Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1861-11-14
Letters from the 18th Regiment
CAMP NEvrN, Nov. 5th, 1861.

CAMP NEvIN, Nov. 5th, 1851.
Mr.. EDITOR: We are still laying in camp
with not the least idea when or where we
will go; but certain orders and movements
in camp look as though we would move soon.
All our sick have been sent back to Louis
VILE Our catridge-boxes have been replen-
ished with thirty rounds each. Our arms
and knapsacks have just been inspected, and
we are laying here anxiously awaiting march.
ing orders. The arrival of the Paymaster
with pocket full Of money for each of us
would not be hailed with more joy than the
orders to move towards Green River. An
idea prevails in camp that there we will have
an opportunity of trying our guns, which,
so far. have only been a source of trouble to
the b,ys-they will get rusty, and then they
must lie cleaned they have to be carried,
shouldered, presented, stacked, &C., all of
which are grievances submitted to only be-
cause we have to. Green River is the gate
way to Bowling Green, where we hope to
meet the thief Backner, and his fabulous
legions
The regiment has become very we'll ac.
quainted with the manual of arms aud bat.
tallion movements, and on parade present
an appearance second to none in camp. Our
company Is behind no other in the regiment
IN drill, good appearance, good behavior,
health, &c. Old Belmont may rest assured
that her sons will not disgrace her and
Ohio that the 18th will not bring her any
dishonor. Col Dickey is not the man "a
finch when duty calls him into action. The
health of the regiment is generally good.
But one has died yet, member of Co.
died yesterday.
To compensate for our troubles, and soften
the asperiiies of camp life, we have many
seasons enioymenta and sources OF pleasure.
The arrival of the mail is looked to from day
TO day with peculiar interest, each ono ex.
poets letter, either from the dear ones at
home, loved friend, or, perhaps, one more
desired than all others-from sweet being
who occupies corner of his heart and visits
him in sweet visions, her face radiant with
smiles Of hope and joy, her voice full of love
and encouragement. Ii our friends at home
only knew the effect of letters upon us, with
what anxiety they are looked for, how they
are read and re-read, they would not spare
paper and ink, but would gladly spend a
little time now and then to sit down and talk
with their soldier friends. Friendsat home,
let us hear from you more frequently, and
you will add greatly to our pleasures, raise
our often depressed SPIRIT, and dispe many
a shadow and cloud Of gloom.
As we came IN from morning drill we So
at the side of the road figure, the shape oil
man, dressed in soldiers clothes, standing
on store box, on his breast half-halre
head, with the word Thief painted in bold
characters on it.. Every day we see in the
regiment behind US two or three boys either
fastened in rail pen or sitting astrile Of a
pole between heaven and earth. None OF
our regiment have got higher up in tho scale
Of punishment than the guard house, and
hope for the name of the regiment no such
punishment will be needed The most re.
fractory members of the regiment are the
mules. Though they are drilled a good part
of each day, they do not appear to improve.
They stillpersist in throwing their heels and
forelegs about in most careless and unne
cessary man er. But | think by the vgor.
Gus exercise of strict dicipline they will be
reduced TO obedience.
Excuse bad appearances, for am writing
sittiug on the ground and leaning against
nothing. If this proves acceptable you may
hear from me again.
Low Private, Co. e, 18TH REa'r, y. V.