Delaware State journal and statesman., 1862-11-14
Letter from First Delaware Regiment
LETTER No. 80.
Mean AsnBY's Gar. VA,
Monday MIGHT. Nov. 81 1892

Monday night, Nov 81, 1862.
FRIEND EcKEL:
The march to-day has been an
extended one through Loudon Valley the road
for the most part has been through forests. but
this evening We passed some large plantations
aud pleasant looking mansions Like turkeys
we roosi high at night, and accordingly we are
again perched upon high hill, and are drawn
upin line of battle, with one company On picket
ever and anon we hear picket firing just in front
Of us. Though the sun has shone To-day the
wind has been clustering and cool, and to night
as we sit by our camp fire. we experience quite
a sense of comfort whilst We Watch the process
OF cooking slice Of meat by holding it on stick
over the fire, and the ebulliton Of tin cup full
of water preparatory to the making coffee We
can smoke our pipe and indulge in the thought
that if the air is chilly, the Toys have brought
supply of fence logs sufficient to keep IN a good
blaze.
when an army halts for the night, the country
IS secured for some distance in quest of ANYTHING
that may minister to the comfort Of the soldier
spring or well must be found; peiebhoriny
bay stacks are drawn upon for forage for the
horses orchards are searched; hen roosts are
examined farm houses watched, and ANYTHING
running about loose appropriated
Taesday Morning Nop. 4.-No alarm l.st pi,h,
Wrapping our blanket about us, placing stone
under our head for pillow, and putting ou feet
towards the hre, we slept like tired man. aud
woke this morning, limiting cur ablutiops in
consequence of the meagre supply of water to
the application of few drops to our face We
are again drawn up in line Of battle. Several of
our oihcers and an entire company, narrowly
escaped capture last night, having been posted
IN one locality beyond the rebel pickets. tbroueb
misapprehension. The mistake was quite il,
derous, for it mystifed seoesh, and this morning
before day they took retrograde movement
possibly thinking we were in their rear. Upner.
vile, small village, is in view Oh our left.
Atght-Well, we have had an entire dav
rest Though thousands of troops have been
marching on our Brigade still occupies the same
position it took yesterday evening, and our men
nave had fine opportunity to execute a laree
piece Of cooking We stood about fire aronnd
which several officers were seated and all inten,-
" engaged in She interesting sayory aud deioplt |
process OF cooking, in small frying pan, a LARGE
turkey, which we may generously believe yolun-
'arily delivered itself up as 4 prisoner of war
~ 'ntm they we're converting it into something
sdlole without the accompaniments of salt nen.
per, or hour one wanted 10 advise the other 40
10 the proper mode, and he very Indignantly
asked, edo you think ! never did apv eookina
before - And we saw Que of the medical s,aT
buslly employed in dissecting n piece Of rresh
pork which he had by some method known -
military men, obtained. and trying to fry it in a
I'm platter but he was evidently green at tile
business by the way, We b,H, frequep,lv
thought what model husbands soldiers onob, -
make, for they learn to be so handy in tbe culi.
nary department, and besides don't keen lato
hours or dissipate of nights Why, they all re.
tire at about eight O'Clock, showing no ,lisno.
sitiOu to wander about. These are great con-.
sideratlons.
The large fires look cheerful this November
night we have large one built up and ore
warming ourselves by it and speculatine upon
the Injuries of military life, and wondering if
'ae people who are sitting by their coal fires at
hoine can know the cheer Of position before
cracking fire of old wood in the open air. WITH
chance at sleep nude comfortable bv ths
warmth
Wednesday morning Nor 5.-Thoupb the frost
this morning deposited covering Of white unon
our blankets, the sun is quite genial and makss
the rising breeze endurable We have had M
orders to march, though we are expecting them
every minutes from all we can learn we shall be
needed at the Gap" as sharp work is lnticipa.
led there. We were instructed last night to tn.
affect that if any firing was heard in the direction
II the dap" to get in readiness to march at
'neei but affairs were qniet and we received our
lsual allowance of sleep.
Notwithstanding the expected orders, every
ne appeared as Indifferent as though
othng unusual was on the tgpis Looking
round US, we see one man sitting on stone and
mother bending over him, cutting his hair in !
mother spot we observe one lying on the Hat Of :
is back, with his head on the knapsack, and
mother one with razor in hand preparing to give
i'm a shave. !
We have an opportunity to send a letter now, Z
I'd will close. Mail facilities are not very good
IRE. Yours, c
BILLY. &