Year: 1861

i hl-e- tht 'OAAF DEhhlSohj may 10. ..
.,To.night-with our boys, and some from
other ompanies,-tripping the light fan
tastic tOe'' in part Of our barracks--I sit down
70 comply with the promise made.


For the last week we have beck busy fit
ting up our quarters, and have now about
4 finished, and have commenced rigid mill
tary drill, hut the gfounds sre not very well
adAPted for it at present, owing TO tho late
rains. Z l. IEO3 iftt
I We have now upwards of eight or nine
thOuSand men eueamped here,and regiments
keep arriving every day. Most of the com
panies have received their muskets, and the
rest will have theirs this week. Wo have but
few sick out Of 50 many, and only one death
since the camp organized.


The camp is entirely surrounded by hills,
which, although very beautiful, will, l am
afraid, make it unhealthy in very hot wealth
or.


b. Last night Co. A, Light Guards, gave us
an invitation to go to their quarters, and en-
joy social time, SO at eight o'clock
squad" of US marched over and enjoyed
dance. All these things tends to create the
best of feelings towards each other.


Our Orderly Sergeant is just dealing
out the ratiOns, and this morning they
are much smaller to the man than ever be-
fore. We don't like to grumble, but the fact
is, we must have more to eat, or else We can
not drill. The contractors are just coming
money out of US.


We have very little reading matter here,
all thinking we would have no time for that,
and not wishing to bring more than what
was actually necessary for our use and COM
fort.


wish you would tell me whether the Ex-
press Companies carry packages free for the
soldiers, as there has been considerable dis
cussion here upon the subject. ... -..


The Commissioned and non commissioned
officers go through a severe drill each day.
And it is necessary that they should, for,
unless they are drilled, the priVates cannot
be.


We are all prepared 10 go through as rigid
discipline as they have q mind to give US
will go through anything for our country,
but I think there is no necessity lin eoun-
try 50 full of provisions as this is) to deprive
US of what is actually necessary 10 sustain
life. s. 4. ~


squad from our mess got pass out the
other day, and paid visit TO a neighboring
farmer. The hostess gave us each fine
drink of fresh milk, which was very re-
freshing. As we went through the country
we found guards stationed at every house.
I suppose it is for the protection of property,
as there has been considerable poultry and
pork stolen. am glad there are none in
our company guilty of such thing. -g


The country all about for several miles is
most beautiful. The crops are far advanced,
and everything looks rich and luxuriant. 4.
On Sunday few of US attended church
in the village of Milford, two miles distant.
The sermon was not very eloquent one,
but the patriotism Of the minister was no.
bic. If had space would relate several
points of it, as it brought tears to many an
eye.


There are no drinking booths all owed near
the grounds, and private cannot go to the
village or to Head-quarters unless his pass
is countersigned by the Colonel of the regi-
ment. There has been a soldier in the
guard-house for the last four days for insult
ing an officer. f N