Oxford Times, July 31, 1861
8th Regiment, Arlington Heights,, Va, July 12th [1861]
Since my last, I have had no exciting news to communicate, things remain in the same state as when I wrote last--if anything quieter. Perhaps the calm before the storm. I would like to be in it, if anything does take place, but as the 8th's time expires on the 25th, I am afraid, we shall not have a chance of meeting the enemy. It is too bad, such a regiment should leave the scene of action before they can inscribe a victory on their Banner. The Grays have arrived to a high state of discipline, and are the admiration of the elite of Washington, who drive over in large numbers everyday to witness our parades.
Our Regiment did not parade in Washington on the 4th. We were kept in camp, but we managed to get up a considerable excitement amongst ourselves. The day was ushered in by scattering reports of musketry, and we thought at first, it was skirmishing between the enemy, and our pickets. But it turned out to be some of the boys in other Regiments, celebrating the commencement of the day that gave the forefathers their independence and laid the foundation stone of "Republicanism," upon which has been reared the greatest and grandest institution of freedom to be found in Ancient or Modern history.
At midday, the 8th Regiment Base Ball Club had a grand match, which was witnessed by a large number of the Regiment. In the night, fun commenced by Company H starting an illuminative, which example was followed by other companies. The entire camp (consisting of 200 tents) was illuminated by the light of Adamantine dips, every piece that could be found was brought into requisition, and large premiums were offered for the smallest. A torch light procession was also formed, each man holding a dip stuck in the socket of his bayonet. All kinds of fancy dresses were improvised for the occasion, some of which were very ludicrous. A drum corps was formed, which kept time on tin pans, plates, and in fact anything that would sound, when struck with a stick. Our Colonel furnished some fine Roman Candles and Fire Crackers, which were freely exploded, and friend Bloomer attired in a tight fitting undersuit of Red was carried on a platform by six men, and acted as master of the ceremonies, making some fine spread Eagle speeches; we had Burlesque on the Sons of Malta and the Wide Awakes, also some mounted Growlers, one man forming the body, and another the head. All the boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves, till the Drums beat "Tattoo," and all went comfortably to bed. The "comet" was passing swiftly over, and gracefully waved his Tail. The 14th New York, are now encamped on our left, also the 2d U.S. Dragoons, several Regiments of Regulars have also arrived on this side, and the surrounding woods, which were silent and solitary when we first came, are more alive with armed men, and the pasture and meadows are turned into a Tented Field. There are now at least fifty Thousand men on this side of the Potomac, and in Washington and around some 100 thousand. A large proportion of them are three months men, and the Regular organized militia of the different States. It is to be regretted they have had no chance to distinguish themselves. The 79th Highlanders are now here, and have a very picturesque appearance, they are in for the war, and are a fine set of muscular fellows. The sons of "old Scotland" will no doubt keep up their ancient renown.
Last Wednesday, we were ordered out for inspection and review by Gen. McDowell. We had to carry our blankets, rolled around our shoulders, also our Canteens and Camps, what is called light marching order. The Eighth was the first Regiment, that arrived on the Field, about three miles from camp. After us came a Battery of US. Artillery, then a regiment of Regulars, and last the 14th of Brooklyn. We had no sooner arrived on the ground than the sky became overcast and denoted a violent storm, clouds of dust were seen to sweep over the distant camps, and as the order to "prepare for Review" was given, we began to feel the effects of it. The wind sounded like Roaring Waters, and as the stentorish voice of the Colonel was heard above the din, "to the rear, open order, march," our boys were actually swayed to and fro by the violence of the storm, while clouds of dust, from the well used roads, almost blinded us. We presented arms, and then wheeled into column to give a marching Review; first came a US. Infantry Regiment, with their splendid marching, but very slovenly dress, some of these wearing jackets, some coats, some dress hats, some caps, and their entire uniform looked as if they had slept in them for six months, and probably they had, as they have a hard life; then came the gallant 8th with their neat uniforms, and white belts, after them came the 14th in their French looking uniforms of Blue Zouave Jackets and red baggy pants, the rear brought up by the Battery of Artillery. We had scarcely got through before the large drops of rain admonished us that we must expect a thorough soaking. The parade was dismissed and the order given double quick time, when a lively run, in regular order took place,. The rain now came down in torrents, while the roads were ankle deep in mud, and as we passed under the culvert of the canal, the water rushed down upon us, the thunder rolled, the lightnings flashed, and the storm increased in fierceness till we got to our Tents which we found pretty much flooded, but being used to such things we dove right in. D.
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