Raftsman's Journal

THE JOURNAL.

ARMY CORRESPONDENCE.

FREDERICKSBURG, VA., May 28th, 1862.

Dear Row:—Monday morning all was bustle in this division, caused by orders to "pull up stakes" and move to parts unknown. Everybody knows that none but the conductors have a premonition, in fact, as to destination—yet, of course, we all conjectured that we were to wade a little further into Dixie, but, much to our disappointment, we filed up on the same side of the stream formerly occupied—the First Brigade, however, crossed the river, and traveled out about two miles from town, where they are at present located. The "Bucktails" and the 5th are in the First brigade, and as we cannot get across individually without a pass from the commanding General, and that only on important business, we have, of course, lost all communication with them for the present—therefore, I am unable to tell you how the Clearfield boys are enjoying themselves in their new position. They were in fine spirits, and in good health, so far as I know, when they left camp. Previous to vacating their old camp, I learned that several of Captain Irwin's men were taken to the Hospital—among the number, Joseph Shirk.

Gen. Shields' division, including the 83rd, reached this place on the 24th of May. I called to see the boys of Captain Ogden's company and found, those who were able to bear the fatigues of marching, in good health and fine spirits. The regiment is wonderfully thinned out, and, I was informed, could scarcely muster over 500 men. They have evidently seen much rough service, as their bronzed faces, and in many cases, tattered uniforms abundantly testify. Yet I heard not a word of complaint from the brave sons of the pine woods. All were ready to add new laurels to their already wide spread reputation for bravery, by rushing forward to new deeds of daring. Well may Clearfield be proud of this gallant little band, in which she is so well represented. The boys of company K speak in high terms of the gentlemanly and soldierly bearing of Capt. Ogden. I had hoped that the Division would have remained here until the boys were thoroughly recruited in strength; and received new uniforms. I am not aware that this was the case in either instance, for they disappeared as suddenly as they came.

The movements of Jackson created a great excitement here and consequently there has been quite a distribution of troops in order to reinforce Banks. No doubt, the traitor Jackson hoped to catch our boys napping; but, when it is too late for him, he may find that he has fallen into the very snare which he intended for others. It is evident that the rebel machine is on its last run in Virginia, and in the madness of desperation the traitors seem determined to do all the mischief they can—no matter what the cost to themselves. To attain this object, they rely more upon the barbarous system of guerrilla warfare, than anything else. Our men have more to fear from this clandestine mode of shooting them down, than from any other; and they are fast growing impatient at the leniency of the government, that forbids them to retaliate in the most summary manner. Nothing but the severest punishment will deter these malicious scoundrels from their desperate acts, and cold-blooded assassinations of our volunteers. Our boys do not relish the idea of being struck down when least expected, by an unseen foe, but are willing to meet any half dozen of them in open combat.

The weather here as a general thing, is very warm and sultry; and vegetation is in quite an advanced state, and the forests have now on their fullest and most fascinating robes.

I send you, with this, a copy of the "Christian Banner," a little paper published in Fredericksburg. The editor appears to be rather an able man; but is, no doubt, now in rather straitened circumstances, in consequence of the rebellion. I send the paper more as a curiosity, than anything else.

We have quite a railroad bridge here now—built in just eleven days from the time of its commencement—which, I judge, is quick work.

Yours,
W. R. B.