Camp 1^st Bucktail Rifles, PRVC

Fairfax Station, Va., May 18, 1863

Mauch Chunk Gazette 5/28/63

 

            Dear Gazette:---Today the Gazette---which is always so welcome a visitor---came to us enlarged to its original size, and I need not tell you that all the boys want to read it first; but to pacify all, I took up a “posish”, under a big cedar, reading aloud to a great number of them, who were anxious to hear from “Home Sweet Home.” I must here tell you your German article proved to be the local for that portion of the men who understand the language; and “Sie sin awwerg’sprunga,” has become as popular a by-word as, “How are you gun-boat.”  The tattler also cam to hand, which created quite a sensation.

            Last week our week our regiment was the recipient of a beautiful flag, presented by the 149^th regt, P.V. (new bucktails.)  The flag is of heavy silk, regulation size, having the following battles inscribed on it:  “Drainesville, Harrisonburg, Cross Keys, Mechanicsville, Gaines Hill, Charles city cross-roads, Malvern Hill, Gainesville, Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg.”  The original flag, presented to the regiment by the State, was buried in White Oak Swamp, by the color Sergeant, who was taken prisoner during the seven days fight, to prevent its falling into the hands of the rebels.  Yesterday I paid a visit to the 2d regiment, where I saw the sword bought by the enlisted men of the 1^st brigade, P.R.V.C. to be presented to Major General John F. Reynolds, our old brigadier general.  The sword, sash, and belt cost, I believe, some $960;  and is heavily mounted by diamonds, rubies, and other precious stones. The hilt is composed of a globe of solid gold, bound together with a band containing thirteen stars (diamonds) while a serpent, intended for a Copperhead, is winding itself up the guard, and in the act of stealing one of the stars from the band.  Altogether, it is perhaps as fine a sword as has yet been presented to any officer during the war; and the fact of its coming solely from the enlisted men, will make the general prize it more highly.

            It is with pride that every soldier of Carbon noticed the formation of the Ladies’ Soldiers relief Association; for what is better calculated to raise the spirits of the soldier than to know that although hundreds of miles lie between him and home; he is still thought of, and the patriotic ladies of the North are endeavoring to make the hardships of the soldiers as light as possible.

            You no doubt wonder what the feelings of the boys are since the last Fredericksburg affair.  I will tell you what the boys in our regiment think.---While many are anxious for the war to be brought to a close, not one wishes to make the least concession to the rebels.  And, besides, the government, in the opinion of the volunteers, should do with all the Northern Copperheads, what Burnside has done with Vallandigham---send ‘em to their friends in the South, where they could be made good use of by the rebels, in recruiting their shattered ranks.  But the relief that the nine months’ men will know how to treat them, is indeed a consolation.

            Our regiment has filled up wonderfully since we have been here, nearly all the sick and wounded having returned for duty.  We are in hopes that the Conscription Act will be put in force; fill us up, and send us where we belong---to the front---as we have found out that being “relieved” is not what it is cracked up to be.

            The following is a correct copy of company F as it is now:

            1^st Lieut.---John A. Wolfe, com’g company.

            2^nd Lieut.---Ernest Wright

SERGEANTS

W.H. Rauch, JohnDeahn, Frank McCullough

 

CORPORALS

Eickoff,  Dugan

 

PRIVATES

 

Present,                   80,

Absent Sick,             8,

                                                        Detached Service       3,

                                                                                                        Aggregate                  41

           

But, “extinguished lights” is being performed by our friend Prof. Zundel, and I find it necessary to “haul to.”  Send along the Gazette

Ever of thee,

TINICUM

P.S.---It is reported that we are to be sent to the front, and our places occupied by Penna: militia

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