The midland journal., 1916-07-21
INTERESTING WAR LETTER.
Describes Mobilizing OF Troops Dur
inc Civil War Days.

ing Civil War Days.
The following letter appeared in
the Daily Local News of West
Chester, being copied from the yori-
ginal in the possession of Mrs. w.
w. Ford of West Chester, sister
of the late Lieut.. Charles w. Wilson,
formerly of Oxford and Rising Sun,
and in view of the scenes being
re-enacted in mobilizing State militia
for duty along the Mexican border at
the present time, will be of unusual
interest, many of our readers being
personally acquainted with the
writer, whose death occurred in this
town some years ago.
Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Pa.
August 10th, 1862.
Dear Parents, Brothers and Sisters
This is Sunday morning, the sun
is about one hour high, and finds me
writing to you in my tent, with
lead pencil, having for my desk one
of the iron pans tuF1ed up and me
sitting on the grounu.
feel first rate and in good spirits,
and I can say the same thing of all
the company. suppose you would
like to know how we got along,
where we stayed last night, and how
/ like it, etc. In short, can say
got along well, and like it well, but
I will give you little sketch of the
days travel. After we left the sob
bing faces at that dearest spot of all,
home (Oxford), we travelled merrily
toward West Chester, arriving there
about 10 o'clock. We marched
through the principal steets, and
everywhere commanded the attention
of the citizens, and we're frequently
cheered. Dinner time having arrived
ample provisions were made, and
the Company had good dinner, free
at the Eagle Hotel. I, however,
did not participate, having an invita-
tion to dine at Benjamin Passmore's,
which / did in company with Town
send Pugh, James Brooma1l and
cousins, George Passmore and wife.
After dinner we marched around
several times, and arrived at the
depot about o'clock to start for
Harrisburg. There were II or 18
cars full of soldiers, and one loco
motive was not sufficient to start us,
consequently they put one engine
before, and another behind, which
moved us off at rapid rate, leav-
ing in the rear many rejoicing and
many weeping.
Soon we arrived at Paoli, and
from thence to our present encamp-
ment. At every station we were
received with great enthusiasm and
delight
At every station hundreds of
people were gathered, some would
cheer and some would weep, and
were willing to give us anything we
wanted. We only stopped at few
stations. AS was standing on the
platform or steps of the car while
going past Coatesville at full speed,
saw little boy standing on the
platform OF the depot holding two
large apples in his hand for any one
who could catch them. I held out
my hand and caught both of them
while the cars were in full motion,
which some thought was well done.
We stopped a little while at Ian
caster. saw one of the Millersville
boys, who told me that about 1900
men were encamped " miles from
there. This was about sunset, and
we at once started for Harrisburg,
arriving there about 10 p. m. and
had good supper which was pre-
pared for us in the depot. 1t con-
sistd of hot coffee. beef, bread and
butter. We all ate very heartily,
after which we marched to the
Capitol, and had the honor of sleep
ing in it all night, which was very
nice, as it is splendid building.
The floor is covered with nice car
pet, and we slept soundly. In the
morning we went back to the depot,
and got our breakfast; thence we
marched out to Camp Curtin, which
is about " miles from the Capitol.
1t is beautiful situation, on the
left bank of the Susquehanna, on a
very high hill, occupying about 80
acres. There are between Is and
20 thousand soldiers here; you would
think to see them that there. were
enough to whip the South, for the
field is almost covered with tents.
1t is fine, healthy place, and we
have grand view Of the mountains.
meet many old schoolmates here.
was walking around today and saw
Jacob Way. with his blue shirt on.
He could not stand the pressure, and
left the tree business. joined Haw-
ley's Company at West Chester, came
here on Thursday, and likes it first
rate.