Weekly Delaware State journal and statesman. (Wilmington, Del.) 18??-18??, 1863-07-03
Letter from Fort Delaware.

tOhT OkLAMhhEi JUNE NttnJ iooo.
FRIEND EcKEL;
To somewhat mar the joy of the
Internal copperheads over our leaving, aud in
some measure relieve the anxious minds of our
sympathisiug friends and loved ones, | have
undertaken to write you, giving short history
| of our departure and arrival, that 10th may see
our condition, and satisfaction with our circum-
stances. III order so to do address these few
lines to your columns, feeling that where even
the painest uniform offs volunteer oil our Union
commands respect, aud our glorious cause 80
nobly battled for, these few scattered remarks
will be acceptable.
For some time the 5th Regiments has been
the object Of sneers and iusinnAtion II is COM
posed in q great measure of men too far adj
vanced in years to perform the duties of q SOL
der in the field. These truly loyal and patriotic
men have heen styled cowards by those who are
young and active, aud who eneaking behind
the folds of the stars and stripes to hide their
treacherous breasts and drive shafts through
the foundation of our government,
Our men for some time have petitioned the
officers Of the several companies to volunteer
our services to aid Pennsylvania In checking
the raid which now 80 fearfully menaces her
border. Upon inquiry we found we had not the
power so to do. But on Saturday last the city
was thrown into some excitement by the tele-
gram Of Gen, Schsnck calling on Col McComb
to forward five companies Of the 9th Regiment
to Fort Delaware without delay. In few hours
I we were equipped for our summer excursion,
and after marching around the streets, arrived
0 at the boat, where we met hundreds of sym
pathising friends and numerous relatives anxious
!. to bid US farewell aud n God speed 1t was Il
e scene long TO be remembered, with nothing Il
k mar the beauty of the assembled multitude ex
r cept the deceitful visages of numerous Copper
heads peerng 9s devils upon an innocent saor
g fice AS the boat moved of, shout upon shou
/. rent the air and was re-echoed far across th'
II water thus rs evening drew the folds Of III
It mantle around, obscuring US from the light o
81 day, so we moved slowly away from true ant
IS loving hearts till they faded from our view
N About 0 o'clock We landed on the island ant
II were escorted by guards with dark lanterns fa
h round the frowning baitlements Of the fort, a
O. last arriving at some newly constructed barrack
" where, after considerable confusion, we turne
at in our hunks and wandered off in dreams to tn
in pleasant scenes of homo. Sunday at O'Clock
is the reyeille reminded US Of QUE situation. Th
D. day was spent in resting ourselves and pre-
l. pairing for duty.
b. Think not because we have left our churche
ed that our interest is gone. Towards evening
NO was attracted to the barracks by the sound
he singing drawing closer, | found ranged alor
ed the hunks in the darkness, numbers Of our DO,
oh Joining their voices in heavenly praise. Aft
he which one Of our company (who is minister
ur the Gospel expounded the truths of God
aft many listening ears then followed since
lad and affecting prayer by another Of our compan
eat the services closing with the benediction. 1t
the we'll 10 have your churches adorned aud dec
or rated with the trappings Of art, for they a
to sometimes the best inducement to attendant
as but could you have heard the trembling voice
cen petition and prayer as the servant called up
but his God, you would think with me, that pi
, Of boards thrown roughly together prove as a
i'm. ceptable to Jesus as the towering dome
4 to st. Peters.
also Monday our duties commenced and they hO
led been very arduous as the garrison here has be
.sed very small, and they are almost worn out W
was over duty. A company Of infantry has left
fort since we arrived, and the two companies
city artillery remaining expect to go soon.
peo We have between 1000 and 5000 rebel pris
en- ers TO guard, many of whom are Officers Of RAJ
anne The prlvates are the most forlorn looking
nced jects ever saw, covered with dirt and filth
liver They are as class, remarkably tall and 81
we der, look though possessing little intellige
um- and no activity. They are dying off rather f
issr; average from six to eight every day. Yes
! on day some forty conyicts from our army ARR
have here and are in confinement.
ID to We are living happy life and being bro
ex. into soldiers fare. The health of the comp
is good, our eating as good Ss we can expec
have We rise at reveille at in the morning, ret
ruck at 6 O'Clock, q. IN tattoo at . and taps ri