Corporal Titus Moss Letters - Cheshire Historical Society

Corporal Titus Moss Letters, September 1862 – March 1863 Page 15
something you would like to know. Evening. We have made tents
of our blankets and things look as if we might stay here a few
days. There is a good spring with an abundance of water about
forty rods from camp. Some of the Co. men got into a disgraceful
scrape and were court-martial. I think lost one month pay. I am
told that it was on this account that we were brought here. We had
a good name before. I will tell as well 4. as I can from what I
know. There is a farmer who had taken the oath of allegiance but
some of the men fancied he did not like union soldiers and thought
it would be fun to visit him at night. I think 20 of them left with
loaded muskets. As soon as the Capt. 9 found it out, he sent the rest
of his Co. after them. The last party got there in time stop the mis
chief that might have been done except insult. The men were
marched back and kept in the open air till morning. Then the whole
Reg. were formed in a hollow square the rowdies inside. Two non
commissioned officers were reduce to the rank of privates and all
were ordered to be court-martialed. This is all I know except they
were walked up to the Col tent bare headed one by one. I saw a
man today that was in the battle of Sharpsburg. He said that the
rebels fired a kit of blacksmiths tools, hammers and all, and even
shot there bayonets. I have written this lying flat on the ground the
wind
5.
swailing (sic) the light so that I can hardly see. I will finish this to
morrow if I can. Good Night. Oct We are directed pick up the
stones and rubbish clear a piece of ground for drill ground and
sweep the streets with bruch brooms. But the wind blows the dust
into our cook stand so we are waiting for dinner. We are lying at
the foot of the mountains where the of Harpers Ferry. Charlie
Goodwin went on to the top yester -day. He said there were a few
boddies that were not buried when one was found it was burned.
He found a gun barrel and said it was well worth climb -ing for I
am going up as soon as I can leave. The mail has just come and
brought me two letters. Charlie Russell has just thrown into the
tent. We have not had
6.
any mail since Sunday. I shant write any more till I have read
them. I have read my letters, one from you, the other Hannah I
thank you for your letter and sister to. When I can I shall send a
few lines about twice week. I got your package? last Sunday night.
The tea has come safely and very exceptable to. I think there is
9 “Capt” refers to Captain Timothy Guilford.
The Cheshire Historical Society
Cheshire, Connecticut 06410
http://www.cheshirehistory.org
April 2005