1864 October 10 Camp Stoneman

Dearest Mother
the last time you
heard from me I was at Camp
Chemung, Elmira.
We were paid last Wednesday
our state bounty. $33.00 and at 6 P.M.
we left the city of muc and bugs
for Dixie; we rode all night
through the wildest and most romantic
part of Pa. where there were very
high mountains and deep gorges; we
were all very much disappointed, since
it was impossible to see anything,
we arrived at Williamsport Just at
break of day; from there to Harrisburg
the capitol of the State, we rode
continually on the banks of the broad
Susquehanna, a distance of about 75
miles, when we first met it, it was
but a moderate stream, but when
[p.2]
we left it below Harrisburg it was over
1 1/2 miles broad. The ride was a

delightful one, replete in splendid
scenery and fine views: we arrived
at Baltimore about 9 oclock the next
eve. There we remained in the cars
all night, in the morning we
marched to the southern depot. I
was continually thinking of the reception
the Baltimorians gave the 6th
Mass three years ago.
the monument is huge, it
greatly exceeded my expectations.
The city is the most beautiful I
ever saw, it is built exclusively
of brick and stone. Arrived at the
depot, we were served to a very
fine breakfast at the Soldier's
Reception Rooms; we remained
in the city till noon. I got leave
of the Major to ramble a little.
The commissary and I went up to
Federal Hill, where there is a
[p. 3]
fort mounting 41 guns, it was from
this hill that Maj. Gen. Butler held
the city at the beginning of the war.
While in the city two or three
of our men were poisoned, and one
poor Wisconsin Volunteer laid himself
down to die in the street, from the
effects of poison rec'd. from traitorous
hands. From Baltimore to Washington
the ride was most beautiful, constantly
we saw the depredation committed
by the Rebs, last June, several fine
viaducts were being built. The former
ones being blown up. We arrived in
Washington at 3 P.M., the dome of the
capitol was in plain view over
Nine miles from the city. We were
marched to the Soldier's Rest, where
we obtained a supper of slops &
bread, then we took up our duds
and went directly by the capitol,
the great center of Legislation.
The building is massive as well
[p. 4]
magnificent. The right wing
is not yet completed, and I
believe the frescoing is yet to be
finished. From Washington we came
up here to Camp Stoneman a distance
of seven miles. After two days in ess-
cort riding, and with scarcely any
sleep for two nights such a tramp
was very fatigueing. And then we
had to lay on mother earth all
night, with no covering but our
blankets. It was rather tough for
us raw boys, a hard beginning, but
we put on a good face. We are
in our tents now and have begun
drilling, we were at it three hours
to day. My health never was better.
I guess you would laugh to see
Addison C. and I who are mess-mates
get a meal of victuals; port now is
quite luxury, since it bread & coffee is
all we get. I think I am growing fat
already. Now, Mother do not worry
about me, for I am getting along
[written in left margin on p. 4]
all right, it is most supper time. Ad. is making the coffee and my sheet is full
[written in top margin on p. 4]
So good bye Your affect son Hervey
[written in side & top margin on p. 1]
I have written several times to James & you, but have not rec'd.
anything yet. Now do write direct
Sergt. H.E. Eaton Com H 2nd
N.Y.S. Vols. Camp Stoneman
Washington, D.C.

Benjamin Franklin Butler (1818-1893) His unautorized pre-emptory occupation of Baltimore in May of 1861 led to his dismissal by Winfield Scott and a few days later to his promotion to Major General by Abraham Lincoln.