Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1865-01-28

Cnnp--A Consolidation viM tie Second
DRAFTED Hen Working IA We2-Hs0lh and
Spirits Good.
Correspondence OF the State journal.
HEADQUARTERS 6TH, WIS. VET. Vols.
EIGHT MILES S. E. PETERSBURG, Va.
January 10, 1857
MesSsrs. Editors Thinking of the direct
opposition of the North and the South in
point of compass, we naturally carry the COM
parison a little further, and take into consid-
Grafton the temperature of the atmosphere
of this place and that of our home in Wiscon.
sin. At the present moment it is raining
very heavily, and has continued to do so
since near midnight, varying the scene by oe-
casiona4ly mingling loud peals of thunder.
The ground is literally soaked with water,
and as matter of course, mud is the pre-
vaiing element. The surface of the country
lere abouts is quite evel and fat, or but
moderately rolling, and were it not for the
sandy nature of the soil, loeomotion would be
out of the question. In fact the boys think
that they are safe and secure from any sud-
den attack of the enemy, or rapid marches
upon our part, as it would be entirely out of
the question to move artillery or heavy army
wagons at the present time. As a general
thing in the travelled road the mud is six in
ches deep and thin as porridge. The mules
look more like grizzly bears than anything
else-coated and plastered as they are from
head to foot. Yet business moves on with
accustomed speed. for Uncle Sam is one of
the slow but sure kind, needing not the con-
dition OF the roads, or the falling of little
rain-in fact, Red Tape" seems to work
faster and surer at such times than at any
other.
To-day was the time indicated for the pre-
sentation of a "medal of honor" to Ser
geant Frank Waller, Company /, of this reg
iment for meritorious conduct upon the field
of battle in capturing rebel flag at the bat
tie of Gettysburg, but the weather would not
permit, and it had to be postponed to another
day, much to the disappointment of all, and
especially the men of the regiment, as they
think they have the finest camp in the Army
of the Potomac. The camp ground is in the
form of a parallelogram, being about forty
rods by eighty. Three weeks since it was a
thick forest of pine and oak timber, of which
only few of the tallest pines remain for or
nament and shade. TIE parade ground ex-
tends the entire length in front of " the
quarters or houses, which are made of pine
logs and covered with shelter tents, making
them entirely secure against cold and wet.
good fireplace and floor giving to each much
of the comfort of home. Each house accom-
modates four persons. The beds or /" hunks"
are after the pattern of state rooms on board
steamers-poles and pine bOughs supplying
the place of the more costly beds, yet not
being any the less comfortable. The streets
are in regular order, each company forming
street, running at right angles with the color
line or parade ground. At the end of each
street fine arch of evergreens has been
erected; supporting the Company letter and
any other design of fancy. Between each
street arch, and enclosing the camp, isabeau
tiful lattice work fence Of evergreens, giving
the camp a most cheerful and lively appear
ance The grounds are kept exceedingly
clean and neat--nOthing lying around loose
to mar the good order of the camp. A well
known General who CHANGED to be passing,
remarked, "That is in Order-a most beauti-
full camp"
The regiment is now under command of
Colonel j. A. Kellogg, who but a short time
since made good his escape from Dixie with
out the formality OF exchange or parole
The regiment numbers about 700 men for du
ty, having recently been consolidated with
the old second, and filled up with drafted
men from the State, who seem to take the
same interest in all the duties of the soldier
as is common to the volunteer. The manner
in which the men go through the manual of
arms at dress parade shows that they are not
wanting in tact or willingness to learn the
drill requisite for thorough soldier. And
the company officers are not wanting in abili-
ty to impart their knowledge of military dis
cipline acquired by years of active service in
the field.
The friends at home have much to make
them rejoice at the good health and comfort
of the men, and no reason to fear that the
proud name and reputation so honorably ac
quired by the old I'd and 9th shall in any way
be furnished by the present organization.
But Messrs. Editors we fear that we are
trespassing upon your time and good nature
and will draw this to a close.
Very respectfully yours, L. q. A.