Franklin County: Bob Taggart to Captain John
Taggart, July 26, 1861
Summary:
Taggart tells his brother about getting used to camp life.
Captain John Taggart, 9th Penn. Reserve Infantry
26 July 1861
Camp Graham
Dear John
My last letter to Mary was mailed from the Capitol building, in Washington. When
I had nearly finished it, I was ordered to report immediately at Camp and to be
ready to start in one hour and a half. It was four hours thereafter before every
thing was ready, and the word "forward" given. The boys were all very anxious to
know their destination, but of this they were all as ignorant as myself until
after a march of three miles, under a very hot sun, we were called to halt in
front of this place, which was formerly occupied as a Camp, and called "Graham,"
by a N.Y. regiment. Camp Graham is sit-
[page 2]
uated on an [unclear: eminence] called "The [unclear: Vidian]
Height" about three miles N. of the Capitol; and
being principally destitute of trees, is admirably adapted for receiving the
searching rays of the sun, during the entire day. We are surrounded on all sides
though, by woods, where we can resort during the day to rest. Col.
Hay's and quite a number of other Pennsylvania
regiments, together with a part of Sickles Brigade, are all quartered around us
within a sircle of two miles. Since leaving Pittsburgh
we have fared resonably well, although not in a manner to be compared to the
time spent in Camp Wilkins or Wright. The boys who grumbled so much in those
places bear up admirably under the change, suffering all the unavoidable
inconveniences of the "changing
[page 3]
wind" with commendable good nature.
During our journey we were unmolested by the secessionists, although between
Cokeysville, and this, there are numbers of them. It is said by folks in the
vicinity, that we came through Baltimore with greater demonstrations of national
devotion, and less annoyance, than any regiment that preceded us. Along the
entire route from one depot to the other, a distance of perhaps two miles, we
marched with flying colors to the tunes of "Yankee Doodle" "Hail Columbia" "Star
Spangled Banner" and such like national music, without meeting with any serious
interruption. Occasionally, some of the spectators, secure in their distance
from our boys, would indulge in almost inaudible hisses and groans,
[page 4]
but never without the intended disparagement being returned and generally
without much regard to [illeg.]gance of language.
Lieut. Barber arrived here on Saturday evening
and handed me my watch; also a box containing a revolver and all necessary
"fixings" for which handsome and, -- under present circumstances, -- very useful
present. I am indebted to that natural regard on your part for my welfare; of
which I have received so many indoubted evidences. I am indeed very grateful to
you for this and the many other favors I have received at your hand, and promise
to use the article when necessity demands for the purpose for which it was
intended. Such articles in regular battle are not
[page 5]
much used; but I am
informed by a number of the N.Y. [unclear: Zouaves], and others, who
were engaged in the recent "Bull's run" affair, that
they proved the means of saving quite a number of the wounded from being
murdered. They say the secessioninst have no
mercy on the wounded, but when
ever they pass on the field or elsewhere, one who cannot take himself
away, they instantly bayonet him. The game is now being played as a general
thing on both sides.
Yesterday our regiment was mustered into the U.S. service. I was acting "Corporal
of the guard" during the day, and was not mustered with the rest, but suppose I
will be today. We have no idea when we will move from this; but the
impression
[page 6]
seems to prevail, that there will be no forward
movement on the part of any of our troops for two or three weeks. There are many
secessionists in and about this place, but they have to keep so decidedly quiet
that they do us but little harm. Not having got a wink of sleep last night, I
must now try and take a little. Give my love to Father Mary Lill Sam Lize Bill
Wm L. and Charley. My kindest regards to
enquiring friend and believe me
In Affectionate Remembrance
Your Brother
Bob
P.S. My health is very good.
