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December 10, 1861 – From the 3d Regiment. N. H. V.

Correspondence of the American

Hilton Head, Port Royal
South Carolina, Nov. 28

Dear American : Although we had an order more than a week ago to hold ourselves in readiness to move at a moment’s notice, we have not “budged an inch” since. The story in camp is that we have been ordered to leave to-morrow, but l am not certain about it. We are not allowed to know where we are going, but it is said to be not over one day’s sail. I hope it will not be far, for I am heartily sick of “steaming it o’er the main.”

I have nothing very particular to write you for news. Everything seems to be moving on to the completion of the defence of this island. Hundreds of men are continually throwing up entrenchments and fortifications. It is said that “Jeff.” says “he will have this island in his hands again, if it takes every man he can raise.” It will take every man he can raise, and then “he will not be able to re-take it. Gen. Sherman says: “Give me two weeks more, and I will defy all he can bring against me.” We have no idea that an effort will be made to regain what they have lost here. Yesterday, our gunboats “let loose their dogs of war,”” on a small place, about six miles from here, where a number of rebels had made their appearance. I understand they scattered in “double quick” time. We distinctly heard the booming of the cannon here. It is of no use for them to come prying into our affairs, to get information in regard to our proceedings, in order to report to their rebel chief, because “argus eyes’’ are upon them—our pickets are stationed at every corner and loophole, ready and most willing to give the alarm on the instant any appearance of their “ugly phizes,” becomes manifest.

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November 4, 1861 – Correspondence from the 2nd NH

Camp of 2d N. H. Reg., Hill Top,
St. Charles County, Md., Oct. 28.

Since my last letter, the 2d Regiment have made considerable change in the locality of its camp. We are now encamped about 45 miles below Washington, near the Potomac, opposite the formidable line of rebel batteries extending from Mathias Point, several miles up the river. The division here is under the command of Gen. Hooker, now acting Major Gen., and comprises Sickles’ brigade and Hooker’s Brigade, (now under command of Col. Cowdin, of the Mass. 1st,) with a formidable force of cavalry and artillery. Our regiment occupies the left of the line. We have with us Doubledays’ battery of heavy guns, with the greater portion of the defenders of Fort Sumter. Our march here was a very interesting one, to us, and we will give your readers an account of it.

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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.