This letter was probably penned by James W. Pickering (1840-1879) of Elmira, Chemung county, who enlisted as a private in Co. K, 23rd New York Infantry in mid-May 1861 to serve two years. He signed his letter with his initials. There was one other soldier in the regiment with the same initials at the time this letter was written. His name was John Wesley Patrick (1841-1913) but he was from Cortland county so I lean strongly toward Pickering as the author. Pickering survived his two year term of enlistment and then returned to Elmira where he married a woman named Adele and earned his living as an oil speculator.

Pickering wrote the letter to his friend, Helen Louise Wynkoop (1841-1906) who was from Chemung, Chemung county, New York. She married Charles Samuel Farrar, a professor at Elmira College, in July 1865 but later separated from him.

Pickering’s letter describes the trip from Elmira to the District of Columbia made by the regiment and of his first impressions of Alexandria and Washington City. He reports that the regiment was reviewed by Abe Lincoln and that he had sat in the gallery of both houses of Congress to listed to the debates. The letter was written on 19 July 1861, just two days before the Battle of Bull Run, but did not participate. They were not ordered to cross the Potomac into Virginia until the 23rd, at which time they occupied Fort Runyon.

Over the years I have transcribed several letters by members of the 23rd new York Volunteers. They include:

William M. Gregg, F&S, 23rd New York (4 Letters)
John March, Co. A, 23rd New York (4 Letters)
Morton Lewis Spencer, Co. B, 23rd New York (3 Letters)
Dayton F. Reed, Co. C, 23rd New York (1 Letter)
Hiram M. Payne, Co. E, 23rd New York (3 Letters)
Hiram T. Smith, Co. E, 23rd New York (1 Letter)
Timothy M. Gillan, Co. F, 23rd New York (2 Letters)
Charles Anthem Chapin, Co. K, 23rd New York (5 Letters)
Seymour Dexter, Co. K, 23rd New York (4 Letters)

T R A N S C R I P T I O N

Meridian Hill, District of Columbia

July 19, 1861

Friend Louise,

This being about the first opportunity that has permitted itself for me to write, I embrace it to fulfill engagements. We are encamped on a very pleasant portion of Meridian Hill. We have a fine spring on our grounds, which by the way we know how to appreciate after drinking the wretched water in Washington. We have a fine grove which is very nice some hot days. Taking all things into consideration, I think we have as fine camping grounds as are to be found in the District.

They came near killing us before they got us in the cars at Elmira. At Williamsport we were taken in charge by the citizens who conducted us to tables well covered with provisions to which the soldiers did full justice. We had a very pleasant trip through when within two miles of Harrisburg our engine run off the track and delayed us two hours. We marched through Baltimore with flags flying and drums beating. Some of the citizens looked rather sour as we passed them, but at the same time seemed perfectly willing to stand back and let us pass. Perhaps it was best for all concerned that it was so.

I took a tramp down to Alexandria the other day to look at the [Marshall] House in which Ellsworth was killed. I have a piece of the door that the bullet passed through after killing Ellsworth. The place is deserted. Most of the places of business are closed. The most of the citizens have fled south on the approach of the federal forces. They are very careful to keep out of danger.

I was very much surprised when I came to look around the great City of Washington. The streets are wide and fine, but aside from the public buildings, I have failed to see anything very interesting in Washington. I have been present at a number of debates in the House [of Representatives]. They have some quite smart men in the Senate as well as in the House. If you should come and attend Congress a few days, you could teach school and not be troubled about the noise. They all want to talk at once. Then the speaker brings down his mallet a few times on the desk to quiet them. He never puts his club out of his hands because he has to bring the House to order every five minutes. For my part, I think Elmira is as nice a place as Washington.

Wednesday quite a commotion was created in our company by the unexpected arrival of a delegation from Elmira. It seemed as tho we were at home again. In the afternoon our colors were presented and the regiment was reviewed by Abe Lincoln and other prominent men. Governor Morgan is taking a look at the men this evening. It is reported in camp that we are ordered to Virginia immediately. I am told that the New York Tribune has an account of the cutting to pieces of the 23rd Regiment of N. Y. V. whilst crossing the long bridge over the Potomac. I am happy to state that the 23d is sound up to the present time, but if they are ordered to Virginia it is hard to tell how long we shall remain so. They are having some hard fighting over in Virginia. It is reported here that the Rochester Regiment is badly cut up, and that they lost fourteen commissioned officers. I hope it is only a rumor. Give my respects to such as see fit to enquire after me. I should like to hear from you if you can make it convenient.

Ed wishes to be remembered. Please write. Yours truly — J. W. P.