9/4/1862

 

Camp Ramsay Arsenal Grounds

Washington D.C.

 

My dear Wife—

                        I take the first opportunity of writing to you, and cannot say much even now. We struck our tents at Camp Halleck on Saturday afternoon, missing that terrible shower, and marched our men to the North Penn R.R. cars. The mud on the march gave us some idea of what is yet to come. We left the cars at Front and Willow Sts. and marched to the refreshment saloon which we reached at 12 o'clock. After eating, we marched to the depot at Broad and Prime Streets and put our men in the cars. We left the depot at 4 o'clock Tuesday morning and reached Baltimore at 12 M. We breakfasted on eggs & bread. At 4 o'clock we were taken to the refreshment saloons at Baltimore where we found pretty hard times although it is supported entirely by the Government, dry bread, salt half boiled ham and cold coffee was the bill of fare. We bunked on the depot floor that night stowing the men like herrings in a box. That immense building was full and 2 or 3 regiments outside on the street could not be provided for. You can imagine the state of things there some 5 or 6 regiments coming in daily. We left B. at day break on Tuesday Wednesday morning. I could not call on any one as I was appointed Officer of the day—and dared not leave the men. We reached here yesterday at 12 oclock and were marched to the government barracks where the men were huddled together like sheep, and where being Officer of the day I had some pretty trying work the men had had no breakfast, and were almost famished. We were told we would have dinner at the Government saloon. Well we were marched there [faded] a dinner—a piece of bread a bit of beef sour and tainted and a cup of coffee out / what seemed a slop bucket. The men grumbled greatly, but we had to put up with it. We first heard here that Stanton had resigned—Halleck was in his place, M^cDowell was arrested and that Pope was driven back. It excited us greatly and we were fearful we would be obliged to go over the Potomac at once. Late in the afternoon we were marched here, and pitched our tents by moonlight. Being Officer of the day, I had the pleasure of escorting the baggage train (20 wagons) through the streets. The men behaved admirably, and proves that the Regiment will be a good one. Only 36 of my men are with me. I expect the rest to day. We have no arms yet but we will be supplied soon. We passed 3 trains of wounded men on the way here. One had 700, another 1200 and the other 1400. They were packed in, and on the tops and platforms of the cars, and the spectacle was truly mournful. It made our men quiet for some time. But we are terribly busy and the letter man is going off. I am well and hope all you continue to be. I presume you are settled at Vine St. by this time. Write soon & direct as this is headed. Love to all—

Sep-4-62                                                        

 

Your Affectionate husb

Andy

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