The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1861-11-30
Correspondence Of The Cecil Whig1
CAMP GRIFFIN, Virginia,
NV. 9th 1851

time, now proceed to address you few
lines, to inform you $50 far ash am able,) of
the lighting condition of the troops on this
side of the river. Fhave had pretty, good
chance To see and know something Of them of
late. On last Wednesday, the goth inst, our
regiment was one of those which made up the
tremendous quantity of troops congregated
on and near Munson's Hill, for the grand
review. When We arrived there there could
be nothing seen but soldiers in all directions;
they were pouring in by all roads, and as fast
rs they arrived upon the review ground
were directed to their proper places by one of
- Gen. McClcllali's staif.'' After all being!
drawn up in columns. it then being near 2
o'clock, the usual salute announcing the
arrival of the General-in- Chief, was fred, and
attention called by the Commanding Officers
respectively, when we were all reviewed by
Gen. Mcclellan, the President, Sec'y Seward,
Cameron and the rest of the Cabinet. They
rode up and down the lines at full speed Mr..
Russell. of the London Times, bringing up the
rear, Il don't think he can comment much
upon the review rs he could hardly keep on
his horsc,) after being reviewed in that manner
we were all marched past the above named
officials, and on to the road home. The
whole days proceeding passed off very quiet
and nice although the day was very cold,
and we were out from early in the morning
until I O'Clock at night, but would undergo
almost any priya,ons for the purpose of see
ing such sight again On the next day
(Thursday) three sqladrons' Of Dragons (six
compan"s) with six regiments Of infantry and
ten pieces of artillery, were ordered out,
under the command of Gen. Brooks in charge
OF near one hundred four horse teams, tor tile
purpose offoragcing. We advanced to a hiIf
called Freedom Hill, (known some sixty
years ago as Fairfax Court House, but now
there is nothing but a church and one or. two
dwellings there.) On the above named hilf
We halted, and the General with two squad
ronS OF dragons, six pieces of artillery and
two regiments Of Infantry. advanced some
four miles ahead aid to our right to sOmp
large farms where they went to work loading
their teams. while we drew up in line of battle;
the artillery occupied the top of the hill, sup
ported by four regiments OF infantry and our
squadron of horscmcn: The only possible
chance for the enemy to advance on cur
advance party in any numbers was to come
down the valley which we were protecting
and the way they came down the day before.
Our guns could carry to Vienna, distance of
three miles from us; but fortunately for them
nuyy one OF the sc Secesh " came down, and
think if they had we would have given them
very warm reception. The day before we
went there. there had bsen four hundred. c..
S. cavalry at one of the farms. and took
h''oS iio.h thS giving uuC-ui'A
on the G, S. A. While lettering around the
hill, went into the church; found the pews
| and wndo~ frames all written on with names
of the South Carolina volunteers. On OnB
window-framc was written these words:'
Secession is our watch word,
Our rights We all demand,
And to defend our iresides
We pledge onr hearts ane hands.
jeff Davis is our President
And Stephens by his side,
Brave Beanrcgard our General,
We will all have aride.
HENRY A. HoRTH,
Col. Com Sd Reg S. G. Vol.
After getting about seyenty-tive teams
loaded, it then being quite dark, we made a
Start Tor camp, reaching there about 8 O'Clock.
SO ended the anticipated fight. The next
day friday this division was reviewed by
the Commanding General Smith. All the
infantry, artillery and cavalry, were drawn up
| in line of battle, and tough. sham-battlc.
| The infantry and artillery having acted their
part in the fight, it now came our turn, when
we made a charge across the field by COM
panies and then by squadrons. Everything
passed of very nicely, until the third squad
ron made their charge, when private of CON-
pany l., was thrown from his horse, and
passed over by the whole column, some of
| the horses trampmg on him one leg was
broken and some other slight injuries done
him. He is doing well now. This afternoon
We had more exercise on the charge, when
Capt. Brown OF company X, was thrown from
his horse, but sustained no injuries Of any
consequence. We go on scout tomorrow,
and if anything worthy of note happens will
write you. Hoping the Union sentiment is
still on the increase in Cecil and that you
Union men will send III &c Secesl - to place
Of confinement, remain yours &C.,
j. FRANK CUMMINGS.