LETTERS TO THE VINCENNES SUN
Army of Occupation Camp, On Cheat Mountain, August 80, 1861.
Friend Greene: After enjoying four days of most delightful weather,another rainy season has set in, a dense fog obscures the sun, and the driving rain compells such of us as are not on duty to seek the welcome shelter of our tents. We are getting used to it, however, as people do who have flie "third day ager" on the River Dusehea in Old Knox.
Yesterday was a lively day in camp. Early in the morning orders were issued for an immediate change of quarters. Formerly we were scattered without much regard to regularity, each company having on their arrival here pitched their tents wherever they chose, but now the 14th is encamped in regular order-very command in its proper place all in line. Quite a job it was to accomplish this according to the Engineer's plan, but all the digging, ditching, pitching of tents, and paving of streets, (to say nothing of the hard swearing,) is finished, the transformation from irregularity to order is complete, and The boys are as proud of their new quarters as a Miss of 16 is of a flew bonnet. The broad, well bouldered avenue that runs north and south between the two rows of Co. G's "dens" has been dubbed Pronsion Street for the reason that it runs smack into the Commissary's Department. Denny, Patterson, and I have our bed filled with a plentiful supply of fresh "feathers," (the tips of young pine and cedar tree branches) and sleep as warm and comfortable thereon as though ensconced (Dutch fashion) between two feather beds. Our good natured "Orderly" Van Dyke and Tom Bailey have captured or won a "sesech's" tent, and with their new house, hooppole bedstead, and coffe-sack mattress are "fixed.', In some of the "dens" the boys sleep on bark without barking-colds being unknown here.
About 11 o'clock last night the report of a musket was heard in the direction of our picket-guard and The news was speedily brought to camp that Paul Truckey, private in Co. C. tad accidentally shot himself. It seems that in drawing his gun over a log, muzzle foremost, it went off, the ball tearing away the flesh and completely shattering the large bone of his right leg just above The ankle joint. Poor fellow! he was taken to the hospital, and this morning had his limb amputated about half way between the knee and ankleis doing very well and will speedily recover, He took the severe operation very cooly, cracking jokes at the Surgeon's expense all the time. It is not a week since one George Betters, of Newburg, Indiana, a private in Co. E, had the misfortune to have his right hand blown clean off at the wrist. He was fixing his bayonet on at the time, the musket slipped, and the lock striking a stone, caused the piece to discharge.
I have just learned that the rebels have bumed the bridge over Green Brier river, some eight miles East of us. This does not look much like they meditated an attack upon us. During the past week we have frequently been told that 12,000 were encamped only fifteen miles distant, and contemplated an immediate attack upon this point, the forces here are anxious to pay their compliments to their enemies, and all hope at least, if they do not pray, that the aforesaid 12,000 will carry out their programme, so far at least as attacking us is concerned.
Several resignations have taken place amongst commissioned officers, and two members of Company C. Corporal Sam'l Wallace, of Wheatlard, and Thos. Hauck, (Tomahawk, the boys call him) 0f TerreHaute, have received their discharge on account of ill health.
T. C. Bailey has been promoted to Sergeant Major, and is eminently qualified for the office.
Cap. Coons, vith twenty-two men, myself among the number, were out on a scout one day last week. Our route lay over a high mountain, where I do not suppose the foot of man ever trod before-walked the whole day over fallen trees, moss-covered rocks and roots, creeping under them clambering over acres of timber lain prostrate by tornadoe-forced our way through tangled thickets of laurel briars and hazel-forded streams, and finally, about 2 P.M., discovered a narrow path that brought us to a clearing arid house, where your humble senvant bought some cheese, milk and bread, and butter, of a pretty, black-eyed mountain lassie, The sight of whom refreshed me quite as much as the (to a soldier) rich repast. Here the drizzle Thst had been sifting down on us all day became a heavy rain, and we made tracks direct for camp (thirteen miles distant) and came devilish near being fired upon by our pickets just at dusk-arrived in safety at quarters as tattoo was beating off-weary, hungry and wet through-no dry dothes to don; "dry" enough in afl conscience inside.
Saturday night last, after disposing of supper, invested a "check" at the Sutler's for a cigar, and took a stroll above our camp to the "peak," where seated on a huge pine stump, I thought of you, friend C, and other friends in The Old Post, and wished all here to enjoy with he the splendid sight-a full moon rise in the mountains-far surpassing in beauty anything of the kind I had ever witnessed before, and it has been my fortune from many a height to see fair Luna east her silver light o'er hill and dale. Oh, that I could wield for five minutes only the poetic pen of Prentice, That I might describe The to my poor pen indescribable scene. Those touchingly beautiful lines writteei by Longfellow, "or any other man,', are forcibly from memory's profoundest depths-
"He seized his grand-mother,
And Threw her up into The sky at midnight;
Right against the moon he threw her,
'Tis her shadow you see There!"
Whereupon Crandjibbewarra Nesicoloola, the Deputy Sheriff of the tribe, (perfect grizaly no doubt) was on The track of the villain at last accounts. Selah!
Ever yours,
PROCK.
Army of Occupation Camp, On Cheat Mountain, September 3, 1861.
Friend Greene: By our Orderly's "time book," that never, failing Company regulator, 'tis Holy Sabbath day. Nothing else could convince me of the fact-100 men are engaged in fortifying our position and at least 100 more in levelling the timber in all directions around camI>-mingled with the constant strokes of the axe, comes the crash and roar, as some towering pine, mighty monarch of the forest, is laid low; shovels and picks clash in the trenches; the ring of our blacksmith's hammer (the only familiar, homelike sound) is incessant; loud are the cries of soldiers engaged in hauling timbers, and louder still their curses as some baulky steed, "dancing" in The harness, refuses to pull a pound. Even the camp hum, that almost ceaseless s~nd That "tapps" alone can silence, is louder than usual~verybody is wide awake. Indeed, the bustle and excitement is unusual, and it seems to your correspondent no more like the Lord's Day than the Fourth of July.
Our muster rolls are being made out and the boys will in all probability handle some cash soon. I have quite forgotten how a gold dollar looks and feels; however, I do not remember of their sticking to my fingers. Come on, dollars! The Fourteenth is growing devilish tired of paper currency (Sutler's tickets) and long to hear the jingle of Uncle Sam's coin in their pockets.
Our uniforms are not received yet. Some of Company C's boys have manufactured coats and pants out of their India rubber and other blankets. As the nights are now exceedingly cold, I do not see how they manage to keep warm without "kiver"-find a blanket indispensable.
I trust we will receive "marching orders" soon, as I should not fancy spending the winter in this region, encamped on a mountain top at that; but if I am compelled to, why I presume I can endure it as well as any other soldier in the regiment, "or any other man," ("or man's man," vide Levi).
About 50 rebels on a scouting edition were fired upon by a party of 25, composing a picket of the 15th Indiana Regiment, and 10 of the rebels and a captain killed. This occurred on Thursday, at 2 P.M. Our Col. received the news by telegraph, and Capt. Coons was immediately dispatched with his company to intercept the remainder of the "sesesh," who, after informing the Captain that he was a Union man (caught with out arms they are all Union men) said the party we were In search of were not on that side of the mountain-had probably "changed direction." Found such to be the case, as no sight could we get of 'em, or by sign perceive they they had been along the path, Retumed to camp at sun-down, with mud beplastered pants and ravenous appetites.
Friday night was on camp guard, Leut. C C. Miller, Co. E. acting Officer of the Guard. Although it rained hard for a couple of hours, we forght shy of the guard tents, (on account of the "body guards" said to be quartered therein) preferring wet backs to "grey backs."
No Lieutenant more efficient as officer of the guard, and certainly none more polite and gentlemanly to the non-commissioned officers and soldiers composing the guard, than Miller.
With the exception of two copies of date 2d and 18th, have received no SUN's for August. Vat ish de mather?
PROCK.
Army of Occupation Camp, on Cheat Mountain, Sept.19, 1861.
Friend Greene: The. telegraph has no doubt informed you of a fight on Cheat Mountain. Well, there was quite a brush with the enemy on Thursday morning last, and up to yesterday the secesh bad their tents pitched in full view on a high bill about four miles east. However, they disappeared in The evening, and your correspondent enjoyed a night's rest in quarters for the first time in a week. Last Wednesday night, after tattoo, Capt. Coons, with twenty men from Company C, and forty Ohio boys, started down the mountain, westward, for Gen. Reynolds' headquarters. On reaching the narrow path leading across the mountain (The "short cut" generally taken by infantry) the command baited till day light (and as it afterwards proved within a couple of hundred yards of 1,500 or 2,000 rebels in ambush) then pushed on for four miles, when about 7, o'clock A.M., the advance guard (six men Company C) having entered the woods from a small meadow were fired upon, and four men wounded, Kline, d'Ewald, and Dehan, in the thigh, and Mulville through the band. The remaining two, William and Amos Edmondson, escaped unhurt, and retreated to the main body, where the rebels, some 800 or 400 strong, opened fire from the woods upon the entire party. The fire was promptly returned, and for a few moments the storm of leaden bail fell thick and fast, and our boys for the first time heard The whistle of rebel bullets. They retreated to cover in good order, however, obeying the commands of their officers like veterans of an hundred battles. No further damage was done by the rebel fire, and they not pursuing, the command deploying as skirmishers up the mountain-side, began their march homeward. When within a few hundred yards of the turn-pike, being some three and a half miles from our camp the woods were discovered to be full of rebels, and a running fight was immediately commenced, our boys giving it to them in true Indian style from behind rocks and trees, each man fighting on his own hook. This second skirmish had been geing on some fifteen minutes, when all at once The rebels beat a hasty and precipitate retreat, throwing away guns, cartridg-boxes, knapsacks, canteens, haversacks, blankets, overcoats, &c., with which the mountain was strewn for miles. About 5 P.M. Capt. Coons came into camp with a part of his command. The four wounded men of Company C have made their way to camp also, but two of the Company Adolph Meyer and John Sims, are missing-it is supposed taken prisoners; two of the Ohio men are also missing~ne was killed; their names I could not learn. The Captain captured two darkies, who said that the rebel force consisted of 2,000 Tennessee troops, armed principally with flint-lock muskets. Wm. Javens had a bullet shot through the heel of his shoe and a spent ball struck him on the shoulder. Joseph Campbell's hat was perforated with a musket ball. Your correspondent was not "thar," so can't tell how it affects a fellow's "pheelinks" to have a regiment or two of the secesh popping away at him. I may as well add here That There are twentyseven wounded men in a farm-house near where the skirmish came off, all of them secesh, and our boys must have "rubbed out" a "right smart chance" of 'em besides; but I must return to camp and begin at 'tother end of the fight.
About 7 o'clock Thursday morning news was brought to Col. Kimball that the rebels had captured and overhauled a couple of our wagons between The picket and camp guard, and within a quarter of a mile from camp Company after company flew to arms and were off at double quick down the pike, the Old Post Guards in advance under command of Lieutenant Mathew Green. Pretty soon the mountains echoed and reechoed with volley upon volley of musketry, and just then The rebels made their appearence in force on the hill east of us, threaternng an attack from that quarter. The remaining companies were stationed in all direction around camp, and all of us anticipated a general fight. There was not a man I know of on the mountain but wished for 'em to come on. We were resolved on defending our positions to the very last.
About this time news was brought in by some of Capt. Coons' skirmishers, who had made their way to camp, That the Captain with about two-thirds of his command had been surrounded and compelled to surrender. Major Harrow, on receiving it, procured our company flag and nailed it to The top of a house in the very centre of camp, and in full view of the rebels on the hill.
The Old Post Guards met the rebels in the road and drove them back, killing two and wounding others. The "governor" was in skirmish and says he knows of two bullets that perforated rebel hide. Two of the Old Post Guards were wounded-Leonard Daum (slightly in the arm) and John Killgannon (in the knee). Secesh toggery is abundant on Cheat Mountain now.
The remainder of Company G. under command of Lieut. Wm. N. Denny, stood 48 hours picket on the outskirts of camp, and on Saturday at noon started on a long and fatiguing scout of 80 miles over one of The tallest of the tall mountains in this region, reached Huttonville at 11 P.M., and next morning returned, escorting the wagons containing the mail and grub for the 14th regiment.
No SUN for me in the bag. Received a letter from General-is very indignant; has no Thought of marrying in the "day time;" does up just courting enough to keep his "hand in;" says 'twas a Cincinnati fabrication, and if he knew the author, would make him quail.
The Evansville Company (E) was surrounded and fired into early on Thursday morning, while on picket on the bill spoken of, and two of them killed-lst Lieut. Juno and Private Henry Wilder. The rest were scattered, and one poor devil was out 5 days, laying hid close to the rebels most of the time; says they were Arkansas troops. Ten men with a flag of truce went out and brought in two bodies The infernal scoundrels, not content with shooting The poor fellows dead, had mutilated their bodies by thrusting bayonets into them.
No rebels made their appearance when The flag reached the hill.
One of our picket-guard, Templeton, Co. D, was wounded and taken prisoner by the rebels. The wound was a slight one, but his captors bayonetted him through The head and left him laying in the road.
We are all excitement in camp still, and guard duty is heavy. Our Companv was sent out for 24 hours picket yesterday noon. Your correspondent being on camp guard duty, missed a "heavy' night.
Our boys came in but a few moments ago wet through, chilled, weary, and hungry.
Lieut. Denny came near having his right hand blown off by The accidental discharge of his Enfield rifle. As it is, he escaped with a slight bruise and bad powder burn of second and third finger.
Our clothes are said to be at General Reynolds' camp, and coming up soon. We need them very much-numbers are suffering for the want of sufficient covering to hide their nakedness.
Dr. Clippenger has arrived-is our Regimental Surgeon.
Sergeant Thomas Hall, Old Post Guards, chopped off about one-half of the first fingers of his right hand only a few moments ago.
Twelve of Company G on the sick list this morning-some of the companies double this number.
Am writing in our Lieutenant's tent wrapped in a blanket, fingers so numb can hardly hold the pencil.
Sergeant-Major T. C. Bailey just popped in "done up" in a secesh overcoat.
We are trying to make the arrangements for obtaining a very little whisky to "take the oath" in' Cold as the devil.
I bid you a Jew,
PROCK.
Army of Occupation Camp, on Cheat Mountain, Sept.27, 1861
Friend Greene: Yesterday noon we were ordered to prepare one days' rations. Cartridge boxes were replenished, "man killers" put in extra order, and all The necessary preparations completed for an advance on the enemy (now encamped on Greerabriar) at midnight.
Company G, the advance picket, was called in, two companies of the Thirty-second Ohio occupying the position. The order to march was countermanded at 6 o'clock P.M., and immediately there-after a severe storm of wind and rain came down upon us from The East, which has continued with unabated fury up to The present moment.
I understand we are to advance as soon as the weather clears up.
The Fourteenth cannot turn out over 600 fighting men.
The rules and regulations are so strict that I do not feel at liberty to state the number of regiments, &c, accompanying us.
Overcoats for the Thirty-second Ohio came up on Tuesday and were distributed to the "ragged Fourteenth"-a good joke on The Thirty-second, which marched up next day and were welcomed by our boys with their new coats on.
Cincinnati papers of the 20th received by your correspondent last night; thanks to the "General," we have something to while a away the long, dreary hours. To-day are seated in our tents wrapped in "army blue" without fire.
Excuse brevity; will, if not "rubbed out" in the coming fight, furnish your with full particulars. Aurivor, PROCK.
Saturday Morning-Storn still raging. Eleven horses died on this hill last right.
Joseph Howell, one of The firm of Kester & Howell, Sutlers [of] Fourteenth regiment, was drowned last evening in crossing a mountain stream on horse-back. Mr. Sparks, their clerk, had a narrow escape.
PROCK.
Army of Occupation Camp, On Cheat Mountain, Oct. 4, 1861.
Friend Greene: Thursday noon we were ordered to prepare two days' rations and bold ourselves in readiness to march at midnight. Up to 9 o'clock camp fires burned brightly; around them groups of soldiers gathered singing, laughing, "speculating" on The coming fight. There was a constant jingle, jingle of iron ram-rods, snapping of caps, and sputtering of hot grease in sundry frying pans-notes of preparation for The morrow; 'tattoo" rolled off at 10 o'clock, one hour later than usual, and "taps" at a quarter past, when camp fires were put out; all lights except in officers' tents extinguished, and the soldiers retiring to their quarters and blankets, sought two hours' repose. At 12 o'clock all were aroused,the companies forming into Their respective quarters, were visited each in turn by our gallant Colonel, who spoke a few words of encouragement and bade them all stand by him, and remember They were from Indiana and belonged to the 14th regiment; then came the order to form in line, which movement was promptly executed. Right, face! Forward march! and the 14th taking The "route steps," moved quickly but silently down the moantam eastward, past several regiments in the dense fog, the boys shouting to each other as they filed rapidly by at Cheat River Bridge; overtook the artillery; passed it; were soon beyond our picket line, and hurrying np the opposite mountain, through the dark and silent night, without a moment's rest till the first faint streaks of light appeared in the East, when the regiment was halted, and muskets and rifles loaded; in motion again pretty soon; passed the ambulances belonging to the 9th Indiana and our own; then descending the mountain, approached The Greenbriar Bridge, when the sharp report of half-a-dozen muskets rang out on the still morning air, immediately followed by a crashing volley; then pop! pop! pop! and all was silent: on went the 14th, cheering as they rushed "double quick," over the bridge and down through the Greenbriar Valley; soon we Came in sight of The 9th Indiana boys, drawn up in line of battle, across a meadow, thdr skirmishers hastening down from the surrounding mountains to join The regiment. The 14th closed in behind, when the two regiments moved steadily forward till we came in sight of the enemy's tents, when the advance halted and the artillery moved to the front, taking up a position on a slight devation to the left of the pike, Other regiments now came up, and the 7th, 9th, and 17th Indiana boys filed across the valley, and as the right wing deploying their skirmishers advanced at "double quick" through the tall grass and bushes skirting the river and rneadows. The 14th now marched forward along the pike for a few hundred yards, when the companies comprising our left wing, including Company C, were ordered to deploy and drive The rebels out of the woods to the left, while the remainder of the regiment marched along The pike to protect the batteries.
Soon we were climbing through The tanglewood and laurel up the steep mountain sides, when bang! goes a big gun from our battery of rifled cannon, and whiz! comes a shell over our heads, falling plump into the enemy's trenches, where it burst, killing three horses and doing other damage. A roar from the rebel camp answered, and a round shot whistled through the air in reply, tearing up the ground in rear of our artillery. The ball was flow opened-roar after in quick succession from The big guns on both sides-the storm of shot and shell traversing mid air not more than fifty feet from our heads, was at once terribly grand and terrific. The fierce music of "grim war," such as had fallen npon the ears of but few of our brave fellows, who all unheeding, cheered lustily and pushed forward rapidly to the front.
The rebel skirmishers, 600 in number, were speedily rousted from cover, and the musketry now opened along our entire line on the retreating foe. To your correspondent the rapid "file firing" of the companies and the rebel shots in reply, intermingled with the deafening roar of artillery sounded like 10,000 packs of fire-crackers set off at once.
Our batteries now took up a position in front, and for three hours poured shot and shell into the enemy's camp, doing great execution. He had eleven guns (one and 18-pounder) and one mortar; seven of these were silenced, when he was reinforced with both then and guns, and reopened fire again. Our ammunition for the artillery running short, the gras were withdrawn, and at 4 o'clock we began our march back to camp. As we came out of the woods into the open space to form into line The round shot ploughed up the ground around us. Every moment bang would go a gun, whiz! boom and a shell would make The earth fly, filling the boys' eyes with gravel; but the brave fellows stood their gronnd without flinching, as formed in four ranks without a rnurmnr They cooly awaited the order to march.
The Hoosiers are too much for Secesh-fire too rapidly and with aim too accurat-nothing in rebel shape can resist their impetuosity. Silence their batteries, Mr. Big Guns, and the infantry will soon complete the job.
The loss on our side trifling-eleven killed and fifteen wounded-three of the killed and four of the wounded belonged to the 14th-none from either of the Vincennes companies. We captured 13 prisoner-our regiment, 7[,] the Invincibles 5 Bully!
A fine drove of beeves were driven off by our boys, and 15 head of horses.
Our brave Colonel Kimball asked permission to storm their works Gen. Reynolds would not grant the request, remarking that he merely came out to reconnostre the rebel positioin and draw him out, which having been accomplished to his entire satisfaction, he ordered a retreat.
Incidents in my next.
PROCK.
[On Cheat Mountain], Oct. 6, 1861.
Friend Greene-I prornised to furnish you the incidents of our late "reconnoisance in force."
The 9th Indiana, whilst driving in the rebel pickets, shot and mortally wounded one of their own comrades. Such 'unfortunate accidents occur frequently out here. The boys become scattered-catch a glimpse of some unlucky chap creeping through the tangled undergrowth, crack! goes a musket or rifle with aim That seldom fails, and the unfortunate is stretched out, quivering in the agonies of death.
A cannonier belonging to Capt. Daum's flattery was struck by a round shot on the left arm, just below the shoulder, almost completely severing the member. The brave fellow took out his pocket knife, cut off his coat sleeve and the piece of flesh by which his arm still hung, letting it fall to the ground; then cooly picking it up, marched off to the rear.
Sergeant Price of Company A, 14th Indiana had his thigh shot off by a rifled cannon ball.
Just before we received the order to march, and whilst the 9th, 14th, and 11th Indiana were standing in "four ranks," a compact mass on the narrow pike observed one of the 9th, not 20 yards off, sitting down in the act of tieing his shoe-when whiz! comes a six pound shot and striking the ground about 4 inches in his rear, turned the soldier, gun and all a complete summerset; up he jumped, rubbing the dirt out of his eyes, and snatching up his musket took his place in the ranks with the remark, "well aimed Mr. Secesh, but not quite powder enough."
In my last forgot to mention that the 32nd Ohio held 8,000 rebels in check, who were attempting to gain our rear from another camp, and cut off our retreat by obtaining possession of a rock some 60 feet high, on top of which is a level space commanding the approach from the eastward to Green Briar Bridge and capable of holding a regiment, which deployed could successfully resist an army, for a considerable time at least. The rebels cannot withstand our infantry and the gallant 32nd first checked their advance and then di~persed Them entirely, running the secesh through the the woods like frightened sheep.
Jack Frost has paid us several visits, and the delicate touches of his pencil are every where visible. Dame Nature has donned a robe of varied hue, the deep green of tall pine and cedar, intermingled with the brilliant yellow and crimson of maple and mountain ash, presents a scene at once pleasing and sublime. The surrounding mountains, always a grand and imposing sight, are now picturesque in the extreme.
No more paper to scribble on-must say good bye.
Yours truly
PROCK.
Army Occupation, Camp at Huttonville, Randolph Co., Western Va.,
Oct. 10.
Friend Greene: On the 8th inst., at noon, the order came-"14th Regiment strike tents, and prepare to march immediately." Soon it was known all over camp that we were bound westward. Most welcome order, and obeyed with alacrity, I assure you. By 1 o'clock we were on the march and at set of sun had left Cheat Mountain, its chilling winds and everlasting fogs far behind, and were encamped in a small meadow' on the banks of Tygart river, within three miles of Huttonville. Our wagons failing to "come to time" we built fires supped on crackers and coffee, and passed the night in the open air, without other covering than our blankets.
At 8 A.M. we forded the river, went into camp on the west side and within a stone's throw of the so called town of Huttonville.
The 9th Indiana occupies our old Camp Ground on the Summit.
The 13th, 15th, and 17th Indiana boys moved down from "Wagoners Camp" this afternoon, and we Hoosiers are all together, forming an Indiana Brigade under command of General Reynolds.
Chestnuts and apples, (the latter of a very inferior quality) are abundant.
The weather for two days past has been most delightful-many degrees warmer here than on the breezy Summit.
Do we winter here, or move farther West? Can't answer that question, nor can "any other man" hereabouts.
Me are all in the best of spirits. Mre would like very much to see some of our friends though, and much prefer wintering in Indiana or Kentucky to Western Virginia. PROCK.
Army of Occupation Camp at Huttonsville, Randoll)h Co., Western Va., Oct. 16.
"The Lord be praised,
The mountain's raised,
The world moves round on wheels."
Emerson (of Knox.)
Friend Greene: Praises are sung nightly by the Christian soldiers of our regiment. Were the mountains razed, 'twould be a blessed thing for us poor devils who have to climb their steep and rugged sides so often. The 14th boys do not exactly go around on wheels, but they do strut through camp in their new pants, and under clothes, long legged socks, and sewed (this time) shoes, pockets full of gold and silver wheels, fists tightly closed on sundry $10 bills, The "scrip" of our dear and much loved Uncle Samuel, their faces beaming with pleasure and delight; verily this mountain-locked valley of the Tygart seems a Paradise to us mountaineers, (the 14th is so called by other Indiana regiments) the broad meadows, hUls (that would be mountains to any other but a "Fourteenth") covered with green pastures, farm houses nestled in groves of oak and chestnut, orchards with their golden fruit, the bright and beautiful river dashing o'er its rocky bed with ripples flashing in the sunlight or glittering like burnished blades as The silvery moon peeps o'er the distant moulttam, banks shaded here and There with clumps of the wild plum, willow1 and quaking ash, its course marked by a hedge of whortle and spice wood bushes, their bright red berries resembling a doubled string of beads; and, above all, the warm and genial sunshine, the balmy days of Autumn, seem to make the soldier's heart glad, and, though some may long to see the Hoosier Land, the majority are for the time being conten-indeed those who are not should be sent back to Cheat Mountain Summit, and compelled to stand picket-guard 48 hours without crackersi Here we have no pickets, and camp-guard is niere pastime while sun and moon so brightly shine. Discipline, however, is not forgotten by that kind-hearted but Thorough-going soldier, our Colonel, and the following orders rule and regulate our camp: Reveill~5:80 A.M+ Wood and water call6 A.M. Sick call~:30 A.M. Breakfas~" A.M. liiirst Sergeant's calls A.M. Guard-mountings :30 A.M. Cornpany drill-s A.M. fl~call~11 A.M Wood and water call-11:S0 kM, Dinner-12 M Battalion drill-2 P.M. Re-call~ P.M. Dress parade (Inspection ArMms)-5 P.M. Suppe~ P.M, Tatta~:80 PM. Tapp~9 P.M.
Your correspondent is in receipt of a box from the "Doctor" and "General," containing articles worth their weight in gold liere. The "Old london flock" from you, friend G., and other fluids disappeared in "double quick," and rest assured, kind friends at borne, you were not for-gotten as the gratefnl liquor coursed down our tlirsty throats and clouds of smoke were puffed from those "fragrant weeds," and swiftly but most pleasantly the hours were passed that evening in chatting over old times.
Killgannon, of Co. B, wounded in the knee during our first skirmish on Cheat Mountain, died and was buried yesterday.
No mail since Sunday. The coach came up from Beverly today and brought all the other regiments' mail, but left ours at Beverly. May the devil fly away with all the contractors and P. M.'s! [Post Masters].