Camp McClellan
Davenport, Oct. 11, 1861
DEAR JOURNAL: –Here we are at last, the members of Capt. Ben. Beach’s company, snugly ensconced in comfortable quarters at Camp McClellan. We are not disappointed as to the position of our camp; its location is beautiful and healthful, but at present thoroughly “muddled” from recent rains, which causes us some inconvenience in “navigatin ;” however. I think one or two days of this beautiful sunshine will dry things up.—
We arrived at Davenport at 7 o’clock Thursday evening, where our friend and fellow soldier, Capt. Charles E. Compton, was waiting to receive us but owing to the inclemency of the weather, we were directed to the Railroad depot, which was furnished us for temporary quarters: While supper was being prepared for us at the Le Claire House, we amused ourselves in sundry ways, singing and dancing being the chief amusement. At the hour of 9, the company was formed and marched down town, where we engaged in supplying the wants of the inner man. Supper over, songs were sung by the “Sardine Club,” the performance closing with Charles Fowler’s inimitable woman’s rights speech, which was loudly applauded by the curious spectators.
We then sought our quarters, in hopes of finding repose in the arms of Old Morpheus,—but alas we were doomed to disappointment. It was a new “thing” to the boys, and they seemed anxious to make night hideous, in which they succeeded, much to the annoyance of friend Dick Cadle, who seemed inclined to rest. Morning came, and with it we arose, not at all refreshed but immediately preparing, we marched to camp, where the boys of Capt. Compton’s company treated us to a collection of “hard crackers,” when came congratulations—soldiers’ congratulations—which there is no discount on.
The boys are all well pleased with their experience so far, but think it a little strange that they are not allowed to go to the city whenever they choose. “Sparks” says he thinks he will have to be drummed out of the service, and wished me to multiply 365 by 3, which wish I complied with in order to please his whimsical fancy.
The uniforms and equipments for the 11th regiment have not yet arrived, but are expected up next Monday, on the Kate Cassel, Capt. Hilllhouse having received orders from head quarters to bring them.
Our friends Dick Cadle, Fred. Hastings and Krantz return to Muscatine to-day on a five days’ furlough.
E. C. H.
Muscatine Weekly Journal, Muscatine, IA