Democrat And Sentinel

LETTER FROM THE "CAMBRIAGUARDS."

Camp Pierpont, Va., Oct. 14th

Friend Murray.--Since I wrote to you, the 11th Regiment was at Great Falls on picket, but as "Veritas" has written a full account of doings of the Regiment while there it will be unnecessary to do so at this time. From the time the regiment returned from the Falls until last Tuesday nothing of importance occurred to disturb the even tenor of camp life. The election passed off quietly in Co. N. Our election was held in the Captain's quarters. The result has reached "Ye Ancient Village" before this time. Wednesday, 9th, the division of Pa. reserves under Gen. McCall, left camp Tenally about 3 P.M. and marched towards the chain bridge. The advance of the army was interrupted by frequent halts, but after we reached and crossed the bridge our march was continued without interruption for between four or five miles on the 'sacred soil of Va. At dusk a halt was ordered and we were informed the officers were selecting a camping ground for the night. Soon the command was given to fall in again, when we were marched by a circuitous route to a ploughed field and after considerable maneuvering we were ordered to stack arms and quietly lie down to rest. After eating supper from the contents of our haversacks and canteens we rolled ourselves in our blankets and lay down on the soft ground to rest. Notwithstanding the night was damp and cold, we were not allowed to make any fires. Late in the evening Col. Gallaher came around, and ordered us to get up and load, so as to be ready for a surprise, if the rebels attempted to disturb our slumbers. However the night passed quietly and Thursday morning found us up bright and early, for another day's work. With morning's dawn came some scenes which I hope will not occur again at least among the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps -- The soldiers commenced plundering the farm on which we were encamped of corn, potatoes, chickens, pigs in short of everything they could lay their hands on. None were compelled by hunger to take these things, because each man was supplied, or had the opportunity of supplying himself with two days provisions, before they left camp Tenally. About 7 o'clock a.m., the call to fall in, was given which at once put an end to it; the 11th Regt., was first marched into a field adjoining the one in which they encamped over night. After halting there a short time it was countermarched and taken into a strip of woods nearby, and the men set to work to clear out a place for camp. The axe soon began to resound through the forest and the woods presented the appearance of a large clearing. Towards evening, our cook, cooking utensils and part of our tents, arrived from camp Tenally. The lucky occupants of the tents at once proceeded to pitch them, while the less fortunate in the company whose canvas had been left behind for want of means of transportation proceeded to make sheds of poles covered with leaves. Thursday night it rained slowly until about two hours after midnight. Friday was passed in cleaning, and fixing up things in our camping ground. The plundering of houses &c., was stopped this morning by our officers.-- Squads of soldiers were sent out to take all who were found disgracing themselves and the cause in which they are engaged in fighting for. Friday evening turned in wet. During the night it rained very hard, our sheds affording but little protection against the drenching shower. As we were eating our dinner on Saturday, the long roll was beat and we were ordered to fall in on double quick. The regt., was immediately formed in front of their quarters, and awaited future events. The rumor was that the enemy were approaching to attack us with a large force of artillery and cavalry. After standing in line about two hours each company was marched to its quarters, stack arms and be ready to be called out at a moments notice. We were not called out again during the day, but as we were about retiring, we were ordered to have our arms at hand so as to be ready to fall in at 1 o'clock Sunday morning. An attack was expected by our officers at that time. At four o'clock we were called out, stacked arms, and most of us retired to rest again. The anticipated attack was not made but, we are still under marching orders, and know not how soon we may be called out again. Fatigue parties have been busily engaged since we came here in cutting down the timber in front of us, so that our artillery will have an opportunity of doing effective service against the rebels, if they attack us, as well as to impede their approach to our position. The members of company A, bear the fatigues and privations of the campaign as soldiers should. All are in excellent spirits and anxious for a fight, in which I am certain they will do themselves much credit.

Truly yours, H.