Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-02-19
From the T'hIrty-FIrst Regiment.
CAMP KEARNEY, CARRoLLToN. La,
Eeh. 2l lSG2

From the ThIrty-FIrst Regiment.
CAMP KEARNEY, CARRoLLToN. La
Feb. I'd, 1868
To the Editor Of the Worcester Spy.-SrR:
| presume you have abundance of means to
become acquainted with all that transpires in
this department, still a letter from soldier
is usually accepted everywhere. l formed
the idea of addressing you, because most of
our regiment (the 3lsD are from the central
and western parts of the state. After five
months confinement in Fort jackson we are
again united here at Carrollton. The three
companies at Fort Pike, however, are not yet
relieved. We are not certain what will be-
come of us now. This seems to be but a
temporary camp, and the cooks have contin-
ually on hand three days ratons. This, how
ever, is required in all the regiments here.
We are again brigaded under command of
Col. Gooding, acting brigadier general. The
division is under the command of General
Emery.
The frequency of brigade and division drills
leads us to believe that we are to enter into
more active service, perhaps a campaign in
Texas. No one can tell however what's going
to happen till comes to pass, as Mrs. Parting
ton says. Our regiment holds the post of hon.
, or, the right of the brigade, and also of the
division. Our worthy major, acting as colon
ell gives general satisfaction. In the estima-
nation of the privates he is a noble specimen
Of man, and in his military capacity he still
has much regard for the feelings of his men,
not using them as though they were machines,
as | heard a certain chaplain denominate
| them.
| A great many other changes have taken
| place. not at all to the detriment of the West
ern Bay State Regiment. Many of the second
| ieutenants were formerly orderly sergeants
in their respective companies. Lieut. Howell
| of Co. ID, acts as adjutant, but by his sickness
| his place is temporarily filled by Lieut.. Bond
Of Co. X, and L am happy to state without
| any fear of contradiction, that no officer is
more universally esteemed than our tavorite
lieutenant. His admirable commanding quail
tiles are 50 well united with his pleasing man
| ners that every one who sees him on drill or
parade, is ready to pronounce him at once an
officer and a gentleman. This is the impress
ion he has created among Ing own men, and
they will unanimously endorse what have
said.
Harmony seemsA to prevail throughout the
regiment with the exception of unfortunate
Co. X Their officers have been so otter
changed, that no alteration affects them much
When we first went into camp, we were
commanded by Capt. Hovey. Our superior
however, soon made change in favor of 1t
Fiske, who started with us, but soon became
discouraged at Ship Island and left us to re.
sumo his duties in the quartermaster's depart.
ment. This left us under charge 1t. Hol
brook, who keep command until we encampeC
f he was superseded by 1t. Allen of Co. d
who holds command at the present time
Now, again appears Capt. Hovey, resolute a
r ever, and bound to have his rights and tn,
] command of Co. X. We cannot tell how
y will end, but the prospect seems to be in fla
yor of Capt. Hovey. Now l honestly thinl
that Capt Hovey has been prosecuted from
mere malice. That he is perfectly competen
t his most bitter enemies have been forced t
, acknowledge, he having undergone Il mos
rigid examination at Ship Islaud to his entir
credit. His company desire that he be rein
1 stalled, but it is not at all likely that thei
wishes will be regarded. So much for regi
mental affairs.
The weather begins to be quite warm again
but not uncomfortable. | think We are a.
healthy as our circumstances allow. Much
: dampness prevails night and morning. but we
guard against it by an addition OF clothing. On
the whole we are as well satisfied as Is allow.
able in consideration of our anxiety to get
home. Nearly all of the new troops have
gone up the river to Baton Rouge, where they
will prepare for active service. The general
impression is that they will participate in the
attack on Port Hudson. Things are very
qniet there at present Well, l will mo-
weary you longer. If anything exciting hap
pens l will inform you.
l am very truly, zETA.