Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1862-01-17
CAMP MoCLELLAN, NoRwALK,
january 8. 1862.

FRIEND KEELER-l take the liberty OF
dropping you a few words 10 reference to
the noble Fifty-fifth. We are encamped
two miles west. Of the village Of Norwalk,
on the west bank of Huron River. We
have about $50 men mustered into service.
They arc as brave boys as were ever mar
tailed on the tented field; boys that will
stand by the old Flag to the last. Our Of
ficers are model men; men that are rs
highly esteemed by us as they were among
the large circle of friends in which they NOV
ed in times Of peace. We have now been
in camp about three months, during which
time VIC have been constantly improving in
drill, to that extent as to be assigned TO
Gen. Buell's Division, and reported as ready
for the field without going to any Camp Of
Instruction in the State. In view of this
we are hourly expecting marching orders
anxious TO visit "Dixie," and have hand
in that big fight expected at Bowling Green.
The 55th are not without some laurels.
About ten days ago our officers received
word that "secesh" was in town. The of
ficer of the day Immediately went in pur-
suit, found and brought him 10 camp, guar
dcd by to files of soldiers. He proved to
be Second Lieutenant of Prices army
The next morning he was sent to Colum
bus for safe keeping and trial.
Yesterday as We were drilling the Majo
came and ordered us to pack every thing
and prepare for march. The boys tho
they were bound for the "land of cotton,
and fell in with alacrity, while cheer afte
cheer rent the air. We were marched out
and instead of going toward the depot, werC
headed in an opposite direction, and after ;
two mile march fell back on our camp, no
so full of glee as when we went out.
This morning we were again called into
line and marched TO the Cavalry Camp, OF
visit to that splendid body of troops
Wo marched in review before that Regi
ment as they mere mounted for parade
We then went through some movements
and after salute wero marched back to camp
The cavalry make fine appearance an
will do good work in quelling rebellion.
g AS for our Regiment it is classed anon
the first in tho State at the present time
1t is composed Of stout farmer boys, in who's
souls burn the fire of patriotism, boys VIII
will stand nobly by the right We ar
t armed in the best of style; Companies A
B, c and H, have Enfield Rifles, the res
| have French rifed muskets. We have 40
600 cartridges on hand to commence ope
rations with, and when we reach Kentuck
will make them tell for us a good tale.
But l must not forget cur beautiful bar
7 ner. This banner was presented to the 55t
by the patriotic citizens of Huron county
The presentation day was day long to b
remembered by both citizens and soldier
s The 3d Cavalry were present making a m
a appearance. Besides, there were abor
D $500 citizens in attendance. Tho baune
a cost about $lT5. This flag has fallen, "
o trust into good hands I am confident "
have not ono who will not follow it to III
last; and it will not be folded until the 0
i've branch Of peace overspreads the natiol
y Some think the soldiers are hard SO
True, the most of them are rough, but b,
meath their rough exterior beat manly, tru
!. hearts. Many of them have left happ
r, homes to fight for the perpetuity of the Vi
r MON and the honor of the Flag they lov,
!. The soldiers have some happy moments
. In the silent hour of night they dream
home and loved ones; and when we recei,
S tho closely written letters telling us "all al
d we'll" The Band have just played
y y "Do they miss me at home, do thy miss me.
I which makes many think Of other days.
: We arc told the paymaster will be hel
: in a few days / hope he may. NJ pl
/ shall endeavor to keep you posted in u
!. works Of the gallant Fifty-6fth.
Yours, truly, RUSH, Comp. @.