Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-07-01
rn0m FoRT PIcKENs.
An ohIS County Mans Account OF
Things There.


Things There.
native of this county, is now in the ar
nv of the Union at Fort Pickens, and he
writes an interesting letter to a friend in
Wheeling, which we have had the pleasure
of residing. From it we are permitted TO
publish a few extracts:
steamer leaves to-day, and | avail
myself Of it TO let you know that l am
well, and that nv head has not yet been
knocked OF by the seeessionists. l wrote
10 you from the transport that brought US
here. AMER a very boisterous passage OF
ten days. We arrived here, and at once
landed the reinforcemeuts OF this place.
The works on the other side of the harbor
being in possession Of the enemy, aud their
guns nmandiug the entrance, we did not
sttempt 10 enter the harbor, but disem-
barked on the open beach, some three or
four miles from the fort. Owing 70 the
depth of water drawn BY our steamer, we
could not approach within less than a mile
of the sho G. Our horses, seventy IN num-
Der. had TO swim this distance. They were
boosted MP and lowered over the ships side
into the water, and ench one being taken
in tow by a ships boat, were conducted to
the beach. The sea was rough and the
surf high. but the noble animals tattled
hard for their lives, and all with the
exception of two OF three, landed sHtel y,
although much exhausted There is moth
ing here for horse artillery to do, and we
ali think it was great mistake bringing
our fine light battery here when there -
so much want for that kind Of artillery for
the large armies now being raised in tie
Sorth to take the open field.
] see by the papers, and am glad to see
it, that Western Virginia appears deter
mined not to be led or ruled by the Eastern
part of the State.
None of Us have received letters since We
left New York, now almost two months.
We occasionally by the arrival of vessel
get few papers, the latest dated the llth
inst. We are rejoiced TO learn theretrom
Of the uuanimity that exists in the North
and West 10 put stop to the heresy of Sc
cession, and that the world will soon learn
that We still have government, and q
country that is able and willing to main.
its dignity and standing as nation.
A steamer which arrived last night has
Just sent large mail ashore. Everyone
has a large bundle Of letters, full OF ac-
counts of the wild excitement and war fe-
yer in the North. feel as if | were bur-
ried alive by being here, and would give
anything to be north, because think there
is the field of action. 1t is no doubt very
important 10 hold this point and we may
vet have opportunity for distinction. Still
il is very difficult TO hear of the stirring
events that are taking place, without long
ing to be in the midst of them. Another
reason, am afraid that by being here, as
= ~ tr9hk no vii he fen
By the Authoritins at Washington when
opportunities for promotion arise.
Fort Pickeus is strong work, situated
on Santa Rosa Island, at the entrance of
the hnrbor of Pensacola. The very narrow
island is composed entirely of drifted sand
bills and some marshes, a few groves OF
pine trees, and some bushes and patches
of swamp grass. There are no green fields
or beautiful views of hills and valleys to
cheer our sight. On the opposite side of
the harbor, and surrounding US on three
sides, at the distance of Il little oVe- mile,
are situated our enemies to the number OF
from five to seven thousand. They occupy
two strong forts, built by the United States,
the navy yard, aud large number OF bat
teries built ny themselves. They are well
supplied with heavy artillery, capable OF
earring against us a heavy Gre. When
they will open it we have no idea From
all appearances their enthusiasm is on the
wane. No doubt warm weather. hard
ork, and camp life is having its influence
on them. Weare about a thousand strong,
and since our arrival here have been hard
at work, placing the work in condition
of defence. An immense amount of labor
has been done and now we are prepared
for our enemies to open their IRE as soon
as they like-the sooner the better. With
out more troops being sent here, We cannot
expect to do much towards crossing over
TO the other side and assuming the defen-
siye. We are very much crowded here,
and have not comfortable place to write
in, and am surrounded By officers talking
and reading. Ny letter, in consequence,
am afraid is not very iutelIigible, but
hope that you will be able 10 make it out.
Yours truly, T.