The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1862-01-23
NUMBER Is.
Letter from The 54th Regiment.
CAMP CURTIN, Jony. l6, 1862.

SAMf NoKIlN, oony- 10, 1907.
Correspondence of The AlIeghanian
Seeing that but few notices of our reg
iment appear in the Cambria county pa
pers, propose to pen you note of our
doings. We are still In Camp Curtin,
and have a very slim prospect of leaving
just now. Since early in August, We
have been bringing in men to fill up our
ranks-hence, you perceive, some of us
have had about six months in camp. Few
additions have been made to our regiment
in the way of men for the last three
months, but we have materially improved
in the art of drill
"Why are We left here so long without
pay % is the very frequent inquiry of the
men to their officers. This is problem
we are not able TO solve. There is no
disputing the fact that we are the best
drilled and Gam L saying too much y the
best ofieered regiment in Camp Curtin
since we came here. Our line officers, it
is admitted on all sides, are more thor
oughly posted in "Hardee" than any other
set Of officers in camp. As to our field
officers, we viii let their future history
tell the tale. But may say have found
very few officers who are better posted
than they.
Camp Curtin is pleasant enough loca-
ton, and has been extremely healthy
considering the vast number of men who
have been congregated here at different
times. Were we in sight of the Secesh,
L would just as soon lie in Camp Curtin
as IN any place else, but it is decidedly
unpleasant to loiter here for six months,
far removed from the danger of any attack
from the champions OF the G. S. A. Be-
sides this, L may also add that it is rather
hard fer some Of .'the boarders' to tarry
here six months without being provided
with few Of Uncle Sans CONSIDERS.
The 54th seems to be the favorite with
the good people of Harrisburg. We have
been visited quite frequently by the "mem-
bers," and among the rest, the tall, grace
ful form of our worthy Senator, Hon.
Louis w. Hall--now the popular Speaker
Of the Senate-has occasionally been seen
among US. And here let me say, that our
sbcys have been the thankful recipients of
a most gracious gift from the hanuS of the
aforesaid Mr.. Speaker Hall Long may
he wave! and ii he again becomes can
didate, | predict for him swelling vote
from the good old 54th Our little dis
trict has been honored BY selecting her
Senator as Speaker but since we have
seen Mr.. Hall preside, we have come to
the conclusion that the Senate has also
been honored by his selection to ill the
responsible post
Whilst writing, | have received the
cheering intelligence that we are to be
ordered to South Carolina, via Philadel-
phia. This is indeed gratifying, but the
more SO when that information is coupled
with the important fact that the regiment
is to be paid off before leaving Harris
burg.
The news that payment is soon TO be
made lightens the heart of every one of
our men, but more particularly the mar
ried men, whose families depend solely
upon them for support. Here are men,
whose wages whilst at home were barely
sufficient to keep their families living, who
been here for six moths without receivirg o
a cent. How do their families obtain a
livelihood This question must come
home to the heart OF every head of family
in our county. Reflect for moment
here are men who have deserted position,
home, friends and family, and some of
those families dependant upon them alone
for meagre sustenance, TO battle, and if
necessary die, for the country Of their
birth q. adoption. Should their families
be allowed to suffer Certainly not, when
there is wealth and plenty in the county
to keep body and soul together. Look to
this. you who remain at home. If you
don't pledge your lives FOR your country,
at least give mite Of money or morsel
Of meal to the helpless families OF such as
Go. HORACE.