The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1861-10-16
BERDAA's SHARPsnOOrERx.

A place more romantic and attractive could
hardly be desired TOR a recruiting camp than
that on the flights OF Weeha~ ken, where ,he
Ieiits Ut the Sharpshooters are pitched. From
his elevated plateau the eve takes la At once a
Charming picture OF the metropolis, With one
rIver for a foreground andaIother for back.
ground, and long stretches up and down the
hudson. In the afternoon, when the Nights
themselves are throsn III deep shadow by the
woods behind, the sunshine .auIy glor6es the
city, the ripping waves Of the river, and the
vessels and steamers that pass in viss. Mount
ing long, steep flight OF steps. from the ferry,
the visitor does not reach the top before he hears
the sharp crack OF rifles from the target ground;
and, once al the summit, he sees broad avenue
closed IN at sides and back by lines Of white
tents. At the head Of the avenue is pitched
the tent OF Major Rowland, the officer IN CON-
mand, and III front OF it from 4 tall staff floats
an American ensign and stresmer. Scattered
about ia groups, talking. sitting or waking
about are the famous ritiemen in their stylisa
green cloth coats aud austrian gray pants. Fust
aud last there have been nearly a thousand oi
lem III quarters here, but all have been sent to
the banks OF the Potomac, except the partially
formed company that Capt. George e. Hastings
- recruiting. The tirst modest attempt 10 re-
cruit 50 sharpshooters has grown So as now 10
embrace project Tor a whole brigade, and in
tact there have been reported 10 Col. Berdan at
Washington no less than thirty six companies
formed or forming in different States. As vet
he has only 500 men, or eight companies at
camp Burnside, ba, more are already on their
way and Others are just ready TO start.
Major Ro~land, the officer in command st
We,hawken, has eved intelligence that the
second company from Michigan, under the lead
a t'.nf l..tt I,
the thlEd company irom Detroit within few
days What u noble contribution from one
State this. Three hnnd ei splendid rifle shots,
strong, solid stsl~srt men, each used to rough
Ife, and capable of picking off rebel off Ger at
500 yards with deadly skill IL Will oc a burn
nag shame 10 our military authorities II material
sucn as this ls spoiled 6s Iort-s sighted mism,n-
agement The men have enlisted With the dis
,Imct uuderstai dug that they are To be drilled
| sk,rmlsheTs, aud ~ hight alter their way,
On the wings Of the army. Any attempt 10
hamper them with the foGnalitcs OF heavy in-
isntry tactics, will perhaps dsorgsmzs them as
completely the Fire ZJuaves.
Col. Bcrdans men have already got into work
| on the Potomac. Week before last the enemy
| made demonstrations OF an advance on Fort Cor.
coran, an order dispatched TO Col Berdin
TO send company of his shsrpshooters there
Tney had not been long at the tort before thir.
teen OF the enemy appeared IN sight at distance,
but they did not larry long, ior some of the
men drew bead upon them aud at the first
lire killed tour, one officer aud three privates
Last week three companies participated IA an
advance movement, and behaved with such com.
,osure and discipline that AN AID dc Camp sas
seat 10 the Colonel with the thanks Of the Gen.
| erai in Chief.
AT the weehawken recruiting camp there are
| some 40 men al present but more are expected
sithin day OF two, aud the whole nuu,Uer will
Jhen be forwarded 10 Camp Burnside.