Raftsman's Journal

CORRESPONDENCE OF THE 'JOURNAL.'

Camp Kalorama Near Washington,
Sept. 28th, 1861.

Friend Row:—Not having observed in any copies of the Raftsman's Journal a letter from this camp, I thought perhaps one from here might be interesting to some of your readers. I believe that none of the Clearfield boys prior to this, have encamped here. At present Mr. Knight's Regiment, in connection with several other Regiments, occupy what is called Camp Kalorama. This camp is situated about two miles from the capital on what is designated Kalorama or Georgetown Heights: which command a good view of both Washington and Georgetown. This place must formerly have been magnificently beautiful. The whole vicinity around was prior to any encampment here, a pretty grove of cedars, and the place used for carriage drives. But the ravages of the soldiers, like the ravages of time, have somewhat despoiled it of its former beauty, and nought else is left at present save the hill itself—the trees having been appropriated to the use of the soldier, the wood for fuel, and the boughs for beds. Our Regiment has been encamped here for about three weeks. On last Friday we moved our quarters from one part of the Camp to another, which gave us some idea of 'pulling up stakes' and marching. Several of us visited 'Camp Tenally' a few days since. This Camp is situated about three miles from here. We found the Washington Cadets generally well. They are at present under marching orders, and seem to feel impatient for the word to start. We also visited the 'Buck-tail' Regiment. This Regiment but lately came into Camp Tenally. I think they arrived on last Wednesday. Capt. Irvin's company are with a few exceptions, all well, and seem to be ready to meet the enemy at any time. At Camp Tennally there is erected one fort and mounted with eleven guns of large calibre, and another in process of erection. If we are obliged to stay in this section of country during the winter, (which I hope we will not) by roofing the forts, I should think that they would make excellent winter quarters for the soldiers. About noon to-day, McKnight's Regiment received orders to march in one hour for 5th street wharf. Accordingly, we struck our tents and started, all being in somewhat of a dilemma as to what use could possibly be made of us, without being armed or uniformed. Some of the more unruly members among us, who had been engaged while here, at sundry times in divers improper ways, came to the conclusion that as a punishment for our sins, we were to be placed to digging trenches or throwing up forts, but our fears were somewhat calmed, by having the order countermanded before we had quite reached the place designated in the order, and we were obliged to turn back to 'Kalorama.' So here we are, with orders to be armed and uniformed by Monday at 10 o'clock, and hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice. The boys belonging to this Regiment from Clearfield, are all well. Yours &c., C. & A.