Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-11-13
/ CORRESPONDENCE OF THE "JoURNAL."
CAMP PIERpoINT, Fairfax Co., Va, I
November End. 1861.

November End, 1861.
DEAR Row Since / wrote to you from
Camp Tennally, have heard from you twice,
through the columns of the Journal, which
coming as it does, solitary and alone to this
part of the camp, is indeed welcome guest !;
and ii contributes no little to drive away the
ennui and monotony of camp life, and to bring
to the soldier, who is separated from home
ana friends, good news or evil, the case
may be. It is true, however, as far as the
stirring events of the day are concerned, that
no paper, coming from an interior locality,
can bring news of that character which would
be of much interest in camp, as they are en-
tirely superceeded by the dailies, which do
not fail TO make their appearance here as often
as the sun rises but, coming as they do, from
nome, bearing news OF a local nature, they are
OF intrinsic value to the soldier faithful
chroniclers OF home events. As such greet
the Journal, coming from my adopted home,
Its contents are indeed Interesting and are de-
voured with avidity, not only by myself, but
by others from Clear6eld who are with me, and
by many that Clearfield never knew. May it
continue to come! for it speaks the senti-
ments of the brave men who are now in Dixe's
land, in an enemy's country, for the purpose
OF maintaining our government, and uphold
ing the glorious ensign of liberty whether it
be assailed by rebels and traitors either \ orth
or South. Let it come it bears its own re-
commendation upon its face, which is suscep-
tlbe of no doubtful Interpretation. | wish
could say the same in truth for OF er papers /
wot of, but | cannot. Justice ,and many brave
men IN the army, forbidS me to do it.
| shalt not weary you with detail of the in
cidents of our trip. here, nor will | attempt to
follow up the events which have transpred
since we came here; time and space for
bids il at present. But, allow me to notice
briefly some of our doings, which, although of
no general interest," may be of some to Penn
sylvanians, for if it does not result in the kill
ing of rebels, directly, it adds to the efficiency
OF our men, SO that if an opportunity presents
itself, for dong anything in that line, they
will be enabled TO perform it according to the
improved rules of modern science. Last
Monday Gen. Mccall had IA review of about
of the Reserve regiments. l noticed that the
9th was among them. The troops looked well
and performed the various eyolutions in way
that reflected great credit upon the officers who
are entrusted with their training. [ noticed
several prominent officers present, among
whom were Generals Mccall and Reynolds,
and others whose names have forgotten. On
Tuesday there general review of the
whole RESERVE corps, including Infantry, cav
airy and artillery. 1t was a fine spectacle,
and II ihe minions of Davis & Co., could have
seen the enthusiasm of our troops, (of which
this Division forms only fraction) they would
be convinced of the hOpelessneSs of their cause,
l think, and lay down their arms in despair.
From my position on the field had no oppor-
tunity to see who the 1c0rthieS were. We pass
ed them once during the review full run :,
and had not military courtesy forbid US turn
ing our heads TO see who was looking at US,
might have seen who some of them were. 1t
understood in the morning that Gen. Nc
Clellan was to be present, but he was not here.
| presume he has business of more importance
to engage his attention.
Nothing of interest happened on Wednes-
1,,- 7 WaSh .J,,.
but as was there duty had no opportu-
nity of looking around as | should liked to
have done; we returned to camp about s o.
clock. Thursday there an inspection of
the 1st Pennsylvania Artillery of Col. Camp
bell. He hadlthree batteries out, in all 16 guns
which made fine appearance. They were in
spected by Gen. Barry, Chief of Artillery.
The batteries stood very creditable examina-
tion, which reflects much credit upon the Off
GERS in command. They are able military
men, and should the lst artillery have op-
portunity, it will make its mark so nmistak-
ably plain, as will leave no doubt of it's eff
cheney. The men who belong to it are men of
nerve, and know their duty thoroughly, and
will not hesitate to perform it in the face of
any opposition.
We have lately had some very heavy frusts
here, which have been very sensibly felt in
camp, and show at once that the Old Domin-
ion is not exempt from such visitors !; they
step uuDiuUen INTO our WnlLS houses, ana warn
us to prepare for the hoary gentleman that fol-
lows close in their wake. Some of the BOYS
have profited by the admonition and have dug
trenches through their tents lengthwise, over
which stone are placed, forming hue, which
upon being heated on the outside and the
heat passing under is communicated to the
tent making it very comfortable. To day we
have a regular old fashioned storm of wind
and rain it pours through our tents, to wind
ward i'm streams, so that it is uncomfortable
damp. with no prospect of it abating soon.
The soldiers are getting tired of camp life,
that is staying in one place, and are anxious
to be on the move towards the :ssunny south;''
the fact is, that if there is anything to be done
before winter sets in, it must be done soon.
There is already beginning to be some specu-
laton among the men as to where our winter
quarters will be some think we will recross
the river to Washington, and not few have |
the idea that we will go to Harrisburg, but |
believe neither will be the case. l am one of |
those that would rather take quarters in Rich |
mond, at least, or know the reason why.
There is nothing of a fighting character |
going on here, nor has there been for some |
time, and there is often the most violent /
storms following calm, should not be sur
prised that ere long, one of the most strategi- /
cal warlike movements that has ever taken
place in the annals of modern warfare, will be |
leralded throughout the length and breadth
Of the land. AS ever yours, W.R. b.
MO. g. WAKE UP The undersigned would
v resnectfullv inforrn tha of