Jonas Weed 1606 - 1676

Most of my ancestors have been Irish. Of my eight great-grandparents, seven of them came to this country from Ireland. My ancestry of my great-grandmother, Sarah Weed, was German and English. Her mother (my 2nd great-grandmother), Mary Hare, was of German ancestry, her family coming to the Mohawk River Valley of New York State in the early 1700's. Her father (my 2nd great-grandfather), Fellows Weed, was of English ancestry, his family came to Massachusetts in the 1600's.

I have written a short report on Jonas Weed, my eighth great-grandfather and the first of the Weeds in America.

Although there is no documented proof, numerous references to the Weed family state that Jonas was the son of Jonas Weed and Mary Jane Davidson of Stanwick, Northhamptonshire in England's East Anglia area and that he was born about 1606. Information from another Weed researcher, citing baptismal records of the parish church for Chelveston in Northhamptonshire at the Public Records Office in Northampton, notes the following baptisms:

     Elizabeth Weed, daughter of John Weed, baptised 10 October 1587
     Leonard Weed, son of John Weed, baptised 19 January 1589
     Ann Weed, daughter of John Weed, baptised 25 May 1593
     George Weed, son of John Weed, baptised 2 February 1596
     Jonas Weed, son of John Weed, baptised 20 February 1597
     Richard Weed, son of John Weed, baptised 1 June 1601

This Jonas Weed, baptised in 1597, seems to be the right age to be the Jonas Weed of Stamford noted by John Winthrop in his medical journal in 1668 as being 70 years old.

Jonas came to the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the fleet with Sir Richard Saltonstall and Governor Winthrop in 1630. In all, seventeen ships arrived in New England from England that year. The Arbella was one of four in this Winthrop fleet, the others being the Jewel, the Ambrose, and the Talbot. Jonas, and other members of this Puritan group, originally set sail on March 29 of that year and, after some difficulities, finally set sail from Yarmouth at the Isle of Wight and the Arbella reached Massachusetts on June 12, 1630. The Jewell arrived the following day; the Ambrose arrived on June 18; and the Talbot arrived on July 2.

The Arbella left most of its passengers at Salem but Jonas Weed moved on Watertown, MA. It was here that Jonas settled and where he was made a freeman on 18 May 1631. He did not settle long in Watertown, however, as in 1635 he was a first settler in Wethersfield, CT, and later was one of the founders of Stamford, CT in 1641.

In May of 1635 he was one of six dismissed from the Watertown Church to form a new church on the Connecticut River at Wethersfield. Colonial records note than at a Court held at Newton on April 26, 1636:

"Whereas there was a dismission granted by the Church of Watertown in Massachusetts dated 29th of Ma[ ] last to Andrew Ward, Jo: Sherman, Jo: Strickland, Rob'te Coo, Rob'te Reynolds & Jonas Weede, wth intent to forme a newe Ch: Covennte in this River of Connecticut, the sade prties hase soe accordingly done with the publicke allowance of the rest of the members of the saide Churches, as by certificate nowe prduced apprs. It is therefore, in this prsent Cort, ratified & confirmined, they prmising shortlie and publiquely to renewe the saide Covenant vppon notice to the rest of the Churches."

It was in Wethersfield, in 1637, that Jonas married his wife, Mary. Different sources have Jonas' wife as Mary Hoyt and others as Mary Scofield. Neither, however, have been proven. In 1639, Wethersfield along with Windsor and Suckiang (the present day Hartford) joined together to form the Connecticut Colony, and, in that same year, Jonas is listed as a Juror in Wethersfield. Also, Wethersfield was the birthplace of the first three children of Jonas and Mary: Elizabeth, Mary and Dorcas. Jonas Weed's home in Wethersfield was at the extreme northern end of the Eastern side of the present High Street. It's position is indicated by his name on the 1640 map of the town in "The History of Ancient Wethersfield."

In about 1641, Jonas and his family were among the families to found Stamford, CT. Jonas and Mary remained in Stamford and it was here that their remaining six children were born.

His will, dated 26 November 1672, was inventoried on 7 November 1676. Mentioned in his will were: his wife Mary; eldest son John; son Daniel; son Jonas; daughter Mary, wife of George Abbot; daughter Dorcas, wife of James Wright; son Samuel; to John Rockwell, five shillings, and 5 pounds sterling in Daniel's hands for Elizabeth; daughter Sarah, "if she return to the truth"; daughter Hannah, wife of Benjamin Hoit. Executors of his will were wife Mary, and son John.

The will, from the Fairfield Probate Records, is as follows:

The Last Will and testament of Jonas Weed Sr who first doth give up his soul to his Lord Jesus Christ and his Body to an honorable burial and for his outward estate he doth as follows: he doth give and bequeath unto his wife Mary Weed the house she now lives in and the use of the homlot with two acres of meadow and two acres of upland lying in the east field during her lifetime: And [line smudged] all belonging to it: And his [line smudged] pan: and more to [line smudged] of his estate [line smudged].

2ly he doth give and bequeath to his eldest Sonn John Weed Two Acres of Meadowe lying in Rock creek and more to the vallu of five pounds.

3ly he doth give unto his Sonn David Weed the full and Just sum of Ten pounds: for the Said Ten pounds he is to give that peece of Meadowe Lying in the east field in that neck comonly called Mr [Lands?] neck if he with the rest doe agree in the [words smudged] thay may yf Soe much: then he is to have the remainder of my other things.

4ly he doet give unto his Sonn Jonas Weed the Sum of one pounds.

5ly he doth give unto his daughter Mary Abbot the wife of Georg Abbot the Sum of Thirty Shillings.

6ly he doth give unto his Daughter Dorcas: the wife of James wright the sum of ten shillings.

7ly he doth give unto his Sonn Samuel the Sum of Twenty Pounds.

8ly he doth give unto John Rockwell the sum of five shillings and doth leave the vallu of five pounds in Daniels hand for Elizabeth.

9ly he doth give to his daughter Sarah the Sum of five shillings: And in case shee doe returne agayne to the Truth then he doth by will unto her the Sum of five pounds.

10ly he doth give unto his daughter Hannah Benj: Hoits the Sum of Ten pound.

Moreover it is his will that yf his estate doth not amount unto ye Just Sum as above they shallshare out of the above proportionably: And yf his estate [?] [?] to [?] the Sum as above then it is his will that they shall each and every of them advance proportionably to what [?] of them have received : Also he doth by will Impore his wife Mary Weed and his Sonn Daniel and his Sonn Jonas Weed to Administer upon his Estate acording to [will?].

Jonas died in Stamford on 5 June, 1676, and Mary died, also in Stamford, on 10 March 1689.

Children of John and Mary Weed:

• Elizabeth b. 1637.
  
• Mary b. ca. 1639.
  
• Dorcas b. ca. 1640.
  
• John b. ca. 1643.
  
• Jonas b. 1647.
  
• Daniel b. 1652.
  
• Sarah b. 1654
  
• Child b. 1656.
  
  

Caribbean Cruise

Spent a very enjoyable seven days last week aboard Holland America's MS Westerdam. This was the first Caribbean cruise that we had taken in probably ten years. Lately we have taken 14 to 18 day cruises across the Atlantic in the Spring and then a longer one in the Fall. It is so much different between those and the one week cruises in the Caribbean. The passengers on the longer cruises are older and the ships much nicer. However, even a mediocre one week cruise is better than staying home!

Here is yours truly kayaking on Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas.




This cruise was the one that Nancy one last Fall when we were cruising in the Pacific. We originally upgraded to a outside cabin and we didn't care if it was obstructed (ie, a life boat was right outside our window), we just wanted to know when the sun was up. We booked an 'obstructed' cabin and didn't care which cabin or which deck. As a result, we were guaranteed at least that but the cruise line could put us anyplace. Two weeks before the cruise that we had been upgraded to a 'partially obstructed' cabin. Not bad. When we checked in on the day the cruise started we found that they had changed our cabin number and when we reached the cabin - lo and behold - it was a verandah cabin so we had our own balcony for the week. I suspect that the upgrade to the verandah was based on the number of days that we have cruised on Holland American Line (about 160 days or so.)

54th Regiment - 1864 - Part IV

The final 1864 entries in the Union and Advertiser. As noted earlier, the Regiment was mustered out in November and returned home to Rochester.

Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 1, 1864, p. 2

THE 54TH AT ELMIRA—NEGLECT OF THE GOVERNMENT—It has been conceded on all hands that the 54th is a model regiment and has so conducted itself at Elmira as to win the respect of both citizens and Federal officials. One would suppose that such a regiment, performing important duty, would receive its due if its service were appreciated. Such is not the case however. The government officials have steadily refused to furnish night shelter for the guard which is so indispensible and the cost of which is so small compared with what is expended in a thousand ways of less consequence. These cold, wet and foggy nights sixty members of the 54th, who act as reserve guard to act in an emergency, are denied shelter. They hover in groups about a fire with the rain pouring upon them, or if not rain a fog which is quite as bad. A rough board shanty would shelter them, and they are told they can have such if they will construct it at their own expense.

It is exposure of this kind that endangers the health of the men and causes most of the illness that prevails.

Again, the regiment is denied a building in which to deposit its commissary stores when they have been drawn. This neglect naturally makes the men of the 54th feel dissatisfied, and they will not be likely to renew their period of enlistment. They may be ordered to stay another hundred days, and if so will as good soldiers perhaps feel bound to obey; but they will not feel that their efforts to please have been appreciated and rewarded by the government.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 3, 1864, p. 2

REBELS ELECTIONEERING FOR LINCOLN—The Elmira Advertiser, a very unscrupulous and we need not add, indiscreet organ of Lincoln, gives publicity to a letter from a rebel prisoner in the pen at Elmira, advocating the re-election of Lincoln. The writer is no doubt what he claims to be, a "Johnny Reb," and hopes to see Lincoln re-elected. He but expresses the sentiment of the rebel leaders at the South who conspired with the northern engineers of disunion to elect him in 1860.

This "Johnny Reb" claims a hearing through the Advertiser, on the ground that he has an interest in this, his native country. Though a private in the rebel army, he presumes to tell the public what the rebel leaders think. Having, as he claims, the views and the confidence of the rebel leaders, he goes on to say that McClellan is an untried man and it will not be safe to elect him President. This fellow says he has been in the South till quite recently and no idle spectator. He has been fighting the Federal armies for three or four years now having been caught and caged, has consented to be used to electioneer against McClellan. McClellan don’t want the support of such a traitor. Lincoln is welcome to him.

This "Johnny Reb" suggests that if he can not have his liberty he will be a Union man but does not promise to be [rest of the sentence undecipherable].

The [ ] for Lincoln, has the following paragraph:

Two rebel prisoners were released yesterday, according to the order of the War Department in such cases.

Wonder if "Johnny Reb"—who recently came from the South, and who was not an idle spectator while there—is not one of the two liberated. If he was he will soon make his way south and have a "heap of fun" over the joke he played on old Abe.
Again we say, let Old Abe have the support of the Rebels who know so much, and who have fought so hard against the flag of the Union.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 4, 1864, p. 2

FROM THE 54TH REGIMENT—A Babbler who writes to the Democrat and pretends to be attached to the 54th Regiment now at Elmira, has a great deal to say about the Union, for which the Union does not care a straw. The fellow tells about the decline of McClellan and Seymour stock at Elmira. He knows the he is writing falsehood and he knows that the regiment to which he is attached, the 54th, has a majority of McClellan man in it. We have invited him to have a canvass made of the regiment to show how it stands. He dare not do it for it would give the lie to his statements. We have published a canvass of the officers, showing some three to one for McClellan, but he does not allude to it.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 7, 1864, p. 1

Under the "All Sorts of Paragraphs" section

—Twelve hundred sick rebel prisoners are to be sent from Elmira to Point Lookout for exchange. They will probably leave next Saturday.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 11, 1864, p. 2

BETTER FROM ELMIRA—An officer from Elmira says the construction of a guard house for the shelter of the soldiers of our city when on guard duty has at length been commenced. The new commander of the post, Col. Tracy, has made the order. Better late than never that our soldiers should be protected from cold, rain and fog when standing on duty at night. The drawing for a guard house was made by Lt. Geo. Fraunberger of the Grays Battery. The house is 65 by 20 feet, and will accommodate 75 men with beds in which all may sleep or rest.—Attached to the house is a prison.

The officers of the 54th took a vote the other day and there was a majority of eight for McClellan. The Grays Battery is far more decidedly a McClellan organization, but unfortunately the officers and men cannot be at home to vote as their time expires a day or two after the election.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 12, 1864, p. 2

READING MATTER FOR PRISONERS—The Army Committee of the Elmira Young Men's Christian Association appeal to the Rochester Y.M.C.A. to aid them in procuring suitable reading for the multitude of rebel prisoners at that place. The committee in charge of hospital service, &c. here, will be glad to respond to this appeal, one of our members having been in co-operation with the Elmira committee for some time. And we ask that all who desire to improve the moral and spiritual condition of these prisoners will send such books, tracts and papers as they are willing to spare to the Tract Depository No, 75 State st. where they will be taken care of by the Young Men's Christian Association and forwarded to Elmira for the use of prisoners.

It is hardly necessary to add that they are eager to obtain reading, and arrangements are made for its proper distribution and care.

The Bible and tract societies have already done much in their departments. Please send promptly to 75 State st.
M. Seward
Chairman

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 18, 1864, p. 2

REGIMENTAL HOP—The officers of the 54th Reg. Give a hop to-night at Baker's Dining Hall, Camp Chemung, Elmira. Messrs. Clark, Sellinger, Westcott, Briggs, Brown and Flint are the managers. We are indebted for an invitation to be present, which would be cheerfully responded to if business would permit.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 19, 1864, p. 2

THE HEBREW FESTIVAL—The festival given last night at Washington Hall, by the Hebrew Benevolent Society, was in all particulars a pleasant, social affair. There was a large attendance of our most respectable citizens, and all appeared to enjoy themselves very much. The committee who had charge were attentive to duty and did all they could to have the party pleasant and satisfactory to guests. Dancing began at 9 o'clock and continued till late into the morning hours, when the guests withdrew to carry pleasant recollections of the Hebrew Festival of 1864.

Those who have usually attended the pleasant parties given by this association, missed last night, a number of well known families of the Hebrew congregation who are generally present and contribute to the pleasure of the occasions. They were absent in consequence of family afflictions—bereavements by death, which forbade their participation in festivities of this character.

The following note to the committee of invitation explains itself:

HEADQUARTERS 54TH REGIMENT, N.Y.N.G.
ELMIRA, October 15, 1864
Messrs. Hays, Rosenblatt and Hays, Com., &c.:

GENTLEMEN:—I have received your very polite invitation, on the part of the Hebrew Benevolent Society of the city of Rochester, to attend their annual ball on the 18th Inst.

It would give me great pleasure under any circumstances to be present and share in the festivities of that occasion, but more particularly at this time, and if I could by my presence do anything towards the promotion of the object which the name of your society indicates to be the object of the association, I would make great sacrifices to do so. "Whoso giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord." My duties, however, are of such a nature as wholly to preclude the possibility of my being present on the occasion.

You will please present my best wishes for the success of your society to the association you represent and my obligations for the attention they have been pleased to show me, and accept for yourselves, personally, the assurances of my high regard.
With regret I am also obliged to state that the absence of our friend Lt. A. Rosenthal from his regiment cannot be obtained except upon the approval of authority superior to myself and will be by them refused. The presence of that worthy and efficient officer in the command of his company is esteemed highly necessary by my superior officers.

I am, very respectfully,
Your ob'dt serv't,
C. H. Clark [Clark, Charles H.]


————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 20, 1864, p. 2

MILITARY PARTY—Newman's Band, attached to the 54th Regiment announce a grand military and civic party at Concert Hall, Elmira. The Elmira papers speak of the party as promising much pleasure to the military and citizens of their town.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 24, 1864, p. 2

A NEW COMMISSION AT ELMIRA—Col. Wisner of the Livingston Regiment, Capt. Darrow of the Grays' Battery, and Capt. West of the Veterans, have been appointed by the military authorities at Elmira members of a commission to investigate sundry charges against officers. Col. Wisner is President of the commission. It entertains charges and prepares the testimony to be presented to court-martial—it is a sort of grand inquest to indict if there is testimony. The commission has plenty of business at hand. The robberies of substitutes by the guards sent with them to Washington is among the matters considered by this commission.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: October 31, 1864, p. 2

RETURN OF THE 54TH REGIMENT—The one hundred days of the 54th Regiment will expire on the 2nd instant, we believe. A letter from one of the officers states that they were preparing to break camp to-night and leave for Rochester to-morrow morning. Of this, however, he is not quite certain.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 1, 1864, p. 2

City Defence:

The recent alarm at Buffalo through fear of a raid of outlaws from Canada, has caused some uneasiness here in view of the fact that we have no military here. The Andrew Jackson Association, as will be seen by the following, has tendered its services to the Mayor to perform any duty he may require. As the 54th Regiment will return to-morrow, it is not likely that the Mayor will require the aid of any other organized body for city defence:

Rochester, Nov. 1, 1864
To Mayor Brackett:

We have the honor to transmit to you the following preamble and resolution adopted by our Association last evening:

Whereas, Our sister city, Buffalo, has been disturbed by outlaws and desperadoes from Canada, and as the like has been threatened against our own—our military being away from home, leaving us defenseless against the lawless mobs—be it

Resolved, The Andrew Jackson Association hereby tender their services to the Mayor, and are subject to his call in case of defence or for whatever lawful purpose he may deem necessary.
Truly yours,
A. G. Wheeler, President
Wm. M'Carthy, Vice. Pres't
Jos. Schute

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 1, 1864, p. 2

RETURN OF THE 54TH REGIMENT—A note from Adjutant Charles A. Brackett of the 54th states that the regiment will leave Elmira to-morrow (Wednesday) at six A.M. by special train for this city. The train will probably not arrive here before noon.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 2, 1864, p. 2

THE 54TH REGIMENT NOT TO RETURN TO-DAY—It was expected that the 54th Reg. would arrive here to-day. A despatch was received by Briggs and Bro. This morning from Surgeon Briggs, stating that the regiment would not leave to-day. He adds that he will announce by telegraph when the regiment leaves Elmira.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 3, 1864, p. 2

THE ELMIRA SOLDIERS—The 54th Regiment were to leave Elmira for Rochester at 8 o'clock this A.M., and were expected at noon, but had not then arrived.

Maj. Lewis returned last night, and reports that the Grays will probably return on Sunday next.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 4, 1864, p. 2

Return of the 54th Regiment

About half-past 9 p.m. yesterday the 54th Regt. N.Y.N.G. arrived from Elmira by the Erie cars in a special train. Though the time of arrival was uncertain, there was a large gathering of citizens at the Depot to greet the return of the soldiers, and they were warmly welcomed.

The regiment left the cars, Col. Clark and staff mounted their horses and the 54th marched to the music of Capt. Newman's Band through some of the central streets and finally came to Court House Square, where an evening parade was given. Though the men were laden with knapsacks and equipage not usually worn at such parades, they went through with great precision and effect. They showed in all their movements that they had lost nothing in the qualities of soldiership by their hundred days spent in the U.S. service at Elmira.

After parade the regiment marched to the armory, and the men obtained leave to go their homes. Previous to dismissal, Mayor Brackett addressed the regiment as follows:

Officers and Men of the 54th Regiment New York S. N.G.

As Chief Magistrate of the city, I welcome you home to your families and friends. One hundred days since the Commander-in-Chief of our state forces called upon you to render aid to our General Government. You nobly and promptly responded to the call. You went forth to duty, and you performed that duty faithfully, to the satisfaction of your superiors, with credit to yourselves and to your city.

It ahs been my pleasure to visit you quite often while absent in Elmira, and I can bear witness to your good behavior, and I rejoice that you now return to us with such honor. I feel it the more from the fact that for many years I was one of you, and at one time your commander.

The city has not been unminded of its duty.—It has cheerfully responded to all calls made upon it for aid to your families, and none have gone away empty.

During your absence we have had raids and been threatened with raids upon our frontier.—Our citizens have felt much solicitude for the safety of our city, for we have been entirely unprotected, in your absence. I rejoice that you have returned to us, for we can now feel secure as against any invasion.

You have made a great sacrifice in leaving your homes and businesses to serve the Government, and you are entitled to much credit therefor. The citizens of Rochester will praise you more than ever.

Allow me, in conclusion, to congratulate you upon your safe arrival here.

The 54th is still in the United States service and may not be mustered out for several days. The men will report for duty daily at the armory and draw rations.
The Regiment has done itself and our city great credit in its service at Elmira. It was while there the model regiment, it held the esteem of the people of Elmira and returned with their respect. While all would have been pleased to have abroad such an excellent corps to represent our city, all will be glad that it has returned. In these troublesome times when raids are threatened and disorder is likely to occur, our city requires the presence of just such a regiment as the 54th. If any have been in fear of a Canadian raid, they may now sleep in peace for the men of the 54th are here and will take care of all the raiders.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 5, 1864, p. 2

PARADE OF THE 54TH REGIMENT—The orders of the 54th Regiment—still in the U.S. service—are to meet at the armory at 8 a.m. for guard mounting, turn out for evening parade at 4 p.m., and attend roll-call at 8 p.m. This will be the order daily till the regiment is mustered out of service.

The street and square in front of the Court House has been selected as the parade ground of the regiment. A fine parade was given there at 4 yesterday. There will be another this afternoon and one on Sunday afternoon. The orders of the regiment are the same that prevailed at Elmira. Our citizens should witness the evening parades to know how fine a regiment we have.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 5, 1864, p. 2

RETURN OF THE GRAYS—Major Thompson who came from Elmira this morning reports that the Grays Battery will return to this city on Monday next. Their time has not yet quite expired, but they will report to Maj. Lee, U.S.A.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 7, 1864, p. 2

The Alarm on Saturday—Rumor of Raid from Canada—Measures Taken for Defense!

For some days past rumors have been circulating that organized bands of desperadoes from Canada were preparing to make a descent upon this and other cities along the frontier. Not much attention was paid to the reports here as they received but little credit at intelligent sources.

On Friday Mayor Brackett received an anonymous letter dated seven miles from Lindsay, C. W., which is 25 miles or so from Port Hope. The letter was anonymous and told of a murder in Rochester in which the writer participated a short time since and gave the names of three citizens who were conversant with the transaction, and it further stated that they were concerned with others who were to destroy the city soon. The Mayor called together a few gentlemen to consult at the moment and the letter was not regarded as of much consequence. It was, however, deemed best to take sundry precautionary measures and they were taken. Maj. Lee, commanding U.S. troops, Gen. Williams and Col. Clark were present and with the Mayor took such steps as were deemed best, and this in a quiet way. What was done it is not necessary to detail. The names of the officers stated is a guaranty to the public that all was right. We may, however, remark that a company of the 54th Regt., under Capt. Ridley was sent to Charlotte on Saturday and quartered on the steamer Cataract and remained there yesterday.

On Saturday the Mayor received a letter from a Federal official in Canada stating that he "had full reason to believe that there is a conspiracy on foot to fire Rochester and Buffalo (more probably the former) on Sunday evening, Nov. 6th, or on the night of Election day, by a large, well armed and organized body of Rebels and bounty jumpers in Canada." He advised that precautions be taken.

On the receipt of this letter the Mayor invited the Aldermen and fifty or more citizens to meet at his rooms at 4 p.m. The meeting was held and the subject discussed. The impression was that no great danger existed, but if there was any design for mischief the conspirators would come to the city in a quiet way or might be here now. The prudent course appeared to be to take measures to ensure safety, and this was done. It is not necessary to relate all that transpired. An advisory committee of fifteen was appointed to act with the Mayor and hold an uninterrupted sitting day and night for the present. The Mayor's office is the headquarters of this committee and there all information may be sent.

Special Vigilance Committees for each Ward, composed of well-known and highly respectable citizens, are on duty, beside a large special police force, and back of all this a military force of about one thousand men, well armed and equipped.
Nothing transpired during Saturday night to confirm any fear of disturbance from without or within. The city was very quiet, and it may be truly said that it was never before so thoroughly patrolled in a single night.

Mayor Brackett telegraphed to Albany for the Grays' Battery at Elmira. The Adjutant General at once requested General Diven to send the Battery home. It came, arriving here yesterday p.m.

Gen. Diven came here Sunday morning from Elmira and met the Mayor and Advisory Committee. He expressed the belief that there was no real ground for alarm and did not think an attempt would be made upon this city, but concurred in the views of the Mayor and Committee that it would be well to take precautionary measures. He at once gave such orders for the disposition of the military as the city authorities requested.

On Sunday evening a detachment of 27 Veteran Reserves was sent by order of General Diven to Suspension Bridge to watch at that point. A detachment of the Grays with two guns went to Charlotte.

The city was fully patrolled last night and all was quiet.

Nothing has been discovered as yet to confirm the rumors or mischief. The large number of strangers reported in the city were not found, and all the hotels, taverns and lodging houses were searched. It is clear that the raiders have not come and we see no probability of their coming. The measures taken were to make things safe against all contingencies and to allay the apprehensions of the timid. Rochester we deem safe beyond all question, in so far as any movement or organized bands to plunder or destroy is concerned. The measures [remaining portion of final sentence hidden behind fold].

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 7, 1864, p. 2

Trouble at Elmira—Highhanded Outrage by the Federal Government

Private letters from Elmira bring important intelligence such as the partisan agents of the Associated Press do not think of sufficient consequence to give the public because it is unfavorable to Lincoln.

It appears on the authority of a gentleman whom we know very well, that Mr. Creed, a citizen, not in the military service, who had been to the army as the agent of the Democrats in the Chemung District to collect soldiers' votes, was arrested on an order from Washington and taken to that city without examination or without being informed as to the nature of the charges against him. The arrest caused great indignation and excitement in Elmira. A writ of habeus cropus was issued by a judge, but this was anticipated by Gen. Diven, who held Creed in custody, and it is said that Diven put himself beyond reach of process by going into the rebel camp, where the officer could not follow to serve the writ. Meanwhile the prisoner was taken out of the jurisdiction of the courts of this State, and of course beyond the reach of anything like a fair trial. It matters not what the alleged offence may be, the administration can make the testimony and convict the accused.

The Federal courts in this State are in full power and have no obstruction. That man is entitled to trial here if he has offended against United States law. His removal from the State was a highhanded outrage upon the people of this State, and one that ought to be resented in a becoming manner. But for the presence of a large body of military at Elmira, Creed would have been taken by force and carried before a judge. Such acts as this ought stir the blood of every freeman of New York. The man who does not devote his time and his efforts to-morrow to the work of driving the authors of such outrages from power should not complain when the heel of the tyrant is on his neck, and he is deprived of his liberty.

What action, if any, has been taken by the State authorities in reference to this matter we are not advised.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 7, 1864, p. 2

RETURN OF THE GRAYS—The Grays Battery arrived here by special train between five and six last evening, the officers and men in good spirits. A detachment of 30, with the guns, at once took a train for Charlotte, and remain there for the present. The Battery is still in the Federal service.

The Grays have demeaned themselves admirably at Elmira and have obtained the respect and confidence of both the military and citizens of that place. They are welcome home again.

The Grays will appear daily at the evening parades with the 54th, as we learn from Major Lee in command.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 7, 1864, p. 2

COLLISION OF REGIMENTS AT ELMIRA—On Saturday evening there was a collision at Elmira between the 77th N.Y.N.G., of New York, and the 56th, of Brooklyn. Both regiments had been ordered home, and the 56th had obtained transportation—a train of cars being ready. The 77th got to the railroad first, and took the train prepared for the 56th. The latter regiment charged upon the engine and forbade the engineer to move at his peril. Gen. Driven was absent on his way to this city. Capt. Lowe, his chief clerk, undertook to straighten matters and was assaulted and injured in the melee. Finally the 77th gave up the train to the 56th, and the latter started for Brooklyn.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 8, 1864, p. 2

THE GREAT SCARE—The city was very quite last night. The Advisory Committee was in session all night at the Mayor's Rooms and the city was patrolled a as before. There was not the least evidence of the presence of any persons here with bad intent and no intelligence could be obtained from abroad that tended to confirm any of the exciting rumors of the past few days. The city is as safe as it ever was from invasion or insurrection.

A woman of 45 or more who claimed to know all that the rebels in the South and the refugees in Canada were doing, came here on Saturday evening from Suspension Bridge and told a great story to the authorities to create an alarm. She had seen at St. Catherines a Rebel Colonel Johnson who told her that he had 1700 men to invade Yankeedom. This led to sending a special train with a detachment of soldiers to Suspension Bridge on Sunday evening.

The agent sent to St. Catherines to reconnoiter returned last night and our city authorities will do so but nothing has been disclosed that tends to show that any invasion from Canada is contemplated. The present organization for local defense will be continued for some time to come.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 11, 1864, p. 2

THE 54TH REGIMENT—This regiment of National Guard was mustered out of the U.S. service yesterday by Major Lee, after which the officers and men were dismissed to go where they pleased. The company at Charlotte was withdrawn and mustered out with the rest. The 54th has done good service, and the instruction the men received will be profitable to them.

At a meeting of the officers of the 54th Regiment, held at their headquarters Nov. 10, 1864, Col. C. H. Clark was called to the chair and Adjt. C. A. Brackett appointed Secretary, and the following action taken:

Whereas, The 54th Regiment have received many favors at the hands of their fellow citizens during their stay in Elmira and feel called upon to make some acknowledgement of the same, and especially to make mention of Ald. L. C. Spencer for the timely and bountiful gift by him of one case of fresh, superb oysters—a luxury at all times, and particularly so at the time they were bestowed, therefore

Resolved, That the thanks of the 54th Regiment are justly due and hereby gratefully tendered to Ald. L. C. Spencer for the generous donation above referred to, and that we shall ever hold him in kindly remembrance as a thoughtful, kind friend and a gentleman. Our thanks are also returned to all our fellow-citizens for their care and attention.

Resolved, That these proceedings be published in the daily papers and a copy served on Ald. Spencer.
C. H. Clark, Chairman
C. A. Brackett, Sec'y

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 11, 1864, p. 2

DEFENSE OF THE HARBOR—The Battery at Charlotte has been ordered to the city, and the men will be mustered out by Major Lee on Monday next. There is no military force at Charlotte. It is probable that a company or two will be here from Buffalo soon.

When the Grays were stationed at the mouth of the river, they had orders to bring every vessel to that they came in, except the regular steamers, which arrived by daylight. Vessels were brought to by a blank cartridge, but if they did not heed the notice a solid shot was to be put into the hull at once. The Canadian and other crews coming in were taken much by surprise when thus suddenly called to account. On Wednesday night a schooner came in from Canada and was hailed by a blank shot. When the vessel came to, a fellow climed [sec] upon the bulwarks and called out, "who is elected?" He supposed the gun was fired in celebration of a political victory.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 14, 1864, p. 2

PAY FOR THE 54TH REGIMENT—The 54th Regiment N. Y. N. G., as our citizens and the Federal authorities well know, was called out some four months since on an emergency to go to Elmira and serve one hundred days. The members left their home, and pursuits with little preparation and faithfully performed the duty assigned them. They returned with much credit for what they have done. This is all right so far as it goes, but that will not feed them or their families. It is the pay that they most need. The wages were very low and not a man in the regiment served except at a pecuniary sacrifice. Some have returned to find business dull and no situations open. Those who have families require the earnings of the summer to lay in food and fuel for the winter. In fact the pay of the regiment is due and past due, and the men want it. Payment may be made at one time as well as another. The Paymaster may be sent here from Elmira at any time to attend to this business. For the delay there is no excuse.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 14, 1864, p. 2

MAJOR GENERALS WITHOUT MEN—There are, we believe, three or four Major Generals in command on the lake frontier, sent out to protect it against raids from Canada. There are two such on the frontiers of New York. It will be interesting to hear that these Generals are without commands other than their respective staffs. Gen. Peck, whose headquarters are at Buffalo, cannot even supply a few soldiers to be stationed at Charlotte. He promised the Mayor two companies for this purpose last week; but on Saturday he telegraphed that he could send no men, as they had been ordered by the government to go South. Charlotte—the mouth of the Genesee—the best harbor on the south shore, accessible in all weather, and seldom closed by ice, is now without a single soldier to guard against invasion. No harm can result from boldly stating this fact, as it must result in immediate action to supply the want. No party of raiders from abroad would come there without taking means to learn the state of the defenses. They will keep posted without aid of the papers.

It is the duty of the General Government to defend the frontier, and it has thousands of invalid and other troops adapted to the purpose which are used for less important duty, such as guarding hospitals, taking care of contrabands, etc. The Federal Government probably intend to compel the frontier States to protect themselves. This can be done; but it is just that they should pay so much to the common fund and then draw nothing from it?

We would suggest that the pay of these Major Generals and staffs is sufficient to cover the expense of keeping several companies at the most exposed points on the frontier. If we must have either Generals without soldiers, or soldiers without Generals, the latter would be preferred for frontier defense.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 15, 1864, p. 2

GUARD AT THE ARMORY—It has been stated before that a suitable guard had been placed over the Armory on Exchange st., where the State arms, and the equipments of the 54th Regiment and Grays' Battery are deposited. The following orders were formally issued yesterday:

HEADQUARTERS 25TH BRIGADE
7TH DIVISION N. Y. S. N. G.
ROCHESTER, Nov. 11, 1864

Special Order No. __ In pursuance of Instructions from the Adjutant General's Office, Col. C. H. Clark, Commanding 54th Regiment, N. Y. S. N. G., will immediately detail one Commissioned Officer and thirty men for duty at the Arsenal on Exchange st. By order of
Brig. Gen. Jno. Williams
Geo. Hyland, Jr., Brigade Inspector

—————
HEADQUARTERS, 54TH REG'T N. Y. S. N. G.,
STATE ARSENAL, ROCHESTER, Nov. 14, '64

Special Order No. 166. In pursuance of the above order this day from Headquarters 25th Brigade, Capt. Benj. Ridley, Co. D, is hereby assigned to command the State Arsenal and troops guarding the same. He will take thirty men of his own command, (2 Sergeants; 1 Corporal and 27 Privates,) and report to these Headquarters for duty without delay.

Should his own command prove insufficient, he has liberty to accept volunteers from other companies in this Regiment. By order of
Col. C. H. Clark
C. A. Brackett, Adjutant.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 21, 1864, p. 2

ORDER FOR COURT MARTIAL—The following order has been issued by Brig. Gen. Williams for Courts Martial to try delinquents and for other business relating to his brigade:

HEADQUARTERS 25TH BRIGADE
7TH DIVISION, N. G. S. N. Y.
ROCHESTER, Nov. 15, 1864

General Order No. 17

Regimental and Battalion Courts Martial for the trial of delinquents and for such other business as may come before them, are hereby ordered to convene at the Headquarters of the several Regiments and Battalions in this Brigade, on the 12th day of December, 1864, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. Detail for the Courts:

For 54th Regiment—President, Major Warner Westcott.
For 58th Regiment—President, Major George M. Lockwood.
For 59th Regiment—President, Col. Benj. L. Hoyt.
For 104th Regiment—President, Lieut. Col. D. L. Norton.
For Battalion of Artillery under command of Major Wm. M. Lewis—President, Capt. Thomas Barnes.
By order of
Brig. Gen. John Williams
Geo. Hyland, Jr., Brigade Inspector

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 21, 1864, p. 2

ARTILLERY PARADE—This being the 27th anniversary of the organization of the Rochester Union Grays the 1st Battalion of the Artillery under Major Lewis, which still holds the name of the Grays, will parade at 8 p. m. Newman's Band will accompany the Battalion and there will be a pretty show.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 21, 1864, p. 2

MUSTERED OUT AND PAID-OFF—The 1st Light Artillery–the Grays–will be mustered out to-day, and the men paid off by Maj. Thurston, the Paymaster, sent here for the purpose.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 22, 1864, p. 2

PAYING OFF—Major Thurston paid off six companies of the 54th yesterday and the remainder to-day. The Grays Battery are also paid off, and the men mustered out of the Federal service by Major Lee.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: November 23, 1864, p. 2

RESIGNATION OF GEN. WILLIAMS—It is stated that our fellow citizen, Hon. John Williams, has resigned his commission as Brigadier General of the State Militia. Not having conferred with General Williams, we do not know why he has resigned, but we suspect that he has various and sufficient reasons. He may not have the requisite time to devote to the duty and he is one of the kind of men that will do his duty regardless of time. We do not think he has received from the authorities at Albany courtesy to which he was entitled. This locality, with the best military of the State, has been the most neglected, and had the least attention paid to its wants. If Gen. Williams has not felt this others have.

We regret that so good an officer and one so faithful to duty and so popular should resign. We fear the effect will be injurious to our local military. Every officer and soldier connected with the brigade will regret the withdrawal of General Williams, and all will accord him the credit of having done his whole duty.

Who the successor will be remains to be seen. Perhaps the district of General John A. Green will be extended westward so as to include this brigade.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: December 1, 1864, p. 2

CARD OF THANKS—ARMORY 1ST BATTALION LIGHT ARTILLERY (UNION GRAYS) N. Y. S. N. G., Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 29, 1864—At a regular monthly meeting of the above named battalion, held at their Armory on Exchange street, the 29th inst., the following resolutions were unanimously adopted and ordered published:

Resolved, That the thanks of this battalion be and are hereby tendered to Brig. Gen. A. S. Diven, Capt. U. S. Lowe and Capt. Eugene Diven for the many courtesies extended during our term of service while at Elmira.

To Cols. Eastman and Tracy, Commanders of the post. To Capts. Suydam and Dingledee, of the Qur. Dept., and Capt. Sappington, of the Com'y Dept. To Col. Provost, Lt. Col. Moore and the officers of the 16th V. R. C.

To Col. J. Q. Adams, of the 56th, Col. Wisner of the 58th, Col. Abbott of the 98th, Col. Downing and Dr. O'Hanlin of the 99th Regts. N. Y. S. N. G., and to the officers of their respective commands.

To the officers and men of our own 54th Regt. To Messrs. Henry Baker & Co., of the "Hotel Hemlock," Loring & Co., Cook & cov[ ], "Mine host" Silas Haight, and Mr. Guinnip. To Gen. John Williams, Major A. T. Lee, Ald. D. T. Moore (in whose honor our camp was named), Mayor Brackett, Hon. John M'Convill, and Mr. Andrews, of the Provost Marshal's office.

To all the above named gentlemen the battalion feel under obligations for the many favors extended during our term of service in the U. S. army—favors which will be long remembered by us all collectively and individually.

By order Wm. M. Lewis
Maj. 1st Battalion, Art'y, N. Y. S. N. G.
John Wrenn, 1st Lieut and Ajt.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: December 6, 1864, p. 2

OFFICERS OF THE 54TH REGIMENT—The unpaid officers, field, staff, and line, of the 54th Regiment will assemble at Headquarters, Armory, at 7 o'clock this evening.
C. H. Clark
Colonel

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: December 8, 1864, p. 2

ELECTION OF OFFICERS—Of Co. "B." 54th Reg. German Grenadiers, Wednesday evening, Dec. 7, 1864. Capt. F. C. Schoen; 1st Lieut. Adam Young; 2d Lieut. John N. Weitzel; Orderly, Lewis Bauer; 2d Sergt. Jacob Renner; 3d do. Peter Reinhard; 4th do. Philip Miller; 1st Corp. William Kentzel; 2d do. Philip Nippert; 3d do. Henry Koeler; 4th do. David Meier; Color Bearer, Peter Seifried. President, Adam Young; Vice do. Charles Goetzman; Secretary, David Wettlin; Treasurer, Christian C. Meir.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: December 13, 1864, p. 2

REGIMENTAL ORDER OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT—The following minutes of the proceedings of the 58th Regiment are sent us for publication:

HEADQUARTERS 58TH REGIMENT N. G.
MT. MORRIS, Dec. 10, 1864

At a meeting of the field and staff officers of the 54th Regiment, N. G., held at the headquarters of said regiment on the 10th inst., the following order was made, approved and ordered published:

Ordered, That the thanks of the officers and men of the 58th regiment, N. G., are due and hereby tendered to Gen. Diven, Col. Tracy and Lieut. Col. Moore, and the officers in their several departments, for their kind and obliging treatment of the regiment while on duty at Elmira.

The thanks of the 58th are also tendered to Col. Adams of the 56th, Col. Clark of the 54th, Col. Abbott of the 98th, and Major Lewis of the Battery, and the officers and men of their several commands, for their kind, sociable and gentlemanly conduct toward said regiment, and the agreeable associations formed during the term of service of said regiment at Elmira.

The thanks of said regiment are also tendered to Lieut. Finch, Mustering Officer, and Major T. S. Thurston, Paymaster, for their particular care and attention to the rights and interest of the private soldier in mustering out and paying off the last farthing. By order
R. P. Wisner
Col. Commanding 58th Regt. N. G.
C. T. Braman, Adjutant.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: December 15, 1864, p. 2

PAYING THE OFFICERS—A letter received this morning by Lieut. Darrow of the Gray's Battery, from Major Thurston, U. S. Paymaster at Elmira, encloses him an order for his pay while in service. Major Thurston expresses a desire to have the officers of the National Guard promptly paid and suggests to the Lieutenant that as he has become familiar with the method of preparing papers, that he explain to those who are not, what it is necessary to do to secure payment. Major Thurston desires to perform his duty both to the officers and the government, and to do this the papers must be made according to the forms laid down by the Department. Some time since a communication was published in these columns reflecting upon this officer. It came from an officer of the State Militia, who probably labored under a misapprehension of the facts. By what we have learned of Major Thurstoon, through those who have had official business with him, we are fully satisfied that he performs his duty promptly and impartially, to both claimants and the government.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: December 15, 1864, p. 2

THE REBEL PRISONERS AT ELMIRA—The Advertiser says the Government has made an arrangement with the rebels in relation to prisoners of war, by which each party are entitled to furnish their own prisoners with such articles of clothing, blankets, and provisions as they may need. Wm. W. R. Beall, a Brigadier General in the rebel service, has been commissioned to supply the rebel prisoners, and is now taking measures to supply such necessary articles to the prisoners at Elmira.

54th Regiment - 1864 - Part III

September 1864's entries in the Union and Advertiser concerning the 54th Regiment.


Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 2, 1864, p. 2

The Rochester Democrat says of the old copperheads woman's letter, that appeared in the Rochester Union, purporting to have been written in Elmira:

"Hereabout it is not believed that the letter was written by a woman at all, or that it came from Elmira."

So the Advertiser said in another paragraph in the same issue, in which the one quoted by the Democrat occurred.—[Elmira Advertiser]

The above is all the answer we get from the Elmira Advertiser to a proposition we made to wager $100 that the lady who wrote the letter to this paper resides in Rochester and has a husband and son in the Federal army. The Democrat does not reply at all. It dare not. We propose now to offer the sneaks more tempting terms. We will wager $100 that what we state in respect to the lady is true, we will take the burthen for proof and the $200 shall be appropriated to the benefit of sick and wounded Union soldiers as the winner may dictate.

The only answer the Elmira paper will give to this proposition will be to repeat the falsehood.

The Democrat will probably remain silent. It too may repeat the lie it has uttered.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 3, 1864, p. 1

Under the column "All Sorts of Paragraphs"

—There are eighteen acres of rebels in the encampment at Elmira, New York.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 3, 1864, p. 2

PERSONAL—Col. Clark of the 54th arrived here from Elmira this morning to remain a day or two attending to regimental affairs. He reports all quiet at Elmira and the men of the 54th feeling very well.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 5, 1864, p. 2

ILLNESS OF OFFICERS AT ELMIRA—Major Lewis of the Grays is lying quite ill of typhoid fever at Elmira. Capt. Hobbie of the Dragoons has been ill, but is recovering.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 6, 1864, p. 2

Base Ball in the 54th

Camp Chemung, Elmira, N.Y.

September 4, 1864

EDS. UNION AND ADVERTISER: Among the various pastimes indulged in by the members of the different regiments here when not on duty, is the game of base ball. A week or so ago the players in the 54th received a challenge to play a match game from the 56th (Brooklyn) Regiment. This regiment contains some of the best players of the city of Brooklyn; but the boys of the 54th nevertheless accepted the challenge.
Yesterday was the time designated for the match to take place, and a goodly number of the officers and men of both regiments assembled on the ground to witness the playing. The Brooklynites went on the ground confident of success, offering bets of two to one; but as the score will show, they were doomed to disappointment, the 54th nine defeating them by one run. The game was well contested throughout, eliciting the hearty applause of the outsiders of both regiments. The Brooklyn nine took their defeat in good humor. A return match will shortly be played, when the 56th expect to retrieve their lost laurels.

[The box score was in a graphic and too much trouble to include it. As noted the 54th won the game - 13 to 12.]

Scorers: James Nellis and W. H. Welling
Umpire: Capt. C. R. Barton

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 8, 1864, p. 2

PROMOTED AND GLAD TO HEAR IT—Says the Rochester Union:—"Among the elections which recently took place in camp, in the 54th Regiment, was one in Company H. Lieut. Alfred R. Hoyt was elected Captain in place of W. T. Kennedy, Jr., resigned. James Hason was chosen Second Lieutenant to fill a vacancy."

Boys of Company H. we're glad to hear it.—"Al" and "Jim" will do you credit. "Charley" and the "old Cap" would be glad to drop down on you for a day or two, but as we are working for our tried friend, "Little Mac," you'll excuse us. Meantime Cap. Luff. and the "Boys," all the good luck in the world.

The above is from the Bay City (Mich.) Signal conducted by Capt. Kennedy who formerly commanded Co. H of the 54th N.Y.N.G.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 10, 1864, p. 3

FIFTY FOURTH REGIMENT—COMPANY L—The headquarters of Company L, Rochester City Dragoons, will be open every evening (Sundays excepted) to receive applicants from first-class young men to join the Company. It is expected that the regiment will be ordered into service of the United States at Elmira. The members of the Regiment thus ordered will not be liable for the draft. By order,
I. S. Hobbie, Capt.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 12, 1864, p. 2

ESCAPE OF SUBSTITUTES—It is reported that 21 men sent from this district to Elmira as substitutes and deserters, escaped from the Barracks on Saturday night. Among the number was the noted "Paddy" Loughlin, who has been arrested thirteen times and who has never yet seen any service at the front.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 13, 1864, p. 2

Notes of a Day in Elmira

Sunday spent at Elmira afforded a few notes of interest, perhaps, to the readers of this paper. The presence of the 54th National Guard and Grays' Battery at Elmira makes the place attractive to our citizens, and many are frequently here.

An occasional visit to Elmira does not make the place much more pleasing. It is an overgrown village, spread upon a stony flat in the valley of the Chemung, and, with the help that military expenditure has given, it has taken on a city charter among its burthens.

The Depot of the Erie Railway is in one place—the business part of the town and the hotels in another, and the camps in still other places far and wide apart. The hotels are overrun with people, and as a consequence they are not the most inviting. The Brainard House is the largest, and is spoken of as the hotel of the place. It lacks many things which belong to a first-class house. It reminds one of a farm leased and the tenant on the last year of his term. There is a lack of everything that looks like making the place luxurious and inviting, and the furniture is barely sufficient to make one feel that he is in an occupied house. The fare at the table is pretty good, though scarcely up to what it should be for a first-class hotel.

The camp to which the Rochester man will naturally turn is that at the Rebel Prison, situated on the Chemung, in the south part of the village. There is the pen of forty acres, enclosed by a high fence upon which the sentry measures the hours with steady pace. No one must approach this fence from without or within under penalty of a shot. The prisoners number about 9,400 and are quartered in barracks and tents.
They can only be seen by visitors from an observatory across the street, from which there is a fine view of the camp and rebel quarters. Mr. Nichols, the proprietor hit upon a happy expedient for making a pile and serving the public at the same time. It costs a dime to spend an hour or two on this large observatory, and no one who goes to Elmira fails to take the view it affords.

The Rebels are under the control of Major Colt of Geneseo, who has positive instructions which are very stringent against the admission of visitors. The most important functionaries are nor admitted to the pen unless special business. The prisoners have a rough appearance, wearing, as they do, clothing of as many hues as the rainbow but none so brilliant. The men are generally of good size, and what would be called fair specimens of the race, if they were not Rebels. They are suffering from the climate and other causes, and it is not strange that many are ill and deaths are frequent. Scurvy is quite common. Fevers are also prevalent. There are about 1500 sick, and the deaths are from seven to ten per day. The confinement of this prison must be very wearisome to the men, and tends to aggravate their illness if attacked. But for this we presume they would prefer to remain than be exchanged and take the chance of going again into the field. There is no danger of an outbreak or any movement for an escape. The guard is so strong that any such attempt would prove futile and disastrous in the extreme to those who engage in it. The signal of a movement by night or day, would bring in a moment a cordon of bristling bayonets about the entire enclosure.

The State Regiments doing guard duty are encamped upon three sides of the prison, and the Chemung river flows on the fourth, with a heavy guard between the fence and the water.

On the south side in a field laid out by nature for a camp, lies in comfortable quarters our own Regiment, the 54th, with the Grays Battery and the 56th N.Y.—the latter regiment from New York city. Everything in camp is in perfect order, and everything moves with the precision of a nicely adjusted machine.

Col. Clark, with his associate field officers, Lieut. Col. Sellinger and Major Westcott, occupy tents on the ridge along the street overlooking the camp. Surgeon Briggs and others of the staff are also quartered on the line.

On the flat below, back of the parade ground, in full view of the streets of the camp, along with the tents of the several companies are arranged in even rows. Further back, on another elevation, are the tents of the company officers, and near by the baking and cook houses of the regiment. The food is well prepared, as we know from inspection. The bread is as good as we ever saw or care to find, under any circumstances. There is nothing wanting for the comfort and health of the men here encamped that can be supplied, unless it is shelter for those on guard duty from the heavy dews of the night, which fall upon them like a shower, saturating their clothing. This exposure causes fever, and a few are ill. They have the best medical care, and a few cases are obstinate.

A party of eight or ten from this city, including the Mayor, spent some hours in camp with the 54th and were hospitably entertained by the officers who vied with each other in making all feel welcome.

While the party were at the Captain's quarters of Co. L (the Dragoons) Capt. Newman's fine band appeared and played some pretty airs which Lieut. Rosenthal (in command of the company) said was a compliment to His Honor and the old commander of the Dragoons and late Colonel of the Regiment. The Mayor responded handsomely and Cols. Angle and Amsden followed.

At the Grays' quarters were Capt. Quinn and Lieut. Darrow to do the hospitable, and make their Rochester friends fell at home. The Battery is well situated and doing its share of duty, while its howitzers stand on the field with grape and canister to exercise a moral influence upon any element which is liable to be disturbed.

The evening parade of the 54th and 56th was a fine show. The 54th went through their evolutions with the precision of veteran soldiers and elicited the warmest commendations of the spectators. The men of this regiment form a contrast so pleasing to the mass of those of the New York regiments that it is the subject of remark everywhere. The Elmirans are loud in praise of the Rochester regiment.
The incidents of camp which might be related are many. Among them is one worthy of notice. When the 54th went to Elmira, they found some three or four hundred of the 16th Veteran Corps doing guard duty. The two organizations soon became friendly, and the Adjutant of the 16th, Lieut. H. C. Brandt, took a special interest in the 54th, partly because it was the Fifty-fourth Volunteer Regiment in which he did hi fighting, but chiefly, as he says, because he found the officers and men gentlemen. Himself a splendid soldier, he could do many kind things for our officers, and they did not forget him. On Thursday night, as he was preparing to follow his Regiment, which had been ordered to Washington, he was presented, by the officers of the 54th, with a splendid field glass suitably inscribed. The presentation was made by Surgeon Briggs in a becoming manner, and accepted in the kind spirit that it was offered.

Col. Clark is quite indisposed, and returned home for rest yesterday.

Capt. Hobbie, of Co. L, is ill of fever at the residence of a relative in Elmira. He is now improving slowly but surely, no doubt.

Major Lewis, of the Grays, has a turn of fever but rallied so far as to return home on Saturday, to recuperate here.

Newman's Band, so popular with the people of Elmira, came to Rochester yesterday on five days furlough, to fulfil some engagements and to enable the members to attend to private affairs neglected in consequence of their abrupt departure for camp.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 13, 1864, p. 2

"ONE LIES AND THE OTHER SWEARS TO IT"—It has been stated that the Democrats of Elmira took the lead in celebrating the fall of Atlanta. The Elmira Advertiser says that the statement is not true and the Rochester Democrat copies the denial and assumes that its case is made. That will not do. The witnesses are not competent to testify, as they are virtually impeached in a past transaction. These papers declared that a communication written to this paper was from an old copperhead woman or was not written by a woman at all. We offered to put up $100 for soldiers' relief, that we would prove that these journals made false statements in regard to the matter and belied the wife and mother of soldiers. They could not back up their positions and had not the manliness to back down. Till they put themselves right in this matter, they had not better unite in making any other statement before the public.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 13, 1864, p. 2

Letter from in Elmira

Camp Moore
Elmira, Sept. 11, 1864

Since my last letter we have met with a severe loss here in Camp. The 10th Veteran Reserve Corps, (our teachers as it were), have left camp and gone to Harrisburg, much to the regret of the 54th and Battalion, for they were indeed gentlemen from privates up, and extended to us, the Military of Rochester civilities, we shall long remember. The scurrilous attack made upon the officers and members of the 16th through the Democrat, some time since, was a mean and contemptible as it was uncalled for and false. The officers have proved themselves gentlemen in every particular, and the article in question was worthy the source from which it emanated and the paper in which it was published. The officers of the 54th united in the presentation of a splendid field glass to Adj't H. C. Brandt of the 16th and the 4th inst. The Adjutant said, in his reply to Col. Clark, who made the presentation in behalf of the officers, "that he went to the field with the 54th [sic] Brooklyn and this beautiful gift from the 54th Rochester was the first present he had ever received and that he should appreciate it the more highly as it came from the 54th unexpected, unsought, and in fact undeserved."

We have seen something of the feeling manifested at the reception of the news of Presidential nominations in years past and gone, be we never heard or saw anything to compare to the news of the nomination of "Little Mac," every one seemed to be crazy with excitement. The first we heard of the news was the cheers from the Camp of the 56th Brooklyn regiment, then it was taken up by the 99th, 77th, 54th, the Batteries and a large portion of the "Vets," who claim that wherever they may be the privates will vote 5 to 1 for Little Mac. In the city of Elmira the excitement was, if anything, still greater—men, women and children through the streets sending up cheer upon cheer for the Soldier Candidate. In the evening at least 6,000 people congregated in the streets to hear and see what they could see. Cannons fired until after midnight. Captain Newman's Band and the 56th Drum Corps enlivened the scene with music. Such a time was never before in Elmira "by the oldest inhabitant." The people seemed not contented with this demonstration but on Monday evening following (5th) amid a drenching rain-storm, a ratification meeting was held, processions paraded the streets, with banners and music, cannons were fired and bon-fires were lit in the principal streets and the people both old and young turned out en masse as if for a gala day. I am informed that many solid men of the city, who were formerly "Union Leaguers," have come out in favor of McClellan, and proclaim the fact universally in public places. Addresses were made at these meetings by several prominent men of Elmira, among the number was E. P. Hart, Esq., former District Attorney of Chemung Co. I learn that he is a brother of R. Hart of your city, if so, as a politician he far outstrips his brother, not only as a speaker but as being on the "right side" and having enlisted with his whole heart in the "right Cause." Two to one are the odds on a "Little Mac" here, with no takers. The Republicans look and feel chop-fallen enough since the nomination.

There seems to be considerable sickness in the camp at present principally dysentery, of a mild type, however, which yields readily to proper remedies. Drs. Briggs and Rider are doing all men can for the welfare of those who come under their charge. Friends at home need not worry about those who are here, for they receive the best of care. Major Lewis has been quite sick but was able to be removed home yesterday and hope to see him again at his post in a short time. Col. Clark is feeling quite unwell but manages to be about. Adj. Brackett has also been sent home.

Major A. S. Diven has been promoted to a Brigadier Generalship by Uncle Abe. This is a good appointment, for General D. has proved himself a good and efficient officer and in fact the "right man in the right place." No better appointment could be made and one that gives better satisfaction "all round."

I regret to learn in this connection that Capt. Lowe, A. Q. M.,—the right hand man in Gen. Diven's office—is to be removed and sent to New Orleans, because, I learn, for no other reason than he thinks, (though he does not speak it,) that A. Lincoln is not the man for the Presidency the next term. The Republican wolves are after him with their howls and I should not be surprised if he had to leave, though his home is Elmira and he is every way qualified for the position he now holds, having lost his health in the field and sent home to die. It makes no difference, he has no business even to think Lincoln is not the man. Wherever the Captain may be ordered, or wherever he goes he will carry the best wishes of every officer and member of the N. G. from Rochester. A more genial or warm hearted friend of ours never breathed the breath of life than Capt. L. But thus is politics and thus the strait to which Republicans are driven.

A salute of one hundred guns were fired by the "Grays" on the receipt of the news here of the fall of Atlanta, which made the rebs fell anything but uncomfortable. I understand the initiatory steps for the salute was taken by the "democrats" who were looked upon by a few as disloyal.

The "Grays" were mustered into the United States service, for one hundred days on the 30th ult., to date from the 2nd. Every man present mustered. We now number, including officers, one hundred strong. The boys are all well and have had issued to them overcoats &c., so that they are comfortable. By the way, I observe in the Battery and 54th, some typos from the Union office who have laid aside the stick and the rule and taken to the shooting-stick. I see no typos from the Democrat here. Are they all wanted at home to help squelch the "Irish trash" this fall?

MORE ANON.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 14, 1864, p. 2

"Rascally Conduct—Gov. Seymour's Militiamen Plundering Volunteers"

The above is the caption to an article in the Democrat which for audacity and boldness is misrepresentation eclipses all that has appeared in that sheet, noted for its audacity in that respect. Having been present in Elmira on Sunday, when the editor who wrote the article, obtained the information upon which it is based, we are the more surprised at what is written. The writer of that article knows that the guilt of the matter rests entirely with the Federal authorities—that the outrages referred to are perpetrated under their direction, and that Gov. Seymour has no more to do with the Federal army than the man in the moon.

The editor of the Democrat knew that an exposition of this robbing of volunteers would be made, to the disgrace of the Lincoln party, and he saw no other way to meet it, than by crying out "stop thief" and diverting attention from the guilty.
What the Democrat states of the atrocious robbery of volunteers and substitutes is mainly true, and a great deal more has not been told. The following is the statement of the Democrat the caption being at the head of this article:

Some most scandalous stories are told at Elmira of the treatment to which volunteer soldiers en route for the front are subjected by the guards detailed from New York regiments of the National Guard. The volunteers are actually in some cases stripped of every cent of money on their persons. A pretence is made that there is danger of their deserting and as night comes on they are placed in irons. As soon as it is dark enough for their purpose the guards blow out the lights in the car and commence rifling the pockets of the manacled and helpless recruits. The thing appears to be well understood by certain New York officers. They wink at it, and it is believed that some of their number do not hesitate to share in the plunder. On one occasion an officer of the 54th overheard the Adjutant who was engaged in making the detail, ask his men if they had any money. "No," responded one fellow, "but we'll have plenty when we come back!" There was a general laugh, in which the officer joined heartily.

Lieut. Weitzel of the 54th, went down to Washington with one detail, and endeavored to maintain some discipline and show of decency among the New Yorkers, but was openly defied, and a sergeant even threatened his life with a drawn bayonet. The recruits were robbed of everything they had, during the trip, and Lieut. Weitzel was offered two hundred dollars as his share. He refused to take anything, at first, but finally, through the fear of the lawless crew, accepted twenty-five dollars, which he delivered up to the proper officer on his return to Elmira, at the same time reporting the facts. We hear that an investigation is to be made, but whether it will amount to anything is a matter of some doubt. The insubordinate sergeant has disappeared, and the officers of his regiment profess to know nothing about him. They keep no record of the names of men detailed to guard detachments. Lieut. Weitzel is ill, and as the surgeon thinks, is suffering from the effects of drugs administered to him during his trip to Washington.

Taking this statement of our cotemporary, which is substantially true, and he makes his case against the Federal and not the State authorities. Gov. Seymour has no soldiers at Elmira. All the men there are sworn into the Federal service and are as much Federal soldiers as any other. The Governor can give no command which the President and his subordinates are bound to obey. When they are ordered to do guard duty it is as Federal soldiers. If they rob fellow soldiers it is because they are permitted to do so by Federal officers who are bound to protect soldiers.

But we need not go into an argument to show this. It is an insult to the intelligence of readers to do so. But what has the Democrat omitted in this statement? At the very time and place when the above facts were stated to the editor who wrote the article, it was further stated that when the Federal officers at Elmira wanted a guard from the New York militia regiments, they did not call upon Col. Clark or other commandants, but went and took the men from camp, selecting such as would serve their purpose. The first the Colonels know of the proceedings is when the Sergeants report the men absent on detached duty. By this it appears that the men connected with the Provost Marshal's office are concerned in the villainy. If they desired to have a guard of good men, they would have called upon the Colonels to send such, and held them responsible. The thieves were selected from certain regiments, and they divide the money taken by force from the soldiers, with the officers who select them. The Democrat says truly that an investigation will not amount to anything. It would amount to something if made by Federal officials, and Gov. Seymour and his men were the parties at fault. The doubt our contemporary expresses of the result of an investigation, is a confession that the guilt is in quarters too high to be reached.

Now we feel it our duty to caution volunteers and substitutes who are entering the army, against the horde of robbers who are detailed at Elmira to plunder them. They should not take a dollar in their pockets by way of Elmira. It will be taken from them by force ere they get over the mountains of Pennsylvania. And there is no redress. When they get to the army they can obtain no hearing and if they do, the gang sent as a guard would beat them in swearing and give large odds. Volunteers and substitutes leave your money in banks or with friends before you go to Elmira. You will probably be robbed of all, if you take it with you!

It is shame that this should be so, but it can not be otherwise till the Federal officials whose duty it is to forward troops see to it that good men are sent out as guards for recruits. Such can be obtained without difficulty by calling upon the Colonels of Regiments who know their men.

Will our exchanges call attention to this systematic robbery of soldiers and advise them to take care of their money before going to Elmira.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 15, 1864, p. 2

The 58th New York at Elmira—Flight of Substitutes—The Soldiers for McClellan—Electioneering in the Pulpit, &c.


HEADQUARTERS, 58TH Reg., N.G.
Elmira, Sept. 14, 1864

DEAR UNION:—The 58th Regiment National Guard came to Elmira on the 10th ult., performing duty at Barracks No. 1 until the 11th inst. You know the substitutes and recruits are brought first to Barracks No. 1, put into squads and sent to the front. The 58th has no less than four details at and on the way to the front now. The recruits brought to Elmira are very respectable looking young men. The substitutes are right the contrary. Such another set of rowdies cannot be picked up this side of the infernal regions. The officers of the 58th were frequently called upon by the commandant of the post to patrol the camp during the night. More or less of the substitutes escape every night. Some times whole squads break through the guard and run for dear life. How the government can cope with the rebel army with such a class of broken down, prison birds is a mystery to me. The rebel prisoners are very quiet, but the most casual observer can detect a settled determination to adhere to the fortunes of the Confederacy, though evil as well as good report.

Your friend, the Democrat, is either ignorant or false. His one idea, announced every morning, that the Democratic party is breaking up, is a subject of laughter, even among the Republicans. McClennan's name is music to the ears of a very large proportion of those in the service at Elmira.

The one hundred day men, I fear, will lose their votes this fall. If so, the boys at home must work the harder. That the whole "shoddy" party will be routed this fall, horse, foot and dragoons, there can be but little doubt.

The clergy in certain localities have commenced upon the duty this fall. Let missionaries be sent into every school district, if the people are so ignorant about the right of suffrage as these political hypocrites pretend. How low the standard of clerical instruction. Political ranters and stump orators fill the sacred desk, with a few worthy exceptions. Thomas K. Beecher commenced a series of lectures on Sabbath evening to instruct, as he stated, his congregation how to vote. He must be proud of such a body of men; they prouder still of their teacher. There is no language in the vocabulary sufficiently strong to express proper indignation at the conduct of that class of the clergy. Strange than men of intelligence and experience will submit to have any man, high or low, assume such priority in political affairs. The mass of the people will repudiate all such instruction from the clergy. I have great respect for the clergy while in their appropriate sphere, but out upon such hypocritical assumptions.

As far as the Union is circulated in camp it is well received, and the boys are anxious of having it more abundantly. One word in reference to the 58th. It numbers a few less than three hundred effective, working men. The officers are gentlemanly and stand by their Colonel to a man; no shrinking from duty; every man at the proper post. The rank and file are being drilled in the use of arms, and have made good progress; their dress parade is done in fine style. The regiment has acquired a capital reputation for order and neatness. But no man has been in the guard house. This, with other National Guard regiments located at Elmira, are called by some of the government officials Governor Seymour's pets; and yet I hear of no complaints from any of the commandants of posts that the duties assigned them are not well and willingly performed. The idea of being sent to the front is abandoned even at home. The Guard is needed at this post as much as at the front. More anon.

A WAR DEMOCRAT

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 19, 1864, p. 2

THE ROBBERY OF SOLDIERS BY THE GUARD DETAILED AT ELMIRA—The Democrat is badly beaten in the controversy about the responsibility of the Federal officers at Elmira for the plunder of soldiers sent to the front under a guard of thieves from Elmira. The Elmira Advertiser, a black a Lincoln paper as the Democrat, gives considerable space to the matter, copying from both the Democrat and the Union. It says that if the reports are true the practice of plundering soldiers is pernicious and the guilty should be severely punished. It concludes that if the facts as stated our advice to the soldiers to take no money to Elmira is good, and it comments as follows:

But we mistrust that the above is rather fancy drawn, and implies a hit at the Federal authorities having the whole thing in charge in whose supervision the Union is never apt to see anything commendable. But, at least, officials now understand what is being said of them and they can meet the charges as they deem best.

Thus is will be seen that the Advertiser, a Lincoln paper published at Elmira, concedes all that we claimed as to the responsibility of the Federal authorities who have the whole thing in charge, and thus denies the allegation of the Democrat that Governor Seymour was responsible. The Advertiser hates the Governor most heartily and would not hesitate to out the responsibility upon him if it could. It is compelled to admit that the Federal authorities have the whole thing in charge, and it thinks the will investigate the matter.

Has the Democrat any comment to make on the remarks of its Elmira contemporary? Will it even publish as much of its comments as we have done? Guess not.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 221864, p. 2

POLITICS OF THE SOLDIERS—A Correspondent of the Democrat purporting to be of the 54th Regiment at Elmira, has taken up the question of politics among the soldiers there and declares that very few will go for McClellan. The writer of the communication, if in the 54th, does not believe what he says. He must know that the receipt of the intelligence of the nomination of Little Mac created great sensation in Camp Moore where the 54th and 58th are located—Cheer after cheer was sent up on the receipt of the news. We were told this in the camp in presence of Republican officers who did not deny it. Now unless we are misinformed by those who ought to know, the soldiers in Camp Moore at Elmira are decidedly for McClennan. If the correspondent of the Democrat is there and doubts it, let him invite a McClennan man to make a canvas within the companies and report the results. We are willing to abide by the decision.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 13, 1864, p. 2

A Trip to Elmira

Two companies of the 50th Regiment N.G.S.N.Y., having been ordered to report for detached duty at Elmira, companies "A" and "B" of that regiment, commanded respectively by Captains Blood and Clough, left the village of Ithaca on the 2nd of September and after a tedious ride, a portion of the distance upon open cars and rough board seats, arrived at Elmira.

Leaving their baggage at the depot, they marched up to barracks number one, where after considerable delay, the two companies were mustered into United States service for one hundred days.

On their arrival at the Camp they were surrounded by the soldiers who had been previously stationed there, who, supposing them to be substitutes, made the air resound with cries of "fresh air," "fresh fish," that being their usual salutation for the conscripts and bounty men.

The soldiers quartered there appear to have a special dislike for substitutes, and well they may, for the most arduous part of their duty is to prevent these drafted men and bounty jumpers from escaping the camp. At night no less than three lines of guards and pickets, besides patrols, are necessary to guard against the escape of these unwilling soldiers.

On their first arrival in camp it appeared probable that these companies would be assigned to quarters in the old barracks which were built in 1861 and which presented anything but an uninviting appearance, but through the exertions of their officers and by the kind assistance of the 58th regiment, they were finally ordered to occupy new barracks which were clean, neat and otherwise as convenient as could be expected.
The same evening the men received their clothing, blankets and a portion of their equipments, and after chosing their bunks, rolled in, tired out by their days of travel and excitement and prepared to enjoy even the repose afforded by a bed of boards and a knapsack pillow. The next day our militiamen began to be initiated into the mysteries of soldier and camp life, and soon some of them were put on guard duty on the camp ground, and others were sent off to Baltimore and Washington with detachments of volunteers and substitutes. "Subs," as the soldiers call them, were then coming in and being sent off by the hundred daily, The guard kept over them is very strict, they while on their way from one camp to another not being allowed to communicate with any person without permission. With all this care it is impossible to prevent some from making their escape, and it is said that one of these men poisoned two of his guards, that he might elude their vigilance.

I must not forget to describe the eating house where the private soldiers take their meals. It is a long, low, illy ventilated building, and its condition is a disgrace upon the authorities who have it in charge. The tables are always wet, greasy, and dirty, as are also the benches, and you can imagine that anything but a sweet smelling savor would arise from the sloppy, dirty tables, and this damp and unwholesome eating house. In going out of the single door you must remember not to look downward, for here are placed two swill barrels, into which the men must empty the refuse from their tin cups and plates as they file out of the building. The rations allotted would not be unpalatable if a suitable place was provided in which to eat them. The bread is excellent, and the coffee very good; but strange to relate, no vegetables are provided for men who need them at this time and place more than at almost any other. Once or twice the men have had tainted meat served out to them, but it has always disappeared a very short time after being placed upon the table.

Lieut. Esty, of the Ithaca Company, sent out one dish of this sort on the double quick, ordering waiters to set such meat before his men again at their peril.
But I have not time to give further particulars concerning our Tompkins County Militia—men which would be of general interest. They are still at Elmira and will fulfill faithfully every duty committed to their charge.

The 58th N.G.S.N.Y., to which the two companies of the 50th are attached, is under the command of Col. Wisner of Mount Morris, who enjoys the reputation of a most excellent and efficient officer.

During my stay in Elmira I visited the encampment of rebel prisoners and Barracks number Three, where the 54th Rochester regiment is stationed.

The 54th makes the best appearance on parade of any regiment now at Elmira, and has a very high reputation for order and efficiency. Col. Clark, its universally popular commander, may well be proud of his Excelsior regiment, the gallant 54th.

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 27, 1864, p. 2

The Rebel Prisoners at Elmira

It will appear by the communication below, from a reliable source, that our government is imitating the example of the Jeff. Davis government in cruelty to prisoners. It is evidently the purpose of the fanatics who control the two governments to wreak their vengeance and hatred upon the sick and wounded prisoners who fall into their hands. We are told by the Democrat that the rebel government has removed the men from the command of the prisons who perpetrated the acts of cruelty to the Union prisoners, and that they are all doing well down there at Richmond, Andersonville and other places. If our cotemporary believes this to be the case, had he not better urge some reform in the management of the rebel prisoners held by the federal government? If he has any feeling of magnanimity he will do it, and thus further mitigate the horrors of war:

MR. EDITOR:—Will you give a place in your paper to the following extracts from private letters concerning the prisoners at Elmira?

"We looked down from the observatory into the pen the poor prisoners have at Elmira. God help them! We have a cousin among them, who has lung disease and scurvy. We tried to get permission to speak to him, but Stanton's orders are so fiendish that we could not. As a great favor we were permitted to send him a few vegetables, and L. got him an overcoat, as he was sick, through a friend, who prepared him for our appearance on the observatory. We recognized the poor boy, and he touched his hat when the guards were not looking. I begged the officer to have him stand out by himself, that we might distinguish him. He sent me a ring through one of them. When we turned to leave the poor fellow was completely overcome. The officers are humane, and but for Stanton and the Loyal League, would do well by them. Many of the prisoners had little, if any, clothing on—some in their drawers. Please send a cheap prayer book to poor J. to cheer him, if possible. He cannot live long as he is. They will not permit the well ones to receive anything. Can't you get Mr. B., or some one, to open the eyes of the people to this great crime committed at our very doors.
Yours, ­­_______"

"Do try to send up some one to intercede with Stanton, or somebody who can put a stop to this outrage. Only think of those poor fellows dying from cold and starvation in this christian land of plenty. Their rations are now sut down to one quarter, not enough to sustain life. They must die or become insane. To think poor Mrs. ________ could not speak to her cousin. I sent him a prayer book and cross book mark. They will not contraband; but anything which helps them to live is. Are we living in such a land? Do tell Mr. N. about it. Perhaps he will be able to do something for these poor fellows."

————— 0 —————
Rochester, NY Union & Advertiser: September 29, 1864, p. 2

A NEW DODGE–THE 54TH REGIMENT AND GRAYS' BATTERY TO BE RETAINED AT ELMIRA—It is now proposed that the Government retain the 54th Regt. And Grays' Battery at Elmira for one hundred days after the expiration of their present term on the 4th of November.

The City Committee for recruiting have fallen in and adopted the suggestion. They have voted the men $200 bounty each, provided government can be induced to credit the city, half a man for each of these commands who enlists for another hundred days.
Mayor Brackett and Gen. Williams go to Elmira to-night to present the proposition to the officers of the Regiment and Battery, and to see what they can do with the Federal authorities in the way of obtaining the credit suggested as a condition for their re-enlistment.

This scheme, if carried into effect, will keep the Regiment and Battery at Elmira during the Election and every man will be deprived of the privilege of voting. The law to permit soldiers to vote in the camp and field only gives the privilege to those out of the State. None of the men at Elmira can vote. That is settled beyond all question.

The soldiers should fully understand this and act with a knowledge of the facts. It has been given out that the men of the 54th and Grays would not be permitted to come home to vote any way though their time expires before election. It is understood that a majority of them will vote for McClellan and so they will probably be prevented from voting at all.

As to filling the quota of the city there will be no difficulty in this respect. The committee understand that they can get the men as fast as they can get the money. There is no occasion to sell the local militia to fill the quota. We hope to see our soldiers home at the end of their first hundred days.

————— 0 —————