OSHKOSH COURIER

July 5, 1861

Correspondence of the ‘Courier’

IN CAMP RANDALL, (near Washington, D.C.)

June 27, 1861

MR. EDITOR: - Thank God, at last we are away from Camp Randall, and out of the reach of our abasers and villifiers – for if ever a Regiment was abused in its own State, it’s the 2d Regt. Wis. V. – and they very well understand it. To the Madison ladies our Regt. Is under many obligations, and the favors received will always be remembered; but to many of the patriotic citizens of that place we are under no obligations whatever. From our Colonel to the high private, each received his share – from the time we went into Camp Randall a regular system of pilfering and plundering the volunteer boys was carried on, and all the thanks we got for what they made out of us were kicks and cuffs. Other regiments will probably be quartered there, and it remains to be seen if we are made up of rowdies and cut-throats – the most disorderly regiment in the world.

Our journey from Madison to Harrisburgh was one continual ovation; it seemed more like a pleasure excursion than anything else. Crowds, plentifully sprinkled with the fair sex, awaited us at the different stations, and each seemed to vie with the other in relieving our wants. Bouquets were plentifully bestowed, and as they were presented cheers upon cheers were heartily given for the fair donors. The doors and windows of the country houses were filled with smiling faces and waving handkerchiefs – one old lady we noticed in the door on her knees, and hands raised in an attitude of prayer. At Cleveland our reception was splendid – some five hundred of the ladies prepared a collation for us in the Park. The refreshments for the officers were prepared in a first class restaurant near the Park. The boys were weary, thirsty, and hungry, and it cheered them wonderfully – we shall always remember our reception there.

Saturday morning we arrived in Pittsburg; started from there for Harrisburg about 10 a.m.; consequently had the pleasure of viewing the Pennsylvania Bluffs by daylight, and it was indeed a glorious sight – it did us good to view once again the mountains and valleys of our native State, and to respond from the far west with our feeble arm and assist in crushing out this devilish rebellion that is stalking through our Southern land. As we passed down the beautiful and picturesque valley of the Juniatta her fair daughters net and heartily welcomed us. The boys have a decided penchant for Juniatta valley.

We arrived in Harrisburgh near midnight; we pitched our tents and had a sweet good sleep until Sunday morning. We remained there until Monday, 11 a.m., when each Co. received 78 stand of arms, and forty rounds of cartridges for each man, and then embarked for Washington via Baltimore. We some expected trouble in B., but were disappointed. We found the streets lined with ladies waving their handkerchiefs to us as we passed.- Nothing occurred of any importance to disturb us, and we arrived in this famous city Tuesday about 4 a.m. We are camped on Park Hill, 4 ½ miles north from the Capitol building, in a beautiful grove that borders upon our parade ground.

Picket guards are picked off most every night, and sentries on duty near us have been shot since we have been here. We have made several arrests of spies since we came here, but failed to find evidence to convict. They are lurking around us all the while.

It is calculated that there are about 70,000 troops in camp in and near Washington – they are coming in daily by Regiments and a week will swell the amount to over 100,000.

The boys feel the heat very much; the water is poor, and many of them are ailing, but nothing serious - in fact, your humble servant feels decidedly down this morning, but is able however to do duty.

Yours truly, YOHAN