The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1861-07-18
MARTINsBURG, Va, July 9th, 1861

DEAR PARENTS:
Since my last letter to you, important events
have occurred, which will be recorded in my mem
DRY book, not to be effaced. l ended my last let
ter in a field 81 miles south of Hagerstown, Md.
Well, on Monday morning the Ist of July, the
drum was beat at A NJ, and at 81 we struck
tents, and proceeded to Williamsport, a distance
of four miles-reached that place at p. NJ, and
set our tents on high hill overlooking the Poto-
mac and the Baltimore and Cumberland Canal, a
very beautiful site Beside us was Capt. Double
day, with his battery of two twenty fours, COM
manding the ford. At l, A. NJ, Tuesday, the re-
veille sounded, and at three we crossed the Poto-
mac in the face of the enemys picket, the Penn
sylvania llth following. When across, Cos. X
and A were detailed for scouts and skirmishers-
We then marched into the country, driving the
enemy before us, upon Virginias sacred soil lin a
hon). When four miles from the the river, Cos.
X and A halted and allowed the Regiment to come
up, when the whole gallant First was deployed as
skirmishers l never saw hard work before we
undertook this acork. 1t up hill and down
valley, through corn and wheat fields, through
woods and over fences, with our regular knapsack,
gun, &c. At the distance of between five and six
miles from the river, we had our first engagement
Our regiment having closed in, the enemy made O
stand in piece of timber and a large frame house,
and poured in their fire upon Our left wing
was in the road, standing the ere fire, and not
having the stisfacton of seeing the enemy or re-
turning the fire. Our right swing out, deploying
! behind stumps and trees, poured in their fire
just then Capt Perkins +. L. battery of three II
pound pieces, came up, numbered and poured
] in their fire of shot, canister and she'll
The Pennsylvania 23d passed on to the south of
the roads, the fight being at the forks OF the roads,
while we, taking the road, proceeded forward the
enemy a6Sguatuiatlng. We deployed again as
scouts. proceeded about mile beyond and there
encamped for the night Before we encamped, our
company came across Secessionist's house, and
there we helped ourselves to honey, preserves and
bacon, which were rarities indeed
The enemys force is reported as three regiments
of one thousand men each. he number oftroops
that passed the river ut different points that day
was $4,000 was put ontguarl tliot III, and
never tired out in my life, but with my four
hours sleep l weathered it through and came out
fresh in the morning, Broke camp at 90 ia the
morning and proceeded about seven miles beyond
to AIartinsburg place usually of about 3 900 in
habitants but as it is at present, about 300 [
should Judge to be the maximum, Here the troops
allowed the liberty of the town for the after
noon, and here, as regiment, we showed our
qualities no house was entered unbidden, none of
our soldiers were intoxicated, everything was re-
spected as if it our own home. The town is
one grand scene of destruction and desolation-
About 55 locomotives and 25 or 30 passenger and
baggage cars were burned together with beau
tiful bridge of which nothing remains but the iron
works and the stone columns. The afternoon we
arrived was set apart by the rebels TO burn the
magnificent machine shops in this place. During
! the afternoon the stores began to open, and the
women first and then the men, began to come ont
seeing that we were human, instead of monsters
as they heretofore have always thought US. They
were surprised to see us so peaceable. They ex-
pected nothing else but pillage, rapine and the
| burning of til cir homes. The Pennsylvania End
| "a Mt nf ~;
Secessionist, at this place, and also destroyed
great quantity ofllquor belonging to the same man
| Al three O'Clock the next morning we broke
camp, taking three days provisions and our blank
ets and returned to Wliamsport, in company
with the Pennsylvania 4th, as guard for the pro
vision train, consisting of 300 wagons when eight
miles on our wsy, my company was detailed as
| qua; to Thomsons Marine Battery from Rhode
Island, consisting Of four brass - Founders and
two riled IL pounders-quite post of honor for
our company We were posted at the house of a
Secession Captain, who had I" daSted" Here we
toasted ON ripe cherries and honey. At 3 in the
alternoon,two of the Pennsylvania regiments pass
ing Tor Martlnsburg, the Battery went on and we
followed on to our Regiment which we found en-
camped IN a little ravine at z. NJ. We slept like
| logs. Next day we continued on to Nlartinsburg
again, guarding the loaded wagons. On our march
we saw the turkey buZZards in hundreds lowering
| over the old camp and battle field. Our scouts
| found 70 new made graves that shows cur execu
! ten. We are now situated beautiful hill
ONerlookInS the WnOle country. About "a, O0U or
$4,000 OF our troops now encamped at this
! place. Our Regiment has once stood fire at its
post of honor as advance guard, and it has won
reputation envied by all When, on our return
from WilllamspOrt, guarding the train, report
reached the Pennsylvania 9Th, who were ON the
Maryland side of the river, we were attacked on
the front, and were about to follow ON to our re-
lief. They Immediately, without orders or officers
! formed line and forded the river. and were about
to follow on, when the report was contradcted-
The Connecticut 4th, our fellows in Brigade, are
just dy ing to see us. You can hardly conceive
how we are looked up to and respectfully the 9TH
er regiments, on account of superior drill good
behaviour and bravery If do say it, am proud
that | belong to the Wisconsin 1st, and am sure
that Wisconsin will never have cause to remem-
Der her First Regiment with feelings of disgust or
shame can tell YOU it was a scene ofexctement
on the field of battle, The cannons roaring, balls
and SHELLS crashing, rifles cracking bullets whiz-
ling, cavalry rushing .buges sounding the charge
&c. twill always be remembered by the actors.
Five ofour regiment were wounded and one killed.
You must excuse this writing, for it was done in
the corner of fence, the bottom of my tin plate
| performing the duty of writing desk How do
the Kenosha people get along, and how are you
| all at home Love TO Alice and Kate and brother
kg., and now my dear parents, good bye until you
hear from me again. Write me on receipt of this
sure, for you do not know how look for q letter
from home. again good bye-trom your affection
ate son,
7 II p