From
the
Stockton
Artillerists,
Volunteers
for
the
Pittsburg, Pa.
Jan. 1, 1847
On
the twenty-fourth, after being fully equipped, we left for Pittsburg, but on
this R. Road (not free, as on the Reading R.R.) we were charged the enormous
sum of nine hundred dollars, as fare from Philadelphia to
Pittsburg. At 4 o’clock we started, and
arrived there at 11 P.M. At 7 o’clock
next morning, we were put on board the cars for Cumberland, dined at Harpers
Ferry at twelve. There the citizens
were gathered in a great mass, to greet our arrival by the firing of cannon,
and music of the band: and last, not least, the piazzas and windows were
crowded with ladies, who greeted us with smiles and the waving of their
handkerchiefs, as if they were well aware their presence would be welcome on
the occasion; but soon the cars were in motion again.
Having
left Maryland, we passed through Va., through a wild and mountainous country,
while upon each side of us were piled rugged rocks rising high into the
air. Here and there a small stream
might be seen leap from precipice to precipice, or dashing through some deep
ravine, in its course to some majestic river below.
The
wild mountain scenery forcibly reminded us of our native County.
At
6 P.M we arrived at Cumberland where one of our sub-committee had made
arrangements for our supper. The
citizens were aware of our coming, and we were consequently greeted by a large
concourse of people. After supper we
were again mustered, and all put into stages, and after riding all night
arrived at Uniontown a distance of 60 miles, at 9 o’clock next morning, having
in our route crossed the Allegheny Mountains.
The view from the tops and sides of the Mountains reminded me forcibly
of that from the heights of Wyoming Valley.
At
Uniontown, Fayette Co., they had prepared for us a delicious breakfast, which
you may suppose we did justice to, after having traveled 60 miles without
refreshment. Here we were again in
Pennsylvania, and we thanked our good fortunes that we had got out of Maryland,
where we were rather badly treated. But
Soldiers must not complain, even though they are charged two dollars a
hundred for the poorest cigars, and six cents for a little seven by nine
newspaper.
From
Uniontown we came to Brownsville, from which place we took the Steamboat Consul
for Pittsburg, where we arrived at 11 o’clock P.M. We passed the night on the boat our men all being tired. It would have pleased you, that known us to
have had before we left you, a comfortable bed and warm room wherein to spend
our nights, to have seen us wrapped in our blankets and with our Knapsacks
under our heads. Snoring away on deck,
with all the comfort imaginable; and that, all for glory!
This morning, New Years day, we were called by the revelry, and remained on deck until that, with us bright heavenly orb under its appearance: but here, not as bright as at home. It is constantly eclipsed by the cloud of smoke which arises form the Bituminous Coal, burned in the city. We were conducted to our quarters, and that afternoon were inspected by Dr. King and Lieutenant Peals. Here I will state that we were inspected at Philadelphia, and W. H. Eberly and A. J. Hoyt were rejected, and consequently could not accompany us to Pittsburg – at this place a few more were rejected; it requires a perfectly sound man to pass muster, the least defect will reject one. After the inspection we numbered about 90 men.
Adjutant
General Bowman made a few very appropriate remarks and said that he never
mustered a nobler set of men, and was proud of Pennsylvania’s soldiers. We trusted when they arrived at Tampico,
they would remember the State from whence they emanated, and in conclusion
proclaimed us, Soldiers mustered in to the service of the United States. We immediately received rations, consisting
of Bread, Pork, Beans &c. (all
for the glory!).
We
will leave Pittsburg on the 7th, and arrive at New Orleans about the
twentieth inst., from hence our destination is Tampico.
We
have as noble a band as ever left Pennsylvania, and I will guarantee that our
County never shall have cause to blush, for the deeds of her sons who have gone
to fight their country’s battles.
Our
Company is strictly temperate. The
Captain discharged one man for getting intoxicated, and judging from the
conduct of those left, I think he will have no occasion to discharge another.
All
officers and men are in good spirits and anxious to ‘go ahead’ at all
hazards. The sprit of their Forefathers
runs in their veins, and bears so noble, can never be degenerated.
Our
friend, F. Cline, was rejected as private but accepted as Trumpeter.
Messrs.
Packer and Butler are still with us assisting us all they can for our comfort.
With great Respect,
I remain Yours &c.
Robert
Klots, 2nd Lieut.
PS:
Send papers to New Orleans
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November, 2003