Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1861-06-07

Gus reception by ihe Peogie-The
capture of the secession Camp at
GRAFTON, June 2, 1861.
FRIEND D----.--FIaving a few leisure mdhent'
Intend improving them for your benefit, know
ing you will feel interested in the movements OF
the 18th.
We are now quartered in a large machine
shop, sleeping on the floor, among dirt aud ma
chinery; and although far from agreeable, still
1t is better than being out in the night air, with
the sky for a roof, as we have been since leav-
ing Bellair. But am beginning at the wrong
end Of my story.
| After leaving Columbus, we had very pleas.
ant ride through the beautiful country traversed
by the Central Road, and arrived at Bellair,
about o'clock in the evening, where we found
a supper spread by the ladies on the green 10
front of the barracks, which was very accept
able, as we were all very hungry after our long
ride. Speaking of the ladies', | must say
have seen none prettier since we crossed the
Ohio)
As soon as we had finished our meal, we were
marched to our barracks, which we found to be
q machine shop with bunks built similar to those
in Camp Jackson. We took immediate posses
sion, and by o'clock all was quiet. The color
guard occupied one of the sky parlors, close to
the door, which was very large, admitting plenty
Of fresh air. About midnight we were awaken
ed by the rain, which was pouring into our beds
In torrents. We jumped out and closed the
door, which helped the matter some, although il
did not stop hole in the roof, through which q
stream of water came down till the rain was
over We did not get veyy wet, and soon forgot
all in sleep. Sunday morning we drilled awhile,
and then went to church, heard a good discourse,
some good singing. and saw a few pretty girls.
Every fellow bad one picked out the night be-
fore, and as several would make choice of one
girl 1t gave cause for sundry pleasant little dis
putes. The Captain eclipsed Us all, for he was
taken possession Of by three very pretty ladies,
and while we were there he was with them most
of the time. But enough of that.
About o'clock Monday morning, was call
ed out very quietly by the Captain. / arose
quickly and put on my clothes, wondering what
could be up, that there must be 80 much secrecy
used. supposed was to be sent out as
scout, for there had been talk of there being
suspicious characters near by. When got to
the floor, found instead that with ten others
was to go to the commissary department for
provisions, as we were to move in the morning.
| We worked till in the morning, and brought
| over days rations, which were packed in
everything we could find, ready for the move
| By 5 the camp was all astir, packing up. At 8
we were ordered to march, the rain pouring In
torrents. Il began to seem as though we were
really soldiers The boys were all in good
spirits, and tramped through the mud with as
much pleasantly as though it had been dry aud
warm. We were taken on to steamer, and
carried across the river to Benwood, where we
were put into freight cara belonging to the B. &
| o. r. R. After running backward and forward
on the track till our patience was exhausted, we
| finally got under way and took our course for
the interior Of Virginia. Our train consisted OF
ten cars, holding about half of the Regiment.
All along the route the people met US with
blessings and cheers, and they overloaded our
stomschs and haversacks with food of all kinds.
They all seemed perfectly delighted to see US,
and TO regard us as their preservers; for they
have all been in great fear Of the dsunionistp,
who have had the power in their own hands
Now, that we have come among them, they feel
easy; as at our approach the secessonsts have
all left for the east.
At4P. M. the cars we're stopped We were or.
dered out and marched up o high bill. Everything
was conducted very quietly, and we all supposed
we were going to meet the enemy; but, instead,
revere ordered to load our guns and rest awhile,
and were then marched back to the cars, which
proceeded cautiously on their way. Every curve,
| bridge and tunnel was examined to see that eli
was right. And, while think of it, must say
there are plenty Of curves and bridges, and some
of the largest tunnels ever saw, one of them
| half mile long.
About nine we arrived in the town of Man.
nington. After standing and marching around
till we had used up about an hour and half,
we were ordered into hall to spend the nj ght.
After half of US had got in, we found it would hold
no more; 80 the left half Of the company were
marched half mile farther, to tannery,
where we prepared to spend the night. I, ith
several others, had made good bed of tam ed
hides, and was almost asleep, Notwithstanding
the noise the grumblers made, when the order
came TO shoulder our knapsacks and 20 back to
town. We demured at such proceeding, but,
as It was the Capt.'s orders, we agreed to obey.
We trsmped back, and found our boys had re
moved to various parts of the town, and left the
hall to US. We took possession, spread our
blankets on the floor, and, with knspsacks for
pillows, were soon in the land of dreams. Mine
were of home and the dear ones there, and
when l awoke was surprised to find myself
where was.
After hasty breakfast of bread, coffee. and
pork, and few eggs the people Of the town
|
on our way for the interior. We rode about
miles, when we came to bridge that had been
burned Here we found q Virginia Regiment
We got out here. and Co.'s E and X were or
dered to join Virginia companies, for a forced
march Of IA miles. We were started about
and made our way through the woods, across
streams and mud holes, up the hills, which
might be called young mountains, sometimes
advancing slowly and again on the half run, till
we had gone about 3 or miles, when we came
to the village of Pennington, where we halted at
the house of one Of the secession leaders, Col.
Wiley. We found the women folks at home,
and the grandfather. They were all for dis
union. Here we got some good water and lit.
tie bread. Some of the boys were afraid to eat,
for fear Of poison but their fears proved ground.
less, for those that partook feltnothing from il.
was amused at the Coils niece, a smart girl
about l2 years old. We asked her If she was
not afraid we would hurt them2 She said she
knew we would not, If we were gentlemen. She
thought she was right, and believed we would
find it so before we got back. told her she
was too pretty girl to be secessionist. She
did not think so,
After a restof half an hour, we resumed our
march, passing number OF houses, some Of
which were deserted, but the most were inhabit.
ed by Union people. We began to get very
tired, and after another miles march we stop.
ped at another farm house, where we found the
stars and stripes flying. Here we got some dried
beef and as much milk as we wanted I had
just finished my milk, and was lying down for
rest, when was startled by the report Of a gun.
Heretofore we had all marched with the least
possible noise; so / looked. around among the
hills for the smoke, suppusiDg the shot to be
from the enemy. hut Was aoon kfra nj al IN tho