Isaac O. Best, History of the 121st New York State Infantry

[50] concealed. Through the leniency of Lieut. Geo. A. May who knew of the great drought from which we were suffering, and the suspension of rigid orders by Sam Miller, and the currency with which I was supplied, I secured a liberal supply of the “milk drink,” and it was so deceptive and exhilarating that I was soon suffering from a good resemblance to a “milk drunk.” Its operation in this way, made it more difficult to get after that. (B.)

In the Battle of Fredericksburg the 121st suffered a loss of eleven enlisted men, four killed and seven wounded. From Comrade Beckwith's account the most of this loss was in his company and squad on the picket line of which they held the most exposed section. That it was able to return to camp with so little loss is an illustration of the fact that up to this time battles had been fought by only a small portion of the forces available. The strategy of the Battle of Fredericksburg was the same as that of all previous battles in which the Army of the Potomac had been engaged. It was a battle of divisions and not of the entire army. Attacks were not made simultaneously, nor supported by adequate reserves. The result was a repulse with great loss to parts of the forces engaged, and few casualties among the rest.

That the failure to drive the Confederate Army from the Heights of Fredericksburg was a bitter disappointment to General Burnside, there is no doubt, and it was no less bitter to the President. It also had a depressing effect upon the Federal army, which showed itself immediately after the return to camp at White Oak Church. This was felt even by the 121st although it had suffered comparatively little. Several officers resigned and some of the men deserted. The first site for the camp of the 121st at White Oak Church was not