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1862 Sept to Dec.
Introduction:
To comply with the request of my children that the letters which I had written to their mother while I was in the War of the Rebellion might be preserved, I attempt the arduous work, and will add some incidents, hardships, etc., that are fresh in my memory.
These letters were not always written on the date of mailing but each day, whenever time and opportunity offered, thus giving incidents of the day. I will here say that I went into the service wholly from patriotism,- that I had a happy home, a dear wife and one child (Ella) who was then fifteen months old. I was by occupation a carpenter and joiner, and had a good and growing business as Contractor and Builder. But when President Lincoln called for three hundred thousand more men, I thought it my duty to go, and, August 5th, 1862 I enlisted. When Company H 123rd Regiment, New York Volunteers was organized I was appointed by Captain Crary 1st Sergeant of the Company, went into Camp Washington at Salem N. Y. where the Regiment were rendezvoused and was mustered into the United States Service September 4th, 1862. The next day, Friday, Sept. 5th, at 10 P.M. the regiment left Camp at Salem, N. Y. for Washington, D. C. Thousands collected to see us off, as it might before the last time, and but little duty was done in camp that day except to visit with friends and pack up and prepare to leave. Oh, it was sad to part with those dear friends as we fully realized for what purpose we were leaving home! As we left the depot cheer after cheer went up from those left behind and was responded to by the regiment again and again until we passed out of hearing, thus covering up our anguish of heart.
R. CRUIKSHANK
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