Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-02-19
CORRESPONDENTS OF THE JOURNAL
WAsHIyEroN, d. c., Feb. l3, 1862.


weeks. | thought would give you few items
| in relation to a visit made to the camp Of the,
5th Regiment, which L found in the woods.
upon knoll, having two small streams of wa
ter and plenty Of springs near it, The SOL
ders of the 9th have also superior advantages
in regard to fuel, which is near in fact at the
time of my visit, good deal was in camp. or
as we would say at home, at the door awaiting
the axes, which G hope the soldiers will par
don me Tor saying), were very dull, but whether
| LOT the want OF grind stone. or for some other
less worthy reason, am unable to say-but
certainly saw some axes used, that | would
nos like to handle for ahy length of time.
iound the "Cadets' in very good spirits, with
butifew on the sick list ; and these not old
residents of Clearfield county. tits worthy of
remark, that few men stand the hardships of
soldiers life as well as those who have been
raised In our county. The healthy mountain
air, and the kind of business so extensively
carried on among us, in which almost every
one takes more or less part, may have good
zeal TO do IN making them hardy and robust.
L am certain that have not seen better look
ing body of men in the army, than those from
Clearfeld county. Here as with the ssRang-
erS, was welcomed heartily. All seemed
pleased TO see a ssClearheld man. as they ex-
pressed 1t, and numerous questions and en-
quIrles were made about those at home. ]
| found them pretty well posted in regard to
quarters buiit-however without much regard
to uniformity. The reason they gave for this
lrreguiarity was, that they had no orders to go
into winter quarters ; consequently each mess
had built according TO its own fancy and where
there are SO many architects, there will be
many different Sty les. The main object has,
however, been obtained in almost every case
and that is, comfort combined with convent
ence. The soldiers OF the 5th are well drilled.
The 9th and the "'Bucktails - were the first of
the Reserve Corps mustered into the United
States service-having been in the field since
the list OF June last. At that time, YOU will
remember, these two regiments lett Harris
burg for Western Virginia, where they passed
part of the summer in protecting Cumberland
and succeeded in driving the rebels from New
Creek, Piedmont, Westernport, and other
points along the upper Potomac. Although
they had little or no fighting there, yet the
men were almost constantly duty.
However, since their arrival in the vicinity of
Washington, they have had their full share of
lighting, and are proud to say that they have
been able, under the instructions of their
highly esteemed Colonel, to do it well.
Ii ever a commanding officer was respected
and loved by these under him, Col. Simmons
is that man. The men almost worship him.
and well they may. for being a graduate of
West Point and having served his country
tweefy-six years in the regular army, he is
possessed OF large amount of military eXpe-
rience, and is free from any disposition to be |
tyranical in his government. He treats his |
officers and men with the greatest kindness |
A the same time, however, he is the terror OF |
all evil doers, and does not fail to promptly |
punish all offences against good order and mil |
itary rules. In appearance the Colonel is the |
very personilcation of a warrior. His long |
flowing beard and heavy mustache are quite |
in keeping with his occupation. He is of |
average height, broad shouldared and is |
Sli liOh ly Ian Z fIa
ceived in one of the numerous battles he has
been In tie Is a pleasant talkcr, full of an
necdote, and, having passed life so full of |
interesting events, never fails to be interesting.
AT times he can be very sarcastic, aad offend
ers are as much afraid of one of his sarcastic
expressions they are of the guard house
and some would prefer the latter.
The Lieut.. Colonel is gentleman from
Columbia-a Lawyer, understand, of some
experience in his former profession. His
name is Fisher. Major Dare is from Hunting
ion county, and is known to some of our citi-
zens at home. The company officers found
70 be equal to any in their desire to distinguish
themselves in the cause OF their country and
anxious to have their men we'll drilled so as
70 be ready for any emergency. Through the
kindness of friend, am able TO give you the
lamc of each captain IN the 5th, and the place
rom which his company halls: Company A,
Capt. Ullman, JERSEY Shore Co. B, Capt
y. u II. |
jlearfield; Co. D, Capt. Chambern, Lewis
'urg Co. E, Capt. Larrimer. Centre Co; Co.
:, Capt. Trout, Towanda; Co. G, no Capt.
huntingdon co Co. Il, Capt. McCeery, Mil
oG Go. |, Capt. Zentmyer, Hunting don Co; :
%. X, Capt. Collins, Columbia. The regi-
lent numbered. at the time OF my visit, 96l :
len-of these three were field officers five
staff officers, (including the
'haplains and two Surgeons). four non Com !
lissioned staff officers, 36 musicians 20 pio- ,
GERS, 10 ambulance corps, 10 tcamsters, {
aptaIns, l6 LieutenantS, (two absent on Sig /
al CORPSE 50 Sergeants, and 80 corporals /
eaying, us men as privates-Inc luding the t
Orporals who are placed in the ranks 79S men. q
his number drawn up in line of battle locks, I
first, like large body of men-yet in a :
lort time the eye becomes familiar with the
ght and it soon looses its first Importance. b
ut, if you or | should undertake to collect Il
Ie same number OF men for any particular o
urpose, and place them in line, would o
I'd that it would take great deal of trouble 0
do so whilst here, a few taps of the drum, " s"
few brief orders, a little marching, aud the "
ling is done in a few minutes and all in order
found much pleasure in viewing dress pa
des. Ii Is gratifying to see 800 or 1000 men
oing through the manual of arms, at one
me, as regularly if done by one man.
very musket rising or falling at the in
ant, ard glistening in the sunlight at every n
ange of position. IL
Yours for the present, TRAVELLER. ia
PoRT ROYAL, S. C. Jan. 9th 1862. &c
Mr.. 5. j. Row DEAR SIR I take this IN
portunty TO inform you that l am in the a
ldieriDg very well. We are right in the W
dbl Ia nj vi. he ciI .,,fo |