Camp Bragg, (near Suffolk,) Va., June 15, 1861.
Mr. Holden: Taking it for granted that you would like to be advised of the manner in which the 4th Regiment of N. C. Volunteers have fared, since they left the rendezvous at Garysburg, I have concluded to inform you.
About 12 o’clock, M., on Tuesday, last, we departed from Garysburg, amid the cheers and good wishes of the large concourse of citizens, who had assembled there to witness our departure. The cars brought down to convey us, had never been used for the transportation of troops, therefore, they were very tight, having but two doors, and no windows. This was more than the soldiers could stand, so they commenced upon the sides of the cars with the butts of their muskets, axes, &c, with such force, that they very soon had air-holes enough for their comfort. At every station we passed, a beautiful flag of the Confederate States was hoisted, and floating triumphantly on the breeze. There were mottoes on several of them, but I could only get an opportunity to read one, and that was — “Liberty or Death,” in bold letters. We arrived at Suffolk about 4 o’clock, and found much difficulty in getting a place to pitch our tents. At last, the Col. found a suitable and very pleasant place, about two miles from town. The sun was about an hour high when we arrived at our camp ground, and, at dark, all the tents of the Regiment were raised — so you may guess whether the soldiers worked, or not.- Every soldier, I believe, is well pleased with the place where we are encamped, and are not at all desirous of leaving it unless it is to go where they will have an opportunity of having a brush with Lincoln’s hirelings.
The farmers around our encampment bring in daily, cart-loads of vegetables, beef and fish therefore, the soldiers fare much better than they expected. The military law is strictly observed throughout the whole regiment. We drill at a quarter of 5 o’clock, A. M., and 5, P. M. ; we drill an hour and a half each time. The balance of the day is consumed in drilling the officers, mounting the guard, &c. No man is allowed to leave the camp, after the retreat is beaten, unless he goes by the tent of the officer of the day, and reports himself — and, when he returns, he has to come in the same way, to notify the officer of his return. Capt. Faribault, of the Oak City Guards, is officer of the day, for today. Two men from each company are allowed to go to Suffolk every day. On day before yesterday, I went to town, on some business, and while there, I was shown quite a curiosity ; it was the fore-finger of one of the Yankees, killed at Yorktown, on Monday. I was informed, that the man the finger belonged to, weighed, when killed, over two hundred pounds, and the finger confirmed the statement, for it was an enormously large one.
The 13th day of this month was observed in this camp, as a day of thanksgiving and prayer. Divine service was held at three o’clock. The soldiers composing the Regiment are in excellent health. — The “Raleigh Rifles” and “Oak City Guards,” from your city, are in fine spirits.
I believe I have written all that is of any interest, and will not trouble you any farther. Please send me a paper every week, in the care of Capt. Harrison, for I have nothing at all to read. The Captain is well.
From your apprentice,
G. A. H.
Semi-Weekly Standard, Raleigh, NC