The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1862-02-05
OUR ARMY CORRESPONDENTS,
From the 46th Penn'a Reg't.
HANCOCK. Jan. 25, 1862

Mr.. EDITOR We have been so Dusily
engaged in changing quarters and recelv-
ing the kind and welcome attention OF
Paymastcr Sherman, that | have been
unable to write earlier concerning our
march from Frederick to Williamport via
Hagerstown, and our subsequent arrival
at the "deserled village" of Hancock,
But, "better late than never" Leaving
our camp near Frederick, Monday morn
ing, Jan. 9th, just before daylight. We
were joined by the 18th and 10th New
York and 5th Connecticut Regiments, all
belonging to the Brigade of Gen. Will
Jams. Our Regiment took the advance.
The snow was about four inches deep and
the weather very cold. The men we're in
excellent spirits and although We "trod
on slippery places" the men marched
we'll and cheerfuny. Along the road and
especially iu the pretty little villages of
Boonsboro' and Funkstowne, we were
cheered with every demonstration of 10y.
atty towards the Union. The stars and
stripes foated gracefully from the win
dows of many dwellings and many fer
vent wish and hearty God speed was Civ
en- US. At half past four o'clock in the
afternoon we reached Hagerstown, hav-
ing marched distance of twenty-six
miles through the snow,-the toes of
some beipg entirely exposed-and leav-
ing but nine stragglers behind feat
unparalleled in the history of the present
rebellion. As we entered the streets of
Hagerstown the band struck up lively
tune, and the men marched as though
they were just starting on holiday ex-
cursion. We halted in the public square
and were soon enclosed in comfortable
quarters. The citizens almost over.
whelmed US with kindness, and coffee
and sandwiches were abundantlv sup
piled after which the men we're given
the freedom of the city. This is a pleas
ant and neat town, quite brisk business
place. and ever will the 46th Penn'a re-
member the hospitabIe reception given
them BY her generous and benevolent
people.
On Thursday morning at ten o'clock
we were again formed--every man being
in his place-and started for Wililams-
port, having been detached from our
Brigade and ordered to report to Col.
Leonard of the 18th Massachusetts, act
ing Brig. Gen, where we arrived at noon
Distance, seven miles. We quartered in
large open warehouses below town on the
river banks. remaining there until Friday
morning The men suffered greatly, it
being very cold and having no stoves.
Many Of the citizens were very kind. On
Friday morning We received the very
cheering news that we were agaiu to join
our Brigade, and by eight o'clock we
were on our way We marched steadily
and soon reached small place called
Clear Spriug, and starting from there on
Saturday morning at an early hour. ar
rived in Hancock about three o'clock,
just as it began raining severely. 1t was
nearly an Lour before quarters for the
whole Regiment could be procured, by
which time all were pretty wet, our COM
pany, the "Curtin Rifles" was finally
qualtered in an Episcopal church con-
tanning large stove and other necessa-
ries to make US comfortable. The boys
soon provided themselves with cakes,
candies and other edibles, and after hav.
ing made fire they seemed generally
"at home"
On Sunday morning rumors were cur
rent that the Confcderates would prob.
ably make an attack upon us. Compa.
MES were ordered to stay in quarters and
every premonltion of "livey times" were
apparent. About noon we were ordered
to leave, as the enemy had threatened to
bombard the town aud, retiring in good
order, halted on a hill back of the bat
teries of Capt Mathews and Knapp, who
occupied commanding position. All
anxiously awaited the appearance of the
enemy, but they came not After re-
naming three days in camp we again re-
moved to town and are quartered 10
large unoccupied dwelling house, which
is quite comfortable, there being stove
in each room, a good kitchen with a
cooking stove and fire place.
Considering the hardships and expos
ure which we have encountered during
the past few weeks, the Regiment is en-
joying good health, very few being seri-
ously ill. No more tor this tune.
Yours, SOLDIER.