Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-07-09
'd from neglect or exposure.
Yours truly, OLDTowN.
CAMP SEIGLE, miles from Strasburg, !
,June 26th 1871

DEAR Row With much pleasure, although
attended with all the Inconvenience of camp
life, availed myself of your request 70 write
again-hoping that knowledge OF our where
abouts will be of some interest to many OF the
readers of your estmable Journal. | well
know the interest you feel in all that pertains
to the Union army, and especially that por-
tion composed OF Pennsylvanians. l believe
that the Pennsylvania troops, in general, have
given their friends at home (who we know are
soicitous for our good conduct as little cause
to blush, as the troops of any other State-but
to the point.
need say nothing of our participation in
Barks' ''skedaddle" from the vicinity in
which We are ,as the particulars of that event
are familiar to al-su1iice it, to say, our boys
stood nobly TO their duty, although frequently
exposed to the enemys fire. No doubt,
many cheeks wore an uDwonted palor, yet
there were no indications of the sswhite feath-
er,' on the contrary, when our noble Captain
Stewart, in bis usual collected manner com
mandcd, his orders were obeyed coolly as
if on parade.
Our regiment, First Maryland cavalry, is
attached to Coopcr's Brigade in Seigles' Di-
VISION. In the last named officer we have
implicit confidence. Gen. Fremont has NOV
ed into the rear of our Brigade, leaving us
the right and front, and the first to meet the
rebel jackson should he again advance into
the movements of our commanders plainly
invite. Indications are, that SeIgle is TO com
mand the combined forces assembled here.
lie is almost constantly in the saddle, during
the day, examining with his eagle eye ever,
road, trying ordinance, reviewing troops, etc.
will be much mistaken If old Jackson cbaSes
the Flying Du;chman (aS the rebels Call Seigiel
out of the valley with the force he now has
no matter what force Jackson may use for
that purpose. If Jackson makes the attempt
to drive Gen. Seigle, he will be taught les
son that viii last him until he is hanged, if
the gallows does not neglect to claim its
rights. But my opinion is that jackson Will
not make his appearance here In hurry, al
though his scouts are numerous across the
Shenandoah, and in the vicinity of the noun
tins, where they find hiding places. Our
scouts almost daily bring in more ol less pris
oners many OF whom express themselves sat
ised with Sccesh, and say they do not want
to be exchanged-that they have suffered G.
nough already from rebellion. Others are
very vindictive and threaten vengeance should
they again be free. They are generally rath
er shabby looking chaps, these Dixie boys.
How long we TO await the enemy's COM
ing, l have no means OF knowing, but the
General says if Jackson don't come to US soon
we will go to him. which may not be very
easy matter in case old Jack takes ii into his
rascaly head to dispute our passage Ihrough
do this if he should occupy position in the
vicinity of the pass would make use of ;
and L apprehend that is just where he is.
Doubtless jack is near some railroad lead
ing to Richmond and, unless | err, i'll Gen.
McClelan's ability, that city will soon lose its
charms for such as Jackson, and rebellion its
popularity, and then peace may be soon re-
stored TO our unhappy country. This done,
the weary soldier will find rest, and 1 hope,
be permitted to enjoy long and peacefully the
sweets OF home, and the affections of loved
ones, who waitiag anxiously to give US Il
hearty welcome on our return.
l hope we may soon get out of this inhospI-
tai land. The country is beggard and forage
is very scarce. Our horses work hard and ar
growing thin on green feed. The stores are
all empty, nearly SO, and if they have an
article to sell, they want the price of full
stock for it.
Our letters and papers reach Winchester by
regular mail routes, and are forwarded from
thence by military. Please send me Journal,
Its perusal gives me as much pleasure as a
visit from an old acquaintance.
Yours G., E. L.