Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1861-12-13
CAMP HAMILTON.
FoRrREss MoNRoE, Dec. 2, lS6l.


FORTRESS MONROE, Dec. 2, 1861.
DEAR SIR - After spending the morning in
listening to The heavS cannonading that has
been going on, thought | would drop you
line. There has been a fight between here
aud Newport News. will give yeu the re-
ports just as we have them 10 our Camp. 1t
is said that our boys have captured Rebel
vessel with niue hundred rebel cavalry, and
the 6xings that belong to Regiment. Our
loss is said to be forty killed wounded not
reported. The vessel was trying to run the
blockade, aud was stopped by our troops, and
the firing commenced, and you bad better be-
lieve there was some big thunder for about two
hours. IL commenced at six and lasted until
eight O'Clock. 1t seemed as if the earth shook
to It's centre. The firing seemed to be heavy
on both sides. 1t caused some excitement n
our Camp. You folks at home think perhaps
that kind of noise would be calculated to horify
those that are daily expecting to be called on
TO face the enemy, but must confess il has
qnire different effect. All our boys seemed
to be anxious that messenger would come to
call us out out to assist. Every eye seemed
to lash with anxiety, and every heart beat
eager for the contest, as discharge after dis
charge Of cannon was heard. There seems to
be something in the life Of soldier that en-
tirely rids him of that fear which is natural to
men at home. The vessel is called the York
town, large Rebel vessel Our men have
been dong some firing at Sewel's Potnt, since
you last heard from me. They have burned a
vessel that was SO close to US that we could see
the smoke as we stood in camp There does
| appear TO be an ardent desire among the men
to be put into an engagement. If the men at
the helm, did not use moro caution than ma.
jorty of the soldiers would, if they had the
command, our armies would soon be cut up by
the rebels. But it is well il is as il is There
has been q great many rebels and rebel spies
brought into the FoIt. Ore big nigger spy,
dressed IN the same uniform that we are, was
caught inside Of our lines, but it will be somes
time before he will report to jeff Davis They
are Yet out on tie Rip Raps, aud that is bard
place to get away ffoG. 1t il place built
out in the Bay, tout Of stone, and is right un-
der the guns Of the Fort II is strongly guards
ed, besides the Bloekadng Fleet ia playing
around there all the time.
As to our destination it would be hard TO
tell you anything certain, but it is rumored
that We are to 60 to Santa Rosa Island in Flor
ton of all, as we might expect to be lost by
sickness, aud We would nuch rather die at The
point Of The bayonet But it ia not likely
that our Government will send Us northern
men into that CLIMATE. The health of cur
men has not been very good as most of them
had taken bad colds in SCAMP Curun." Cap
tain Filters Company seems to suffer most
We sent home dead, young man from Dry
Ridge last week-young Hide, that mover
should have been brought to this Camp. The
weather has been mild since We are here, this
day is rather cold, and it is very cola ct night
Oysters are abundant here, we cah gather as
many as we want to eat. The whole country
is as as level as Christ Nawgle's bottom land /,
and looks just like that
1t is Tuesday morning. Last night was
very cold, and snow and hail fell all nigh! -
We are bad of for gloves. Our Sutler is a
scoundrel~-he sells cotton gloves at forty
cents, that are not worth twenty, his tobacco
is rottoa, and sells il for two prices If be
does not do better we are determined to haul
down his shanty We get salt meat, crackers,
coffee, sugar, potatoes, &o. 1t is hard to get
papers here. Write aud let us hear how things
are al home Give my respects to John Ha-
fer, and all that may enquire after me. /
have promised TO write to SO many, that fiud
it is impossible to comply with my promises
II you think worth while you may hand this
to Mr.. Over, to publish in his paper, and it
may seem as letter to some who are expect
ing to hear from me. No more at present but
remain,
Respectfully Eours,
HENRY BRIDENTHAL.
TO G. III. SPANG, Bedford.
p s. Direct your letters to me at Camp
Hamilton, Fortress Monroe, Va, 55th Regt
P. V.
Programme of the Bedford County
Teachers Association.
The Aunual meeting Of the Bedford County