Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-05-17
from cur Volunteer Correspondent
ALETTER FROM CAMP.
CAMP CAMERON, MOUNT PLEASANT,

IETTEK FhOM CAMIs
CAMP CAMEBoN, MOUNT PLEASANT,
Georgetown Heights, May, 9, 1861,
I should have written you before, informing you
how the war was progressing in Washington, wero
not that in the turmoil consequent on attendlng'
camp duties and the fatigue resulting from stric'
performance of them, neither time nor inch-
nation presented itself.
But now the Seventh Regiment National "uaru
having for a short time encamped, the CONFUSION
of settling disappeared, chaos suppanted by oider'
full five hundred of the thousand seize the oP
portunity for sending letters.
The excitement about Washington has not en-
tirely died away. even at this comparatively late
hour.
The rotunda in the Capitol is filled with armed
men. and the tramp of patriot soldiery resounds
through the Halls of our National Congress COM
panies recline on the public gardens sentlneis'
with measured step,pace along the Federal lawns
on every step of the marble stairway stands SOL
d;or i, ererv conceivable corner and nook is sta
toned an armed guard-in the navy yard CITY
hall. and commodious churches troops are quar-
tered, while every height in and surrounding the
city Ct magnificent distances, is white with inc
tents o. loyal militia, a-glow with the blaze OF
their camp fires.
1t is now nearly week since my ARRIVAL In
Washington, which reached via Philadelphia
Perryvi'le, Annapolis, occupying in the passage
nearly ~ hours,-the time actually spent IN NOV
ing from one place to the other, not exceeding In
the arprepate Is hours. The connections, org
inally poor, are at present oblterated' the roads
are under control of the military authorities only
such trains are SENT anc at such times
as the military head may direct, hence many de
laws occur, seemingly unnecessary and wearlsome
bv reason Of this at Perrysville, VIC were detained
one whole night, then succeeded in proceeding on
our way only when the government chartered
steamer to convey us down the Chesapeake Bay t
! Annapclis-where we sat in the. cars at the depo
with the steam up from half-past P. NJ, unit
| "a A. NJ.
This strict surveillance is Of the utmost import
ance. By this means alone is tho route kept open
for the patriotism of Maryland is still questioned
and the loyalty Of certain Union men is moi
of the purest quality. A pass signed by Genera
Patterson is also necessary, to prevent Interrupt
ton. A regiment of Pennsylvania militia is sta
toned at Perrysville, whose presence has given
ouietus to secession in that place. All the steam
tugs that ply in the bay are in the hands ct tn
Government. Many mount howitzers, and ar
guarded by United States marines, prepared t
bring to any suspicious craft. These strict regua
tions have had quite salutary effect; not Sc
cessionst (if such there be) utters single sylla
bic favoring his party-not solitary confederat
flag floats over its almost deserted streets. an
though on a clear day, with tho aid Of glas
Just skirtipg the Western horizon, one may sc
the counterfeit stars and stripes streaming in tn
wind-it takes good care mo-. to trust itself With
reach of loyal artillery, but floats alone, almos
unheeded by any, solemn reminder of the foil
and rasbness Of Maryland.
Our party consisted originally Of but four, l.
Young, two privates and myself.all of the 9th con
pany eth regiment. At Perrysvillc, we fell in viii
Hon. Mr.. Carlisle member of Congress from vi
GINA also one Of the members of the conventlo
that passed the ordinance Of secession. He is a
enemy to treason clothed with whatever nam
and massive gold fob chain WIS showed us {
which was engraved Presented 10 Hon. NJ
Carlisle by the ladies' Of Kiohm ond, a sligl
testimonial Of their esteem for his noble stand
behalf Of the Union and the laws lie is also q
urbane and polished gentleman and scholar. Cor
corning his native State, popular vote, he said
would crush rebellion-and he still hopes thi
Virginia may be saved from the complete rui
that should attend her perverseness. He was
route for W sshington on Cabinet business.
The company is forming, and am unable
write morc-for either 10 be absent, or rrcsel
with a soiled belt is to incur punishment, an
to spend the night in the guard house, and hay
the commissary forget to bring your ration',
fat not fancy.
sad accident has just occurred. Private heye
member Of company s, was shot accidental
by stack Of arms falling, and died almost il
stantly. To illustrate the force Of the Mimic mu
ket, let me mention that the ball entered his rigl
arm, passed through, entered the right lunj
passed out at the back, went through two tent
and then struck the Quarter Masters house tull
of mile distant. l was in the next row, an
hearing the report, ran to the spot and found hin
alive, but in the agonies Of death. The mos
mournful part of the story is that he was gentle
man OF wealth and position and an hour befOr
he started from New York, he was married, an
now returns a corpse
So we 60. Yours, J. b. E.