Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-03-29
Letter from Camp Floyd, Utah Territory.
Correspondence ct the Hartford Times.
CAMP FLOYD, UTAH TERRIToRY,
February 10Th, 1859.

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CAMP FLOYD. UTAH TERRIToRY,
February 10th, 1859.
We are auartered at the present time, at
Camp Floyd. Is miles S. W. of Salt Lake
City. q say we, because | am speaking
about the soldiers, and am one of that hon
orable body myself.) This Camp is conf
posed exclusively of adobe buildings, one
story high, mud floors, board roofs, and
glazed windows. It's length is about one
mile by one quarter wide; in all, about 500
buildings, making quite city in these wild
regions. In Summer the inhahiant is al
most smothered with dustin Winter, sur
rounded with snow, and at the present time,
We can almost swim i'll mud. We do not
complain in the least, Of the latter, as it pre-
vents us from going through our heretofore
daily drill duty a soldier is particularly
fond of lover the left
Money is not very plenty with u, here; we
have not been paid since last September, but
the settlers accommodate Us with what We
want at Salt Lake prices, which. can assure
you. are not very low. will quote the price
Of few articles: Tobacco $50 per lb.;
Sugar 6Oc.; Tea So; Whi>key Ohio s. per
gallon: Flour so per cwt. The Mormons
! bring in eggs and butter, which they sell,
eggs ut 4Oc. per dozen, and butter at soc. per
pound.
We have n theatre and circus here. with
good companies, also several billiard saloons
hotels, &C., principally carried OH by the cit
liens.
Near the camp there is a small Mormon
settlement. You would be astonished to soc
in what manner they live. Their houses are
composed of hole dug in the ground about
three feet deep, and an old wagon body
thrown over the top Of II for root. Gener-
ally all of them have yoke of oxen, and
haul wood in from the mountains. and make
their living in that way Taking them as
body, they are miserable set. Brigham
Young and his sanity followers are very
tame and quiet, and they give us no trouble
ut all.
You no doubt are aware that on an expe-
dition like ours, the army is generally followed
by certain class generally termed blacklegs.
We have had portion of those gents wait
ing out of camp for us To get paid, as the wolf
does for his prey. They thought TO make a
grand haul on Us but they were mistaken,
and great many of them have pulled up
stakes and left for parts unknown, no doubt
with a sad heart, and hope the balance will
follow their example. IA in our opinion their
room is better than their company. We can
very well attend to any little amusement that
We may have. without their assistance.
will give you slight idea Ct IL Mormon
drinking saloon. You enter Il shanty buitof
old boards formerly used in constructing
wagons: the eyes meet Il whiSkey barrel, and
behind it stands its lordly proprietor. One
or two rude benches, and old stove. &c, com
prise the furniture of the establishment
The attendant asks you what YOU will take:
you say whiskey (ofcourse:) he ,czes glass
and stoops To the faucet, and then drsccnds
the most exhilarating nectar, Croft You
cndeavvr To drink; he says. come down
boys. only 80 cents per drink" You give
him long last look and leave az once. If
you should repeat the dose. odoubt YOU will
attend Surgeon call i'll the morning with
"Oh my head.
As a general thing, we were very happy
and contcnted here. The contrast between
this winter and that of last is very great. We
are very comfortable, and have plenty to eat
and wear We have, all told. about 1000
men here, composed of the Fifth, Seventh
and Tenth regiments Of infantry, and two
batteries aud eight companies OF the Scc"ul
Dungeons: and for that number the discipline
is first rate.
Our tattoo is now sounding anl must fin
i.h and away Yours. ". I. HUI.
Company G. Tenth Infantry.