From
the
Stockton
Artillerists,
Volunteers
for
the
Pittsburg, Pa.
Jan. 1, 1847
We received Knapsacks
from the gentlemanly Brigade Inspector, Maj. Firth, and started from Philadelphia
on Tuesday at 4 o’clock, in the cars for Baltimore, at which place we arrived
at ten o’clock. We took supper, stayed
over night and after breakfast left for Cumberland at half past seven. The rail road is an excellent one, and we
came along at a glorious rate. The change
in the appearance of the faming districts is great on leaving the old Keystone
and getting into Maryland and Virginia, and I felt proud to know that Pa. was
my adapted State. They don’t know how
to farm in the Slave States, though I am told they live well inside the
houses.
From
what I have seen, I would rather travel in Pennsylvania than in either of the
States we passed through. I did not see
a good house or barn anywhere in the Slave States.
We
arrived at Cumberland at 7 o’clock where we found supper waiting for us, to
which we did ample justice. We then
took stages for Uniontown – 14 four horse coaches in all; we made quite a show
as we left town. The Moon shown
brightly as we commenced ascending the mountains; but at twelve o’clock it
commenced raining and continued until morning.
We arrived at Uniontown where the citizens had a breakfast provided for
us of which we partook free of expense.
Here the Old Keystone was “sticking out” again.
There
is a Company from that place, will be here in a few days. We then proceeded to Brownsville, where we
took Steamboat for Pittsburg. It was
rather foggy, and we run aground three times before we arrived here. At 10 o’clock the Steamboat landed, but we
remained on board until morning. It was
rather a rich sight to see the men scattered all over the cabin, lying wrapped
in their blankets, with their Knapsacks under their heads.
We
took breakfast at one of the Hotels, and at 11 o’clock we were inspected. Two of our men were rejected. The Surgeon said he had inspected a great
many men, but never found so fine a lot as our Company.
We
are now mustered into the service of the United States and belong to “Uncle
Sam”.
Our
men have done themselves credit where ever we have been, by their good
conduct. If they continue to deport
themselves as well, you who remain at home will have no occasion to feel
ashamed of them.
We
expect to leave on the 6th.
Our destination is not yet certain.
We
had a speech from Adj. Gen. Bowman after we were mustered.
Our
Friends at home we will ever remember with grateful hearts, for all the
kindness we have received at their hands.
Our
Committee have spared no pains or expense, to make our journey pleasant, and it
is well that our townsmen exerted themselves to much in our behalf, as without
their assistance we never could have reached Pittsburg. The ladies will never be forgotten, so long
as there is a check or flannel shirt to our backs.
We
have got very good quarters for the men in a large ware house, near the wharf.
Naylor’s
Company is still here, and another is all that have arrived yet. The election for Regimental officers, will
take place on Tuesday.
I
will receive letters or papers at N. Orleans.
Yours
Truly,
James
Miller
*********************************
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November, 2003
