The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-07-12
Our War Correspondence
Fourth Of July-.HOn. g. G. Andrews.
Capture OF F. f. V.'s--ExploIt of
Captain Adams Company.


FOURTH OF JULY EVE.
Some one tonight may be thinking of
our Regiment, and wondering how Mime.
sofas soldiers have passed the anniversary
of the Nations birth. will attempt in a
few lines to tell you. The quick roll of the
drum just at the break of day called the
whole Regiment to arms. The rapid firing
of musketry short distance north of US,
PAUSED natural alarm, and while it ceased
tfter o half hour, our watchful Colonel
thought it well to be ready to start at a
moments notice. The cause of the firing
has not been ascertained, but it is supposed
70 have been the firing of rebels at pickets
% the lines.
After breakfast all things were quiet, but
during the morning we had several surpri-
ss, widely different in kind, however. First,
Who should make his appearance in the first
d the staff tents but Hon. G. G. Andrews,
Of st. Cloud. All who had the pleasure OF
bis acquaintance warmly welcomed him, and
il was refreshing to hear so directly from
home, from one who had so recently left the
State.
| just at noon surprise the second took
place. The color guard, under one Richard
German, with whom your readers have some
acquaintance, marched into the Colonels
tent four regular F. F. V.s-gentlemen OF
the first water, lordly, and whose lips curled
naturally at Northern laborers and patriots.
During the morning, the guard had no
ticed them in an adjoining field, enjoying
sports worthy of cavaliers of Charles l,
pitching quoits and playing cards. Major
Dyke being informed of their presence,
visited them and they with great naivete
feigned ignorance of cards, and asked him
if he could distinguish them. The Major,
with the bOnhomme +" natural to him.
consented to play the part of instructor, and
then quietly leaving them guard under
"tbree years." Sergeant German soon visited
them, and with politeness equal to that of
Virginia's Sons in her ancient days of
glory, escorted them into the camp, where
they were gazed at, with more curiosity
than any visitor of Barnum's looked at his
woody horse.
The gentlemen stated that they were out
from Alexandria, because there was no Gel
ebration there to-day, and in gentlemanly
way were merely parading themselves. AS
the Colonel was not wholly satisfied, the
hospital ambulance was soon made ready
and they were treated to ride to head
quarters at Alexandria to be forthwith ex.
amined.
AS write there is great huzzaing in the
camp. Captain Adams company was sent
out this morning to guard a telegraph wire
and bridge not far distant. A rumor, which
is to be confirmed, has reached US that he
has killed two men and taken four horses.
Should this be true you will soon learn all
the particulars.
God bless all the loved ones at home who
are often thought of by
SAINT PAUL.
P. S. There is talk of movement from
here shortly, and that in connection with
Shermans Battery and some others troops
we may be in the advance.
The Massachusetts men compliment our
regiment highly, and one of their Captains
yesterday said that be would like to fight
under our Colonel and with the regiment
EXTRACT FROM PRIVATE LETTER WRITTEN
BY AN OFFICER IN COMPANY c.
| HEADQUARTERS lsr REG'T,l
| CAMP FRANKLIN,
| 1T alexandria, Va July 4.
Contrary to my expectations, we were
landed and ordered to encamp at Alexan.
dria, instead of going to Matthias Point.
We encampcd here on last evening. about
one mile from the city. We are surrounded
on all sides by Federal troops. A regi.
ment from each of the States of Pennsyl.
vania, Michigan, Massachusetts, and also
the Fire Zouaves are encamped within a
stones throw of US. We expect to leave
here in few days for the purpose of rout.
ing the rebels from Fairfax Court House
they are said to be about five thousand
strong. If we go we will be SUSTAINED by
Sherman's Battery, who are encamped close
to US, the Fire Zouaves, and perhaps one or
two other regiments.
We have been attached to Gen. Frank
Inns brigade in Gen. McDowell's division
Of Northeastern Virginia.
Our pickets captured three spies last
night. l was officer of the guard, and had
the honor Of capturing the first rebels our
regiment had met with. Company II are
on picket duty to day. They reported two
secession pickets shot to night, and four
horses captured. So YOU can see we are