attributable to a weak stomach, consequent upon a want of something to eat?

Our journey from Syracuse to Albany was marked by one particular circumstance only. A little boy, about twelve years old, came on board west of Herkimer and entertained us with three or four songs, sung with a voice clear as a crystal and which shrilled like a whistle. He was dressed in a Zouave costume and is a real musical prodigy. (13) While the little fellow was singing, a Utica paper came to hand announcing the news of our glorious naval victory. (14) It electrified us more than the singing had, which being of a national and excellent order, was considerably electrifying. If there is any person who is interested in the success of the Federal arms more than any other, it is the patriotic and intelligent reader. It is he who not only feels, and thinks and talks about the success of our cause, but he embodys feeling, thought and speech in action. Yes, when news of a Federal victory comes wafting to his ears, over the electric wire, he rejoices with a peculiar joy. Hip, hurrah, for the late great naval expedition.

We arrived in Albany at eight o’clock in the evening, and were met at the depot by music and an escort of two hundred artillery. We immediately proceeded to our barracks, a description of which I must defer till another letter. Let me here say that they are the best and pleasantest I ever saw. Far ahead of those in Elmira. Everything is just about right. We thought we lived handsomely at our recently vacated quarters, but hope – well, you may think I look through two bright and beautiful glasses, but really it is very delightful in our new quarters.

Reports may finally reach you of our having received immediate marching orders to Washington, but we have not as yet received them, tho’ it is possible we may some time during the week. It has been rumored since our arrival that we are to be all attached to Col. Bailey’s regiment, as there are to be twelve companies in his regiment instead of eight. Capt. Reynolds has this afternoon had an interview with Gen. (John F.) Rathbone, and he told our Captain that (New York) Gov. (Edwin D.) Morgan would, no doubt, stand by his word and see that we remained an independent battery. (15) Capt. Reynolds is to have an interview with the Governor this evening, and I presume our acceptance as an independent company will not be interfered with.

Our Captain speaks in the highest terms of Gen. Rathbone, one of the finest men he ever met, and his staff are of the same character. The General said that the reputation of the Rochester Artillery Company had preceded its arrival, and that no military corps had ever came to this depot which stood higher. Yours truly, G.B.

Albany Barracks
Fort Albany, Nov. 16, 1861
(Appeared Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1861)

Dear Union: Reports have become facts – rumors are verities. We are off to Washington next week Wednesday (Nov. 20) – perhaps Tuesday – and we are going in Col. Bailey’s regiment. This is settled. Orders have come, to this effect, and they are imperative. Well, some of the company feel sorry, or sorrowful, over these orders, or in prospect of another breaking-up and removal. On the contrary, I think that all feel delighted at the idea of being so soon ordered to the seat of war, notwithstanding we have just got nicely settled here in our new quarters. To be sure, when the information first came that we should be attached to Colonel Bailey’s regiment, there was some disappointment felt and dissatisfaction expressed, in consequence of our not going as an independent corps. To get us accepted as an independent battery had been attended with some labor and expense, and we confidently expected that we should go as such when marching orders were received. We regarded our going in that capacity as affording a better opportunity for distinction and efficiency than would be given us were we to go in Bailey’s regiment. But after all, our being under Col. B.’s command will not interfere with our independence of action. It is not likely that all the companies in his regiment will ever act together when called to do service. They may be separated hundreds of miles. One company may be detailed to operate with this regiment or brigade, while another may be assigned to some other field of military exploits. (16) The only difference in going as an independent company, and as a part of Bailey’s regiment is, that when we arrive in Washington, instead of appearing on the war record as an independent battery, we shall be entered as belonging to Col. Bailey’s regiment, which is to be divided into three battalions – four companies each.

I have said that the boys felt delighted at the prospect of seeing the Capital next week. Yes, they are all anxious to be near the scene of conflict waging for our rights and liberties, and to be participants in the great work of upholding the Republic of America.

Col. (William Farquhar) Barry, Chief of Artillery, sent orders to Gov. Morgan to send us, with three other artillery companies quartered here, immediately to Washington, and this is why we go so soon. (17)

General Rathbone and Adjutant General (Thomas) Hillhouse (18) have assured Captain Reynolds that he shall be permitted to go right on and fill up his company to 130 or 150 men. The Captain will detail one or two Sergeants to go to Rochester and vicinity to recruit, and as fast as men enlist they will be sent to this depot for encampment and instruction.

A few words about our quarters here. They are very pleasant, as I stated in my last letter. The building we occupy is a large wooden one, some four hundred feet in length, constructed comfortably and warmly with matched boards and a mastic roof. It is divided into five equal apartments, an entry between each, and every room is as light and warm as a house. One of the largest size stoves of the McGregor pattern stands near the centre of each room, and its heating virtues have been well tested this cold and Novemberish day. There is another building like that we occupy just southeast of us, where are quartered a cavalry regiment, which passed through Rochester last Saturday. In front of each building is a fine wide plank walk, wide enough to drill on.

The grounds are nice, covering about five or six acres. Some portions are quite rolling, which make it objectionable for drilling purposes. North of us is a fine grove, which is the commencement of a dense forest extending four miles. The buglers of the several companies practice with their instruments in this grove. There is a battery of four pieces on the drill grounds, and they give quite a warlike appearance to the barracks. The cannon are from the Arsenal here, (brass) and of the same size and calibre as those in the Rochester Armory.

A little south-west of the barracks assigned us are those where the Ellsworth Regiment was quartered, now occupied by two infantry regiments. They are brick, four stories high, and present a very imposing sight. The building resembles in appearance the Rochester House of Refuge. (19) There are two long wings to the main edifice, with a terrace to each. This building was erected for an Industrial School, but after its completion was rejected on account of the walls being considered weak and unsafe. Since the war began it has been used by the soldiers who have encamped at this depot. Its strength and safety have been fully tested, and I don’t think any person would now condemn the structure as unfit for occupancy.

It is in the basement of this building where the soldiers in both barracks have dealt to them their rations. There are several rooms connected by entries, and short tables, each capable of accommodating 14 persons, are placed on both sides of the rooms. Not more than 400 or 500 can be seated at one time, and with three or four regiments to feed, this makes the arrangements about eating bad. Our turn to be served happens to come last, being the last company that has quartered here. The result is, that we have a late breakfast, dinner and supper. The boys consider that they “put up” at a very fashionable hotel – too fashionable for patience and a good appetite. We miss some delicacies that we enjoyed in Elmira. For instance, mush and milk, rice with golden syrup, and the inevitable “beans on a trencher,” which latter dish the 13th regiment had so much to tell about. (20) The denial of these varieties, however, is somewhat compensated by our being treated almost every evening to ham with mustard. And then we have butter twice a day, and coffee, or an imitation of it, ditto, and cold beef so frequently that the boys declare it is time it should be “played out.” Who wouldn’t be a soldier, I ask again, with such a sumptuous fare served up daily? One of our company sold a farm that he might cast in his lot with us and go a soldiering. Bravo for him.

We are nearly two miles from the State capitol, in the northeast part of the city. On Monday next (Nov. 18) we expect to receive the balance of our clothing or uniforms. The Adjutant General says every man shall be equipped before he goes to Washington.

But no more this time. My next letter will probably be written at the heart of the nation. Good-bye till then. Yours truly, G.B.

Albany, Nov. 21
(Appeared Saturday, Nov. 23, 1861)

Dear Union – I thought surely that the next communication that I addressed to you would be written at Washington. I did not anticipate that when Capt. Reynolds’ Company left for the seat of war, I should be left behind. But the Company is gone, has just taken its departure for the National Capital, and Lieut. (Charles L.) Anderson of the Company and myself still remain in Albany.

We remain, not to tarry here however, but to proceed to Palmyra and Rochester, having been delegated to return to those places to get more recruits.

Gen. Rathbone has given orders to fill up the company to 156 men, and we have been appointed to do the business. We hope and expect speedy success in the enterprise, for now that the company is in Washington – or will be there by Saturday – now that it is really in the United States service, under the command and review of Gen. McClellan, established on a good basis, composed of the best of men and of every prospect of acquiring distinction and doing efficient work, there is every inducement for those desirous of serving their country, but who have as yet withheld their services to enlist in the company which we represent. (21)

A busy, a very busy day, this has been with Capt. Reynolds’ Company. The boys were up bright and early this morning, for it was a certain thing their leaving for Washington to-night as they had been told to get everything in readiness preparatory to their departure. Having been furnished with knapsacks, haversacks and canteens, it became necessary to dispense with trunks, carpetbags and valises, and to pack such traps only as were actually needed for their comfort, and which they could conveniently carry in their respective “kits.” (22) Each man’s blanket was snugly rolled up and strapped on top of his knapsack, attached to the bottom of which was a quart tin cup, while every haversack contained a tin plate, knife, fork and spoon. At six o’clock all were ready to start on the journey to which they had looked forward with much delight. The order to go to Washington had been longed for, and now there was to be realization of wishes. Three other artillery companies, consisting of Capt. (George W.) Cothran’s Lockport Company, Capt. (Michael) Weidrich’s Buffalo Company and Capt. (Albert Von Puttkammer) Puthamer’s Albany Company, were to leave at the same time. (23) They were escorted to the boat – the New World I think is the boat they embarked on – by a part of Col. (Jacob) Fredendall’s infantry regiment, accompanied by a large number of spectators. (24) Our own boys made a fine appearance with their blue overcoats and bright new knapsacks, and marched off in good cheer. It was hard to realize the mission on which they were going, for their happy manner did not denote the toils and dangers which perhaps are in store for them. God bless and protect them! was the prayer of our heart as we witnessed their departure. They have gone forward to do battle for a noble cause, and may the God of armies guide them on to victory.

The company held another election to-day, by order of Gen. Rathbone, before leaving for Washington. Two more Lieutenants were elected. Charles L. Anderson, of Palmyra, who has taken a very active and efficient part in filling up the company since its first organization, and whose conduct and soldier-like appearance have won for him the esteem and good wishes of us all, was elected to the position of 2d Lieutenant, and the“ subscriber” (Breck) had the same honor conferred upon him. The company now has two 1st Lieutenants – E. A. Loder and G. H. Reynolds – and two 2d Lieutenants.

I cannot close this hastily written letter without saying a word in regard to Brig. Gen. Rathbone. Too much praise cannot be bestowed on this gentleman. Every soldier and officer who has had business to transact with him speaks of him in unqualified terms of praise. Ever ready to listen to any requests you may have to make or to help you in anything pertaining to the duties of his office, and always desirous of pleasing and accommodating you to the utmost of his ability. In being thus accommodating, however, he is very scrupulous not to transcend his official obligations or to violate any rules of strict military order. He is possessed of a wonderful activity of mind and energy of character, displaying quickness of thought and promptness of action really remarkable. It has been frequently remarked by those who know him that he is capable of performing more business in one hour than ordinary men can perform in twenty-four hours. Capt. Reynolds and company feel truly grateful to him for the kind and prompt assistance and many favors rendered them during their stay in Albany. I don’t know how to better describe him as a man and a soldier than to say that he is magnificent.

If time permitted I should like to speak of Adj. Gen. Hillhouse, who is also the man for the present emergency and for the position he fills. Yours truly, G.B.

While Breck was in Rochester recruiting, Battery L moved to Washington, D.C., and encamped a mile from the Capitol at Camp Barry. Capt. John A. Reynolds kept Breck’s readers informed. “Perhaps you would like to know what our camp equipage consists of,” he wrote on Nov. 30. “In the first place there are the tents. Those we have are called the Sibley tents; large, in the shape of a cone; some eighteen or twenty feet in diameter, and fifteen feet high – sufficient, when necessary, to crowd close from sixteen to eighteen men. (25) Each man brought from Albany with him a bed-tick – which is now filled with straw – a blanket, besides his full uniform.

“There are to each tent two large camp kettles and two mess pans, all iron. The kettles hold as much as a large pail, and are used for making coffee, heating water, etc. The pans are about the size of dish-pans, and are used for cooking pork, potatoes, rice, etc. From each tent there is one appointed as cook, who usually does all the cooking for the men in his tent for a week or a month, and is relieved from all other duty. The boys are all well pleased with their fare and in good spirits. I forgot to mention each tent is furnished with a stove, so the boys have no trouble in keeping warm.” (26)

Relatives and friends back in Rochester shipped 1,200 pounds of poultry, cakes, fruits, jellies and other materials for a “substantial Christmas dinner” to the battery. The food arrived a day late. (27)

Breck on the eve of his departure to rejoin the battery, was presented a saber and belt by several Rochesterians as a testimony of their “esteem and respect.” Alas, Breck was not in when the committee called at his residence, but he sent a response to the Union and Advertiser. (28) “With the help of the God of Battles,” Breck wrote, “I shall endeavor so to discharge my duty as not to weaken that esteem and confidence which you have ever manifested in my behalf.”

Transcribed And Donated By Bob MarcotteTranscribed And Donated By Bob Marcotte
​​​​​​​Robert E. Marcotte
Rochester, N.Y.
February 2005