The Hancock Jeffersonian. [volume] (Findlay, Ohio) 1857-1870, 1861-08-09
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Letter from a Volunteer.
CAsr Nsw CRErx. Virginia,
Moudav. July 0g. 1861.


Monday, July %, 1857
Px.a Eoiroa,-once more we have pitch.
ed our tents upon the sacred SELL" We
are camped in the vicinity Of the quiet town
Of New Creek--a point on the Baltimc.e and
Ohio Railroad. eighty.Ave miles East OF
Grafton, on the South bank Of the North
branch OF tho Potomac, end very pleasant
place, yet not so picturesque as that which
we have Just left, but there 10 sufficient
mountain scenery to attract the attention Of
both Soldiers and officers. ~
We struck tents at Oakland at precisely
twelve O'Clock. day before yesterday. all
teams laden, and started for the depot, the
regiment falling into line; bu, the tram not
having arrived, we remained in ranks about
three hours, exposed TO drenchine rain
Those who were so lucky as 10 have oil.
cloths Stunned some Of il. but those who
had not, were wet TO the hide; such drown
ed set Of rats you never saw. We were
finally marched to town and quar,ered in
the different churches. Our company tGl
and company ID were assigned to the Catho
lie church, and I assure you we were glad
of il, for we had an idea that we would be
compelled to pitch our tents upon the wet
ground. This we are accustomed to, how
ever, and some OF the boys say J, would not
be the fourth regiment il we were not ex'
posed to all the rains. After supper we
huddled together as closely as possible and
slept TIL morning. At nine O'clock our ot-
! fcers told us to be in readiness 10 march to
the ,rain; time arrived. and we were into
line; again the rain began falling in double.
quick; we stood it as usual, and only came
out from under its drenching torrents by
getting aboLrd. Thus we were left with
wet clothes for days journey. Soon the
bugles sounded, and call aboard we were
of, as we supposed, for Red House. as |
wrote to you; but we were hurried on wind
ing around hills, passing through tunnels
T and over long bridges. Our first halt was at
Piedmont. wheie our two left wing compa-
mics were left as q guard for the town, and
the remaining companies were carried on to
this point. Here we found plenty OF Sol
Idiers-three regiments, one company OF cav
airy, and twelve pieces Of artillery. with our
regiment-aIe encampcd here.
General Wise is expected soon to pass
Through here with his retrea,ing army from
the Kanawha. but from the preparations he-
ing made here, we will give him pretty
warm reception. lie must necessarily poss
, here upon the public pike, as it is his only
route Leading to Manassas Gap. whence lie
is ordered.
Last night we were all ordered TO have
eur guns in order and sleep with them by
our side. Also, 20 keep our clothes on. and
everything necessary for fight handy, so that
we might be in ranks OH the shortest possi-
Bile notice. But the pickets gave no alarm,
and we rested quiet until morning. What
this night or tomorrow may bring round. |
cannot tell; but you may prepare to hear of
big fight at this place before many days,
unless Wise takes some other course. The
artillery ATE planting their cannon upon the
rocks between this and town, commanding
the valley and pike.
ms pace anu NCIHll) IS tHilieil S"'""'
although il was at one time IN the possess
ION Of the rebels, and they ,hieyingly plum.
dered every house, carrying OF everything
OF value. From one store they stole 4,0CC
worth Of valuable goods from another,
81 900; another, $500. They .hcn estab'
hshed mail route aud located pos,oiRct
here, which lived only three days; 5u, N
; this time Uncle Sam delvets and forwards
, all mail matter,
I, One prominent sccossionlst resided in thi'
s plnce, but left at the commencement Of th'
y difficulties, and now is Colonel in Nh
il rebel army.
Il, | think that when we get through will
Wise, we will le hurried on TO Manassn
, Gap. Col. McCooN. Of Il q ninth Ohio regi
ment, has asked to have n hand in the mex
I fight there. and we have gone together 81
e far, and think we will 90 together 10 th
y Gap.
o But must close and prepare for inspect
:. ION Of arms.
J. J. W. F. WILLIAMS.
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INp,sArotis, August IA very laIs