Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1862-02-06
LETTER FROM THE SIXTH REGI-
AENT, o. V.
CANP WrcKurrTz. /
nn

l take this occasion to give you in brief
detail. some Of the incidents concerning
this Regiment,sas well as accidents
which the best regiments are subject to.
The Sixth Regiment o. v. left Camp
Dennison June 5oth, 1861. for Western
Virginia via Bellair; arrived at Web
ster, on the 4th of July, and imme-
distely taking up the line Of march, ar
rived at the town Of Phillippi in the
evening. occupying the houses for our
quarters, which were thankfully receiv-
ed by the wearied "Sojer Boys" Az
ter resting all night we began to look
around for something to eat, and were
not long hunting before we found the
required in the shape Of some fine fas
porkers. supposed to belong TO "Se-
eesh," which were con6scated withous
further ceremony. The whole scene
was admirably illustrated in Frank
Leslie. We had staid in P. but three
days, when one night we were aroused
from our slumber to march in the direc-
ton of Laurel Hill, where we found
the rebels about $500 strong. under
command of Gen. Gsrnett. We were
drawn up in line OF battle, but being on
the reserve did not get to try our hand,
but the l4th Ohio, and 9th and 9th
Indiana Regiments, skHmished with the
rebels. killing and wounding several
The third day ct Lssrel Hill we were
surprised to hear that the rebels had
flown to more congenial cline; but
being anxious for fight we started in
the night. the rain pouring down in tor
rents. rendering it diSegreeabls in the
extreme to the then uhinitiated, but be-
ing determined to not be out-yankeed
by the "chivalry," we pushed on over
hills and down ravines, wading small
rivers waist deep. and overhauled the
enemy near Carrick's Ford. The 9th
being in the rear did not participate.
but the 14lh Ohio opened the "ball."
assisted By the 9th and 9th Indiana,
the 9th Ohio coming up just as the
rebels took to fight. We then marched
back to Laurel Hill, and moved from
there to Beverly, where we remained
inactive for several weeks, then march
ed to Camp Ekwater and Cheat Noun
tain, where many exciting events were
witnessed by the undersigned, among
which were the surrounding Of Cheat
Mountain and Camp Elkwater. and the
reconnaissance of Bradie's Gates and
Mingo Flats. About three miles from
Camp Elkwater on Stewards Run. is
the scene of the capture OF Capt. Bense,
of Co. I. 9th Reg. and so of his men.
Some of the men have since been re-
leased from the prison at Richmond,
and have returned to their Company.
but Captain Bense is still retained q
prisoner of war. Stewards Run is
where Col Washington was killed
Had it not been for our men mistaking
the rebel officers for our own. General
Lee would undoubtedly have been kill
| ed also.
About the 25lh Of November we re-
ceived orders to report at Louisville,
KY. We came to Clarksburg and Par
kersburg, then took Steamboats, to
Louisville. We were I'll anticipating a
good time on Furlough but were DOOM
ed to disappointment and reconciled
ourselves with the hope that the rebel
lion would be crushed within six months
when we could all return to our homes
to soldier no more. But some were
determined to visit their homes, and ac-
cordingly took French leave for few
days and returned much pleased. We
staid at Camp Jenkins ten days when
we were placed in the eth Division 18th
Brigade, under command Of General
Nelson, or "Big Buster" as he is ia
miliarly known in this Division. When
"Big Buster" speaks his subordinates
obey and tremble. / believe that when
he gets a chance at the Rebels he will
pitch into them as he did at Piketon,
XIV. We marched from Louisville to
this camp. where we have been for six
weeks drilling whenever the weather
would permit. This Division is getting
perfect in the various drills and will un-
doubtedly do good execution whenever
the opportunity presents ITSELF, if led
BY Nelson. The signs for an early
forward movement from this camp are
good. Orders were read to-day for all
soldiers now convalescent to report i'm
mediately to the Division Surgeon
Our Regiment exchanges the common
muskets for the Belgian Rifles and i'm
proved Enfield Rifles, which indicates
that execution is to be done by US. We
were agreeably surprised few days
since upon hearing the news oftbe de-
feat and death Of the Rebel Gen. ZOlli-
Golfer, near Somerset, KY; such news
we would like to hear every day, only
we would wish to take hand our
selves. Every one expresses wish to
move in close proximity to the rebel
host, where we can put our rifles to
better use than going through the man
ual laid down by Hardee, snd If the
new Secretary Of War means what he
says we will ere long have chance TO
prove to the valiant sons ofthe South
that they are not our natural masters,
which they say they are.
Well, before closing l will give the
report Of our patriotic friend L. Ander-
son, who said that he had long inter
view with our General. Of the army Of
he Ohio. He said that the army Of
he Ohio, from Don Carlos down to the
nrIyates. were Ihe most disapated and