LETTERS TO THE VINCENNES SUN
[Account of Fighting at Winchester]
Having reached a strip of woods, we had to climb a fence, the balls whistling over our heads. Wounded and dead men were strewn thickly around. Once more in an open field, we formed a line and marched right up the hill-the storm of leaden hail increasing at every step. We were soon at the top-when a scene presented itself that I never will forget. Immediately in front of our whole lines, at a distance of perhaps 80 or 90 yards, was a long wreath of blue smoke settled over a low stone wall-out of this a line of fire flashed constantly. Between our line and this wall the dead and wounded lay in heaps, while clustered around the stars and stripes, a few heroic blue jackets still fought desperately-some standing, some kneeling, and others lying at full length; but all apparently determined to die right there. But we had come to The rescue of these brave men, and the old 14th poured in a tremendous volley-gave a long, loud cheer-another volley, and then charged the "store wall brigade" with the bayonet. In a moment the sesesh were scattered and flying in all directions, save one-their right wing, resting on one of their batteries, stood their grourd for a moment and fought desperately with our left.
I saw Sergeant-Major Tom Bailey pitch forward full length, and thought the brave fellow had "gone under;" but up he jumped, snatched his Enfield, and began loading it.
Finding the Hoosiers too much for them, the rebels attempted to draw off their battery; but the riders were shot as fast as they mounted, and finally there were no horses to mount.
Our cavalry on the extreme right were cutting and shooting, and our whole regiment, every man fighting on his own hook, was swiftly advancing up a long, steep hill. Each man, as he reached the top, commenced firing from behind rocks and trees. In a few moments a brigade of fresh troops marched up in good order to the top of this hill, and again a storm of balls swept over our boys; but nothing daunted, they stood their ground, and with colors to The front fought as men should fight who battle for The right.
For half an hour, the tempest of bullets swept through, around and over us-when all at once Lieutenant Colonel Foster, of the 13th Indiana, galloped up and spoke a few words to our acting Adjutant. Looking around I saw The gallant l4th with colors flying swiftly marching to support us. In a moment more they poured in a volley-then another and another, and again the rebels took to their heels.
The sun had set and darkness gathered over the battlefield.
Every man of the rebel Jackson's army would have been slain or captured could two more hours of daylight have been spared for our troops.
Our regiment with the rest remained on the field or battle all night without fires.
Parties of men were engaged during the whole night searching for wounded soldiers. Signal lights were flashing in the distance; but, save the rumbling of the ambulance wheels or the neighing of restive homes, no sound disturbed the solemn stillness around.
At early dawn the regiments, or fragrnents rather, were formed and amunition distributed.
Co. G counted off 16 men, but reinforcements continued to arrive during the morning, and by noon we had doubled the number.
Monday we marched after the flying rebels-our artillery opening upon them from every hill top, and cavalry charging from every cross-road.
Many were sent to their long homes-a number wounded, and several prisoners taken during the day.
On Tuesday, having pursued the sesesh several miles beyond Strausburg, we about faced and returned to this place (Strasburg].
Camp of the 14th Indiana Volunteers, Strasburg, Va.,
March 29, 1862,
Friend Greene: We are all quiet now, after the terrible battle near Winchester, (of which you have no doubt long since given the particulars) and are hugely enjoying this bright, warm spring day.
This is certainly a beautiful location for a town-the north branch of the Shenandoah, a narrow, deep, swift stream, runs past the town site, on the eastward, following the base of a tall, dark cedar-covered spur of the Blue Ridge. The surrounding country is a succession of large, oval-shaped hills-the fences store, and although the soil is de cidedly rocky and full of grit (which the inhabitants seem to lack), nevertheless the wheat crop looks well. There is abundant evidence that properly farmed these hills would yield rich harvests.
There is a Boston lady in town who has been trying to get home for a year. The stars and stripes 'were a 'welcome sight to her.
Of what is going on in the world outside we soldiers know nothing. The Commissary has fed us or side meat and crackers till se are tired of it-no vegetables or fresh meat for weeks past.
Three of Co. G. were wounded in the late battle; Corporal James H. Siniposon, in the arm; privates John P. Connelly, through the hand, and Michael Mulrille [in] the leg.
Hairbreadth escapes were numerous. Amos Edmonson, of our company, had two guns struck from his hands by the enemy's balls. Paul Truckey was as wild as a deer, and ran headlong after the rebels as a dog would chase a rabbit, loading and flring as be went.
Tbe two color bearers were shot down but other equally brave fellows carried the two banners to the front.
Many trophies have been captured, but a soldier that endeavors to do his duty has no time to look after plunden.
I saw dozens of rebels throw down their arms, the better to augment their flight. At times a squad of a dozen would be seen hastening away together, A volley from the pursuing Hoosiers would be poured in, and not a running rebel escape.
One round each of grape and cannister was poured into us from a twelve-pounder, but before the rebels could load again the Enfields of our gallant left wing had sent all the gunners over Jordan.
Acting Adjutant Robert F. Catterson had his horse shot from under him, and seizing a gun, fought on foot.
The sesesh were well clad, but not two dressed alike. Their "stone wall brigade" fought well, having advantage of ground and being partially protected, hut the go-ahead Hoosiers "went in" without any other thought or intention than to come out winners, and win they did-though 'twas by the very hardest kind of fighting.
The 110th Pennsylvania (Tom Thumb regiment) ran like dogs from a few shell that burst near them.
Supper had been prepared in Winchester for Jackson and his staff. During the advance of his forces towards Winchester, the ladies in all the small towns turned out and presented milk, pies, cakes, &c., to the rebel soldiers, but next day there were no luxuries for the poor devils, and had there been they would not have had time to more than grab 'em. Dress parade-call beating! Off! Adieu! PROCK.
Camp of the 14th Indiana Volunteers,
Three Miles South-west of Woodstock,
Va., Saturday April 5th, 1862.
Friend Greene: For the past few days we hate been encamped with-out tents in the woods, within a few hundred yards of the pike-the location an excellent one, weather delightful and the boys of the 14th never enjoying better health or seemingly in higher spirits.
On the 1st day of April we left our tents and knapsacks at Strausbourg, arid with a couple of days' rations in our haversacks, took a byroad to the right of the pike, acting as flankers to General Banks. Advanced slowly, capturing two of Ashby's cavalry, and about noon entered Woodstock from the west side-quite a pretty little village-a few very handsome residences. Several of our cannon balls and shells had left their mark on the dwellings.
We pushed on-passed a camping ground where the rebels had once bad a large force-crossed a bridge over a small tributary of the Shenandoah, the timbers still smoking from the attempt made by the sesesh to destroy it. The vandals succeeded in destroying the bridge across the Shenandoah at Edinburg, and our troops are now rebuilding it. The sesesh pickets occasionally come out of the woods and fire at our boys, but so far without effect; sometimes They haul out a "bull dog" and open on us with shell, but never fire over one round fill our batteries (always wide awake) compel them to return to cover. Every hour in The day may be heard the roar of artillery and bursting of shells.
Some of the l3th and 14th Indiana with their Enfields obtained leave to go over and shoot at a squad of rebel horsemen that appeared the other day across the stream. Away went the Hoosiers and presenfly the rifles were popping, and three of the saddles were emptied. The infantry now advanced and the skirmish waxed warm, and might have terminated in a general battle, but Gen. Banks came down and had the Hoosiers called back.
Our Sutler is here with a pretty large stock of good things, which he is disposing of at California prices.
The boys are engaged in signing The "pay-rolls" and I presume Captain "Cash" is on hand.
Colonel Nathan kimball is; I see, promoted to a Brigadier General. I trust thc 14th will be attachedto his brigade during the war.
Some "fighting stock" left in the Old Post yet, it seems. Pity there is not a shooting-gallery in town.
The Governor has joined the regiment again-looks better than I ever saw him-gave me some rich accounts of scenes in and around Vincennes-says "things" are all 0. K. in America.
Assisted the Sergeant Major in disposing of the contents a certain tin can contained, sent him by William Curtain.
Friends at home must not grumble if the letters they receive from soldiers are few and far between. We march to-day, fight to-morrow, and march again leaving baggage behind. Frequently it is a week before it comes to hand, and then, tired, foot-sore, and weary perhaps, do not fee! like writing.
Charles Otto Mittler, James Bower, and James McMullen, who have been absent sick in the hospital at Cumberland, Md.; returned to the company this morning. Glad to welcome them. Joseph Wilmer, Thomas H.C. Beale, Albert Wicks, and Asher W. Foster are still behind-the two former at Federick, and the latter at Strausburg.
Some of the 67th Ohio boys kicked a sesesh shell in their camp fire this morning when it exploded, slightly wounding four of that regiment and knocking down one of the 14th, who rising to his feet, gave the frightened Buckeyes a tall cursing that was heard all over camp.
Yours, right side up, PROCK
P. S.-Heard the General had opened a picture gallery. Success to ye artist. He can soon get his 'hand in" at anything. P.
Camp of the 14th Indiana Volunteers,
Near New Market, April 26th, '62.
Friend Greene: More than a week since, on a cold, wet day, Captain Cash settled with the regiment, and the boys were made to rejoie-having four months' pay jingling in their pockets. Same day, late in the afternoon, a detachment of the 14th, under command of Captain Coons, started on a scout to Columbia Furnace, a small town almost buried in the mountain. About a dozen houses, filled with boys and girls of "both sexes", and women of all ages, sizes, colors and complexion,-these last were apparently overjoyed to see the troops-declared in favor of the Union and certainly by their treatment of our boys proved their assertions true. The detachment was lothe to leave this fairy abode.
Fifty-seven of Ashby's Cavalry, sixty horses, two wagon loads of bacon, and one of small arms were captured during the expedihon. The Ringgold Cavalry (the best we have) assisted in the capture.
Another detachment left camp at 5, P. M., Wednesday, the 15th instant, to flank Jackson's position at Mount Jackson.
Precisely at 11 o'clock, that same night, the third detachment under command of Capt. Williamson (Co. F.) moved down the pike and crossed the bridge beyond Edinburg. Your correspondent being attached to this squad through the day, will note down a few of the items :-Once over on the Sesesh side of the Shenandoah, we advanced cautiously, the moon shining brightly-night cold and clear. Presently, bang went half a dozen muskets, the balls whistling over and around us. Without returning the fire, we pushed on-half a mile more gained, when the rebel pickets again opened on us. This time the 14th burnt powder, and charging the rascals, succeeded in capturing three prisoners. Long before daylight the bridges ahead were set on fire. We were not fired into again till sun rise, two miles from Mount Jackson. Our squad and the 67th Ohio, deployed as skirmishers, advancing through a wheat field, when half a dozen horsemen rode out of the woods, a half mile in front, and a twelve pound howitzer was soon brought to bear on us. I distinctly saw the gunner as he jerked the lanyard. Bang! And whiz! comes a well-aimed shell, bursting some ten feet in advance of our line and throwing dirt and gravel aH over us, almost before he had time to "drap." Four more of these "top 0' the mornin' till ye's" were fired in quick succession, bursting over and around us, a fragment breaking the wrist of one private in the 67th. By this time 500 of our cavalry had come up and charged the gun squad and its support of rebel horsemen. With a parting shot at The blue jackets, Mr. Sesesh 'limbered up" and put off at double-quick-think 'tis somewhat doubtful whether he has halted yet.
It is said that one of the artillery riders in the retreat from Winchester never pulled rein till he reached Staunton.
This is The last sight your correspondent has had of a Sesesh.
Our advance regiments are beyond Harrisonburg.
Mount Jackson is decidedly a one-horse place; ditto New Market; but there is no discount on the country residences and farms surrounding them in the vicinity.
Two days ago, two scouts belonging to the 13th Indiana, while returning from a visit to the valley beyond, discovered fresh horse tracks leading from the pike directly up the mountain. Following, they came upon a Captain and Lieutenant of Ashby's Cavalry. Both parties fired-the Lieutenant fell dead, shot through the head; the Captain jumped off his horse and escaped by running down a deep ravine. The boys captured two fine horses, some valuable papers and a large spy-glass, with which the rebels no doubt proposed to take a view of our camps.
Banks (so John flunkle, of the 13th Band informed me) gave the scouts $20 each.
Our regiment is once more together-this is the first time the 14th had to march towards the enemy by reliefs-hope 'twill be the last.
Last Saturday night we camped out in an open field, nothing but the blue sky above us. Sunday, moved into a strip of woods, when it began to rain and poured down for forty-eight hours without cessation.We were short of rations, many without their blankets, and all without tents. Monday arid Tuesday were dreary days. Wednesday sun came out bright tents game up, and we were soon snugly quartered.
To-day 'tis snowing like fury.
Josiah J. Dunn, of Co. G, is quite ill at Woodstock. Recent exposure and hardship has increased our sick list.
The boys are talking of getting up a club for the SUN. No troulle in procuring a score of subscribers in the two Vincennes compamies- the only difficulty is, would the papers be allowed to come. Have not seen one for three weeks, and know they are mailed regularly. Army mails are uncertain, I know-cannot be otherwise where regiments are so constantly on the move; nevertheless, a man ought to receive one paper out of six, which is more than your correspondent can boast of.
Glad the General is once more on duty. Has the commission and forwarding business played out? Truly yours, PROCK
Camp 14th Regiment, April 28.
Friend Greene: Orders came for the 14th to march again at 10 o'clock Sunday morning, and we moved towards Staunton once more and encamped within seven miles of Harrisonburg.
The 14th is "rolling in clover," as we have pitched tents in a big sesesh clover-field-a deep and rapid brook rushes boiling and seething through the centre, and the boys are splashing about in it by the score.
This being a bright, clear day, (the first one for a week) the boys are excused from drill and allowed to "spread themselves" (and blankets) in the warm sunshine-wash clothing, &c.
Corporal d'Ewald, who has been detailed since the battle of Winchester to assist in the hospital there, re-joined the regiment this morning. He reports Michael Mullville fast recovering from his wound; says John P. Connelly had left that place for Frederick, but getting off the cars at Sandy Hook Station, has not been heard of since.
Major L. A. Foote; Capt. Thos. G. Williamson, Co. F; and Capt T. C. Howard, Co,. A, bid us farewell at the last camp, and are on their, march homeward, all having resigned.
Sergeant John E. Hutchins, Co. B, has just returned from the Cumberland hospital. He reports Corporal Wm, H. Javins, Co. G, still quite ill in the hospital there.
Private John Racine, of Co. B, formerly from Cathilinette, has been court martialed for robbery, &C., and sentenced to six months' hard labor, without remuneration therefor-his pay for the last four months also stopped.
I drew a ration of flour to-day-the first for a "month of Sundays," and Paul Truckey, officer of the cook-house for Co. T, "Tiger Tail Mess," proposes serving a "heavy surge" of Cheat Mountain Summit slap-jacks. for dinner.
The following members of Co. G, 14th Indiana Volunteers, are now absent sick:
Corporal James H. Simpson, home on furlough; Corporal Wm. H. Javins, in hospital at Cumberland, Md.; Private Thos. H. C. Beale, in hospital at Winchester, Va.; Private John P. Donnelly; Private Josiah J. Dunn, in hospital at Woodstock, Va.; Private Asher W. Foster, in hospital at Strasburg, Va.; Private Michael Mullville, in hospital at Winchester, Va.; Private Cephas McDonald, in hosptal at Woodstock, Va. Private Joseph Wilmer in hospital at Martinsburg, Va.
"On The wing." Yours, truly, PROCK.
Camp of the 14th Indiana Volunteers,
Five miles South of New Market, April 29.
[Friend Greene:] We are now five miles farther into The "heart of the Valley of The Shenandoah."
Cephus McDonald, who I mentioned in my last as absent sick at Woodstock, has rejoined the "Invincibles," all O.K.
The band of a Maine regiment, having played a few tunes for a public celebration at Martinsburg, had the "cheek" to pass around "de sasser.' D-n these "Down East," money-loving, Yankee band-box, Provost Guard regiments! Dressed out in full rig, with all the extra (brass) touches on, and polished boots, they take possession of The little towns along our line of march, as fast as we run the rebels out-strut about like turkey goblers, with guns that have never fired a shot at sesesh (nor never will), and woe to the unlucky soldier that is absent from his quarters without a permit-"halt-ah! What regiment-ah?" "Fourteenth Indiana, damn you!" "Got a pass-ah!" "No.!" "Fall in the rear-ah!"
Marching through New Market a day or two ago, these holiday soldiers caught thunder.
As the regiment marches rapidly through a town filled with soldiers, 'tis amusing to hear the welcomes and "parting words" of acquaintances -remarks from the idlers and men in the ranks. "There goes the old Fourteenth Cheat Mountain Zouaves I" "Yes," adds another; "those thirteen, mill-an-hour fellows."
Some soldier near the head of the-column catches sight of a "familiar face" (likely one of the 13th with whom he has been on picket.) "How are you, Jake?" And "How are you, Jake," goes clear down the column.
Not having heard a cannon fire for more than a week, I presume that the rebels are a long way off-perhaps entirely gone out of this valley.
If any part of Virginia is worth fighting for 'tis this-never saw finer farms.
May date from Staunton next. Hope so-want to see that town, Adieu!
Truly, yours, PROCK.
Camp of the l4th Indiana Volunteers,
Mountain Pass, Opposite New Market,
Va., Friday night, May 9, 1862.
Friend Greene: Last Monday, at 7 A. M., we struck tents and moved five miles north. Having again encamped, disposed of supper, smoked our pipes, and retired for the night, we were saddenly summoned to hasten to the assistance of the l3th, who had been attacked on 'tother side the mountain, leaving eveeything but shooting-irons and ammunition behind. Off we marched at midnight, and by two A. M. had made eight miles, when halting to rest, we were notified that 'twas a false alarm. Wagons with tents, baggage, and grub came up and here we have been ever since.
To-day tents were struck, packed up, and sent off to Strausburg. All extra baggage ditto, men unable to endure The fatigues of a march ditto. Company "G" sent two-John Harvey and Alexander McRae.
I am writing in the open air by star and stir-candle light, sitting on my knapsack, and using my canteen for a table.
We are destined to reinforce McDowell, I understand, and take up our line of march eastward to-morrow night.
I was down town to-day with Sergeant Jackson. New Market is a miserable old rookery; one sesesh store (open), a jeweler's shop, post office ("in the house"), nary hotel, and a very neat "skule" house in operation.
Wonderful!-Considerable excitement was manifested by The feminine portion of this sesesh community. Squads of'em (some confounded good looking ones, too,) were on "dress parade." On enquiry was told that 'twas rumored the great "What is It?" was in town.
By the way; this reminds me of a "grape-vine" that has reached camp from the Old Post [Vincennes], to the effect that a certain near sighted gent, who wears gold specs and occasionally rakes cat-gut for pay, being on the hunt of this same "animile," unarmed and alone, was suddenly fired upon by the "pickets," and narrowly escaped a "watery grave."
Well, I for one am rejoiced that we are off for Richmond. The Fourteenth will make her mark if occasion offers. Nothing but bone, sinew, and grit left now, so the rebels had better not run afoul of us. There will be some "tall" marching (perhaps some fighting, too,) accomplished by this regiment before the middle of May.
John J, P. Blinn, for some months past acting as Assistant Adjutant General to General Kimball, has, at his own request, returned to the regiment, and again resumed his duties. Thrice welcome is our good-looking, gentlemanly and accomplished adjutant!
I send this by Joseph Roseman, Fifer of Company "G," who returns home to-morrow on a thirty days' furlough.
Yours-from 'tother side the Blue Ridge next time (I hope)-
PROCK
Camp of the 14Th Indiana Volunteers,
Cedar Run, Orange & Alexandria, R. R., Va.,
Tuesday, May 20, 1862.
Friend Greene: On the morning of The 12th we marched over a spur of the Alleghanies, crossed the main branch of The Shenandoah, and encamped for the night one mile east of Luray. The town, though a county seat, is exceedingly diminutive and scarcely worthy of a name, though there were no lack of Virginia lassies and mulatoes, decked out in gorgeous colors, to gaze upon The "Yankees."
Tuesday, 13th, marched twenty miles-passed the night on the banks of ye Shenandoah, in the rushing waters of which the 14th indulged in a general bath.
Wednesday, started in The rain, and marched to Front Royal, eight: miles, where we remained till Friday (May 16th) at noon, when we again "pulled out" and reached the foot of the Blue Ridge, which famous mountain range we crossed at noon next day and passed the night at the "Woollen Mills," 16 miles farther east.
Sunday, May 18th, passed through Warrenton (pretty women and "yallah ghals" were "plenty as blackberries") and encamped four miles beyond.
Monday, 19th, marched through General Duryea's Camp, and stacked arms on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, forty miles from Alexandria.
Company "G" has lost no men on the long march-all are ready and willing to fight.
Saw a Philadelphia Enquirer, of the 19th; first paper for 10 days.
Duryea's men have never heard a bullet whistle. They are all "deown" Easters-regular Yankees-but will no doubt fight well, nevertheless, as there has been no discount of the New Englanders since the battle of Bull's Run.
Drew three days' rations to-day-leave to-morrow, I presume.
In haste, yours truly, PROCK.
Camp of the 14th Indiana Volunteers,
Front Royal, Va., Wednesday,
June 19th, [18th] 1862.
Friend Greene: Left camp near Luray Sunday at noon-marched eight miles-next day reached this camp, a distance of eighteen miles.
Yesterday we drew three day' rations, with nearly one day's rations of "soft tack" (baker's bread) "thrown in"-some McDowell's men had left behind.
Caps, blouses, pants, drawers, shirts, socks, shoes, &C., are being distributed.
The paymaster is on hand and our regiment is drawing its share of "green backs and shiners" from Uncle Sam-two months' pay for March and April.
We have an excellent camping ground-wood and water abundant, and convenient weather-cool and pleasant. The boys are enjoying it hugely, and well they may-none deserve clothes, food and rest more than the soldiers of Shields'division.
I received by mail yesterday two packages of the Weekly Sun. Welcome, thrice welcome news from home!
Norman R. Huey, private in Captain McClure's company (E) Third Indiana Cavalry, formerly Capt. Huey, Company B. Old Post Guards, was in camp yesterday-is a married man now. He looks well.
The Third is one of those lucky or unlucky regiments that has never seen servie-have been acting as mounted patrols in and around Washington, D. C. They are now attached to this division.
Four thousand cavalry passed through Front Royal yesterday.
Some of the batteries of Shields' division are being shipped on the cars to-day.
The "talk" is that we (the First brigade) go by rail to Alexandria, but not a man in the Fourteenth believes it.
Major Martin has resigned and gone home, I am told,
Will. Dunn has not reached the regiment yet.
Truly, yours, PROCK.
Camp of the l4th Indiana Volunteers,
Bristol Station, Orange & Alexandria
R.R., June 19th [-24th] 1862.
Friend Greene: My last to you was written on the 18th.
June 19th, was a very hot day, passed the most of it "under canvas," reading a novel, the pages of which were greasy enough to make soap of. In the afternoon drew a ration of "lengthened sweetness, long drawn out-(i. e., "lasses")-can eat about six of 'em at one meal on "soft tack"-they were of an excellent quality and duly appreciated by the Fourteenth.
June 20th-struck tents, packed knapsacks, filled haversacks with three days' rations. All of this was done in fifteen minutes' notice. We were buried up as though Jackson with 150,000 rebels was within an hour's march of camp.
June 2lst-Starting at 7 o'clock, by eleven we had 'knocked off' thirteen miles over one of Western Virginia's roughest roads-halted here for baggage train to come up.
June 22nd-Off at noon; reached Salem at sundown. Alf. Smith, one of The "Tiger Tail Mess", had succeeded in securing a supply of corn bread, fresh butter, and sweet milk. To these luxuries your hungry correspondent done ample justice.
June 23d-The Fourteenth will not forget this day's march soon. Twenty-five miles without a pause worth mentioning-day hot and sultry. At sundown a tremendous storm of wind and rain burst upon us, whilst about The centre of a vast plain, no shelter of any kind. A hait was called, and we "stood at ease."
A small creek or "run" in advance soon became a raging torrent and farther progress was out of the question for that day. Pity! for the two hundred of our regiment that still remained in ranks felt as though they could march to hell if it was necessary-never felt the want of a good horn of "Old Bourbon" so much in all my life-do not think there was a man in ranks but could have "done" a pint without winking. The ration of this article is not equally distributed; consequently the rank and file are killing all the horses in the division by compelling Them to keep up on These forced marches. Their carcasses are thicker (along our line of march for two months past) than mile stones.
June 24th-Started early and reached this station [Bristol] at noon, flanking The deep and rapid "run." Hardly had we pitched our tents when another fierce storm swept over us, and the ground being low those that were not turned inside out by the wind (tents I mean) were flooded by the rushing waters.
Michael Mullville, wounded in skirmish on Cheat Mountain-also, again at the battle of Winchester, returned to duty again to-day. The "Bowery Mess," Co. G, were rejoiced to meet their old messmate again.
David Doyle, left by us at Strausburg on the 1st of April, detailed to cook in hospital and taken prisoner by Jackson, who released him on parole, came down on the train to get his "muster-out," papers and some cash.
Our Sutler is on hand with a large stock-prices to suit the times. Yours in a good humor, once again, with all the world and the rest of mankind, &C. PROCK.
Camp of the 14th Indiana Volunteers,
Four Miles North of Harrison's
Landing, James River, Advance of McClellan's Army,
Wednesday, July 8th, [July 9th] 1862.
Friend Greene: Last Sunday week [June 29th] The Fourteenth left Bristol Station, 0. & A. H. R., and at 1 o'clock P. M. reached Alexandria, having enjoyed a short but exceedingly pleasant ride by rail of forty miles. The road runs through a succession of deep ravines and extensive swamps, and the scenery is anything but picturesque.
We lay at Manaesas Junction for an hour, during which time the boys bought hot pies, ginger bread, cheese, and cigars by the quantity.
Slight showers during the trip only served to render it the more agreeable, although the majority of us took "deck passage."
The train moved slowly through the city, [Alexandria] affording a fine view of the place and its surroundings-forts on the one hand, river and shipping on the other. Stacked arnis in a small meadow; a camp guard was detailed and posted, and an order issued for no man to leave camp unless for wood and water, as in all probability we would ship on a transport for Fortress Monroe at 4 o'clock, but men who had been outside of civilization for a twelve month could not be kept in camp, and in less than an hour two-thirds of the Fourteenth were outside the guard line, in search of wood and water, or climbing tall trees to get a peep at Washington City.
Corporal James H. Simpson and a recruit joined the company here.
Your correspondent and the Colonel's Orderly, Rob't d'Ewald, visited the town to obtain, if possible, a few ice creams, &c.,-succeeded admirably-the creams were deliciously cooked, and too much praise cannot be bestowed upon Alexandria soda water; it is "powerful strong," and I would advise all friends visiting that city to partake freely thereof if they wish to obtain extensive views and command the respect and admiration of the Provost Guards. "Squad, halt! What division?" "None of your business, Mr. Band-box." Guards pass on, with the remark-"Shields' division, I'll bet. How dirty they look."
After disposing of an excellent dinner, washing down the crumbs with "a few more soda water," we spent an hour in perambulating Zig Zag street, apparently the fashionable thoroughfare, Purchased quite a curiosity in the shape of a pair of the justly celebrated frog hair gloves, an article only to be duly appreciated by those who have worn 'em. Hearing the city clock beating off retreat, hastened through a densely crowded street, known as the "Seventeen Alleys," where pon have to dodge two-horse drays, leap over hogs, dogs, wheel-barrows, and slippery cellar doors, past man and wife, shut gates, walk for yards on molasses and tar barrels kick nail kegs and knock impudent-looking cullod persons right and left, elbow through crowds, and squeze and curse your way to camp.
Was just in time to march with the regiment all over town to find the pier where the Columbia transport lay waiting to receive us-boarded her, and with the wheel-house for a pillow was soon sound asleep. At sunrise, having refreshed myself with a few drops of "soda-water" from the canteen of a comrade, I established my headquarters for the trip in front of the pilot house, where first sights could be obtained of the broad river, covered with all manner of sailing craft.
PROCK.