North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1863-01-14
CAMP BArARD NEAR BELL PLAINS, Va, }
New YEARS Eve, Dec 3lst '62.
CLINT.
FRIEND SICKLER

FRIEND SICkLER
Dec. 10th left my
native hills in old Nicholson, and started for
D'xie land, my trip was attended with TO un-
usual events. lnotieed unusual marks of sor
row in the faces of every person chanced to
mret. The defeat and dIsaster at Frrdercks-
burg had cast gloom over the whole land
On my way, came across, and became well
acquainted with Mr.. Palmer, wbo was pris
uner in Richmond about year. He was then
on his way to Gen. SIege's Division, for
whom he is chief scout He has a partIcu-
lar dislike for southern hospitality, as illus.
tra'ed toward him while prisoner in Rich
m"nd. In Washington [ came across Ira
Tnpp, Mr.. EIsel and several others that
had frequently met. Mr.. Maynard, Of Scran-
ton, with whom got pretty well acquainted,
was ea route for Seisel's Head Quarters a.
engineer for bridge bullding-all very plea
SAINT conp mons. We enjoyed our
selves as we'll as possible under the circun-
stances, with bloody war just befnre US
DR.. King, Surgeon General OF Pa, a very fine,
suclaLle man, also accompanied US from Har-
rsburg. | arrived at Aqua Creek when, very
unexpectedly, came across several old chum>
from Nicholson Mr.. Bacon, Nichols, Cap
well, briggs sc, who Seemed very much
pleased to see one from Wyoming again.
They are at work on tie Rail Road at Aquia
Creek. | remained with them one night, and
with social S okes and games Of euchre, time
passed rapidly by. Next day at two o'clock,
had TO bud them good bye; leaving them
considerably home sick, think, in fact,
began TO feel SO too. After passing through
quite desolate portion of old Virginia, CT is
all SO, that | have seen,) arrived AT Fal-
mouth, the end OF my railroad jourhey, and
began to seek the Isl. Pcnn'a Cavalry, the
one to which Twas assigned My inquiries
and searches proved unavaing for the day.
After travelling until dark with no success,
no one knowing where 1t was stationed OH
account OF It's changing position 50 often
towards nj Int began to realize that | was
IN land OF war. Saw nothing but soldiers,
arms, army wagons and other things pertain
ing to war With my satchel in hand, was
travelhn, on foot, knew not where lho't
ot tue lone pilgrim wanderer in strange
land. | had some ratlons IN nv haversack.
bus gloomy still, | sat down aud drew forth
s"meth ns for the stomach s sake 1t seem
ed po'r living to me, but find tha, crackers
and Cheese are luxury to a soldier hot had
even on holidays. Crackers We have but
they make business for the dentist. | took
my fill and travelled ON. Had serious NO
lions OF not Reporting To head quarters. re-
signing my COMM ssl"n, anu taking the back
track, didn't like war. just as night had
taken the place of day, and caudies were
quite necessary, arrived at my regiment, as
| supposed. ] struggled into camp, touched
my hat To every white man, tried to be DO
llte, tried 10 do as the rest Of the wreath hat
ted eppaulette d ones did -enqulred Tor the
headquarters Of my regment-learned that
they had gone off on picket duty ten miles
away Night was upon me, strangers around
me, dldn't know but should be scapcd for
secesh. | found the tent of our reg, mental
Quartermaster, who had not yet gone with
the regiment. Was invited to stay all night
and take horse aud an orderly, and 20 to
my quarters next morning very readily
accepted the invitation, and alter the evening
was iar spent in talk and tobacco fumes, |
rolled into my couch, ION the ground oi
course,) slept sopndly, aud dreamed ol Faith
er land-arose IN the morning, breakfasted,
aud mounted good horse, lent ME by Col
Taylor OF our regiment, and, with an orderly
started for Lano Churcn, nine miles away
where my regiment was encamped out on
picket duty. arrived, reported myself
ready for duty, took charge OF the hospital
and sick department. generally. The chief
Surgeon had resigned, the Assistant had Just
been promoted 70 chief surgeon and had tax.