August 19, 1861 – Camp Notes

Camp Berry, Concord, Aug. 18.

The organization of the Third Regiment is approaching completion. Companies and portions of companies are continually arriving, and about 1100 men are said to be enlisted already. The larger portion of the regiment is on the ground, requiring the Commissary to furnish 750 rations at each meal, and the tented field makes a warlike appearance. Throughout the camp there is perfect harmony. The boys claim they have just the best officers that ever graced a New Hampshire regiment. Col. Fellows and Lt. Colonel Jackson have won the friendship of every man, and the matters in the Quartermaster and Commissary Departments are arranged for the comfort and satisfaction of all.

As your readers are interested in the companies from Manchester, I give below the appointments of officers from your city, as announced by the Adjutant General :

Second Co. of Abbott Guards—Rufus F. Clark, Captain; Alvan H. Libbey, 1st Lieut. John R. Hynes, 2d Lieut.

Irish Volunteers—Michael T, Donahoe, Captain; Robert H. Allen, 1st Lieut.; Walter Codey, 2d Lieut.

Each company does its cooking, having three stoves and a nice set of culinary utensils. Edward G. Bowen and Charles Gilbert are detailed as cooks for the Abbot Guards, and Augustine Crosby for the Irish Volunteers. Roll call at 5 o’clock in the morning brings every man out of the straw in double quick. After the roll, the boys wend their way to the bank of the river for bathing, and at 7 are wide awake for breakfast. Guard mounting at 8 o’clock is done in due form, and the members of the staff are generally present to see how well each officer can execute his part., Squad and company drills occupy most of the day until 5 P. M., the hour for dress parade, a ceremony which now attracts a crowd of spectators from the city. Capt. R. F. Clark was acting Adjutant Saturday evening and yesterday, in absence of Lieut. Hill. Inline of battle our volunteers make quite an imposing array.

The duties of the day being thus divided are not irksome nor tedious, and the men take pride in every part assigned them. At evening, singing, dancing, jumping, and various games enliven the entire camp, and if a stranger does not wish to catch the enlisting fever, it would be well for him that he stay away from Camp Berry during these pleasant moonlight nights.

At dress parade, last evening, Capt. Plimpton was announced as officer of the day for Monday; Lieut. Hynes for officer of the guard, and Lieut. Cody for officer of the police. While private Lawrence was bathing in the river Sunday afternoon, he ventured out beyond his depth, and narrowly escaped drowning, sinking twice before being rescued.

Daily Manchester American, Manchester, NH

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