Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-08-07
LETTER FROM CAMP JACKSON.


Tuesday July, 23d en- route for Harrisburg
and also of the Cambria Guards" meeting
many of their old friends at Wilmore, some
of whom accompanied US to Altoona. We
arrived at Camp Curtin at 10 P. NJ. and aft
er supper proceeded to wrap in our blankets
and take ground rest preparatory to going
to sleep. At every station worthy Of note
along the rout from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg
the 11th was greeted with the greatest en-
thusiasm by large crowds Of both ladies and
gentlemen. At Huntingdon the citizens had
prepared US bountiful -epast which was ca
gerly devoured by the hungry soldiers. This
treat was entirely unexpected, but was by no
means less gratefully received than if we had
known the ladies of Huntingdon were labor
ing for our benefit. We remained there
about an hour, and with three cheers for the
citizens of Huntingdon, and three more for
the Stars q Stripes. We sped on our way
We lay in Camp Curtin from Tuesday eve
ming till Thursday morning, when we
took seals in freight cars, and after waiting
two hours, started for Baltimore, where we
arrived about 10 P NJ, While at Camp Cur
tin We received the portion of our equipments
which had not been furnished at Camp Wright;
such as knapsacks, haversacks &c. On
Thursday night We encamped in the suburbs
of Baltimore, receiving the same accomoda-
tions given us at Camp Wright. Friday morn
ing, the 1lth left its camping ground and
marched through Baltimore, to the Baltimore
< Ohio railroad depot. and took the cars for
Washington city, where we arrived early in
the evening Tents were soon furnished but
not in time for Company A. to pitch theirs.
hence we slept on the ground with the canvass
| for covering l should have stated that the
camp of the 11th regiment p r c, is stu
ated a short distance north of Washington
Saturday, July 9th, We put up our tents and
did every thing the location of the camp
would permit, to make ourselves comfortable.
Last night our camp and the others in the
immediate vicinity. were thrown into a state
of great citement by the seutries firing their
muskets. and the drum beating the call to
arms. We were soon formed and awaited
d
time Suffice to say, the alarm was false and
VIC were ordered to retire to our quarters and
be ready to fall in at a moments notice when
we were next alarmed. We are surrounded
by camps on every side. As to the exact
number of soldiers in and around Washi o gton,
L suppose you know as much as your CORES
pondent. Some place the lowest estimate at
20 900 others at 100, 900 and some at still
higher figures.
The most exciting topics of discussion in
our camp now, are the probability of the L tn
receiving the amount due it from Pa, and
the same uucerta inty to whether we will
get better arms than those furnished us at
Camp Wright. Last Monday the 11th or as
much of it were willing, was sworn into
the U S. service. In some companies the
the men refused to leave the State service
until they were paid off. but by Tuesday eve
ming all except three four had taken the
required outh. We have received a promise
of our pay the last of this week. or the first
of next. We are also promised better arms
than those we now have, which are altered
flint locks. | hope the last item is true. and
that we will soon have Instruments in our
hands that will be o. some service in killing
traitors 1t is now ru norei In camp til at we
will soon leave for some position nearer the
enemy. If this be true you will long
hear of the 11th Distinguishing itself. The
men are eager for the fray. y few more
words and l will close
notice, in the issue of the Democrat d,
Sentinel containing letter from Camp Wright
written ty one of your correspon cents, that
his note is commented upon with regard to
the number of men who should haze enlisted
to fiji up the ranks of Co. A from Ebens-
burg and vicinity | agree with him in all
he wrote, at that time, and believe it VISA
applicable then, but, on our way here quite
number joined us at Winore. & Gallitzin
and two from Cambria Co., joined at Altoona,
so that | have no doubt his remark would
not be made now Yours, &c. H.
P. S. Since writing the above, learned
that the I'd Reg't., P. R. c., had left their
camping ground, on our right and with seal
ed orders started for some destination, to be
known only when their orders are opened -
A balloon reconnaissance also came off yester-
erday, by the federals. The knowing ones
say, things look fghtish An order from
Gen. M 'Clelan was read to US this morning,
prohibiting more than two privates. and one
commissioned officer from each company, vis-
iting Washington on the same day. H
o. The Memphis appeal of Saturday, the 9th