Camp Murray, Fort Potter

Baltimore Nov 3^d 1861

 

Dear Father and friends

                                    I have no news to write but as it some time since I wrote you I propose to drop you a few lines to let you know that I am still around with my head above the mud and water, and ready for my rations Since I wrote you last we have moved our "washing" about 6 or 7 miles we are now across the river or bay from fort M^cHenry distance 1½ miles we are nearly directly east from the city. we are some 50 or 60 feet above the bay and the fort is 30 or 40 feet above us. the fort has been built since we came to Baltimore it is an earth works but is a strong place. I dont know the number of guns it mounts, as there are none up yet, but the bank is about finished and many of the guns and cariages are in the fort and will be put up soon. there is some danger of us having to stay in the fort this winter 

 

we have recd our blue uniform cap coat and pants, and blanket. we make a very respectable appearance. our co. has new guns. they are an antequated affair. I believe they are the Belgian Rifle. they are not of mutch account.

 

Our Sharp Shooters skirmishing party is broke up. So we gave up our Enfield and took the Belgian Rifle mad enough to fight most any body. our party took 6 or 8 of the best men out of each co. and the captains did not like that. So the captains kept up a fuss till they done away with it. it probaly makes no difference as there is but little chance of our getting a chance to fight. the Union people of Baltimore have sent a big petition with several thousand names to washington to have us remain in Baltimore till the war is over as they say the 21^st Ind is the quietest civilest regiment about Baltimore there are several Maryland Regts about here and the police have from 10 to 15 of them in the station house every night. they wont take up any of our boys unless necessary from misconduct. /

I suppose without bragging the 21^st is a much civiler reg't than common. there are very few foreigners and the rough characters enlisted in the first regts. we have quite a number of hard cases, but they dont count up much in a 1000.

 

General Dix says if they will leave him the New York 5^th (Duryeas Zouaves they all in fort Federal Hill) and the 21^st Regt Ind they may have all the rest and he will take care of the city. Dix has about 700 men besides in the fort M^cHenry. So we can hardly hope to get a chance to fight, for with the three forts here and fort Carrol about 5 miles down the river in the river Secesh will hardly venture to trouble Baltimore soon. if we stay here we will have to go into winter quarters soon as our tents are not very dry in a heavy rain or very warm in a cold night.

 

Respectfully Yours, R H Crist.

 

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we had a big storm and blow yesterday. it raised the water several feet in the river

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