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Col. G. C. Wynkoop, Commanding.
LETTERS FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS.From the 7th Reg. Pa. Cavalry, Col. G. C. Wynkoop, Commanding. CAMP THOMAS, No. 2, BARDSTOWN, KY.} February 17th, 1862. } EDITORS MINERS' JOURNAL:--"Well, we are saved!" was the expression used by the members of ye gallant 7th, as after hard pulling, dragging, and many a lost shoe, they finally extricated themselves from the mud of their late camp, (Camp Thomas, No. 1.) The latest novelty was hard ground; and you could hardly make them realize that they stood upon solid ground once more, as you would see men lifting their feet as if they were afraid of losing a boot or shoe in the mud. Hatteras sand is bad enough; but when compared to Kentucky mud is (to use a common expression) "No wahr." But enough of this dirty subject. Thursday there was a grand inspection of the arms, accoutrements, horses, &c., of this Regiment, by Major Bufort, Inspector General U. S. A. I understand he expressed himself well pleased with the appearance of both men and horses. This is a great country for corn cakes, it being I believe the chief subsistence of the "dwellers therein," and they know how to get up a corn cake. It makes, as they do it up, a delicious meal. A good hot Kentucky corn cake, is the desire and joy of the soldiers. These Southerners won't take pennies in exchange for goods. They are not circulated in this region of the country. Nothing less than "half dimes" circulate here. No matter how small a quantity of goods you want, five cents is the price. If you want an apple, you are obliged to take 10 for five cents, or else take one for the same price. Even in Jeffersonville, Indiana, (being contaminated by its proximity to Secessia,) we could not pass pennies or three cent pieces. All that have pennies are keeping them as souvenirs of the times that were. We are now very much exercised to know where we are going to. Some say Paducah, to reinforce Gen. Grant in Tennessee; others, that we are going right on to Bowling Green; but "we shall see what we will see." We had quite a fall of snow here last night, and this morning we had a beautiful scene, the sun rising, and throwing its rays upon our camp. As it lay in a grove, all covered with snow, it was the most beautiful sight I ever witnessed. The snow is disappearing fast under a warm sun. It is the first snow this winter, and reminds us of home, and the pleasant sleigh rides of old Schuylkill. We have finally got some music in the Regiment, besides the eternal bugle. We have got a band, which we are proud to say never cost Uncle Sam "ary red," as the instruments were purchased by the subscriptions of both officers and men. We have first-rate instruments, and hope soon to have as good a mounted band as there is in the service. We are drilling very steadily at present; drilling five hours a day, and are none the worse for wear. Our Regiment is not quite as healthy as it has been. We have lost three since my last letter. Our hospitals are full, but with mostly trivial cases. There is nothing transpiring about here of any importance. It would trouble even a New York Herald reporter to get up a decent letter from this forsaken part of the Union. B. R.
Source: B. R., "Letters From Our Volunteers, From the 7th Reg. Pa. Cavalry, Col. G. C. Wynkoop, Commanding," The Miners' Journal and Pottsville General Advertiser, Pottsville, Pa., Saturday, 1 March 1862, page 3, col. 4.
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