Bucktail Correspondence

 

 

 

April 28, 1861 – Sunday.

George W. Sears,

Tioga Rifles, [Co. E, 13th Pa. Res.]

to: Wellsboro Agitator.
Troy, Pennsylvania –

      “During the afternoon of Wednesday, the weather cleared up nicely, and the march – or rather the ride – to Troy was pleasant enough. Over the hills, in the bosoms and by the sides of which nestled our humble homes; past sunny porches and fresh green lanes where quivering voices cheered us as we passed, where young mothers with brimming eyes and sobbing voices held up prattling little fellows to see us pass on the road which some of us are likely enough to pass never again; by squads of tough sunbrowned men who bade us ‘God speed’ in sober, earnest tones, sometimes adding, ‘Well boys it’ll be our turn next, may be;’ on we went with sad hearts enough, perhaps, but all of us in earnest.

      “It is reported that we are to move by Wednesday at farthest which may or may not be true. Perhaps the immense outside pressure which will be brought to bear on the Governor and the Legislature (which meets to-morrow) may be sufficient to rush through an act justifying the bringing on of these men to Troy contrary to orders, and also authorizing the payment of all expenses incurred. This would put matters all right and give the men who are in earnest a chance to see service; as the bill is intended to be framed with reference to the calling of the troops from the ‘infected district’ into immediate service.

      “We have had confusion worse confounded in this little town. Seven companies are now here, and the commissary department gets a hard run, you may well suppose. You never saw a body of men under exciting circumstances more quiet, sober and orderly, and the majority of them take to squad drill like tigers. The Tioga Company (The Wilmot Guards) are a fine body of fellows – officers and men – and they are fortunate to have a most competent drill officer in Capt. McDonald. We get the benefit of an officers drill from him occasionally. Will write again when I can.”

      Nessmuck.

[WA: 5-1-1861].