Year: 1863




taped envelope in hand through whom we
learn that 'all is quiet on the Rappahan-
mock ~ Oh dear how many more times
are we to be thus treated at the hands Of a
kno,cing orderly. Every day for week
past this same piece of intelligence is
brought to camp-"all is quiet on the Rap
pahannock." II we read the Herald, the
Times, the Tribune, or the Bulletins, the
same is given in large type, paraded before
the public as the news from the department
of Virginia. In fact it has become the
by-word among the soldiers, and dent
know but what it is used as pass word
among the Knights Of the Golden Circle.
Provost Marshals have it, and few at the
Capitol speak it with an accent, not to be
mistaken among the knowing ones. At
least, be it used as it may, more truthful
remark cannot be made-''all is quiet on
the Rappahannock p


There is nothing doing. Camp life has
become fatiguing, and the chances of an
early move, are looked upon as out of the
question. Some sixty regiments, whose
term Of service has expired, have returned
leaving us probably an army Of sixty thous-
and, for duty, capable Of doing field SER
vice. There are rulnors Of all sorts ahoat,
but nothing reliable. The spring campaign
seems to have ended and the army at a
stand-s!ill, to be recruited up, drilled, &C.,
ere another advance takes place. The odds
appear against US yet the army as mass
are hopeful, and confident, believing the
opportunity not far distant, when the tables
will be turned in their favor-nothing can
discourage this army. 1t is schooled, and
its future seems as bright and buoyant as
in its pa!niest days. From the late battles
we have no reason to feel discouraged any
more than from the catalogues Of reverses
which have befel the army during the past
two years. Although misfortune has at
tended it, yet the blame lies not with the
rank and file, nor could say that any fault
need be attached to any Of its leaders. The
reverses are the misfortunes Of war, and as
such are forgotten,-onl the text to his
torical reminiscence.


Inspections are Of daily occurrence
Every effort is made to bring the army up
to the highest standard Of discipline. The
volunteer force fairly leads the regulars,
and from present appearances, the self
made army is in fair way to excel any army
in the world. The camps arc kept in the
best possible order, all about every ything is
neat and tidy. The gun has become the
"pet' of the soldier. 1t is his own deares
friend, and at his hands can receive not tot
great attention 1t is beside him when hi


sleeps and at the break of day is carefully
wiped out, wrapped in oil cloth, laid away


only to be touched as duty calls. The sol
der loves and cherishes his musket and ht
pets it, for upon it rests his fate. Can yot
, but admire him? The gun is the idol o
the soldier.


Reconnaissance into the interior are of ;


daily occurrence, and the results are thu


arrival of droves of horses and mules, ths


taking of any number Of contrabands an
amount Of forage, bacon, &C., &c.
One would naturally suppose this State


was about cleaned, yet there is upon inves
tigation any amount of forage to be hac


in the northern counties. The rebels can
not get possession Of it, and the Union on
ly by taking large force of both infantry
and cavalry.


We look for the capture of Vicksburs
, and with our might cry God bless ths


Western boys" Let it fall and the present


mode of fighting is at an end. Ths
f taking of the rebel capitol will prove un
t necessary. The western stronghold mus
, be taken, then our task becomes easy.
The I'd regiment is on picket, and an
alone, as happy as King. A good FRIEND
r has furnished me with handsome pa,en
, chair, and as the boys say II rut on style
i, Did only have some Of the NcGregor ale
, | should be much happier, and probably
| feel more like military. As it is conten


myself with smile from the army supply


and like a follower of the art prcservativl
of all arts, wishing had Sam and Billy ant
, Mac under my care. The old TINES offic.
looms up, and methinks see it as in day.
of yore, while Sam and were leutenants
, with Mac as orderly and Billy as corporal
What days were they, and how the types


went
"Click, click click, into the stick"
, remember the father Of waters and how