Camp Reed; Sandy Hook, Maryland

 Headquarters Department of the Shenandoah, 
Near Hyattstown, Md., August 21, 1861.

Colonel Leonard,    Thirteenth Massachusetts Regiment:

     Sir:  In view of instructions, received this day from headquarters of the Army in Washington, it becomes necessary for you to take post in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry.  The Commanding General directs that you proceed with your regiment to Sandy Hook, and to take post on the Maryland side of the Potomac, so as to prevent an enemy from crossing at the ford or ferry, and to hold the Maryland Heights.

     Very Respectfully,

ROBT. WILLIAMS
Assistant Adjutant-General

CHELSEA TELEGRAPH & PIONEER

Sandy Hook, Md., Aug. 26, '61.

Dear Editor:
        We left Antietam Ford last Tuesday, for Sharpsburg, a small town on the Potomac, a place of over 700 inhabitants. Camped in the woods till next morning, then marched to Boonsboro and slept out in a drenching rain till 5 o'clock next morning; then started again, without anything to eat, tired, sore and stiff, to a place called Broad Run, sixteen miles from Boonsboro.  It rained at intervals all day, and at night it rained in torrents.  Our tents were all stowed away in the wagons; so we had to bivouac again in the rain.  Next morning we started for this place (13 miles more); but on arriving here had orders to march to Harper's Ferry, distance 1½ miles. Then had to travel back again to this camp.  Cos. I and K were left at the bridge opposite the Ferry; and at 9 o'clock P. M., a messenger arrived here stating to us that the companies left behind were attacked by a large body of cavalry and were in great danger of being cut to pieces. We all rushed out, pell mell, and ran the whole distance, (1½ miles,) double-quick time, to the rescue of our comrades; but before we had time to get there the enemy had begun the attack, and one of our brave boys [Edwin Smith] was shot through the wrist and shoulder; his arm will probably have to amputated.  I also saw one of the rebels fall at our first fire shot, through the breast; how many more are killed I have not yet been able to ascertain. They kept up a fire all night, but no one else was hurt on our side. This is the second skirmish I have been in, and I wish very much to see a regular pitched battle, in open field.

    There are five Chelsea boys in this Company, (Co. B,) viz; Edwin Field, Freeman Duren, George Pomroy, Lyman H. Low, and Charles Leland.  They are all well, and wish Chelsea folks could see them just as they are at present,  - covered with dirt and mud after being up all night, blazing away at the enemy across the river.

    We expect very soon to leave for Washington to join Gen. Banks at Point of Rocks.  He is twenty miles below here, and there is not another regiment within ten miles of us.  Some times we think our position rather dangerous.  If we should need help, the roads are so rough it would take some time to get any assistance.  It is reported that there are two regiments of rebels encamped on the other side; but we are ready to give them a warm reception if they attempt to cross to this side of the river.  I do not like camp life quite as well as home, because it is very hard to get anything to eat. The last few days we would have starved, had we not got paid off by the State of Massachusetts.  I do not know who is to blame, but there is a "screw loose" somewhere.  I must close, as the mail leaves very soon.  I will write again the first opportunity. From

A Chelsea Boy,
Co. B, 13th Regt. Mass. Vols.

(Chelsea Telegraph and Pioneer, August 31, 1861, Pg. 2, Col. 5.)

WESTBORO TRANSCRIPT

     Tuesday, Aug. 20, orders to break camp and go to Harper’s Ferry.  Some thought the destination was ‘Richmond,’ some Sandy Hook, some thought the first step forward was back to Boston, though no one knows why?  No order came to start.

     Next afternoon Wednesday, 21st we commenced a long march to Boonesboro, (rain in short skirmishes).

     Next morning, 18 miles to Frederick to join Banks.  Most Mass. boys had never seen such splendid scenery, (over the Blue Ridge), at Middletown a messenger gave an order to go to Sandy Hook so they had to retrace their steps!  Marched ‘til evening.  Stopped at Broad Run.

     Saturday, Co. K ordered to join Co. I at Sandy Hook 3 miles from camp to guard the fords and prevent supplies from crossing the river.  Stayed in abandoned (town) houses.  Co. I was earlier fired upon by stray rebel horsemen.

     “In the evening (of the day of our arrival) our unripe experience led us to mistake the glistening of the moonbeams upon the windows of church opposite for the camp lights of the enemy.  We fired a volley into it which made work for the glaziers according to the report of the startled villagers the next morning.”

     “From certain signals seen and information brought over by citizens, Capt. Schriber of Co. I was led to expect an attack and sent to camp for re-inforcements.  Accordingly the remaining Companies of the regt. with 3 Pa. Companies from Knoxville came down and were all distributed along the bank of the river to prevent any possible invasion.  A fruitless alarm as this was should have ended well; but it was attended with a casualty which added fearfully to the excitement ‘and cast a deep gloom over Co. K. – Private Edwin Smith ‘of ours’ was sent up to the lookout to learn what observations he had made.  As he approached the sentry in the darkness, the latter without challenging, discharged successively his rifle and pistol at him.  The rifle ball grazed the wrist and passed through the arm near the shoulder.  At first amputation was thought to be necessary; but the glad tidings now come to us from the hospital that the patient is out of danger.  Vigilant sentinels could discern no further signs of the enemy and when morning came the reinforcements retired.”

     On Monday the 26th, a squad of Co. K men under Lt. Bacon (pictured) crossed the river and hoisted an American Flag upon the staff at the ruined arsenal, where it still waves, to the great wrath of the remaining secessionist inhabitants of the well-nigh deserted place.

     Families are daily moving across the river with their goods bound for the interior of Maryland and the north.  They represent the rebels to be exercising dominant power over all the inhabitants, impressing into the rebel army all who from want of means are unable to leave and they fear they will soon occupy the place in strong numbers.

     Our companies are now engaged in putting our position in the best possible state of defense.  Canon are to be placed upon the mountains.  The fords in the upper river destroyed, rifle pits dug, and river craft taken possession of.  Scouting parties daily up and down the river daily for this purpose adding greatly to the interest and pleasurable excitement of being stationed here.

     The 13th Regt. can truly consider it no small feather in its cap that to it, is assigned the honor of defending so important and dangerous a post. 

     But at this moment the drum rolls out, the diner call, sounding so loud in my ears that this lengthy letter must give way and allow me to subscribe myself.

Yours for the War-

NOTE:  Sadly Edwin Smith never recovered from his wound.  Sergeant Austin Stearns wrote in his memoirs Three Years with Company K,"They took Smith down to the Regiment, after which he was sent to the hospital at Baltimore.  He lingered about two years, dying from the effect of the wound.  He was the first man of the Regiment hit by a bullet."

  Sandy Hook. Aug. 24^th 1861

                                         Dear Mother.

                                                I am very well I am perfectly contented now.  When I wrote to you last I was about 8 miles further up the river but last Tuesday we had orders to go to Washington we marched to head-quarters at Sharpsburg and joined the regiment that afternoon, next evening we started for Boonsborough where we encamped till next morning and then marched to Middletown a distance of 23 miles from Sharpsburg     we encamped about 3 miles from Middletown at a place called Broad Run on the road to Sandy Hook over night     next morning we started for Sandy Hook a distance of 12 miles where we are now encamped.     We traveled a distance of about 38 miles to go to a place about 8 miles from where we were before. When the regiment started I had a sort of a disentery but now I am entirely well.   We heard that there was a report that some of our regiment was taken prisoners but the report is false we are all safe and well.  Yesterday I had a good view of Harpers Ferry from across the river.  I saw the government buildings that were burnt.   I do not think that it is much of a place.   It is quite small for a town.   It is a splendid view from the mountains.   It resembles the picture in the geography some.  We are encamped where the twelth was encamped it is a splendid place.  I cannot think of much to write now.  I must bid you good by.  Give my love to all, kiss Bertie for me.  I have not received but two letters since I have been from home.  Last Monday we were paid 5 dollars

                                    Good by from your

                                                Son James.

P.S.  Do you get my letters with the old postage stamps on write and tell me soon.

P.S.  By the way I direct most of the letters for the men.
 

  Sandy Hook Sept. 1^st 1861

                             Dear Mother

                                    I am very well.  I thought I would write to you although I have not received a letter from you since I got the boxes.  I received Ella’s letter day before yesterday she wrote that you was a going to write and that you had sent a paper.  I have received no paper.  When you write next I wish that you would send me some new stamps in the letter.  I am all out and cannot buy any.  When I wrote to you last I was in Pleasant Valley but our company was sent to the village of Sandy Hook to act as a telegraph between the companies at Sandy Hook opposite Harpers ferry and head quarters.  It takes half of the company every day.  I was on yesterday and last night, we stand at our posts six hours at a time, we run with messages from our posts to the next and he runs to the next man and so on till the message gets through.  I run with four messages yesterday morning.  I did not have to run in the night, about midnight I saw a blue rocket in Virginia towards the south east near morning  some sentinels saw a red one and then a green one towards the south west probably they were signals of the rebels.  Our quarters are situated on the canal at one of the locks, this morning.  I had a ride on one of the canal boats while it passed through the lock.  A canal boat does not look any thing like the pictures I have seen of them. By the way the canal is the Ohio and Chesapeake canal.  At the time of writing this letter I am sitting in the shade of an oak tree between the canal and the Potomac river on the toe path.  In front is the Virginia bank of the Potomac the river at this place is full of rapids.  I am near the gap in the mountains, on my right hand is Harpers ferry the parts I can see is principally dwelling houses and one church that sets on the hill, the river at that place makes a curve towards the north west and the mountains in Maryland hide the rest of Harpers ferry from my view.  I did not seem to like the place when I wrote to you before but now I have formed a very different idea of the place since I went up the river that night and saw the government buildings about half of the works are burnt.  I should think they extended about an eighth of a mile along the bank of the river     the parts that remain perfect are very handsome, since  I have seen some of Harpers ferry I call it the handsomest town that I have ever seen.  Charles Gardner and Joseph Halstrick are both well.  Give my love to all kiss Hugh for me.

                        Good bye from
                                    Your son.
                                                James. 

Dear sister Ella

                                                I thought I would answer that letter you sent to me the other day.  I am glad that you take an interest in me to write to me once and a while and I will try and answer them if I can.  Tell mother I have got all of the letters and boxes she has sent to me.  I am sorry to hear that John McCrillis has run away.  I know if he goes to war he will repent it. Yesterday when I was on guard I saw two little boys about four years old playing horse with sticks and it put me in mind of Hugh and that they were seeing the happiest days of their life.  Last night some of companie I’s men went over to Virginia and took two men and three horses.  It is about half after one when I had written about half of mothers letter I was called to dinner we had bean soup and hard bisket for dinner.  I expect to go to meeting this afternoon to hear our chaplain he is a very nice man he is liked by all of the men he looks out for their earthly well fare as well as their spiritual welfare you must excuse that spelling.  The Col. says we will all be home in three months.

             Give my love to all

                                    Good bye from your
                                                Brother
                                                            James.

CAMP REED, SANDY HOOK,
Aug. 29, ’61.

     FRIEND H. – I thought I must keep myself in remembrance to you by scribbling a few lines.  Life is dull here – nothing to do, and plenty of it.  This is the place, as you are aware, where Gen. Banks’ headquarters were, and where Col. Gordon’s regiment was stationed after Banks’ moved down to Point of Rocks.  Lawyer’s sons are good fellows, some of them, and their money is good too, but they can’t keep a good hotel on Sandy Hook.  We have got one of the General’s most important situations to take care of, and we mean to do it.  I don’t apprehend much fighting here, although we have a dangerous and important position.  The 2d Mass. regiment, as the story goes, were a little scare[d?] while here.

     The 13th, I think, has done as much important guard duty as any regiment in the field, to say nothing of the marching they have done.  Our regiment is pretty well scattered again.  Five of the companies are stationed along on the canal from Harper’s Ferry to Berlin, a distance of six miles.  Speaking of the Ferry, just as soon as our troops left, the rebels came down and begun to put on airs, but when we marched down, you had ought to have seen them leave.  We have seen but very few.  We have exchanged shots with them a few times, and our boys think they have killed a few.  We know we have shot one of their horses, but we don’t know whether we have hurt their riders or not.  They had better keep out of the way of those Enfield guns, if they don’t want to get hurt. 

     One of our companies has left to-night, and probably another will go to-morrow.  They boys are in tip-top health, and engage in all kinds of amusements.  They have a circus and menagerie every night, and you would be amused to hear the door keeper address the outsiders on the wonderful performances of the animals.

     I would give something to have you step into our camp and see us.  My tent is a comfortable place to live in.  I have got a nice cot-bed, which I have made, and it is just the thing to sleep on.  I have a dry goods box for a table, am writing on it now, and it serves my purpose well.

     One of our companies is marching out of camp to some place assigned them, and it is very dark; all of the companies are away, with the exception of the original five that were the nucleus of the 13th.  We are keeping guard on the canal.  Sentinels are posted for twenty or thirty miles, and about 200 paces apart – if anything should happen the word is passed along lively.  The band, stationed in front of Col. Leonard’s tent, has just commenced to play, and the music sounds sweetly, reminding me when with my sweet-heart, we used to go and hear them on Boston Common.

     Items are scarce, but I hope to have something interesting in the next.

            Yours,                                                                          PONEY.

Digital transcription by James Burton

Ms Am 2332 (71) Houghton Library, Harvard University.  Used with Permission

Pleasant Valley Md near Sandy Hook Sept 1, 1861

     Dear Charles your absence from Brighton during your vacation deterred me to defer writing till the end of August.  Yesterday being on guard I took my portfolio to the guard tent with the expectation of penning a few lines, but concluded to doze instead – doze while off duty I mean, for sleep on my post I hope will never be my chance-luck.  Last night about 12 % [o’clock] a splendid meteor fell from the sky carrying a train as large as a cable, gradually increasing in brilliancy till it burst behind the Virginia mountains with a light momentary in duration like that of a conflagration.  When the news of the taking of the arsenal at Harpers Ferry electrified the country, more than a year ago I little thought that on the night of the 24th of August 1861 I, a soldier should see the ruins of the arsenal and rejoice thereat.  Yet such is the reality.  I saw the ruins extending along the line of the Potomac for a long distance made doubly famous by the feats of Brown & Jones.  Robinson had not yet appeared upon the stage.  Perhaps he may be the man on the white horse whom Cushing saw in his vision of a year ago or so.  My letters to father will have sufficiently pointed out the chief features of my journeyings so that I need not take up space in the narration thereof.  Now we have but four Companies in camp.  Those of the 4th Battalion, a fact which did not occur to me till this moment.  After all our vicissitudes we are now here solitary and alone.  The other companies are guarding fords up and down the river.  Screiber’s Company at the Ferry have popped a few secessionists with no loss to themselves though they have been fired upon several times.  [Chaplain] Gaylord told us a day or two ago to take heed of ourselves both in body & mind, and I suppose you would like to know how we do so. 

     I have had plenty of wholesome food to eat though at some cost to myself since I was paid off ??? Antietam about 3 weeks ago.  From some cause not sufficiently explained we had no allowance of rice and beans & those articles of diet which I once thought were to be as common as bread have been as rarely had as at home.  The absence of the 2 kinds of provisions make our morning ration a rather slim affair, mere bread & coffee and perhaps a piece of cold beef if you are hungry.  Bread & milk, eggs, pies, cakes, fruits & vegetables make such meals endurable.  At tea we occasionally have a beef-steak which goes off “right smart I reckon” as they say here.  The rations are not yet what they should be, but no one goes hungry. When a chicken can be had for sixteen cents, eggs boiled for 15 cents per dozen, tomatoes, pears, apples, two for a cent, pies of all kinds for 10 cents, & biscuits and butter are “right cheap” there is no danger of moneyed soldiers starving.  Tea is not given as a ration.  I miss your pear & summer squashes however, in place thereof til lately I had boiled corn, I need not say foraged.  But the Col. shut down on this luxury a few days ago.  Water melons here are plenty and good, brought from Baltimore.  Any stories about drunkiness among our officers & men are all moonshine.  I haven’t seen a drop of liquer since I reached this place, and at no time, save perhaps after our first arrival at Pleasant Valley nearly a month ago have we had a chance to get much strong drink.  One or two men may perhaps get tight on the sly.  But this is uncommon.  

     Sept. 2d.  As for the mind my mess is quite a good one.  There is little swearing and most of the men are quite intelligent. The bible is read nightly before taps.  My Shakespeare comes into play.  A member of Company A carries it for me for the privilege of reading it.  Papers are quite common.  Baltimore papers are brought here on the day of publication. 

     To day we expect to leave Pleasant Valley to join some bodies, I don’t know whose, Brigade.  Perhaps we are to go to Bank’s Headquarters.  This afternoon Lorver (?) Screiber has surrounded a band of Secesh home guards at Harper’s Ferry, and two companies have left to secure the Rebels.  They have not yet returned.  To day I received some letters from Home. Father seemed to be somewhat troubled that a letter of his with money had not reached me.  I suppose he has now received a letter from me acknowledging the receipt of the money.  Tell him that all his letters have come safely.  As for health I find that I am quite up to the average.  I have not been incapacitated from duty by reason of sickness.  I have been troubled more by the fleas I fell in with at Antietam than from any other cause, but have now got rid of them.  They made a “right smart” attack upon us while there.

    When I have another opportunity I will again write.  In the meantime send me a letter & newspaper occasionally with love to Mary & baby I am Yours Truly

          John B. Noyes.

WESTBORO TRANSCRIPT
Sept. 3. 1861

     A member of Co. I., 13th Regiment M.V. now at Harper’s Ferry, writes to a friend in Marlboro relative to the fare and treatment of Col. Leonard’s command :-

     “We are all well, with one exception, - wounded.  Since the first three or four days we have got along finely for food.  To satisfy you that we are not starving, I assure you that on leaving home I weighed one hundred and seventy-four pounds; yesterday I weighted one hundred and ninety pounds avorrdapoise ! and can sleep as well now on a pile of rocks as on a feathered bed.

     The 4th Battalion are not used any better than the other companies, and, perhaps, not as well as Co. I, which undoubtedly stands at the head of the Regiment as the best company.

     We like Capt. Schriber very much.  His men would do anything for him.  Col. Leonard is also liked by our company; much better than at first.  Also Orderly Sergeant Whittier.

     We are now situated on the Maryland side of the Potomac, opposite Harper’s Ferry.  Here is some of the most romantic and picturesque scenery imaginable, but which my poor abilities can never describe.  Suffice it to say that, in my judgement, the great Jefferson was right when he said that it was a sight well worth a journey across the Atlantic in a sailing vessel to behold.

     We were located a short time since, at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac, under a perpendicular cliff three hundred and seventy-five feet high!  It was here the bridge over the Shenandoah was built which was burned by the rebels some two months ago.  We are now in a very exposed position.  The rebels could clan us out in a few minutes if they had a couple of cannons and a little spunk.  There are only two companies here now, the others being all ready to leave for near Washington, where a big fight is expected soon.

     As to work, I can give you a specimen in my experience.  A few days ago I was officer of the day, and, of course, had to go the “grand rounds” to inspect the guard.  To do it I traveled nine miles! – a very good walk after midnight and very dark at that; but I like it tip top.  A few days ago a party of us went over the river, - fired into a party of rebel cavalry, shot one horse, cut off his tail, marched to the top of a high hill near the village of Bolivar, Va., - seccesh – gave three cheers for the Union and vamoosed.

     Last Saturday night we went to Loudon county, - started at 9 P.M., took three horses, two men, and one gun and returned at 2 A.M.  The night was very dark and it was quite dangerous; but I like it.

     Yesterday Capt. Schriber took a party of us, - went over to Harper’s Ferry, were attacked by cavalry, who wounded one of our men – George Brown of Southboro,  - but immediately fled, minus two killed and five severely wounded.  Brown was struck in the fleshy part of the arm and in the thigh, but no bones broken. 

     Why don’t somebody write to us from home?  Are we because ‘out of sight, out of mind’ ?  I have written four letters home but have received no answer.  Your letter was thirteen days reaching me, but that need not deter you from writing again soon, and in all cases direct to me “Gen. Banks’ Division, 13th Regiment, Co. I. M.V. Washington, D.C.”

WESTBORO TRANSCRIPT
September 21, 1861

Regular Army Correspondence, No. IV.
Sandy Hook, Md., Sept. 9th 1861.

     Messrs. Editors:  As far as my experience goes ‘Regular Army Correspondents’ serving in the ranks, too often find the regularity of their communications disturbed by unexpected orders, marches, etc.  Don’t you find it so?

     To night, (or this morning – it being 12 ½ A.M.) I am an occupant of the guard house!  Not as a prisoner, however, but as an officer of the guard; while five members of Company K., bound prisoners of Morpheus, lie stretched upon the floor beside me.

     The telegraph and papers must have furnished you ere this, with their account of our skirmish with the rebels at Harper’s Ferry on Monday last.  Though we troubled the ‘seceshers’ a trifle, the newspaper reports give us rather more credit than we deserve, perhaps.  During the forenoon of Sept. 2d both companies stationed here (I and K), crossed the river as a guard while grain was being procured, marching about a mile and a half into Virginia, to a mill.  After a halt of two hours, Company was ordered to return to advance and recross the river first.  As they marched through the streets of Harper’s Ferry they sang their favorite “Hallelujah’ song.

     John Brown’s body, etc.’

     With the purpose, perhaps, of adding fresh fuel to the fire of the ‘Southern harts,’ if any such should happen to be beating within sound of their voices.

     When two-thirds across the river, a ball came whizzing over the boat, and striking but a few yards ahead; which was the first intimation given that an enemy was upon the hills of Harper’s Ferry.  A few shots were fired from the boat into the clump of bushes and yard in which the enemy were concealed, and from which a scattering fire was directed at the boat; but none of their shots hit the mark nearer than the papers hit the truth in their report of the affair.  On reaching shore, the company were posted where they could command good shots if the enemy should again be seen.  But the firing was now turned upon company I, who were still upon the Virginia side, at the base of the hill occupied by the enemy:  whereat we were ordered to re-cross to their aid.  We did so; and found them by the flag-staff at the Arsenal, they having had to retreat, with one man wounded.  The two companies then formed into platoons, and taking different streets marched up the hill.  Before reaching the summit, we learned that the rebel cavalry, number 30 or 40 men, under command of Col. Ashby, had retreated, taking off one man killed by a shot through the head and breast, and 4 or 5 wounded.  A platoon of Company K found a loaded rifle lying in the grass, and spotted with blood, which they keep as a trophy.  The ‘twenty-five prisoners’ reported taken, are minus, we not having had sufficient practice in ‘double-quick to catch up with the retreating foe.  At nightfall all returned, with a detachment that had been sent to our relief.

     Later in the evening, a fresh alarm started both companies up the canal to prevent any passage of cavalry across the river; and Co. K spent the time till 10 P.M., in erecting plank barricades, while Co. I remained on guard till morning.  The later are now in possession of several rifles taken on a scouting expedition into Virginia the next day; and yesterday afternoon a small party of them captured a valuable horse, belonging to a rebel surgeon who had come into Harper’s Ferry to gather information, - himself escaping by a back-door arrangement.

     During the week quite an amount of fatigue duty has been performed by both companies, erecting barricades, digging rifle-pits, &c., along the bank of the river, -  proving to us, at least, that ‘carrying knapsack, gun and bag, ‘with the other duties of a soldier,’ is harder work than farming.’  Those who enlist to escape the drudgery of farm work must have suffered grievous disappointment ere this.

     On Friday last, one of our members had a narrow escape.  A spent ball from one of the enemy’s pickets passed through the side of the shed in which he was and struck him in the back; with so little force, however, that it dropped harmlessly at his heels.

     Nearly every day straggling shots are fired upon our guards, and upon the canal boats, thus far without damage; and almost nightly some quaking or startled sentinel discerns signals or moving lights upon the far-off hills of Virginia, in the lightning bugs that hover but a few yards from his post; and discharge their pieces at innocent and unsuspecting swine, whose movements they mistake for the clatter of horsemen or the tramp of rebels.  But no such ‘rude alarms’ now disturb the stillness of the quarters, unless the drum sounds the long roll to ‘fall in.’

     Yesterday afternoon our worthy Captain Blackmer conducted Divine service, preaching a brief, practical sermon.  He has officiated for the Chaplain on two or three occasions.

     We are now expecting to leave this place within a few days, to rejoin the regiment who left their camp on Monday evening last, and are now within twenty miles of Washington.  Our transportation will be effected by means of a scow, on the ‘raging canawl,’ a hoped-for sail of forty miles.

     My next letter will probably be from ‘camp.’

      Yours for the War - .

(The man wounded Sept. 2nd was George Brown of Southboro; struck in the fleshy part of the arm and thigh, but no bones broken-webmaster).

LETTERS OF THE CIVIL WAR.
SEPTEMBER 2, 1861.

Head Quarters 13th Regt. Mass. Vol.,
Camp Reed, Sandy Hook, Md.

Editor of the Saturday Evening Gazette:
        Dear Sir,-Having a few moments to spare, I hasten to occupy them  in writing you a few lines;  I have been so busy the past week that I could find no time to do so heretofore.  My last was written from Sharpsburg. Since then we have marched a many a long mile to arrive here were we are now. The Mass. 2d left here in a hurry, without orders, owning to a report that large numbers of troops were coming in at Harper's Ferry.  We were en route to General Bank's head-quarters, when we received an order to march here to guard the Potomac at this point.  We had several small brushes with the enemy, and made some captures of horses and men.  We now have four captured horses on hand.  I should not have had the present opportunity to write but for a little excitement in the way of fighting this afternoon.  Seven companies of Col. Leonard's command were ordered to march to head-quarters immediately, and were nearly all ready to start when Capt. Screiber of Co. I, commanding a detachment of two companies stationed at the ford opposite Harper's Ferry sent a dispatch requesting assistance, as he was engaged in a sharp fight with some secession cavalry on the Virginia shore.  Col. Leonard, with great promptitude, immediately sent two companies to his relief.  It seems that the notorious Henderson really had the captain in a tight place, but he, with the energy and ability which are so characteristic of the man, got himself out of a bad scrape double quick.  Henderson came upon the Bluffs in Harper's Ferry in such a manner as to look right down upon the Captain, who was quietly sitting in a house on the opposite side of the Shenandoah River.  He sprang like a tiger through the window, sash and all, forded the river and marched under the enemy's fire to a position where they could have a fair show. On gaining the top of the hill they found there opposing force to be about 100 cavalry, well known as the "Dogs of Henderson."  Our boys charged after them, and killed and wounded nine of there number.  They brought back one corpse only. From personal conversations with the inhabitants, I should say that a number of others were dead when carried away by there comrades. They took possession of a team on the road, and left as fast as they could get away.  Capt. Screiber has in his possession a rifle which they left in their haste to get off.  Private George Brown, of Southboro', received a shot in the arm and one in the fleshy part of the thigh. The wounds are not dangerous.

        After satisfying myself that there was no more work for the day, I returned to the ruins of government property near the river. In company with Sergt. Major, Commissary Sergeant, and our worthy color bearer of the 4th Battalion, we explored the ruins, finding each of us some relics to sent home to remember the place by.  By the time the other companies arrived on the ground the brave enemy were not to be found and our boys were forced to return home without any glory, except that which always accompanies a proper discharge of one's duties.

        Our worthy, hard working Quartermaster, a man who works as hard to do his whole duty as any man in the 13th Regiment, is lied about and complained of by the very men who are too lazy to do anything else but growl. I may be using strong language, but the tone of several articles recently published in Boston papers prompts me to write a few lines in justice to a worthy man. The fault in regards to rations is with, and should rest upon, the commanders of certain companies from which all the growling comes.  I know of two companies who have made money on their rations for some time back.

        To-morrow, at 3 A. M., we leave for the Headquarters of General Banks, about 40 miles distant. We all want a chance to be in the big fight which it is expected will come off soon. We learn with pleasure of the success so far of Gen. Butler's expedition, and hope soon to hear of something cheering by land.

Yours as ever,
H.

(Boston Saturday Evening Gazette, September 14, 1861, Pg. 2, Col. 2.)

NOTE:   The 'notorious Henderson' refered to in the account above, is Captain John Henderson, commissioned into the 7th VA Cavalry, June 16, 1861.  He was apparently involved in a skirmish with the 9th NY (state militia) on July 4th. Henderson enlitsted at Charlestown.  He was mustered into the Confederate service at Charlestown, WVA.  On September 9th, Henderson was shot and severely wounded by one of his own men during an argument in regard to mustering into service.  The soldier James H. Miller was tried and executed for the crime.  Henderson continued to serve in the Confederate cavalry after recovering.   Henderson may or may not have been involved in this fight.