The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-06-07
CAxr VIRGIN. ISLAND PARK, }
Nav 9th, 1861. {

CAxr VIRGIN. ISLAND PARK,
May 9th, 1861.
FRIEND CowAN we are enjoying q
spell of weather here in camp, and being pei
consequence relieved from most Of our usual
daily camp duties, improve the opportuni'
ty by addressing few items Of information,
through the columns Of your excellent jour.
nal, to our many friends in old Biddcford.-
We have just begun to realize some of the
peculiar pleasures and hardships of actual
life in camp, and thus far our boys bear with
unusual forbearancc both. As q sample Of
the duties of soldier, l subjoin our regu.
lar routine Of duties:
Reyeille at s o'clock A. NJ, when men
arise and put their tents in order. Roll call
then follows, and breakfast is served at l-2
o'clock. Guard mounting at 8 10. Com
pany drills from 10 10 till u. Dinner at
l2l.2. Company drills again from 3 to A.
Regimental drill until S, and dress parade
at 6. Supper at 6 l-2. At 9 the tattoo is
beat, and at 10 tho retreat, when lights are
cxtinguished in all except the officers quar-
tiers, and the camp is expected to DO in quiet.
1t will thus bo seen by our friends that we
arc not, by any means, permitted to lead a
very idle or shiftless life. Our friends may,
with truth, suppose that such daily routine
of duties was a little monotonous and
burdensome. but thus far our boys have per-
formed all those duties without murmur.
As some ofour friends may not bc aware ex-
actly of the hardships Of some of the duties
we have to perform, subjoin tho duties Of
the guard SO many men Generally eighty
are detailed every morning from each COM
pany at s l.2 o'clock, and the whole arc di-
vidcd into thrcc squads or reliels. No. l
taking the place Of the old relief and remain
ing on guard, marching from one end of
their beat to the other for two long hours,
when they are then relieved by No. 9, who
60 through the same until relieved by No. 3,
and so on for "a hours, when the whole
guard arc replaced by new one. On such
day as to-day the duties Of the guards are
anything but pleasant, you may bc assured.
Everything thus far in our company has
been unusually pleasant and agreeable. Our
boys agree most pleasantly together, not one
disturbance has as yet occurred among them.
Our company is divided into four squads,
cache of whom occupies separate tent,
which crowds us together in most uncom-
Portable manner. Only imagine Is men in
q round tent about l6 by 40 feet, sleeping on
straw covered only by one wooden blanket,
said tent being exceedingly prone to shed
water on the wrong side in rainy weather,
and you have good idea Of tho rry COM
Formidable quarters provided by the State of
Maine for her bold soldier boys. In regard
to our food, we have not any particular oc-
casion to find much fault, but If II would
be just as convenient VIC would like to have
change enthusiastically, II no oftener.-
At present we are reminded rather forcibly
Of the boarder's change Of diet, who said he
lived first rate; he had change at every
lneal-he had fish and potatoes for breakfast,
potatoes and fish for dinner, and the remain
der Of the fish and potatoes warmed up for
supper. But, however, If We don't get q
great many luxarics, yet We have all we can
dispose of. which assure you is no very
small quantity. None Of our company at
present are i'll, excepting few who have
slight colds. All Of the clothing We have
obtained thus far is q blanket, great coat,
socks, shirts and drawers to each man. We
expect, however. the remainder Of our uni.
forms before long.
As some Of our friends may be disposed to
show their friendship to US in some practical
manner, l would suggest that rubber blan-
ket would be the most acceptable present
that could be made. Owing to the promo;
ton Of Capt. Hamilton, our company has
chosen Lewis b. Goodwin as Captain, and
r. NJ. Stevens and S. Pilsbury as Lieuten-
ants. They will mako most excellent off,
GERS.
As have already trespassed too much up
on your patience, l will conclude by merely
informing the ladies-long may they live
that their presents have proved exceedingly
useful, especially tho Bibles and sun-caps
the FIRST is read every morning and eve
ming aloud-in each tent of our company ;
the latter we use as niSht-caps.
WIDE AWAKE.