Manassas Junction, Va., May 28, 1862.
Editor of the Gazette
Dear Sir. – You will perceive that
our Brigade is back to the Junction. At 4 o’clock, on the 25th inst., we
left Falmouth for Acquia Creek–marched all night
over a break-neck road, and bivouacked in a field formerly occupied by a rebel Battery. Their Barracks were still standing.
We found good log huts.
26th. A fine morning. Marched to the landing at Aquia Creek;
looking at the busy scene before me. On my right is the camp of the 35th
New York Regiment, on my left the wagons are wending their way towards the
transports, containing rations, &c., while on my front may be seen Aquia
Creek and also the Potomac, which here makes a broad spanse of water.
Schooners, steamers, and water craft, look very natural, being the first we
have seen for ten months. The most busy scene occurred at Aquia Creek
landing; two or three sutlers being present, and most of the boys having a
little money, it put one in mind of a pleasure day at home. Cider,
lemonade, nuts and oranges were in demand. This is the first time the
13th Regiment has received the benefit of a steamboat or railroad travel since
leaving home. Never did a body of men bid adieu with more pleasure to an
old camp, than did our Regiment bid good-bye to Falmouth. While there we were worked
and drilled almost to death. There are no pleasant associations connected
with the old camp; although no cheer greeted either McDowell or Abe Lincoln,
when they reviewed the troops, a cheer did greet Col. Leonard when he informed
us of our leaving the camp for good. By the way, Col. Leonard is almost
worshipped by his command.
After dinner we embarked on board steamer John Brooks for Alexandria
and Washington, the day was pleasant, the sun
rather warm; the shore opposite my position on the boat is studded with earth
works, and we are steaming past those batteries which constituted the famous
blockade of the Potomac last winter. I
could scarcely realize that this was the same river over which we had stood
guard for nearly ten months. Truly, the Potomac
is a grand stream.
Opposite Fort Washington may be seen that
time-honored and ever to be held sacred spot, Mt. Vernon.
The house is mostly hidden by the trees, and American taste and money should be
freely used towards its adornment. We reached Alexandria at 5 o’clock in the
afternoon–remained on board the steamer until next morning. At one
o’clock, the long roll aroused us from our beds of hard pine plank, and after
tumbling about a little while, we turned in again to be turned out again at
three o’clock, for the purpose of taking the cars for Manassas,
instead of Washington;
never mind, we have had a view of the dome of the capital. At day light
we started for the cars–a dark dirty disagreeable morning. At quarter
past five o’clock, away we go. The cars into which we are crowded consist
of baggage, cattle and other cars of the meanest description. I think by
the time we have become a little darker complexioned we shall be thought almost
as much of as the darkies who are attached to the Regiment. After stops,
too numerous to mention, we arrived within a short distance of the old
camp. Troops continued to arrive, and at present writing McDowell’s
Division is said to be near by. There are all sorts of rumors afloat in
regard to the defeat and retreat of Gen. Banks, and it certainly does look
bad. Some lay it to one cause and some to another. If part of a
preconceived plan, all right; if otherwise, a tremendous responsibility rests
upon some one in the War Department. Curses, bitter and deep, have been
showered upon some heads, whether deserved or not, time will show.
The men, for the most part, are still in good spirits. We have a rain
storm to-day. Hoping all things are for the best, and that friends at
home will endeavor to be cheerful and happy.
I remain yours
truly,
Azof.
(Roxbury City Gazette; Jun 5,
1862; pg. 2, col. 5.)
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