The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-08-09

uoo'uity W0c0 unOer OTucES " moECu )
and here we had found an asylum to rest
our wearied and lame limbs, after returning
from the battle of Bulls Run, and the con-
sequent march Of about fifty miles, through
a rainy day, subsisting on nothing but
crackers and dirty water for forty>eight
hours; and here, too, we found the frstop.
portunity to calmly reflect on the struggles
at Bulls Run, and the loss Of many brave
comrade, endeared to US by many acts of
kindness. Who, then, could leave Camp
German, at Alexandria, without emotions
of mingled pain end pleasure?
Leaving Camp German, we marched up
to the Railroad bridge, where we had for
merly guarded, and proceeded up on the
Virginia side of the Potomac to Fort Rem
yam, located few rods back from the Long
Bridge; and here we made short pause
to review the fort with its 22.pounders, with
the usual supply of canister and grape, and
talk with members of various regiments
stationed there. The bridge was crowded
with government wagons and troops pas
sing both ways. Several New York regi.
ments passed over to the Virginia side while
we waited for an opportunity to pass over ;
the question who we were and where we
came from were usually answered by our
boys with, awe are Minnesota First, from
Bull s Rum" We did not enter Washing.
ton City before it was dark, when we pro-
ceeded up various streets to the Old Repre-
sentative Hall, where we had learned our
regiment was stationed but on arriving
there we learned that Companies A, E
and were then quartered in an old
church about two squares distant and
once there we were received by the cordial
grasp and friendly greeting of our comrades
of company A, with many mutual exclama-
lions of surprise that we escaped safe from
Bulls Run when many of US had been re-
ported victims of the bullets and shells of
the enemy and left on the battle field and
we squatted on the steps forming the en-
trance of the church or on the pews inside
to talk over the incidents of the battle field
and the adventures on the retreat, and all
uniting in praise of the bravery displayed
by our cherished Lieutenant Colonel, and
our gallant company officers in the stirring
scenes on Sunday. Many were the expires.
sions of sincere regret at the fall Of Ser
geant Wright, so universally esteemed in
our company, as well as our other comrades
who fell by our side.
That night companies A, E and F, were
scattered in the pews, aisles, galleries and
hall, and on the steps of the church, resting
from days of extreme exertion. Yesterday
morning we arose to partake of breakfast
and prepare for removing to camping
grounds where Vermont regiment former.
ly camped, and about two squares back OF
our previous encampment in Washington
and once here we pitched our tents and
passed the balance of the day in blissful
idleness-our only duty here is to fall 10
ranks to answer to our names at reveille
and tattoo.
Yesterday report of the casualties 10
our regiment at Bulls Run was made up,
and learn that it will be telegraphed and
reach you long before my letter will be re-
ceived in st. Paul; hence will not recap.
itulate them here. ......-. ct
| 1 will conclude this letter with few in
cidents as they presented themselves to my
own observation, or gathered from unques.
tionable authority, carefully avoiding any
mention of such as are enshrouded in doubt.
Incidents here related are perfectly re-
liable.
Among three prisoners taken by compa-
ny A, was Lieutenant Colonel in the rebel
army, who dashed out of the woods to order
US to stop firing, installing US for rebels.
j. B. Irvine of st. Paul, who came into our
camp at Centreville, when Lieut.. Coates
I Joined US, having shouldered musket in
the morning and joined with US to share in
the struggles of the day, then approached
him and asked him if be was secesh," to
which be replied that he belonged to the
Southern army. Irvine then asked him il
be was Major, and seeing his mistake
and bis position as prisoner at once, be
frankly but reluctantly replied, g. No sir
you nave better game than that am a
Lieut.. Col. in Georgia Regiment" This
is no less person than Lieut.. Boone, now
a prisoner in Washington. Others have
claimed the honor of taking him prisoner ,
but yesterday Lieut.. Coates and j. B. IT.
vine visited him, when mutual recogni~
ton took place, settling the disputed point
beyond doubt.
When Col. Hintzslman ordered our Regi.
ment to fall back into the woods, his Aid
| da,nnipg us for remaining ia the open field