The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-10-03

us on the road, that we might be prepared
Tor the worst; but not an insult was offered
US IN that treacherous city. We once more
TOOK the cars, Tuesday AM, and arrived at
washington that evening. We took up
quarters for the night in the barracks near
the city. Took supper, and breakfast We'd
nesday morning there. The next day, after
marching to Capitol Hill and back to the city,
we came here to Fort Lincoln, which is loca-
TED about four miles from Washington, in a
course little West of North from that CITY.
can assure you that the boys were nearly
tired out when they reached this place, which
they did between and o'clock in the eve-
ming. We were very glad to lie down on our
rubber blankets, after supper, and l think
but few of us ever slept more soundly than
we did that night, with our knapsacks for
pillows and the clear blue sky for a covering.
cannot 60 farther without mentioning
something concerning our reception On the
road. AT Springfield, Mass, the people turn
ed out en- mosse, and many a luscious pie
and peach, and sundry other things were
transferred from their capacious baskets to
the eager hands Of the soldiers. Cannon
were fired and other demonstrations of res
pect made as We passed along. Jersey City
did not appear quite as warm, but everything
was quiet. At Philadelphia we were treated
to an excellent supper by the inhabitants. l
learn that it is their custom to give repast
to every regiment which passes through the
city. Long may the old Quaker City -four
ish. 1t certainly has the heartfelt thanks and
the best wishes of the boys of the llth. Our
reception on the road between Philadelphia
and Washington was much better than We
expected. Nearly every cottage door was
filled with people of both sexes and all ages,
waving flags and handkerchiets, and other
wise expressing their welcomes and God
speeds.
We have beautiful camping ground here
are not in the fort, but near it. | think
we have very healthy locality. The boys
are mostly well, and but few of them are very
sick at least none of our company are se.-
We do not drill much Here as everywhere
else "spades are trumps;' so we are employ
ed in digging rile-pits. The boys do not like
the business very well-neither does our Col
onel He grumbles considerably thinks it
would be better for US to drill more and dig
) less. And so we all think. But We have
) or ders from headquarters to dig, and dig we
must. We dig from one fort to another, Of
, which there are six or seven within few
miles of us. How long we shall stay here OF
course we do not know. One thing is GER
tain, we are wholly unprepared to go into
battle now, and this may be our winter quar-
ters.
must bring this letter 10 close, but first
| must particularly y request you not to fail to
send me The CALIFORNIAN regularly. There
!, are comparatively ly few of them taken in the
. regiment, but if you could see the boys come
. around to see my paper as soon as | get il
; you would think that they really thought
: something of it. Indeed, next to the letters
: which we get from our dear friends at home
= it is the best thing which comes into camp
) had forgotten to say anything with re-
r gard to our officers. You know that our cap
tain was promoted to majo of the regiment
l AS company we felt the loss deeply, bu,
> what is our loss is great gain to the regiment
; Of course this company think him one of the
: very best officers. think that the boys art
t generally very we'll satisfied with their Off
GERS. +. Z. ID.