The weekly pioneer and Democrat., 1861-10-25
LETTER FROM A MINNESOTIAN IN
BERDAN'S RIFLES.
CAMP OF INSTRUCTION.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., Oct. 10, 1851.


WASHINGTON, ID. c., Oct. 10, 1851.
To the Editor Of The Pioneer and democrat.
Being somewhat rainy this alterno0n it
therefore gave ne few leisure moments to
think over old times in the Big Woods OF
LIE Sueur, in the Cloudy Water Country.
While thus engaged, the thought struck
me of writing few lines to my iavorte
newspaper, so that my many acqualntancss
in the counties of Ramsey, Dakota, Scott,
Rice and lie Sueur, may know what has
become Of one Of the Claim Hunters of
Shantygrat in the years 567e. So ta
make commencement, IN begin as follows:
Although, as have understood, there was
no immediate application made to Cover
nor Ramsey for company of Sharpshoot-
ers to represent the State of Minnesota.
lowing to the latter State not having fur
nished six regiments for the war; 10 Col
Berdan's Regiment of United States Sharp.
shooters; yet is the Great Northwest
State, represented by at least two persons ;
members Of the Wisconsin Company (G)
which is at present encamped here, prepar-
ing by constant drilling in rife tactics
which is similar 10 the Zouave drill, for
more active service, who will endeavor TO do
their part towards keeping up the fame OF
their State, in matters of which the Rifle
cons, itutes no inconsiderable portion. And
as the many readers of the PIONEER AND
DEMOCRAT would probably like to know
who the two persons are who see fit to
place themselves On the record as represfn-
tatives of Minnesota in the band OF Rifle
men above named, Pli state that one Of them
is G. Ii. Townsend, OF Sbley county. who.
oo being tested at Madison, Wis o3rsir,
fred FIVE shots 10 succession in q tanainch
ring at forty reds distant. making he shor,
string Of 334 inches total. The olhes is
your correspondent, who will endeavor tc
send occasional letters to the PIoNEEg AND
DEMOCRAT, while off to the wars, should
anything interesting turn up Cur present
camp is situated on a pleasant rise Of ground
about l p mics north of Washington city,
near where the Ellsworth Fire Zouaves
once held forth, and appears to be well
adapted for the style Of drilling we are "put
through" to fit US for the business we
were called out for. There are here
with US in the Regiment, companies
representing Vermont, New Hampshire,
Michigan and New York. The latter
State sending three one German, an Alba
ny county, and two Long Islanders. The
Wisconsin company has been here now
about two weeks, and are fast becoming
accustomed to military discipline Our
rifles will probably be Sharpe's latest patent
although some of the men may carry
telescope guns. The Colonel of the Reg-
Mens, Col. H. Berdan, is noted as q crack
Mot, having on many occasions put himself
to the test before crowds Of spectators. A
few days ago while at target practice be
Colonel put five successive shots within a
ten inch ring at distonce of 500 yards q 10
rods) A shot was fred by the accomplished
lady of Major Rowland, at the same dis
tance, which made close call on the centre.
The shooting was done from rifle pit, with
guns weighing from twelve to eighteen
pounds, with telescope sights. The New