FRIEND KEELER:—As I
have a few spare moments I thought I would indite a few lines to you, letting
you know that the central division of the American army of the Department of
Cumberland is still remaining at this point.
When our large army will move forward it is impossible to tell. The indications are not very flattering. I predict that our division of troops will
not advance very far from this camp. It
looks as if we would go into winter quarters between this point and Green River.
Our army is large
enough for an advance, but it looks as if this was a peaceful war against the
rebels. Our delays are expensive and
give the rebels time to fortify. There
is no need of such dilatory action. Let
the war be pushed forward with vigor, for by rapid movements we gain much. By remaining here, the rebels gain every
advantage, and our forces are put to the necessity of reducing strong
fortifications. Our movements could be
forward, for if any advantages are to be gained, let our forces gain them. There is too much red tape governing the
action of our army. We have remained here
over five weeks, and winter is upon us, and yet no battle has been fought; no
victory tells of the bravery of our men, and no trophies tell of daring
exploits, forced marches or hardships endured by our soldiers, for the
preservation of the American Union and of Free institutions. Our army is inactive, but if tried by the
Kentucky rebels, they will find us ready and effective. But it seems as if the army contractors who
are plundering from the government treasure are anxious to prolong this war for
their own selfish purposes. But the
people are getting tired of such extravagant work.—They demand prompt action
and efficient prosecution of this war, until traitors cease to exist and the Banner of the Free waves in triumph over
every state in the American Union.
The men around here
are secessionists, but to swear the dogs and let them go, seems to be the
policy of those in power. The rebels are
constantly getting information from our camp, and reporting our acts to their
rebel chieftains.—Here we see the rebel signals very near every night, and our
picket guards are within gun shot of the “tarnel
red skins,” yet we remain inactive. But
we yield obedience to all orders, however repugnant they may be to our sense of
right and justice. We are government machines
set to any tune it may desire to play.
Yesterday our
regiment (the 49th) was out on picket guard.
It was a gloomy day, the mud being about knee deep, but it seemed to go
well for a change. Companies A and F
were on the extreme right, the farthest from camp and at points where rebel
balls have pierced union hearts. Company
A is from Findlay, Ohio; its officers are gentlemen in every sense of the word. Capt. A. Langworthy is one of God’s
noblemen. He is small in statue [sic], but I don’t think any other little
man every had so large a heart. Lieut.
Sam. Gray is considered the best looking man in the regiment and is an able and
efficient officer. Lieut. Davidson was
one of the Kansas warriors, and exerted himself to free Kansas from the
blighting curse of slavery. His fame
shall live forever.
Lieut. Gray was out
last night scouting, and I learn captured a secessionist at a distillery. The rats get dry, they must come out of their
holes.
Yesterday afternoon
about dusk, Capt. Bartlett and eight men captured four secessionists, who have
been firing upon our picket guards for a long time back without bloodshed. He went through a defile in the woods to an
old forsaken house, where no one would suppose white men would live and found
them in the garret asleep. His entrance
around the sleeping villains, but they dare not resist, and surrendered
themselves as prisoners. They were
brought into camp this morning amid the hearty plaudits of our volunteers. They looked hard.
Capt. James
Patterson and John, the scout, are now out scouting. We look for them to-night. John is a negro and makes a valuable man in
the scouting service.
The regiment have
received their overcoats. They are a
dark blue. They boys are satisfied with
them, and make a good appearance.
Kentucky’s fairest
daughters do not compare with Sandusky county girls. They are not so large or handsome. But I find the “school marms” are from the
North, hence the people here have some advantages which we enjoy at home.
Our boys have built
a bake-oven. They are great on
improvements, and their inventive genius has been let loose. Daniel Jacobson seems to be ahead so far in
that line. The oven is a perfect
success, and better bread cannot be found any where than baked in it. It is an old fashioned mud oven, and it might
be said of it, science directed and Corporal Wilson Executed.
Ours is the Printer
Company. Five printers belong to it, and
we will set the type and take impressions
when we get to Bowling Green.
Without bragging,
our Orderly Sergeant, John Kessler, cannot be beat, search creation over.—He is
always ready, ever willing, and always attentive to the wants of the men. He is respected and loved by all.
Our regimental
officers are good. Col. Wm. H. Gibson is
O. K. The men will fight for Bill until
there is nothing left to fight for. He
is familiar with all, but is endowed with Roman firmness, never flinching, and
always at his post. He is the right man
in the right place.
Our Lieutenant
Colonel is A. M. Blackman, formerly of Fostoria. He was in the three month’s service, a
Captain under Col. Norton in the Ohio 21st regiment. He left a history in Western Virginia which
the rebels will not very soon forget. He
his courageous, able and efficient, and all the proficiency that has been made
in drill by the 49th regiment is due to him.
Our Major is Levi
Drake, of Putnam county, Ohio. He was
through the Mexican war, is military by practice and inclination, a good
officer and a brave man.
Our Chaplain is Rev.
E. H. Bush, son of Erastus Bush, of Fremont.
Hi is a gentleman and a scholar, always attentive to the spiritual wants
of his men.
Of Adjutant C. N.
Norton nothing need be said by me; he is favorably known by all Fremonters.
Col. Crittenden’s
6th Indiana regiment cleaned out Rain’s store and dwelling houses at Nolin. Rains was connected in burning Bridges. They took his chimney down, kicked all the
siding off of his house and store, and applied his goods to their benefit. Every thing was thoroughly cleaned out.
Our army is
increasing in strength all the time.
Troops are continually pouring in at this point. Hurry up the 72nd, for we need more men in
Kentucky. Union men of Sandusky county,
come to our rescue. Come and go with us
upon the battle-field, and there prove yourselves worthy of your ancestry. Let it not be said you was unmindful of the
deeds of bravery exhibited by George Croghan and his little band of heroes who
so nobly defended Fort Stephenson. Come
as the waves come, clearing out every thing in our course.
To-day our Regiment
received orders to be ready at a moment’s notice to march. Where to or when it is not known.
John Tally came here
with Col. Gibson and joined Company F.
He used to be a carpenter at Fremont.
He makes a good soldier.
The men in our
regiment are in good health, and are always in good condition. They have
been seriously exposed, but have so far
luckily escaped.
Yours truly,
RED STICK.
SOURCE: “Army
Correspondence,” The Freemont Weekly
Journal, Freemont, Ohio, Friday, November 22, 1861, p. 2.
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