William Schouler, A history of Massachusetts in the Civil War: Volume 1

None of the officers of our regiments wrote with more ease and elegance than Major Wilder Dwight, of the Second Regiment. In one of his letters to the Governor, written in July, at Harper's Ferry, where the Second was encamped to protect the Ferry and hold the town, he says,—

It is perhaps worthy of remark, that the guard-house occupied by the town-guard is the engine-house which John Brown held so long, and which is one of the few buildings left standing amid the general ruins of the Government property. Directly opposite to it, from the flag-staff, which lately bore the secession flag, our own banner now floats. Several unavailing attempts were made to raise it, when Sergeant Hill, of Company B, volunteered to climb the tall pole, and adjust the halyards. This he did amid the wildest enthusiasm of the people. There has been a reign of terror here; and to-day, for the first time, Union men dare to show themselves, and return to their homes. The protection of the flag is indicated everywhere, and many Virginian men and women have said with quivering lip they were glad to see the old flag again. Throughout our march, in every village, and by almost every house, we have made the hills echo again our national airs.

In the Governor's proclamation for Thanksgiving, this year, it may well be supposed the soldiers in the field were not forgotten. It was read in every Massachusetts camp, and the day was celebrated by the regiments with great spirit and cheerfulness. Major Dwight writes, ‘I had the honor and pleasure to receive the Governor's proclamation for Thanksgiving. I give a short record of the day's celebration. Military duty was, by authority of General Banks, suspended. At ten A. M., we had the proclamation read, and religious service by the chaplain. The men afterwards sat down to dinner, which may be summed up as follows: turkeys 95, weight 997 1/2 pounds; geese 76, weight 666 pounds; chickens 73, weight 165 pounds; plum-puddings 95, weight 1,179 pounds. If you state the weight in tons, the whole dinner amounts to one and a half, in round numbers. The men had games and dancing in the evening. It should perhaps be added, that they are in fine health this morning.’