The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1862-05-14
Correspondence Of the Republican
From Stoekt0n's Regiment
CAMP WrNYIRLD Scorr,
Anil Qltb 1870

CAMP WINYIrLD Scorr,
April goth. 1862.
Mr. EDlroR-Sir Thinking that q few lines
would net be unacceptable to you and our
friends at home, relative to matters in general
in this neighborhood, I would say that Old
Michigan 10 well represented here. At one time
since We encanpsd On this peninsula, the Mich.
igan LIST, I'd, Sd, 4th, 9Th, 9th, And Steckton's
Regiment, now the 10th, were within stones
throw Of each other. The Lansing boys have .
good time for day or % visiting each other.
Col Williams made il his special business to
come over and visit US, and was received with .
hearty welcome. and took With him the good
wishes Of us all.
The only Michigan Regiments in Porter's Di-
vision are the 4th and Stockton's, the others
are in different dvisions-many Of US never to
visit and exchange congratulations on this side
Of time
Judging from the positions that the Michigan
regiments occupy, they are highly esteemed.
Our Regiment now numbers one thousand
fifty men, and l confidently hope that when the
time arrives. which will try the souls Of men, We
we will sustain the high opinion formed Of us by
our military commanders.
The duty now assigned to US is varied; one
day picket duty, another throwing up earth
works within rifle shot Of the enemy, again ma.
king road, and building bridges over . large
creek that at frst separated Us from the enemy.
~. lav v;ckat I,,ty Liant CnlOua
Rheulc, Major Welsh and Capt. Myers thought
they would take peep through their glass al
the rebel position., ard for their rude stare re.
ceived rough salute from the rebel rife pits,
which came very near depriving US Of three Of
our best officers. Prudence dictated the policy
Of protecting themselves behind a large tree
but am sure our young Major must have bill
his lips with vexation at being obliged to ac'
80. Later in the afternoon, Generals Mcclellan,
Porter and ButterGeld went out for similar
purpose, but it appears that the enemy has nc
more respect for distinguished visitors than fol-
the most obscure.
Wher cut working On the roads. the men ar
divided into squads. one party works half Al
hour, and are then relieved; while resting, tn
time assigned to them 10 spent pleasantly BY thu
ner in bathing in the salt water, and diving TO
secesh oysters, which l must say, are 4 sres
deal better favored than their bullets.
Last Sunday morning was the first time tina
our Regiment actually smelt powder of an!
amount. While We we're working At the earth
works. the enemy opened fire upon rs, ant
the shells ftI think and fast around 10 for
short time. But they received a vigorous re
spouse from our batteries. which silenced then
for the remainder of the day. One Of their shell
bursted within thirty yards of ~, but withou
injury to any one.
suppose they feel little irritated on accouu
Of the Massachusetts, Ninth and Eighteenth driv
ing their men from battery the previous nigh,
spiking their guns, and taking fifteen prisoners
! they we're intelligent able-bodied, well.lookin
| men, who did not appear the least sorry at b,
} ing in our hands.
There is an almost continued cannonadinl
kept up something like brisk skirmishing.-
To-day it 10 going on heavier than usual. tn
gun-boa on our right about half mile, an
} the land batteries Of our division are exchan,
ing rough compliments with our opponents viii
without much intermissien.
The weather is improving. and everything
the shape Of preparations, versing near clos
The day, if not the hour, must be near at han
that viii gladden. the hearts Of the nation, a.
spread terror and disney sssssshds1
to the almost certainty Of large sacrifice of lf
We sec our danger, but if it is possible to judi
from appearances, the tens Of thousands
troops here, are determined on desperate effort
The probability is, that before this reaches 20
the fate Of the day will be decided-leaving hu
dreds to mourn en- irreparabls loss.
1t'| Respectfully yours.