The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1862-02-21


Camp Buell. near Paintsville. John.
son Co. Ky, Feb. 8lh. 1862.
FRrENp CONVERSE For more than
three weeks, Thu Brigade has tecn labor.
ing arduously to convert moustrous
mud hole into comfortable winter quarters.
10 measure We have succeeded we
have drained the ground and elevated the
rents, and many OF the boys have been TO
considerable expense in getting material
out Of which TO build barracks and TO.
day many Of the companies have better
habitaiions than majority OF the inhab
itants Of this country. In fact, we have
everything that can add TO the comforts Of
a soldier. But, Just as we begin TO get
settled, and pride ourselves upon being
prepared for winter weather, should it
come, Col. Garfield receives orders TO nd e
vance rs far as Piketown, and, if possible,
drive the Rebels from this part Of the
State.
Piketown is small town, situated on
the Sandy, forty miles above this place.
The twenty second Ky. Reg. went up on
the steamer Sandy Valley yesterday, and
returned this evening. She brings news
of Rebel force fifty miles above Pike
town. 1t is but rumor, and but little
credited. Many Of the boys who were
not in the fight at Middle Creek, are jubi
liant over the news, for soon, they think
there will be another fight, aud they will
have hand in.
We expect TO go up 10 Piketown on
boats, but, il we have the remnant OF old
Marshsll's force to fog. we shall have
some more tall climbing TO do. think it
is the wish Of the men OF the Brigade TO
stay here until spring; but it is Of little
use fol soldier to consult his wishes in
regard to gong or staying, for, when the
order comes, he must pack his old KNAPP
sack, which is to him a little world,
shoulder his trusty old gun. and, il he is
true soldier, march at the command,
thinking little and caring less whilher he
IS 10 60.
1t is surprising to see with how lew OF
the comforts Of life soldier will content
himself When we we're in Camp Chase,
having the best OF fare, housed in com
Portable barracks, many Of, the men would
complain now the same men will live
upon faith, and sleep upon the ground
without cover, and with cold rain almost
deluging them, but not word Of com.
plant is uttered. They have lost all ap-
prec;ation Of home and its comforts. Now
board, even a rock, seems 10 us as soft
as feather bed. Several times we
have bivouacked, with no equipments
save our guns and knapsacks, in the
midst Of large cornfelds, where the mud
was knee deep. This, to a civilian, would
be rather OF poor sight for a good nights
rest. But soon a fire is liz, then another,
until the whole field is illuminated. The
BOYS seat themselves around, talk and
laugh, and one would not suppose they
had ever seen better days. they are SO
perfectly conten.ed. ...'
The whole Brigade will move, | think
within ten days but our stay at Pike
town will probably be short, for we take
with US only sixty days rations. At
frst,i was supposed that we were to cross
the Cnmberlands at Pound Gap, Join
Rosecrans' Division, and take possession OF
the East Tenn. and Va. Railroad. This
would cut off the supplies a, Richmond
But it would be Hercu.ian task, and
do not think it will be done. II troops
are TO be sent through this way, Col.
Garfield is the man to lead he meets all
obstacles with firmness, and overcomes
them with ease, even such as old Mar
shall. We get our mails quite regularly,
but, since leaving Camp Chase, we have
missed the Democrat. Please send il.
Chaplain Jones is with us again. lie i,
model man. and does not have to looL
down 10 see common soldier. But
shall weary you for n time must bid
you adieu. Respectfully.
SERGEANT p.
Catleitsburgh, Boyd Co.,
Ky.-to follow the Reg.