77th Regiment
New York Volunteer Infantry
Civil War Newspaper Clippings

FUNERAL CEREMONIES OF PETER
KNICKERBOCKER.
The funeral of Peter Knickerbocker, a private soldier in Company E. 77th Regiment N. Y. S. Volunteers was held on Tuesday of this week from the Methodist Church. A meeting was held at the Marvin House to make necessary provisions for the burial—and a committee was appointed for the purpose perfecting a plan.
The solemn services of the church were performed by Rev. Mr. Spaulding to a crowded house, after which the line of procession was formed and moved to the cemetery, where the services closed with a short exhortation and prayer.
Much credit is due to the Committee of Arrangements and to Marshall J. N. Case for the perfect system with which the obsequies were carried out.

COLONEL McKEAN'S REGIMENT.
The Bemis Heights regiment, Colonel J. B. Mckean commanding, will arrive in the city this morning. The Sons of Saratoga resident in the city are requested to meet the regiment at the foot of Fourteenth street, North river, at nine o'clock, to join in escorting them to the park. The presentation of colors will take place at one o'clock, in front of the City Hall. The Hon. Hiram Ketchum will deliver the address. The regiment will leave the afternoon for Washington.

THE 77TH.—We judge from a letter received by Mr. R. H. Benedict, of this village, from his son, that the 77th, to which he belongs, was not in the battles at Gettysburg. The regiment left Bristow, Va., June 26th, crossed the Potomac at Edwards Ferry, on the 28th, and was at Westminster, twenty miles from Gettysburg, on the 3d inst. (the day of the last battle.) They may have taken part in the subsequent operations against Lee's army, on its retreat to the Potomac.

CAPT. HORTON of Co. B. 77th Regiment, came home last week and was cordially welcomed by his Ballston friends.— He is recovering from the effects of the shell explosion that stuned him on the battle field of Fredericksburgh, but will not probably again enter the service. Capt. Rugg, of the 77th arrived here on Friday, on a short leave. He has been detailed to the Elmira depot to take charge of drafted men for his regiment, and he procured his leave of absence from there.

Capt. Rugg, of the 77th arrived here on Friday, on a short leave. He has been detailed to the Elmira depot to take charge of drafted men for his regiment, and he procured his leave of absence from there.

77th REGIMENT.
At a meeting of the officers of the 77th Regt., N. Y. S. V. convened at Headquarters of the Regiment, on the 19th day of May, 1863, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS—It has pleased Providence to remove from our midst our Senior Captain, the brave, manly, and much esteemed, Capt. Luther M. Wheeler, who fell on the 3d of May last, while leading his command through the enemies' works which crown the Heights of Fredericksburgh; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That we deeply deplore and mourn the loss of an officer who never flinched from duty, who commanded the entire respect of every member of the Regiment, who was loved and willingly obeyed in a manner seldom equalled and never excelled! and we feel that in losing the officer we have also lost a companion and friend, whose affability, truthfulness, social qualities, and mental attainments, are seldom found equaled in one so young, and by which he had so deeply endeared himself to us.
RESOLVED, That inasmuch as he fell while bravely fighting beneath his country's flag, and as the true soldier only wishes to die, he has won the proud distinction of adding his name to the patriotic heroes of history, and we feel that though the tears of bitter grief bedew the lustre of his crown, yet there is a lustre emanating therefrom to his Regiment and the army with which he so faithfully served.
Resolved, That we extend to the relatives and friends of the deceased our heartfelt sympathy in this their sudden bereavement.
RESOLVED, That copies of these resolu - tions be transmitted to the family of our lamented brother officer, and to the several newspapers published in Saratoga County.
Lieut. Col. W. B. French, Ch'mn
Capt. O. P. Rugg, Sec'y.

PRESENTIMENTS OF DEATH.
(From the Saratogian.)
Many remarkable cases are related of persons who have correctly predicted their own deaths. But we have rarely heard of any more surprising than the case of Captain L. M. Wheeler, of this place, who fell on Fredericksburg Heights. A short time before the last battle at Fredericksburg, Captain Wheeler remarked to Lieutenant Thomas, "If we cross the river I shall be wounded or killed." Thomas adds, "I had never seen him appear so before."
Another of his brother soldiers writes, that Captain Wheeler said to him three days before the battle, "I shall be killed in the battle, of Fredericksburg." Lieut. Vandemark says he was depressed some time before the battle, and said to him, "I know I shall be killed." And when Lieut. V. started for the hospital, after a week's illness in the care of Capt. W., he said, "Captain, you had better go with me. for you have not been well for a week, and the Doctors says you are not fit for duty," "No," he answered, "I can go, and I do not wish to have my men go where I do not go myself. "Good-bye, Van," said he, "you will never see me again. I am glad you are going to the hospital, for I think you would be shot too if you went into the fight."

OUR RETURNING HEROES.
ARRIVAL OF THE 77TH NEW YORK, 43D NEW YORK, 1ST MAINE AND 32D MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENTS.
The above-named regiments, numbering in all about 1,700 men, arrived in this city at 4 1/2 o'clock yesterday afternoon. They came through to Amboy in a special train of 44 cars, and from thence were conveyed to this city by steamboat, landing at Pier No. 1. Immediately after disembarking, the two New York regiments stacked arms on the Battery grounds, and the 1st Maine and 32d Massachusetts Regiments marched to the foot of Robinson st.
The Massachusetts regiments went on board the boat, but the Maine Regiment being left behind together with quite a number of Massachusetts man, they returned to the Battery barracks and were provided with supper.. Col. Howe was making efforts to procure transportation in order to send them off by special boat last night. The New York Regiments left for Albany at 8 p. m. by steamboat.
THE 32D MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
This regiment represents the 9th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 32d, 33d and 39th Regiments, and returns with 773 men. During the three and a half years they have been in the field, 2,900 man have belonged to the organization. It belonged to the Third Brigade, First division, and belonged to the Third Brigade, First Division, and Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac. The following is a list of officers:
Field and Staff—Colonel, J. C. Edmonds; Lieut.-Col. Jas. A. Cunningham; Major, Edward O. Shepard; Surgeon, Fletcher; Quartermaster, Lieut. Jas. S. Wagner; Adjutant, Capt. John A. Bowdlear.
Line Officers—Co. A, Capt. John E. Tidd; First-Lieut. A. E. Drury; Co. B, Capt. A. Bancroft; First-Lieut. Jas. P. Robinson; Second-Lieut. Wm. F. Tubbs; Co. C, Capt. T. McCartney; First-Lieut. Geo. W. Batcheldor; Second-Lieut. Wm. F. Tuttle; Co. D, First-Lieut. Loring Burrell; Co. E, First- Lieut. Stephen C. Phinney; Co. F, Capt. J. A. Bowdlear; First-Lieut. Thom. Cook; Co. G, Capt. Geo. W. Laurrat; Second-Lieut. Chas. Bartlett; Co. H, Capt. Wm. E. Reed; First-Lieut. August A. Coburn; Co. I, Capt. I. W. Smith; Second-Lieut. Jas. W. King; Co. K, Capt. Geo. A. Hall; Co. L, Capt. Jas. E. March; Lieut Geo. A. Ackerman; Co. M, Capt. Chas H. Smith; First-Lieut. A. W. Kneeland; Second- Lieut. ____ Jennis.
FIRST MAINE REGIMENT.
The 1st Maine Regiment, numbering 422 men and 28 officers, belonged to the Third Brigade, Second Division, and Sixth Corps. The officers are as follows: Colonel, Hyde; Lieutenant-Colonel, Fletcher; Major, Witherell; Quartermaster, Glazier; Adjutant, Grenier; Surgeon, Bucks; Assistant, Packard; Co. A, Lieut. Littlefield; Co. B, Capt. Merrill; Co. C, Capt. Weber; Co. D, Lieut. Greenleef; Co. E, Lieut. Phair; Co. F, Lieut. Phiney; Co. G, Capt. Wade; Co. H, Capt. Jennings; Co. I, Lieut. Frazier; Co. K, Capt. Ring.
SEVENTY-SEVENTH NEW-YORK BATTALION.
This Battalion, numbering 240 men, which was raised in Saratoga County, and went out in November, in 1861, shows as good a record as that of any other regiment connected with the Army of the Potomac. During the time they have served, over 2,000 men have been connected with the organization. The following is a list of officers:
Field and Staff—Colonel T. J. C...; Surgeon, Dr. Thompson; Adjutant, T. M. White; Quartermaster, Chas. Thurber; Hospital Steward, Charles Waldron.
Line Officers—Co. A, Capt. J. D. Clapp; 1st lieut. Thomas Hass; 2d Lieut. S. Fountain; Co. b, Capt. Geo. Ross; 1st Lieut. Adam Flansburg; 2d Lieut. Wm. Caw; Co. C, Capt. Charles Stevens; 1st lieut. Wm. Merrill; Co. D, Capt. Chas. Davis; 1st lieut. Robert nelson; 2d Lieut. William Quackenbush; Co. E, Capt. D. A. Thompson; 1st Lieut. James M. Monroe.
The regiment participated in all the battles of the Peninsula; battle of Antietam; Gettysburg, first and second Fredericksburg, Rappahannock Station, all the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, from whence the brigade were detached and sent to the defense of Washington, where they charged on and drove the Rebels from Fort Fisher; they next took part in the battles of Charleston, Va., Ossequan, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek. Returning to Petersburg, the Third Brigade were the first to break through the Rebel lines at the time of the evacuation.
FORTY-THIRD NEW-YORK.
This battalion numbering 200 men, belonging to the Third Brigade, Second Division and Sixth Corps, went into the field in 1861 and since that time have engaged in every battle with the famous old Sixth. The list of officers is as follows:
Brevet-Col., Charles A. Millikin; Surgeon, Henry H. Carpenter; Adjutant, Thos. Lynch; Quartermaster, Miles W. Goodyear; Co. A, Capt. E. B. Goodyear; Second--Lieut. Hiram Van Buren; Co. B, First-Lieut., John Aherne; Co. C, Capt. Wm. Russel; Co. D, Capt. Wm. H. Tyrrel; Second- Lieut., Nicholas A. Swart; Co. E, Capt. Richard L. Annesley; First-Lieut., Jas. McGraw; Second-Lieut., Frank Shubert.

Col. James B. McKean, who organized the gallant 77th N. Y. Regiment, while a Member of Congress, and commanded it in several engagements, having lost his health in the service, has been honorably discharged, at his own request.
The Hon. James B. McKean was known in this city for his usefullness as a legislator and his amiable and social qualities as a gentleman.

GOING BACK.—Second Lieut. W. W. Worden, of the 77th, who was wounded in the battle of the Wilderness, starts on his return to the regiment to-morrow. His furlough has not yet expired; but being in condition for duty, he is desirous to share again, with his gallant comrades, the perils of the campaign against Richmond.

Wm. Kimpton, of Co, C, 77th regiment, who was wounded in the arm during one of the recent battles before Richmond, and was taken prisoner, died while undergoing amputation of that wounded limb.

Dr. Stevens, Surgeon of the 77th Regt., now with Sheridan, writes Col. McKean, "The army votes for Lincoln— I know it. In conversation yesterday with a rebel Surgeon, a very social gentlemanly man, he asked me how your army would vote. I told him, and then asked him in return how his army would vote if it had a chance. "Oh!" said he, "of course we would vote for McClellan." "Why, of course?" said I. "Because in spite of his letter we believe him to be the peace candidate." LIEUT. CARLOS ROWE, of Co. I. 77th N. Y. who was taken prisoner during the battles of the Wilderness, has escaped. He was taken during the advance on the 10th of May, was held as prisoner until the 16th, when he eluded the vigilance of his guards, and after a tramp of seven days, in the enemy's country, arrived at Fredericksburgh on the 23d, all right and ready for service again, though minus his sword, coat &c.
In his letters home he gives a glowing picture of the splendid fighting done by the 77th, at the time of the breaking of Shaler's and Seymour's brigades. It maintained its old reputation as the fighting 77th.

JOHN HAY has been heard from. He is wounded and is in one of the hospitals and doing well. The missing are PETER A. BROWN, a volunteer from the CATARACT office, J. H. En EARL and Lt. BUCHANAN, of the 76th Reg't., neither of whom have been heard from since the first day's fight, GEORGE DIEHL, a member of the 77th N. Y. Reg't., whose parents reside in this village, was killed on the 5th of May, in an engagement in the Wilderness. He is spoken of as a brave soldier and exemplary man, and his loss will be sincerely mourned. Lieut, T. S. FOWLER, also of the 77th, whose name we reported last week as among the wounded, and MARTIN Murphy mentioned above, have arrived home and are doing as well as the severity of their wounds will admit. Lieut. Fowler will probably lose the use of his arm.

SOLDIER's FUNERAL.—The funeral sermon of David McNeal, Jr., of Wilton, a member of the 77th who was killed on the 6th of May, will be preached on Sunday, June 5, by the Rev. J. S Hart, at the South Wilton Church.
In connection with the above notice of the fall of an estimable young man, we are permitted to make a few extracts from a letter to a friend in this place, that was written just before the battles. He says, "Shortly after the battle of Mine Run, our chaplain drew up a league for a Christian Society, to which about thirty put their names—pledging their faith that they would live before their fellow soldiers as becomes Christians. I have always believed that for a soldier to be able to discharge his duty to his Country, he needs the guidance of an unerring God. There is nothing that will enable a man to go so soberly and boldly into battle as the assurance in his own heart that, whether he stands or falls, his eternal good is secure. You may expect to hear of a more terrific battle than has yet been fought, and many a mother's heart made lone and desolate thereby, and may God strengthen each for the task."

ARRANGEMENTS TO RECEIVE THE BEMIS HEIGHT'S REGIMENT (SEVENTY-SEVENTH NEW YORK STATE VOLUNTEERS).
This fine regiment, raised in Saratoga county and commanded by Col. McKean, is expected in this city in a few days, on its way to the seat of war, and suitable preparations are being made to give it a hearty reception. The natives of Saratoga county resident in this city and the vicinity held a meeting yesterday afternoon in room 20 Aster House, with the view to organising some plan of proceeding. Mr. Gilbert M. Speir was chosen chairman and Mr. Charles A. Davidson secretary, after which a committee was appointed to make all the necessary arrangements, and the meeting adjourned subject to call.

(N.Y. Herald Nov. 16, 1861)
THE BEMIS HEIGHTS BATTALION.
Arrival and Departure of the Bemis Heights Battalion or Seventy-seventh Regiment of New York State Volunteers, Col. James Bedell Mckean, Commanding— Formation of the Regiment, Sketches of the Officers, Historical Incidents, & c., &c.
The Bemis Heights battalion, Seventy-seventh regiment of New York State Volunteers, Col. James Bedell McKean, member of Congress from the Fifteenth (Saratoga) district, commanding, arrived at the foot of Fourteenth street, from Albany, early yesterday morning. The formation of this regiment was initiated on the 21st of August last by the publication of the following stirring and patriotic circular, signed by Col. McKean:—
FELLOW CITIZENS OF THE FIFTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT:—
Traitors in arms seek to overthrow our constitution and to seize our capital. Let us go and help to defend them. Who will respond because we lost the battle at Bull run? Our fathers lost the battle at Bunker Hill, but it taught them how to gain the victory at Bemis Heights. Let us learn wisdom from disaster, and send overwhelming numbers into the field. Let farmers, mechanics, merchants, and all classes, for the liberties of all are at stake, aid in organising companies. I will cheerfully assist in procuring the necessary papers. Do not misunderstand me. I am not asking for an office at your hands. If you who have most at. stake will go, I will willingly go with you as a private soldier. I have assurances from several officers who have seen service on fields of battle that they will gladly join us. Let us organize a Bemis Heights Battalion, and vie with each other in serving our country, thus showing that we are inspired by the holy memories of the Revolutionary battle fields upon and near which we are living.
This appeal was not without its immediate effect, and the progress of the regiment towards completion was rapid and gratifying. Of the ten companies composing the battalion seven entire companies were recruited from Saratoga county, which has sent to the war altogether upwards of 1,200 men; the remaining three, with few exceptions, being from Essex and Fulton counties—two from the former and one from the latter. The men are taken from various pursuits, but mostly from agricultural, mechanical and professional callings, a large proportion of them being farmers' sons—a few have left college classes, and not a few are lawyers, doctors, ministers and school teachers. The regiment is a very strong one, in both an intellectual and physical point of view, and appears in New York eight hundred strong. It is named in commemorative honor of Bemis Heights, a revolutionary point of interest, situated about twelve miles east of Saratoga village, where the trace of battles known as those of Bemis Heights were fought on September 17 and October 7, 1777. Both of these memorable contests, which are now popularly referred to under the different names of the battle of Saratoga, Stillwater and Bemis Heights, is recorded among "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World," deciding as it did the fate of the Revolution by preventing the junction of Burgoyne and Clinton. This same struggle also determined the course France pursued in the Seven Years' war.
SKETCH OF COLONEL M'KEAN.
Colonel James Bedell McKean , commanding the regiment, was born of Scotch descent in August, 1821, on the actual scene of what is known as the Battle of Bennington, which, as the boundaries now lie, was in Hoosac, Rensselaer county, this State, instead of in Vermont. Colonel Mckean is a self-cultured man, alternately going to school for a short time, farming and teaching. At the age of twenty-four years, having previously served through all the militia gradations, he was elected and subsequently commissioned by the late Silas Wright Colonel of the 144th regiment New York State Militia, which body of citizen soldiery he continued to command for several years. At the proper age the Colonel commenced the reading of law at Waterford, in this State, under Judge Bullard, and was duly admitted to the bar. In the year 1854 he was elected County Judge of Saratoga county, the duties of which office he discharged for one full term, immediately after which, in the fall of 1858, he was chosen a representative in Congress for the Fifteenth Congressional district; and having been re-elected in the fail of last year (1860), he is a member of the Congress that convenes on Tuesday next, but inasmuch as his colonel's commission originates with Governor Morgan, it is probable that he will continue to hold his Congressional seat while doing his duly to his country as colonel of his regiment. Politically Colonel McKean was an old democrat till the repeal of the Missouri compromise, and he is now a decided partisan of the present administration, sustaining the cause of the Union in this crisis with might and main. He is among the most popular orators in Northern New York, being alike graceful eloquent and persuasive; engaging in his manners, and yet remarkable for his decisiveness on all subjects and for political backbone, urgently favoring the adoption of strong measures for the reduction of the rebellion, both in the last Congress and at the late extra session. As a commander he has the air, bearing and traits that are desirable in a military officer, being prompt, ready and self reliant, united to which he has a voice equal to all the demands made on a field officer. All classes of the people in the section of country from which his regiment comes, and where he is best known, place the utmost reliance upon his discretion and indomitable grit. In personal appearance he is slightly above the medium height, fair complexion, iron gray hair, slim]y built, and not of a strong, though energetic physique. Though volunteering as a private, Colonel McKean was unanimously called to the command of the regiment.
THE LIEUTENANT COLONEL
of the regiment is Joseph C. Henderson, of Albany. Col. Henderson is a hardware merchant, and has seen little of military life, though he has been for some time attached to the staff of Brigadier General Rathbone. He is a fine appearing officer, and is represented as being an efficient, industrious and attentive one. He commanded the regimental post during the raising of the command.
MAJOR HETZEL.
Major Seldon Hetzel is a nephew of ex-Lieutenant Governor Seldon; was raised in Monroe county, has had the advantage of a partial training though sound training at West Point, and is competent to the position he fills, being regarded as a superior officer. He joined the regiment from Rochester.
SKETCH OF BENJ. F. JUDSON, SENIOR CAPTAIN OF THE REGIMENT.
Captain Judson—senior line officer of the regiment, ranking next to Major—was born in Warsaw, Rensselaer county, in 1827, and after a little early schooling was bred a printer, serving his time in the office of the Troy Daily Whig, and is at present one of the proprietors of the Saratogian, a spirited inland paper. Captain Judson is alive in military matters, and his courage will be heard from in the contest.
INTERESTING FLAG PRESENTATION AT SARATOGA.
Just previous to the departure of the regiment from Saratoga, on Wednesday, a national flag was presented to the regiment by the young ladies of Dr. Beecher's seminary, which was marked by appropriate ceremonies and speeches, &c. The flagstaff is surmounted by a blade or esponton found on the field of the second battle of Bemis Heights, and which belonged to a British flagstaff attempted to be planted on the American intrenchments on the Heights, which effort was gallantly foiled by American prowess.
The regiment was received and entertained in New York by "The Sons of Saratoga," resident in the metropolis, who yesterday presented them with a splendid regimental flag, bearing devices emblematic of the name of the regiment. On one side there is seen a representation of the old colonial flag in use at the time the battles of Saratoga were fought, consisting of thirteen stripes, alternate white and red, the field being the same as that of the British standard. The reverse side bears a representation of the surrender of Burgoyne, with the thirteen stripes and the thirteen stars in the field, the occasion of that surrender being the first one on which the present national symbol was used, the Stars and Stripes being then unfurled; the law relative to the ensign of the republic having been passed by Congress in the June preceding.
LIST OF THE FIELD AND STAFF OFFICERS.
Colonel ...........................................James B. McKean.
Lieut. Colonel Joseph C. Henderson.
Major Seldon Hetzel.
Chaplain .......................Rev. David E. Tully.
Adjutant.............................Winsor B. French.
Quartermaster...............................Lucius E. Shurtleff.
Surgeon.......................................John L. Perry.
Assistant Surgeon ...................... George E. Stevens.
Quartermaster’s Sergeant..........Wendell Lansing.
LIST OF LINE OFFICERS.
Company A—Captain, Benj. F. Judson; First Lieutenant, Luther M. Wheeler; Second Lieutenant, John Patterson.
Company B—Captain, Lewis Wood; First Lieutenant, Wm. B. Carpenter; Second Lieutenant, Halsey Bowe.
Company C—Captain, Calvin A. Rice; First Lieutenant, George S. Orr; Second Lieutenant, L. Shurtleff.
Company D-Captain, John Carr; First lieutenant, Winsor B. French; Second Lieutenant, Chester H. Fodow.
Company E—Captain, Ruel W. Arnold; First Lieutenant, Wm. Douglass; Second Lieutenant, James Farnsworth.
Company F—Captain, Judsen B. Andrews; First lieutenant, Jesse White; Second Lieutenant, John J. Cameron.
Company G--Captain, A. F. Beach; First lieutenant, N. H. Brown; Second Lieutenant, George D. Story.
Company H—Captain, Franklin Morton; First Lieutenant, Jacob F. Haywood; Second Lieutenant, Martin Lemon.
Company I—Captain, ____ Babcock; First Lieutenant, Haywood; Second Lieutenant, ,—— Cobb.
Company K—Captain, Clement C. Hill; First Lieutenant, Noble P. Hammond; Second Lieutenant, Stephen S. Horton. Immediately upon arriving in the city the regiment was quartered at the Park Barracks where the men were breakfasted, the officers breaking fast in a separate apartment, where a welcome speech to the command was delivered by a son of Saratoga, to which the commanding colonel replied. After breakfast the regiment was supplied with Enfield rifles, and forming in hollow square in the Park, the presentation of the regimental standard already referred to, was made in a speech by Hon. Hiram Ketchum, forcible, earnest, and marked by revolutionary references. Colonel McKean responded in a most feeling and appropriate manner, concluding by giving the ensign to a Sergeant named Bemis, a relative of the proprietor of the land upon which the battles of Saratoga were fought. The regiment left at five o'clock by boat for Amboy, and thence took the cars to Washington.

(N.Y. Herald Nov. 30, 1861)
WHAT THE 77TH DID.
GALLANTRY OF COLONEL McKEAN AND THE BEMIS HEIGHT BOYS.
Correspondence of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Mechanicsville, Saturday night, May 24.
This morning at daybreak the Rebels opened upon the little band that had driven them across the river at the New Bridge. The cavalry and artillery were encamped across the river, and the infantry close by upon the opposite side, but in supporting distance. To our right was a little village, called Mechanicsville. In a grove this side, a battery of four guns commenced to fire solid shot; before us was an open field, and the fire was at once returned, but no damage being done in half an hour, the firing being unsatisfactory, Wheeler's Battery of four pieces and Davidson's Brigade, in the following order:—Seventy-seventh New York, Col. J. B. McKean; Thirty-third New York, Forty-ninth New York, Seventh Maine, Col. Mason—were ordered to take the battery. They at once marched up half a mile, when the Rebel infantry were seen drawn up in line of battle in front of the battery. Wheeler's Battery at once halted and opened upon them, dealing out a terrific fire of canister and shell. It was returned, with but little loss on our side. We could now see four squadrons of Rebel cavalry and two regiments of grey coats.
After firing some time, the Seventy-seventh New York and Thirty-third New York advanced again, and, in marching up, received a heavy volley of musketry and solid shot from their 12-pounders. With a "charge bayonets," and one of the most terrific roars, that seemed like the bursting of a huge cataract from its barriers, on they rushed; first the cavalry fled, and before the infantry got close enough to see the whites of their eyes, their infantry broke and ran in all directions through the woods. Down went knapsacks, canteens and muskets. The infantry pursued them cautiously, and found one wounded man upon the field who belonged to a Georgia regiment. Their killed and wounded were taken away with them, with this exception.

FROM THE 77TH.
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE SARATOGIAN.
BRANDY STATION,
Virginia, Nov. 12. 1863.
Messrs. Potter & Judson:—Knowing that you take an interest in matters pertaining to our Army, and thinking perhaps you would like to know what has become of the 77th N. Y. V., I take the liberty of writing a few lines to you for publication (if you see fit to do so.) I shall not attempt to write a history of all our doings, marches, & c., since leaving the Rapidan River, but will give a few details of our doings for the past few days and of the fight of Rappahannock Station last Saturday, the 7th. We broke up camp at Warrenton, the morning of the 7th, and marched at 8 o'clock for Rappahannock Station, 12 miles, where we arrived at or near two in the afternoon, none of us hardly dreaming of a fight that day, although we knee the rebels were strongly fortified, and had quite a heavy force on our side of the river.
We were drawn up in line of battle, within about half a mile of the station, at 2 o'clock, the first division ahead and on our left; ours the 2d, next, in the centre, and the third division on our left and rear. Soon the cannonading commenced on our left, and we knew by this time that the first division were engaged with the enemy. We (our brigade) were then ordered in line of battle a short distance, and halted, the 43d N. Y. in the meantime were thrown ahead as skirmishers, which duty they nobly done, driving the Rebel Skirmishers about half a mile to and across the River. Soon the shells commenced flying around, and bursting on all sides of us. We did not lay in this position long, for the rebels had a good view and range of us, but were ordered forward again about a quarter of a mile to get under cover of a small hill or rise of ground, for protection, and where we could support one of our batteries which was at work in good earnest, returning the rebel compliments with shot and shell. We started on the double quick through brush, over ditches, &c., all the while the Rebs doing their prettiest to hit some of us with their shells as they had a good range of us; but we gained the cover of the hill, no one hurt. We lay there for an hour, under a heavy fire all the time, their shells bursting all around us, but luckily they did no damage of any account; they wounded a few horses, but none of our men were hurt. Still it was not a very pleasant situation to be in, after all. At dark we were ordered forward to relieve the 43d on the skirmish line. We took their place until morning, expecting that the fight would then be renewed, but at daylight there was not a Reb to be seen—all that had not been killed, wounded, and taken prisoners, had made good their retreat back towards Culpepper. I will here say that our men, throughout the fight, as far as we were engaged, showed themselves brave and true soldiers—all of us having the confidence of our brave and worthy Col. French, who as an officer in command of a regiment can't be beat in our Corps (and that is saying a good deal).
At daylight we fell back a short distance from the River and the forepart of the day (Sunday) was taken up in burying our dead, and gathering up guns, equipments, &c, that the rebels had left behind, and when they were taken prisoners. In the afternoon we crossed the river and advanced on to Brandy Station 4 miles, where we encamped that night; the next day we moved up some 2 miles further to the right, where we are now camped in the woods, near the residence of the Hon. John Minor Betts, who, as no doubt you know, was one of the strongest opponents of secession, at the breaking out of the rebellion. He has been confined in prison at Richmond for some time, but is now I am told at home here on his old plantation. Of the particulates of the fight you have no doubt been made acquainted ere this, but 1 will give you an account as far as I know. We lost in our Corps, some 40 killed and 265 wounded, I do not know the exact amount of killed and wounded of the enemy; but according to Gen. Sedgwick's report we took 4 pieces of artillery, 4 Caisons filled with ammunition , their Pontoon Bridges, 8 battle flags, 1600 prisoners, including two brigade commanders and 130 commissioned officers, which I call doing pretty well for a small fight.
Says Gen. Sedgwick in his report, " the taking of the Heights on the right by Neil's and Shaler's brigade of the 6th Corps under Gen, Howe, to obtain position of the enemy's batteries, was admirably accomplished."
As regards future operations this fall, of course we soldiers don't know anything; but from indications going on around us, I don't think we will remain here any longer than until the Railroad is repaired up to the river; then I think Gen. Meade will push ahead. One thing is certain, what fighting we do this fall will have to be done soon, for we shall soon begin to get the fall and winter rains, and then it will be impossible to move the army to any advantage. The weather is getting cold, and it is very uncomfortable sleeping out on the ground these cold nights. The health of the regiment is good, never better since it was organized, and we are all in good spirits. What men there are left now of the 77th can stand anything, except shell and balls.
Hoping that war will soon be ended and that we can return to Old Saratoga again to welcome our friends once more, I will close this poorly written letter.
I am very respectfully, Yours &c.,
Sergt. J. E. Barnes,
77th N. Y. Vols., 3d Brig. 2d Div. 6th Corps

COL. M'KEAN'S FAREWELL ADDRESS TO THE SOLDIERS OF THE 77TH.
Col. James B. McKean, who organized the gallant 77th N. Y. Regiment, while a Member of Congress, and commanded it in several engagements, having lost his health in the service, has been honorably discharged, at his own request.
The following is his farewell address to his Regiment :
Saratoga Springs, July 26, 1863.
To the 77th Regiment N. Y S. Volunteers:
Soldiers: When, returning from my seat in the Federal Congress, in the summer of 1861, I called on my constituents to rise in defence of our imperilled country, you rallied at my call and demanded that I should lead you. Yielding to your demand, and to what seemed the voice of duty, I became your Colonel. I cannot express, nor need I, for you know how much you have made me love you. Your cheerful obedience to my every command, aye, to my every request; your proficiency in drill & discipline; your patriotic performance of every duty, and patient endurance of every hardship; your stern steadiness under fire, your brilliant bayonet charges, have long since commanded my admiration and affection. But brothers, I must leave you. Prostrated for the third time by chronic disease, contracted in the field, I address you from a bed of sickness, to say—what it is hard to say farewell. You need no advice now. You know well why yon have chosen to he soldiers. You ask for no new Declaration of Independence, but that the truths of the old be recognized and enforced; you ask for no new Constitution, but for a just interpretation of the old; you ask for no new Union, but for the old as its founders designed it, not as its internal enemies perverted it; that the Republic, founded on justice, may exist, you ask that t h a t class which claims to be above, and that class which is claimed to be beneath the reach of even-handed justice, shall cease to exist. These holy hopes shall be realized. To these glorious consummations you are marching on; an inscrutible Providence orders me to halt. Brothers of the 77th— Farewell.
Jas. B. Mckean,
Col. 77th Regt., N. Y. S. V.

FROM THE 77TH.
HEAD QUARTERS 77TH REG. N. Y. V.,
Camp near Brandy Station, Va.,
March 6th, 1864.
Editor Saratogian.—Sir—Since my last letter the boys have been taking a walk, and although nothing extraordinary occurred during the promenade, still, a few details may be interesting to your readers. On the evening of the 26th of February orders were received, at Regimental Head Quarters, to be ready to march at 7 o'clock A. M. , the following morning. A guard was to be left in camp, and some few men, who were unable to stand the fatigues of the march, were also allowed to remain behind. At 3 o'clock, on the morning of the 27th, the column moved forward in the direction of Culpepper, which point they paused about 11 o'clock, and at night they camped near James City Court House,—having made about seventeen miles. Early next morning the march was resumed, and shortly after noon the column halted near Madison Court House. It being understood that they were going no farther, the men went to work with all the zeal and energy natural to a soldier, and soon a little village of bush houses were erected, (the tents having been left in camp,) where they made themselves quite comfortable, as the weather was mild and dry. In a short time the brigade butchers killed and prepared fresh meat for the troops, and the hides of the cattle were taken by some for roofing to their shantie, in case of rain. From this point, and even from the camp at Brandy Station, the artillery which accompanied Gen. Custer's cavalry, could be heard in the front. The firing lasted all day, and must have been at least twenty-five miles from our present camp. At night a heavy rain set in, with every prospect of "a long spell of weather." In the morning the rain had turned to snow, and the few deserted houses in the neighborhood were soon leased an very liberal terms, and became dance houses and minstrel halls for the entertainment of the "Yanks."
It was soon ascertained that some very nice poultry was in the vicinity, and the soldiers, fearing it might not be properly cared for, owing to the destitution of the country, kindly gathered it in, and, by so doing, were enabled to give their masticators quite a surprise.— Luckily the change of diet did them no harm, though some hinted at "fowl" play being connected with the affair.
On the morning of March 2d the Corps started on the return trip, bringing in horses, mules and innumerable contrabands. The marching was somewhat harder then when going out, as the recent storms had caused an abundance of Virginia's great staple, and consequently the soldiers' shoes weighed a great many more ounces to the pound than ordinarily. Notwithstanding the distance was some twenty-three miles the regiment arrived in camp at 4 o'clock p. m. of the same day. Gen. Howe, who had been our Division commander for a long time, has recently been removed and given a command in Washington, and Gen. Russel, formerly of the 1st Division, is now in command of ours.
The health of Col. French is rapidly improving, though since my last letter he has suffered a relapse in his malady, caused mainly, by his anxiety to be up and doing sooner than the feeble state of his health would allow.
On the 6th we deceived a small squad of recruits, which looks encouraging. May they continue to arrive, and none, who link their destinies with the 77th, will ever have cause to regret the choice.
The election returns in last week's Saratogian show a good account of the people at home; and if you will but give us a chance to vote in the field, we will swell the Union majorities to a much higher figure. W.

FROM THE 77TH.
HEADQUARTERS 77TH REGT. N. Y. S. V.
Camp near Brandy Station, Va.,
March 31, 1864.
Editor Saratogian:—Sir—After a silence of two weeks, during most of which time I have been unwell, I will once more resume my duties of correspondent, though very little of interest has transpired in the regiment since my last.
During this month, so far, we have been the recipients of the worst kind of March weather. On the 21st we were visited by a snowstorm, accompanied by high winds, which drifted our chilly visitor into all imaginable shapes, and caused him in some instances to penetrate even the sacred domiciles of "Abe's Police," Thus replacing the warmth and comfort hereditary to the sunny (?) south. The depth of the hibernal carpet varied from two inches to two feet. On the 22d the sun came out warm and soon reduced the snow to a suitable consistency for snow-balling, when a silent bombardment was commenced by our boys on the camp of the sixty-first Penn. Vols. This was a signal for the "Pittsburghers" to turn out en mass, and the air was soon filled with hostile, though non-explosive projectiles. Officers and men pitched in, and in a short time the seventy-seventh boys were in possession of the camp of " ye shadbellies." During the melee several prisoners had been captured by each party; these were soon exchanged, and all affairs between the contending parties satisfactorily adjusted.
Lt. Gen. Grant is now with us, and has established his Headquarters at Culpepper C. H. Since his arrival the first and third Army Corps have been disorganized, and the troops that composed them, distributed among the three remaining Corps. Gen. Prince's division of the Third Corps joins Gen. Sedgewick.
We are all expecting lively times this summer, and as there are a great many persons yet in Saratoga of the fighting age, who have failed to take an active part in the great tragedy, let them embrace the present opportunity, and be in at the death of the Confederacy. Even the " Cops: should not hesitate to step forward at this time, as they can act in the capacity of mourners at the funeral obsequies.
We are now enjoying a course of literary lectures in our little chapel; they are delivered every Wednesday evening, on which occasion the little structure is always crowded, showing that the men take a lively interest in this mode of pastime so well adapted to their mutual gratification and benefit.
The ground is now very unsettled, so much so that in all probability we shall remain inactive during the greater part of April.
I shall not attempt to describe the pride and gratification with which the boys received the news of the late "Amendment of the Constitution," allowing us to vote. Suffice it to say that we fully appreciate the favor and also the party with whom it originated, a proof of which will be furnished by us in November next.
W.

FROM THE 77TH.
HEADQUARTERS, 77TH REG., N. Y. S. V.
Near Brandy Station, Va.
April 23d, 1864.
Editor Saratogian, Sir:
Since my last letter we have been busily engaged in making preparations for the coming campaign, which from present indications promises to be a successful one. Our army has gained greatly in numbers during the past winter, and every train that arrives from Washington comes freighted with recruits, eager to join the ranks under the "Hero of the West."
The men express the utmost confidence in Lieut. Gen. Grant, and expect to take Richmond the coming season. Some very hard fighting will of course be necessary, but none harder than the army of the Potomac has done and stand ready, willing and anxious to do again, if the subjection of the rebel army of Virginia is to be the fruit of their efforts.
We had the pleasure of seeing Lieut. Gen. Grant a few days ago, on the occasion of a Corps Review. He is a very plain looking personage indeed, and unless he is very hard to please, our appearance must have left in his mind a favorable impression, for the corps never appeared to better advantage than on this occasion.
The weather is now quite pleasant; we have had but very little rain for the past ten days, and the ground is fast becoming settled, the air is warm, and no fires are used except for cooking purposes.
On the l6th all the sutlers were ordered out of the lines, and will probably not be allowed to return this season, unless we should halt for a rest during the heat of the Summer. All the surplus property of the regiment, except the "real estate" on shoe leather, has been shipped to Alexandria for storage, while active operations are going on, in order that the troops may move as light as possible.
The past winter has been spent very pleasantly indeed for this out-of-the-way place, our Chapel being by no means the smallest item of interest, serving as it does for church and reading room. Our course of lectures, of which six have already been delivered, have proved very beneficial. During the past week we have had the pleasure of a visit from the Rev. Dr. Buddington of Brooklyn, one of the projectors of the Sanitary Fair of that city. He addressed the men of our Brigade twice during his brief stay, and seemed quite pleased to see divine service so well attended by the soldiery.
Target practice has formed a part of our duty, as well as pastime, of late, and "plain and fancy" shooting is indulged in by the regiment at large. The Seventy-seventh can boast of some splendid shots, some who would make it quite unhealthy for a "Greyback" at from three to five hundred yards.
Indications of a sudden movement are more apparent this afternoon than ever of late; and orders to he ready to move at a moment's notice are now being promulgated—marching rations being already in the hands of the troops.
A rumor is rife here that the mails will be stopped between the army and Washington, though very little credit is given it. As long as the route is open, I shall he happy to instruct your readers of our doings.
W.

THE 77TH REGIMENT.
Wearer indebted to Mr. Lansing for a copy of the following letter, in advance of its publication by him. It will be seen that the 77th has suffered severely in the contest.
NEAR SPOTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE, VA.,
Monday. May 11, 11 A.M., 1864.
W. Lansing, Editor Plattsburgh Sentinel:
Knowing the friends of the members of the 77th Regiment in your region will be anxious to hear tidings from them, I write this line, hoping to have an opportunity to send it soon.
This is the 7th day of fighting. Our regiment has lost up to this time as follows: Killed 14, one of whom is Capt. Carpenter. 99 wounded among whom are Capt. Deyoe, one eye shot away. Lieut. Frank Thomas, shot thro' chest, Lt. Fowler severely wounded in arm, Capts. Smith and Winnie, Lts. Howland and Werden, slightly—53 are missing.
The casualties among the men from your region are as follows:
Corp. Wm. Walton, St. Armand, fell dead pierced with three bullets.
1st Serg. Wm. E. Merrill, Franklin, flesh wound in both thighs.
Geo. F. Wills, Franklin, left eye shot out.
John Jackson, Keene, shoulder slight.
Peter Savage, Black Brook, arm slight.
L. B. Hawkins, Franklin, arm,
George Kent, Keene, slight.
Corp. Stillman Daby, Jay, slight.
Lieut. Rowe, Chesterfield, Corp. Henry Duval, Black Brook; Thomas Morrison, Keene, and Samuel Barton, Franklin, are missing.
I think this list is complete as regards the men from your section. Hoping that it will be a relief to friends at home to learn that it is no worse. I remain, very respectfully,
Your most ob't Serv't.
NORMAN POX, Champlain 77th.

FROM THE 77TH.
HEADQUARTERS 77TH REGT., N. Y. V.,
Near Cold Harbor, Va., June 9, 1864.
Editor Saratogian—Sir: With many apologies for my protracted silence, I will once more address your many readers in behalf of the regiment which Saratoga has sent to represent her in the field, and of whose doings she may this day be proud.
We marched from camp, near Brandy Station, on the morning of the 4th of May, in the direction of Rapidan river, which we crossed the same afternoon. The following morning the march was resumed in the direction of the " Wilderness," where skirmishing had already commenced with the enemy. Our regiment was soon deployed on the skirmish line and immediately commenced exchanging shots with the troops of Ewell's Corps, then on our front. In this engagement no artillery was used by our forces on account of the dense woods.— The enemy made use of some; but the roar of musketry was terrible. The loss in our regiment, up to the 8th, was 88 men, killed, wounded, and prisoners.
Up to this time the 6th Corps had acted heroically whenever engaged, stubbornly holding their position in a most murderous fire of musketry; when, on the afternoon of the 8th, the rebels commenced cheering just in front of our brigade. All attention was at once turned in the direction of the sound, every one expecting they would charge our line at that point. The men stood in their places firm and immovable as the forest trees around them, resolved to repulse the foe whatever might be the cost. In less time than it takes to tell it, the enemy came on, but not on the 3d brigade, their attack was made on the 3d division of our corps, (formerly a portion of the 3d Corps) which made but a slight resistance, thus allowing the enemy to turn our right flank, and pour a withering volley of musketry in our rear. The boys fixed bayonets and made a dash for the road where they reformed and put a stop to what might have terminated in a stampede. Since then our invincible Second has relied but little on the imported Third division.
From the "Wilderness" we marched to Spotsylvania C. H., and here again the 6th Corps was seen in the van, and where the 2d division fought, there the slain lay thickest.
On the 9th we lost our highly esteemed corps commander, Maj. Gen. Sedgwick. His death cast a gloom over the whole army, but more especially the 6th Corps, who had learned to honor and obey him for his unassuming manner in the camp, and intrepidity on the field of battle. His loss at this time is a severe blow to the army and to the country.
On the 10th our regiment suffered severely in a charge on the enemy's works, our loss being about seventy-five killed, wounded and missing; and notwithstanding this fearful slaughter, we drove the enemy from the first line of works at the point of the bayonet, and pursuing, did not allow him to halt until the third line had been reached.
In this fierce encounter the enemy lost very heavily, the ground being literally strewn with his dead and wounded.
On the 13th our regiment was again engaged behind a rebel earthwork which had been turned for our own use. They kept up an almost ceaseless fire of musketry from 7 A. M. till 4 P. M.
On the 12th the regiment was ordered to the extreme left, near the Po river. Here we were joined by the Colonel who had been anxiously expected for some days. He was received amid cheers and congratulations from all sides, and by his presence seemed to infuse a spirit of safety in the minds of the men.
On the 18th our brigade in supporting the Vermonters was subjected to a very heavy artillery fire, in which the 77th lost 13 killed and wounded.
On the night of the 21st the flank movement was made, which brought us, after thirty hours marching, on the north bank of the North Anna, and near Jericho Ford.
On the morning of the 24th we crossed the stream on canvass pontoons and took a position one mile beyond, near the line of the Virginia Central R. R. At night the regiment moved into the rifle-pits, where we lay unmolested until the following day, when we moved on toward the South Anna, halting on Little river. Our whole division here entrenched themselves strongly, and occupied their works until the night of the 26th, when another flank movement was made in the direction of the Pamunkey river, which we crossed near Hanover town on the 28th. After a brief rest our brigade marched about two miles up the road to Hanover C. H., and having thrown up a small breastwork remained until Monday morning the 30th.
From here we marched up the Hanover C. H. road until within two miles of that point, when we filed to the left, and finally halted on the old Porter battle field; from this place we marched to our present position on the 1st of June.
Fighting has been going on continually since our arrival here, in which the rebels have been the greatest sufferers. Our lines are well protected by strong earthworks, and every night the pioneers are engaged in strengthening old and building new fortifications.
From the 4th of June to the present time we have lost six men killed and wounded, making in all since the opening of the campaign, 24 killed, 118 wounded, and 35 missing--total 177.
Thus you see the 77th has borne her part in this important struggle, and the small remnant left stands to-day in the front rank of our country's heroes.
W.

Casualties since May 18th.
The following is a list of killed and wounded in the 77th on and after May 18th:
Co. A.—Wounded: Frank Hubbard, Chas. Blanchard.
Co. B.—Killed: Sergt, Geo. Bolton, William Hill, Lewis Lakley. Wounded: Charles Andrews.
Co. C.—Killed: Aaron B. Quivey.
Co. D.—Wounded: Corp, Charles Stewart, Michael S. Briggs, seriously.
Co. F.—Killed: John Allen, Henry Frank.
Co. G—Wounded: Henry C. Darrow, seriously; Corp. Charles Van Kleek, seriously.
Co. H.—Killed: William L. Cole.
This embraces all since the 12th, when Capt. Rugg was killed. T. M. W.
The following is a complete list of the casualties in the two companies from Essex County, in the 77th N. Y. from May 4th to June 10th inclusive.
Co. "A."
Wounded.
Wm. F. Lyon, 2d Lieut, left on the field May
10th.
Chas. Davis, 1st Sergt., hand. May 6
Sylvenus Morse, Corp., head. " 10
Charles Pierce, Priv. hand. " 5
Theodore Hermance, " arm. " 6
Dennis Thomas " leg. " 6
Wm. F. Gregory, '' face. " 6
James Edmonds, " foot. " 6
George Brazier, '' hand. " 10
Jas. A. Myres, " mortally in side. 10
F. Hubbard, " hand. " 13
Chas. Blanchard, " thigh. June 4
George Allen, Corp'l missing May 10
John W. Whitmarth, Private missing " 6
Lewis Ward, Private missing " 10
Co. "I."
Killed.
Wm. Walton, corporal May 10
Wounded.
Wm. E. Merrill, 1st Sergt. " 10
Thos. F. Outing, Sergt. " 10
Oscar Tefft, Sergt. " 12
George F. Wells, Corp, " 6
Henry Duval, " " 6
Geo Kent, " " 6
J. Daly, " " 10
Willis Wilcox, " " 10
Wm. Damond, Private, " 6
L. B Hawkins, " " 6
Peter Savage, " " 6
John Jackson, " " 10
Thos. Morrison, " " 10
B. F. Stillwill, " " 10
Geo. Smith, " " 10
Andrew McEllwain, " " 12
John H. Dowen, " " 12
Missing.
Patrick Gilroy, Sergt. " 10
Samuel Barton, Private, " 6
Jas. E. Davison, do " 10
Carlos Rowe, 2d Lieut. " 10

The Battle at Fort Stevens.
The only fighting of any account, which took place near Washington, during the late rebel raid, occurred at Fort Stevens, about five miles north of the city. Here Early's rebel column was met by a portion of the veteran 6th corps, which had come on from Grant's army to save the Capitol. The fighting commenced on Tuesday evening, the 12th inst., just before dark, the rebels showing themselves about 6 1-2 o'clock coming down a declivity on both sides of the Seventh street Road (Brookville Turnpike), into a little valley running across the road, about a mile north of the fort, and calculated to protect them from its guns.
Upon this demonstration being made by the Rebels, the guns of the fort and of two neighboring ones were opened on the valley and the cleared declivity beyond (dotted with Rebels), and heavy lines of skirmishers were sent forward to help dislodge the incumbents of the valley. The troops thus sent forward were parts of the 1st and 3d Brigades of the 2d Division, embracing parts of the 61st Pennsylvania, 43d, 49th, 77th, and 122d New York, 7th Maine, 23d, 89th 102d, and 139th Pennsylvania, 10th Vermont, and 37th Massachusetts Regiments. Gen. Frank Wheaton commanding the 1st Brigade, and Brigadier- Gen. Grant the 3d.
About dark the skirmishing between the opposing lines arose to the importance of a severe engagement, and terminated in our troops securely holding an advanced position on the brow of the valley above mentioned. Our loss was estimated at from three to four hundred.

LOCAL.
From the 77th.
HEAD QUARTERS 77TH REG.
N. Y. Vols. June 25th, 1864.
Friend Boynton:—Presuming that a few words from the 77th may be interesting to some of you at home, I take this opportunity ( the first I have had since the commencement of this campaign,) to give you some account of our doings since the 4th of May.
Abler pens than mine have written the record of the 6th corps to which the 77th belongs. When I say that we have participated in all the engagements of that corps you will know what we have had to do.
Of course we have lost heavily, though we have been far more fortunate than many other regiments. We left camp with 364 muskets. I think 200 will cover our losses in officers and men. Many of those who were slightly wounded will soon return to us; others alas, we shall see no more.
Our loss in officers has been very heavy, in proportion to the number of men. Out of twenty-three we lost fifteen killed and wounded. Capt. Carpenter fell on the 10th of May, in a charge upon the enemy's line, in which the 2nd division went within twenty rods of Gen. Lee's headquarters. Not being supported they were obliged to give up the advantage gained, and with it many of our best men. Lieut. Lyon of Westport was that night left wounded in the hands of the enemy. Capt. Rugg was killed the 12th of the same month. The loss of such officers is most deeply felt by the whole regiment. Their places are vacant, and can never be filled. They were brave men, and their deaths were such a brave men desire.
I am unable to give the names of all the killed and wounded. I believe a list of those from your section has already been furnished you.
The men (what are left) are in very good health, and spirit. Hard fighting, hard marching and all the fatigues of the campaign have not been able to quench that fire of patriotism which burns as steady and bright amid the terrible storm of battle, or the long weary march, as when they were lying comfortably in winter quarters, or enjoying the comforts of home which they visited last winter.
The feeling throughout the army, as far as I can judge, is one of firm determination to conquer this rebellion, no matter what the sacrifice is. Such a determination, with the head of a Grant to direct their energies must soon tell upon the strength of the rebel army. And, it is already beginning to tell upon its strength. When our army first crossed the Rapidan, Lee attacked us when the chances of success were nearly equal. He was not then afraid to move out of his entrenchments to fight us. The repeated, terrible blows which Grant dealt him in forcing him back to Richmond, so weakened him that when we moved off from his front at Cold Harbor, he dare not move out of his works to fight us, when the chances were ten to one in his favor. Those who have watched the policy of General Lee will know that nothing but extreme weakness would induce him to allow such a golden opportunity for dealing us a staggering blow to escape him.
Grant changed his base from White House to James river without losing as much as a box of crackers. We all remember the same movement as executed by one whose name will long be remembered for that, if for nothing else. The reason of their not attacking us, is very evident. Their strength is gone, at least their strength to meet us in open battle. They may and doubtless will battle us for some time yet, for they are in a position strong by nature and rendered doubly so being artificial works. Petersburgh or Richmond might, doubtless, be taken by assault, but it would only be a great sacrifice of life to obtain that which a few weeks patient labor will bring us. The fate of Richmond is certain. Nothing but extraordinary poor generalship on our part will save it from capture, and when Richmond falls the rebellion is crushed. At least we may reasonably conclude so, from the fact that the whole armed power of the rebellion is being concentrated here.
We may look for the capture of Richmond at any day, and it may be months before it falls. It is a stupendous work and we must patiently await the coming of the happy day. Each day shows some gain. Our lines are gradually drawing nearer and nearer to the fatal city, while troops more remote from it, are actively engaged in destroying railroads and depots of supplies.
We are now in possession of nearly all the lines of communication between Richmond and the south and west, so that soon they must feel the effects of famine as well as the sword unless they have a very large supply. This has been a very hard campaign; the hardest the army has ever seen. For about fifty days the army has not had a single days rear rest. There has been no time when they could lay aside the soldiers harness, with full security that they would not within the hour, be compelled to close it again to meet the enemy. Night and day it has been almost incessant fatigue. It seems almost incredible that men could endure as much hardship as some of our troops have been obliged to.
Grant knows neither night nor day. There are twenty-four hours in a day, and if necessary, his army must work the whole time. Rest with him is a mere consideration.
The weather most of the time has been very hot, and the roads so dusty that any movement of troops is the most arduous work we have. A long march, over a dusty road, in a hot day, is one of the trials that it wouldn't have been safe to subject Job to.
Before closing I wish to say that the large number of wounded even here with us are receiving care that few would suppose men could receive in the field. Government and the Sanitary and Christian Commission, those blessings of the soldiers, are laboring unceasingly to render the burden of war as light as possible. All the delicacies a sick man would crave are furnished to this army. Choice wines, lemons, preserved meats, and fruits &c in fact everything that can in any way alleviate the suffering of a sick, or wounded man is found in abundance with us.
The regiment is under command of Colonel French, who has been with us long enough so that every officer and man has the most perfect confidence in him. He has been tried in the fire of many battles and found true as steel. Dr. Stevens, also, in his line, is acquiring a reputation which will class him among the first surgeons of the country. During all the fighting at Spottsylvania he was in charge of the wounded of the entire 6th corps. Since then he has been with the division and many a sufferer has thanked him for the timely aid rendered by his indefatigable hand. Though of a slender constitution he never allows himself rest as long as a wounded man requires attention. Others might be mentioned, but my time or space will not admit.
Very Respf'y. Yours,
M. L.

THE 77TH—LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED.
The 77th suffered severely in the recent engagement beyond the Rapidan—reports which have reached us put the number at 150. The regiment numbered a little over 400 effective men, and went into the fight under the lead of Maj. Babcock.
Capt. Wm. B. Carpenter, of Co. E., is the only commissioned officer thus far reported killed. It is supposed that he fell in the action of Thursday last at Spottsylvania Court House. He was from the town of Providence, in this county, and was a fine young man and an excellent officer. Capts. Winnie, smith and Deyoe, are among the wounded, and also Lieutenants ROWLAND, Fowler, Thomas and Worden. Capt. Winnie has returned home, and was in this village on Tuesday last. He was struck by a Minnie ball just above the forehead, the scalp being laid open to the skull for about two inches. He was wounded on the morning of the second day's battle (Friday,) and was therefore unable to furnish particulars of the losses of the regiment in the severe engagements which followed. We give below a list of the killed, wounded and missing, so far as received, specifying the nature of the injuries sustained in every case where it is possible to do so.—
Co. A.—Wounded: Lt. Lyon, leg, severely, and in enemy's hands; Jas. Edmonds, foot, slightly; Ord. Sergt. Chas. Davis, hand, slightly; Wm. Gregory, badly, jaw fractured, and teeth broken; Chas. Pierce, hand, slightly; T. Hermans, arm; Dennis Thomas; Corp. S. Morse, head, slightly; J. A. Myers, abdomen, probably mortal; Geo. Brazier, hand.
Co. B--Killed: M. McWilliams, color bearer. Wounded: Capt. Fred. Smith, in the abdomen, not dangerous; T. Grey, leg; A. Phillips, hip; Isaac Boyce, John Southwaite, Wm. Arnold.
Co. C--Killed: Chas. Burnham, by a shell. Wounded: Ord. Sergt. David Pangburn, slightly, in abdomen; H. Bradt, severe scalp wound, and also wound in arm, from a shell; H. Bowers, badly wounded, in abdomen; John G. Ketchenor, in shoulder; A. J. Sterritt, slightly, in face; Chas. Palmateer, in arm; Corp. Augustus Walker, in leg, slightly; Amasa J. Shippee, in leg; Wm. G. Watson, shoulder, severely; John B. Darrow, leg and wrist; Jas. Austin, Orville R. Pike; Jesse B. Thorn, severely; Corp. W. Britton, arm; Sergt. A. Flansburgh, foot; Benj. Harrington, A. Lapham, W. C. Kimpton, all slightly.
Co. D.—Killed: Walter Dwyer, Sergt. Wm. Saxton, and George Deal—all by. the explosion of one shell. Wounded: Capt. Seth Deyoe, lost one eye; James Scott, both legs amputated, one above and the other below the knee, struck by a shell; Jesse Thorn, in abdomen, slightly; James Nolan, hand; Corp. Wm. Finch, hand; Sergt, A. H. Ott; Alfred See, both legs, and a prisoner.
Co. E.--Killed: Capt. Wm. B. Carpenter, Ord. Sergt. S. Craig, Jas. Emperor, Lewis Smith, Corp. McNeil. Wounded: 1st Lieut. H. Rowland, slightly, in side; C. H. Ruggles, leg amputated; L. B. Hawkins, — Trumball and Baker, slightly; Sergt. John Bryant, leg; Corp. Gick.
Co. F.—Killed: Michael Lamy, Wm. Van Salisbury. Wounded: Capt. B. W. Winnie, in head; 2d Lieut. T. S. Fowler, arm broken; Sergt. Wm. H. Wright, arm; Ed. M. Bailey, arm; J. B. Johnson, foot; Barton De Weitte; J. B. Barker, side; Sergt. J. F. Monroe, shoulder; H. Abbott, eye; A. Snyder, arm; E. Holland, hand; A. Sutliff, hand; Harry Munn, thigh.
Co. G.—Wounded: Geo. Brown, leg; D. Hammond, through lungs, severely; James Brisbin, leg; Corp. Isaac Wilson, arm; J. H. Case, leg; Color-bearer H.M. Myers, hand; W. C. Hall, foot; Frank Hall, shoulder.
Co. H.—Wounded: 1st Lieut. Frank Thomas, flesh wound in side; Corp, Root; Color-corp. Jennings, thigh, Francis Love.
Co. I.—Killed: Corp. Walton. Wounded: Fred. Will, head, severely; John H. Dowen, not stated; Wm. Diamond, hand off; ____ Savage; ____ Hawkins; T. F. Outing, arm and shoulder; W. B. Hardy, breast; Sergt. W. E. Merrill, legs; John Jackson, arm; B. F, Stillwell, both legs.
Co. K.—Killed: Corp. H. Davenport.— Wounded: 2d Lieut, Wm. Worden, thigh; E. Dwyer, arm; Sergt. H. Harrington, hip; Geo. Delaverge, shoulder.
ADDITIONAL NAMES OF WOUNDED,—Job Safford, Sergt. Maj.; Frank Stilwell, severely; Corp. Jas. Knights; H. Fowler, eye out; Thos. Annear; A. Coonrodt; Corp. N. Munn, cheek, slight; Corp. Squires, breast, slight; John Convers, leg; J. H. Downs, arm.
REPORTED MISSING.
Lieuts. Cromac, Ross and Stebbins. L. Sicard, Jas. H. Weatherwax, E.
Corp. Geo. Allen, Wm. Francisco, and Lewis Ward, of Co. A.
Sergts. Leroy, Hoyt and M. H. Allen, Thos. Delaney, Leonard Inman, H.
Wm. Downs; Andy Abbs, known to be wounded; Sergt. P. Gilroy, Sergt. M. V. Norton, known to be wounded; I. Tripp, L. Strong, Jas. Fogg, Alex, Morrison, B.
Sergt. W. Sherman, Corp. Oliver Shaw, J. H, Carr, Charles Wheeler, J. C. Vandenbergh, Corp. David S. Barton, I.
Jas. Davison, Thos, Monson and Hiram Ferrill, D.
Corp. Fuller, G.
Sergt. H. B. Shreeves, C.
Burton Delbitt, F.
Later.--Capt. O. P. Rugg, of Co, G, was wounded in the severe fight of Thursday last, and is reported to have died since. Capt. Rugg rose from the position of Orderly Sergt., and had proved himself an intrepid and capable officer. Of the young men who have gone out from this village to the war, he stands among the first in private worth and patriotic zeal, and his fall will be sincerely mourned by the whole community.

More Casualties in the 77th.
We have received the following additional casualties in the 77th, which occurred between the 19th and 22d of September:
Col. W. B. French, wounded in chin, slight.
Isaac Tripp, Jr., killed, Co. A.
Wm. Skem, Corp. wounded, slight, A.
Jacob Douglas, wounded, severe, A.
Patrick Sheehan, Corp., wounded, slight, A.
Wm. R. Rogers, wounded, slight, C.
Benj. Van Steenburgh, Corp., wounded, E.
Isaac Hodges, wounded, E.
Kimner Wilcox, " slight, F.
Samuel Osborn, " " F.
George Hoyt, missing F.
James Thompson, missing, F.
J. H. Wilson, Sergt., wounded, severe in left arm, G.
A. M. Barrows, wounded, severe in leg, G.
William Ireland, " slight, H.
Henry Morgan, " severe in leg, H.
P. P. Conrodt, " slight, H.
Michael Fitzgerald, " severe in side, I.

List of Casualties in 77th Regt.,
From May 5 to Aug. 26, 1864.
Lieut.-Col. W. B. French, wounded, (did not leave the field.) July 12
Co. A.
Wm. Lyon, 2d Lieut., wounded, left on the field, May 10
Charles Davis, 1st Sergt., wounded " 6
Sylvanus Morse, Corp., " " 10
Charles Pierce, " " 5
Theodore Hermance, " " 6
Dennis Thomas, " " 6
Wm. T. Gregory, " " 6
James Edmonds, " " 6
George Brazier, " " 10
James A. Myers, " " 10
Frank Hubbard, " " 18
Charles Blanchard, " June 4
George Allan, Corp., missing, May 10
John W. Whitmarsh, " " 6
Lewis Ward, " " 10
James E. Barns, Sergt., wounded, leg
amputated. June 21
Moses Tatro, '' " 21
James G Allen, " " 21
James A. Lawrence, " " 21
John Hall, " " 23
Jacob Slater, " July 12
Co. B.
George Bolton, Sergt., killed, June 4
Michael McWilliams, Corp.. killed, May 6
William F. Hall, " " 18
Louis Lakley, " . " 18
Fred. Smith, Capt., wounded, May 6
Wm. Arnold, Corp., " " 6
Adna Abbs, " " " 10
Fred. Keenholts, Corp., " " 12
Isaac Boyce, " " 6
John Luthwaite, " " 6
Alexander Morrison, missing, " 6
Archer Phillips, wounded, " 10
Terrance Gray, " " 10
Charles Andrews, " " 18
Sidney O. Cromack, 1st Lieut., missing. " 6
Ira Tripp, Sergt., missing, " 6
James Fogg, " " 6
Legar Strong, " " 10
Ephraim Tripp, " " 10
William Eastham, Corp., wounded, July 12
Co. C.
Charles K. Burnham, Corp., killed, May 6
A. B. Quivey, killed, " 21
David Pangburn, 1st Sergt., wounded, " 5
Amasa Shippee, Sergt., " " 5
John G. Kitchner, Sergt., " " 6
Adam Flansburgh, " " " 10
Augustus R. Walker, Corp., " " 6
William R. Britton, " " " 10
Benj. E. Harrington, " " " 10
Hermanus Bowers, " " 5
Andrew Sterrett, " " 5
William G. Watson, " " 5
Henry Brodt, " " 6
Charles Palmateer, " " 6
Abram Lapham, " " 9
John B. Darrow, wounded, since dead, " 10
Allan McLain, " " 11
Wm. C. Kimpton, missing, since dead, " 11
Henry B. Shreeves, Sergt., prisoner, , " 6
Daniel Smith, prisoner, " 11
Stephen H. Pierce, Corp., wounded, July 12
Co. D.
Wm. H. Sexton, Sergt., killed, May 6
George Deal, " " 6
Walter Dwyer, " " 6
Seth W. Deyoe, Capt., wounded, " 12
Martin V. Norton, Sergeant, missing, supposed dead, " 12
W. W. Finch, Corp., wounded, " 12
James Nolan, " " 6
Jesse B. Thorn, " " 5
James G. Scott, both legs amputated, " 6
Albert M. See, wounded, since dead, " 6
George E. Deyoe, missing, " 12
Gardner Perry, wounded, arm amput'd " 12
Hiram Terrell, missing, " 12
Jeremiah Sebbins, 2d Lieut., prisoner, " 12
Wm.H. Yale, Corp., wounded, July 12
Michael S. Briggs, wounded, since dead, " 8
C. A. Stewart, Corp., " May 12
Wm. H. Brown, missing, " 16
Hubbard M. Moss, wounded, since dead, July 18
Co. E,
Wm. B. Carpenter, Capt., killed, May 10
Samuel S. Craig, 1st Sergt.," " 6
David McNeil, Corp., " " 6
James Emperror, " " 6
Louis Smith, " " 6
James Dorley, " " 12
Hiram C. Rowland, 1st Lieut. wounded, " 6
John Bryant, Sergt., wounded, " 10
George Gick, Corp., " " 6
Geo. N. Peacock, Sergt., " June 6
Jeremiah Baker, " May 6
Chas. H. Ruggles, wounded, since dead, " 6
Gustavus Tack, " " " 6
S. Trumbull, " " 12
A. A. Wetherwax, " " 6
Joseph Wetherwax, " " 6
Louis Sicard, prisoner, " 10
George H. Seidmore, wounded, June 21
Co. F.
Edwin W. Winnie, Capt., wounded, May 6
Michael Lamey, Corp., killed, " 5
Wm. Van Salsbury, " " 6
Jacob Fry " " 12
John Allen, " " 18
Henry Frank, " " 16
Thos. S. Fowler, 2d Lieut., wounded, " 10
Wm. H. Wright, Sergt., " " 6
Jas. A. Monroe, 1st Sergt., " " 10
Harlon A. Thomas, Corp., " June 5
Edward Bailey, " May 5
Edward Evans, " " 10
Edward Sutleff, " " 10
Henry Munn, " " 10
Matthew Mulligan, " " 10
Edward Holland, " " 10
John C. Barker, wounded, since dead, " 10
Wm. Hawley, " " 10
Albert Snyder, " " 10
James B. Johnson, " " 10
Harlan Abbott, " " 5
Michael Casey, " " 12
George Hoyt, " June 1
Alvarado Morey, killed, July 12
Levi A. Brooks, Corp., wounded, " 12
Oliver Sutliff, " " 12
Co. G.
Oren F. Rugg, Captain, killed, May 12
George Ross, 1st Lieut., wounded, " 12
Isaac H. Wilson, Corp., " " 6
Henry M. Myers, " " " 10
Edward H. Phillips, Corp., wounded, since dead, " 12
Oliver Shaw, Corp., missing, " 10
James Brisbin, wounded, " 6
George Brown, " " 6
James H. Carr, " " 10
Geo. De Long, " " 12
Warren C. Hall, " " 10
Frank Hall, " " 10
Patrick Savage, " " 10
Deloss Hammond, wounded, " 6
Henry C. Darrow, " since dead, " 18
Chas. H. Van Kleek, Corp., wounded, June 5
James C. Vandenburgh, missing, May 10
Charles Wheeler, " " 10
Thos. S. Fuller, Corp., wounded and a prisoner, " 6
Ambrose Matott, Corp, killed, July 12
William Lattimore, wounded, " 12
Peter Murphy, " " 12
Washington Sherman, 1st Sergt., wounded,
since died, May 10
Thomas Hackett, wounded, Aug. 21
Co. H.
William E. Cole, killed, June 3
Frank Thomas, 1st Lieut., wounded, May 10
Leroy Hoyt, 1st Sergt., missing, " 10
William Can, Sergeant, wounded, " 18
. Chas. E. Jennings, Corp., " " 10
James Knights, " " " 10
Seth B. Root, " " " 10
Herman H. Fowler, wounded, since dead, " 10
Frank Tone, wounded, pris'r., " " 10
Andrew Hassett, wounded, " 10
James Bortel, " " June 4
Bryant H. Carr, Sergt., missing, May 10
Merritt B. Allen, Corp., wounded, pris'r. " 10
Thomas Armor, missing, " 10
Abram Coonradt, " " 10
Thomas Delaney, " " 10
William Divine, " " 10
Andrew Manning, killed, July 12
Andrew J. Dowen, " " 12
Matthew Love, wounded, since dead, " 12
Co. I.
William Walton, Corp., killed, May 10
Wm. E. Merrill, 1st Sergt., wounded, " 10
Thos. F. Outing, Sergt, " " 10
Oscar Tefft, " " " 12
George F. Wills, Corp., " " 6
Henry Duval, " missing, " 6
George Kent, " wounded, " 6
Stillman Daby, " " " 10
Wallace Wilcox, " " " 10
William Diamond, " " 6
Lemuel B. Hawkins, " " 6
Peter Savage, " " 6
John Jackson, " " 10
Thomas Morrison, " " 10
B. Frank Stillwell, " since dead, " 10
George Smith, " " 10
Andrew McElwain, " " 12
John H. Dowen, " " 12
Carlos Rowe, 2d Lieut., missing, since returned, " 10
Patrick Gilroy, Sergt., missing, " 10
Samuel Barton, missing, since returned, " 6
James E. Davison, missing, " 10
Stillman Daby, Corp., wounded, July 12
Tuffield Shumway, " " 12
Benjamin Bennett, missing, " 12

CASUALTIES IN THE 77TH.
HOSPITAL AT WINCHESTER, Va.,)
Sept. 22, 1864.
Messrs, Potter and Judson:—I cannot give you a full list of the killed and wounded now, but thinking the friends of those whom I know to be killed or wounded will be anxious to hear, I send you the following list:
OFFICERS.
Lieut, Gillis, Co. G, wounded, but not dangerous.
Ross, " "
" Van Derwerker, Co, D, wounded.
" Worden, Co. K, wounded, slight.
PRIVATES.
Wm. Miller, killed, Co. C.
H. Thomas, " F.
John Briggs wounded, C.
J. Britton, " arm ampt'd, C.
A. V. Leonard, wounded, K.
F. Cooney. " K.
James Fairchilds, " K.
E. Connors, " K.
J. Hudson, . " E.
S. McGowan, " G.
G. Gick, " E.
B. B. Steenburgh, " E.
Isaac H. Wilson, " G.
Ambrose Milliman, " D.
Wm. Milliman, " D.
H. H. Weaver, " K.
G. Bowers, " B.
J. H. Huested, " F.
G. Fuller, " F.
J. Brisbin, " G.
W. Ireland, " H.
J. Dorvee, " D.
G. Fry, " F.
R. Wilcox, " F.
T. Putnam, " G.
W. Craig, " since dead, B.
E. Dunson, Sergt., " F.
Nathan Brown, " B.
J. H. Weatherwax, " seriously, E.
E. La Morey, " A.
There are more wounded, and may be killed, whose names I will send you as soon as possible.
It is generally believed that the wounded will be sent to Harper's Ferry tomorrow; from there to hospitals North. Many will get furloughs and go home.

THE SARATOGIAN.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1864.
FROM THE 77TH.
The Late Battles in the Shenandoah. Correspondence of The Saratogian.
Hdqrs. 77th Regt., N. Y. S. V.,
WOODSTOCK, Va.
Sept. 28, 1864.
Messrs. Potter & Judson:--We have been marching all night, chasing the flying enemy and have halted to rest and draw rations. I am not in condition to write you a letter for publication, but I should be unjust to the many friends of the Seventy-Seventh did I not, at least, let you know of the splendid success of this army, and the part our regiment took in the engagements.
During my three years in the military service I have never seen such splendid fighting, and with such signal success. Let me give a brief account. Monday morning, at half past one we broke camp and took the pike through Berryville, across the Occoquan Creek toward Winchester; the cavalry leading, and the 3d Brigade (ours) leading the whole infantry force. We crossed the Creek at sunrise, and pushed rapidly forward and took position on a hill, where a few cavalrymen were fighting and holding the position with some difficulty. The enemy tried very hard to shell us out, and we suffered much from the sharpshooters. Here it was Lieuts. Ross, Gillis, VanDerwerker and Worden, were wounded, all slightly, or at least not dangerously. Being the advance of the army, of course it was a long time before the line could go forward in concert, as it requires much time to put troops in position. I dreaded to advance, for our front was a wide-open field, with no protection whatever, and across which in the skirt of a wood the enemy were in line, and their artillery fire was very severe. At length the order to advance and attack the enemy was given, and the whole line went forward in most splendid style. I had three companies deployed as skirmishers, and followed them closely with my line.— There is no grander sight in the world than an infantry charge in line. Our batteries were in position, and the engagement at once became very hot; but still we went steadily forward. The enemy, posted on the hills in front of the town, did sad execution with their artillery.— One brigade of the 19th Corps broke, leaving the right flank of our Corps, which was held by the 2d Division, exposed, and it was obliged to fall back, thereby compelling the 1st and 3d Brigades of our Division to retire, owing to the conformation of the ground and the line. The 3d Brigade held its ground, at least 900 yards in front of the original position. Soon, however, the 1st Division, Gen. Russell, which had been held in reserve, came up in magnificent style, the old General leading, and the enemy were forced back and our line gained, and held securely the position from which they were just before driven. Here we rested for two hours, I should think, when heavy firing commenced away on our right, and amid the loudest cheering the whole line advanced. At the same time Wilson's Division of Cavalry made a charge on our left, and in a short time after Torbet did the same on our right. The sequel is soon told; the enemy ran in the wildest disorder, horses were riderless, pack horses galloping, strewing the ground with officers' mess stuff, tents, kettles, baggage, & c. Men threw away their arms, artillerists cut their horses loose, and rode them off at the wildest speed; in short, it was a complete rout.
Darkness put an end to pursuit and the rebs escaped—only to be again trapped. As I advanced my line the right rested near a grave-yard, upon one of the tomb stones of which was inscribed the name of Major General Daniel Morgan, died in 1802, &e. I could not help but think of Saratoga, the Bemis Height battle ground, when the then Colonel did such noble service for his country, and how his sharpshooters made the red coats run. And I wondered if his spirit did not hover over this battle- field, fighting to uphold the cause he fought to establish, and to continue the Government he fought to inaugurate. Surely the God of battles must aid our just cause.
At 6 A. M., the 20th, we gave chase, and marched to Strasburg, 18 miles, where we arrived at 3 P. M. Nothing more was done on that day. I was detailed Corps officer of the day, and established the line. At noon, the 21st, the order was given to commanders of Corps and Divisions to take designated positions in front of Fisher's Hill, and for me to advance my line and secure a good position to protect the movement. The army got into position and immediately commenced to entrench, as is customary. One would have thought we expected an attack; but the military genius of Phil. Sheridan comprehended the position, and was determined to drive the enemy from his stronghold.
Fisher's Hill is one of the ugliest positions I ever saw, strongly fortified with batteries, bearing upon every avenue of approach. One would think, to look at it, that no body of men could take it, flanked on either side as it is by mountains—the Shenandoah, or north branch thereof, being also in front of the left portion of the hill. The North and South Mountains, spurs, or rather independent short ranges, divide the Alleghany and Blue Ridge ranges, respectively flanked the otherwise naturally strong position. At about 5 o'clock Maj. Gen Crook had worked his force along the side of North Mountain, completely flanking the positions which everybody supposed couldn't be flanked and commenced driving the enemy. This was a signal for the 6th Corps to advance, which it did, dashing through the woods, over hills, into hollows, across gulleys, over walls, fences, and every conceivable obstruction, and the enemy at the same time pouring upon us all his fiery vengeance, in the shape of shot and shell. Soon as the line was sufficiently swung round a Division of the 19th Corps charged, and then the roar of artillery and musketry was terrific; but amid it all the cheers of our advancing columns rang out into the troubled air. Sheridan came along the lines almost unattended, seeming to appear at every place where there was the least wavering—and such enthusiasm I never saw. The men rushed almost wildly forward, regardless of lines of battle, each striving to outdo the other in noble daring.— Oh, if there is anything that will stir the deepest feelings of man's nature, making ready and willing to die for our country, it is a battle. Its horrors and awful grandeur no one who has not seen one can imagine. On, on, went this blue mass of living men, and back rolled the Rebel horde, shattered, frightened and demoralized, too cowardly to make a good fight even behind earthworks. The hights are taken, and with them sixteen pieces of artillery, and battle flags and prisoners, I do not know how many.
The enemy fell back in disorder, without the least formation—just one mass of gray backs scattered over the plain, moving back like a vast mob, all running for dear life, and our men chasing them with but little better formation. Truly it was a soldier's fight, and the charge being under way, the hights would have been taken without an officer save our noble chief. So the battle of Strasburg was fought and won, and this valley, one of the finest in the world, reclaimed from rebel rule.
I am led to inquire what Rebel soldiery will fight, if Early's army will not. They are certainly the finest body of men I ever saw bearing arms,—strong, healthy, intelligent fellows — the very best troops in the Confederate service. The old Brigade, Division and Corps of Stonewall Jackson—of which we have so long stood in terror—is almost, and I trust will be quite, annihilated.
Our army is in the highest spirits, and finest state of discipline. The result of this last fight is so much the more glorious from the fact that our loss was comparatively nothing. How it was possible to accomplish so much with so little loss I cannot conceive. God be praised for this glorious victory. We are continually saying, what an effect this will have upon our people at home. Will they now clamor for "Peace at any price," and a "cessation of hostilities?" Is it possible that after so much blood, that our people will be deceived into a delusive hope? Tell the citizen population of your town and county that we who are fighting to sustain our country's honor and republican institutions will look back with sorrow upon any compromise with traitors. Rebels with swords must be conquered by the sword.
Have we not taken the planks out of the Chicago Platform within the past four days?— Let them all be taken out, they are rotten and deceptive. McClellan can not have the suffrage of the true soldiers. He has many personal friends in the army—those who knew him in the army before the war, and on the Peninsula. His friends have killed him, politically speaking. "God bless our noble President and our country," I heard a private soldier say last night, after he had exhausted all his eulogies on Phil. Sheridan.
We are to move on. I cannot write more. The confusion is ill adapted to letter writing.
I am, very truly,
Your obedient servant,
W. B. French,
Col. 77th N. Y.

RECEPTION OF THE 77TH.
Pursuant to call a meeting to make preparations to give a proper reception to the 77th N. Y. Vols., on their return home, was held at the American Hotel, in this village, on the evening of the 17th inst. Hon. W. A. Sackett was called to the chair, and W. M. Potter was appointed Secretary.
On motion, a Committee of Arrangements was appointed, consisting of the following gentlemen:
Chas. S. Lester, J. M. Marvin, John R. Putnam, W. M. Searing, B. F. Judson, John S. Leake, H. H. Hathorn, R. H. Benedict, A. Pond, J. T. Carr, J. C. Hulbert, A. A. Patterson, S. F. Terwilliger, L. F. Beecher, S. B. Thorn, C. E. Benedict, W. H. McCaffrey, J. Pitney, Hugh T. White, W. A. Sackett, Jas. N. Case and W. M. Potter.
On motion, five were designated as a quorum for the transaction of business.
Adjourned,
W. A. SACKETT, Chairman.
W. M. POTTER, Sec'y.

Meeting of Committee of Arrangements.
Friday EVENING, Nov. 18.
The Committee met pursuant to invitation, C. S. LESTER, Esq., in the chair, and W. M. Potter, acting as Secretary.
On motion, Resolved, That Col. J. B, McKean be invited to make the address on the reception of the regiment at St. Nicholas Hall.
On motion, the following sub-committees were appointed:
On Procession and Order of Exercises—Messrs Carr and Pond.
To procure Band—Messrs. Patterson and Pitney.
To receive the Regiment at Albany— Mr. Lester.
On Finance—Messrs. Pitney and Terwilliger.
On Dinner—Messrs. Hathorn, Leake and McCaffrey.
On Toasts—Messrs, Sackett, Potter and Hulbert.
Adjourned.

ARRIVAL OF THE REGIMENT AT ALBANY.
The 77th arrived at Albany, on the Hendrick Hudson, at 8 o'clock a. m. on Wednesday, after the freight train had left for Saratoga. On being apprised of the fact, and that it was very desirable that the regiment should proceed at once on its journey, S. M> Cramer, Esq., the gentlemanly Deputy Superintendent of the Northern road, immediately ordered out a special train to overtake the Troy freight at the Junction. For this generous act, alike creditable to his patriotism and courtesy, the thanks of the people of Saratoga and the regiment, are due to Supt. Cramer. The effort was successful, the train arriving on time.
At Mechanicville, the regiment was joined by the Stillwater Band, under the lead of John Drew, whose services had been engaged for the reception.
At Ballston, Rev. D. E. Tully, the first Chaplain of the 77th, and others, embraced the opportunity to join in the reception exercises.
ARRIVAL AT SARATOGA.
Enthusiastic Reception at St. Nicholas Hall.
The Dinner, Toasts and Speeches.
The train arrived here shortly before two o'clock. An immense crowd had assembled at the Depot, to receive the war-worn veterans.
The train was received with three hearty cheers. On debarking, the procession was formed, under the direction of Col. George S. Batcheller, Marshal, as follows: The Stillwater Band, the Committee of Arrangements, the Clergy, the Firemen, led by Chief Engineer Case, the Regiment, with Col. W. B. French at their head, and Citizens. It then passed through Clinton and Church streets, and Broadway to St. Nicholas Hall, which was soon packed to its utmost capacity.
Exercises at the Hall.
John S. Leake, Esq., President of the village, presided, who, addressing the regiment remarked that it was his pleasing duty to express, in behalf of the citizens of Saratoga Springs, their grateful acknowledgments for the noble services it had rendered the country. We are, he said, proud to claim you as our special representatives in the great struggle for the preservation of the Union, and as such we cordially welcome you home.
Rev. D. E. Tully then addressed the throne of grace in a feeling and eloquent prayer. After which,
Rev. Dr. BEECHER read the following Ode of welcome, written for the occasion by Mrs. B:~
ODE
Addressed to the 77th Regiment, on their return from the war, Saratoga, Nov. 23, 1864.
Brave soldiers, welcome, we hasten to greet you,
All fresh from the battle-field, weary and worn;
Come back to your homes where your loved ones await you.
And weep for your presence, as night weeps for morn.

Ah: well we remember the day when you left us,
With numbers so full, and with spirits so bright;
All panting to win back the rights then bereft us,
And felt, for our country, the burden was light.

We gave you the flag, and you vowed you would keep it,
From the proud Rebel's scorn and dishonor, and shame;
That no traitor hand in the dust should e'er trail it,
But maintain, all unsullied, its glorious fame.

How faithful and t r u e to that sacred pledge given,
Your deeds on our Country's bright records shall tell;
How, in the stern conflict, by shot and shell riven,
You raised that proud banner, Heaven's breezes to swell.

Oh glorious flag! might mine eyes but behold thee,
Baptized in the blood of the noble and true;
One star only left; to my arms I'd enfold thee,
Bright emblem of hope, set in heaven's own blue.

Alas! for the brave boys who went forth to battle,
Who lie 'neath the sod in Virginia's soil;
The death booming-cannon, and war's thundering rattle,
Shall wake them no more to the warrior’s toil.

Some in Chickahominy's valley are sleeping.
And some make their bed on Potomac's bright shore;
And others on banks where broad ocean is sweeping,
And in vale of Antietam the earth drinks their gore.

Ah! say, did the souls of our heroes, when winging,
Their flight from this earth to their spirit's abode,
Hear the music of heaven, and sweet angels singing,
Their glad welcome home to the bosom of God?

When the last notes of victory fell on the dying,
There were some of God's cherished ones caught the refrain;
And echoed it back on sweet zephyrs sighing,
We fought, and have conquered, through the Lamb that was slain.

God pity the mourners, who weep for their loved ones,
The widows, and orphans, how dreary their lot;
The light has gone out from their desolate hearthstones.
Rachael weeps for her children, because they are not,

The father has gone; and the light of the dwelling,
Went out with the bright-eyed, and sunny-haired boy;
Those patriot hearts with high hopes were swelling,
The loving wife's pride, and the fond mother's joy.

They list for the footsteps, which never shall greet them,
They wait the embrace of fond hearts in the tomb;
Great God, throw thy loving arms gently around them,
And guard them, and guide them through earth's deepest gloom.

Oh, war! dreadful war! must our children be pres- sing,
Through fiery ordeals to Moloch's dread shrine?
Great God, with thy chastisement, send down thy blessing,
And on darkened spirits let heaven's light shine.

May Liberty, Justice and Truth bless our nation.
And let not the blood of our sons flow in vain ;
Let us give to our Maker the heart's true oblation,
Break the yoke of oppression, and loose every chain.

Then the palm-branch of peace will once more wave o'er us,
And Ceres return with all blessings in store,
And the corn, and the wine, and the oil shall not fail us,
And the homes of our land be deserted no more.

All hail, to the Chief who kind heaven has given,
To guide our affairs with the light of God's eye;
To lead up this nation, distracted and riven,
To the Canaan of promise, which looms up so nigh.

And now give three cheers for our heroes returning,
The brave Seventy-Seventh, crowned with laurels of war;
All covered with glory, their loyal hearts burning,
Let us shout long and loud a joyous hurrah.

Isaiah 58.6.
M. C. B.
The Ode was heartily applauded at its close.
Col. J. B. McKean then addressed the regiment in an eloquent and feeling speech, in which he alluded to its formation, under his own auspices, three years ago; to its earlier services, and later glories; to his own illness and forced resignation of his command; to the battle-fields on which it had fought; to the courage and gallantry it had exhibited; and to the memory of its heroic dead. Its losses he said were marked by the few who were present, and the nature of the service they had passed through, by the bronzed faces of those who sat before him. An allusion to SHERIDAN brought the regiment to their feet with three rousing cheers. In concluding he would give them their old commander's last command: "Attention, battalion"; the regiment promptly rose. " Salute," which was as promptly obeyed, when the Colonel retired.
Col. W. B. FRENCH then took the stand, and spoke for over an hour, giving & brief but graphic history of the regiment since it left Saratoga three years ago Thanksgiving Day. We have not the space to follow out the detail of this interesting and gratifying statement. The principal battles were spoken of, and the part borne in them by the 77th pointed out, particularly Fredericksburg, Chancellorville, Spottsylvania, Fort Stevens, and Sheridan's great campaign in the Shenandoah, The Col. was enthusiastic in praise of Sheridan as a commander. The battle of Cedar Creek he pronounced a marvel of generalship. The Sixth corps, to which the 77th belonged, figured largely in all these battles, and the 77th sustained its part.
Col. French's address was very entertaining and was frequently interrupted by applause. At its conclusion the meeting adjourned, and the regiment, with many citizens, repaired to the American Hotel to partake of the complimentary.
Dinner to the 77th.
CHARLES E. LESTER, Esq., Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements, presided at the principal table, assisted by W. A. SACKETT and J. S. Leake, Esq., Vice Presidents, at two others. The room was densely crowded, nearly 150 sitting down, about 70 of whom belonged to the regiment. The table was well supplied with good things, and the dinner was enjoyed by all. R. McMichael, Esq., "mine host" of the American, deserves great credit for the sumptuous repast served up on such short notice.
When the table had been cleared, the President, C. S. Lester, Esq., rose and remarked that it had been deemed appropriate to welcome the gallant officers and soldiers of the 77th Regiment by public rejoicings, as a testimonial of our gratitude for the deeds of the living, and the tender respect in which we hold the memory of the heroic dead. While giving this welcome, we look forward with hope and confidence to the period of greater rejoicing when the rebellion shall be extinguished— when "the land shall have rest from war," and the soldiers of a thousand regiments shall return to gladden a million of homes.
The time will come when the soldiers of this war will enjoy the same reverence and regard bestowed on the soldiers of the revolution; like them, on each recurring 4th of July the post of honor will be assigned them at national feasts and rejoicings.
Mr. L. here paid an eloquent tribute to the men of '76, who founded the republic, "the corner-stone of which was laid in the blood of martyrs, and the superstructure erected by the wisdom of sages." Their sons, our fathers, preserved and increased their inheritance, until in every land, and on every sea, the starry emblem of our country was beheld with honor and pride. In our day the land has increased in prosperity and greatness, new towns and cities dotting the hitherto uninhabited prairies of the west. But as Lucifer rebelled in Heaven, so Davis and his Confederates rebelled against our beneficent Government, and sought the overthrow of civil liberty. To resist this attempt, the glorious 77th regiment marched from among us three years ago, one thousand strong. Three years, and what changes! Then the Mississippi was closed, the Potomac blockaded, and the National Capital beleaguered. Now, by our brave soldiers, the tide of war has been rolled southward, and the rebellion is well-nigh crushed.
Mr. L., in again returning to the 77th, alluded to a young Lieutenant, who went out as Adjutant. He had just graduated in his legal studies; he had a father who was proud of him; sisters who were fond of him; social companions who esteemed him. He broke away from all these influences, exchanged the pen for the sword, and having perilled life on many a hard-fought field, now returns the commander of his noble regiment. He would propose as the first regular toast of the evening:
The surviving officers and soldiers of the 77th Regiment.—May you long live to enjoy the blessings of that glorious government you have defended with your valor, and soon enjoy the successful termination of the struggle in which you have been engaged. Welcome home! thrice welcome to you all.
The gallant dead of the 77th--Heroes of the tomb. They died in the holy cause of liberty and country. Though dead, they still live in the undying affliction of their countrymen.
" Green be the willow bough
Above the rising mound,
Where sleep the heroes now,
In consecrated ground.
Their monument their fame endears,
Their epitaph a nation's tears."
Rev. Norman Fox, Chaplain of the regiment responded in an eloquent speech, full of beauty and pathos. He alluded to the history of the regiment, the battles it had fought, the glorious deed it had performed, and paid a most feeling tribute to the three hundred heroes who had fallen in defence of its flag. While he spoke the tears stood in may eyes, and all were spell-bound by his eloquent words.
The Rebellion--A revolt without excuse, born of a shameless system of human bondage, it has filled our fair land with agony and tears. Its authors will reap a harvest of infamy, while the Union they seek to destroy shall stand, a beacon light to the oppressed, and the home of Freedom and the Free.
Hon. W. A. Sackett responded. He said: This rebellion grew out of a system of human bondage, which, from small beginnings, had grown up until it had brought into existence a controlling influence inconsistent in its ruling ideas with the principles upon which the Government was founded.
This rebellion is, indeed, without a cause. But it has a distinct and positive purpose. Its object is to re-establish on this continent despotic power, a power by which human bondage shall prevail, and by which the right of man to govern himself shall cease.
Our fathers fought to secure liberty, equality, self-government, free institutions. They fought against arbitrary power. Our triumphant success as a nation is a glorious vindication of the objects for which they fought.
It is against the purposes for which they struggled that this rebellion is waged. It is the freedom their triumphs secured that this rebellion would destroy. On the issue of this contest hangs the question of liberty or despotism as the ruling power on this continent.
To preserve the liberties our fathers established, and which we enjoy, these brave men, whom we now honor, have perilled their lives on many a well-fought field, and to them we bow with profound respect and reverence. Welcome to the brave! To perpetuate freedom they have nobly fought, and we welcome their return.
The Heroes of the Revolution, and the Heroes of the Present War: The former fought to establish, and the latter fight to preserve, civil liberty for all mankind. One to create, and the other to perpetuate, a Nationality, securing liberty and equality to the latest ages. Honor alike to the heroes of the past and the present. While we cherish feelings of profound veneration and gratitude to the former, we will continue in the future, as in the past, to give to the latter our unfaltering support, until the banners they bear shall wave in triumph over the land and over the sea, in the north and in the south, in the east and in the west, symbolizing, wherever they float, nought but liberty and union, one and inseparable.
A. Pond, Esq., responded. He said that the sentiment given appropriately associates the heroes of two wars. The War of the Revolution made us a nation, and the present war, on our part, is to preserve what was thus established. When the first begun, few contemplated absolute independence; so when this commenced, few anticipated any result except the crushing of the rebellion, and the restoration of the authority of the government in the rebellious States. But the stern logic of events has indicated that the extirpation of Slavery, and the enjoyment of freedom for all throughout the land, must come before we can expect a lasting peace. God grant this consummation, so devoutly wished and prayed for, and which has been justified by the acts of the rebels themselves, maybe realized. Mr. P. alluded to the fact that the Stars and Stripes were first unfurled in the battle of Saratoga. This same banner, consecrated to liberty in the Revolution, now floats proudly in the present contest, and has been gallantly defended by the sons of Saratoga.
The Empire State.—Her motto is "Excelsior." Her greatness and power, and her history, is a glorious vindication of the device of her escutcheon. She has risen higher and higher in peace, and now, in the hour of our national trial, her patriotism is still "Excelsior."
Gen. JAMES M. COOK responded, remarking that he presumed that his position as a Senator had suggested the call that had been made upon him. He was proud of being a citizen of the Empire State. Her canals, railroads, and institutions were evidence that the motto on their escutcheon was prophetic when adopted, and truthful now in her hour of greatness. Her attitude and deeds since rebellion aimed a deadly blow at the national life, proves the justness of her clam to the title of Empire State. Two hundred thousand of her sons have bared their breasts to the storm of battle to uphold the Stars and Stripes, Gen. C. spoke in feeling terms of the 77th regiment, whose proud bearing he witnessed as it marched out of the City Hall Park, New York, on the way to the seat of war. They had done honor to Saratoga County, and to the Empire State, and with such sons to defend her liberties, and illustrate her greatness, her motto would prove true in the future as in the past.
The Press—One of the chief bulwarks of American liberty. Its agency in thwarting the designs of traitors has established its claims to the lasting gratitude of the people.
W. M. Potter responded, and expressed his gratitude for the compliment paid to the editorial profession. The press was a great, if not the greatest, agent in civilization. It is to the world of ideas what the arteries are to the human system, the medium of life—the channel through which ideas are disseminated through all the ranks of society. The press is the natural foe of tyrants—where it is free, despotism is impossible—where it is fettered, the people are slaves. Had the press been free in the South rebellion would have been impossible— even South Carolina could not have been pushed down the deep, dark abyss of Secession. But if a muzzled press hail aided rebellion, the loyal press had helped to thwart it. It sounded the alarm -- it told the people that the loss of the Union would cost us nationality and freedom; it incited to deeds of arms; and the alacrity with which two millions of men rallied to the defence of the Stars and Stripes, the contempt of death, and the rallying cry of the onset to the charge, were largely inspired by a loyal, liberty loving press. Hereafter, there will be a free press in the South as well as in the North. The bands of Slavery are bursting; and the Southern Sampson, escaping from his toils, will pull down the pillows of the Confederate edifice, and bury the traitor Philistines amid the ruins of their unsightly temple. Then, with free labor, free thought and a free press, the Union will be rebuilt on an enduring basis, never more to be rent by civil war.
The Old Flag of the 77th.—A gift from the beautiful to the brave. May Bravery ever give protection to Beauty under its shadow; and may Bravery ever find its way to Beauty, guided by the light of its stars.
Responded to by Dr. L. F. Beecher, of Temple Grove Institute, by whom the flag was presented to the regiment three years ago.— His remarks were very interesting and appropriate.
The President of the United States--May he wisely guide our National counsels in this day of our National trial. The people over whose destiny he presides are the hope of freedom throughout the world. May that hope rise higher and higher, and that freedom be made surer and surer, by his wisdom, his vigor, and his justice.
The Battlefields of the 77th.—Mechanicville, Antietam, Fredericksburgh, Chancellorville, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Winchester, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, and others. A galaxy of stars, brighter and more numerous than ever circled the brow of Caesars legions, A Chaplet of Honor which the Nation will keep green while Liberty survives.
Our Brave Generals: No soldiers ever followed better officers, and no officers ever commanded braver men. Together they have fought, and together we honor them.
B. F. Badgley responded in an eloquent and deserved tribute to the gallant commanders of our armies, in which the splendid deeds of Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, and others, were ably set forth. Gen. Grant was pictured as high up the ladder of Fame—the favorite of the People.
Volunteer toast by Hon. Jas. M. Marvin: Our Revolutionary struggle established a Nationality based upon the idea of liberty, and the right of man to self-government. The rebellion seeks to subvert it and the principles upon which it was founded. Upon this issue patriotism points in but one direction. This government must not perish. Every citizen, and every department of government, are bound to sustain it at every hazard.
A toast to "the Ladies," (which the reporter failed to obtain) was read by Dr. Beecher, and called out humorous remarks from Col. French, and others. Also, a toast to Dr. G. T. Stevens, Surgeon of the Regiment , offered by Chaplain Fox, and which he preceded with remarks complimentary to the skill and faithfulness of Dr. Stevens. No Surgeon connected with the army stood higher. His labors had been most arduous during the great campaign of the present year, and he had performed them with consummate ability.
The company then rose, after a most agreeable session of two hours, and the very successful oblation to the 77th was st an end.

77th Attention!—Col. W. B. French has issued the following order in regard to " mustering out:"
HEADQRS. 77th regt. N. Y. S. V.
Saratoga springs, N. Y.
November 29th, 1864.
Special Order, No. —.
All officers and men of this regiment, whose term of service expired on the 23d inst., are required to be present at this place on Tuesday, the 13th day of December, 18- 64, for the purpose of being mustered out of the military service of the United States.
By command of W. B. French.
W. M. Worden, Adjt.

The New Flag of the 77th.
Headquarters 77TH N. Y, VOLS.
Saratoga springs,
Nov. 27th, 1864.
Messrs. Potter & Judson:—On the fourth day of July last, while the Regiment was lying in front of Petersburg, Va., a beautiful silken color—the National Flag—was presented to them—a gift from the ladies of Saratoga Springs. I enclose a copy of the presentation letter, which was read in presence of the whole regiment on parade.
The severity of the campaign through which we have passed, and t h e arduous and manifold duties I have been obliged personally to perform, is my only excuse for this long delay in acknowledging the receipt of so munificent a gift. The flag was first baptized in blood at the battle of Fort Stevens, in front of Washington, D. C., on the 12th day of July, where it was used as a signal to show that the line, of which the 77th held the right, was ready to make the charge which drove the Rebels from the gates of our National capital, scattering them in confusion, capturing many prisoners, and covering the ground they had so desecrated with their dead bodies. At Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, indeed through the whole of General Sheridan's brilliant campaign, the flag has been borne in the front of battle and thickest of the fight. At Cedar Creek the color Sergeant, Alonzo Briggs, was shot down and borne from the field seriously wounded. Color Corporal, Henry Clayton, Co. E., then took the colors, but soon fell, severely wounded. Adjt, Gilbert Thomas, then seized and waved them over his head, crying, " Forward, men, forward!" and fell dead, shot through the head, the colors dropping over him. Color Corporal, Harvey Reed, then took them and carried them from the field.
Thus the noblest blood of the land has been shed in the defence of that flag. It is the richest and most beautiful in the service; the stars and lettering are embroidered with silk, and could the ladies who gave it have heard the hearty cheers given for them when it was received, and behold the smiles of gratitude which lighted up the war worn visages of those brave boys, they would not, as they do not, ask any richer reward for the beautiful token of their regard for the Seventy-Seventh. They recognize in this gift not only the sympathy of the givers with them in their dangers and hardships, but also, what is better, a deep interest in the Cause for which they are fighting. They do not forget the spirit which prompted the gift, nor that which must defend it. Unlike all other testimonials of regard, this carries with it a sacredness which must be defended by the life-blood of those who accept it. It is a symbol of all that makes American greatness and National honor. Coming from the ladies of Saratoga Springs, the place where the regiment was organized, it is peculiarly dear to them.
There are four hundred and twenty-two men left in the field. They have yet much service before them, and doubtless many battles, and I could not deprive those brave men of the colors which they had defended with their lifeblood. Consequently the flag was left with the battalion now in the service, as a distinct organization. Commanded by Lieut.-Colonel D. J. Caw, and knowing the metal of that battalion as I do, I can confidently assure the ladies that the colors they gave to the Seventy-Seventh Regiment will never be disgraced in the hands of the Battalion of the Seventy-Seventh. They will bear it back to its donors, without a stain of dishonor on its battle-stained folds; and the ladies will have the satisfaction of knowing that their generosity, patriotism and handiwork furnished a National emblem, more dear to the American soldier than all else, and around which they will rally in the day of battle and danger to our country's honor and our country's hopes.
I am, very truly yours,
COL. W. B. French.

Letter of Presentation.
COL. W. B. French:— The Ladies of the village of Saratoga Springs, feeling a deep interest in the career of the Seventy-Seventh Regiment, which was recruited in this county and bears the name of that historic battle-field of which they, as residents of Saratoga, are justly proud, are desirous of expressing their admiration of the steady patriotic valor which has animated that regiment through two long years of toil and hardship. They have therefore prepared a silken regimental banner, to take the place of the worn flag deposited in the State Capitol.
They desire, in presenting this Flag to the Regiment, to assure you of their warmest sympathy in the cause in which, as patriotic soldiers, you are engaged. They venture to hope that this emblem of our nation's hope and our nation's honor, will derive additional value from the fact that it has been prepared and presented by those who will watch with interest the future career of the Seventy-Seventh; and while sympathizing with the privations and suffering the regiment may be compelled to undergo, will contemplate with pride and pleasure every distinction it may by its valor obtain. Will you, Colonel, please present the flag to your regiment, with these suggestions, on behalf of the ladies presenting the same.
Mrs. W. A. Sackett,
Mrs. C. S. Lester,
Committee.

77th Regt. N. Y. S. V.
Saratoga Springs, Dec. 20, 1864.
Editor Saratogian:~ The Seventy- Seventh Regiment New York State Volunteers closed its military career, and was mustered out of service, on Tuesday the 13th inst. The men were called together, received their pay and bounty, and quietly betook themselves to their homes, apparently well pleased to be out from under military authority.
In the evening a social gathering took place at the Columbian Hotel. Among the guests were Gen. W. H. Penrose, commanding Jersey Brigade in the 6th Corps, now home by reason of wounds; M. W. Cook, Esq., of Rochester; Capt. Butler, mustering officer, and Maj. Pomeroy, paymaster, and others. The festivities of the occasion, were of a high character, creditable alike to "mine host," Mr. Benedict, and the literary and social character of those assembled.
During the giving of toasts Chaplain Fox made some touching remarks, alluding to the scenes through which we had passed, the number of our former comrades now lying beneath the soil of Virginia, and exhorting us not to forget the brave dead as we went from the camp into civil life. He concluded by offering the following resolutions:
Resolved, That in returning to civil life we cherish with tenderest affections, and deepest reverence, the memory of our brave comrades who have fallen in battle, or who, after passing unharmed through the perils of the field, have become victims of diseases incident to the service; and while we ourselves can never forget these noble men with whom we have associated in the various scenes of joy and gloom which make up a soldier's life, we deem it proper that some fitting memorial should speak to the world of their heroic bravery and lofty self-sacrifice.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed at this time to take suitable steps for the formation of a Seventy-Seventh Monument Association.
Appropriate remarks were offered and the resolutions unanimously adopted. A committee was chosen, consisting of Col. W. B. French, Lt. Col. N. S. Babcock and Chaplain Norman Fox.
General Penrose, after making a few remarks, moved that a copy of these resolutions be sent to each brigade in the 6th Army Corps. for their action, which was also adopted. It was stated that the officers and men present with the regiment at the time of its departure from the field, had voted unanimously that the regimental fund, consisting of about $200, and all the company funds to that date, should be appropriated to the erection of some fit - ting memorial to the dead of the Seventy- Seventh. There was no doubt, also, that the citizens of Saratoga, and other counties where companies of the regiment were organized, would gladly give for the furtherance of so noble an object. A granite or marble monument might be erected, here or elsewhere, such as would do honor to the living and the dead.
The hour being late all joined hands and sung the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Auld Lang Syne." Here the festivities ended, and also the intimate association of the officers of the 77th regiment. But though they may be scattered far and wide over the land, they will always entertain towards each other feelings, which time cannot efface; or any force of circumstance obliterate. Men who have stood shoulder to shoulder, and faced and fought a wicked enemy, who have been companions in arms for three years in the front of battle, will always be friends.
In accordance with a request which has frequently been made, I append the following statement taken from the regimental records:
The regiment started fir the seat of war with 38 officers and 820 men.— During the fall and winter of '61 about 50 recruits were added. In the fall of '62 companies F and K were consolidated, and called F, and a new company, organized in Schuylerville, called K, and consisting of 89 men, was added.— A company organized in this village, consisting of about 75 men, was united with companies E and F. Also, about 245 men were recruited by officers sent from the field, and about 50 have joined during the last year. Fourteen officers have been appointed from civil life, and the number of officers who have belonged to the regiment is 52; the number of enlisted men, 1384; aggregate of officers and men, 1463—who are accounted for, as follows :
MUSTERED OUT ON EXPIRATION OF TERM OF SERVICE:
Colonel, W. B. French; Lt. Colonel, N. S. Babcock; Surgeon, Geo. T. Stevens, Assistant Surgeon, Justice G. Thompson; Quarter Master, Jacob F. Haywood; Adjutant, Wm. W. Worden; Chaplain, Norman Fox.
Captains—Geo. S. Orr; Jos. H. Loveland— served two years.
1st Lieutenants—Henry C. Rowland, Lewis T. Vanderwerker.
2nd Lieutenants--George H. Gillis, David Lyon, Carlos Rowe.—Total 14.
RESIGNED:
Colonel, Jas. B. Mckean; Lt. Colonel, J. C. Henderson; Surgeon, J. L. Perry; Surgeon, Augustus Campbell; Adjutant, Wm. H. Fursman; Adjutant, Lawrence Van Demark; Quarter master, L. E. Shurtliff; Chaplain, David E. Tully.
Captains—R. W. Arnold, C. C. Hill, B. F. Judson, John Carr, (died while returning home) J. B. Andrews, A. F. Beach, N. Hollister Brown, Frank Norton, (transferred to 123d) N. Y. V., as Lt. Col., and killed at Chancellorville,) J. R. Rockwell.
1st Lieutenants--Wm. Douglas, N. P. Hammond, Stephen S. Hastings, John Patterson, Jesse White, G. D. Story, E. S. Armstrong, John W. McGregor, Philander A. Cobb.
2nd Lieutenants—Jas. H. Farnsworth, E. M. McGunigle, Charles H. Fodow, Emmet J. Patterson, Wm. K. Young, Cyrus F. Rich.—
Total, 32.
Transferred to Battalion of 77th N. Y. Now in the Field.
Captains--David J. Caw, J. D. Clapp, C. E. Stevens.
1st Lieutenants--D. A. Thompson, George Ross, Robt. E. Nelson, Alonzo Howland.
Assistant Surgeon, Wm. A. Delong.
Total, 8.
DISCHARGED BECAUSE OF WOUNDS.
Captains—S. W. Deyoe, Stephen S. Horton.
1st Lieutenant—Frank Thomas.
2nd Lieutenants--Robt. H. K. Skinner, Thos.
S. Fowler. —
Total, 5.
DIED OF DISEASE.
2d Lieut. John J. Cameron. — Total, 1.
DIED OF WOUNDS.
2d Lieutenants—Halsey Bowe (accidentally shot,) Ansil Dennison..— Total, 2.
MISSING IN ACTION.
1st Lieut. S. O. Cromax, prisoner of war.
2d Lieutenants—Jeremiah Stebbins, prisoner of war; Wm. F. Lyon, supposed to be killed.
Total, 3.
Dismissed—7.
Aggregate number of officers, 79; original number, 28 -- 14 appointed from civilian since the organization, and 27 promoted from the ranks.
Of the enlisted men, there have been mustered out by reason of expiration of service, 105
Discharged on account of physical disability, 290
Discharged on account of wounds 38
Veterans transferred to Bata...
77th N. Y.., in the field
Joined since organization, do., do.
Transferred to other commands, 73
Died of disease, 148
Died of wounds, 40
Killed in action, 73
Deserted, 123
Missing in action, 25
Promoted to commissioned officers, 27
Total, 1384
Of those discharged for disability about 150 were discharged on the Peninsula during the season of '62, from disease contracted there; and fifty at least have been discharged at the city of Albany. Of those who have died of disease at least 100 died on the Peninsula, and of disease contracted there.
Very Respectfully Yours,
Col. W. B. FRENCH.

THE 77TH BATTALION.
HEADQ'RS BATTALION 77TH N. Y. V.,
On PETERSBURG LINE, Jan. 10, '65.
EDITOR SARATOGIAN:—Sir—Lest the remnant of the 77th should be forgotten in the minds of those at home, allow me a short space in your columns to show your many readers that we are yet in the field and still hold our own.
On the 23d of November, 1864, we became a Battalion, owing to the departure for home of that portion of the original members of the Regiment who had not re-enlisted. We were re-organized into four companies, under command of Capt. (now Lt. Colonel) Caw. The re-organization took place near Kearnstown, in the Valley, which place we left on the 9th of December last, en route for City Point, Va. We marched to Steven's Depot, and there took the cars for Washington, where we arrived on the night of the 10th. Embarking on the steamer City of Albany, we were soon on our way, and on the afternoon of the 14th took up our present position on the Davis Farm, two miles west of the Weldon R. R.
The weather since our arrival here has been of that varied sort so "chronic" in this region, the beautiful Southern sun being occasionally relieved by a cloudy sky and a shower of a week's duration. I think we are doomed to enjoy one of those delightful spells now, as it has rained incessantly for the last twenty four hours.
On the 8th inst., our faces were gladdened by the arrival among us of a brace of peaceful citizens from your village, and at about four o'clock on the morning of the 9th, as if for the amusement (?) of our guests, the Johnnies made an attack on our pickets, capturing three boys of this Battalion, namely; Henry Boyce, Co. " A," and Samuel Phillips and William Jones, Co. "D."
Our guests having visited the picket line, where the wild rebs were plainly visible, and being satisfied with their view of the elephant in his largest dimensions, started on their return trip last evening, heavily freighted with news for friends and relatives of those here, and fully repaid for their trouble in visiting the " Grand Army."
The health of our Battalion is now excellent, the Surgeon's call being very thinly attended.
Your paper finds its way to us every week, and affords us great assistance in passing away the long, lonesome hours which we are serving willingly, though in excess of what a great many expected.
We are this winter blessed with more neat and comfortable quarters than ever before, all being logged up four feet high, to procure the timber for which, we had the use of the brigade train. The camp consists of five company streets well laid out with sewers at the foot of each. Our winter privileges could not be better as we have five good wells within the camp.
Hoping that all friends at home may pass the winter as happily as we expect to, I remain
Yours, respectfully,
T. M. W.

FROM THE 77TH.
FIELD HOSPITAL NEAR SPOTTSYLVANIA.
Friday, May 13, 1864.
Editor Journal — Dear Sir: Knowing that the friends of the regiment in Ballston and vicinity will be anxious to hear from it, I drop you a line containing some important returns. For nine days the battle has been raging, and our corps has been a principal part. Our brigade has suffered severely. Our regiment has had thirteen killed, among them Captains Carpenter and Rugg. Something upward of a hundred have been wounded among them are Captains Smith, Orr, Deyoe and Winne. Lieuts. Worden, Rowland, Ross, F. Thomas, Taber, Fowler and Lyon. Some fifty are missing, among whom are Lieuts. Stebbins, Cromac, Rowe and Lyon--All but a dozen or twenty of the wounds are mere flesh wounds or slight injuries. The casualties among the men from Ballston and vicinity are as follows: Corp. M. <McWilliams, killed; Corp. Fred Keenholts, mortally wounded; John Southwaite, wound in shoulder; I. Boyce, arm, severely; Wm. Arnold, leg set; Andy Abbs, wounded and missing; Arch. Phillips and Terrence Grey, both slightly wounded; Sergt. Ira Tripp, Ephraim Tripp, Alex. Monson, L. Strong, missing; J. Fagg, of Galway, missing. I believe that completes the list at present, from Capt. Smith's company. The casualties from Co. H. are as follows: Sergt. Hoyt, of Charlton, missing; Sergt. Carr, of Milton, missing; Corp. M. B. Allen, Galway, missing; Corp. Knights, of Amsterdam, wounded; Corp. Jennings of Charlton, fatal wound in thigh; Corp. Root, of Galway, slight scalp wound; H. Fowler, of Milton, eye out; A. Hapet of Milton, slight wound in hand; Francis Love of Milton, wounded in stomach and missing; Thomas Amer, Galway, A. Coonradt, Charlton, Wm. Dwine, West Troy, and Thomas Delaney, of Saratoga, are all missing. I think all the others from your section are safe up to the present time. Hoping that it will be a relief to friends to know that it is no worse, I remain, Yours, &c.,
Norman Fox, Chaplain 77th N. Y.

CAMP OF 77TH REGT., N. Y. S. V.
Near Culpepper, Va., Oct. 2.
A gala-day in the 77lh was Wednesday last. A few days ago Lieut. Col. French was promoted to the Colonelcy, and the gratification of the officers and men at the deserved tribute to one who had so long been their commander, resolved itself into a formal recognition of his services. A parade and review of the whole division by Gen. Howe in the forenoon, left the men indisposed for the battalion drill in the afternoon and prepared their minds to enjoy something aside from the usual routine.— About three o'clock, in accordance with invitation previously sent round, the officers of the different regiments of the brigade began to assemble, and the camp of the 77th assumed a brilliant and festive appearance. The Brigade Band, one of the finest in the army, gave its best selections. Those who had charge of the ceremonies hurried thither and thither and the scene of preparation was heightened by the "bobbin' around" of juvenile contrabands. When the guests had all assembled, Col. French who was entirely ignorant of the intent of these preparations was waited on in his tent by a delegation of the line-officers, and his presence requested in the open space in front of headquarters. He was here addressed by Capt. Orr, who, with a few well-chosen and very impressive remarks, presented him on behalf of the line officers of the regiment with a must splendid sword, sash and belt. The surprise was complete, for but two or three in the regiment, aside from the line officers, themselves knew that such an affair was meditated till the guests began to assemble. The Colonel responded gracefully and with deep feeling acknowledging the present as a pledge of the confidence of his officers, and engaging himself to be still worthy of it. Refreshments and further sociabilities closed an afternoon of pleasure to all.
The sword itself was truly an elegant affair. The hilt is of solid silver and the blade of the finest texture. The scabbard is in silver, the bands and tip ring in gold. On the side of the scabbard is the insertion, " Presented to Col. Winsor B. French, 77th N. Y. V., by the line officers of the Regiment, Fredericksburgh, December 13th, 1862, and May 3d, and 4th '63, Gettysburgh, July 3d, 1863," and lower down an appropriate motto in Greek. The whole is most richly and elegantly chased. Few of the swords presented to our Generals excel this. It was manufactured by Tiffany of New York and cost according to rumor something upwards of two hundred dollars. The day wound up with a very pleasant incident not laid down in the general programme. Late in the evening the Seventh Maine Regiment with their band came in torch-light procession and gave our Colonel a serenade. A congratulatory speech was made by Col. Mason, of the 7th...[portions missing]

ALBANY EVENING JOURNAL
MONDAY EVENING, JULY 3, 1865.
RETURNING HEROES.
The Seventy-Seventh Regiment came up in the same boat with the Forty-third (the Huguenot.) It was recruited mainly in Saratoga, and was mustered in November 23d, 1861, at Saratoga Springs with 830 men. Some 1,400 men have been added since and it returns with 280. None are left in the field. It was engaged in the battles of Lee's Mills, Williamsburgh, Yorktown, Mechanicsville, Golden's Farm, White Oak Swamp, Savage Station, Crampton Gap, Antietam, Fredericksburg, first and second , Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fort Stevens, Oqequan, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, Petersburg, April 2d. It will thus be seen that it has followed the entire fortunes of the Army of the Potomac, having been with it at its organization, and present at its disbandment.
In the charge of the 2d of April, the brigade in which the Seventy-seventh and Forty-third formed a part, the former had the first colors on the Rebel works.
The following is a list of the officers:—
Lieutenant Colonel commanding—David J. Caw; went out as First Sergeant.
Surgeon--Justin D. Thompson.
Adjutant—Thomas M. White; went out as private.
Quartermaster—Charles D. Thurber.
Company A—Captain, J. D. Clapp. First Lieutenant, Thomas Harris. Second Lieutenant, Soriel Fountain; all went out as privates.
Company B—Captain, George Ross; went out as Sergeant. First Lieutenant, Adam Flansburg; went as a Corporal. Second Lieutenant, William Caw; went out as private.
Company C—Captains, Charles E. Stevens, went out as first Sergeant. First Lieutenant, William E. Merrill; went out as private.
Company D—Captain, Charles H. Davis; went out as Sergeant. First Lieutenant, Robert E. Nelson; went out as Sergeant. Second Lieutenant, William H. Quackenbush; went out as private.
Company E—Captain, David A. Thompson; went out as first Sergeant. First Lieutenant, Jas. A. Monroe; went out as Sergeant.
The regiment will be mustered out here.

THE ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-FOURTH arrived about 10 o'clock A. M. Saturday on board the John M. Brooks. It was raised in Delaware county, and originally consisted of nine hundred and fifty-six men, who were recruited in a little over a fortnight's time, in the Summer of 1862. They were first sent to the defences of Washington, and remained there until the Spring of 1863, when they were sent to Suffolk, and remained there until Longstreet's siege failed. They were afterwards in General Gordon's command, aided in Keyes demonstration against Richmond, and subsequently served in the Army of the Potomac. They arrived in this department in August, 1863, and were on Morris Island during the latter portion of General Gilmore's siege of Charleston. Subsequently the regiment was in Florida, for a time in active service. In June and July, 1864, it took part in the demonstration on John's Island. In November it was in Porter's brigade of General Hatch's coast division, in General Foster's celebrated movement in aid of Sherman against the Savannah and Charleston Railroad. That campaign embraced a severe battle at Henry Hill known to Southerners as the battle of Grahamsville; several sharp fights at Deveaux Neck, one at Coosawhatchie, and several lesser fights and skirmishers.
Their original Colonel was R. S. Hughston; then they were commanded by Colonel D. E. Gregory; then Captain Wm. J. Slidell, a nephew of John, of Rebel notoriety, was made Colonel, but resigned; and then Lieutenant Colonel James Lewis was made Colonel, and Major C. A. Rice Lieutenant-Colonel. Both are efficient officers. Lieutenant Colonel Rice has for a long time been Chief of Staff to General Littlefield, and filled many important positions. Surgeon Leal was for several months Chief Medical Officer of the District, and Assistant Surgeon Bundy Post Surgeon. The following is a complete list of the offices:—
Colonel—James Lewis.
Lieutenant-Colonel—Calvin A. Rice.
Major—William Plaskett.
Adjutant—George R. Cannon.
Regimental Quartermaster--S. S. Gregory.
Surgeon—John R. Leal.
Assistant Surgeons--Wm. M. Brice, Oliver T. Bundy, Jr.
Company A—Captain, John D. Pent; First Lieutenant, Charles S. Bradford; Second Lieutenant, W. M. Murray.
Company B—Captain, M. W. Marvin; First Lieutenant, George A. Colton; Second Lieutenant, James Nutt.
Company C— Captain, Matthew C. Lewis; First Lieutenant, Francis Heifer.
Company D—Captain, Edward A. Griffith; First Lieutenant, Nathaniel H. Hubbard; Second Lieutenant, Eli Gibbons.
Company E—Captain, John Clark; First Lieutenant, James S. Adie; Second Lieutenant, John A. Coulter.
Company F— First Lieutenant, Wm. B. Lewis; Second Lieutenant, Henry F. Miles.
Company G—Captain, Frank B. Hart; First Lieutenant, Hamilton S. Preston; Second Lieutenant, Walter Dickson.
Company H—Captain, Charles C. Saver; First Lieutenant, Horace E. Bailey; Second Lieutenant, J. Harvey McKee.
Company I—Captain, George W. St. John; First Lieutenant, Edward McQueen; Second Lieutenant, William J. Clark.
Company K—Captain, John Rich; First Lieutenant, Charles M. Hathaway; Second Lieutenant, Charles Rollins.

FROM THE 77TH -- LETTER FROM THE CHAPLAIN.
NEAR Falmouth, May 6, 1863. COL. McKean:—Dear sir—Knowing that you would be anxious to hear from the regiment, I drop a line by private hand to Washington.
The Sixth corps all crossed the river about two miles below Fredericksburg, on Saturday night. At daylight the next morning, they advanced before the Heights. After an hour or two of cannonading, our division advanced to storm the heights. The 77th led the charge and have received the highest praise for their gallant bearing. They carried the heights, took two or three pieces of cannon, several prisoners, some horses and a stand of colors. Good work for one regiment. Capt. Wheeler was struck in the stomach with a musket ball, and died that night. Captain Horton was stunned with a shell, and carried off the field, but will be ready for duty in a few days. Corporal Hendricks, Co. E, was killed. Corporal Wm. H. Deyoe, Co. E, killed. Another man was torn in pieces with a shell. Dennis Sheenan, Co. A, killed. Peter Knickerbacker, Co. E, leg amputated; died on Monday afternoon. Simon Carey, Co, E, wounded in leg. Ed Fuller, of Saratoga, in neck, slightly. I don't recall any other from your village. I telegraphed you regarding Capt. Wheeler's death. I had the body embalmed and sent home by express.
After the corps had taken the heights they chased the rebels beyond. Had a severe fight on Sunday afternoon, in which Brook's division principally acted, and were badly cutup. Severe fight again on Monday afternoon. The rebels on Monday morning came between our corps and Fredericksburg, occupying the old works. The corps swung around up the river and came back over Banks' Ford yesterday. I came down from the regiment yesterday afternoon. There are besides the above mentioned killed, some forty wounded, including slight hurts. Forty or so are still missing, the most of whom are probably in the hands of the rebels, but some of them are no doubt wounded.
Capt. Winne got separated from the regiment, and we had apprehensions for him, but he came in yesterday afternoon. The regiment is still (those who remain) some 300 and upwards, in good condition and not discouraged at all by their great labors of the last two or three days. At the station here among the wounded I found my brother, Major W. F. Fox, of the 107th, slightly wounded in the leg. As to the status of Hooker's battle, we know nothing. We are now having a very heavy rain.
Yours with respect,
NORMAN FOX, Jr.
N. B.—Col. McKean did not receive the telegram mentioned above.

FURTHER FROM THE 77TH.
Extracts from a fetter from Lt. Col, French to Col. McKean.
HEADQUARTERS 77th Regiment,
In The FIELD, May 6th, 1863.
DEAR COLONEL:— * * We crossed the river with our division on Saturday night, moved to Fredericksburg at 4 A. M., Sunday, and at once, or soon, the firing commenced. The light division were ahead in the village. We halted this side. Two regiments of the light division charged, but were driven back. I was ordered to deploy my regiment across an open field at the foot of the high hills at the left of Fredericksburg. upon which were earth works and abattis. So we got a terrible fire. Still we pushed out and the rebels ran. There we lay till about 12 o'clock, I should think, when Hooker ordered the heights carried, and to have us push on, cutting our way through the enemy, and join him at Shelbyville. We stormed the works. I at once deployed my regiment as skirmishers, and advanced. Oh, how they did pour into us shell, grape, &c. Many a brave boy fall on the way; still I urged them on. The details must be told by others. We charged up the heights, and Captain Wheeler fell while urging on his men.— We took one stand of colors from the 18th Mississippi, and nearly 100 men, a Lieut. Col., Captains, &c. The 33d Regiment New York, followed on the right, and of course did their work well. The 26th N. J., assisted them, but in great disorder. On the left I had no support, so I rallied the men on the colors, and charged up the hill alone. Oh, how nobly the boys moved up. I rushed on with them and captured two brass cannon, a pair of horses caissons, &c., and about 20 prisoners. General Howe rode up while I had my foot on the cannon and said; "Noble boys—the 77th has covered itself with glory," * * * * We pushed on towards Shelbyville, Brooks ahead. He soon ran against Wilcox, with 15,000 fresh troops. The flower of the rebel army was posted in the woods. He pushed on, but was repulsed with loss. Some of the regiments were almost annihilated. We awoke yesterday morning, and found Jackson on the heights we had taken and abandoned, throwing shell on our flank and rear. We lay all day skirmishing. At about 6 P. M., they massed their forces and charged on us. Our brigade stood the brunt of battle. Oh, it was awful! My regiment were located on a little height at the left, and were attacked only on the flank. I fell back with the brigade, and lost only a few. We returned across the river at Banks' Ford, and here we are, in good spirits, but slightly demoralized, having lost only eight or ten killed, 50 or 60 wounded, and 40 or 50 missing.
Oh, my good and true Captain Wheeler is gone. He was a noble man, and I challenge the service to furnish his equal. Sympathize with his family, and tell them that I shed tears on the battle field for my brave companion and friend in arms. I shall write them if I live and have an opportunity. He died nobly, and perhaps only a day before us. I want no nobler record with which to end my life, than his coolness, bravery and manliness. * * *
God protect our country and cause. I will advise you often.
FRENCH.

From the 77th.
HEADQUARTERS 77TH REGT., N.Y.V.,
3d Brigade, 2d Division, 6th Corps,
May 11, 1863.
Friend POTTER:—Knowing that most of your readers have a special interest in the 77th, and believing that they would be glad to know what part they performed in the great drama which has been enacted here within the last two weeks, I improve a little time after the fatigue of battle to give you a brief sketch of our experience.
On Tuesday, the 28th of April, we received orders to break camp, and to be ready to march at a moment's warning. Eight days rations had been provided for the men, who were in the highest spirits, ready and ever anxious for an encounter with the enemy. The regiment, since its organization, was never in such capital condition and so willing to fight. The few sick had been sent to General Hospital, and every man left was able to walk in the ranks.
A storm of rain, of some violence commenced in the morning, which rendered the marching difficult. At 12 o'clock, the order came to " fall in," and in five minutes the regiment was on its way, with the rest of the division, to take its place in the line of battle. A march of about six miles brought us to the rear of Falmouth station, a little distance from the river. Here we bivouacked for the night, and were awakened at 4 o'clock in the morning, by the roar of musketry and artillery, a little way off. At sunrise the division filed down to the river, and took position on the bank. Our horses cropped the green blades which had sprung from the grain scattered on the ground for their food, just four months before. It was the very spot where the regiment lay before at the first battle of Fredericksburg.
The 1st Division of our Corps (Brooks') was on the other side of the river, holding the plain for some distance. Their pickets formed the half of a circle of about three-fourths of a mile in diameter, the centre being at the pontoon bridge, where some earthworks were t h r o w n j up. Just at our left was the 1st Corps, one division of which also held part of the plain on the further side of the river. There was pretty brisk artillery practice between the 1st Corps and the enemy for a time, but it ceased toward night. We bivouacked where we had stood during the day. The morning of the 30th was lowry, but the clouds dispersed as the day advanced. About noon the troops of the brigade were massed and a congratulatory order from Gen. Hooker was read to them, which was received with tremendous cheers. Next afternoon the 1st Corps became engaged with the enemy in a fierce artillery duel, in which a large number of their men were killed and wounded. At sunset, all the forces of the two Corps were drawn up in line of battle to make a demonstration—one of our bands, near the enemy, playing "Dixie." The rebels hearing the strains, set up a great shout, which was returned by our boys in the most tremendous yells imaginable. One point was established— we beat them badly at shouting. As darkness gathered around us, we retired to our bivouacs. All day the earth had been shaken by the tremendous firing of artillery, on the right, and it seemed only more fierce as the night advanced.
The spirits of the boys rose, as the battle on the right progressed, and there seemed to be indications of work for them. Groups might be seen, at any time that we were not standing in line of battle, telling yarns, playing cards, singing songs, playing ball and pitching quoits. Saturday morning, May 2d, the 1st Corps was withdrawn from its position and sent to the right. The 77th was sent to do picket duty on the ground this side of the river, occupied by them (1st Corps) last night. Our " reserve" was posted a little way from the river in a pleasant field. Just in front of us was a lovely spot, the residence of Dr. Morson, for fifteen years a Surgeon in the U. S. Navy. The place was in remarkable order; the gardens in full bloom; the mocking birds building their nests, and the greenlets warbling sweetly. We strolled along the banks gathering flowers and glancing at our "Secesh" friends across the river, only a few yards distant.
Strange! we lay in the shade of our tents enjoying the charms of a lovely May day, while the terrible din of battle shook the ground beneath us, and we knew that ere the sun set, thousands of our brave comrades must be sacrificed.
As evening drew near, a few of us stood upon a slight eminence, in rear of our "reserve," and saw our skirmishers of the "Light Division" drive back the skirmishers of the enemy. It was a gallant feat and finely executed. It made our hearts leap with joy to watch our brave fellows as they advanced as though they were on drill, firing rapidly as they pressed the enemy, on "double quick." They did not halt until they had reached the base of the hills. Immediately our regiment was ordered to leave the picket line and join our brigade. We crossed the river and took our position in front of the Vermont brigade. The 33d N. Y., of our brigade, went forward as picket in front of the hills. We remained in line all night, sometimes throwing ourselves upon the ground to get a few minutes sleep, then roused in the expectancy of an advance.
At 4 o'clock we did advance. Straight across the plain we went until we came to the base of the Heights, where lay thousands of the enemy, then filed to the right and proceeded to the rear of Fredericksburg:—The 77th in front, 21st New Jersey, 49th N. Y., 20th N. Y., 7th Maine and 33d N. Y., forming our brigade, following in the order mentioned.— Then came the Vermont brigade, commanded by Col. Grant. These two brigades composed Howe's (2d) Division of the 6th Corps. As we gained the rear of the eastern part of the town the batteries of the enemy opened upon us, and swarms of infantry rose in our front, and poured vollies of bullets into us. Gen. Howe instantly formed his troops in line of battle— the 77th being deployed in front of the division as skirmishers. In the mean time some heavy guns from the heights opposite Fredericksburgh, were throwing huge shells into the works of the enemy. It was a moment of contending emotions of pride, hope and sadness, when our gallant boys stood face to face with the enemy. Our line was perfect. Our men could not have made a more orderly appearance had they been on drill. Col. French, riding quietly and composedly along his lines, inspired by his own intrepid behavior, the utmost confidence and bravery in the men. They took the thing as coolly as a dress parade. Just in rear of the division were three batteries of Parrot guns, playing finely into the works of the enemy above. A more grand spectacle cannot be imagined. There were the hills, enough to fatigue any man to climb them without a load and with no one to oppose. At the foot of the hill were thousands of the enemy pouring in vollies of musketry, and on the heights were their lines of earthworks with their artillery from which grape, canister and shell poured in a frightful storm. But the boys pushed nobly on, steadily along, the rebels steadily retreating, the 77th holding the front, the division coming up in splendid style.— Gens. Howe and Neil, and Col. Grant directing the movements and cheering on the men. Our men were falling in every direction, but the lines were immediately closed and on they pressed. Those regiments which advanced in closed lines, some of them, suffered more than the skirmishers in front, for as they presented compact bodies of men as marks for the enemy, they received more of the fire than the regiment which was deployed. But the 77th lost some noble men on that plain. At one time a single shell passed through the colors and hit three of our men.
Steadily, slowly, they gained the very base of the hills, and then with a yell that drowned the roar of musketry, they mounted the heights. The heights were gained. Our boys took a stand of colors belonging t o a Mississippi regiment, some heavy guns, and a large number of prisoners. To Corporal Michael Lumee, of Co. F., belongs the honor of seizing the rebel flag. The Vermonters came up nobly to the work. The 33d N. Y., and 2d Vermont lost heavily. The 20th N. Y., the finest drilled regiment in the service, broke and ran disgracefully, thus repeating their disgrace at White Oak Swamp. The 7th Maine, which was nearly destroyed at Antietam, went into the fight with nearly 270 men, and came out with only 130.
Gen. Neil who was everywhere in the thickest of the fight encouraging the men, had his horse killed under him. The General was badly bruised by the fall, and was obliged to be carried from the field, leaving Col. Taylor, of the 33d, in command of the brigade. Two of the General's aids had horses shot under them. Lt. Col. Corning, of the 33d also had his horse killed. Co1. VanHoughton, of the 21st N. J., was mortally wounded.
The 77th, while it lost some of its noblest men, was less unfortunate than some of the others. The wounded men behaved with the greatest heroism—one of them, Erskine Branch, of Co. D., when his leg was torn into shreds by a shell, hobbled off on the sound one, singing " The Star Spangled Banner!"
Nearly all the wounded up to this time were taken to Fredericksburg, where they received the care of the Surgeons. About three thousand wounded were thus cared for.
Now commenced the disaster of the battle. The Corps which had so nobly gained the heights, was ordered to press on toward Hooker on the right. The heights were left behind. Longstreet, with an immense force from the vicinity of Richmond, came in and quietly possessed them. Early in the morning of Monday, one of the 32 pound guns from opposite the town, sent some shells whistling across to the heights, giving the alarm to those in the town and those who had lately left it. The Surgeons immediately made preparations to send the wounded across the river, but supposing it would be impossible to accomplish the whole before the rebel force would occupy the town, sent their horses across the river and made arrangements for being themselves taken prisoners. Why they were not taken prisoners remains a mystery. In their possession were instruments and medical stores which would have been of immense value to the enemy.
The 6th Corps was now in a most critical position—its communications entirely cut off, rebels in front of them, rebels in rear of them, rebels to the right of them, only Banks' Ford, six miles to the left of them, by which they could save themselves.
Now commenced a desperate struggle for existence. The rebel lines would close in upon ours from three sides, when suddenly the most murderous vollies of grape and shells would pour upon them from our artillery, causing frightful carnage; their lines would stagger and fall back. Then our infantry would pour a storm of bullets into them, at the same time falling back in good order. Again the rebels would rally and rush upon our forces. Then another terrific volley of artillery and another staggering of the enemy, and more terrible musketry. So the Corps fell back, fighting constantly day and night against an immensely superior force, until it reached Banks' Ford, where it crossed on pontoon bridges not without great difficulty, one bridge being destroyed by the rebel artillery, and others barely saved from destruction long enough to allow the troops to pass over.
The Corps has passed through a severe trial and has shown itself to be made of heroic material. No two more brilliant feats have been performed in the history of the war, than the storming of the Heights of Fredericksburg, and the splendid resistance when surrounded and attacked by an overwhelming force. The responsibility of leaving the heights does not belong with the Corps.
I have not spoken of the operation of the 1st Division, the 3d, or the "Light Division," after Saturday night, as their position was such that we could not observe them.
The men of the Corps have come out of the fight in an excellent moral condition. There is not a man who is not ready to storm those heights again as he was last Sunday morning. The 77th has lost some of its noblest men.—
Captain Wheeler died as he lived—a hero. He was universally beloved, and the regiment feel that they have lost one of their bravest and most efficient officers.
Many a poor fellow who fortunately came out with his life, has been obliged to part with a leg or an arm, but not a word of complaint has been uttered by them.
We are now encamped in a pleasant locality, near our old camp. The men are setting out evergreens about their tents, and our camp has the appearance of a pleasant grove. One may pass through our camp as often as he pleases, and he will not hear one word of grumbling or despondency from a man. All they ask is, to be led to victory—not to defeat. G. T. S.

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