Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-12-31
LETTEls FROM FORTRESS MONROE
Correspondence Of tile Journal aud Statesman.
LETTER No. ls.
CAMP Hamilton. Fortress Monroe. Va,
just before Christmas, 1861. !

just before ChrlstIhaai lohl.
FRIERn EGKgL;
And another vision appeared
unto me in my sleep. when the watchman OF the
night called sentinel, was YEARLY walking his
most and when those who dwell in tents, with
their blankets Of wool about them, forgetful OF
wars and rumors of wars, were dreaming Of the
coming holidays.
For il was season when the Savior of The
wOrld--a mghtier than armed hosts with brave
captains, came TO proclaim peace on earth and
good will to man to counsel kindness, forhear-
ance and brotherly love to one another, concord
which should unite nations and hearts with cords
of enduring strengih-briuging joy and gladaess
to make the world as bright as the day'star
which shoue with its immortal liie-giVing beams |
over Bethlehem of the Fast.
And methought that the armed men of Della
ware were sore troubled and bowed down 10
spirit, for they were in a land among airangers,
aud no egg nog or apple toddy with which to
greet Christmas.
Aud they lifted up their voices aud spaEe oh,
ye patron of childhoods joys, quckener OF man
hoods pleasures, and times marker to point OH
age to the delights of its youth.
| Why have ye forsaken us, leaving us TO our
/ own limited resources for the enjoyments that
should he ours on that auspicious occasion oh,
We grinnIhg saint can ye not be with us still, TO
impart comfort aud cheer
Thersupon there appeared at the house of the
guard one whose face, though bearing the marks
Of centuries, was wreathed in smiles, and whose
eye sparkled with the fire OF youth, and kndled
with love for the race, telling Of glad tdngs
which he Ind brought to those who were doing
battle for their country.
Aud looked again. and saw that he was
clothed with garment Of the buffalo, and that
his countenance was like unto one had seen
before when the festal anniversary WAS hailed
with gladness, in that il brought stores Of inlan-
tile wealth, and visions Of oft recurring joyous
days.
lie was Saint Nicholas by name Kriss krin
Gle oftimes called, and these are the words he
addressed to the Deawares, who were round
about, looking at the strange man, aud listening
to his speech
Oh, We men Of little faith in my ubiquiy !
Did / not hear you say there WAS no Christmas
to interrupt the tedium of thy days?
Did ye think because war had cursed this
locality, would not come unto thee with my
smiling presence and CHEEKY favOrs Y
! Did ye, oh, foolish ones, suppose, that because
1 We are modest dwelers in tents, would leave
, aud torsake thee that thy stove pipe chimueys
would be bar to my ingress, aud thy little
canvass damicils too small to hold me
Q Know ye not that mans happiness must not
be measured by the size Of his house, or that
u his cheer shall he restricted by circumserbed
y walls, or that blessings could penetrate n thick
; cloth roof as readily as one OF slate or bald
- cypress shingle.
IL pleasant associations to Nil who are deserving ol
e its vistatiOns at home or abroad. In camp,
Z. visions of that wonderful composition of eggs
brandy and sugar can still fit through the
mind. with thoughts involuntary of huge tur'
l. keys with oyster stufIing, and mince pies swim
u ming in cider IIallowed memories aud cheer
n ing promises OF future hours Of happiness car
tt, be indulged in here as well ns elsewhere.
l Thy seniries cannot keep me from thy camp
n will run the line, and none can hinder. Thy
v weapons of war 30 carefully placed in thell
, racks, cannot keep me out Of thy tents will
" be with you all, to in1uge and comfort thee il
= thy exile, self assumed.
a No thought of rebel cOnignty shall slaTn
thee Thou art dsoharging thy duty, and ar
e deserving the reward Of good and faithful
II servant. Am not patron saint over soldier
IA as we'll hs civilians
" Oh, ye Blue Hens Chickens who have com
m down from the little Diamond State to meet III.
" foes, suffer me TO take thee under my wing lie
A thy Joys at Christmas he unmarried and perfect
Pitch in and have bully time
81 Do moi hear ely rumors Of certain suspicion
n looking bottles to be produced from secret nooks
in and some beautiful and toolhsome decoctiOna 1
be made therefrom Are your people no
skilled in the fabrication of compounds from tn
ID juice of the apple?
mr. Do not see boxes coming down by rail nn
"a boat from the beautiful city on the BrandyWine
~ ~, When the lid is opened behold come Of III
III feathered tribe, layer of cigars, but under
ig meath modestly lies hid from the watchiul eye
no Of the commander, a long necked, black bottle
filled with wine or strong drink, that thol
mayst celebrate the occasion in thy style, for !
Id it not common that q man shall be Inspired n
1d Christmas
/, So place your tin cups and basins on the cone
Nv like stoves, heat the water and prepare you
ed beverages, and drink TO the success Of the Anne
at rican arms, and confusion TO traitors, saying
= oh, ye iire-eaters from the south country, thu
a. may ye be swallowed up by an ayenging army
" terrible with banners of red, white and blue, o
es which the stars shall never wane, nor in numbG
m diminish
Then, why grumble ye at thy fate2 Ye sha
at not be cheated out of thy Christmas, If ye al
ns not among thy kindred eggs eau still be hO
id for price, aud milk may be had for n shilling
quart; sugar is still sold by the sutler.
NJ Turkeys are yet strutting in the countr.
Df ] waiting to be captured and devoured and mint