Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1861-07-11
FROM CAMP HALL.
The following is a portion of private let
ter from Pittsford volunteer, member of
the 9th New York Regiment -
Camp Hall, Maryland, !
limo o. 1891

the 9th New York Regiment -
Camp Hall, Maryland,
June 20, 1861.
we have moved since / last wrote to you
We are now encamped on the banks of the
Potomac, forty-four miles from Washington,
and fifteen fiom Harper's Ferry. We have
been encamped here four DAYS, and cannot
say how much longer we shall remain, as we
high privates are not let into State secrets,
such as our destination, &c. Our Regiment
is stretched along the river for eighteen miles,
and is employed in scouting, as it constitutes
the advance guard of Col. Stones brigade
The matter is managed thus A company
starts out In the morning taking with them
one days rations which consists of hard bread
and bacon; it proceeds to some post on the
river when it establishes head.ularters for
the day; the men are then sent out each way
to watch the river and arrest anv person
found crossing, but we have strict orders not
to fire upon any one, unless first fired upon
by them. The enemy have their picket guard
stationed just on the opposite side the river,
and they no doubt have received orders SIM
liar 10 ours, as they do not attempt to fire
upon US, but content themselves in spndipg
across language IN no way justified by any
rule laid down in Webster They seem
poorly armed, some being provided with the
old style flint lock musket, others have not
even those, but carry old swords and pistols.
| suppose however they, like US, depend for
success upon the rig hteousness of their cause,
and think 1t useless to use more effective
weapons than these
You would be surprised to know the feeling
with which We are regarded by the people in
this vicinity, and TO hear them talk of the
treatment they EXPECTED TO receive from US on
our march through the country. | was talk
ing yesterday with a man who lives on.
the bank OF the river not far from our camp
SAID he, when heard that your regiment
was coming thro' here, | expected 10 receive
almost brutal treatment. | supposed that my
slaves would be- liberated, nv hIlIinu, burn
ed, and my PROPERTY generally DESTROYED"
find that this is the prevailing impression
with regard to Us throughout this y.ycinitv.
We are however, making Union men every
day, and think, i we were only perpitted
10 cross the river we could make SOM con
verts on the othef side but perhaps not IN 50
mild manner. as they might need Dracti-
cal demonstration with paHder and ball, TO
convince them OF our desire for friendly rela-
tiohs and for their reformation. Thin,
however, that such a proceeding would make
chance to test our power to bring them over
to the right side, and if we fail, hope and
think it will not be the fault OF the 9th.
We have our share ofsport in the routine
of camp life, and some very amusing incidents
occur in connection with our guard duties
last night there was a little occurrence that
has excited great merriment IN camp to-day.
The country here Is infested with hogs. AMI
one Of the swinish multitude with her young
family. in taking her nightly walk approach
ed our lines She was heard and lndIstnctly
seen by one OF the sentinel, who challenged
in due form with. who comes there ~ She
did not even give grunt in answer, and al
ter a second challenge, chuck ing that he had
secured a real - secessiOnet' he leyeled his
gun and fired with fatal effect upon the poor
pig. Our only regret was that It was not in
an eatable condition kut the poor fellow who
perpetratcd the mistNe IS nearly bored TO
death with the allusions 10 his valorous con-
duct last night
With regard 10 myself, am in fine health.
have gained flesh Of late, but | hardly think
YOU would know me il YOU were to see me.
for full boards are all the style in camp. and
my head is as guiltless Of hair as shears will
leave it. !, as well as the whole regiment,
dress in anything we have that will be the
most cool and comfortable. Your humble
servant appears in common every day life, in
blue WOODEN shirt and pants, leather legginas,
cloth gaiters, AMI old straw hat; the others
are dressed in about the same stvle, and upon
the whole | think tFev look very htte ike
the same regiment which left New York but
a month since.
The men have been quite healthy, and we
have but few on the sick list. | will try to
keep you posted in regard to all our move
ments. w. G. Is.