From the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth
[correspondent of the Troy Daily Times]
Camp of Wounded, Second Corps
Near Gettysburg, Pa., July 15 [1863]
Although wounded, your correspondent has not forgotten to keep your readers posted in regard to our whereabouts. There are but few of the wounded of the One Hundred and Twenty fifth left here. Out of about ninety, but six remain, namely: Corporal E. L. Demers and your humble servant of Co. D; Sergeant George S. Moss, Co. C; Abner Quitterfield, Co. B; Philetus Sedgwick, Co. E, and Benjamin F. Hayner, Co. H. The others have been conveyed to hospitals in Baltimore, but those herein named are not in fit condition to be moved for some weeks to come. We have very good quarters here, our hospital consisting of a tent fly. The beds are not all that could be wished for, but a great deal better than the hard ground. We are pretty well provided for by the Sanitary and Christian Commissions in everything we need.
Mr. J. R. Bush, formerly Major of our regiment, now superintendent of the Sanitary Commission, is deserving the thanks of the Trojans for the bountiful supplies of clothing, eatables, delicacies of all kinds, &c., which he furnished us with. It seemed as if Mr. Bush could not do enough for us poor wounded soldiers. The visitors from Baltimore and Philadelphia also did everything in their power to make us comfortable. But of the farmers in this neighborhood and the citizens of Gettysburg, words fail to describe their sordid meanness and hard heartedness. It was with the greatest difficulty that straw could be obtained to make us a little comfortable and ease the pain of our wounds. They are hated and despised by every wounded soldier.
But of our Chaplain, Mr. E. D. Simons, I would say a few words. Since the day of the battle, it has been his aim to look after the wounded, and how well he has done it, the soldier will bear witness. He had the charge of all of the wounded of our regiment and he has labored unceasingly in their behalf. He saw those that left safely off in the cars and well provided for. He has done all that man could do to promote our comfort in every respect, and is always to be seen whispering words of consolation to the wounded, and comforting them in some manner. Chaplain Simons has proved himself, indeed, the soldier’s friend; and he and his many kind acts towards us will never be forgotten. All we can say is God bless Chaplain Simons.
There have been quite a number of Trojans here visiting the wounded. Among others, I cannot help mentioning the names of ex-Ald. John L. Messer, James P. Marsh, Martin S. Eddy, and K. C. Barnes. These gentlemen did all in their power to alleviate our sufferings and provide for our comfort. Mr. Messer contributed $10, Mr. Marsh $10, and Mr. Eddy $5 to purchase for the wounded whatever was needed, and to procure conveyances to the Gettysburg railroad station, when we were able to be moved. The men feel greatly indebted to them for their kind efforts in our behalf and I take this means of assuring these gentlemen that their names are engraved firmly in our hearts, and we only pray for the time to come when we can thank them in our own language. God bless them for their noble deeds.
We—that is, the six left here—are doing very well, and probably will be moved to Baltimore or Philadelphia in the course of two weeks.
Before closing, your correspondent wishes to express his thanks and deeply felt gratitude to ex-Ald. Messer for the present of a splendid rubber blanket. This kind act will ever be remembered by the poor maimed soldier who did his duty.
So dear readers, I will close by expressing the hope that the time is not far distant when we will be able to see all our good friends in Troy once more. — H. W.
A letter from our correspondent, Henry Wheeler, says that there are but four members of the One Hundred and Twenty fifth regiment at Gettysburgh—the writer, Eugene L. Demers, Benj. F. Hayner, Co. H (both legs broken), and Philetas Sedgwick, Co. I (left leg amputated). The latter had so far improved as to be out on crutches. It is thought that the hospital will be broken up before many weeks, as the weather is quite chilly, and the wounded suffer during the night. The regiment is at Warrenton Junction, and it is rumored, is about to rejoin its old corps—the Second.
The Walking Match Between the One Leggists
As previously announced the walking match between the one legged pedestrians took place at the Rensselaer Driving Park yesterday afternoon. There were four entries, viz: Henry Wheeler and Eugene Demers of the Times office, John Quinn of the Whig office and Mr. Angevine Himes. Messers. Charles S. Flack, C. H. Davis, R. W. Cross, and C. L. Stickney were selected as judges. At precisely four o’clock time was called, and the men started, Demers having the inside of the track, Wheeler next, Himes third, and Quinn last.
The contest was supposed to lay between Wheeler and Demers, but little betting was indulged in, in regard to the result, however. At the start Wheeler and Demers led, Quinn second and Himes last, before reaching the quarter pole Wheeler was some distance ahead of his competitors, many of his old friends supposed however that he could not maintain his rapid pace at which he started, but their apprehensions were unfounded, as he gained constantly on his competitors, making the first half mile in 6 minutes 21 seconds. Demers made it 6:42, Quinn 7:14. The first mile was made as follows: Wheeler 12:34, Demers 13:58, Quinn 14:38, and Himes 16:42. On the third half mile Quinn passed Demers, but before reaching the judge’s stand Demers regained his position. At the conclusion of this half mile, Himes hauled off. On the last half mile Wheeler was far ahead, while Demers and Quinn followed, side by side. By the time they had reached the last quarter pole, Wheeler succeeded in making his two miles—time twenty-five minutes and one second. On the home stretch the rub occurred between Demers and Quinn, the latter coming in one second behind. Time—Demers 29:54 and Quinn 29:55.
About four hundred spectators witnessed the contest, which was conceded by all to have been fairly and impartially conducted. The gate money was given to the successful. A purse of twelve dollars was also collected among the spectators which was divided among the competitors. We are under obligations to the gentlemanly judges of the contest for favors rendered.
"These few lines" 