FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS
Camp Tennelly (Washington, DC), August 11, 1861
Within the past few weeks the Cambria Guards have dispensed with the Camp Wright past times and amusements and are beginning to play the soldier in dead earnest. We are now encamped about six miles from Washington, up the Potomac river, on an open, elevated piece of ground. The location is quite a pleasant one. A small stream of water meanders by in close proximity, furnishing us with the wherewithal to do our washing, etc. We are also blessed with excellent drinking water.
It is extremely warm here, but by no means unhealthy. The effect of the heat in this climate is altogether different from that on the mountain; for I find that the hotter the weather the healthier it is.
The 11th regiment has had its turn on picket. We started out on Friday evening and returned to camp at 8 P.M. on Saturday. Co. A. guarded about a mile and a half of road. None of the pickets were in any way disturbed, and we returned without even a sight of a secesher.
We are frequently aroused from our soft sandy beds by reports of advancing foes, and placed under arms for an hour or two; but they never amount to anything, and we resign ourselves to our blankets again and dream of the fierce fighting we didn't do.
There are eight regiments encamped here, almost within rifle shot of each other and all Pennsylvanians.
This is a delightful climate to line in. Enough rain falls to keep up a good supply of water and fruit of all kinds is abundant.
The company as a general thing, enjoy good health. Provisions are plenty and of a good quality.
I trust your readers will not cease to remember us and write to us because we have left the State. Direct all letters and other documents to Washington city, as heretofore, and they will be forwarded after the regiment.
PENNA. RESERVE CORPS
Camp Tennelly, August 11, 1861
Gen. McCall commands all the Pennsylvania troops. and I understand that it is his intention to concentrate the Reserves at this point, preparatory to moving into Virginia.
On last Tuesday our company was paid off by the State, and the balance of the regiment was paid the day following.-- Each private received $15.03. We will be paid off by Uncle Sam on the 22nd. Our company and company K received the long expected and greatly wished for rifles on Wednesday. They are the Minie rifled musket--the best arm in the American service. The rest of the regiment will be furnished with the best improved Springfield musket.
I think we will have a battle ere a great while in which the Pennsylvanians expect to do their whole duty.
CAMBRIA COUNTY REGIMENT--An effort is now being made to organize a regiment in this county, to be composed entirely of Cambria county men and commanded by Cambria county officers. Six companies that we know of are already being recruited for it. We think this idea is a good one, and I have not the least doubt of the ultimate success of the experiment.
Col. J.M. Campbell of Johnstown has been empowered to raise the regiment and will be Colonel; Capt. B. McDermitt will be Lt. Col. and Capt. John Linton Major.
DRAGOON COMPANY--Col. Freadman who has commissioned by the Sec. of War to raise a regiment of dragoons, has authorized Col. William Piper, of this place (Ebensburg) to enlist one hundred men to compose one company of said regiment. We understand that Col. P. is succeeding famously in recruiting, and that he will soon have secured his full complement.-- Those wishing to enlist will report themselves to Ebensburg, at the Foster House in Johnstown or at the Exchange Hotel in Hollidaysburg. Col. Freadman's regiment is now encamped new Philadelphia.
THE EXTRA SESSION - Congress has adjourned...
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MODERN NOTE:
The Knights of the Golden Circle sought to create a confederation that would encompass 2,400 square miles from the southern United States to South America — and run on the labor of slaves.
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