I'm starting 2025 by presenting a series of letters sent to the Hudson Gazette Editor, James Schermerhorn; who coincidentally participated in the August 1861 shooting trials to qualify for the USSS. His string was 27 3/4 inches-the best of all 18 applicants.

The Hudson Gazette, October 19, 1861
From the Michigan Sharp Shooters
Camp of Instruction, Berdan’s U.S.S.S.
Washington D.C.

Mr. Editor,

Dear Sir.

It would be a source of gratification to us, to be permitted to abridge our communication to our numerous friends by addressing a few lines to you, and, by so doing, give all an equal chance of ascertaining the position, hopes, aspirations, and health of their friends among the Sharp Shooters. The First Regiment is now full in its quota of Companies (it taking but eight companies to constitute a Regiment of Rifles) but some of the companies are not yet filled up to their requisite number of men—this being the case with two of the New York Co.; one squad from Albany, and the other bearing the name of the Long Island Co. We have received all our winter clothing, consisting of two shirts, two pairs of drawers, one pair of pants, two blankets, felt hat and overcoat, all made of good substantial woolen cloth. We have also our camp equipage, consisting of every necessary articles that can be thought of. I had nearly forgotten to mention our knapsacks, which are the nicest things of the kind that any one ever saw. They are so constructed that they do not hang by two single straps around the arm pit, but their weight is counteracted by the cartridge box, a strap passing over the shoulder, which is attached to the belt. They are made so as exactly fit the shape of the back are very light, being covered with light calf skin tanned with the hair on.

We doubt not that of those who may read this was aware that the Michigan Co. hold the third post of honor, that being that the Stars and Stripes will never be disgraced while in their keeping.

Several of those who have written to me have asked the question? Do you know anything about the Wilcox boys? In reply I would say that I know but very little of them; but it appears to me, the good people of Hudson had better wait a little while before they stigmatize one of their own soldiers. The last that I can learn of Harrison, or his friend, they were on a very exposed position on the line of pickets; and I also learn that he left his post (deserted it) but for what purpose he did so I have means of ascertaining. My opinion is, however, that he ventured too far over the lines and was either taken prisoner or shot. This is a bitter reflection to a soldier, that his friends at home are ever ready to brand hin as a traitor; for while he is in the conscious discharge of his duties, he is liable at all times to be surprised and killed like a dog or taken prisoner.

I presume you have not all learned that we had the misfortune to elect a “limber stick” for Captain., at Detroit; but upon the request of the Co. he very gentlemanly resigned his commission.*

We have a new Captain now, who is a soldier, gentleman, and scholar. I will describe briefly his personal appearance; He is a man of medium stature; a well developed and muscular frame; with full bold expressive features; with an eye as black and brilliant as polished ebony; filled with an expression of kindness and manly firmness. Viewing him as he stands with the rest of the Regimental officers, he is by far the best specimen of a soldier on the ground.
Since writing the above, J. Wirts, C.C. and William Colwell, and Franklin Cobb, have arrived. We nearly shook them to pieces. They all looked well and expressed their satisfaction at the appearance of our camp, by repeatedly saying that we all looked better than they supposed we would. They are all pleased, or else they are “tip top flatterers”

The boxes of edibles and chewables brought by them from our good friends at home, received its share of attention not only by the Hudson boys, but by the whole Michigan Co.; and when Sergent Armstrong opened them we all crowded around to get a peep at the much-coveted treasures. They were all handed out. First a mince pie—from Mrs. A(rmstrong), then a cake; from Mrs. W, a can of butter and one of pickles from Mrs. T. In short, a token of kindness was found from almost every Mrs. and Miss in Hudson; not to say anything about bolognas, cigars, herring and packages marked “Pearson’s Best” from the various gentlemen of Hudson; and lastly, but all the more acceptable a huge bundle of tobacco, from our old friend “Grove” appropriately labeled “Bill Straw” knowing he is a poor devil, I thought I’d send him something to chaw on”

William Straw.

It is unclear who the "Wilcox boys" are. However, the 4th Michigan also recruited heavily from Hudson region; and there are three Wilcox boys listed in the regimental roster; Calvin (21, Co. K); Charles W. (Pvt. 21, Co. F); and Harrison (Sergt. 21, Co. F). Both Charles and Harrison were from Lenawee County, so they are the ones Straw is likely referring to. My research, so far, hasn't uncovered the incident that Straw is referring about the Wilcox boy's 'disappearance', However, Straw does recommend readers withhold judgement until all the facts are in. He also provides the sobering "soldiers reality" that they could have been killed or captured.

Co. C. Captains mentioned in letter:

• Benjamin Duesler (Hillsdale, MI) Commissioned August 21, 1861. Mustered August 26th. Resigned October 18, 1861.
** Benjamin Giroux (Middlesex, Connecticut). Enlisted October 18, 1861 at Washington D.C. for 3 years. Mustered October 18, 1861. Commissioned Captain. Resigned August 31, 1862.


Enlisted men mentioned in letter:

• Almeron Armstrong, Hudson, Enlisted Aug 21, 1861 as Sergeant. Age 37. Discharged Aug 20, 1864,
• Calvin C. Colwell-Hudson, Enlisted Oct 16, 1861. Age 32. Discharged Oct 15, 1864.
• William Colwell- Lenawee Couty. Enlisted Oct 16, 1861. Age 18. Promoted Sergeant Dec 1863. WIA-Gettysburg, Discharged. Jan 28, 1864.
• Franklin Cobb-Hudson, Enlisted Oct 16, 1861. Age 20. WIA-POW Wilderness. Discharged Sept 2, 1864.
• John R. Wirtz-Lenawee, Enlisted Oct 16, 1861. Age 23. Commissioned 2nd Lt. Resigned Feb 28, 1863.
• William Straw-Enlisted Aug 21, 1861. Age 25. DC-Disability, Washington DC. Feb 16, 1863

C Company is the center company in the regimental formation. It is assigned to carry the National and Regimental flags.

Bill Skillman