Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1861-10-14
LTTER FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.
CAxP TssAlLY, D. c., Out. 3, 1861.

last letter. But will not annoy you with
apologies or explanations of my long BIZ
lence. Simply, didn't write.
Since we left Western Virginia our ex-
perience has been of a verp peaceful char
ac.er. After few days spent at Harris"
burg, we we're ordered on to this place
Our companion in the recent campaign,
the Rife regiment, was sent TO Harper's
Ferry, about the same time, where they
remained, Tor rather at Jamestown some
distance below the Ferry until last week,
when they came down and camped along
with the balance of the Pennsylvania re-
serve in the vicinity of Tenally town. |
have not seen any Of Capt. Twins men
since they arrived, but several Of our men
have been to their camp. some two miles
distant, and report them in good health
and spirits.
We are encamped on come heights q"
bout six miles north west of Washington,
where we have most extensive view OF
the surrounding country, extending Tor
many miles across Maryland towards the
Chesapeake, down aud across the Potom-
&C. Washington City is not seen, although
lying almost at our feet, on account OF
several q owes of oak timber intervening,
but the Capitol can be seen from one side
of our camp, just past the edge OF the
woodland, and beautiful sight it presents
at that distance, (about seven miles, look'
ing like magnificent palace of varished
silver, such as we read about" in fairy
tales. A close view only shows an i'm
mense pile Of dull white marble, mucn
weather. stained and streaked with the
rain, its unfinished condition does not
prevent running down the outer walls
Truly our national capitol is no exception
to the rule that "distaEce lends enchant-
ment to the view"
The scene as witnessed here nov is a
most striking one. The whole country
appears like one g"and military camp, or
an Immense city Of little white cottages,
which in the distance look like mere
specks There are now in the neighbor-
hood Of two hundred thousand men in
and Sround Washington, across the Poto-
mac and up a. far as Great Falls. On the
opposite side Of The river now extending
to Munson's Hill, which was captured
any loss, and when entered it was found
to be slight embankment deie nded by
wooden cannon and two pieces Of stove
pipe mounted on wheels. One of the
features of the neighborhood is Professor
loves balloon, which makes frequently
severa! ascensions daily, and can be seen
very plainly for several miles around
His ascensions are made from hin, the
name of which has escaped me, situated
on the advance route toward Fairfax.
about three miles beyond the western end
of the long bridge which crosses the Po-
tomac at w aSElnSton.
Our boys are all spelling for a fight, ev-
cry time, and it occurs often, that we are
put under arms and marched in the di-
rection of the enemy, and marched back
arteI going a greater or less distance, the
greatest disappointment is expressed that
they have been again bafflad in the hope
OF trying their mettle.
can say nothing of our own company,
more than that they are getting along
very vel, although someof them havebeen
quite sick. There is however but one in
the hospital and only three in quarters
This is a very favorable sanitary condition
of the company, and much better one
than some other companies in the regi-
ment present, although it is one OF the
healthiest in Camp Tenally. still see,
occasionally, some of our citizens who Wis.
it the regiment, and it affords me q great
deal Of pleasure: Sergeant Ogden return
ed short time ago from accompanying
home the remains of GU: lamented COM
rade, Robert Livingston, whose loss is
much deplored in the company. lie was
an excellent young man. and gave promise
of being brave soldier. Alas. there are
many OF US must never expect to return
home except as he did, poor boy
But my letter is spinning out much
longer than had intended it, and must
bring it TO close, especially ss other du-
tie interfere with its further prosecution
now. There are many things if had the
leisure TO notice them, which might he Of
interest to your readers but must post
pone them for the present. If | can find
time to scrbblo you occasionally a few
lines you shall have them; that is if you
want them. Yours as ever,