Franklin County: Bob Taggart to Captain John
Taggart, October 11, 1861
Summary:
Taggart describes his regiment's movement into a new camp and tells about an
incident in which union soldiers stole a farmer's oats.
Captain John Taggart, 9th Penn. Reserve Infantry
Oct. 11th 1861
Camp Pierpont [illeg.] [illeg.] Va.
Dear John
[illeg.]
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On Wednesday evening, when we arrived here, we were
marched into [illeg.]
[illeg.] field to encamp for the night. Taking a survey of the ground,
it was evident we were going to have very soft, though apparently, not very
comfortable beds. In one corner of the field stood a large stack of unthreshed
oats and you could see in a minute from the twinkling of eyes that the boys
intended to make themselves as much at home as possible. Before we were long on
the ground, the owner of the stack [added: came up,]
and requested of the Adjutant that he would put a guard
on his property. That officer being a facetious and at the same time very
obliging individual responded "certainly Sir: I will put
the regiment on it." And sure enough, no sooner were arms stacked, than the entire regiment was on the bay; But the stack
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was no where to be seen -- each fellow having taken his share and put it
under him, the better to perform guard duty over it, and enjoy a comfortable
sleep at the same time. In the morning we all awoke much refreshed, but a little
damp, from the affect of a heavy dew which fell during the night. Our teams had
not yet arrived, and the sudden movement of the day
previous, preventing us from getting more than half a ration apiece, we found
ourselves in want of fresh meat. This want, however, was soon supplied by plenty
of fresh pork being distributed. Its appearance was
rather mysterious, no one knowing where it came from or by when it was brought.
I have an idea though, if an investigation had been made into certain squealings
which were heard at intervals during the morning, in the adjoining woods, the
mystery might have been solved.
Yesterday, the boys busied themselves scouring the neighborhood; and visiting
houses deserted by supposed secessionists. Many valuable and useful books and
articles of furniture were brought into Camp. Today, such operations have been
stopped. It is a real shame the way our soldiers destroy private property
whenver they can get a chance. If they happen to come across a deserted
dwelling,
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in which according to rumor a secessionists once lived,
there is not a single article left undestroyed or unabused, and sometimes the
property of good union men is destroyed. Such conduct will continue, until the
participants are made to suffer the just penalty which is affixed to it.
Since commencing this I have ascertained that our Camp is called "Pierpont." In writing direct as usual except the name of Camp. Our letters I think will be forwarded from Washington; but on account of the facilities for transmitting the mail to this point being poor, and our movements uncertain, you must not be uneasy, if you do not hear from me as often as heretofore. Will write as often as possible.
I received the diary. Just the thing I wanted, and am very much obliged. Pierce received [illeg.] and is also much obliged. He says he will write to you. My health is very good, never was better. I don't see what started that report about me being in the hospital. Have not yet been inside of it either for medicine for anything else. My love to all the family. Best Respects to all friends
Your Affectionate Brother
Bob
