The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1861-06-05

CANTONMENT ANDERSON,
Grnn1 Rnnidx I,fneo 1871

Grand Rapids, hne ., 1861.
|. NJ. CRAvArH H Dear Sir This is beau
Ftiful morning. which those of your readers who
have experienced camp life will know well how
Ito appreciate. On an average it has rained about
3every third day since we have been here, and
when it does rain, there is some commotion in
3camp-arms are slowed away under bedding,
next, the bedding must be moved to keep that
adry, then it keeps US quite busy to escape the
drenchng streams ourselves. But then we ere
] told, "this among many other things are incl
dental to camp life and We must become used to
it," For the last few days we have been recei
wing our uniforms The whole regimen, is now
uniformed and presents fine appearance. The
uniform consists of grey satinett pants, round
about and overcoat, jaunty little cap and bro
= gan shoes.
We will receive our knapsacks to morrow.
ladies of Grand Rapids to-day. 1t is an exqui,
:, site piece of handiwork and reflects much credit
Eupon the patriotic ladies of the Valley City. Ii
gis of the size required 10y the army regulations
The material is blue dress silk bordered by vel.
low silk fringe On both sides ia embroidered
the IT, S. Arms and surrounding the Arms the
words, "Volunteers, Third Regiment, Mich
gan," and on the reverse, THE Ladies of Grand
Rapids to the Third Regiment Michigan State
Infantry" The pike is of mahogany, splendidly
mounted with gilt spear head at the top, and
brass feot piece.
We hope soon to be fully equipped, and then
marching orders will be gladly hailed. There i:
an intimation from headquarters that We are &c
go INTO a scnOOI OF Instruction GROSS Isle, OF
somewhere else in the vicinity Of Detroit. That
will no; be so desirable locality as Western
Virginia. If we are to remain in Michigan,
can see no good reason why We might not just
as we'll remain here, where We have all accom-.
! modations to go somewhere else and prepare
sthem.
The Lansing boys are just now in state of
emipd, that would render it an undesirable locality
gor an enemy indeed it is with some difficulty
sthey can be restrained from pitching into"
SsOme of those who are not generally enumerated
under that head. The boys have an idea, and
probably is is not unfounded, that We have been
tine butt of considerable abuse since We have
/ been in Grand Rapids. We thought our troubles
would come to an end when we left Lansing, but
We discover we were mistaken. When We arri.
we'd here we were designated as Company "F,"
the next day We were placed On &c, 4" short slime
|atterward we were placed by the Adiutant Gen.
Icra, the extreme ieII, "A, the second post
|of honor. We were afterwards again returned to
|"G," one of the lowest places liz the Regiment.
Even this did not seem to be a sufficient degra-
|dation, and we must have further stigma heaped
upon us. To-day our rifles will be taken from
|us and given to the company that took the posi-.
|tion Of honor to which we had been assigned.
ITO first take our place and then our rifles was
more than We could stand, and though there was
mo swearing done, as that is against regulations,
there was some very strong muttering, some
even shed tears at the thought of the humilia-
|tion that awaited US. 1t is acknowledged bv all
that there is but one company in camp that is
equal to US in the matter of good, reliable men
We would do honor to Lansing and our friends
who have so generously aided us, but We cannot
do it without a position, and with old percussion
muskets.
OF course We will submit, but not without a
struggle. Strange as it may seem, but little
blame is attached to the officers of the Regiment
but the fault lies elsewhere.
Mr.. Chandler, and Mr.. Armstrong, from Ian
sing, are with US on visit The young men of
Lansing will accept our thanks for pair of box
ing gloves. They are much priced. Sutherland,
Murphy, Blanchard, Rose, Ross, Case, Gaski
and Cook, are down with the measles. They areI
well cared for. Surgeon Bliss, leaves nothing!
undone that will contribute to the comfort of the!
sick. To prevent the disease spreading, as soon
as the first symptoms appear, he has them reno;
we'd to the house of physician, some three
miles from camp.
Hoping the next may be more encouraging to'
our friends, l am. Respectfully Yours.
FRANK.