Oxford Times, October 30, 1861
Camp Holt / Near Washington, Oct. 10th, 1861
I have not written to anyone before as I had no conveniences for writing, and for eight or ten days I have been quite unwell. I am now a good deal better. Most of our company have been more or less unwell. We arrived in Binghamton about 10 o'clock at night, and started for New York about midnight, but were delayed at Deposit by an accident to the engine until daylight. On board the train was a company of Sharpshooters from Wisconsin, also a company of over one hundred of the Lincoln Cavalry of Cayuga Co. People cheered the train as it passed every village and hamlet. At a large iron foundry in Orange co. the workmen ranged themselves in line and as they saw the troops on board the train cheered them most briskly. With their soot covered faces; they looked like the denizens of a lower region. They did not feel like peace and it was gratifying to see so much enthusiasm in the people. We started from New York on Monday morning, saw no appearance of military until we reached Perryville on the Chesapeake near the mouth of the Susquehanna. A picket guard was stationed at the landings on both sides of the river. There was also a guard on the boat. At every bridge crossing, soldiers were stationed all the way from Haver de Grace, opposite Perryville, to Baltimore. As we entered Baltimore, on the right we could see Federal Hill in the northern part of the city. It is now fortified and occupied by our troops. We could see the cannon on its ramparts ready, should it become necessary, to belch forth fire and destruction upon the rebel city. On our left in the harbor, nearly two miles off was Fort McHenry, with its big guns ready to cooperate with our troops on Federal hill.
After a fatiguing march thro' the city from one depot to the other, on the route of the Massachusetts 6th, when it was attacked by the mob, we started for Washington; we reached the Relay House about dusk. A regiment is stationed here in the immediate vicinity. On a hillside we saw the first encampment. The road from Baltimore to Washington is now under government control, pickets are stationed all along the road between the two cities. We reached Washington about nine o'clock, and started for the camp of our regiment about two miles distant. We reached the camp about ten o'clock a tired and jaded set. We were quartered in a building occupied by our officers; the room none of the neatest, was spread with mattresses in the same state, and tired and hungry we went to bed, that is, we each laid down on the floor and slept better than could be expected without anything to cover us, and but little under our bodies. Here was a sudden transition from comforts of Chenango to the hardships of military life. We arose next morning, our bones aching somewhat, and each with his towel and soap went to the wash room. Soon after we had breakfast; black coffee, with plenty of sugar, but no milk, very good white bread without butter, plenty of boiled meat, any quantity of salt, but no potatoes. We were so hungry that we made a very good meal. We now by a little management, by buying sweet potatoes &c., get up very good meals. The government furnishes more than we can eat. Our rations are the same as the soldiers.
After breakfast, I went out to view our situation. The building is a large three story structure formerly owned by John Quincy Adams, as a summer residence, and occupied by some of the other Presidents for the same purpose. The grounds with winding walks and shade trees are most beautiful when not occupied by military, but now are quite filthy. From the front portico we had a fine view of Washington City, the Capitol and monument, towering above the rest. South beyond the city lay the east branch of the Potomac, with its hills beyond, occupied by the five regiments of Sickles' brigade. To the right and far down as the eye could reach ran the Potomac. On the west side of the Potomac, about twelve miles off we could see the point where Alexandria lay, and could just see a few of its steeples. The hills on the west of the Potomac are occupied by our troops from the Chain Bridge a few miles above Washington to Alexandria 12 miles below. They are called Arlington Heights. The encampments of our troops overlooked in the distance like patches of snow. We could just distinguish Fort Corcoran opposite Georgetown. Our troops appeared to be clearing the hills in many places and burning over the ground Opposite our quarters to the west, four regiments were quartered; in the field near our regiment is the Pennsylvania 13th Regiment and the 55th Regiment New York Volunteers; beyond is a regiment of twelve hundred Cavalry; between here and Washington several regiments are stationed. I ascended the dome of the Capitol a few says since and could canotier twenty encampments on this side of the river, and could see for a part as they are scattered all over the country for miles around. One thing is certain, a large army of our troops are in the immediate vicinity of Washington.
We are now about five miles from Washington. Our encampment near Washington we left a few days since. We are surrounded by woods and know but little what is going on. Last evening our regiment, upon very short notice, left for [..?..] towards the Chain Bridge. We expect to arrive tomorrow and suppose we shall soon go over to Virginia. S.H.F.
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