Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1861-06-20


us to action, and arouse US from tie state of
toipor aud spriHg ferr with which most Of us
are afflicted at this writing. 10 a visitor or
one Just coming amongst our number, the
bGstle Of camp from early morn TO deepen
ing twilight Us a matter of interest, and Is
likely TO cause them 10 open their visual or
gans to witness tho "sights and SCENES" and
give them ocular demonstration of the cxis-
tence of "the elephant" The rolling of the
drums, the shrill tonos Of the fife, the march
ing and countermarching, the fling and fan
king of men on dfill, the Commands Of OIL
GERS whilst instrncting Soldiers, all of these,
or more, during the entire day, are enough TO
engage and absorb the attention for few
days, at least. AS before ntimatcd, We are
desirous OF change, and II we were trans
ferred TO the scene Of actipe duty, not one
would be regrctful, as 1t isvery probabl that
most OF those who came forth in compliance
to the Executives first call will not have even
the privilege Of getting Il sight of the rebels,
and | am safe in asserting that this is direct
ly contrary TO their express wishes and inten.
tions in leaving their homes and families,
and lucrative employment, throwing up desi-
rable situations, besides making other sacri-
fees of convenience and comfort, which Is
primd fGce evidence that men acted with the
consciousness Of its being case of emergen-
cy, and with the expectation Of king a
blow ere this time. | am confdent however,
that, in their expectations they will bo dis
appointed, as it is now extremely probable,
from the appearance matters are assuming,
that the three month men will be discharged
and sent home vety soon, this course hav-
ing been recommended to be pursued by
persons Of high military standing and in
tluence, and, ] am told, that officers are only
waiting fer orders from the War Department,
preparatory to making disposition of the
short term troops. without doubt, if they
do not re-enlist, the public, with nice disort,-
ination, will not be willing to accord them
any honor for their course. l take a differ
cnt view of the case, however. When the
danger was most imminent, and when the
"signs of the times" indicated an immedi-
ate conflict, these men stepped forth for the
purpose of action. Their term of enlistment
will expire after the convening of Congress,
aud, as all Of us deplore war and its ravages,
we look, yet, with glimmer of hope to
peaceful adjustment OF our existing national
difficulties but while that body was no. in
session, these troops have acted as a safeguard
against the further advance and encroach-
men IS of rebellion.
Perhaps it would be advisable not to retain
the three months men longer, at any rate, in
their present disorganized state, there being
a few from nearly every company that cannot
would be of little use to complete a new Or
ganzation of these fragments Of companies (;
but, am warranted in saying that, although
not having seen actual service, it was from
no sense of fear, and unwilingness to rartic-
pate in active service that they were actu-
ated. l am presumng when l speak of the
dsbandng OF the troops, but my presump-
ton is founded on such good premises that
have some reason to think their discharge
! I. u = I
For severa! days back, accessions have been
rapidly made to the number here in the shape
of recruits to make up the deficiency caused
by the three month troops not going for a
longer period, other parts of companies still
continuing in service. A considerable nim-
Der of three year men have also gone homo
on furlough for 8, 10, or II days to visit
friends and settle up business, preparatory
10 ''going for the war;"
Uniforms are now being distributed, and
a great difference is perceptible in the ap-
perrance OF the soldiers. The distribution
of clothing at this time is most opportune,
as more ragged set of men couitln't be
be found than we have had here; hatless,
coatlcss, shoelcss, and numbers minus un-
mentionables. and others whose garments
were quite ''secdy," and in state indicitive
of dilapidation and decay. Many of the
poor fellows, if on drill in the presence of
lady visitors, would make their tacings and
dankinqs at the expense of their modesty, and
however much thoy might wish to conceal,
their efforts were futile, and they were likely
to display more than the "bill called for"
I notice, among the varieties of apparel
here in use, a cap called the IIavelock, which
is quite useful. 1t is made of white linen, and
OF the same shape as ordinary caps, excepting
that there is a cape attached some 8 or 10 inch
es long, which extends over the shoulders and
back of the neck similar to the skirt of bon.
net, designed to protect the neck from the
scorchng rays Of the sun.
Another soldier, belonging to tho Sd Regi-
ment was drowned to-day in the Little Miami.
understand his name was Morgan, from
Clinton, Ohio. l saw a soldier drunimed ont
OF camp yesterday. He was a new recruit,
and having signi6ed a willingness css to.enist by
By haping himself brought here at Gouernnh expense
he refused to take the oath, hence his igno-
minoos discharge. 1t was rather humia-
ting scene to him reckon. A Regiment of
Indiana troops passed through here yester-
day, to what point, am not advised. They
were good men, and were well armed and
clothed, which reflects credit on Gov. Nor
ton for his efficiency and activity III suitably
providing for the Indiana troops. But the
inetliciency of Gov. Dennison is so apparent
in his last months official conduct, in dispens-
ing laVors TO politlcaliaYorit at the expense
and Inconvenience of soldiers, that his former
strenuous supporters find no excuse nor palli,
alton for it, and "Succedaneum' is receiving
a notice quite extended but which is anything
else than favorable or complimentary.
| notice that the 18th Regiment is consid-
cred one OF the best that the State has pro-
duced, and | am sure if all will present as IA
vorable an appearance as the Holmes County
Boys, with many ofwhom am personally
acquanted) tho Regiment deserves the com.
pliments. The boys are now in Virginia. in
business, according to latest accounts, and
am sure they will do honor to "Dcmocratic
Little Holmes -
We were visited with quite severe hail
storm on last Tuesday evening, accompanied
by wind and rain. Some damage was done
to the growing grain and fruit. nail could
be gathered up by handiuls afterward. |
must bring my jottings to a close at present.
| write amidst the confusion of half dozen
around me elbowmg, shaking, talking, and
so on, may write again. 1t will depend
altogether on circumstances. If the three
month boys are discharged soon, may have
the pleasure of seeing you soon, as desire
coming back with the intention OF entering
the 10th Regiment if possible.
Very truly, Yours, &c.
II A