American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1861-07-20
Correspondence of the Citizen.
CAMP WALKER, MANASSAS JUNCTION, }
July IA, 1861.
ENSIS.

CAMP WALKER, MANASSAS JUNCTION.,
July IA, 1861.
Mr.. j. f. BoswoRTH:
Dear Sir-We have just returned from
pretty severe drill. Our Colonel, think
ing we were having too easy time of it.
put us through the battalion movements in
double-quick time; and the boys, feeling
somewhat fatigued, are taking advantage Of
the few leisure moments in lying around in
their respective tents, discussing double
quick time; and believe it is their unani-
nous opinion, there is no merit in it, this
hot weather.
Our General Jones, l think, is Tightening
the reins somewhat upon us, and keeps us
pretty busy. The following programme will
give you some idea of the duty we perform /:
the reveille is beaten at half-past four; bat
TALON drill at six company drill at ten
squad drill at two F. M; battalion drill at
four; dress parade at six; tattoo at hafpast
eight lights out at eight fifty. From this
you can infer they keep US a-going.
Since the reception of "Ole Dabe'sa mes
sage, all seem to think we are to have hard
fighting, and plenty of it, at that. His
creed is, ''war to the knife, and the knife to
the hilt." Let them come on. We are
willing to meet them. All are determined
to die, rather than they shall march into the
interior of Virginia.
Our officers keep us in perfect ignorance
of all army movements. We do not know
what tomorrow may bring forth, though all
begin to think we will not advance from this
point.
One thing is evident: Gen. Beauregard
has become very active of late, and has been
moving around more than usual for the last
few days. There is something in the wind.
All have he utmost confidence in him, and
believe he has information of every move
ment of the enemy.
1t is believed that the Federal forces will
advance this week from all points, and they
will cross the Potomac at Washington with
a large force; and that, as the time of enlist
ment of large number of their forces will
expire within three weeks, they will wish to
strike blow before that time.
1t is thought Gen. Beauregard will fall
tire force; and as that point is considered
the most important one in the State of Vir-
ginia, will there make desperate stand; and
the great battle will be fought there. This,
though, is all conjecture. 1t is utterly i'm
possible for US to ascertain the number OF
troops in advance of us.
Capt. Hamer went out with bis company
a few days since, upon a accommodating ex-
petition, and on his return, reported great
many Southern troops in advance of us, but
could not learn the number.
Gen. Beauregard and staff went up, a few
days since, to Fairfax, and since his return
vigilance has been renewed.
The health of the Confederates" is now
very good. A good many have been down
with the measles, but now convalescent.
The sick of the regiment have been removed
to Culpepper. They are well taken care OF
there. The ladies at that place are very
kind and attentive to the sick-furnish them
with the proper food for sick man-and
do every thing to mako them comfortable.
Too much praise cannot be awarded the pa
triotic ladies of Culpepper. Their kind at
tentions have saved the life of many sick
soldier, and may God bless them.
Lieut.. Luckett was taken very i'll about
two weeks since, and was moved to Culpep-
per, but, few days ago, rejoined us, I am
happy to say, looking well. He says the
citizens were very kind to him, and untiring
| in their attentions to the sick.
/ We have been living rather rough since
we arrived here but within the last few
! days poultry, eggs and butter begin to make
their appearance in camp, and, think, will
add much to the health of the soldiers. Com
mon bacon, -four, coffee and sandy sugar
were becoming somewhat unpalatable, and
it is quite change to pick the wing of a
duck or chicken.
One of our mess came up to-day. with
some ducks, chickens and eggs-the first
we have had since we left Corinth-and /
think the quacking Of those ducks were the
sweetest notes I ever heard. One of cur
mess was so elated, he plucked feather
from the wing of chicken, and is wearing
/ it in his hat.
| This reminds me Of circumstance that
occurred in camp not long since. Our COM.
pany 1.-THE oficers') are not furnished with
rations, and have to purchase their provis-
ions, and Lieut.. H is Commissary of the
officers mess, and concluded he would send
by our friend u, who was going to
Richmond, for some provisions. Consequent
| " made out, As he said, . bill for provisions.
At every meal, they would discuss their
bad fare, and Lieut.. H would exclaim,
{" just hold on until our provisions arrive
| from Richmond ~
Well, the long-looked-for provisions
came 1t last, and large barrel was rolled
out Of wagon, and taken to the tent and