The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-12-18
From the 46th Regiment.
CAMP kSIPE, Muddy Branch, Nd. /
Dec. 9th, 1861.

Dec. Olu, lcOI.
Mr.. EDITOR The regiment has march
ed, with the exception of one Company
who remain a few days on picket, and a
part of the Quartermaster's stores which
are left until the return of the baggage
train, in care of the Quartermaster, Ser
geant and myself. The whole of the Di-
vision has gone to Frederick City, Tor
what purpose l know not. There are va
rious rumOrs that some of the largest reg
iments have been selected to go on board
some feet goiug South. This may be
true, and if SO, you can take 1T for grant
ed that the 46th Is on hand.
The 46th moves along smoothly as a
regiment. Not so, [ am sorry to say,
with the two companies from Potter.
Three of our comrades have thus early
sacrificed their lives. Yes, Higley Judd
and John Peet from Company H, and
Gilbert Kenyon, from Company G, are
with US no more. Ali were good and true
soldiers, and their loss is deeply felt by
US ALL Kenyon and Peet were buried iu
the churchyard in Jamestown, with mil
itary honors. A simple board with their
names, regiment and age was the only
tribute their comrades could leave by
their graves; but memory will forever
reserve her choicest spot in the hearts of
many many dear friends, to cherish the
names of those who have thus earl y fallen
in the service of their country.
A few words upon the character Of the
46th. Friends at home and from differ
ent parts of the State seem to think (by
the tone of thei- letters) that we have a
regiment of villains, desperadoes and
thieves. I suppose they have formed
their opinion from the murder of our Ma
jor, and various untrue rumors concerning
US while the regiment was yet in its in
fancy. This, [ admit, would cause a
strong feeling against us-and the regl-
ment thousand brave, true and patrl-
otic men-must suffer for the crime of i
single villain. But know, friends at
home, that we are not the set of despera-
does you imagine US to be. Don't take
our word, but take the words of Gen.
Banks, of four Brigader- General Williams,
of our own Col. Kpipe, and of the inhab-
itants near whom we are quartered. BY
them we are praised for good behavior,
even more than by our Orthodox Yankee
friends ia the Division with us. Our
bravery and endurance have been highly
commended by Gen. Banks, our efficiency
by Gen. Williams, our neatness by the
Inspector General; and Col. Knipe, a
brave and gentlemanly soldier and withal
aspiring, is not only satisfied, but is proud
of his regiment. That there are hard
cases among US we admit, and they have
been more numerous since pay day, for
with Uncle Sans "Sponduiiks" come
whisky. The damnable "sesesh" run
seller spies, for the sake of lining their
pockets with the "yellow tin" of their
heretofore doting Uncle Sam. (for they
love that part still,) will make brutes of
men.
The country | have not yet spoken
of. Maryland,ln In this section is fair TO look
upon, and towards Edwards Ferry is re-
ally beautiful. The banks of the Poto-
mac are broken with steep bluffs. These
bluffs do not extend back, but are ridges
sometimes running parallel and some
times running at an angle with the river.
Farther back it is less abrupt, neverthe-
less it presents rolling and irregular
surface. The surface is composed very
much of red shale. Water courses are in
this easily formed, and deep guIlies are
worn wherever the water of heavy rains
courses. Streams are more or less mud
dy, hence the name "Muddy Branch" "
The soil, seems productive where it has
not been worn out. The original growth
of timber is Oak, Chestnut and Walnut
very much in appearance of the timber
upon limestone soil of Central Penusyl.
vania but on worn out fields the Yellow
Pine soon spring up. 1t needs the thrifty
farmer of Pennsylvania to make Mary.
land, and he can easily do it by using
and not fearing to soil the hands that God
has given him. Corn and wheat are the
principal productions. Slavery is ths
curse (L wish there was stronger word
of Maryland. Judging from the few peo
pie soldier meets, the common lntelli
gence of Maryland is below mediocrity
School houses are among the curiosities
also churches. | have met one man who
longed to see Maryland free State, but
more than the half we cannot believe
who say they are for the Uuion. The
sight of soldier makes them the strong
est Union men. When we express oul
doubts about the inhabitants being sound
(of course to try them their answer is
invariably, II reckon right smart I'm &
Union man." All who are able hole
slaves. Of course the slaves long fol
freedom. We urge them to run away