Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-12-24
LETTER FROM FORTRESS MONROE
Correspondence ef the journal and Statesman.
LETTER No. II.

LIE ElIEh no. IL.
CAMP HAMILTON, Fortress Monroe, Va,
Thursday night, Dec. TO- 1861.
FRIEND EoKEL:
A new thing in the shape OF
Brigade drill has been introduced on the
field of late. The various regiments now
practice every afternoon in that kind of drill,
and it is but justice to add that the First
Delaware does as well as some regiments that
have been in the service much longer. They
aro progressing rapidly in the knowledge of
their military duties; at least this is the de-
claration of those who are posted in such
matters.
The Flying ARTILLERY from the Fort comes
out every morning and practices short time.
Withal, these exercises may be significant Of
some preparations for an advance for aught
We know. They may possibly denote re.
connoissance in force at some future time
not here specified. An order for forward
movement a few miles into the interior would
be acceptable to manyi it would be like
worcestershire sauce on roast beef: it would
impart sensation, which is something that
is required. 1t would for the nonce break
the unchanging routine of daily life in camp
and give oil something TO talk about.
Aside from picket duty. which is lrmtru
in incidents at times, there is little 10 engage
the mind. The arrival of the mail each
morning is an event, as is evident from the
interest which attaches to it. Nearly every
man anticipates letter, and consequently is
watching the appearance of the letter car
rier. 1t is but natural that anything calcn-
lated to occasion little pleasant excitement
should be well received, in view of this alb.
sence of themes and occurrences.
In one of our rambles yesterday, we took
occasion to visit the big guns which you have
heard so much of just outside the Fortress,
ON the beach. One of them--the " Union
lis mounted, and is the most savage looking
piece of iron you ever saw. 1t makes man
involuntarily whistle to look at it. He may
have had some notions of q monster shooting
piece, hut he had not conceived of anything
so large. He glances mp at il and wonders
and CALCULATES something about its wonder
Iul size. The rihed pieces around it look
like small affairs. 1t weighs about twenty
Six tons, and is said to throw projectle five
or six miles; when the piece is fred, every
thing around feels the shock. The Floyd
is lying but few steps off, hut is not mount.
ed yet; il is not quite so heavy. The
Union" is rifed, the other is not. A shot
from these guns. would tell on any passing
craft.
The Hospital OF our Regiment is being
kindly remembered in Wilmington. Yester
day, three large boxes came from the Ladies
Aid Society of Asbnry NJ. h Church, con
tanning sheets, eomfortables, pillow slips
drawers, shirts, wrappers, slippers, towels aut
| stockings. The contribution was an exten
siva one and such as TO meet the require
ments of the sick. 1t was valuable addi
tion to the stock. The Society is entitled
to the earnest thanks of the Regiment
Other boxes of clothing and stores hay,
been sent from Wilmington, but have moi
been received as yet. When all the article:
which have been forwarded from, and prom
ised in that city, shall have come to hand
the Hospital will be amply furnished. The
Medical Director of this Division in obsery.
ing the accommodating stores, and learning
the continued labors in behalf of the sick
soldier, on the part of the ladies of youl
city, remarked that If the men of the coun,
try were as patriotic as the ladies' of VIII.
mington it would require but a short time
10 put down the rebellion.
Tho Sussex Company has received from
the ladies Of Georgetown, Lewes and Mil
ton, an ample supply Of gloves and stockings.
Old Sussex is not obliyious Of the require.
ments OF the soldiers She has sent out.
Yours, BIIIy