The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-05-20
Correspondence Of the Richmond Dispatch
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HARPER's FERRr. VA, Nav 1t, Isl

HARPERs FERRr, VA, May IL, 1851.
This morning all things look busy about the
camp-grounds and quarters-men preparing
their morning repast, drill at 81 A. NJ after
which comes breakfast, At O'Clock, the
splendid band, under the direction of Prof.
Charles Eshman, from Harrisonburg. COM
mences practice; at 10 O'Clock sd uad drill: al
O'Clock Il. NJ. band rehearsal; at O'Clock
drill; and at So or p NJ. dress parade. Thus,
you see, we are always busy, and should the
enemy come to the attack, they would be very
apt to run in and find us already armed and
acccutred, as we do not get much play time
At O'Clock every man not out on duty is in
his barracks. This is by general order from
headquarters, and a good arrangement.
On Sunday last, about forty members of the
Maryland Legislature paid us 4 visit. What
their purpose was is probably best known at
headq uarters, as, so soon rs they could get
permission, they repaired to the residence OF
Col. Jackson, commander of forces.
Many accidents having occurred by the care
less, and sometimes too free, of side
arms, the use and the carrying of them daily
has been prohibited. Yes terday another OF the
Kentucky Regiment was accidently shot by
pistol in his own hands. The ball entered
his head under the eyebrow, and passed
straight up through his head. This last makes
ten cases OF q similar sort.
Large reintorcements are daily pouring in
They generally come in regiments, and bring
the requisite number of cannon and other
splendid arms.
The machinery In the works in the Armory
ward has been pretty we'll removed. Not
much of it yet remains to be carried off
There is, though, plenty of machinery here
for other purposes than the manufacture OF
muskets. 1t is TO be hoped that the machinery
may be put up at Richmond speedily, and set
TO work. We are yet turning out large
number of good guns daily. / can hardly
think we lack for guns. The Kentuckian-
were furnished a few days ago with Minnie
rifles, and they are the boys to make their
mark
our position is nearly impregnable, and
within a short time the whole of Abe Lin
coins army put together cannot take us. But
if they think otherwise, Just let them pitch in
About ,, ,0GO addi itional troops have arrived
here within four days past 1t is nobody S
business how many there are here. will let
you guess.
Very general good health prevails. This is
strange for so large an assemblage of men
The scenery hereabouts is sublime, and no
lover of the bea ties of Nature can fail to ad
mire its grandeur. Mr.. Jefferson, in his elo
quent description of the see 1ery of Harper s
Ferry, did not oyerdraw the picture.
Having been so busted heretofore by many
duties, l have been debarred from Keeping d
narrative of all events transpirlng, but in fu
ture l shall be able 10 keep my chronicle reg
ularly.
There is not much in regular routine OF
army camp life TO write about, unless one will
give credence and circulation to all the ru
mors and reports, which are not all reliable.
shall not give them-l shall endeavor 10 keep
a correct record.
As far as prov isions are concerned, we have
plenty of the best. Many reports circulated
of our starving condition has brought large
quantities OF private boxes OF ''f oodies' tor
individual men, when nothing of the sort was
necessary. Soldiers never heavily indulge in
Injuries, except at their own expense. Some
nice men may have wan ted Injuries, but none
wanted all the necessares; and, l will say
further, that all the arrangements here are bet
| ter than anywhere else that j have seen OF
heard of for the comfort OF soldiers. PEN.