Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1862-08-13

of their generals and the envy of the
regulars, vet the news that their brother
troops of the west, even those later to
answer the call of their country, had won
Forts Henry and Donelson, Columbus
Island No. 10, and Shiloh. seemed to
move their discipline, and their rejoicings
were mingled with shame at their own
inactivity. "Could these things be, and
not overcome US like a summer cloud"
Ask thezfather, who at that time RECEIVED
hasty, wild letter, written almost in
despair, from his ambitious son in the
Army Of the Potomac, if he did not re-
greet his not having been in the Army
of the West. Perhaps, too, he has given
him an account in that same letter, Of the
hundred and ninety-ninth review before
some members of Congress, or that he
"must hastily finish, as the regiment
was Just ordered for Grand Display,
before one other aconan who hadn't yet
seen them, from one Of the northern
cities" Such was the feeling of that
army during the winter months. But
the 10th of March came. The Grand
Advance, so long delayed, so an xiously
hoped for, began at 4 O'Clock on that
memorable morning. They marched all
day in high spirits, expecting certainly to
meet the enemy the ~next day. The
whole array encamped about Fairfax
Court House. and that same evening it
was announced that the enemy had evac-
uated both Centreville and Manassas.
After remaining in camp few days the
9th marched back to Arlington Heights,
and again left there, March 18th, for the
erndczvous at Alexandria, previous to
sailing down the Potomac Here 1 can
not refrain from relating an incident that
impressed my mind, at the time, more
clearly with the true grandeur and
strength of that army than any other
thing, except perhaps the Grand Review
at Bailey's Cross Roads. The head
quarters of the 9th were situated on an
eminence overlooking large portion of
the country beyond Alexandria, and per-
haps within the view one-half of the army
were encampcd. From the. smallness of
the shelter tents, occupied by the troops,
such force in the day time would not
appear very remarkable, but during the
nights, which were very dark at that
period. the innumerable camp-fres, ap-
pearing not more than pace apart,
covering the ground rs far as the eye
could reach, and discovering new camps
that could not be seen by the light of day,
presented y sight the most remarkable
and impressive that l ever behold.
Knowing You could see but half the forces,
illumined in that grand pyrotechnic dis
play, you could gain some idea of SO vast
body.
The 9th was there in the 1st Army
Corps. That corps being favorite body
of troops with Gen. Nee lcllan, they were
assured that they would land under fire
from the fotilla that would carry them
down the river. That though it would
be the last to embark, yet it would be
the first to m eet the enemy. Lulled with
this assurance the boys watched with
perfect composure the embarkation of
regiment after regiment and division after
division Of other corps until all had gone
but the LIST. Gen. Mcclellan went and
was to be followed immediately by this
corps. Day after day passed and yet
there was no signs of departure. But,
experience had taught them patience, as
they had fully learned, by this time, that
waiting is the sine qua non of the soldier.
While thus situated, suddenly the order
to go down was. countermanded, and, in
in its stead, another came to march across
the country, by way of Manassas. The
Fates seemed against them, and it was
with disappointed hopes, and far from
alacrity, they took up the line of march
for the Rappahannock. What with
building bridges, guarding railroads,
marching and counter-marching, the time
has been passed, since their arrival
beyond Manassas, in being guard of the
City of Magnificent Distances.
They have marched, since first leaving
Arlington Heights, about $50 miles, and
what with mud, rain, and he at, they have
experienced a very rough campaign. 1t
is peculiar fatality that has snatched the
garlands Of actual warfare beyond the
reach of so fine a body of troops But
they are no less deserving for their pa
tience and fortitude in the arduous life