The Wyandot pioneer. (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1853-1868, 1862-05-02
CAMP LETTER.
CAMP LEE, MooRFIELD, HARDr Co. Va,
April, 18th 1862.

e,
April, 18th 1862.
Dear Pioneer:-As have few leisure
moments l thought l would pen you a
brief history Of our journey to this place.
We left Grafton on the last day of March
and were ordered to report at Cumberland.
We took the cars at o'clock A. NJ. and
were soon upon our way rejoicing at the
prospect of once more getting "away down
in Dixie. Our trip was very pleasant
one until about 3 o'clock P. M. After
reaching the summit, we were thrown into
two trains, the roads being very much
down grade. When we were within three
miles Of Piedmont, while rounding a curve,
toward train was thrown from the track.
But for the interposition Of Providence
many poor soldier would have found a
premature grave. Fortunately, however,
not single man was hurt. A messenger
was dispatched to Piedmont for an engine
and after some delay and labor we were a
gain in motion. We reached Cumberland,
Maryland, about l2 O'Clock at night.
Here we were met with an order to 90
on to Green Spring Run, where we arrived
at E., 80 A. M. April lst The next morn
ing we were ordered to pitch tents, which
we did. On Friday, April, 4th we moved
to Springfield, little town some seven
miles south of Green Spring. Here we re
mained until Sunday, when we proceeded
to and occupied Romney, Va. l have seen
the sad effects of this War; but no where
have seen it more plainly marked than
here. Fences burned, houses deserted,
men all gone, and in fact general DESC
lation pervaded the town. We got the
praise from the women for there are NO
men here) of being the most genteel and
best behaved Regiment Of Soldiers that
have been here from either side. After a
stay of week we were ordered to Moore
field. We took our leave on Tuesday Apl.
18th, crossed the river by means of ferry
boat, which our men built whilst there,
and marched 7 miles that day, when we
bivouacked for the night, pitched tents,
took soldiers supper, went to bed on the
ground and slept sweetly until the rays Of
the sun broke through cur tents to warn
us that it was time to be up and doing.
Wednesday, April 18th, we marched
about Ia miles, passed Ringo.d Gap, a
short distance from which we encamped
for the night. This Gap is but one Of the
many wonderful freaks of nature which
are to be seen in Virginia. 1t is about
two hundred feet in width, and on either
side are gigantic piles of rocks fromfifty to
one hundred feet in hight. On Monday
we moved to our present encampment,
Camp Lee) pitched our tents and made
preparation for long stay, but which
think will not last but few days at most,
but such is soldiers life. We are in Brig.
Gen. Schenck's Brigade; and Maj. Gen.
Blencker's Division. Gen. Schenck ac-
compained JUS on our march. His head
quarters are with us. had the pleasure
Of seeing your friend and fellow towns
man J. P. Ashbrook few days ago; the
old gentleman looks hale and hearty and
is in good spirits. A melancholy acci
dent happened here to day. A lot Of
men were sent down the river to do some
work and having occasion to cross the riv.
er, two men volunteered their services tc
cross the river for the boat, but alas one
of them getting into the stream his limbs
became chilled, and before aid could reach
him he sank to rise no more. Poor fel,
low, he fell not in battle, but he went forth
from home and friends to fight his coun,
try's battles; and fell an early martyr, fol
which he should have nations warmest
thanks. Capts. Robbins and Brown and
commands are well.
H. H. RAGoN, Co. H. 55th Reg.