Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-11-08
LETTnl. TnoM FonrnEss moNRo q
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LETTER No. &.

Correspondence Of the journal aud Statesman. ..f
LETTER No. s.
CANT HAMILTON, FORTRESS MoNRoE, Va,
Monday night, November 4.
FRIRND ECKRL:
We had an opportunity last Friday
night of learning what stuff storms are made up
of ut Old Point. The gale continued at least
twenty-four hours after it ceased, all were
glad to SEQ the sun. The rain fell in torrents
aud the wind didn't whistle but hoWled. We all
began to question the stability of our TENTS
appiehensiye lest they might become moveahle
property of their own volition. The loose canvas
Tapped all night, and the ropes becoming loos =
ened, the buttons would bang the tents unmerci-
fully. But that rain possessed some fine points,
however, for II penetrated nearly everything +;
and it was very insinuatng in it's manner, for it
gracefully wound its way wherever there was the
least opening. In the morning the ground was
almost submerged, and the bitches about the
camp filled the tents generally were in 4 COM
fortress condition. Provision was Immediately
made for the few sick in quarters A large
three story brick house within few rods of our
Pennsylvania and the 1st Delaware. Now these
are most excellent accommodations for the sick
of our regiment. The building was formerly
occupied by a secesh family, who left after the
war broke out, leaving us to appropriate it for
humane purpose. 1t answers admirably, and is
ample for present needs. Do not infer from the
above that there is any very great amount Of
illness in the camp, or any of very grave char
acter. At the present time there is not a serious
case. so far as we can learn. The majority Of
cases are those of Influenza nothing but a
catarrh which has assumed an epidemic FORM
The disease is not severe, but causes a man to
feel little uncomfortable.
On Saturday morning, the rain was SO inces
SAINT that there was no cooking in the camp all
had to fare the best they could If the mer
couldn't have coffee to wash their bread down
with, they seasoned the simple meal with merri
ment and jokes. For instance, one would sing
out, "boy, bring me up that bottle of wine
from the cellar with cobwebs on the cork" an,
: another one would order the waiter to bring OIL
some roast turkey with oyster dressing.
; The regiment has now commenced to send GU
scouts. few days ago, one of the companie
went out, and found seven Rebel officers, with
flag of truce. The impression was that the,
were reconnoitering, and brought flag wild
them for protection but they didn't learn aDy.
thing, our men were too sharp for them. The,
were halted long before they came to our lines.
: A large detail from our camp has been owe
in Hampton to-day collecting lumber, out o
which to build sheds for cooking in. Such q
pile OF timber did the teams bring in this even
ing There was large assortment: tber,
were flooring, clap boards, pieces of fables
palings, door frames, hand ratings and scantiuo
II enough is left after the company shelters are
erected, the tents will be foorel. All this pre
paration looks as though it is designed to remain
here anti spend the Seasonal hitherto fasbiona
BE watering place-you know. only we mistooL
the season but the days are yet pleasant and
flowers are still seen Ia bloom in certain snnts
For instance. to-day in walking in the Hospital
yard, once tasteIully laid out in beds, and nro
iuse in shrubbery, but now deprived oi it's fence
and trodlen by the feet of many, we gathered
some woodbine and rose buds But the evening,
are quite chilly.
Now, friend Eckel, TO a matter of business
One thousand pairs of yarn gloves are much
needed for the soldiers of the lst Delaware Re.
giment. The men must needs suffer much this
winter, in the handling of the gun, if some
provision is not made for the protection Of the
hands Cant you devise some plan by which
these very necessary articles shall be fortLcom-
ing soon? Some enterprise might be entered
upon to carry out this worthy object. We suc-
gest no plan, but leave it to your judgment and
to that OF the patriotic citizens of Wilmington.
The soldiers would he thankful il their friends
in Delaware, sensible of this want, would assist
in supplying it, Nothing in this line would be
more acceptable to the men than warm gloves
A number of the officers who feel much interest
in seeing their brave men warmly clad, unite in
urging that some plan may be adopted by the
citizens of our little State soberly so desirable
} an object as referred to, may be accomplished.
; Yours, BILLY