The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-07-19


line, advancing through the city, and about
mile back of it, where we halted to select
camping grounds in a timothy field, ad.
joining the camp of the Massachusetts, 9Th.
Here also we were cheered.
In the afternoon, Immediately after hav
ing selected our camping grounds and left
the ranks, the boys spread in every direc.
ton to the neighboriDg wells and brooks
for water; and some of US visited several
of the regiments from Massachusetts, Penn
sylvania and Michigan, together with the
Fire Zouaves, of New York, all quartered
in the immediate vicinity of our encamp.
ment. We also visited Ellsworth's Battery
situated on lofty elevation, commanding
fine view of the Capitol, Alexandria and
the Potomac, at distance of about one
mile from Alexandria, and in close prox.
unity to the Zouave camp, situated in a
beautifully shaded grove on the same hill.
The battery consists of twenty four pieces
of artillery, and occupied by two companies
of regulars.
The drill of the Zouaves was magnif-
cent affair. l witnessed battalion drill
all performed in quick time, and no fences
formed any impeachment in the way of their
movements. They frequently formed line
over fences, and marched by companies over
it, or tore them down with crash that
would remind one of tearing down houses
on fire. The commands were given in a
rather Indifferent but firm manner, and they
were executed with seemingly careless but
regular motions They are ferocious look
ing set, and band of them not subjected
to any military discipline would not be a
blessing to the country they passed through;
but they are fit guests in JEFF Davis do.
minion. They say they are impatient to go
to Richmond to release one of the Zouaves
taken prisoner by the Confederates.
In the evening our baggage wagons ar
rived, and we pitched our tents and wrapped
ourselves in our blankets and slept comfor-
tably until three o'clock this morning. Just
az the dawn of day began to be visible in
the Eastern horizon we are aroused by an
alarm and ordered to fall in," with our
muskets, belts and cartridge boxes; and the
boys rubbed their yet sleepy eyes, arose
with one bound, instantly accoutred them
selves, grasped their muskets, and bidding
each Other an affectionate good bye, filled
the ranks in less time than have taken to
write it. We stood at "attention" for about
a half an hour, when we were ordered to
stack arms and break ranks again. 1t was
probably false alarm. We Immediately
grasped each others hand in congratulation
of glorious victory in this our first battle!
Thus we inaugurated the celebration OF
the glorious Fourth, which was continues
throughout the day with our usual camp
life varied only by dress parade at twelve
NJ, when salutes were heard simultaneously
from Washington, Alexandria, and other
places in the vicinity, while our Band, in
conjunction with other Bands from the 9th
er regiments encamped here, made the at
mosphere vibrate with national airs. The
most notable incident of the day was the
arrest by our regiment OF this time of four
supposed spies, which were taken down to
Alexandria and locked up. Old Three
Years. guarded them in their transporta'
tion to the g. lock up" This evening some
of the Minnesotans went through an imi'
tation of an Indian dance, which was wit
messed by few visitors with profound ad
miration.
At dress parade to night we were pro
missed an opportunity to load and fire to ou'
hearts content very soon. TO morrow
morning Company A will relieve Company
Fl, in guarding the Railroad Bridge o.
Washington and Alexandria Railroad
Relief every twenty four hours. 1t is ru
mored that Company 81 have killed two
rebels to day-glory enough for the
Fourth! The picket guards, which extend
two or three miles out have frequently Skin
mishes with the enemy, and generally with
favorable results, although some of our mer
(uot Of Minnesota First) have been killed
and wounded:
All Of Minnesota First, as far as l am
able to ascertain, are in excellent health
and enjoy the climate of Virginia beyond
our most sangune expectations. The
nights are as cool and pleasant as in Min
nesota, and the days have not yet been ex.
cessively warm: The landscape is beautiful
and picturesque, and aside from the events
of the war, many other scenes of the Old
Dominion will liDger pleasantly in the
memory of the soldier of 81.
PRIVATE.
The REBELS have been hoping that Gen