Christmas in Danbury December, 1864
In the December 22, 1864 edition of the Danbury Times there is a front page letter entitled "Getting Home." It is from a soldier in the Union Army named H.P. Manton. He describes his furlough from the army and his journey back to Danbury. He describes the first part of the journey which involved a sea voyage on a ship named the Arago. It was not an easy voyage for him and he is relieved when he reaches New York City. He describes himself as reaching land "with a full beard and empty haversack." He then takes a rail journey to Danbury. While stopping at Norwalk he says that "things began to look more natural, and I breathed freer." Then when he reaches Danbury he "got out on the platform, and found myself face to face with the beauteous being who has shed a ray of light across my gloomy pathway, and will continue to shed through all time to come, if not sooner discharged.
In the meantime she had recognized me, and with a wild, wild cry, pitched against my enlisted bosom. Hi Manton! Mary Ann! And far above the worldly din, arose two sighs, piercing the outer darkness, and travelling on their din.
Oh dear yea.
Cheerfully Yours H. P. Manton
Danbury Dec. 1864"
H.P. Manton was the pseudonym for Danbury's own James Montgomery Bailey!