Weekly Trinity journal., 1865-04-01
Letter from a Trinity Soldier.
CAMP RUSSELL, Va,

CAMP RUSSELL, Va,
February IL, 1865.
fEp1ron Journal We have been in Winter
quarters now for more than two months. Our
cabins are mp and those Of US left as members of
the old California Companies, have plenty of time
TO recall the scenes and deeds of older and hap
pier davs We have the inveterate '49-er, with
hs tale of the Fall of 'i9 and Spring of SO ; we
have the oft-repeated stories of the big Winter
of 50 and the heavy rains of other seasons we
hear now again Of claims abandoned that after
wards yielded thousands now and then the
Younger Californian chips in with his history
but the ghtier and more venerable gold-seeker
dries him by recital of more wondrous, more
monstrous affairs. and puts damper on his big
diggings stories by reminder of the days when
slugs were as plenty as dollars now.
All we need to make us feel as we did in those
davs is to have the water pouring through sluices
and bitches, and the heavy strike Of the pick
and lively splutter of the hydraulic stream
Possibly, transfer of climate would aid the
dream. for we have the most detestable, variable
climate that one can find. 1t has been chilly and
cold most of the Winter, relieved but seldom by
short warm recesses. Just now it is cold, high
winds prevailing-yesterday was tolerably COM
Portable The soil here is highly favorable to
the development of glutinous mud, which ad-
heres tenaciously to the feet,
We are doing picket duty now, severe job
for this season. Camp Russell is the name Of the
Camp, extending miles of ground, which
the present Army of the Valley occupies. We
have but little force of infantry with US now
! No operations on either side are likely to ensue
for some time, probably until Spring is we'll on
and likely not then, for all the rebels that have
experienced Sheridan's knocks are pretty we'll
i satisfied this is no field for the display Of a
! bravery and chivalrv which have assumed fabu-
! lous character since the movements Of the last
campaign.
! Our Peace visions have vanished our antci.
patons of homes, fresdes, sweethearts and
wives have gone with them. Soldiers here, as
far as have heard are satisfied with the results
of the late Conference. Mr. Lincoln did moi
compromise the nation, and did offer every hon.
orable and reasonable inducement for a submis
sion bv the rebels. Now that soldiers see how
well our armies have matters in hand, and how
| desperate the determination of the rebel leader:
10 hide their infamy in destruction or the grave
they are anxious to make final blow at the roo
of the rebellion, and force peace which mus
be lasting and leave the rebels powerless ever te
| lift hand against the Union and the Constitu
ton They nearly conclude that the enemy hav,
mination. Never before, in the history of thi!
war, have the armies and people been 80 nearly
unanimous in feeling All are determined thai
civil war shall soon have an end. Reaction Ii
the rebel States may force what Davis rejects a.
ins ulting. He Will never find again so magnan
imous a foe, SO forgiving n ruler, as Abraham
Lincoln. So, as early as practicable, we lool
for campaign which shall even exceed tht
brave operations Of the past year. Grant has
his line SO we'll laid, not only about Richmond
but all over the rebellious territory, that short
decisive battles will follow each other success
fully and decisively. If, however, more live.
must be lost through the vindictiveness ant
blindness Of Southern traitors, we all trust tina
the disposition Of the Government will be differ
ent towards the leaders from that manifested II
the Peace Conference Of 1865 Let them al
have their full award of penalties.
We are looking daily for more good news from
Sherman who has been on his new march 'oi
some time. Confidence 10 felt that be will De a.