Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-08-23
From unmn Rnr,Inr.

NAEsTIELD, Richland Co., o., Aug. 81.
Nh. EDlToE-Business having called me to
this place, visited Camp BARLEY, which lies
about one mile Northeast of the village,
where the s2d Regiment of the o. V. NJ,
commanded by Col. Thomas H. Ford, are
stationed.
The site for the camp is an admirable one
on gentle slope "a meadow Of rising !
ground, facing and descending southwark,
with large springs OF pure water on each
side, and close to the camp groundi the fa-
cilities for good water for cooking, washing,
&c, are unrivaled. In addition large pond
has been constructed within the camp which
is constantly supplied with fresh water from
one Of these springs for bathing purposes, in
which the water is feet deep. The camp
is conducted on strict military rules aid lis
benefits are plainly to be seen by the visitor
as be passes around through the camp. There
are some 300 or 400 men already here, and
the regiment is fast filling up and will soon
have It's full complement of men. The troops
already in camp are as fine and noble set OF
men in appearance as have seen any where,
and seem to enter into the cause ofthe cnun-
try with resolution and frmness to render
taeir aid with commendable zeal and alacrity.
In the officers, the SD Regiment is special
ly fortunate. Col. Ford has had the expe-
rience Of a campaign in Mexico, where he
distinguished himself and his company by his
prudence, patience, skill and bravery through
out that war, and won by his kind and
courteous treatment Of his nen their strong
and devoted attachment The Colonel is
strict disciplinarian, bus his generous, frank,
and courteous manner, his soldier-like bear
ing and noble and commanding appearance,
render him q favofite with the men and otil-
GERS of the Regiment.
Lieut.. Col. Swaney graduated at West
Point with honor, and has spent good
many years in active service, and is a
thorough, efficient and accomplished officer.
I witnessed with much pleasure for half an
hour his drilling a squad Of men. he SEEM
ed TO be as familiar with the complex Ito mel
military law as our High School graduates
are with the multiplication table and the rule
of three. At the proper time and place in
giving bis orders of exercise to the men, he
gave also the reasons in brief expressive
terms as he proceeded, which enables the
men to be more efficient soldiers, and renders
the study of military tactics interesting.
Adiutant Jackson was not in camp when
I was there, but was informed that he also
is graduate of West Point, has seen much
service, and is also a brave, efficient and ac-
complished officer.
Major s. n. Hewett has high reputation
as a man, and also of much military expert
ence. he is reputed to be one of the best
dill officers in the country, and one, to see
him in that capacity, will I think, agree with
me- that his superior would be difficult to
find.
Under the tuition Of such experienced and
efficient commanders, the 32d Regiment can
not but take high rank, in military POSI-
ton, among the troops Of the county
They will be heard ofin the day of battle, not
as panic stricken, fear dersnged men, but as
men resolved to stand by the flag of our
Union, and maintain its integrity to the
last.
The general health of this section is good.
Harvest over and generally good; like US
they have suffered with drouth, but the
rains are improving the corn, pasture, &c, a
good deal,
Since the Manassas repulse, sympathlzers
with the traitors seem to have had a small
revival but they are confined to the Breck
iuridge and Bell and Everett parties, and
will hardly make respectable squad.
Hon. David Tod seems to be the favorite
man for Governor here as well az elsewhere
where l have been. Yours, &c,
HowARD.