The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1863-04-03
Armp Correspondence.
SOMEWHERE IN VIRGINIA,
MARCH 18th, 1863
FRIEND MEYERS

FRIEND MEYERS
Perhaps a few lines from one who would
while away an hour Of idle time, may not come
amiss. For tho past month or two, we have
been tarrying in this portion Of the Old Do
mnion, pcketing, scouting, patrolling, skirmlsh-
ing and waiting for rebel raids into our lines.
Winter with its cold chilling winds, bleak SHOWS
and drcary nights is about to depart for while.
Spring with its March winds and April showers
has dawned, and soon summer with its green
fields and bright foliage will be coming on a
pace and still we find ourselves on the tented
field. the war still progressing, and no prospect
yet of its termination. Long ere this we mad
thought to sec peace spread its broad pinons Ger
our land, and the soldiers again engaged in the
peaceful pursuits of civilized life. Instead Of TIL
ling the soil of the keystone State, as we were
wont to do in days gone by, we are wearing
tooth picks, and ''Cohs Patenf' by our sides, or
carrying the .fro,cnirg rifle in our hands. Some
times we find ourselves mounted on cavalry
horse, or astride of one of Uncle Sans mules
shooting at our fellow men and in return being
shot at or sleeping in the mud o. anow almost
knee deep, some of the most chig2-r..;i1 perhaps
dreaming the while of the luxury G 2 colored
bride. When we come to sum % ne cause
for all these proceedings, we ala ~terned that
it is for the sake of Africa's o,..a-lued sons.
If curses would serve as winding sheets for the
originators Of il, there would be no lack OF ma
terial, as the soldiers would not be chary OF
their powers with the matchmaking LOOM
Weary of this protracted war, you may hear
many curses, not loud but deep, against con-
scription and emancipation bills. But hoping
~. a.. =, do1 J,,- in0 nd
distant, all should be content and willing TO
serve their country in her hour OF need. Sun
nier hours, CHEEKY greetings from loved ones
left behind and the welcome kiss from ruby lips
may yet be awaiting, many ii not all, who are
now playing ''soger Joy" The dull routine OF
picket duty here is now and then relieved by
rebel raid into Occaquan, skirmish, the de-
predations of bushwackers, or Stewards caval-
ry and the capturing of our pickets, now and
then. To day some of our pickets were taken
while on post A force is now gone out to rout
and punish the depredators. Another raid may
be attempted soon. Despite their standing in
saud up to their knees, for some time, our hor-
ses are in good condition Cavalry horses are
never troubled with aG 9yerpus Of forage.
Government allows them six pounds OF oats,
six pounds of corn and fourteen pounds OF hay
per diem. Owing to difficulties in transporta-
ton or want of it altogether, they are after de-
prived of a portion or all of this allowance
Being awhile in cavalry will convince the most
skeptical that the horse has more powers OF en-
durance than is generally supposed. We have
known them to be under the saddle almost con-
stantly night and day, for near or altogether q
fortnight, and receive no forage. The majori-
ty of army horses are too young and conse-
quently unable to endure the rough treatment
they sometimes receive. We expect to move
soon, and cheerily will we again welcome the
bugle sound of shoots and saddle" heralding to
us the march and stranger scenes. Being some
what of stranger to you and your readers
perhaps am trespassing too far on your time
and patience We wish the "Gazette" success
in uphoding the democratic principles it advo-
Gates. Wishing the good citizens of your town
pleasant summer, remain,
Yours, &c,