Unknown Miller

I came across this letter while working on 105th Ohio Volunteer Infantry veteran Sherman B. Northway. It was in the profile of his son, Roger Elmer Northway. This letter provides some interesting information about Miller and suggests some prestigious family connections. Can anyone provide more information?

Letter to son Ralph Elmer Northway

Dear son:

About a week ago the picture sent and was glad very much pleased to receive them, you son looks fine in his uniform as the young man told his father (a G.A.R. veteran) it is in the blood Dad, perhaps it is inherited, certainly my father had 8 uncles in Washingtons army and I had 3 great grandfathers, Fuller, Drake & Miller. Miller was colenal of a Connecticut regiment, his wife was a sister to Ethan Allen. Drake was a nephew of Admiral Sir Francis Drake of the English navy, he was a captain in the Continental Army. Fuller was a surgeon. I forgot to mention that Col. Millers mother was a relative of Roger Sherman, an aunt I believe. So he comes honestly by his fighting blood, what a pity that bright American boys must be sacrificed to pay for a man mans whims. My health has been excellent this winter, the best it has been in 10 years; I have worked in storms to get fuel every day and have not had even a cold. We had 2 1/2 months of the coldest weather I have seen in 45 years. Well we have survived and I am thankful. Well Elmer I look much as I did when I last saw you, hardly any grey hairs, yet am neither bald nor stooped, can do as much work as most men of 55. Occasionally I have an attack of catarrh of the stomach, when I do I eat limburger cheese and it disappears. Hoping that I have not wearied you with my letter,

Your father S.B. Northway