Headquarters 5th Regiment, N.Y. S. Vols.,
Fort Schuyler, May 10, 1861.
My dear Mother and Sister,—
Yesterday the 5th was mustered into United States service, —
ten companies, numbering about 847 men. Orders were received last night for us
to leave so soon as we can equip. We shall probably get away about Tuesday
next. Our destination is unknown, probably near Washington.
Our uniform is as follows: fez cap, chocolate color with
blue tassels; white flannel cape, very light, to protect the face and neck from
the sun; jacket, blue with red trimmings; shirt, ditto; trousers and sash, red
with blue trimmings; gaiters, brown linen; light blue overcoat; knapsack,
canteen, haversack, tin cup, to every man.
By the last act of Congress an adjutant ranks as captain.
I am in splendid health, and enjoy this life. We are
liberally supplied with all comforts, more, indeed, than we can take away.
Every man has a pair of woollen blankets and an India rubber blanket.
The officers' uniform is red and blue fatigue cap with gold
braid, dark blue frock coat, and red trousers.
I have been offered command of two companies, but the
colonel will not spare me. I like my present position best, and think my
chances of promotion are as good as if I were in the line.
I am writing this before six o'clock A.M.
Your affectionate son
and brother,
(Captain) Jo. E. Hamblin.
SOURCE: Deborah Hamblin, Editor, Brevet Major-General Joseph Eldridge Hamblin, 1861-65, p. 8
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