Civil War Letter - Oxford Band - September 1861

 Oxford Times, October 9, 1861

The following letter from one of the members of the Oxford Band, now at the seat of war, received by a gentleman of this village, will be read with interest by our citizens.

Camp Holt, Washington, Sept. 28th, 1861

Dear Sir:  Having just perused a copy of the Oxford Times of 25th inst., a package of which came from you to the members of Oxford Band here encamped, I feel like acknowledging the receipt of it with gratitude and, in behalf of our company, return you our hearty thanks.  Could you have seen the eagerness with which they were received by us, you would feel repaid for sending them.  It was very much as a hungry soldier receives his rations, which can better be imagined than described.  I can assure you the Times looked more beautiful than ever before.  Some of our company would not refrain from tears as they perused the article in relation to ourselves.  Doubtless you will be interested in learning a little of our travels, camp life &c, and I will give abstract portions.

We left New York Monday last, at 7 A.M., and arrived at Camp Lincoln, Meridian Hill, Washington (2 miles from the city) about 10 P.M.  the cars were mostly filled with soldiers, and as we passed stations and villages cheer after cheer reached my ears from the citizens, thus showing their attachment to the Union. Everything was quiet in Baltimore so far as I could observe, and I saw many little "contrabands" clap their hands and shout as they saw the soldiers pass. When we came to the Relay House, I saw the soldiers and their numerous encampments, and as I heard their tramps and saw the glistening of their arms, my soul was filled with patriotism. But I must pass hastily on, suffice it to say, we came safely to camp, beginning to feel we were soldiers.  It came a little tough for us who have been used to Spring Beds and feathers, to lay ourselves away on a few straws, but there comes the thought we are part of the Grand Army to sustain the Union and we are satisfied. We fare as well as could be expected, and perhaps even better.  Our rations are abundant, and health prevails in camp.  Our Regiment is composed of a hardy set of men.  They are anxious for a fight, at least such is their language.

Meridian Hill is a magnificent place for an encampment, and as far as the eye can reach in every direction, the fields are white with tents.  It is a beautiful sight, and not only is the vision gratified, but there comes borne upon the breeze the enlivening strains of harmony from the Brass Bands.  One cannot but feel patriotic while a participant in these scenes. Orders came Thursday night for Gen. Peck's Brigade composed of five regiments, one of which is Anderson's Zouaves, to march the following morning five and half miles from Camp Lincoln near the Maryland line.  Camp Holt is a broken uneven surface of country, but an important position.  We are at a fort unfinished which is the business of this Brigade to complete. We are six miles from Chain Bridge, and I am informed the way is lined with forts to prevent the enemy's approach in case they cross the Potomac.  Our pickets are extended four miles, but here beats the tattoo and I will finish in the morning.  

Sunday, Sept. 29th:  It is a beautiful autumnal morning, but had I lost my reckoning, should not conceive it to be the Sabbath, hearing the roll of the drums and report of infantry, &c. nothing calculated to make one feel devotional.  There is but little regard paid to Sabbath or morals.  There appears to be a lack on the part of superior officers.  They do not set an example that might be expected from their position. While writing, I hear the voice of singing at the place of public worship, and will away.  More anon.

Sunday Evening:  I attended Divine worship and strange to say, there was but one officer of the Regiment present, and he a Lieutenant.  Our old chaplain is a very fine man but labors to great disadvantage.

The Regiment had served out today three days rations, and to hold themselves in readiness at any moment to march. The report is to Chain Bridge, but my authority is not entirely reliable. The Band will remain, as we have no instruments yet.  Mr. Griswold, Band Master, starts tomorrow for New York, after them.  There has been some confusion in relation to their purchase, as they are furnished by the Regiment and not by Government, as supposed. When our pieces come the monotony will be somewhat destroyed, and new life will be infused not only in ourselves, but through the whole Regiment.

Respectfully Yours,  D.C.B.