The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-04-12

Correspondence OF the Nashville Unicn-l

not know what is meant by such camp,
nor can we well explain but we viii
give you a brief description Of this
place As a general thing, we have had
an abhorrent idea Of such camps, las
all old soldiers must have and it was
with great reluctance, and as last re-
sort, that your correspondent reported
here. Although we are suffering, both
bodily and mentally, from protracted
cold, settled in the whole system, the
effects Of our last winters exposure at
Chattanooga cannot be admitted
into Hospital for proper treatment.
And why2 Because we cannot play
off" sick in the necessary way to accom-
plish what science should at once dis
Germ. We do not wish to reflect on any
one; but as a man and soldier
Union defender-we demand our rights
if we cannot excite just sympathy. Dr.
Barnam, 2jth Michigan Vols, is the
Surgeon in charge of this camp; and
we find him to be kind and a humane
person; but as heis entirely unacquaint-
ed with us and our chronic complaint,
we must remain here and suffer, thus
numbering one among category Of pa
tents not genial to our taste. But as
we have but few months more to serve
"Uncle Sam, we can bide our time al
most anywhere, and die another thou
sand deathsI'
This camp is located on the north
side Of the Holston river, about one
mile from town, and One-fourth Of a
mile south from Fort Sanders The sit
uation is beautiful and healthy, and the
surrounding scenery IS romantic and
grand. Springs Of excellent water are
near, and plenty of timber (for which
we yet have q USE as fue) abounds
The camp is neatly laid out, and is oc-
cupied by the sick, lame, blind, half
deaf and dumb; and also by as good
soldiers as ever shouldered a muslet
The convalescents are mostly from the
4th and 23d Army Corps, though there
are some from the 9th, we believe
What stout, able-bodied men are kept
here for we cannot say, and perhaps its
none Of our business! Wen accept the
latter ordeal, and Using dumb" But
the garden must be soorkcd All Messrs
Publishers, we must tell you something
about our garden. All well regulated
farm-houses have a garden attachment,
and why should not household of I'm
Gle Sans, true and tried cultivators of
patriotism and successful mowers of
treason and treachery, have a garden ?
Well, we have one--an extensive one
which will be worked on a gigantic
scale About fifty acres of rich, arabic
ground, on the north bank of the Hol-
ston river, will be cultivated Already
onions, radish, beet, lettuce seed, and
beans and peas have been put in the
ground Corn, potatoes, etc, are to be
planted; but the present wet and cold
season is unfaYorable for work. The
convalescents who are now, or who may
remain here, as also those who may be
subsequently admitted into the camp,
are destined to work the garden and
as we are and always have been the sol
dier's friend, we do hope that those who
are to perform a great portion Of the
labor will reap the greatest benefit from
the garden when it yields its supply of
full-germed vegetables, etc, to the won
ted eyes of those who appreciate the
luxurious worth of these nutritious ele-
ments to health and vivacity. We shall
allude to this subject again, when we
Will give you more in detail
Col Geo, H. Cram, 9th KY, Vols. is
in command of this camp The Col. is
an Indianian, we believe; and is a
genial man and worthy officer. He
gives his undivided attention to this
camp; and he is model of energy,
perseverance, and innate instinct. He
rates soldiers as human beings Capt
Sam T. Finney, 10Th Ind Vols, com
mands the LIST Co. of Convalescerts,
and is the Colonels fright bower"
The Capt is "pitchin' in" to the garden
work with a right good will, and is
heart and soul for the soldiers welfare
He has ever been a good and faithful
officer, prompt for duty; but is now
unable to march at the head of his com
pany, (which he sorely regrets, having
received a serious wound in the foot at
the storming of Missionary Ridge Capt |
Newland, 10Th Ind Vols,l is in com
mand of the ID Co of Conyalescents |
Captain Jack is truly meritorious |
officer, and a gentleman of the first
water He is at present detailed on a
Military Board, organized for the dis
posal OF citizen cases, etc. Iieuts.
Dan. Conner, Whaley and Dillon, are a
" trio Of trumps,' and also represent
the 9th Indiana in this camp. They
are at present detailed on a Board of
Survey, for the purpose Of examining
Quartermaster and Commissary stores,
etc We have plenty of other friends
and acquaintance here, and but for the
prejudice we have against camp of
this description, we might consider
ourself socially at home. Lieut.. Dan
Common is our staunch friend, and wears
his worth, both as a man and an officer
with retiring modesty OF Capt. Sam.
McGhehan, Quartermaster of the camp.
we have spoken in former letter. His
genial count6nance and cheerful words 4
always prove balm TO US when an
attack of the blue" is pending. Steve
Lang, his energetic clerk, always gives
a truce to dull care. The inimitable
and indofatigable lgood word > Steph-
en-, is the fright man in the right
place We cannot close this casual
list of personalities without mentioning
another, newly found friend, even