May 13-14, 2011
Litchfield, Connecticut

Dear Friends,

The recruiting and the enlistments with the 19th Conn. Vols. has continued for some weeks. We are all now situated on the top of the highest hill in Litchfield, called Chesnut Hill. The army camp spreads across the firlds here, and provides the most pristine views of the Litchfield Hills, the Berkshires, and all that we hope to fight for and defend.

The camp is well organized, and a good old boy named Paul is key to the entire experience. This indeed is something that we have all dreamed of, and the opportunity to be here on this ground has been accomplished. Paul introduced us to the land owner, and we all tipped our hats to her support. She in turn, welcomed us all there, and encouraged our dedication and patriotism.

We spent Friday night in the thrill of the views, and enjoying the camp, friends, and family. Hal was feeling like some extra food treats, and was able to run the guards, and return shortly with an apple pie. No questions were asked, only forks flying to enjoy the found pie.

Saturday morning we were all called into line, and marched off the hill. We continued down the hill for some miles, across the river, and up the other side, towards the town of Litchfield. As we approached, we passed the Oliver Wolcott house, the William Sherman house, the Tapping Reeve law school, and other historic sites of our Revolutionary grandfathers.

We arrived on the green of Litchfield. There, a bandstand had been erected, and the speakers of the ceremony were local dignitaries, and culminated with Governor Buckingham. The entire message was sending off the newly mustered Nineteenth Connecticut Volunteers in spades. After the discourse, the public was indeed close to us and shared their excitement with our endeavors. We drilled somewhat awkwardly, as can be expected, under Capt. Manzi, and were engaged with the citizen well wisherse extensively.

After some time, it was ordered for the 19CV to return to Camp Dutton, so the march off the green, dow East Street, across the Bantam River, and up the other slope to the heights of Chesnt Hill were accomplished.

Once back in camp, the festivities continued with a fine roast and picnic for all comers, soldiers, citizens, and all well wishers. It was one of the finest moments in my time as a soldier.

The weather was indeed threatening, so the camp sort pf melted away that evening, and the soldiers found their shelters off the hill somewhere else.

Let me personally say, that this opportunity to camp and portray the 19CV at Camp Dutton has been on my mind since I was a small boy living in Litchfield. There have been several attempts to make this event possiblre over the many past years, but this time, Paul was the one that actually made it happen. May I simply say, "Present Arms!" and thank Paul for a once in a lifetime opportunity. The views from Camp Dutton will always be the ones that I remember when I am far south in the seat of war, and be the object that I believe that I am defending against the rebel hoards.

Your obedient servant,
William Plumb