Pomeroy weekly telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy, Meigs County, Ohio) 1860-1866, 1861-06-14
Correspondence.
Letter from a Volunteer.
Wlsr Us ON, DoDnRlDGR Co., WESTERN VA, y

WRIST Us ON, DaDpRlDsR Co., WESTERN VA.,l
18th, 1861. I
4. E. McLaaghln--Dear Sir:-Last
Thursday we were uniformed at the de-
pot at Parkersburg. we cannot boast
of the quality, nor of the manner Of
making these clothes. Very cheap ma
terial, which cannot last two months
and made so poorly that before twenty
four hours had passed it. was necessary
| to sew up the rips in pants. Ohio ought
to see that her soldiers have decent
clothing at any rate, of which they will
not be ashamed in the presence of troops
from other States.
On Friday morning at 3 o'clock, all
hands cooked breakfast, and by five
o'clock, with tents struck, knapsacks on
our backs, we were on our way to the de-
pot, where we were shipped for the in
terror. Company IL. was distributed
along the w. Y. r. r. a few miles from
Parkersburg. Five Companies besides
were left at various points before our
turn came. Most of our company is
here a few squads are Stationed at
bridges above and below this place.
We cannot but laugh when we COM
pare the cries and threats of the rebel
papers of this State with reference to
s:invading the soil Of Virginia, with the
warm hearted reception given us by the
people all along the lines thus far
That the people are glad we are among
them, there is no doubt, Our men sta
toned at bridges are 10th to leave them
because of the Kindness shown them by
the inhabitants near by.
The common ration of soldiers are
Potatoes, Coffee, Pork and Beans, but
the squads on bridges don't deign to
look on these at present. l visited one
of them. They lad eggs, butter, molas-
ses, honey, chickens, cheese, fresh meat,
and an abundance of milk. | asked
whether they had bought them; they
said no; then, knowing the love for
chickens possessed by every pork-fed
soldier, l asked whether they had
. hooked" the chickens, to which they
said very emphatically, "No, but the
neighbors gave them to US" One man
said to me 'I am glad You have come;
threats have been made by disunionists
that they would attack our town, but
now we feel safe.
I visited an old gentleman, member
of Church, of by gone days, who is
strong Union man. He says "Virsinia
must be divided. The Hcstern part OF
the State has suffered from the AFRO
gance and tyranny Of the Eastern.
Years ago he labored for division.
Now Virginia will never allow herself to
be dragged into this Southern Confede-
racy. He is pleased with the emphatic
letter Of Sec. Seward to our Minister to
France, instructing him to inform that
Government that secession will not be
recognized by the United States. Our
men meet freely with the citizens, and
are treated with the greatest kindness.
The life of soldier has good many
pleasant, and many disagreea5Ic ossociu-
tons. Our time is spent, drilling, fish
ing, swimming and walking ground
town.
Friends at home can do much to make
our condition pleasant, by keeping US
posted of affairs. The vices Of camp
life are very apparent. Men who would
blush to swear at home, do so here with-
out a blush. Efforts should be made. to
prevent our young men from falling
into vice of any kind. 1t is noble
thing to be soldier, without becoming
wicked, profane and Incorporate. Let
mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters
write continually, giving advice, breath
ing earnest love, and thousands who
might otherwise fall, will be saved.
Gen. Darlington, of Ohio, is expected
here to-day, to inspect the troops
We are ordered to hold ourselves in
readiness to proceed to Clarksburg.
We expect to go to-day. Some of our
men are sick. Generally we have good
health. A VOLUNTEER.