Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1861-12-25
From the 46th Pennsylvania Regiment
CAMP MATHEWS, near Frederick CITY.
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- AAOAA Il iSucElck Sity,
,x Dec. 18th, 1861. I
Mr.. Editor Taking it for granted that
any news from the Logans is always accepta-
pie' VIII tell you, as well as can, what we
nave been doing since we have been " gone
20 the wars Our principal duty, so far, has
Deen plcketlng along the Potomac. This is
sometimes rendered a little exciting. when.
from the bushes which grow so luxuriantly
on the opposite shore, we may expect a stray
leaden messenger to find its way amongst us,
sent by the kind hands of the Secesh. -
Still, as yet, none of US have been compelled
to be the unwilling recipients of their medi-
clnes, which they scatter so profusely, in
the shape Of pills, among the Yankees" !"
We have been moved around considerably.
sometimes not staying more than two or
three days at one place. So far we have been
blessed with good encampments, as regarded
water and fuel, although our camp at Muddy
Branch well deserved it's name, being at ali
times nearly one mass of mud, and the men
continually carried around on their feet about
ten pound of the " sacred soil'' of MARYLAND
which Is, to say the least, anything but soil
to be Dragged of. We are at present in
very pleasant camp, about two and a half
miles west of Frederick city. 1t is very
pleasantly situated in all respects, there be-
ing plenty Of water handy, which YOU need
not be told is something Of very great impor-
tance in camp. How long we may remain
here | am unable to say Even as write we
are under heavy marching orders, but where
to go, am equally in ignorance We have
flying reports of engagements in which We
are to take part, but whether they are only
put IN flight to try us or not, am not pre-
pared to say. / can say though, that the
Logans are not only ready but willing to do
oil fhoN-
which they are engaged. We have not as
yet had any brushes with the " chivalry,"
although we came very near getting into one
at Balls Bluff. There has been considerable
sickness in our company, but Of all who were
at the hospital there now remains but one,
and We have assurance that he Will be with
in day or two. To me it is a little sur
prising that there has not been great many
more sick. which would seem to be conse-
quent upon the frequent change of water and
surroundings. At present there is only one
thing that seems at all 10 trouble the boys,
and that is the scarcity of girls. But rs al
most every one has his sweetheart" at home,
and gets letters from her. they get over that
difficulty pretty well. Still, when lady ap
pears IN sight, there is a great rush to see
her. This may seem strange at first thought,
but when | tell you that we have been for
weeks mt q time without seeing a woman's
face, you will see that it is only natural. We
have seen more of them since our stay in our
present camp than wo saw in nll our travels
since we left Washington City. Our camp is
named Camp Mathews, after our Major, who
is, can assure you, of great use to our reg
iment. Everybody in it speaks we'll of him,
| which is saying great deal. Cor it is not ma
ny men who could please as large a body of
men as ours as well as he has done. There
is nothing of Importance to communicate now
Shnuld any thing occur. will let you know.
With many regards, and hoping We may
all meet after the war, remain
Yours truly E. w. G.