Cyrus spent most of October in camp at Bolivar Heights near Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, along with nearly 15,000 other soldiers from the 2nd Corps of the Army of the Potomac. During this time, they regrouped after the Battle of Antietam and also built extensive earthworks along the top of the ridge at Bolivar Heights, trying to make it more defensible.

During this time, the Delaware Relief and Aid Society gathered packages to distribute to the soldiers from the First, Second and Third Delaware Regiments, and other soldiers in need. They solicited these packages with the following notice in the Delaware State Journal and Statesman:

Notice to the Families and Friends of Soldiers.

By direction of the Delaware Relief and Aid Society, Mr. James Bradford will leave for the Camp at Bolivar Heights at Harper’s Ferry, this Tuesday evening, October 14th. Any person wishing to send package of any kind to their friends in any of the three Delaware Regiments, 1st, 2d, or 3d, can have it taken direct to them. – Eatables, Jellies and Jamaica Ginger is most needed. Weight of package from 6 to 7 lbs. put up in small box, and marked to the person intended for. Would suggest that each person, so sending, would put up two small boxes, one extra of the one for their friend, and not mark it, then it can be handed to some poor soldier whose family or friends we cannot let know, they not living within reach of this notice. All packages must be delivered at the Institute, corner of Eighth and Market, by 3 o’clock this afternoon, so they can be packed in large boxes for shipment.

Sources: Delaware State Journal and Statesman, October 14, 1862, National Park Service Harper’s Ferry – Bolivar Heights website.

Wilmington’s Delaware State Journal and Statesman published General McClellan’s October 3, 1862, address to the Army of the Potomac following the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. The address commended the soldiers’ bravery, honored the fallen soldiers, and celebrated that they had driven the Army of Northern Virginia back across the Potomac River.

General McClellan to his Army
Headquarters Army of the Potomac,
Near Sharpsburg, (Md.) Oct. 3, 1862
General Orders No. 160

The Commanding General extends his congratulations to the army under his command for the victories achieved by their bravery at the passes of the South Mountain, and upon the Antietam Creek.

The brilliant conduct of Reno’s and Hooker’s corps, under Burnside, at Turner’s Gap and of Franklin’s corps at Crampton’s Pass, in which, in the face of an enemy strong in position and resisting with obstinacy, they carried the mountain and prepared the way for the advance of the army, won for them the admiration of their brethren in arms.

In the memorable battle of Antietam we defeated a numerous and powerful army of the enemy in an action desperately fought, and remarkable for its duration and for the destruction of life which attended it.

The obstinate bravery of the troops of Hooker, Mansfield, and Sumner, the dashing gallantry of those of Franklin on the right, the steady valor of those of Burnside on the left, and the vigorous support of Porter and Pleasanton, present a brilliant spectacle to our countrymen, which will swell their hearts with pride and exultation.

Fourteen guns, thirty-nine colors, fifteen thousand five hundred stand of arms and nearly six thousand prisoners taken from the enemy, are evidences of the completeness of our triumph.

A grateful country will thank this noble army for achievements which has rescued ravages of the invader, and have driven him from their border.

While rejoicing at the victories which, under God’s blessing, have crowned our exertions, let us cherish the memory of our brave companions who have laid down their lives upon the battle field. Martyrs in their country’s cause, their names will ever be enshrined in the hearts of the people.

By command of
Maj. Gen. McClellan,
S. Williams, A.A.G.

While Cyrus was still at the hospital at Point Lookout, the Second Delaware was once again on the move. Soon after arriving at Newport News in late-August, the regiment was sent to help guard Washington, D.C. from a possible Confederate attack. They traveled by steamboat and arrived at Alexandria, Virginia, on August 26, and from there were ordered to march to Fairfax Court House. Upon receiving news that General Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia crossed into Maryland following their victory at the Battle of Second Manassas (Bull Run) on August 30, the Second Delaware marched to Rockville, Maryland, where they awaited further orders.

A correspondent from the Second Delaware detailed these movements in a letter to the editor of the Delaware State Journal and Statesman on September 8, 1862 (published in the September 12, 1862, edition):

Our whole corps is tired and worn out, and since leaving Harrison’s Landing have never seen a full ration at any time, and for many days having nothing to eat but what they could get by foraging the country around of corn, potatoes, and shooting whatever they could see. We have had no change of clothes since leaving Harrison’s. . . .

All our marches have been made on double quick since we left Alexandria; and I can see no use of it as it only tires the men, and if we should get into a fight, they would not be fresh enough to stand much work. To sum up our moves since leaving Harrison’s Landing twenty-three days ago: We have marched 190 miles and been transported on steamboats over 200 miles. So you see we have seen but little rest and have some reason to be tired; have had no change of clothes during the whole time. The officers and men have all done their duty to the letter and the regiment stands high in the Division as a fine marching regiment and of good material. . . .

If the powers that be will only give us a weeks’ rest, our gallant men will, I assure you, make a mark among the rebel ranks. Our country is invaded now, and the invaders will soon find it to their cost.

Diary Entry:
We were visited today by Gen. McClellan and Staff.

See scanned diary page.

More Information:
The Delaware State Journal and Statesman published General McClellan’s July 4, 1862,  address to the Army of the Potomac  (including the 2nd Delaware) near Harrison’s Landing, Virginia, in its entirety. The address was clearly meant to buoy the spirits of soldiers exhausted by skirmishes, battles and moving camps several time.

Spirited Address of Gen. McClellan to his Army, on the 4^th of July.
Headquarters, Army of the Potomac,
Camp near Harrison’s Landing
July 4, 1862.

Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac:–Your achievements of the last ten days have illustrated the valor and endurance of the American soldier. Attacked by superior forces and without hope of reinforcements, you have succeeded in changing your base of operations by a flank movement, always regarded as the most hazardous of military expedients. You have saved all your material, all your trains, and all your guns except a few lost in battle—taking in return guns and colors from the enemy.

Upon your march you have been assailed day after day, with desperate fury by many of the same race and union, skillfully massed and led.

Under every disadvantage of number, and necessarily of position also, you have in every conflict beaten back your foes with enormous slaughter.

Your conduct ranks you among the celebrated armies of history.

No one will now question that each of you may always, with pride, say “I belong to the Army of the Potomac.”

You have reached this new base complete in organization, and unimpaired in spirit.

The enemy may at any time attack you. We are prepared to meet them. I have personally established your lines. Let them come and we will convert their repulse into a final defeat.

Your Government is strengthening you with the resources of a great people.

On this, our nation’s birthday, we declare to our foes, who are rebels against the best interests of mankind, that this army shall enter the capital of the so called confederacy. That our national constitution shall prevail, and that the Union, which can alone insure internal peace and external security to each State, must and shall be preserved, cost what it may in time, treasure or blood.

George B. McClellan,
Major General Commanding. 

Diary Entry:
Pleasant Days.

See the scanned diary page.

More Information
Cyrus wrote this entry while the Second Delaware awaited news on when they were to leave Camp Wilkes. The Second Delaware had wintered-over at the camp, established at Drummondtown on Virginia’s eastern shore. The editors of the camp newspaper, the Regimental Flag, reported that the March 13, 1862 edition would:

…probably be the last issue of The Flag from Camp Wilkes, Va, as the Regiment has received orders to be prepared to march at a moment’s notice, but destination not being known, except we go from here to Baltimore, to begin with and thence—from what we can learn—to the South.

Shortly after receiving orders that they were to prepare to leave the Eastern Shore of Virginia, General Lockwood held a “Grand Review and Inspection” of the 2nd Delaware and the Battery “B” of Purnell’s Legion of Maryland. The Regimental Flag reported:

The arms, equipments and uniforms of the men were in superb order, and their marching was such as to challenge the admiration of all beholders. We understand that both the General and the Colonel expressed their satisfaction at the appearance and marching of the men and indeed with everything connected with the review. We feel proud to be able to say this of the troops.

Cyrus remained quiet in his diary during early March 1862, but the newspaper published by the Second Delaware Regiment near Drummondstown, Virginia, continued providing insight into daily life there. Two particular items of note from the March 6 edition of the Regimental Flag have been transcribed below:

For the Soldiers
Capt., J.M. Barr has received for his company from the ladies of the Soldiers Aid Society of Middletown, Del., through the Rev. Thos. W. Simpers Pastor of the M.E. Church of that village, a large box containing articles for the comfort of the soldiers. The box contained 60 pairs of Mittens, 15 shirts, 4 pairs drawers, 2 blankets, 3 comfortables [quilts], 3 pair stockings.

The Rev. gentleman says in a letter accompanying the box: “The ladies here are much interested for the welfare of the soldiers – any thing you may be pleased to communicate respecting them will be thankfully received.

Cost of this Regiment
We learn from official sources, that the Second Delaware Regiment has cost the Government less than any other Regiment in the service, and we consider it quite as efficient. Indeed, an officer present at the grand review by General Lockwood on Sunday of last week, and who was just from the Potomac, said the Regiment presented as fine an appearance and performed its movements as well as any of those in “The Grand Army”.

A February 14 item in the Delaware State Journal and Statesman described the activities of a detachment of the Purnell Legion, Maryland Volunteers, who were stationed near the 2nd Delaware in Drummondtown during the winter of 1862:

Whilst we, the Purnell Legion, Maryland Volunteers, were encamped at Drummondtown, Accomac county, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel, John G. Johannes, information was received which held to the supposition that arms were buried near the camp. The Lieut. Colonel ordered a squad of 10 men, from Companies A and B, under his command, to make a search which was done under his supervision, and after about five or six hours’ search the cannon was found buried about four feet, near a mill dam. With some exertion on the part of those engaged it was taken out of the ground and mounted on one of the new gun carriages, which we found a short time before, concealed in a swamp. When we were ordered here—near Eastville, Northampton county—we left the cannon, gun carriages and some small arms which we found at the Court House in Drummondtown, Accomac.

Although Cyrus did not make any entries in his diary in February 1862, it was a fairly significant month for the Union outside of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

February brought the Battle of Roanoke in North Carolina, a battle that ended with Union General Ambrose Burnside capturing Roanoke Island. Roanoke was an important outpost along the Atlantic coast, and by taking the island, the Union could better control their blockade of southern cities like Charleston, Savannah and Wilmington. The blockade was designed to prevent the passage of trade goods, supplies and arms to and from the south.

Another Union victory in February 1862, at Forts Henry and Donelson along the Cumberland River in Tennessee, opened up additional waterways and railroad systems to the North. Control of Tennessee was crucial as it was a major agricultural and manufacturing center of the South.

The victories at the Tennessee forts, twelve miles apart from each other, helped boost morale in the North since they were among the earliest major victories for the Union troops in the war. As the editor of the Delaware State Journal and Statesman wrote in his February 21 report of the Battle of Fort Donelson, “A new life has been infused into everybody, and all classes seem with one accord to send forth the glorious ALL HAIL for the deliverance of our country from the treason and rebellion that so long hung over it.”

Cyrus didn’t write any diary entries throughout early January 1862, but the Delaware State Journal and Statesman did continue publishing letters to the editor from correspondents who were at the winter camps of the First and Second Delaware Regiments. 

The correspondent Brumley wrote one such letter from Camp Wilkes, the winter camp for the Second Delaware near Drummondtown, Virginia, on December 31, 1861. The letter was published in the January 10, 1862, edition of the Delaware State Journal and Statesman. He described daily life in camp and provided an update on the health of the troops for readers back home in Wilmington:

We are awakened in the morning by the thunder of cannon, followed by the shrill fife and spirit stirring drum. All day long bayonets gleam, and uniformed men march to and fro. At night we are challenged by the sentinel, and our slumbers are frequently disturbed by “the long roll,” when all hands fly to arms. These things tell us plainly that it is war times. . . .

There is comparatively little sickness. A dozen men are down with the measles and mumps; some few have the typhoid fever; one was stabbed, but is slowly recovering. All now are in a fair way to get well.

 In concluding the letter, he shared that there were several detachments of soldiers from Camp Wilkes stationed throughout the Eastern Shore of Virginia:

 One under Major Andrews is at Pongoteague; they are quartered in an old brick church. Another is in Onancock, and still another near Modestown. Besides, we have parties out with the coast survey, and on the provost guard.

Diary Entry:
Went into barracks of our own construction. built of Pine logs, plastered with mud and covered with boards.

See the scanned diary page.

More Information:
The December 24, 1861, edition of the Delaware State Journal and Statesman included a letter from their correspondent Brumley (who also wrote a letter to the editor on November 18).  The letter provides detailed descriptions of the barracks that Cyrus and the Second Delaware occupied until March 1862:

We are busy putting up winter quarters. Each company has two buildings of logs 35 by 20. They are each to be warmed by two immense fire places. The men will sleep in bunks arranged around the sides. There will be one door and two large windows, and when all the cracks are chinked up with mud, the houses will be as warm as could be desired. The officers huts are 14 by 16 feet and only one to a company. Each field and staff officer will have one of the same size to himself. Several of them intend having their families with them this Winter and they therefore, at their own expense, very much enlarged their building. We shall soon have quite a society of ladies.—The wife and daughter of our Colonel and the wife of one of the Captains are now in camp. The Chaplain will soon have his family here. Then, with 1200 men in barracks around us, we shall form quite a village.

Most letters and reports from the time refer to the Second Delaware’s winter camp as Camp Wilkes. However, in this same letter, Brumley wrote “the camp is named ‘Felicity,’ not only from the name of the manor on which it is placed, but from its singular beauty. We are about one and half miles from Drummondtown.”

Diary Entry:
The ground covered with snow.

Additional information
After the flurry of diary entries Cyrus made during the previous week, it seems he and the other members of the Second Delaware settled into life at camp and began making preparations to spend the winter at Camp Wilkes.

As early as November 8, Major-General John A. Dix was drafting plans for General Lockwood’s troops to winter near Drummondtown rather than in Snow Hill, Maryland, as Lockwood had initially intended. Dix believed that establishing a military presence on Virginia’s Eastern Shore would help the Union gain a foothold in Virginia, restore trade with Baltimore and also reestablish the lighthouse at Cape Charles, Virginia, which was destroyed by Confederate troops at the beginning of the war.

To win the favor of residents of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Dix sent a proclamation to the People of Accomac and Northampton Counties. The proclamation also appeared in newspapers around the country, including the November 27, 1861 edition of the New York Times.

General Lockwood sent Dix a letter describing the Eastern Shore residents’ reactions to the proclamation on November 22, 1861:

The people here to all appearances have entirely submitted to the power which has been brought among them, and they are now asking for the protection and advantages which you promise them in your proclamation. They desire that trade may be reopened with the loyal States and that officers of customs may be appointed; that lights on their coasts may be re-established and their postal establishments restored.