The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1861-10-04
COMMUNICATED.
Eor the Pioneer.
A Ladyss Visit TO CamD.

friends OF the Wyandot volunteers, we
will give short account of a few DAYS
spent at the Mansfield encampment, du.
ring last week. 1t is well known that the
18th Regiment organized their numbers
at that point, and many of its members
hail from Wyandot County and vicinity.
The camp ground Is about two miles
from the City Of Mansfield, and is the
same formerly occupied by Col. Ford's
Regiment. Level, unencumbered with
trees, and supplied with beautiful streams
of running water; it affords particular
advantages for drilling, camping out,
etc
There were about one hundred tents
erected on the ground, from many Of
which foated the glorious Stars and
Stripes. Seen from the hill above, the
scene was at once picturesque and ro-
mantle. The tents were pitched at reg
ular intervals, forming streets, each COM
Pany occupying their own space, and the
Captains tent heading the line. In the
centre of these streets are the poles, ETC.,
on which to hang their kettles, and do
their simple cooking. Rough tables of
be ards fir, n ed the doors of each of the
tents. on which were visible meals in all
stages of preparation.
Within and without all was busy life.
Here was one mess doing ample justice
to fried pork and jacketed potatoes; there
another arranging their shining tin plates
and cups, with many longing glance at
the fire, where beans and pork were not
wasting their fragrance on the air, for it
was eagerly snuffed up by the hungry ex-
pectants. To US, the principal business
of the men (when not on drilD seemed
to be to kill time; and the general i'm
preston appeared to be that it could be
best done by eating FIVE or six meals
day. Ample justice was certainly done
to Uncle Sans rations. which were dealt
out with no illiberal hand. Potatoes,
pork, fresh bread, coffee, sugar. etc.,
were to be had in abundance-everythin
but whiskey. We did see several suspi-
cious looking bottles, but as we were as.
sured that it was only coffee, we felt
bound to believe it. There is only one
thing-we would like to have that sold
ler's receipt for making his coffee so beau
tifully clear.
The men had not yet received their
uniforms and equipments, but they were
expected daily, and we believe arrived
the day we left. The tents looked clean
and comfortable inside, and the guard
house, built of boards, was withou. an
occupant. The Quarter Masters depart
ment was near the entrance Of the ground,
and there seemed to be constant requi-
sition for provisions. While we were
there, there were several picnics made
for different companies by their friends,
at which the soldiers taste for dainties
was abundantly gratiied. Some of them
however, were too intent on a precious
love feast to waste time on the repast,
provided by loving hands and familiar
forms.
The Drill ground was never vacant
Here was an awkward squad marching
and countermarching,i lin the broiling sun;
there whole company would perform its
evolutions in admirable time and order.
Those who deem soldiers life an ea>
sy one, even when not in active service,
should try one week Ct that incessant
tramping. exposed to all varieties of
weather, and they must be made Of she
ro stuff" if they do not succumb. We
which the trlers of the commanding
officers were obeyed, and the cheer
full willingness with which { ey moved
forward to company drill. At six in the
evening, the whole regimen! turn out for
dress parade, and the scene is at once
beautiful and imposing.
| The elements of cleanliness were not
fors often. as was evident by the shirts
aud stockings pinned on the outside OF
tents to dry, and the soap and towels we
saw passing from hand to hand. Here
was group playing cards. (don't blame
them, for it is harmless amusement
there; j there couple performing the Of
Gee of barber to a poor fellow, who
wants his hair cut in the latest style, ard
farther, on half dozen dancing to the
music OF violin, played by no unskilful
hand. Here was "Dixie" building a
FIRE, while two boys are stealing his wood
and in that tent are three Or four, ly ing
on their backs. book in hand, and one or
two with paper. board, and pencil. talk
ing to the "dear Ones" left behind. We
saw tear drops on the face of one, anu
we knew that man would fight to the
death, if orly for the sake Of the loved
and parted. One chap is finishing his