Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-04-13
From The ID Cavalry.
CAMP PAROLE, ANSoFoLIs, Nh
March 50. 1864.

INST, for CINCINNATI. we had a very pleas
ant journey, only it was awful slow. and
we had to wait for nearly every train to
pass, until we were almost beginning to
fear that the rebellion would be over be-
fore we got to the front if we were TO con-
tinue at that rate. We reached Columbus
the same evening. We only stopped long
enough to change engines, and give the
boys a chance to get some supper
chance which they improved with a good
grace. We arrived in Cincinnati the next
morning about 5 o'clock. 1t was raining,
and continued to rain nearly all day
Under such circumstances we did not
form a very good opinion of the beauty
of the city. though we saw some very nice
buildings there; but the streets are toe
narrow, and the general aspect of the
city wss not such as we expected to see.
We ate dinner and supper at the Santa
~ Fair building near the Fifth street
market house. We were quartered in
another Sanitary building on the corner
of Sixth and Elm streets.
Before leaving Cleveland, Gen. Burn
side arrived there. and telegraphed to
Washington for permission to have US as
signed to his division. Though the I'd
has been acting under his orders for the
last six months, it was not formally at
tached to his command. We had march
ing orders to go to Cincinnati, and await
further orders. In the evening after We
there, the orders came, and we
knew that we were TO join Burnside's
forces at Annapolis.
We left on the cars that evening. The
boys grumbled some at the ides of riding
in box cars for such a long journey; but
they said that soldiers could ride on =
fence rail If necessary, and so piled in
promiscuously for a ride of over 500
miles. From Columbus We took the Cen
trail Ohio Railroad for Bellair. where we
at night; were ferried across the
river and piled into some more box cars
on the Baltimore and Ohio Road. On this
road we saw some curiosities-one Of
which was the queer looking engines
The cab is placed right over the boiler,
and makes them look mole like a camel
than anything l can think of. At Fred
erick Junction We saw n Of the rail
road batteries. 1t was clad with railroad
iron of the T pattern, bent in at the top,
and slanting on the sides, forming a pref
ty good armor. 1t had four port holes,
one on each end and one on either side.
In Eastern Virginia, as we approached
Harper's Ferry, we found the country be-
to be fortified by earth works on
the tops of the hills in the vicinity of the
principal bridges, and every bridge of any
size was guarded by a block-house and Il
company of soldiers. At Fairmont We
passed over a bridge which had been once
destroyed by the rebels, and rebuilt by
our forces. All along the route from Fair
to this place, we found troops in
quarters. Found Harper's Ferry
we'll guarded by both infantry and artill-
cry, and also saw one company of cavalry
here.
We arrived at this place about 9 o'clock
IN the evening of the 2Sth inst, and were
put into q very comfortable barracks, but
t is said we ire soon to change onr pres
snt quarters fer tents.
There must be 10000 or $4,000 men
here in camps scattered over three or four
The entire ninth army corps is
mere. | saw one company of Indians be-
to the 9Th Michigan Sharpshoot-
They appeared to be well dressed
md looked as if they had seen service.
A negro regiment left yesterday for the
ront. They looked hearty, and although
Iery rough in appearance, will no doubt
make good soldiers. They were differed
by white men. ! observed a wander
blowing the regiment. She was dressed
the bloomer style, and wore a forage
,ap-
We found here some men of our regi-
nent who were captured by the rebels
It GreenVille, Tenn, in August last, and
we're not exchanged until lately. They
stories of the cruelty experienced by
hem that make the blood run cold, and
he men say they would rather die than
oe taken prisoners by those fiends in hu-
nan shape.
1t is not likely that the I'd will move
rom this place for a month, for it is *
oected that it will be fitted out here with
horses, arms and accoutrements.
l write this letter in one of those insti-
for the convenience and well be-
lng of soldiers, called Chapels. 1t ia sus-
aimed by the q. S. Christian Commission,
md is well ~patronized by the soldiers,
Who appreciate the kindness of those
Christians who are so anxious for our spir-
,ual and temporal welfare. Here are
books and papers to read, and pen, ink
and paper TO write; a good fire to sit BY,
md a well lighted room to read or write
N. Tables and seats are plenty, and the
Institution is well patronized. Long may
t survive, and christians at home who
give their money in support of this good
,suse, may rest assured that it is well be-
Our present address is Annapolis, Nd,
md all letters so directed will be sure TO
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