Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1857-1865, 1861-10-25
For the Chronicle.
Army Correspondence.
DnARCuRosIctns
GREKNBRIER CAMp,
Oct. u. 1861

oct. -, 1851. ]
DEAR CHRoNIcfn:
As this is the first night have had
the pleasure eff sitting by candle for some weeks
have concluded to spend few moments in infor-
lining you something of oar situation. | am hap
py TO state in the outset that it is better than II
has been for weeks past. have no doubt that
there is much sympathy felt in Tennessee for our
boys in Western Virginia This sympathy has been
augmented by letters from some of them just after
fatigueing march, or severe spell Of sickness
presume this is the tone of many Of their epistles
sent home 1t is true we have had " a hard road to
travel," and nearly all the time hard bed to lie
on, buttbis is common to soldiers life and are
now becoming used to IL. Yes, while on our march
to that mighty fortiicaton, Cheat Mountain, of
which you have heard numerous accounts we trav-
elled over ground untroiden before. Sometimes
we were in the dark valley where scarcely a ray
from the sun could be seen, but erelong we would
rise TO heights sublime where we could look down
on the clouds that floated beneath our feet. The
journey was wearisome, but the scenery was grand
and could have been permitted would have
enjoyed it for hours. travelled over these lofty
mountains, following the new cut path, buoyed
rp with the thoughts Of glorious victory to be
achieved. l slept where my bed was rocks and
my pillow the same, wrapped in my blanket on
mountain where every sound was echoed by the
clouds. gladly ate my morscl of bread and meat
which would have been refused by the animal that
protects our home This was willingly done to
l;. ba,- tLo ;,-od;ncr oro,,,,, o,d 80 ,.;,,;,oto
Southern Rights But these difficulties to great
extent have been past We have pitched our tents
on commanding elevation, near the beautiful riv-
or which bears the name of our camp. We are per-
mitted to cook our rations or have them cooked
whenever we wish to eat them. We have good
water to quench our thirst,and now and then worn
ont soldier returning from some duty assigned him,
brings his load of fine peaches which is soon div-
dcd among those who may chance to find him first
for they go here like "hot cakes
The scenery is beautiful. Autumn has donned
its richest robes. often wander out alone to sur
vey the varied beauty that surrounds us, for the
mountains present scene truly enchnnting-e7ery
shade Of color is seen upon their lofty SUBMITS
which appears in the distance like floating Islands
Throughout the camp there is more mirth exhib-
tied than would be supposed by many friends at
home. The boys, generally, have recovered from
the fatigue experienced by long marches and often
may be heard the merry laugh while many are
grouped together singing some favorite "hyme."-
the days are spent in going through the same old
drill but not to such exteut as at Camp Quarles.--
By the kindness of our Col the boys are permitted
in company with their respective Commanders, to
stroll these mountains to gather chestnuts and
the delicious grape. This is great treat to us ALL
Chestnuts are abundant in this mountainous coun-
try and the grape far surpasses anything have
ever seen in Tennessee.
Well, there is not much prospect of our getting
into fight fiere unless Jackson is attacked and we
20 to reinforce him. We are here suppose for
any emergency, to guard this road and to assist in
keeping back the yankee, let him come whence he
may. Most of the forces here headed by Genl's
Lee and Loring, have gone to the Kanawha valley
to help drive back the yankees from that region
The last message we received was that Rosencrantz
and his entire army was retreatiug and Lee was
pursuing him. l hope he will run him "plum" out
of Virginia
Our regiment is improving fast-there are few
cases of fever in camp, but most If them have gone
to the Warm and Bath Alum Springs, where they
can be better attended TO. Among those in camp
are Lieut. NJ; he had quite a severe spell of the
Fux, but is now convalescent All the rest of
Company L are doing as well as could expect
under the circumstances which surround us, for we
have great deal of rain and it is now cold enough
for snow. The neighbors all say that it is an I'M
common occurrence not to snow by this date. |
have through all the storms and difficulties with
which we have had to content been hearty and welt
am as ever, yours truly,
|