Pomeroy weekly telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy, Meigs County, Ohio) 1860-1866, 1862-08-22

We took the Ohio Central for Pitts
burg. WhA We most observed as we
passed through Northern Ohio, was the
number and beauty of the ladies. At
Newcomerstown, mere village, there
was full company of young ladies-a
fine chance for young Benedicts. I
suppose portion of this praise of Ohio
girls is owing to the fact that it was
Sunday, and the girls were all out in
their holiday attire, while we. passed
through Pennsylvania Oh Monday
wash day.
At the city of Smoke and Cinders,
where, by the way, the women are as
homely as the houses, we changed cars,
taking the Penn. r. R. Soon we began
to ascend the mountains-up, up, along
the banks Of the Connewaugh, then down
the Blue Juniata. There are many fine
scenes for the artists pencil along this
route. The weather was delightfully."-
cool and pleasant, and I feasted my eyes
to the full upon the grand panorama
feeting by US. The scenery on this side
Of the mountains is especially grand
High peaks and ridges tower blue and
cloud like in the distance Down be-
low US, half hidden in the trees, winds
the Juniata river of song and tradition;
while all varieties Of mountain scenery
the deep, narrow gorge, the well-tilled
valley, the foaming streamlet, the quiet
village-unite to complete the picture
Among the numerous towns upon our
route, [ must not forget to mention
Huntingdon, where we stopped for two
OF three hours, and were plentifully
supplied with first rate bread and but
ter, which the ladies brought by the
basket-full. Well do they emulate the
patriotism Of their husbands, and faith
ers, and brothers, three companies Of
whom are in the service. 1t is their
custom thus to minister to the enjoy
ment of all the soldiers who pass through.
God bless them! May their joys ever be
as abundant as their charity is bounti
| full
Arriving at Baltimore early Wednes
day morning, we got off the cars and un
slung knapsacks, expecting to take the
train for Annapolis, when the. order
came to encamp, and in the midst of a
cold, drizzling rain we pitched our tents
upon vacant space at the northern
edge of the city, which we christened
| :; Camp Ted This camp was low and
lot, but still better than Camp Chase, as
we had splendid water near by, and a
creek upon one side, and an old reser-
voir upon another, which afforded great
conveniences for washing and bathing.
Then we had fine opportunity of see
ing the city when I've could get pass.
We had halted at Baltimore, for the
purpose of being on hands, on the
Fourth, in case of riot. Let me de-
scribe our Fourth. At half-past four
routed out and marched to town with
out our breakfasts, and around the
Washington Monument, while every
body was asleep but few negroes, dray-
men, &c. Squad and company drill in
the morning, and in the afternoon our
|
Then about five o'clock another tramp
down the stony streets in the broiling
sun, and around the "big pile of white
rocks, taking off our hats, and giving
three cheers at every strip of cred white
and blue" which we couldn't see for
the sweat that poured off our faces. [
must confess that when Col Banning
made us little speech, and told US this
was the proudest day of his life, we felt
very much like the frog in the fable, al
though we cheered him, of course.
Wednesday, July 9th, marching Or
ders again for Harpers Ferry-three
days rations to cook-another KNAPP
sack drill through Baltimor ore-a ride in
hog cars, and daylight finds US nearing
Harpers Ferry. AS we turn a sharp
curve, approaching this place, suddenly
most magnificent scene bursts upon
the sight Where the Potomac and the
Shenandoah unite their waters, they
have cut deep, narrow gorge through
ridge 700 or 800 feet high, leaving an
almost perpendicular rocky wall upon
either side. These rivers present quite
singular appearance. They are rather
broad and quite swift, and dotted thickiy
with rocks forming innumerable little
white fails, SO that they present spot
ted appearance at little distance. The
scenery as you look up the Shenandoah,
is the finest ever 5eheld.
Again in a drizzling rain we selected
our camp grounds, and pitched our
tents I will describe as well as I can
our situation and surroundings. Take
as starting point street mile in
length, running n. E. andS. W. through
the towns of Harpers Ferry and .Boli-
var; the Ferry being at the N. L. where
this street divides the right angle formed
by the two rivers, the Potomac running
East and the Shenandoah North. The
town Of Harpers Ferry occupies The point