CAMP MILLINGTON. We were too
tired last night to look about and see where we were. This morning we were
ourselves again, and began to take stock of our surroundings. We are in a newly
seeded field, sloping generally to the east, though the upper part of it is
nearly level. The place is called Millington, so we have named our camp,
"Camp Millington." We pitched our tents in such a hurry that it had
not a very orderly appearance, and after breakfast we divided up into
companies, and each has tried to beat the other in slicking up.
We have quite an extended
view. Towards the east we can see for miles across a sandy plain clear to the
waters of Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore lies to the north. In other directions
little but trees can be seen. Right in front runs a large brook, which turns
the wheels of a flour mill, from which loads of flour are constantly being
taken. Back of the mill, and not far from it, runs a railroad, said to be the
Baltimore and Ohio. All day long, trains have been running, and the most of
them loaded with soldiers. Some go towards Baltimore and some the other way. If
I knew what it all means I would tell, but we are all strangers to the place
and there is no use asking questions. Guards are posted on every side of us,
and outside of that another line of guards called pickets are posted. We were
called up and talked to by Major Parker. A whole lot of rules were given out,
which, if they are observed, will make the 128th a model regiment and each
member of it a gentleman. I have sewed on my corporal stripes to-day, having
carried them in my pocket until now. The only difference I have yet found out
between a corporal and a private soldier is that a corporal does not have to
stand guard. If we are really going to stay here I expect the next thing will
be learning how to march, taking up the lesson where we left off in Hudson.
From the way the regiment that escorted us through Baltimore handled
themselves, I can see we have a whole lot to learn yet.
SOURCE: Lawrence Van
Alstyne, Diary of an Enlisted Man, p.
23-4
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