The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-11-29
OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENTS
INTERESTING LETTER FROM THE FIRST
REGIMENT

|
November in Maryland Brigade Review
Visit to Harris0ns Island-Want of Mate
rails for crossing the Potomac-Army Ru.
mors-Examinatio of Oficers-De Nor.
timers Pie Speculation-Co Colonel Dana
Sunday Services, &c.
| CAMP STONE, NEAR EDWARDS FERRY, Nd,
Move mber l4th, 1861.
The November of Western Maryland,
until the present week, has fully answered
to the chill November" of the poet, and
it has been possible to realize, amid the
mud, winds and rains, why the misanthrope
should frequently select this month to
"shuffle off the mortal coil"
But for the last few days Nature has
once more smiled, and decked herself by day
in glorious sunshine, and by night in the
mellowest moonlight.
Yesterday afternoon was an afternoon just
adapted for military review, and it was
selected for the review of General German g
Brigade, consisting of the New York Sec.
ond, Colonel Tompkins, the Thirty fourth,
Colonel La Due, and our Minnesota First,
Colonel Dana.
Inspired by oamy atmosphere and
cloudess sky, the soldiers, to those who had
no military experience, man@uvred well,
and without Partially it can DE seid that in
promptness, neatness and esprit du corps,
Minnesota was the first.
Among other spectators were General
Stone and aid and General Burns, who has
taken command OF the brigade Of the Ia
mented Baker. General Gormac, with his
fne physique, and firm seat on the horse,
attracts the attention Of the bystander on
such occasions by his soldieIly appearance.
Lured by the weather, day before yester~
day, rode on horseback, in company with
our Brigade Surgeon. Dr. Hand 70 the
Potomac, by az unireq uented road through
the woods and farm enclosures. About
four miles from camp we reached the river
in front Of Harrsons Island, hereafter il
the history Of our country to be associated
with melancholy "reminiscences.
The island is long, narrow, and com~
paratively fertile strip OF land, forming q
beautiful farm. On il, in addition 20 a
dwelling, Darn, and necessary outhodses,
there is an old ruin OF brick or stone that
seems to have been at one time an extern
sive tobacco house. The point al which
tho forces of Baker, consisting of the Cali
fornia reniment, Massachusetts 18th and
Goth, and fragment OF the Tammany,
crossed, is about a mile below Coonrod'a,
not Conrad's, Ferry, as generally written.
1t was first necessary to pass over the Ches.
apeake Canal, which follows the eastern
bank of the Potomac, then cross in poor
and few boats 20 the island, then depark,
march across, and embark again and pass
to the western shore, walled py bluff more
than hundred feet, rising precipitorsly,
and as much wooded as those of the Upper
Mississippi. To the Impractical eye, the
crossing place seems to have been the very
worst between the Two ferries, although il
may have had many decided military ad
vantages. The b7a7ery of the troops was
undoubted, az i was sad to think as |
talked to the pickets Of the 18th Massa-
chusetts still Oh duty opposite that bluff,
how many of their comrades had been
driven a, he poin. OF the oayonet over the
heights and planging into the Potomac, it
waves rolled over and become 70 them
DEATHS cod s3.len stream"
The Generals On the Upper Potomac are
able and wa;cnal aud command respect,
yet every one wonders Why the lessons OF
history are forgotten. 10 the campaign OF
1902. Villars crossed the Rhine 70 attack the
Prince OF Baden. tie constructed one
bridge, bat the passage of troops was so
long AID hurried, and the confusion became
so great that he nearly failed for the lack of
more means for transportation.
Napoleon speaking of his passage OF the
river Pc, said -
We had no means of constructing
bridge. Lannes, chief OF brigade crossed IN
the first boats with the advance guard. The
Austrians had only ten squadrons on the
other side, and these were easily overcome.
The passage was now continued without
interruption. but gerry SIol0ly.
" If | had had good pontoon equlpage,
the fate of the enemy's army had been sealed:
out the necessity OF passing the river by
successive embarkations saved IL"
So every man in the army OF the upper
Potomac can say ave have 10 means
constructing a bridge. We therefore cFossS
ed very slowly in scows Or canal boats IT
we had had good pontooa equipage, the
tate of the emmy mad oeen seaied--Lees-
burgh would nave oeen ours-Baker might
not have been lost 70 the world. Goggs-