Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1861-12-13
ArmY Correspondence.

CAMP NEviN, KY December 4th, 1861.
FRIEND KEELER;--I have another opPortun-
ity of talking with my pen to you and to the
readers of the JouRSAt. As expected, we are
still here not knowing when we will advance.
Our force here is sufficient for a good hand
to hand encounter with the rebels. So
far We are like Old Maids are said to be: "Ready
but not wantedl' 1t is openly proclaimed in
Camp to-day that we will be able for an advance
as soon as one million frcemcn unite their destiny
with ours, and march from their homes in the
Great Free West, for they need body guard at
the house ofevery manin the State of Kentucky.
This is a singular war and it must be carried
on with more regard to the wishes of the reb-
els than of interest TO the country. The pro-
perty Of well known secessionists must be
strongly guarded and protected. Away with
this childish play. If there is any law let its
supremacy be vindicatcd Let the world know
that we are capable of self government. Let us
stop boastng of our Nationality, and have a
rigid enforcement Of all laws.
The health of the 49th regiment is fast i'm
proving and the men are satisfied. They en-
dure soldiers life like old campaigners. The
| friends Of soldiers in the 49th regiment need
have no fears for no man suffers. They have
plenty to eat of good and substantial food but
our Camp does not abound with luxuries. 1t
is hard bread bacon, rice, beef potatoes, coffee,
&c; the &c. being what is accide,Riy picked up
by the men. They also have sufficient clothes
to keep them dry and warm. All that We re-
l. cna
letters and not forget TO send us the papers.
On Thanksgiving Day, while our friends in
Ohio were living on the fat of the land-I know
that in many households seat was vacant at
the festive board by the absence ofa son, hus-
band or father, who had gone forth to battle for
their country-our Thanksgiving was passed on
picket gaardt For thirty-six hours we stood at
the post of duty, during the whole of which
time it rained very hard. We were compelled
to ford creeks where the water was three feet
deep, and during the whole time lived upon two
scanty meals With the creeks and the rain to-
gether we got pretty thoroughly soaked, but not
a murmur was heard.
Lieut. Wilcox is on the sick list, but he is now
convalescent, and bids fair to soon be entirely
recovered
On the third day of December it showed all
day, and we now have about seven inches of
snow, good skating and excellent sleighing.-
The boys only regret that the Buckeye girls
they left behind could not enjoy the pleasure of
sleigh ride with them.
Capt. Bartlett and squad of men, have gone
out rabbt-hunting By the way, the captain
is extremely popular with his men.
This morning Capt. Lovejoy accidently shot
himself in the mouth with his revolver. The
ball lodged in the upper jaw. The wound is
not considered dangerous.
So far the Paymaster has not made the ac-
quantance of the 49th regiment but we are all
anxious for an introduction.
In the 18th regiment We have Bob Morris
Sheep Skin Band, whose music reminds one of
the croackings of the bull-frogs in some dismal
swamp. Their music is unearthly and should
be abolished.
John Stoner Printer boy in Company F,
makes good soldier.
The railroad bridge across salt river has wash
ed away and cut off supplies. Some regiments
are reported as having nothing but bacon and
coffee With them hard bread would be a LUXURY
Winter has come, and with it its pelting
storms but we hope it may not be ',cuter Of
discomfort.
Weare willing if necessary, to have the 72nd
regiment track the 49th in their victorious
marches, through snow-drifts and rivers of ice,
making our tracks traceable by bloody footsteps
upon the frozen snow. Our blood may chill,
but our love of country shall remain unchiled
forever. RED STICK.