The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1862-04-03
From the First Wisconsin Cavalry.

Messrs. Editors:
presume upon the quiet of your sanctum
u for few moments to give you in brief, (thougf
' in feeble manner,) few facts connected with
the trip of the First Wisconsin Cavalry, from
: your city; to their present quarters, in Camp
e Benton, St. Louis. l shal pass over the taking
3 leave, of your never to be forgotten city be
cause Of the delicate task. and also for want OF
descriptive power, adequate, to the real feelings
/ Of the heart.
We arrived in Chicago about P. NJ Moth
ing unusually interesting transpired during
that portion OF our route, other than general
good feeling, on the part of the boys; at a
prospect of the fulilment OF more than six
months anticipatons; and the many waving OF
flags and handkerchiefs, by fair hands, impelled
by noble hearts, and fair faces; and many words
Of cheer and comfort, greeted our ears, as we
passed along; proving concusively that the
good wishes ofall go with us; through the many
trials we must necessarily undergo, in defence
of the glorious Stars and Stripes,
After our arrival in Chicago the Regiment
formed, and we were marched through the prin-
cipsl streets of the city, to the Chicago, Alton
& st. Louis r. r. Depot. In our mrch through,
we sighed for little of Ksnosha soil, to Keep
our feet out of the mwe-as it was. we had to
keep on the move, to keep above ground at all.
l understand it was remarked by a number of
Chicago men, that our Regiment was composed
of the largest men that had yet passed through
that city. One man said he did not know how
far our men were beIO,c the surface, but they
were at least six feet aboUe.
After the usual amount of labor, changing
baggage &c, we got on board the cars for Alton,
and got under way about P, NJ, consequently
the most of the journey to Alton, "a distance of
200 miler) was in the night, and we enjoyed
ourselves the best way we could Suffice it to
say, no accident happened to us-and at 10 "A.
M, the 18th, found US in the city of Altoona
very pretty and romantic place, Of about 5000
inhabitants, situated on the banks of the Mis-
sissippi, % miles above ST. Louis The build
ings are old styles, and built mostly ofred brick
and stone. The only structure Of particular in
terest to u.s. was the Jail enclosed by large
stone wall, and which contains at present, about
| $40 secesh prisoners-better known as the Mis-
souri, bridge burners. The Band got permission
to make them visit, and l assure you we APP
prseiated the privilege, as we had quite curl
osty to see them. The officer of the day showed
US around, till we had, in messure, satisfied
our curiosity when we mounted elevated
platform, and performed to the best of our 8bili-
IL. ,F
" John Brown" Let me say right here-show
ige man that after hearing that piece Of music,
and connecting it with John Browns history
and yet have ne feeling or sympathy; no love
of human rights, or hate of oppression, arous ed
| in his BOSOM land will show you man that
is not a man." During our performance, the
secesh (who We're close up 20 us on all sides,)
maintained Il mute silence but it was evident
from their appearance, they did not appreciate
the first piece we played We favored them
with several pieces, finally some of them called
for Dixie; :" alter which they seemed to be
quite pleased Our time among them was limi-
ted, consequently we did not say but little to
them from what said, they seemed to be
firm in the Rebel cause. Some Of them Were
quite gentemany in their appearance and con-
versation, but as a whole, they are hard look
ing set all ages and sizes, from four to six feet
in height, and from fourteen to seventy years
of age, and dressed in all kinds of uniforms
l don remember Of seeing any two dressed
alike.
understand the U. S. Officers are holding a
! IT,, II, ,f (
to be shot.
From Alton we took the steamboat "Alton
City, one of the finest on the river; besides
not being very small from the fact that the
Regiment and $50 horses, and all our baggage
was put on board = no small load for one boat;
one thing certain, there was not much room IN
occupied. We left Alton about ii P NJ, and
arrived at St. Louis, 2 A. Mi but on account OF
rain, did not leave the boat until daylight, when
the rain ceased aud in the shortest possible
time, every man was out ready to march. Then
came the tug OF war - we had TO march a dis
lance of miles to Camp, Though mud oh
dear, mud was 10 name for it. thought here
was Maud enough in Chicago, but Missouri beats
it ali hollow. BY the time we reached the Bar
racks we would have sold out cheap, and given
credit at that
| Camp Benton grounds about one mile
square, and barracks enough TO accommodate
90, 900 men. They are very conveniently ar
ranged, with mess houses i'll rear OF each com
pany's quarters. The drilling ground IS drain
ed with sewers, and in ordinary dry time, IS
said TO be the best in the United States.
There are at present I6, 600 troops here, under
Brig. Gen Strong, Hallecks Division. From
Wisconsin, the LIST Cavalry, 18th and 18th In
fantry and Batteries from Racine; the I'd Wis.
Cavalry Is expected here tomorrow. am hap
nv to to able to say that the 1sl Cavalry il sc
knowledged by all, to be the best Regiment on
the grounds. Feelings Of deicacy prevent me
,aying anything OF the Band; there are two
others here, besides our. You can judge tor
Yourself when inform YOU that we were order
ed from Headquarters, to play AZ guard mount
ing. the second III roug att, "ur arrival, and
il j. now = fixed duly. the orners have been
here several weeks, and nave not been called on
as vet. ! cave the reader to IoIm his own con-
ciusiou
Our officers say we are to be equipped lmme-
dialeIy, and will probably no, remain here but
a lew weeks To what point we snail be orde'-
ed. | am unable 70 say; out viii probably be
detailed to guard the mail train, on be sout =
wesr Pass; hope i is 50. in conclusion take
the li6e. ty is behalf Of Our Band, to return our
sincere rhauks TO the ho-pi' abe and patriotic
Ladies o. Keno,na. foi h, n'sl ac., Of KIND
ness, tx ended 20 Us anlle amuag gu, and aI~o
10 many Of our own sex, 20 w"om We are deep y
indebted can assure you all ,hat Wherever
our ,ot j. cast. We shall often turn with grateful
.enI.lib. ance ~ tbe now deserted camp g,Ouad
! liz kenosna. Be,Ievlng as do sincerely, that
oui olighest days of soldering were lhere and
the mauy smiling faces that were wont % favor