Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1861-08-21
Camp Correspondence.
HEAD QUARTERS, 9th Reg, W. V. J
Camp Atwood, Baltimore, Md.
Aug. 5th, 1861.


DEAR CHARLEY Our regiment ~
now in camp in Patterson Park at this
place, having arrived here last Saturday
evening at o'clock, marched through fa-
nous Baltimore withou, let or hinder
ance. The streets rs we came along
seemed in places almost deserted, while
again in other places men, beautiful wo-
men and children would rush CIT and
greet us with waving of handkerclic.s
and encouraging remarks. Three or four
times cheers were given for jeff. Davis,
but not the least attempt ut attack was
offered, though there was not a muskct
in the regiment.
We came here by the Northern Cen
trail Road from Harrisburgh. where we
had encamped three days waiting for
arms. No arms were received there =
understand that we will receive them
here before leaving. Enough old mus
kets have been furnished temporarilt for
accompanies. Our destination is lInr-
per's Ferry, but like ali movements Of
Government, military orders come slow
~, and we may have to remain here
week Everything here, railroads, city.
ships, &C., is under the direct control nj
Government The railroad on which we
came in, is guarded by pickets from the
State line to this city. about - miles, by
u part of the 4th Reg. w. V. The 5th
is also in camp here. This city would
not be safe place for Union men if n
large military force were not here MI tho
time. Yesterday concealed foe shot ut
our guard, the ball coming in camp. We
Immediately sent out scouts to reconn"i-
ter the ravines on the southeast Of the
camp. but without finding any one. Last
night about ii o'clock, the whole camp
was lnstantaneously aroused by firing,
supposed to have commenced outside
Our guard Immediately commenced fir
ing and calling for the officer of the
guard Three companies, including
| Capt. DilFs were stationed on the out
skirts of the camp, commanding the place
where the firing seemed to have begun.
They remained there several hours, but
no further disturbance occurred. 1t WAS
a lively time in the regiment for few
minutes, after the reports were first
heard. Many of the officers ran out with.
out any clothing, holding revolver in
one hand and sword in the other The
undersigned didn't feel very bad over hay
ing a seven shooter lying by his side at
the time. l am told by one Of the po.
licemen, that soldier o. the n. Y, e!h.
which was encampcd in this place before
we came, was shot in the leg by CON
cealed secessionist from the outside, The
boys seem to be fully aware that they
are in the cnemy'e country, and keep a
very sl.arp lookout. Neither officers nor
men are allow ed out in the city. Wo
buy nothing to cat from outsiders, be
cause they who will shoot US in secret
are not too good to poison us. am
told that abont one third Of the city arc
''secesh," one third on the fence, md the
balance sound on the Union question
The camp IS in beautiful spot Over
looking part of the city and tho hay.
Fort Mcf1enry can be seen from i, very
distinctly, with the Flag of the Free still
floating over the same spot TINT it did ~
the occasion which gave rise TO the ma
tional song of ''1he Star Spangle,i Ban
ner." We are also On the very ground
occupied by the Federal forces in 1914,
when the British were about TO attack
the city. The embarkmcnt thrown up
that time to protect the city is hrt n few
feet to my right. These things are in
teresting on account of their rssociations
and bring to mind the bravery Of cur
fathers in establishing and defcn li,rr
those institutions we arc trying to pro-
tect. s#stt
Capt. Dill's company me CITING n'ong
finely. They are well with the eNcep-
ton Of A. B. Brewer, who 'aS the meas
les and will soon be we'll, and OF or twao
who have had slight diarih n. Fraft
is plenty, and the boys ate considerash'
while at Harrisbnroh, but since coming
here they are prohibited from enjoying
that luxury to any extent They have
plenty of good bread, meat, b"nns, rice,
crackers, and coffee twice day. They
do their own cooking.
Letters to any of member Of the enln>
pany can be directed to him, giving the
letter of his company. in care of Rev. n.
A. Staples. Chaplain. 9Th Regiment
Wisconsin Volunteers, Baltimore, Nil
If we should happen to have gone when
any letter so directed arrives, it will lee
forwarded.
Yours, truly,
Iron. CLERMoST.