Delaware State journal and statesman., 1863-10-30
From the First Delaware.
DE 7 EH NO. 20.
CAMP in RAuouIIu Ga. Va

Saturday. Oct. 20, 1868,
FRIEED EcKgL Our last was written near
the Rapi Ian, since then our position has been
shifted II multitude Of times, so often indeed,
that We could not be said even to have "local
lahitaion." The period that has intcryened
since the crossing Of tho i;nppahnnuock, has
been an eyenttul one Within it, we have ndlg1
another battle to the list to be inscribed on the
nag cur friends at home are to present US, be-
side having n little after breakfast affair the sime
day, which deserves almost the name of n fight.
Our marches have been long aud fatiguing, for
they were necessary, hs there was goal-Cen-
tTevillc--tO be reached; we marched rapidly, both
day and night, and succeeded in getting to the
windward of the enemy. Bull run was crossed
aud the Corps wns safe, and the army ackniyl-
edged the Importance of the work which hut far
its object the covering of the retrograde move
ment.
For several days we have been in pursuit of
the foe, but are now inlulging in "a slight. but
very acceptable rest, In our advance from Bull
Run to this locality, we passed over both hattle
helds contested on the lith inst, at Btistoe, the
graves marked by pieces Of boards aud cracker
boxes showed partially the punishment inflicted
upon the rebels on that OCCASION and the attnos-
phcre was reeking with the cfIluyia from the
dead horses lying thickly around the enemy ac-
knowledge having received very rough treatment.
AZ Auburn where We toughta at very early hour
in the morning, and where we supposed at frs,
TINT We were surrounded, there were fewer cyi-
dcnces Of u conflict; hut an occasional grave
was seen, mud there were but few of the de5ris
Of fght; but when we approached the spot
we remembered distinctly how very squaly af-
fairs looked when the enemy that morning, from
their firing, appeared to have posted themselves
in front aud rear of us. 1t was not long howev-
er, before the Ind Corps had swept away all on
position, and marched triumphautly along, as
though the rebel assault was but mere hind
rance aud of no moment
The Second Corps for long time conscious of
mi itary strength, is prouder than ever of its re.
nown; it regards the engagement at Bristow. as
one OF the most gallant achievements of the war.
ind it begius to consider itself as inyiucible il
is never aiirighted ut the presence of the enemy.
but is always ready to advance capable of grent
labor, inured to hardsbips, of uudoubted brave
ry, and proud of its name it does not entertain
thought OF defeat under the leadership OF Gen.
Wnrren he has shown himself brave and
skiliul COMMANDER, aud all implicitly believe IN
MN In the same light is regarded Gen. Alex.
Hays of our Division, by the officers aud men
Of the Diyisioni there is not such an element ms
Tear IN his composition in the tbickest of the
night he Is ever present to encourage his rom.
mandi he is universally liked for bis military
qualities,
with such commanders, the troops do not deem
It hardship to engage the enemy late move.
menls which oil have watched with anxious ewes.
nave made them all firm believers in General
Meades wisdom and foresight, and they are per-
,ee'y content with him. We seldom or never
near any one utter a disparaging remark con-
cernlng him. there is a great unanimity as in
his fitness for the position be holds, and The din.
ties Of which he so ably discharges.
Our Regiment has paIticipnted in oll ,bo
movements OF the campaign, aud as usual. has
well, faithfully and eheerully performed ali tbnt
was expected of it. In the battle of Bristov
it advanced in good style, and enioyed the ak
comiiture of the enemy very much, and on the
same night marched to point near Centreyille
without any complaints but in the best of spir.
IT'S All are joyous aud hopeful; bouyancy of
spirit is a character with them, and the recent
success which they have helped To achieve havs
Inspired them with additional coniidence in them.
selves and the cause which 10 becoming dearer 10
mem every day il possible they nrc more dc
tetmlntd than ever 10 use their efforts tu hiring
The enemy TO n sense of duty.
10 snow you the material Of which the hegi-
ment is made, we will state TINT at least nins
tenths of the officers aud men now serving with
The Regiment in the field, have volunteered IN
re-enllst for three years or the war, under n re-
cent order providing certain bounlieg and nriv-
'N bN"ei"i u'sPuslhoh 70 stand by Its
oll colorsi demonstrates the character Of the
Regiment, and that its members consider them
selves equal to the occasion. Though none of
US profess to be politicians, there is a wide epread
uesiIe on the part of the members, 10 cast A yotp
lor emithers at the coming election; he has been
me soldiers friend; has shown an interest in
their welfare these facts with US are fully re.
eognEed, and eutiile him to tho support Of those
IN me held who are acting 10 concert with him.
IN planting firm aud heavy heel on the rebel,
non so popular is he with us, that ho can cam
mapd nearly every vote in the Regiment. were
tue right Of suffrage bestowed. The men are n
"eil drilled in patriotism as in the manual
Yours, BILLY