Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1861-05-30
From Camp Jackson,
CAMP JACKSON,


CoLLUMBUs, May, "a, 1861
EDiroRs OF FARMER;--Iast week we were all
transmogrifcd from guests at the Government
HOTEL to cooks for large set of boarders. We
have been divided into illnesses" of seven and
eight. Each "mess' is allowed one sheet iron
boiler, two shcet.iron pans and one tin plate, knife,
fork and tin cup for each man. Our food is sat
pork, bread, beans, potatoes, coffee, sugar aud
salt. Each "mess" digs a trench about a foot
wide and three feet long for their fire. and hang
their kettles over II on beam suspended by two
upright posts placed Mt each end of the trench
1t would amuse you to see those who we're "gay
and festive cusses" at home in their red shirts
with collars turned down and sleeves rolled up
and pants rather the worse for ware, flDui isbing
the cooking utensils and washing the dishes and
the forks of their comrades; but all take TO it
naturally and are very .ell pleased with the
change. Forty acres Of beautifully wood land
covered with countless camp fires and roughly
constructed tables surrounded by thousands Of
patriotic men, all earnestly engaged cooking and
cleaing, now and then their good naturcd coun.
tenances turned to the crowd who are encouraging
some dare dcvil' who has broke the guard and
is moving for his quarters and shouts of ego it
boots, 'let out little one,'" forms a scene not to
be found in everyday life. The signs that each
mess" have placed over their tables, such as the
"McNulty House, by Uucle SAM" Lions Dem"
"Carriugton House," eft Marion" Anderson
House," "Dennison House," Doubleday House,
"Thc Hawks Nest" Ft Sumter House, and it
can't be taken," "'Thc Big 4 House" "Old Zion
House," with Others of like character, together
with tie tossing of men on the blankets, ala Son
of Malta, forms feature in our camp life that is
never witnessed by stranger without u hearty
laugh.
There is quite an animated discussion among us
relative TO the three years. enlistment and in con-
sequence uf the seeming neglect at head quarters
our soldiers are demorilized, and some of them e
fuse to serve longer than the thl &C months. There
has been bitter complaints of our not being uni.
formed and armed, but we must not forget that
in calling out an immense army in a country like
ours, where military goods form but a very small
portion of our manufactures and armes OF an ef-
| tcent character are totally inadequate; we must
wait in comparatively disorganized state until
they can be manufactured or imported But
with all the dissatisfaction we have some forty OF
! fifty who avow their intention to see it through
come what will, and think that when it comes to
the point there will be but very few who will feel
like leaving us, some of them are making great
sacrafces, thereby showing there true patriotism
Our regiment is considered the best that has
organized in the State. Hence every effort is
being made to induce us to enlist for the three
years term, and i'll view of the fact think that
will be equipped and armed and put on drill in q
few days, aud in a few weeks be attached to Gen
McClelland's Regiment, and invade Western Nir
gina Our officers tell us that there is fun aheaC
but will hot give any particulars, and under the
circumstances ! think they are right. Look out fo
us at Harper's Ferry.
We have just received orders to march down t.
the arsenal to be armed and equipped and to leave
for Bcair. four miles below Wheeling, at thre,
o'clock to morrow morning; so l must close anC
prepare for our tramp.
Yours, Truly,