Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-01-22
Camp correspondence.

Camp Correspondence.
COLUMBIA, Adair Co., Ky.
January l, 1862.
Editors of Chronicle: my last
the 18th Ohio Regiment has remained il
the same position, improving in drill, and
preparing for the 'irrepressible conflict. >
If one was to judge from reports, as well
as the actions of the people in this pat Of
Kentucky, but enc conclusion could be ar
rived at, and that, that the 18th was the
lion of the day. Our dress parades are at
tended by many citizens for miles around,
ladies and gentlemen coming on horseback
the customary way of travelling; our par
AIDES are truly imposing, some 500 men on
duty, all dressed in their pale blue over
coats in battle line, their bright muskets
and bristling bayOnets cleaning in the set
ting the manual of arms, the music,
our band of twenty instruments, whose
mellow notes resound through the vale be-
low US, command the admiration Of the
spectators.
! EIii.s reputation that We hage already
gained, as to superior drill order in camp,
and for intelligence and sobliety among
both officers and soldiers l hope We shall
ever be able to retain.
Considering the change Of climate, wa
ter as well as mode of living, cur regiment
is remarkably healthy, but one death by
sickness has occurred, that of Capt Rake
straw of Co. l, being an isolated case, of
quinsy and diptheria.
Our hospital has but few inmates and
those are well cared for, and under the
charge of skillful physicians. On the
whole we-have but little cause Of complaint.
To-day one hundred, ten from each COM
pany, are permitted tc leave camp in squads
to visit the Cave three miles distant
The presentation of beautiful flag from
the citizens of Canton, Ohio, came off at
four o'clock P. NJ, at dress parade. The
presentation was made by Mr.. Kit of
Canton, in a-neat and appropriate speech,
which was responded to in behalf of the
officers by Capt Manderson, in his usual
happy style. After the presentation, Co.
A, escorted the color bearer to the colors
which were placed by the Colonel into his
hands, at which time the whole Regiment
came to present, the band striking up
the favOrite tune the Red, White and
Blue while escOrting the cOlors to its
place in the Reg.
As to our future destination 1 cannot
tell, but judging from our position being
between the forces of Buckner and Zolli-
Golfer, we may be used as a reserve if nee
essary to support our forces in the neigh
bOrhood Of either of the rebel armies, or to
protect the property of Union men along
the fertile bottoms of the Cumberland ri7-
er, where the rebels are now committing
depredations
The great attraction for the curious in
camp, is visit to the Cave. In company
of Capt. Allen of Co. F, yesterday, We pro-
cured two gG2d guides, Peter McCofee and
AdOlphus Todd, and made an exploration
of the cavern, being the second visit to
this interesting cavern. i
1 can give your readers but faint idea
If the beauty and magnifcence of this in
:eresting wonder Of nature. This cavern.
generally known as Todi's Cave, is about
hree miles sOuthWesterly from the village
# Columbia. on the west bank of a small
stream known as Pettit's fork, few hun 1
ired yards above its junction with BUS q
'etts creek. 1t is opposite the residence c
u VIM Todd, Esq, an early settler, from I
whence it has derived its name. This cave t
Is on the plantation of Mr. McCoffree, said I
10 nave been discovered by Daniel Boone, t
in l777. A venerable beech standing s
few feet from its mouth bears the name of {
the disco7erer and the date. The mouth t
IF the cavern is at the base of a steep hill
slope about 20 feet in width and four in
leighth, out of which issues a clear small
-ivulet, its crystal waters falling nearly
into the stream, forming
beautiful cascade. Ascending the stream
or some one hundred and fifty yards un