Oxford Times, July 3, 1861
8th Regiment, Arlington Heights, Va., June 20 [1861]
Nothing of very great interest has occurred since my last letter. We are going on in the same old style, expecting, but not receiving orders to forward march. This suspense makes days seem as long as weeks. But the weather, here now being pleasant, we get around the "woods," with which we have become quite familiar. The branches of the stately "Oak and Cedar," bend before summer breeze, and bow with reverence at our approach, while the feather tribe of the Forest are gaily singing, and the very B-frog's sonorous voice seems as if they were crying, "Union, Union, Union."
It is now noon; light nights, and a quiet walk through Gen. Lee's private Grounds down to the Road is very pleasant.
Our boys are making themselves quite happy here. One of them in my company has a "Banjo," which often suffers, for as he cannot pitch into the Rebels, he pitches into it, and soon makes tears run down our sun-tanned faces, and keeps our tent in a roar of laughter. Another has a Castanet, and some are good singers, so we manage to pass evenings pleasantly. I don't know how the weather is up North, but it is getting very hot down here, with a very unpleasant abundance of insect life, but as we keep our Tents and Camps clean, it keeps them down some. We had a severe storm here last week which lasted three days, and completely washed us out. the rain came through our tents, as through a sieve, and set us all to work, bailing out with our tin cans. Our tents are made of cotton, and poor quality at that, no doubt sold to "Government," by some Swindling Contractor, for first class linen. Ours would answer well for a Water Cure Establishment or a shower bath. I went up to the 60th Reg't camp on Sunday, they have thrown up quite a formidable Earthworks, and have mounted some 32 pounders on them. They are a gallant set of men, and will give a good account of the Rebels if they come across them, and they devoutly wish they may.
We have been reviewed twice by the President and Secretary of War, and have had two parades of Divisions of about twelve thousand men, under General McDowell. They made a splendid appearance, and were remarkably proficient in Field movements. I hope the officers will provide equally good when it comes to practice. We have fine soldiers, and good officers will ensure our success. Things are looking lively here tonight, our battery of 6 guns, have been sent forward, and we have just received forty rounds of ammunitions, and orders to hold ourselves in readiness, to march at a moment's notice. The 69th Reg't have moved, and the 13th Rochester boys and several others are under orders, so you may look for my next to be dated from some other place. That place, I should like to be "Richmond."
A poor fellow was brought into our camp the other night mortally wounded. He was in the affair at Vienna, and received the ball that was aimed at General Tyler. It struck him above the arm, and passed right through his shoulder, mortification has set in, and the Doctor says he cannot recover. He was a fine, handsome looking fellow, and came from Connecticut. He was carried on a litter to Washington today. They caught the Rebel that fired and intend to hang him--a just retribution for his crime.
It is the general feeling here, that we are on the eve of a great battle, if so, may God defend our cause. One thing is certain, we shall do all that men can do. Hardships of camp life, and strict discipline in our lines have somewhat altered our nature, strengthened our frames and "Made us all anxious, and ready for the fray, / Be it tomorrow, or any other day. / Our powder is dry, and our Bayonets are bright, / With Pistols at our side, and Belts buckled tight, / We will throw to the breeze, the stars and stripes / And 'neath them firmly we'll stand. / Till we put every traitor and Rebel to flight, / or kill, capture and some of them hang."
W.D.
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