Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-10-02
CAMP NEAR DARNsrowN, Md, Sept 2sd, 1861.

CAMP NEAR DARNsTowN, Md, Sept 23d, 1861.
DEAR Row 1T is now twenty eight days,
since the principal part of the Division of Gen.
Banks have occupied the same position, near
the above named village. presume, that not
one of the many Regiments, lhave march
ed one mile in the direction of the Potomac
six miles distant-since their arrival here.
For some reason, our men are desirous to a
wait, on the Maryland side, the attack of the
Confederates. From the best information,
the Confederate force on the Virginia side Of
the Potomac, observing the movements of
Gen. Banks, do not number more than five or
six thousand, and 1t is not likely that they
will leave their vantage ground. Our army
have been held in readiness to march, at an
hours notice, for the last twenty days; but
this is all that is done in the way of march
ing-except when on drill. This drilling, in
the Bucktail Regiment, is kept up with great
regularity-at sunrise two hours, company
drills during the day, and dress parade of two
hours in the evening.
Coils. Biddle and Kane are excellent officers,
and held IN the highest esteem by the Regl-
ment. From what have seen and know, the
confidence OF the Regiment-in their officers,
when the day of battle arrives, dor come it
must,) will not be misplaced. This Regiment
is considered one of the best in service.
say this, without disparaging in the least. any
of the troops in the field. | believe all that
our army now desires is 10 De leu at once 10
meet the enemy on Virginia soil.
1t is rumored to-day, and 1 suppose cor
rectly, that Col. Bidde's Regiment, with the
Penn!a Regiment of Col. Mann encamped in
this vicinity, will march tomorrow for WASH
ngton. Our boys will then have meeting
with their comrades of the 5th Peun'a Re-
serve, Col. Simmons. This is also first rate
Regiment. | presume the Penn'a Reserve
Regiments will form one corps of the grand
hat N inf irOin
The 10th Penn'a Regiment Col. Knipe ar
rived here last evening and encamped one
hundred perches from the Kane Rifles. This
Regiment lately left Harrisburg. A sad scene
has attached itself TO the early movements of
this Regiment. Last evening on their maj ch,
and only five miles from where they intended
to encamp, private in one of the companies
(I believe from Luzerne county, became dis
orderly, and by order of the Major of the Reg
iment was tied up to the rear of one of the
wagons in the train. In a few minutes the
private freed himself from the cords that
bound him. and taking a musket out of the
hands OF one of the men shot the Major dead.
His body was brought to this place and for
warded to his late home. The private was
tried by Court Martial to-day and sentenced
to be hung-which sentence will be carried
into effect when approved by the President.
Should our Regiment march to Washington,
Capt. 81. d. Patton will be compelled to re-
sign either his Brigade or Regimental Quar-
ter Mastership. Col. Bidde is desirous that
the Qr-Master shall accompany the Regiment,
and Gen. Banks appears to wish his contnu-
ing in the Brigade. l cannot say which of the
appointments he may determine to hold.
There are about twenty five of this Regime
sick in the Hospital, and some others in their
tents. There have been two privates of this
Regiment buried since my arrival here.
Yours, Al.