Researched and contributed by Bill Tourtellotte

The following extracts from a private letter from a member of the fifteenth regiment, will be read here with interest, although it does not speak of the latest movements of the regiment. We see nothing in it which may not now be printed without offense to any rule of the war department. It speaks only of "past acts," and gives no clue to what is going on at present: --

We left Poolesville, the 15^th of February, about 10 a.m., not knowing our destination. We marched thirteen miles, with occasional halts, till dark, when we halted for the night near the banks of the Monocacy river at the base of a high mountain. We slept on the ground with our blankets for covering, as we could not take our tents at the time we left.

Next morning the drums called us into line. Long before daybreak we marched two hours bringing us to Adamstown. Some of the boys fell from exhaustion on the long march, and others were obliged to throw away some of their luggage. I brought everything I started with. I weighed myself before starting, with all my equipments, and weighted 192 lbs.; and without them I weighted 139 ½ . Just try it, and travel off two miles or more without stopping, -- perhaps you would enjoy it. I am ready to carry it through Virginia, if we can clear the track as we go. I hope the rebels will not run, but give us a chance to whip them on the spot. After some little delay at Adamstown, in loading baggage, &c., we took the cars for Harper’s Ferry, passing through Point of Rocks, Berlin, and other places. The brigade is composed of the second and thirty-fourth New York, first Minnesota, and fifteenth Massachusetts, commanded by Gen. Gorman. We crossed to Harper’s Ferry on a pontoon bridge, which was thrown across near the place where the rebels burned the bridge. We quartered in a store over night, where, among other things, we found a secesh ledger, of which I send you a page or two. The rebels have made sad havoc in this place. But few houses are left. The arsenal, large hotel, and many other buildings are burnt. The engine house, where John Brown was taken, is near us. I enclose a small piece of wood which I cut from the inside of the door ; (the outside is plated with iron,) also, a small bit of sash, from the window over the door. Gens. McClellan, Banks, and others are here. Their quarters are opposite the store where our company stop. We cheered our brave commander as he passed, which he acknowledged with a bow and smile. The scenery here is beautiful. The view from some of these grand high bluffs is most magnificent. Troops have been crossing the river yesterday and to-day. I do not know how many there are here, but I think the rebels will see more stars than I do in your letters, when we start for them.

Several men from this place have been pressed into the rebel service. One man who has a wife and four children here effected his escape from Richmond, and arrived here two days since. He is a blacksmith, and has been working on guns at Richmond. He says they have turned out from six to eight hundred a month since last November. The machinery they use is some they took from Harper’s Ferry. He spoke of there being many Union men in Richmond, who have not dared as yet to show themselves as such. Our advancing army will soon give them liberty of speech and action.

Our government bonds will pass here quick enough. Southern scrip has a small circulation, but will not long. Paper is another article that is very scarce here. This is a fine country ; grand views from the heights. The memorable Charlestown is about four miles from here.

C. J. M.