Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1864-05-18
From the 14IstRegiment.
JoHSsoS's ISLAND,
May II, 1864.

Dear Chronicle AS predicted in my
last, which should have reached you in
season for your issue of the 18th, the reg
iment mOred on Monday of this week,
from Sandusky to the Island. 1t was
nine or ten o'clock when we all got OVER
and we laid on oar arms from that time un
til three or four in the afternoon, our tents
still being occupied by the S2d Pennsyl
vania regiment, which was bound for the
front.
On being marched to our quarters and
shown our tents. we were not, to say the
least, very favorably impressed with their
appearance. They had been occupied
during the winter, and with the utmost
care, the grounds could not but show
signs of camp living. and comparing the
appearance of our situation with that of
the l2Sth Ohio. on the right of US. We were
not long in making up our minds that
there is as much difference in camp liv-
ing, as in house keeping. The grounds
of the l2Sth were well kept, the tents as
clean as could be expected, and around
many of them was evincsd, in a pebbly
walk, q grassy plot, or a few flowers, a
taste which the soldier life had not eradi-
Gated.
On the other hand, to speak plainly
our quarters were decidedly filthy, and
had not the elements betokeDed a coming
storm, we would hSye taken our blankets
and the open air in preference TO their
shelter. But it was growing exceedingly
cold, and something must be done. Most
of US tore down the tents. moved them
on the street." which was dry and hard
scrubbed, turned and brushed them, and
put them up as best we could. They are
designed to accommodate three men, but
had TO be occupied by FIVE, one full COM
pany going into a row previously occu-
pied by a depleted one. We had scarce
ly got them STRUCK" when a furious
storm set in, which lasted until Tuesday
morning. and effectually prevented Us
from doing what we otherwise might have
done TO add to our comfort. In short,
the old soldiers on the Island said that if
we could stand it, we would be thorough
ly initiated.
We ex pect. in a few days, to move to
new ground. on the other side of the Is
land, draw more tents, and will probably
be as comfortable as the folks at home.
Many have taken cold, and some are in
Hospital, but none seriously indisposed.
DR.. Woodbridge, post Surgeon, and DR..
Apologize, of our regiment. are doing all
in their power for our welfare; the former
has Leen on the Island ever since its
first occupancy by the government, and is
very much loved and respected by the
whole command, for his care and atten-
ton to those in his charge. Our own Sur
geon is too well known to cause any fears
that his duties will be neglected.
Maj. H. R. Harmon was, the other day,
elected to the Lieut.. Colonelcy by the
regiment, and Capt. NJ. A. Fowler, of
Newton Falls, was elected Major; both
good officers.
We are pretty thoroughly settled down
to work, fiom twenty FIVE to thirty being
daily detailed from each company, for
duty of various kinds, picket, guard, fa-
tigue, &c. A peep at a squad of lawyers,
merchants, clerks, &c, tthat were, now all
soldiers,) grabbing stumps, quarrying
stone, policeing, general cleaning up,)
loading and unloading boats, would be a
spectacle not 10 be witnessed outside of
camp. But all come up to the mark with
a will, and expect to get value received,
if not in ~greenbacks at SI3 per month, at
least in the satisfaction of having dis
charged their duty, and in their ability
to properly dispose of their rations of
pork and beans.
The Warren boys were highly grstified
the other day, at beholding the good ma
tured -countenance of Chas. Smith, Esq,
who paid us a visit. Hope to see others
from time to time. But the married
men, whose wives propose q grand pic
mic to the Island, authorize me to say
that the time has not come yet. In fact,
our accommodations are not at present
such as re hope to present at some future
indefinite period, due notice of which
will be given. TO all concerned. II.
The Commissary-Genera Of Subsistence
has stopped the pay Of about 500 officer.