Franklin County: R. S. E. to the Pennsylvania Daily
Telegraph, May 14, 1861
Summary:
This letter by R.S.E. of Co. I, 2nd Pa., describes the good nature of his fellow
soldiers in camp. He also talks about the inefficiency of some of the officers
and expresses disapproval of the requirement that soldiers serve three months
rather than three years.
Editor, Pennsylvania Daily Telegraph
May 14, 1861
Camp Scott, York, Pa.
To-day has been one of bustle and confusion. Early this morning orders were issued to the First, Second and Third regiments to hold themselves in readiness to move at an hour's notice. Spades, shovels, axes, and camp utensils of all kinds, were gathered together ready for the march. The men in the 2d regiment have not yet received their knap-sacks, and how they were to carry their things was a matter that gave them a great deal of trouble. My attention was occupied with our own company (I. 2d reg.) and the alracity with which the men bundled up their traps, with the expectation of a tramp southward, was sufficient evidence to me that a speedy encounter with the rebels was the uppermost thought in every man's mind, and all seemed anxious to commence the journey toward "Dixie's Land."
Since we have been encamped in this place nothing discreditable to the five thousand men has transpired. No fighting nor street brawls have characterized any of their proceedings. In fact I never saw so many men congregated in one place that have behaved themselves with so much propriety. On last Sunday most of the soldiers belonging the camp were in town, and all the churches were crowded to suffocation. Delegations from some of the companies could not gain admission, and at the request of the soldiers persons were sent outside of the churches to speak to them. In the afternoon of Sunday there was a grand review by Gov. Curtin, during which the strictest order and decorum was preserved. This moral sentiment speaks well for the troops that are quartered here, and it gives me pleasure to say that the citizens of York duly appreciate it.
It is now over three weeks since we have been quartered here, and during that time the three first regiments, in the 2d brigade, should have acquired a military skill sufficient to fit them to any action. I am pained to say that through the inefficiancy of a number of the company officers we have made but little progress. The First regiment, to which the Cameron Guards are attched, is acknowledged to be the best drilled. The reason of this is that their Captain's are all military men and have had experience in the volunteer service. On the other hand some of the companies of the Second and Third regiment are commanded by Captains that never had a musket in their hands. The inefficiency of company commanders is a matter that no delicacy should be allowed to be over looked, and I consider that it is the duty of the Government to place men that know and have the nerve to command on the forces in whose hands the destinies of our country are placed. This defect must be remedied, or the thousands who have rushed to the defence of their country from Pennsylvania will be as chaff before the wind to the well disciplined forces of the traitors of the south. I say this in no harsh spirit to any of the noble men of Pennsylvania who are unacquainted with military tactics and have volunteered their services, but as a word of advice to officers in command of regiments and brigades that the remedy may be applied.
In closing this short epistle I am compelled to say a few words in refernce to the two Harrisburg companies that gives me much [unclear: pain] to write. Your readers are aware that it is the wish of Governor Curtin to have the men of one regiment to enlist for three years, or the war; but to-day things take a turn and one of the men told me that not a single man would go longer than three months. The cause of all that is owing to the appointment of a non-commissioned officer obnoxious to the men in the company. In the "State Capital Guards" not a single man is going for more than the three months. Rest assured that it is not for lack of patriotism that these men refuse to enlist for the war, but for matters which I decline at present to mention.
The bustle and confusion in the camp incident to leaving here calls me away and compels me to draw my letter to a close. You will hear from me again at the first opportunity.
R.S.E.
