I would like to extend my deep heartfelt thanks to John and Joy Kemp, descendants of Mr. Henry Harrison Hoyt. The writer of these letters was 24 years old when he enlisted on August 15th, 1862 in Company E of the 122nd New York Volunteer Infantry, the Third Onondaga Regiment.

Chris Piering

MABEL ROGERS WHEELER SONNANSTINE

GRANDFATHER - Keeler Hoyt - Born Feb. 2, 1796
GRANDMOTHER - Charity Bolsley - Born Sept. 21 1796 (Married May 30, 1819)
1. Nelson Hoyt - Born Feb. 16, 1820
2. William Wallace Hoyt - Born March 9, 1825
3. Hannah Fidelia hoyt - Born April 4, 1827
4. Matilda Prussa Hoyt - Born Dec. 20, 19830
5. Helen Mariah Hoyt - Apriel 3, 1833
6. Christina Deborah Hoyt - Born Nov. 1, 1836, Syracuse, New York
7. Henry Harrison Hoyt - Born March 2, 1838 (Killed in Civil War June 21, 1864) His father called him Harrison in letter dated 11-20-1856 about purchasing a way for him to go to school.
*CHRISTINA D. HOYT Married Ezra Nathaniel Wheeler Dec 26, 1852 by her father, Keeler Hoyt, at Syracuse, New York. Christina D. Wheeler died Feb. 6, 1907.

*HER FAMILY
1. Ezra H ( or N) Wheeler Born at Weedsport, New York, Cayuga Co., NY Sept. 7, 1853 - Died May 1, 1860
2. Freddie Wheeler born Newark, New Jersey, June 9, 1858 - died Sept. 6, 1858
3. Edgar H. Wheeler born Syracuse, New York Oct. 9, 1864 - died
4. Mabel Rogers Wheeler born Syracuse, New York Jan. 22, 1868 died 7-15-1936. Married Cornelius Francis Sonnanstine Jr. June 9, 1886 in Syracuse, NY Born 1-25-1855 died 3-17-25
5. Adah H. Wheeler born Syracuse, NY July 23, 1871 married to Edwin g. Lane Sept. 17, 1895 and to Fred Barney Oct. 2, 1919. Died June 30, 1920. They had one son, Edgar W. lane, born Dec. 9, 1898 at Syracuse. He married Margrette Newsock Oct. 24, 1925 - all of Syracuse, NY.
Lt. Henry Harrison Hoyt would have been my Grandmother's uncle. He was a 1st Lt. Company E, 122nd NY Volunteers.

H H Tree
Henry Harrison Hoyt was born in Syracuse, New York on march 2, 1838. He was the youngest of eight children born to Keeler and Charity Hoyt. At age 26, he was killed in action at Petersbury, Virginia on june 21, 1864. He is buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Syracuse.

Nelson is the eldest of the three brothers and five sisters. He is 18 yeats older than Henry. William was the middle child and was 9 Years older than Henry. William and Rhesa were married in 1851. Their burial locations are not provided. We do not know if they ventured to the west.

There were five sisters, all of whom lived to old age. Julia had married James Carly in 1838 and probably was gone from the house by the time of the letters. Hannah was eleven years older than Henry and never married. Matilda was eight years older than henry and little else is added within the family bible. She may have remained the black sheep. Helen was five years older than Henry. She married WH Hilts and became mother to six children. At age 29, it is probable that she was not within the household. Christina was the nearest to Henry in age but was four years hid senior. She would have been 28 in the winter of 1862/63. She married Ezra Wheeler in December 1852 and bore two children by the time of the letters. Mabel was one of her six children and provides the link to the Sonnanstine family.

Thus, the household in Syracuse probably was made up of the 66 year old Mother, 35 year old spinster seamstress Hannah, and 32 year old straying Matilda. It is conjecture that William and Rhesa were struggling with hard times and may have been included Christina must have lived nearby.

Henry's father was C. Keeler hoyt a Minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. He died in 1858 and is buried in Waterloo Township in Michigan. Henry's mother was Charity Balsley Hoyt who was born in Manlius, New York and lived four years more after the letters. She died in October 1866 while residing in Michigan and is also buried in Waterloo Township.

The letters indicate that Matilda is visiting Chicago and Jackson. This could be a tip that some relatives live there. The birth locations of the eight children indicate that Keeler and Charity began their married life in Manlius, New York and remained in Syracuse for most of the child rearing years. The reason for the burial in Michigan is lost. The family appears to have lived in Syracuse for at least thirty five years.

The following is a series of letters from Henry Harrison Hoyt to his mother and sisters.
I have not corrected missspelling , made capitalizations or added puntuation. To do so, may change some of the intent of his words in my opinion.
The letters were of course hand written and in this more antiseptic medium become something less animated than their original form.
I will precede each letter with a few words in an effort to put the letters in a historical context.
The first letter was sent while the 122nd was part of Franklin's Left Grand Division, after Burnside has reorganized the Army of the Potomac. They went into camp near Stafford Court House, after spending the better part of the last 2 months in extensive drill in Maryland.
The men had seen little of battle, but had covered their first bit of hard marching. The 122nd first saw the face of battle arriving at the South Mountain battlefield and then at Antietam after these battles had been fought. Their 1st exposure to enemy fire took place in the pursuit of the Confederate forces, near Williamsport, Md.
The weather had been cold and wet, but the army ( at least the men of the 122nd) was optimistic about the chance to end the war in the near future.
Reference is made to the 12th NY, 101st NY, and 149th NY in terms less than endearing. Later refernces to the other men from Onondaga by members of the 122nd were more tempered, although some indications exist that a sort of rivalry continued through the war.
Interesting reference to the shelter and rations are made in this letter. His Thanksgiving meal is one which many a sojer boy surely enjoyed. How he is gaining weight is anyone's guess!
The letter also mentions the Ruggles boys, one of whom was central in the history of the 122nd written by David Swinfen, "Ruggles Regiment". This book is an important link for any historian of the 122nd NYV. -Chris Piering

Dear Mother & Sisters
Your long looked for letter came to hand at last and I hasten to reply. it is now nearly two weeks since I received your last letter and though it was written Nov. 9, it was very welcomely received. one good reason why was because it contained one dollars worth of stamps, another because I wanted to hear from you bad.
it is Thanksgiving day today, I believe, but having just returned from picket and being pretty tired, I can't say that I am in a very thankful state of mind. Bedsides my cook hadn't got any turkey cooked nor any other chicken fixcens, so I had to put up with Hard Tack raw Hard Tack fried and Hard Tack in my coffee and fried Pork for dinner. I presume my supper will be nearly the same, except I should have no fried pork. So you see, I shant get the Dispepsia by high living. But yet I feel perfectly well and don't grumble about Grub. The fact is we are in a country that has been robed of everything by both armies having passed through it. we are now stationary and it don't seem as though there were any probabilities of moving very soon. we are way back in the rear where we don't have any opportunity to hear or see a great deal. We were visited last monday by Lieut Col Wm. W. Teal of Syracuse who is on Gen. Summers Staff with the above Rank. He is in advance and we had a chance to learn from him the positions of the two armies and you need not trouble about our getting into a fight very soon. there is an immense force ahead of us, more than can be used in one fight without touching us. We are simply to protect the left Flank and our force for that Purpose don't fall short of (75,000) seventy five thousand men. The right and centre number each as many more. which would make the aggregate nearly (300,000) three hundred thousand men. The roads are rather muddy, But we have had but one flurry of snow and that was at White Plains. The sun in shining Brightly today but we have a cold wind. I wish you could look in on us here today. You would see something that you know nothing or can have no real Idea about that is an army in camp. but more particularly in regard to our own Tent. we don't have Wall Tents which we are entitled to when in Permanent Quarters but simply shelter tents one half of which is about six feet square. Two of these stretched over a ridge pole, the ends coming to the ground and fastened and Buttoned together at the top make our shelter. But I should not forget to say that we have two extra pieces with which we fasten up the ends. well, here I am in my tent beside Lt. Brand. Both writing home while the boys are delivering Rations down in the company street. Yesterday, one of the boys of Co H was buried. he died of typhoid fever and Home Sickness. none of Co E's boys have died yet, though some are in the Hospital, yet none are dangerous. The weather has favored colds and most all have them, myself for one, though not a severe one. we occasionally have visit from the old 12th boys. anumber have been here within a few days. they are about eight miles from us and close Beside the 101st. but we don't see them at all. in fact they are not counted much by anybody that knows them out here. and, the 12th and 122d are, and we don't care to mix in with them much. And, Co. E is the Bully Co in this Regt. So said by all that know the Regt. Yesterday on picket, our Co entire formed the center reserve under my command and none but a good Co is looked for to take the reserve in picket line. The 149th are about another such a Regt as the 101st are and we also feel to big to associate with them. We feel like old veterans while we consider the 149th a lot of grumbling calves, they have all the luxuries of camp, sure as wall tents for Officers soft Bread for the men and many other little luxuries to numerous to mention and yesterday the complain, if our Boys had one half what they have they would be happy as Griggs. yet, there is no complaint by our Boys. everything goes smooth and it is a pride with the men that they can endure hardship without fault finding. tell Kate W, I was verry glad to hear from her. and Kate I have learned to be soger boy by this, it is a pride with me that I can endure hardships and though deprived of my thanksgiving dinner at home, I can make it up by eating one extra Hard Tack. By the way I am going to bring home a box of them when I come home. though I am deprived of the pleasures of home, yet this is an excellent school one from which I don't seek to get away verry soon. Kate write me again and don't be afraid. let my letters to the girls answer yours as I will always count you in when I say Dear Sisters. I receive no pay as yet from the Government it is thought we may receive it this week if we don't it won't come before the first of Jan. I am sorry things are as they are it makes me feel bad and to think that I can't relieve you when I money enough owing me. but do as I told you in my last letter or two. that is, go to Leslie's and tell him to let you have things and wait until I send some money home which well be as soon as I receive some pay or tell Green to wait on you for the Rent awhile. you don't say whether Hellen pays her board or not I don't see how so many can sleep in the house. perhaps you have made an addition. I can't see why you don't receive my letters more prompt. others make no complaint and I am sure my letters are put in the same Mail Bag for I put them in myself. I can't see why it should be so. your letters have not come to hand lately verry prompt and I think it is because they get mislaid.
I am sorry the girls are not entirely well. it makes it so much harder for you. Mother, you must be careful of your health. it is a fault of yours that you won't Keep still until get well. I have been worried about you a good deal now be careful. Christina, you must be careful of your Billy don't let that get to affecting you so soon. there has been some thirty of forty boxes of stuff received from friends to men in the Regt and it has arrived mostly all right but, don't send any nicely frosted cakes as some have and had them spoiled entirely. you may send as many as you are a mind to of fried cakes. But mostly dried fruits in the eating line. now if you can get together a lot of stuff such as I have mentioned, you may send it as I will direct. tell Oscar to send me the Gloves and I will send him the pay as soon as I get some. That is send them in your box, two Pairs, good ones at that price they would cheap compared with the miserable things that some of the boys have here. and it is getting quite cool now so that it reminds me sometime quite forceable it is getting toward winter. you will have to send it without any money help from me at present consider well before you act but if you do send it count your cost. I will foot the Bill. Tell Ezra to Bind each end of the box with hoop iron small size. Remember the shirts & Gloves. Give my respects to William and Family tell him to write. O! I like to forgot. send that Box by express charges paid, directed to lieut. H. Hoyt, Co E, 122 Regt, NYV, Washington, D.C. Our Sutler will bring it in.
Tell Marcia I have not received the last letter she should have written. Love to all, every Body in General. Tell Mrs. Ruggles her Boys are well, at least they look so. O, I must tell you I am getting so fat my clothes won't hardly hold me. I have had to let out two holes in my sword Belt and it is tight now you see it agrees with me nicely. The drum has sounded for the dress parade, so good bye.

Your Son & Brother
H.H. Hoyt

The following letter is a few weeks after the battle before Marye's Heights in Fredrickburg. The army had gone into camp near Falmouth.
It appears that Mr. Hoyt had a somewhat different vision of the battle than history gives us. It is clear that there is a relative lack of concern on his part, and his determination seems if anything steeled by the reports of the press at home.
He is quite certain of his own safety, and seems to have retained this fearless nature throughout his army career.
There is reference to his resigning his commission, which he seems tempted with throughout the war.
Shortly after this, the 122nd was to partake in Burnside's Mud March. -CMP

My Dear Mother and Sisters,

Your letter of Dec 28 came to hand last night and I was as usual glad to hear from home. A paper also accompanied the letter, which is the first I have received except one sent in a letter with letter postage. you, I perceive are feeling very badly because I am here. I am sorry it affects you so because for good reasons I prefer to remain here awhile longer. in fact, I consider myself as safe here as I should be at home. that may seem strange to you but it is as I feel. this last battle makes the third we have had a hand in, that is to say we have been under fire three different times and though I have seen the dead Piled up in heeps, yet I don't feel that, that will ever be my fate. You have a very distorted idea of a battle as well as most of others that never saw one.
the idea of hand to hand conflict and of men being driven into fight as sheep to the slaughter is all humbug. I tell you, you have got a distorted idea of what a battle consists of. the few that are wounded compared with the number engaged is nothing. take for instance our Regt. as an example and it is a fair one, we lay under the hottest fire of the action and you will see by that paper you sent me, the hottest of the war, and we had only 5 wounded of that number, one was by his own carelessness, accidentally, discharging his piece so as to shoot himself through the foot. his wound is the worst of all. another had the end of one finger taken off by a fragment of a shell. Sis. Smith's cousin received a slight flesh wound in the fore part of the thigh from the same cause. the others were merely scratched, all called wounds. and, farther to give you an idea of wounds, a man was put in the list of wounded that had the merest scratch acrost the cheek, and that is the case with thousands of others, never stopped from active service. though I don't wish to be understood that is with all. I have seen those that were badly wounded with arms and legs and heads shot off. but when one of that kind is seen it inspires revenge rather than cowardice.
I write this that you may have a more accurate idea of a Battle. then you blame Gen. Sumner for not opening on Fredericksburg sooner, that again showes that you are not posted on war, and on the difficulties attendant on moving an Army so as to be Safe if he had attempted to have made a crossing at the time indicated, you would had grater cause to talk than now. Gen. Burnside saw after crossing that he could not force the enemies position and like a good General he withdrew his men from danger. but, before we left it was necessary that we should show our good will for it and we did.
the account in the Journal of the part taken by Cochranes Brigade is correct throughout. the old Stone Wall Brigade is allways around where there is anything to do, that requires gallant men and gallant Officers. No! I look on things different from what you do. I am proud to say I am an officer in the 122 Regt. in John Cochranes Brigade. and I hope you will be proud to own me as such. our Brigade has two appellations, the one given above and another beautiful one, John Cochranes Foot Cavalry, owing to our ability to get around pretty lively. Those members of the Press that you speak of are about as wise in regard to a battle as a child unborn. one in a hundred perhaps may have seen a skirmish. but the grand majority have no more of an idea of a battle than the person above mentioned. they sit in their sancturns and write articles condemning our Generals at wholesale for what they no nothing about. men are not fools that they would be driven like sheep to the slaughter. neither are the Generals. Hannah, you must reason. it is all well to impeach men that come here and sacrifice all they hold dear, even to risking their lives for their country's good. but, persons that find fault with us and our Generals Management had better come out here and try a hand in, we will stand back and give them room. the fact is the army is sick of being found fault with.
after mature consideration, I have come to the conclusion that I can not afford to resign my commission yet. I don't wish you to think that I do this to be stubborn or to cause you one jot of pain for I do not. Just wait awhile I have not seen enough of the elephant as yet. I did not receive my box for a Christmas present, nor have I yet received it. though I need the articles that it contains very badly. but I hope it will soon be here. Our Surgeon has gone to Falmouth today to see if the boxes of this Regt have not arrived there. My Christmas was spent out on Picket and I had a long talk with the Rebs on the other side of the river. they are as sick of this war as we are and wish it settled.
yesterday was New Years Day. that I spent in my tent feeling very poorly but I am all right today and feel Bully as usual. That reminds me that I wish you all a Happy New Year and Hope you had a Merry Christmas. I wrote a letter yesterday to Sis and Hank but did not direct as you told in this letter of yours. it is directed (Henry Smith, Milk man, Syracuse, NY.) it went yesterday morning and will arrive about the same time of this.
Marcia did not talk in her last letter to me as though she and Johsia would ever make up again. But rather wished I was at home. she told me her sister was to be married in January and promised to write a full account of the affair. I am sorry Sarah Case's health is so poor and hope she may soon recover her health and be rugged and tough. give her my best wishes as well as Mr. and Mrs. Irons. Christina, you and Ezra never say a word any more than though you had no Brother now I want you to improve in that respect a little. consider that all my letters are written to the whole family and not to a part alone.
I have had one letter from Matilda and have answered it. some way or other, I have a great many letters to answer and it takes a great deal of my time, but I like to hear from my friends. I hold a regular correspondence with Josie Russell and by the way has she got those two pictures of mine or are they saved for her. I want she should have them_. then I write to Dan Lathrop, to Marcia, to Nelson, to Till, one to Sis Smith, and all over in general. Mother, I don't want you to feel so bad about my absence from home. take it easy. I shall come home yet when you will be proud to say I had a Soldier boy. ("So I hope.") rest easy don't let me worry your dreams nor keep you awake nights. one thing I am sorry for that we have not been paid yet. I know you must want some money and I want you to have some and you shall have some just as quick as I can get it to you after I receive it. we have mustered again for two months pay and it is promised we shall have our pay by the Middle of this month. those gloves you sent me are very nice, better than I wanted to have. give my respects to all inquiring friends. I guess you will think I meant you should be twice glad with this letter.

Good Bye
H.H. Hoyt

The 122nd did not suffer greatly in the Fredrickburg campaign, but paid a higher price in the Chancellorsvlle battle a month before this letter was penned.
The 6th Corps under Sedgewick had been ordered to cross the river at Fredricksburg, and advance, linking up with Hooker at Chancellorsville. The elusive Marye's heights fell to the 6th, and they advanced to the west, now fighting the battle of Salem Church. The 6th Corps was turned on by the bulk of Lee's army and was forced back and over the Rappahannock. Now, the men were unquestionably veterans.
The Gettyburg campaign was about to begin.
Of special interest to me in these letters is the obvious familiarity characteristic of the men of the armies to their "pards". Here, Mr Hoyt, an officer makes references to the boys in the ranks as only a man who lived amongst them in peace could.
He is also quite keen on planning for the future, sizing up a prospective mate. -CMP

Dear Mother and Sister

Your letter of the 7th instant came to hand this evening and was as usual extremely glad to here from you. since my last letter was written, I have paid a short visit to our Division Hospital in the capacity of a subject. my affliction was Fever induced by exposure and taking a severe cold. I received prompt attention from our Doctor and was sent to the Hospital about 2 miles from here. I returned this morning though somewhat weak. I think I shall be able to go a head again and do my duty as usual, taking a little better care of myself in the future. we are still on the south bank of the famous Rappahanoc. earth works and Rifle pits have been constructed here to enable us to hold our position against any attack of the enemy. we have skirmishing going on continuoually. Any one who shows himself outside of the trenches is a mark for the enemys sharpshooters and gets their official compliments. last night while our Regt. was relieving pickett, the enemy opened a murderous volley on us wounding three men in our Regt. one of them in our company and come to think you know him, it is John Connor, a Minnie Ball entered his hip passing downward and coming out just above the knee. one of the other men was that Mrs. Hall's son, who called on me while I was home. he was wounded in the ankle but did not injure the bone. in fact, all of them were flesh wounds and severe ones too. poor Jonny, I was sorry to know of him being wounded. there is heavy firing going on now while I write. the Artillery has become engaged and we are throwing shell from a 100 pounder gun and it throws up a cloud of dust whenever the shell explodes. matters begin to wax warm, and Aids-de-Camp are riding around the field quite lively. I would like to have you hear to witness a battle to see the hurried movements of troops, the Bursting of shells, and the wiz of Rifle Balls. it is a grand and awful fight. we have several ladies to visit us since we have crossed the River from Washington & Philadelphia and indeed they exercise quite a degree of pluck riding out to our pickett line in fair shot of the enemys sharp shooters. the object of our visit to this side of the river is as yet a mystery no active opperations of any account has been gone into and all we have to do is lounge around and wait to see what turns up. the flag of truce of which I spoke in my last amounted to nothing as, the Rebuels were very courteously informed if they opened on us we should fire Fredericksburgh and as they have a large number of troops in the city it would be quite uncomfortable for them to have a shower of red hot shot. so we were not very seriously annoyed by their attempts to expell us from this side of the River. while I am writing, two men are just wounded by the action that is going on, both belonging to 6th New York. such is war. the groans of wounded men are anything but pleasant sounds. the Col. just interrupted me and wanted to know if I would go out on pickett tonight? I though he was pretty cheeky asking me having just returned from Hospital. Col. Dwight interfered and said I was not able to do so fatiguing duty in my present weak state. he finally came to the same conclusion. By the way, I have become somewhat blushed. I think you did not tell me about how old that Miss Robinson was? if you think she is about my style and think I would be about her style, I want to know what the particulars are in regard to her. spark her up for me and get a picture of her for me so I can see if she is my style. Oh! I have had my fortune told by a professional fortune teller down here and had it all written out for the sum of one Dollar. I would like to have had heard it. she tells some things that I know are true and which she knew nothing about and a good many things that are yet to come to pass. she says I will not be killed while in the Army but will be wounded twice severely nearly costing my life. she attempts to describe the lady that I am to marry and it runs thus. you will Marry but once and that to a lady of brown eyes and Hair of small size and amiable temper, not particularly remarkable for any thing except extreme goodness. she will be an only daughter and have considerable property at her father's death, and a great deal more that I have not room to write. I am very much obliged to you for cleaning up my Sabre. I hope you will take good care of it. I have a much nicer Saber down hear, one worth two of that, though it did not cost half what that did. I would like to be there to enjoy your cozy little place that you speak of for a few days, as I really think I can appreciate it. but there is no use of wishing of for what one cannot have as it will do no good. I am glad you called on Miss Hatie Webb as I think she is a verry nice young lady indeed. give her my regards and tell her I am well and hope she is the same. also my regards to Sarah. it is unnecessary for me to say I think she is an extremely nice young lady as you always knew I thought so. I of course know she thinks me a nice young man or she would not have sent me that beautiful boquet. Sarah please accept my thanks for the flowers and I am sorry I cannot be where they grow to help you folks enjoy their odoriferous perfumes. When old Green calls on you for that ten dollars you refer him to me for it. I will settle all damages of that kind and if he were here I would settle him. there is no truth in rumor regarding soldiers not being allowed to send off letters on the eve of a Battle. mails run regularly every day. your letters are all received and answered as fast as received to date. But it is extremely curious that I dont hear from anyone of my correspondents but you and Josie Jerome. I wrote to Jones some time ago but dont answer me perhaps my letter was not acceptable at least so I take it untill he demonstrates to the contrary. I received the papers you sent me but as I could not be cumbered with them they were destroyed together with the one containing the welcome to the old 12". I am verry it is so if you would like to have had it saved. give my respects to all enquiring friends and my love to Miss Robinson if she enquires for me. simply say that I sent my love to everybody who inquired after me. I don't know but I promised to write to Miss Bario but if I did I have forgotten it. will write if she says and Jerome's too. at all events give her my regards. it is growing somewhat dark and I am quite tired of writing, so I will bid you good bye for tonight.

remaining as ever Your Bro.

H H Hoyt

tell mother I have not forgotten her yet

The summer past mostly encamped in Warrentown Md. From July 24th to Sept 15th.
The army began to shift to block rebel flank moves, culminating in the 122nd being heavily engaged in the Battle of Rappahannock Station.Among the 13 killed or wounded was Philo Ruggles, 1st Sgt of Company B, now buried in the family plot in Oakwood Cemetary.
This loss was still fresh when My Hoyt railed against his sister for her apparent wish for him to abandon his post and come home.
The letter shifts to light hearted talk of a lady's letter from home, illustrating how life went on in the army. -CMP

My Dear Sister

Your letter of November 15th is received this morning as usual welcome. I am happy to state it finds me enjoying tip top health. I wrote you in my last letter which contained a check for $50. that we expected to move from this camp the next day and go farther to the front. the orders to that effect were countermanded, and we still find ourselves here with orders to be ready to move at a moments notice. so you see we dont know when we shall move from here. to day there is a Reviews of our Corps. By Gen. Meade and a number of Russian Officers who are taking a view of the "Great Yankee Army" and as a special compliment to Gen. Sedgwick the 6th Corps. is set up as the middle of the Army, and she can sustain the position. perhaps you will ask, if your Regt is on Review why are you not with it? well for the reason that I am "Camp Officer of the Day" and cannot leave its boundaries. I wish you could be here to witness a Review. the troops, Officers, and men dressed in their best, with Sabres and Guns shining as brightly as almost a dazzle ones eyes, and as Regt after Regt passes the Reviewing Officer to see the firm steady trum of men, when as steadily would march to face the cannons mouth, or meet their haughty foe in a hand to hand engagement. it almost inspires one with awe to look upon such as assemblage of men. surely if they do not deserve the highest consideration of the American People. I for one cannot see who should. as our Regt left the parade line this morning it inspired one with pride to think that I belongs to a Regt composed of such a class of men as they. The flower of Onondaga Co. you say " you wish you could say something to induce me to home." You no doubt feel what say, but you are not a Soldier, and consequently cannot tell the feeling of a Soldier. I would certainly like to enjoy the comforts of home but I know that in the field it is impossible to have them. So I do not allow the wish for them to come into my head. the dangers of Soldiers life, are what is to be dreaded. more particularly but then ask for your self am I any better to loose a Brother for my countries sake, than is Mrs. Ruggles to loose a Son, in the same cause? believe me I am not anxious to throw away my life and if I am obliged to give it up I will make cost the taker as dear as possible. but you remember what I have told you all the time don't you? that I am coming home to help enjoy the fruits of my labor, when my term of service shall have expired. about giving you a paper to so as to draw money enough to send for me in case I am killed, you need not worry as the Officers of Regt. will send home any of their dead comrads. but yet I will soon send you a paper so that should anything occur you could draw my money from the bank and use it as I have intimated to you in a former letter. I was quite surprised at seeing an extract from my letter in the Journal the Editor sent me a copy of the paper which contained it. it came to hand yesterday. I must not forget to tell you a little joke. I received a letter at the same time of getting yours, and it is an anonamous letter. it is written by a lady entirely in verse and a beautifully written thing! it is evidently the result of a good deal of Study, and is taken all around a fine production. the lady wishes me to answer her directing to No ___ post Office Syracuse. the thing is so strongly and blatant, overdone that I don't know whether it is best for me to attempt to reply for fear it may turn out, one big sell. I would send it to you but I want it here so that I can use it after patient serch I should find it worth my while. I will enclose a note to A.C. Jones wont you be so kind as to hand it to him verry soon as it bears on this all important matter. The style of the letter is not what one might call a love letter by any means. It is written to carefully for that. She commences after this style.
Tall: a brunette: with hair as black as night. Eyes the same here, and neither neither dull nor bright. A wreath of curls, that fall around a face That would be plain, without their added grace XXXXX I've often wished that I could join the brave who fearless, march: our perrilled land to save. But Ah: I'm bound! Weak woman can but pray And cheer the soldiers in her feeble way. XXXXXXXXXXX If I, by my rude pen, can fill an hour of thy long days. If I can learn the power to chain thy thoughts, and with an unseen hand, lead the to hights where thy gaze could command a wide spread scene. - where thought could often dwell Improving time- Then I would deem it well. That I had razed the chain that firmly binds the patient woman, who so quickly finds Growns, dark and deep. to fall upon the one Who over steps the boundaries; fully known And it is done! And you, if you should deem me worthy of attention, and esteem, May write one often - write me as a friend Your thoughts; ambitions; wishes; freely send, For my perusal. I will, in return write back to please you as I may disern Whether you choose an argument or pun. Wheather preferring logic best, or fun, I wish to firmly state, I do not choose - and you, a gentlemen cannot refuse to have it known that I have written you. To honor; future friendship; All be true! Good Bye, my missive, in the hand of fate You'll smile - I sign myself - Yours truly, Kate
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you see I have left out some things shown by the stars. those are fine points that you don't care to see. But then I don't have least idea who wrote it. Col. Dwight perused it with me this morning and we had quite a laugh but there are a great many letters written to Officers and Soldiers, by the young Ladies of Syracuse, generally however they sign their names. this is by no means the first time I have received letter from Ladies that I did not know. but this is the first of this kind I ever saw any one receive. well I must quit. I have written quite enough. give my regards to all inquiring friends. hoping that you have got over your bad feeling about my being a soldier, and are well, I remain
As ever, Your Brother
H. H. Hoyt

In the interim of these two letters, the 122nd took part n the abortive Mine Run campaign.
No mention of this is made, and thoughts of home seem stronger and more apparent than ever.
Here, we see that the letter mentioned previously was from Miss Kate Hudson. And My Hoyt had evidently put his worst foot forward. -CMP

My Dear Sister,
Your letter of the 14th inst just came to hand and was read with pleasure as usual. it is a cold windy freezing day and having but little to do, I have sat and written letters all the forenoon, writing one to Nellie, one to Jones, and one to a friend in Washington. so you see this is the fourth for the day and if I have bestowed all my wits on those, you need not blame me if this is as poor a letter as that which Lieut Wilken brought you which you have received long before this reaches you. and By the way, won't you take my sash which is in my trunk and carry it to Mr. Edwards store and have him give it to Lieut Wilken to bring with my coat to me. that is if this letter reaches you before Christmas eve, as he will start from Syracuse early Christmas morning. furloughs and leaves of Absence are being granted now regularly and though my turn won't come before about the same time it did last year yet I am morally certain of getting home to see you before this spring campaign commences again. I am sorry that William and Rhesa have again got the foolish idea into their heads of going west. I have told him my experience there and he knows full well the result of the familys moving there. I hope it may serve as a lesson to him, and he has a good job on the RR or in their shop he had better let well enough alone and stay where he is and be content for it is certain that a man who has no capital to commence with can do nothing but fail, unless he goes there to work as a common farm laborer, which I don't believe he intends doing. in the letter I wrote him, I made a proposition which if he should acquiess in will be far better for him than going to any part of the western country that I have any knowledge of. it was this to start a Meat Market, or Buy some of them already in operation and he and I go into it for a steady thing. meat is a thing that will always sell and I don't know why we could not succeed as well as others who not only have made a good living, but amassed a pretty little fortune. I shall have means enough to start such as one and more to, by the time spring comes, and I should be willing to take him in as a partner and do the fair thing by him. but if he is determined to go, a few years pinching western poverty will satisfy him that any advice is sound. Speaking of that letter from Miss Kate Hudson have you ever heard anything farther from her ? or do you know who she is ? and of what family of Hudsons she belongs to? When I first received it I took it for a big sell from some set of fellows who wanted to get a big joke on me, but guess that there is just such a lady as described, and that her letter was actually written by her but, how the dickens should she know me? and what should induce her to single me out as a correspondent? Well, I guess she thinks I am a bad egg any way. if I had have know it actually come from a lady, I certainly would never have done as I did. for I never like to cause any person needless pain. but what is did cant be retracted so I shall have to wait untill I get home and then see her and make it all right. well I commenced this letter soon after dinner. but on account of being interrupted so offten I am finishing it by candle light, and can't send it in this evening mail. I am happy to state that I am well and hearty and hope these few lines may find you the same. give my regards to all enquiring friends. by the way, has Miss Webb got back yet? Well good by for tonight, as ever Your,
Affectionate Brother H.H. Hoyt

The following was written explaining the origin of an expensive piece of jewelry to be worn by "all the officers of the regiment". This piece is now in the hands of the descendants of Mr Hoyt who so graciously supplied me with the letters you are reading.
The leter seems to again answer pleas to come home with the rationale that he would not give up the "security" of the army for uncertainty of civilian life. Irony knows no bounds.
-CMP

My Dear Sister,
Your letter by the hand of Lieut. Wilken came to me before yesterday morning, and have been busy since making out our pay rolls, I neglected answering until now. tomorrow we are to muster for pay, so that in the course of a couple of weeks we shall again have some money. but, winter quarters is a bad place to lay up much so that you need not look for me to send home a verry large amount this next pay day. I will tell you a little of what my outlay is to be in the first place. I have to retain money enough to pay my commissary bill for two months next, my Sutlers bill. and, pay for a number of articles of clothing. next, I am to pay for another new coat from Syracuse and lastly, for a piece of jewelry which all the officers of our Regt are to wear. it is our "Corps Badge" made of solid gold. this cross, except just the edge, is to be enameled blue, denoting the Division (3d) to which we belong. and, is to cost ($27.00) twenty seven dollars. so you see that I have got my money pretty well looked out for but yet, not so much so, but that if you should need a little, I could let you have it.
I received by Lieut Wilken also the Bottle of Wine and cake sent by Christina. as also, the corn to all of which we have already done ample justice. the corn was mighty nice, and I will tell Christina one these days what I think of the wine. your Pictures I have here laying before me. I think there is a chance for improvement in them but am glad to get this one. They are verry dark.
I think you must have put of lots of Airs to "Wilken"; calling him Capt. when he was but just received his 1st Lieutenants commission. if I know myself, I come in a head of him for a captaincy. but think we will both wait a little while yet before we either one of us get one. I am sorry to say that both "Leaves of Absence" and furloughs are stoped. so that our chances of getting home this winter will be verry small and even if they are resumed, which is probable, my name is so far down on the list, that I am afraid that I shall hardly get around. I received a letter from William a few days since, and he says in regard to the proposition I made him, that he thinks it will hardly pay us to go into it. so I have put that out of my mind. Charles H Herbener has written me a letter lately, saying that he had got an opportunity to go into business there, and wants me, to resign and come home & go in with him. I have written him telling him what I would do and am waiting his answer. if things are favorable, I may come home, but shall not tender my resignation unless there is an opportunity for me to go into a business that will pay.
however, much I would like to be home, I don't feel like exchanging a good paying thing, for an entire uncertainty. I can still if necessary get along in the Army and stand my chances as here-to-fore. but, I kind of long for release from this worst of all manners of liveing, "camping out". I want to get back where, when I go to bed, that I have a morale certainty of sleeping untill morning. there is nothing certain in the Army. one day you are here, another somewhere else. By the way, I have written to Miss Hudson, :and waiting an answer. you had ought to have seen the lies that I told her. do you know or have you heard anything farther of her, since you met her in the post Office? what kind of style did she exhibit there? tell me all you can find out about her. She is certainly verry smart intellectually unless she got some one else to write her letter, which is not likely. Oh, I tell you we have some great times if we are away from home, it is not hard for a young Officer like myself, unmarried, to get all the female correspondents he can attend to. but, I have always turned mine over to some of the others until Miss H-. I have concluded, after all, it might pay to open a correspondence with her. I will inform you of the progress I make, and if it comes convenient, just find out what you can in regard to her, for who knows, but we strike up a - mach? stranger thing transpire every day. and, the first good opportunity that presents after I get out of the Army, I shall try and persuade some old Ladys daughter to become Mrs. Hoyt. What do you think of that Idea? pretty good idea ain't it? Now you just keep an eye to business and who knows but you can have one almost sparked enough by the time I get home? so they are doing something in the way of recruiting the light Infantry in Syracuse? wells that's right, for Uncle Sam may want some more soldiers one of these days. they must do something for their country, either present of prospective. allways keep an eye to business! it must be terrible hard times when they can't raise Young ones. Marcia means to keep good her word, in regard to, raising young Carpenters. But the Wheelers takes me all together. that's a curious idea to get into their heads after this time in the play, but I suppose they still have an "eye to Business".
We had no snow here yet but have plenty of rain and Oceans of Mud. the weather is now mild and threatens more rain, which implies still deeper mud. I would like to have old Merrick out here, and have the soldiers know that he made the remark which you say he did. by the time got away from there, he would learn how they liked his style.
I received a letter Matilda a few days since. she was there in Chicago making a visit to Mrs. Quinlan. Mrs. Bradt's Sister. she said she was expected in Jackson the day she was writing me. I am very sorry she is doing as she is. I hope she will come home and behave herself and not be straying around like a lost sheep. well, I guess I have written you enough for this time. give my regards to all who enquire after me. tell them I am well and getting fat as a pig. I Just got a letter from Jones. Well good night. You will have had your Happy New Year before this reaches you.
As ever Yours, H.H. Hoyt

After this letter was written, the 122nd was involved in the active spring campaign of the army, leading to the investment of Petersburg in June of 1864. -CMP

(pencil notes in ECS hand writing - source or date unknown)

June 16, 1864

Wright's Corp to hold the rear at Douthat's Landing. The line of defense across the neck was about a mile long and very strong, extending from one swamp to another.

Two Divisions of 6th Corp coming up on steamers from Douthat's Landing were sent to support Butler at Cay Point in front of Bermuda Hundred. The rebels were very strongly fortified. Wright moved out of Reams Station to support Sheridan.

June 21, 1864

The Sixth Corp extended their lines to Weldon Railroad.

June 23, 1864

The Sixth Corp was west of the Jerusalem Plank Road

At Williams house, were placed in line on the extreme left of the Army. Protecting the flanks, threw up earth works.

June 30, 1864 ??

Source - page 192 I-40 Part I----casualties

While reconnoitering the position in front of the Sixth Corp (---) preparatory to the assault on June 30, 1864, Lieutenant Henry H. Hoyt exposed himself to the unerring shot of one of the enemy's sharp shooters. He was killed instantly, the ball penetrating his left breast. His great desire to excel in his profession added to an energetic and impulsive nature. It had led him on several precious occasions to greatly expose himself. He laid down on the battle field a useful, active, and brave life in the cause of his country and deeply had the Army, expecially the Corp to which he had been so long and (----) attached, been called to grieve his sudden death.

HH0330

TO: Mrs. Charity Hoyt
Mother of late Lt. H. H. Hoyt
122 NYV
7th and 8th ward
Syracuse, NY
March 30, 1865

Mrs. Hoyt:

We want two witnesses to prove the death of your son. Please call immediately.

(----------)

Silas H. Smith
Pension Agent
Syracuse, New York

In closing this it is perhaps the last irony to note that Colonel Dwight, often mentioned in letters and possibly a close friend of Lt Hoyt, was killed at Petersburg on March 25th , 1865.