Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-05-16
Letter from a Cincinnati Volunteer,

Letter from n Cincinnati Volunteer.
A gentleman yesterday received a letter
from Lieutenant T. S. Wallace, of Company
A, Second Ohio Regiment, now in Philadel-
phia, from which we take the following
extracts:
PHILADELPHIA, May II, 1861.
Since we left Cincinnati we have seen a
great deal of both the pleasant and unpleas-
ant sides of a soldiers life. We have had
cold, sleepless nights, and nights when we
were as comfortable as if we were in Oincin-
natl pleasant railroad rides amid magnid-
cent scenery, and disagreeable night trips in
freight cars. We have stood guard in n
snow storm for twenty-four hours, and had
leave of absence to go wherever we liked
the next day. We have gone without food
for tw%enty-four hours, and the next day
been stuffed to repletion. We have had to
come down to army shoes, army clothes and
army grub. You hear but little complaint
however, and none at all in the Rovers. Not
one of our fellows could be induced to turn
back. All they wish is to be in action.
One thing there is which Ohio must never
forget, and which has helped much to cheer
us on-and that is the kind treatment and
wishes we have received from the Peunsyl-
v~anians.
Wherever we have stopped, at Pittsburg,
Altoona, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadel-
phia, they ave treated us more like brothers
than strangers. Wherever they knew we
were coming, every preparation was made
TO receive Us. We were Ohioans going to
fight for the Uuion-that was enough. They
couldn't do too much for US.
We left Lancaster on Wednesday morn
ing. Tears were shed. 1t was like parting
from home. We arrived at Philadelphia at
half past three P. NJ. We had had no din
ner. We marched six miles in = rain storm
to the Suffolk Tr0tting Park. It was under
stood that everything was ready for US. We
found no food, and shelter for only about
two-tbirds. This was the fault of our Com
missaries. The P~hiladelphians did not know
we were coming, for if they had, everything
would have been provided. AS it was, the
men couldn't starYe.
The guard was slim, and soon fve-sixths
were in the city. The story spread-it came
out in the morning papers. Soon the camp
was flooded with provisions, coming in two.
horse and express wagons; the citizens
brought it from their own larders, ia their
own carriages. Not a soldier who went TO
the city but had a hearty breakfast. Mytwo
baskets, with which | went to purchase pro-
visions, were filled gratis; the money, in
every instance, was positively refused,
Kind hearted Pennsylvanians, | could write
for an hour in their praise.
But L suppose you would ike to hear more
about ourselves. We are quartered at the
Suffolk T%rotting Park. The troops occupy
the large stables and buildings on the prem.
Uses, but which are hardly large enough to
accommodate SO many. By good manage.
ment, however, all find sleeping. room.
Wehave clean straw TO sleep on and plenty
of warm clothes and blankets. / can not say
much in favor Of our arms. They are altered
from flint. locks, aud are warranted TO kill as
many to the rear as front. We confidently
expect, however, to get frst-classarms before
we leave here.
AS to our future movements I can give YOU
no positive information. lam pretty certain
however, that we will move for Washington
within a week, and by the way of Baltimore
] am writing this in the splendid mdrque,
presented to us by the Rover Reserve. Th'
rain is pouring down, and while all is we
outside we are perfectly cosy inside. TIT
Zouave Officers share il with US. 1t is thu
most comfortable quarters on the ground
The supposition is that some Pennsylvania
troops viii go with us when we move.