The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1861-10-12
Correspondence of the Phila. Press
Picket Life on the Upper Potomac.
POINT OF ROCKS, Nd,
Sept. "a, 1861.

Sept. "a, 1861.
There are so many Pcnnsylvanians
who have relatives or friends in Colonel
Geary's regiment, that a brief account of
picket life on the Upper Potomac, from
one who has spent some days there, may
not be without interest. The regiment
is encamped near Point of Rocks, from
whence companies are detached for
picket duty along the river, above and
below the Point The pickcts of a
company extend for some distance from
the "quarters of the company, which
are located generally near the centre of
the line. From five to eight men are
assigned to each picket, where they
form an almost Independent family
They receive their rations in bulk, and
cook them themselves. They are so
beautifully supplied that they have more
than they can use, and they exchange
the surplus for little articles with neigh
boring farmers. Some of the pickcts
have substantial matched huts of straw
others are building "shantics' of boards,
which they will line on the inside with
straw. The pickcts occupy the narrow
strip of land between the Chesapeake
and OHIO canal and the Potomac river.
The scenery is of the most beautiful
description. Our favoritc Wissahickon
does not excel it. The life has such
charms for the men, and they cnjoy; it so
greatly, that their only fear is that they
will be recalled to camp, the monotony
of which is increased by the contrasting
cxctements of picket life. The danger
is not so great as may be imagined, for
in front stretches the broad Potomac,
from two to three hundred yards wide,
studded, it is true, with innumerable
is]ets, but with the most ordinary vigi-
lance no person can approach our pickets
from the Virginia side without being
perceived. The pickets are generally
covered by trees, in addition to which
they have defenees they are comforta-
bly, equipped, have splendid arms, and
are commanded by able and indefatigable
officers. During lengthy conversations
with the pickets along the whole line, no
murmurs nor complaints were heard, all
seemed happy and contcnted, and they
almost idolize their Colonel, in whom
they have the most unbounded conf
dence. The men in some places we're in
the highest spirits, full of fun and frolic,
more like schoolboys than demure men.
This is owning to their perfect health
They say they "nevcr felt so we'll before
in all their lives {" they are generally
increasing in weight and strength; some
of our "puny Philadelphia boys" now
look as robust and hearty as those from
the interior of the State. There have
been some cases of fever and aguc, but
the approaching frosts wills relieve the
men from any aprehensions on that score.
Strange as it may seem, the occasional
appearance of the enemy on the opposite
bank, the daily alarms serve but to give
additional zest to this wild life it keeps
the men on the alert, their powers are
actively exercised, and when they lie
down to sleep their slumbers are sound
and sweet; they arise refreshed and
ready for action. They have fresh beef
served to them on alternate days; pota-
toes are part of their rations, and -four
is sometimes served instead of hard bis
cult; those who are not too lazy can
easily secure quite variety Of dishes
by taking a little trouble in the culinary
department. The men wash their
clothes in the canal, and dry them on
the bushes the ironing is done in the
wearing. Great credit is due to Quarter
master b. y. Lee for his untiring excr-
tions to provide for the sustenance of
the men under Col. Geary's COM
mand, now amounting almost to a
brigade. The vigor and spirit of an
army depend greatly upon the condition
of the stomachs of the men. This the
quartermaster seems to understand, and
the result is that Col. Geary has now
under him force upon which lie can
rely-of which Pennsylvania and the
country has good reason to feel proud
and although we at home can never
cease to feel anxious for their health,
and their eventual safe return, it is u
satisfaction to know that the well.cared
for, and as comfortable as patiotic res
ponse to their country's call can permit
a soldier to be. JABEEN.
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