The Highland Weekly News: Letter from J. W. Steel, 60th Ohio

THE HIGHLAND WEEKLY NEWS:
HILLSBOROUGH, HIGHLAND COUNTY, OHIO
SEPTEMBER 4, 1862

LETTER FROM J. W. STEEL, 60TH OHIO

HEADQUARTERS DETACHED BRIGADE
FIRST CORPS, ARMY OF VA.,
WINCHESTER, VA., Aug. 21, 1862

MR. BOARDMAN: -- Having, what is rather an unusual thing for me, lately, a little leisure time, I thought I would occupy it in scribbling a few items for the 'News' which may possibly, interest some of your readers who have relations and friends in the army of Virginia.

Our force here is situated in three Forts which we have lately constructed. The main one, 'Fort Sigel' -- was finished on Tuesday, and in the evening the interesting ceremony of raising the American Flag -- that same old flag our fathers loved -- for the first time, over the works, was witnessed by the whole brigade drawn up in battle array, as well as by a very few loyal citizens who were permitted to be present. Verily it was a 'goodly night' to see that 'banner of glory' as its ample folds streamed out upon the breeze on the very spot so lately desecrated by the vandal tread of Jackson and his horde of assassins -- in sight of WINCHESTER, where woman, forsaking the native delicacy of her sex, fired on our footsore and weary fugitives as they fled before their savage pursuers -- where one who called herself a lady cruelly shot a little drummer boy who fell exhausted on her door-step --and even in the view of the gangs of rebel guerrillas who now prowl nightly around our pickets and assassinate any poor fellow who may thoughtlessly stray beyond our lines. Yes, there it is planted, and there, by the blessing of the most High, it will continue to float until not only Frederick county but the whole of Virginia is 'redeemed, regenerated, disenthralled' form rebel domination. It would have done your heart good to have viewed the scene; and when peal after peal burst from our guns as the National Salute was fired and the soul stirring strains of martial music filled the air, every patriotic heart present bounded with enthusiasm and prolonged cheers for the flag of our Union made the welkin ring.

General White, commander of the post, was present in full uniform, and the cheers with which he was greeted by the soldiery proved the confidence they reposed in him.

The first impression made upon any one on seeing him is that he is a man, and by a man I do not merely mean a bundle of flesh, blood, bones and brass buttons, which too often constitutes the whole of an officer, but one is satisfied at a glance that he is of that class "who know their rights and, knowing, dare maintain them." His administrative capacity is remarkable. If you could hear some of his interviews with the "Secesh," you would be much amused, while at the same time you would admire his manner of disposing of them. Not long since a rather dandified, over-dressed specimen of the "F. F. V.'s" came up to get a pass, and demanded it with that insolence which is characteristic of that class, when the General asked him "if he had taken the oath of allegiance to the United States." He replied that "he had not and never would, as he only owed allegiance to Virginia." "Very well," returned the General, "then you can have no objections to assist in fortifying Virginia" -- and turning to a sentinel, continued, "guard, you will take this man up to the Fort, give him a pick-axe and see that he works faithfully." The lily-handed gentleman looked aghast at the proposal and faltered out that he "would -- rather -- take -- the -- oath" -- gulping down each word as if it nearly choked him. With the ladies, too, he has some rich "confabs." I would like to relate a few that came under my own observation, but space prevents. He told one of them who complained because he would not let her go through our pickets to the rebel camp to "get her clothes," that he did not know that he was placed in command here for the purpose of being particularly amiable, although he desired to be as much as circumstance permitted.

By the way it is astonishing how many have "left their clothes" on the Middletown road (along which Ashby's cavalry are stationed.) The number of them is only equalled by that of those who claim to be "Methodist preachers on a collecting tour to the East, who desire to visit their relatives in the valley." I think I have seen a dozen of them in one day. But, alas! the General's "amiability" will not allow him to give them passes.

By some accident, one of our "32-pounders" sent a shell through a brick house in town, the other morning. Nobody was hurt, but doubtless the Richmond papers will claim that we have bombarded the city, slaughtering women and killing more babies than old Herod ever dreamed of doing.

Speaking of the flag-raising at the Fort, I neglected to state that not the least interesting feature of the occasion was a speech made by Col. Trimble of the 60th Ohio, in his usual happy style. The gallant "yearlings" are being rapidly recruited by additions from home and continue by their good conduct to be ranked among the best troops in the service.

I would like to inflict a still longer epistle on your readers but "business before pleasure," as the man said who stayed home to chop wood while the neighbors buried his wife for him.

Although our pickets are sometimes fired on, and guerrilla bands are near us, we anticipate no immediate attack of the enemy in force. All the "boys" desire to be remembered to their friends.

Your Respectfully,
J. W. STEEL.

"Letter from J. W. Steel, 60th Ohio" The Highland Weekly News: Hillsborough, Highland, County, Ohio; September 4, 1862.

Microfilmed article contributed by Theodore E. Lewis.