Smyrna times. [volume] (Smyrna, Del.) 1854-1987, 1862-09-18

the I'd Delaware Regiment gives the following in
formation:
HEADoUARrERs SECOND DEL. RECT.
French's Brigade, Richardson's Division,
Summers Corps.
Camp beyond Rockville. Nd,
September 9Th, 1862.
Since last writing TO you from Newport News,
the Regiment has made many moves and undergone
many hardships. We embarked from Newport
News board Transport s. r. Spqulding, on Au-
gust 23d, and on the 25th were landed at Acquia
Creek. The corps being ordered to support Gen
Burnside at Falmouth, but we had no sooner dis
embarked and landed our stores and baggage when
Gen. Sumner received dispatch to embark again
at once and report at Alexandria 1t was done on a
double quick" Our Regiment had the honor of
being the second on board of transports. We were
put the kaatskill with Pettits celebrated battery
OF artillery, the command being under charge of
Major Andrews, who ordered to report at once
at Alexandria to Gen. Mcclellan.
We reached Alexandria early on the morning of
! the goth, and were assigned to a position at Camp
California about four miles from Alexandria, and
there awaited the arrival of the corps On the 28th
we were ordered to Georgetown on "doublc quick, +"
and had Just pitched shelter tents when an or
der came to to Ccntrcville to support General
Pope. We Esturted at once without tents or rations
and marched all night through drenchinr rain.
reaching Ccntrevllle about noon next dav, when we
found our army totally displrted and discouraged
after the fight OF Saturday near Bull Run. Bitter
ami severe remarks heard on every side against
the treachCry of Gen. Mcdowell; his own troops
actually refusing to fight under him again, alIepiug
that he purposey assigned them TO positions where
he knew they could not succeed and must be cut up
The army seemed perfectly dernoralized, and wor II
out stragglers were more numerous than those with
their Regiments
| Our whole corps came up in good style and were
sent to the 'front.' Our Brigade being in the first
line OF battle, the hardshps we had to put up with
may be summed up follows Nothing to eat and
exposed to the rain all the time without any shelter
Our corps were assigned the post of honor to bring
up the rear in the retreat. We saw pass us, Banks
corps Selgers corps, Porter's IIentzeman's and
FranklIns, and after all these had left with their
artillery and baggage trains, then our corps left the
field in perfect order. We marched all night and
| reached Fairfax Court House early newt n,or,;n,,
| Ia
Vienna, where the enemy where known 10 be in
'oFce' we rested there to let the remaining corps
pass u.s. and then took up our march toward night.
The rebels threw few shells among us, but thew
did no injury. We went into bivouac after CROSSING
the Potomac at Teuallytown, when we expectod
some rest SO badly needed by the whole army of the
Potomac; but had been there but day, when we
were ordered up here; learning that the enemy had
crossed the Potomac in force and were ut Poolesyic
and Frederick. Our whole corps is tired and worn
out, and since leaving IIarrson's Landing have
never full ration at any time, and for many
days have nothing to cat but what they could get by
toragng the country around of corn, potatoes: and
shooting whatever they could see. We have had no
change Of clothes since leaving lIarrison's.
Our Regiment stands it as well as the best and
tar better than the ma jority of regimento in the
corps. We have about 200 men with us who can
stand anything and as tough as men can he.
But the whole corps is worn out and rreatIv die
prlted by the last reversOs. five had good Gen.
erals at the head Of the army then confidence wonld
be restored but as it is We are all discouraged.
Generals Sumner and Richardson have the entire
confidence of their commands, and we would follov
them anywhere.
Our corps is the largest now in the army number.
ing l5,OOO men, at time there were 81 OOO
Banks corps lies on our left He only has GOOO in
his whole corps and Siegel about the same. The
Third Delaware is in Banks corps and about a mile
from us. They have seen many hardships, and arc
greatly reduced by sickness. Still what is left is If
the right stuff aud will show itself right when tbe
time comes.
All our marches have been made on doublc oucl
since we left Alexandra; and can see no use of !,
as 1t only tires the men, and if we should get into
fight they would not be fresh enough to stand much
work. ITO sum up moves since leaving ITarrisons
Landing twenty three days age: Wchave marched
1870 miles and been transported on steamboats, over
200 miles. So you VIC have seen but little rest
and havo some reason TO be tired; hayo had No
change of clothes during the whole time. The off,
GERS aud man have all done their duty to the Ic,,or
and the regiment stands high in the Division as n
fine marching regiment and of good material Too
much praise cannot be given to our able and oner
getc commandor-Major Andrews. lie has faith
fully looked after the interests of tho Roo;,no,