The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-12-26
GENERAL SUMMERS DIVISION.
OUR ALEXANDRIA CoRREspoNDENcE

SIxryFIRs REGIMENT N. Y.v,l
CANT CALIFORNIA, Near Alexandria, Dec. 10, 1851,
Letter from the Sirtyfra Regiment Neg York Volun
teesLocaon Of the Troops Their Health and Their Con-
diion-Fied Exercises, Drills and Religious Services IN
Canp--Pen and Ink Sketch of Gen. Hoca,d. de-, dc.
Not having anything Of much Importance in your
columns connected with this regiment since its depature
from New York, have thought few lines would no
provo notwithstanding you allowed me the
spaccn giving Information friends and the pub.
lie generally to where and what doing.
Taking your permission Cor granted will first briefly de-
scribe the position the Sixty ars has taken in tho army
on this side Of the Potomac.
Numbering Of the regiments which compose the br
lade OF Gen. Howard located tho advance from
Alexandria, tho road to Fairfax Court House. about six
miles from the last mentioned place. The four regiments
which constitute this brigade may DO designated fol.
lows-The Fifth New Hampshire. the Fourth Rhode Island
the Sixty first New York. and tho Thirty sixth Pennsylvs
nia-thc first and last named regiments on the extreme
right and left. Fort Worth is roar and covers w
with tho OF its guns The ground which reg
ment occupies for it's camp the greater portion OF t.
broken and very uncyel, side Of it accommodating
only onchaf Of the company tents while tho remainder
pitched upon hill line with THEM towards the
right. The Geld and staf have distributed themselves
below and in rear Of the FIRST is not very elgibL
spot tho soil being wet and marshy and were It NOT that
the dampness would doubt breed malaria The regi-
mont hns not, however, suffered from tho existence
Of any acute diseases which have shown themselves
during tho time have been stationed here and the
hospital record shows decrease of twontyy DER
cont in the number Of its inmates since leaving Washing
ton. An epidemic known tho measles, through Con-
tagion alone has dsed itself considerable extent:
but colds the only complaints which
have arisen from causes Immediately associated with the
location ITSELF There has not been single death so far
Tho beautiful weather been enjoying for the past
two weeks has no doubt prevented the prevalence OF
much sickness and contributed immeasuraby the good
spirits Of al hands generally.
Since tho regiment has been brigadcd its labors have
largely Increased officers find but little time
devote to other exercises than those connected with
the profession they have adopted. Drills, parades
spectons &c follow each other such quick succession
gchcr with guard and other fatigue duties that one
feels yearnng for sleep when tho days work over.
and seldom regrets the sound Of tattoo At the early
hour Of half eight at night To better illustrate these
remarks will here give you brief portrait of General
Howard, from whom emanae these different commands,
presenting him as he represents himself by his deeds and
actois
In tho place exhibits groat deal Of indomtable
energy and perseverance in his labors to discipline his
men. Ho has instituted class for the instruction
q all tho line officers every night in the "school of
the battalion and has ordered each Of tho field officers
to act as teacher Following tho result OF those theo
retca exercises tho General that the commander az
each regiment shall tho day. manreuvre that rs9
mt. practically, in the which the officers have
recod the evening before In this manner he constanv
theory practice thereby the
design Of having tho officers in his command thoroughly
acquainted with their duties, and there can be no din
In the socend place he does not fall to possess
ing he health oomfo and happiness q the SO soa Hs
are to stendta the general cleanliness OF the caps and
estabshed aquad in each company to keep
bio condition. holding tho captains responsible for any
neglect he nspects the whole to IL Ia done pro
failure made in the execution Of such orders In the
othcr sanitary departments no is also efficient his
%sms. .. Of pSvIG FOR their wants and nscsssss
the mos, beneficial results He displays
respect and obedience which Ia receives.
Thirdly heis an exemplary man as well good soldier.
From the beginning no has associated ofaity and
lgivn with the pOmp Esd ceremony ofwar; 80 that
every action seems to spring from oonvctioa
Of. hsdependence The Almighty for ts success and
presenting an example OF tina who behaves that man,
although he the kcd hat plume need not be
unmndfu Of his God. We not only bold religious exer
ciscs tho Holy sabbath rs Christian obligation but
terminate tho labors of zach day, at evening dress
parade with prayer 70 Him who rules the destniss o.
nations, to guide us in preserving ours.
Ia an imposing ceremony when, drawn up In closad
cosun in mass, the chaplain tafeshs position near the
caatrc, tho men with upted hats, howng their heads
In the attitude of solemn thought aud all listening 70 the
words Of prophetic appeal that flow from tho minister's
lips. Then when he has finished. the baud playing
tones of the difrent Instruments; II s grand aud i'm
posing In the sxtrome. Occasions like these make
O0ep impressions, winch ere always remempere1,
have given you this pan and ink sketch OF Brgadier
] General Howard out Of pure regard-which, in COM
mon with otaers, have for the man-bosa cause ba.
eve il be victorious sndcr the leadership Of any
1t will be under him. Ho inspires confidence in hia
ability te win glory Scr himself and honor and credit for
his brigade.
gndcr tho eye OF snch general, with It's efficient on
GERS no regiment could fail to improve the sixty.
st bs certainly progressed wonderfully in all that por
n the military art in which they been instruct
II can with truth be said to iavoraby with any
OF ms csmpettors the brigade and ALTHOUGH small il
dumhers, IL makes up the numerical want in the credta
bic skill which Is shown in the OF acqutln8
itself. Colonel Cone is ndelagablc in his exertona
70 mako the regiment paragon in point Of solderly
merit and has succeeded far 10 win the favor OF
Gen Howard who has placed son, believe, As lieu
tenant Of Of the ,anies. With tho other gentle
manly and efficient Office who lead them there be
doubt Of the result Of their efforts in the orthcomna
contest The regiment ia at present doing picket duty
within sight Of the enemy's pickets, quartered on
Edsos Hill, milo This side Of Springfield the place
from which 1--WE reiterated In such excellent orcrn few
weeks ago. must close. You may hear from again
v the contents Of this merit your Appreciation.