Headquarter's 1^st Reg'm't N.Y.V.

Camp Upton Hills Va.                       

October 9^th 1862     

   

            Dear Father

                                    I saw Gov. Morgan at Willard's Hotel last Tuesday, and he asked me if I was yet officially released from arrest. I said No. Then replied he "I dont leave Washington until you are" He saw Gen'l Halleck twice about me. Yesterday about noon, I met Gen'l Birney in the Hotel, and he asked me why I was not with my Reg'm't. I told him I was about to go, and then asked if I was still under arrest. He emphatically gave me a negative answer, and ordered me to my Reg'm't to assume command, remarking "That I was sadly needed" I had purchased a fine black horse for $175. and a blooded bay one for $170. I had also paid $55. for equipments and had liquidated a number of small bills. To meet these expenses and all necessary ones too, I drew three dfts, one fav. Lt. Joshua Norton for $100. one fav. Capt. Morford for $160. one my own order for $200. Please inform Leonard. One horse I intended to sell Henry, probably the black one. I also sent "Ned" and Solomon by the government transport "Virginia". It will be due in NY Wednesday night. Poor Ned, keep him covered up, or the rattle of his bones may be disagreeable. I rode out / here yesterday afternoon, reported to Gen'l Berry Brigade commander, who I found quite unwell. He said my presence was badly wanted that the men however of my Reg'm't were behaving well. He understands fully my position now, and I believe even Birney is now willing to do me justice. Both Generals are bitterly opposed to Dyckman, Clancy & the rest, looking on them as a vile clique that it is necessary to wipe out. I have then at last gained this point, had the position of each side defined. Each side I say, for now they must fall or I shall go, a Reg'm't cannot hold both. And my side is pretty strong too, for I rec'd unsolicited and unasked, a paper that cannot but be gratifying to any one with natural pride & feeling. It was a letter, addressed to Sec'y Stanton, couched in the most flattering terms to myself, and requesting my being placed in command of the Reg'm't, and the discharge of Dyckman I find it signed by most all of the Officers, always excepting Dyckman Clancy Coles & Montgomery—Well! Berry informed me that a Board Court of Inquiry was then in session, to inquire into the "Efficiency and Conduct of my Colonel" This was last night. Early this A.M. I went to Birney's H'dq's five miles off, and requested a note to / Gen'l Robinson, President of the Board, and directing him to receive my testimony. I got the note, rode to Robinson's H'dq'rs sent it in to the Court, and soon followed it. I found Robinson, Col. Hayman 37^th N.Y. & Major— of the 2^d Mich. constituted the Court, and took a seat opposite Dyckman. Being duly sworn, I gave my testimony. Dyckman opened his eyes. I returned to camp, and this afternoon met Dyckman coming back on horseback. "So", said he "you are on that game too". "Exactly" I replied "my position is defined, you see now how I stand". "Very well" continued the Col "I have charges to prefer against you, and there will be no let up now, your house will tumble" I laughed and told him my house was built on a rock he couldn't reach, the rock of Temperance, and he'd better do his best. Clancy has been tried, Coles also—both now await sentence. So do I the promulgation of it. My Reg'm't is on picket, to return to-morrow. We are under orders to move in a minutes moment's notice. If Dyckman escapes this Board, he is to be tried on charges. I have been working all day to fill up. Dum spiro, spero. Dyckman's conversation this afternoon / construed into a challenge. The contest is between right & wrong. My steam is up and nous-verrons.

 

            Billy Wallace has just come back for duty. Poor Patriot! He now has the use of but one good leg to travel through the world on. I trust he may waddle on in safety. Love to all. I shall write again soon. The lovely Blackguard Trio are in a tent adjoining the Adjutant's (this one) talking fierce and loud, and [?] desperate efforts trying to keep up a vital amount of Dutch courage.

                                                           

Your's aff

Fred.

 

J. F. Pierson

3^d 5^th & 9 October

at Willards Hotel

Washington 1862

SOURCES