Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-10-15
FROM CAMP ANDREWS
0TV5FNHWeHVs uI INC JNWFnHI and NIAIeN
LETTER No. ..


HEADQUARTERS, 1st DEL. VoLuarEERs,
Camp AHdrers, near Ncio Castle,
Sunday night, Oct 13, 1861
FRIEND EcKEI:
We feel our Importance just at
present, enjoying the sole proprietorship Of nm
establishment that can boast table, IA trunk and
guch modern improvements rs a cot, II camps stool
nnl candleslick. When any of our friends
honor us with visit, we feel about as conse-
quentlal as young married couple when they
are doing the hOn0rs of the house to an iRvitel
guest, with pardonable sensation and look of
self-gratulation and patronizing air, which seems
to say "this is our domicil, don't you envy us
the possession Of it., and the sense OF comfort
sptinging from that knowledgeY"
1t being our purpose as before intimated. to
afford your roaders some insight into the mode
OF life peculiar to the soldier, we will hnyn 10
present the various phases as they strike us. and
to draw the many pictures faithfully enough to
render them familiar to the eye of those who have
never had the privilege of living under canvass.
You never experienced uncomfortable weather
In camp, did you? Well, il you haven't, some
OF us have. Suppose It is night; not a stnr
visible, tho rain patters upon the tents the wind
blows with mournful noise, signing through
the trees; we close the opening of the tent
tightly, draw the strings, light the candle, take
seat on bench or n box, and feeling secure
against the descent of the water, draw upon our
own resources of miud for enjoyment, and caress
our moustache which We are now cultiyatinr
assiluousy Presently friend drops in, We
offer him the choice Of aeat on the stool or the
cot, slightly afflicted with ricketts,; the ever
present cigar or pipe is produced, and we chat
and discuss the pleasures Of our position and
speak incidentally Of the few discomforts. for
instance, rainy night, when a small stream of
water is apt to insnuate itself under the walls
winding in n tOrtuOus track about the floor.
making careful step on the part of the occu-
pant necessity, particularly il he is shoeless Mt
the time. But Notwithstanding this, in the COM
parisons--said generally to be invidious-be-
tween this and our late mode of life in a vii.
mingtOn Hotel, where our chambers were car
peted, the beds inviting, and every thing cheer
fuli we vote ourselves as happy aud cOntented
MS ever under circumstances which those not in
the service would deem more favorable
To fly of Mt tangent for moment; II is
surprising what man can endure, aud with
whnt readiness he can fit himself to his place
he is generally equal to the exigences of lle case
and is astonished himself at The much desired
faculty OF habituaing himself to the requirements
Of campaign service.
How inspiriting is pleasant day in camp
how cheering to the spirits always baromerical
how soothing to feelings depressed by gloomy
weather. with what delight is sunshine hailed;
oyer-coats are thrown off aud all are warmed into
life and energy. Before, the camp fires were
surrounded by body OF men whose efforts we've
directed to the reception of a little WARMTH
Squads under Sergeant or Corporal nre scat
tered about the grove, drilling and learning the
duiies Of soldier. The Band enlivens matters
very much, uH its notes nre greeting the ears
nearly every hour in the day.
II one were good Inner he could end much
here to employ his pencil; searching about for
scenes for delineati0n, he might find young man |
seated upon the ground, with his back against II |
tree, sheet of writing paper upon a small board |
upon his knees, ink at his side and pen in his |
hand, he is ins,ribing characters which will be |
understood aud appreciated by the recipient
others leaning over q box are similarly engaged.
When meal time comes, every man takes his nor
tion. Some seizing their tin-cups and basins.
squat upon the ground, whilst others stand up'
Some wishing to revive memories of civilized llle
spread piece of canvass upon u large box and
place their dishes upon il. AT another hour. or
Just before evening parade, other operations are
boots are blacked, clothes busted and
guns rubbed up. What a conglomeration OF hu
man naturei what variety Of character; all
have emotions, aspirations and purposes. What
4 study and how many reflections are awaken
I'd, as company after company files by, keeping
ltep to the martial strains of the band the
thought nstinclively rises, how many of these
men will return to their lmes after risking the
ortunes of war.
Camp by moonlight The goddess of the night
hines through the trees of hickory and oak,
liTusing soft light around, making dscernible
very stump aud other object. The men invited
~ the pleasantness of the evening, emerge from
heir tents and lounge about; some rvmaiA in-
tide taking a sOciable game Of "Old Sledge"
whilst ever and anon sentry cries out Cor
1ornl of the Guard No H." or some other num-
Der, and the cry is repeated by one sentry after
mother until said officer is brought to the spot
Apparently, there is little care all appear to