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chapter 10 Morale and Regimental Pride The term esprit de corps is sometimes used as a synonym for morale. But while esprit de corps specifically refers to the spirit of loyalty and pride among the members of a group, morale generally signifies the psychological state of an individual or group in reaction to current states of affairs. Esprit reflected Civil War soldiers’ devotion to their regiments. Morale reflected their assessments of military, political, and home front matters. In essence, morale measured the confidence bred of well-being and victory, and it rose and fell in reaction to changing situations. Soldiers who were adequately fed, clad, and sheltered, serving in regiments under efficient officers and tight discipline as part of an undefeated army, generally enjoyed good morale. Their counterparts, poorly provisioned or equipped, drifting under lax discipline and inept officers, faltering after battlefield setbacks, suffered from poor morale. Although by definition different factors of soldier life, morale and esprit de corps often intersected. While esprit could remain intact during periods of low morale and defeat, it naturally strengthened during times of high morale and military success. The confident regiment was much more likely to be a proud regiment—and a victorious regiment. As in other regiments of North and South, morale ebbed and flowed in the 154th New York in response to events. Some of the men had a confident —even cocky—attitude as they embarked on their great adventure. “We are all well & expect to leave for Dixie and then the rebels will catch H–l,” Private William H. Keyes of Company C wrote from Camp Brown in Jamestown before the regiment departed for the front. “I have been led to say in my own mind Who wouldn’t be a soldier?” Andrew Blood wrote during the train trip to Washington, responding to the cheers of crowds along the route. John Griswold noted during the journey, “Myself and the rest of the boys are all well and in good spirits.” But he also noted warring emotions among the boys of Company F. “In moments of relaxation from conversation or other amusements,” Griswold wrote, “a shade of sadness could be seen overshadowing the countenance a sure indication that the thoughts of home and 226 morale and regimental pride loved ones wer crowding on the mind to be banished onely by new scenes constantly attracting our attention and exciting admiration.”1 Impressed by the vast Federal martial array surrounding Camp Seward, Barzilla Merrill predicted the demise of the Confederacy. “I think as near as I can judge from what I can see the Cesesh is sick and wont live many months,” he wrote. “I think there is men enough to berry the creature out right and have his funeral preached.” Some of the men seemed lighthearted about their new venture. “We lead as happy lives as possible,” Charles Abell wrote. For his part, Eason Bull declared, “I [am] no more afraid of the rebels than I am of a bear or that wolf out in Michigan. . . . This soldering aint so bad after all.” But to other men, concerns multiplied on reaching the front. “The boys . . . are in tolerably good spirits,” John Griswold wrote, “but most of them think that if they wer out of this they could not be caught again but they will probably get used to it and like it better by & by.” In the opinion of George Newcomb, “If our Rulers would let the Soldiers old and new decide this contest they would settle it up without any more fighting.” After getting a look at war-torn veteran regiments during a review at Fairfax Court House, Lewis Warner pondered, “How long ere the 154th Regiment will be reduced to the same condition? Of the 950 men who left Cattaraugus will not more than one in four be on hand to answer to their names when we are mustered out of the service, and will I be among that number? These were questions which came up for solution in my mind as we marched past these war stained veterans.”2 Eason Bull’s confidence remained undiminished when the regiment marched to Thoroughfare Gap. “I am tough as a bull,” he bragged. “I can whip the whole South alright.” But other soldiers voiced doubts as they penetrated deeper into Virginia. “The people at home all wish that the war would close,” James Emmons wrote, “but I can tell you they do...

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