Fort Tillinghast Va., Oct. 10, 1861.
Editors Mineral Point Tribune :
It has rained most of the day, and as darkness slowly comes on, all wonder how the night will pass—whether we freeze, or be dampened and chilled by the cold blasts of the Old Dominion. Well may the gallant crew wonder ; for within the last two weeks we have experienced more or less of cool nights, and are anxious to know how Uncle Sam will manage with his grand army of children as winter approaches. The 2nd will return thanks to the aforesaid Uncle Samuel for the nice over-coats he has been pleased to distribute among us ; and if you would just walk into our quarters, you would readily observe the plenty of everything. The 2nd has been newly clothed throughout, and it is with pride they don them and appear upon dress parade, with eyes front, body erect, and a sober, benign countenance. We calculate the 2nd capable of “dressing up” to any of the volunteer regiments ; and, upon review, parade, or in the camp, their actions bespeak for them a well disciplined and sturdy set of “Badger boys,” capable of going through all manner of hardships.
Reports are in circulation of the departure of troops from Washington for Gen’l Bank’s division, and to Aqui Creek and also of the advance of Gen’l Smith’s divisions on to Lewinsviile, and forming in line of battle, with cannon planted, where for three hours they anxiously waited for Southern chivalry to attack ; but, as is generally the case with traitors, these boasting bullies dared not accept the challenge—whether from fear of being overpowered, or through pure cowardice, I cannot say. But of one thing I am certain ; whenever Uncle Sam proposes fight, they respectfully decline, and come to an “About, face,” with coat-tails to the wind. I suppose their reason is good, as the rebel generals order all soldiers shot who unnecessarily waste their catridges—and in order to save powder and ball, retreat becomes the drill among the traitors, just about the time the Union forces advance.
The Union forces feel confident that not many days will pass ere they are allowed to follow close on to the “Secesh,” and I am sure it is the prayer of all that the next blow may be final. It is evident that when Gen. McClellan gets a “good ready,” he will be after “Secesh” in good earnest, and it is evident he will not move until lie gets a “good ready.” It was said here a few days since that Beauregard sent word to President Lincoln that he “need not trouble himself with fortifying about Washington, as he did not intend to come here to fight him. If he would come to Manassas he would give him all he wanted.” To which, it is said, Lincoln replied, “that he would fortify as much as he pleased, and fight him when he got ready, and not before —and when he did fight him he would make one battle tell his fate, as well as his followers’.” I say bully for Abe, don’t you. Now that the Second is in good time, we all ache to have one more set-to with the scamps, for we owe them a grudge, which is due, for their rascally treatment of our comrades —and if the ‘‘Bloody Second” does not square up accounts, then I greatly mistake their oft-repeated threats.
We are again in the rear of a fort and in possession of one of the finest camp grounds along the Potomac. The ground is well laid off and well drained, and we feel proud of our home and trust here they will let our tents remain, do what they will with us.—Here let our home be, say we all.
The cannons are heard every now and then, both South and West ; but I presume it is nothing more than surprise balls going into the rebel’s encampments—a game the Union forces often play, in order to keep their hand in. They must shoot at something, and why not send an occasional ball into Secessia, even it it be four or five miles distant? It’s a good distance, but thirty-two pounders are supposed to be capable of making the Seceshers scamper, as well as turning their faces towards Manassas. They are used to going in that direction, and the majority of them seem to have a “striking regard” for that region. It would not be surprising if on some fine morning they awake and find themselves hemmed in for “keeps,” with a few scattering pieces of thirty-two pounder Parrott guns pointing about the centre of their strongholds. Wonder what tune they’d whistle about then. Don’t you think Yankee Doodle would sound rather good? I think it would cheer their drooping spirits but I fear that good old song would be apt to tickle brothers Beauregard and Davis.—Don’t you.
The New York papers come to our camp teeming with all sorts of wild stories —some advise this and some that, while others are in for having the war run just about to their notion. The Herald is one day out with a whopper on Fremont, and the next day with a piece of advice to the Administration. The New York papers have it one day that our leaders are all saints, and very likely on the next day they have them all scamps. Why, to read a New York paper, one would very naturally conclude that the Union forces were made up of the ruffs and scuffs of the country. What a pity these great papers are not daily put in possession of the moves of the Government! Abe should ask them for their advice, before proceeding, else he may “peter out.” The dear fellows are to be pittied. They predict defeat and victory, and the Lord only knows what they do not predict. The newsboy comes into camp crying “Herald, Times and Tribune, only five cents. Three thousand to six thousand rebels killed ! Great excitement in Missouri! Union troops victorious ! Terrible earthquakes ! A big fight!” Down goes the “fip,” and you open the sheet and there behold flaming heads, half a column in length —a regular conglomeration of sensation paragraphs — all condensed expressly for the Herald and Times. Wondrous ! is it not?
October 11.—We (that is, officers and soldiers,) did pass the night in a “human” way, and feel tip-top this morning. Lieut. A. McFair, of Company D, has resigned. We all regret his departure, for be is a true soldier and a brave and noble-hearted fellow, and I doubt if Company D ever gets another so able and gallant as Archibald B. McLane. I say, as do all, a long and happy life to our friend Mac. “May his shadow ne’er be less,” as the artist says in a photographic way of speaking. Our Band Leader, Himes S. Chandler, has also tendered his resignation, also Drum Major Van Dyke—both of whom are about to leave us. The Drummer for Company I, Charlie Hilder, becomes Drum Major, and a good one he will make, too. He is sound and always up to time. Company I always furnishes the best of men, and is proud of her gallant comrades who seek and receive promotion ; and if our friends at Mineral Point will only please remember us as loyal and honorable, we, in return, will not forget their parting advice. The flag the ladies were pleased to give us waves at headquarters, and though our boys declare it not at all just for it to be there, yet they say, “Don’t let it be soiled. We promised to return it unsullied. Let us, as soldiers, keep our promise.” They will do it, you may depend.
Considerable sickness is in camp. Among those down at present, from Company I, are Lieut. Devlin, Corporal Corny Wheeler and Private D. Moffett, the two latter being in the hospital. They are improving, and we hope for their early return to duty, to be with us as of old. Company A have had several men vaccinated, and I presume the other companies will be likewise treated. All the care possible is taken to prevent sickness in the camps, yet many are subjected to it, and many, very many, never fully recover from the effects of the first spell of sickness. It cannot be helped.
The drum sounds for drill-call, and therefore I must close. I may write you again.
Till then, adieu. GEO. H. OTIS.
Mineral Point Weekly Tribune, Mineral Point, WI
George Otis
George Otis was a 2nd Lieutenant in Company I, 2nd Wisconsin Infantry, He rose to the rank of Major in the war.