Worcester daily spy., 1861-07-09
FROM THE SIXTH REGIMENT.

CAMP NEAR RELAY House., MD, July
EDITOR SPY On Tuesday last. the 9th
regiment returned from duty in Baltimore
While there, the regiment experienced the
usual hardships and deprvatons attending its
movements. We posted in grove
owned by the rebel cheftain, Gen. Stewart,
directly opposite the camp of the N. Y. 18th
regiment, from whom we received many
courtesies. We had no camp equipage with
us, conse quently laid out upon the ground for
one week, with no covering but our blankets,
and during two or three nights the rain fell
martly, giving us a good drenching. Our ra-
ii ons were sent TO daily from this place,
and most of the regiment for want of the tin
plates, knives and forks in camp here, were
obliged to take bread and meat in their fingers
We have got used to that sort Of thing. On
Tuesday, Gen. Banks gave us the welcome
order to return to this place. Sunday night
in Baltimore our camp was alarmed by the
firing of the N. Y. regiment passing through
the city. After being under arms for nearly
an hour, we were "turned in, about midnight
and again turned out" at A. M, to assist
in arresting the police commissioners. We
were marched some four miles to the residence
of Mr.. Howard, president of the board, who
was arrested by Col. Jones, and Immediately
escorted to Fort McHenry. While in the Fort
the members of our w. L. 1. were Hospitality
entertained by the Worcester Guards and
the Emmet Guards.
After reaching this place on Tuesday, three
companies, K, L. and B., were detailed to
guard and protect the railroad between this
place and Annapolis junction. Our pickets
now extend nine miles to the Junction. Sew
eral attempts had been made to pull up the
track and otherwise impede the passage of
troops over the road, and the establishment of
this picket became necessity. The above
companies will remain on duty two days lon
ger, and then be relieved by other companies
of the regiment. The 9Th Massachusetts reg
iment are in Baltimore and we are consequent
ly burdened with extra picket duty, sending
out two other picket guards every night. Last
night between u and o'clock, we heard the
picket guards on the Harper's Ferry highway,
fire several rounds. Immediately the "long
roll" was given, the 9th regiment alarm
S"yJ vi OdllluiOiSB was HedTu luIOuHuOul
the camp, and the companies was under arms
in very brief time. Scouting detachments |
were sent out in the direction of the firing,
who returned reporting they could hear moth.
ing of an approaching enemy, whereupon the
regiment turned in" again for the rest of the
night.
Yesterday, the GLORIOUS anniversary" was
observed as well as it could be under the ne.
eessary discipline of camp life. In the morn
ing, the various quarters were thoroughly
cleaned, and everything put in the best posi-.
Bile state of neatness. In the afternoon, our
re giment received beautiful American flag
from the loyal citizens of Baltimore. The
w l.. /. were detailed to receive the banner
and the citizens of Baltimore at the Relay
House. Our regimental line was formed, and :
cry soon the Infantry marched up the hill ! !
ascorting some three hundred citizens of Bal 4
.imore, with their ladies and the banner to be
presented. The regiment, followed by large
crowd of citizens, marched to the grove in
front of the residence of DIR. Hall, where the
American flag was presented by 5. j. X.
Handy, Esq, in highly patriotic and compli-
|
dag and replied eloquenty to the presentation i
address, VIM. H. Haywood, Esq, then came
Onward and sang patriotic song composed
by himself, which was received with great
applause by the regiment. The regiment
choir sang the "Star Spangled Banner" the
two regimental songs, Baltimore" and :
'Union.Dixie = whereupon, after innumera.
BILE cheers for the loyal citizens of Baltimore,
the ceremonies were concluded. The new
banner, making the fourth received by the
9Th regiment, is of full regimental size and
composed of silk with silver tassels. Upon
its folds are inscribed in large gilt letters
Loyal Citizens of Baltimore TO the 9th Regi
ment of Massachusetts-Pra Street, Balti-
more, April 10Th, 1861" 1t is an interesting
fact that nearly all the contributors for the
purchase of this elegant gift, witnessed the
attack upon this regiment as we passed
through Baltimore on the 19th of last April
had the pleasure of grasping the hands of
some of the gentlemen present at the present ,
tation who CALAMITY cared for our wounded
and picked them out of the streets
At the risk of their1ives. One gentleman told
me he saw one of our comrades fall wounded
and-be stepped forward to help him. AT that
moment one of the rebels placed the muzzle
of his mnsket at the wounded mans head, !
and was in the act of firing, but this true pat
riot pushed aside the weapon and saved his
life. c
We begin to anticipate the pleasure of re. |
turning home. We shall probably leave for
home about the 18th of July. Our term ex-
pires on the 22d inst j. W. d.