CAMP NEVIS, Ky.,
December 4, 1861:—I have another opportunity of talking with my pen to you and
to the readers of the JOURNAL. As expected,
we are still here, not knowing when we will advance. Our force here is sufficient for a good hand
to hand encounter with the rebels. So
far we are like Old Maids are said to be: “Ready but not wanted!” It is openly
proclaimed in camp to-day that we will be able for an advance as soon as one million freemen unite their destiny
with ours, and march from their homes in the Great Free West, for they need a body guard at the houses of every
man in the State of Kentucky.
This is a singular
war and it must be carried on with more regard to the wishers of the rebels
than of interest to the country. The
property of well known secessionists must be strongly guarded and
protected. Away with this childish
play. If there is any law let its
supremacy be vindicated. Let the world
know that we are capable of self government.
Let us stop boasting of our Nationality, and have a rigid enforcement of
all laws.
The health of the
49th regiment is fast improving, and the men are satisfied. They endure a soldier’s life like old
campaigners. The friends of soldiers in
the 49th regiment need have no fears, for no man suffers. They have plenty to eat of good and substantial
food, but our Camp does not abound with luxuries. It is hard bread, bacon, rice, beef,
potatoes, coffee, &c.; the &c. being what is accidently picked up by the men.
They also have sufficient clothes to keep them dry and warm. All that we
require of friends at home, is to write us cheering letters and not forget to
send us the papers.
On Thanksgiving Day,
while our friends in Ohio were living on the fat of the land—I know that in
many households a seat was vacant at the festive board by the absence of a son,
husband or father, who had gone forth to battle for their country—our Thanksgiving
was passed on picket guard! For thirty-six hours we stood at the post of
duty, during the whole of which time it rained very hard. We were compelled to ford creeks where the
water was three feet deep, and during the whole time lived upon two scanty
meals. With the creeks and the rain
together we get pretty thoroughly soaked, but not a murmur was heard.
Lieut. Wilcox is on
the sick list, but he is now convalescent, and bids fair to soon be entirely
recovered.
On the third day of
December it snowed all day, and we now have about seven inches of snow, good skating
and excellent sleighing.—The boys only regret that the Buckeye girls they left
behind could not enjoy the pleasure of a sleigh with them.
Capt. Bartlett and
squad of men, have gone out rabbit-hunting.
By the way, the captain is extremely popular with his men.
This morning Capt.
Lovejoy accidently shot himself in the mouth with his revolver. The ball lodged in the upper jaw. The wound is not considered dangerous.
So far the Paymaster
has not made the acquaintance of the 49th regiment, but we are all anxious for
an introduction.
In the 49th regiment
we have Bob Morris’ Sheep Skin Band, whose music reminds one of the croackings
of the bull-frogs in some dismal swamp.
Their music is unearthly and should be abolished.
John Stoner, a
Printer boy in Company F, makes a good soldier.
The railroad bridge
across salt river has washed away and cut of supplies. Some regiments are reported as having nothing
but bacon and coffee. With them hard
bread would be a luxury.
Winter has come, and
with it its pelting storms, but we hope it may not be a “winter of discontent.”
We are willing, if
necessary, to have the 72nd regiment track the 49th in their victorious
marches, through snow-drifts and rivers of ice making our tracks traceable by
bloody footsteps upon the frozen snow.
Our blood may chill but our love of country shall remain unchilled
forever.
RED STICK.
SOURCE: “Army
Correspondence,” The Freemont Weekly
Journal, Freemont, Ohio, Friday, December 13, 1861, p. 2.
