Alexandria July 2^nd 1862

 

Dear Marshall

                        Here we are at last within sight of the capitol, and the scene of all the Grand Reviews of the Grand Army. And of its embarkations. And of its encampments, and of all its Grand goings and comings during its Grand stay here. The splendid military displays in and about Washington are played out and the District is converted into a kind of vast making and repairing shop out of which new Reg^ts issue all bright and in good order, and old ones are taken in and done for. the 3^rd & 4^th Brigades of Shields Division belong to the latter and are laid up here for an overhauling, as soon as it comes our turn. We left the Junction on the 28^th and arrived here on the morning of the 29^th our Brigade was put on board the steamboats North America of Hudson memory and the Georgia. About sunset we hauled out and anchored in the stream and lay there all night. next morning we thought that we would go to Richmond but we didnt about 8 A.M. Gen^l Tyler came down from Washington. the boats came into the dock again and we were ordered to get off and go into camp, where we have been since. I have heard that the 1^st & 2^nd Brigades went down to M^cCleland they are in good order many of the regts not having been in a fight yet / the 3^rd & 4^th Brigades are encamped about 2 miles from the river on the Fairfax road and between Fort Worth and Fort Lyon. When we went into camp the Gen^l told us that it was for the purpose of resting. how long he did not say. Gen^l Shields is in Washington I have not been up there yet as I do not desire to display my uniform which is anything but the regulation pattern and in which I could hardly expect to be admitted at a presentation at the White House when I get a new rig I will take the matter into consideration until then I must be satisfied with the distant view of the capitol building, Monument, Smithsonian, &c which may be had from the hill nearby on which stands the Fairfax Seminary. Our camp commands a beautiful view down the Potomac. At present I devote the greatest part of my time to visiting the forts and places of interest in this locality this occupation is frequently interrupted by visits to Lager Bier waggons and booths which I am happy to say are numerous. Alexandria is quite a neat town but it looks dull, except through the business streets where you can see at any time more than a hundred of our fellows bent on having a good time generally. And thrashing the Provost Guard in particular. Since we came here we have had our own way in town and camp, more so I suppose because we have made up our minds to take it. the old 69^th is in camp near us but I have not been over yet. I hear that the 71^st is over in Georgetown. I wonder if any of my old acquaintances are in it now. /

 

I would like to know what they intend to do with these skeleton Brigades, some of the troops stationed in these forts are envious of the laurels that we now wear and wish that they could go and see active service as we have done. I for one am perfectly willing to change places with them. they can go and get this glory we will try the comfort. Some of the Reg^ts having been here 8, 10 & 12 months it is not more than right that they should have a chance to distinguish themselves at something else than spoiling good rations. the forts that I have seen are well built and well mounted with the best guns. in fort Worth I saw two of the celebrated Whitworth guns belonging to the battery of those guns which were presented to the U.S. Government by the loyal citizens Mexicans in England. near the fort is a burying ground in which those who died in the fort were buried, and also some who were killed in skirmishes near it. most of the graves are marked with neat marker headstones. One of the graves was surrounded by a wood paling and a richly carved headstone bore the following inscription. Sacred to the memory of John Boyd Serg^t Company H. 81^st Pennsylvania Volunteers Born in Newton Limavady in the county of Londonderry Ireland. Aged 22 years. I am anxious to hear from you I have written three letters and this will make four since I received one from you please write soon and oblige yours                                                   

James Clarke

 

M. M. Huey /

 

Address

James Clarke

Company D. 5^th Reg^t O.V.I.

3^rd Brigade Shields Division

Virginia

SOURCES