HEAD QUARTERS, COM. D, 6TH REG. PENNA. VOL.}
                    CAMP THOMAS, WILLIAMSPORT, MD., June 21, 1861.}
    MR. EDITOR:--Having a few minutes time to spare once more, I take the liberty of sending you the manner in which old Schuylkill was represented in the invasion of Virginia soil, on Sunday, the 16th last. As you are aware, no doubt, we left Greencastle on the 15th inst., and after a very weary march of about 12� miles in the hot sun and dust, we arrived at this place at 8 o'clock, P. M., and went into camp. The power of endurance of our regiment, I am most happy to state, was most flattering, for, while the 21st Regt., (the blue jackets, as we term them), which was in advance of us, would fall out of ranks, and lie along the roadside at every step or two, we marched the whole distance without leaving a half a dozen men behind. The 23d, Col. Dare's, I cannot say anything about, as they were in the rear of us. Through the constant exertions of our much beloved Col. (James Nagle) who is unceasing in his endeavors to promote the health of his men, I am happy to inform you that we have not a sick man in the 6th Regiment, while in the 21st and 23d there are numbers of them. It is a very common remark on all sides that the camp of the 6th, is the cleanest camp in the first Brigade, which is the only reason I can give for the difference in the health of the respective Regiments. But to resume our march, as was first intended, after a very short rest for part of the night, we again received marching orders, and at 10 o'clock, A. M., Sunday, we were on our way to cross the Potomac. Lemon's Ferry, we found destroyed, and as there was no other manner of crossing than fording, we took to the water like ducks. The water was about waist deep and the current very strong, but both brigades arrived safe across without the slightest accident or disorder of any kind, with the exception of Col. Dare's baggage wagons sticking fast, and as the "ragged sixth" was the last to cross, they of course had to release the teams, which was done by unhooking the leading horses, and fastening a heavy rope to the tongues of the wagons, and the men drawing them up the hill, after which they were able to proceed. The 2d Brigade, consisting of one Regiment regulars, the 9th, 13th and 16th Regiments of Penna. Volunteers and McMullen's Rangers, crossed over first, and went into camp about a mile the other side, while the First Brigade, Col. Thomas's Regular Cavalry, 1 company Regular Infantry, the Rhode Island Battery, the 23d, 21st and 6th Regiments after crossing, marched some 5 miles to a place called Falling Waters, where we pitched out tents on the tops of four high hills. Owing to the lateness of our baggage waggons arriving, the 6th Regiment did not get their tents up until after 11 o'clock at night, and during a heavy rain storm. Early the next morning a scout came into camp and reported 25,000 Rebels at Martinsburg, only 4 miles distant from us, and shortly after, the firing of the pickets caused the regiments to form in double quick time, not knowing how soon we might be attacked. We were in rather a serious predicament, only 2,700 of us within four miles of 25,000 well armed Rebels. But we had every advantage in the ground, and judging by the alacrity with which the men fell into ranks, I feel confident in saying that every man in the 6th Regiment would have rendered a good account of himself. After laying on our arms for half an hour or more, the Col. ordered arms to be stacked, and the men rest beside them, until further orders arrived. But it turned out to be a false alarm. About 11 o'clock A. M., Col. Thomas received orders to proceed immediately with his command of Cavalry and the Battery to Washington, by way of Hagerstown, which order was instantly complied with. About 6 P. M. we received orders to return to Williamsport at 4 o'clock on Tuesday morning. About 10 o'clock P. M., we saw several rockets go off, and not understanding or knowing where they were, it was thought by many to be a sign of an attack upon us, the long roll was beaten and in an instant every man was at his post, and remained so until 4 o'clock, when we were to leave again for this place, where we arrived at 8 o'clock A. M., Tuesday, in good order and not any too soon, for in the afternoon the enemys' scouts were seen on top of the hill on the other side of the Potomac. As we marched into town we encountered Col. Thomas' Cavalry, the Rhode Island Battery and Gen. George C. Wynkoop's Brigade, from Hagerstown, coming to our relief. The Genl. informed me they had a report we were attacked and nearly cut to pieces. Our relief remained here during the day and in the evening marched back to Hagerstown, some 6 miles distant. About 9 o'clock P. M., Wednesday, we received orders to break up camp immediately as our camp was in great danger should we be attacked. In about one hour we were on our way to our present encampment, which is about one mile this side of the town, and entirely excluded from view from beyond the river.
    Thursday 20th.--There are numbers of Rebels at present on the other side of the River, and are planting batteries, they can be plainly seen with the aid of a spy glass. Genl. Cadwallader requested the citizens to leave town immediately, and the roads are covered with wagons containing families, they hardly knowing where to go themselves. Lt. Col. Bowman, of the 8th Regt. was taken prisoner to-day, with his Secretary, they had been over the river, and their retreat was cut off by about 25 of the Rebel cavalry. There is considerable firing with muskets across the river at present, and as some of the shots fly among the cavalry, they go scampering off up the hill raising clouds of dust. The Rhode Island Battery has again arrived from Hagerstown, and are planting their cannon in the bed of the canal, the water being drawn off for that purpose.
    Friday 21st.--Capt. Doubleday, of Sumpter fame, arrived this morning with another Battery from Hagerstown, which are being planted on a small hill this side of the River. Capt. D. Nagle, has just received a copy of your welcome JOURNAL, the first one we have seen for two weeks or more. It is always interesting, but more so than usual at present as papers are a very scarce article. With the exception of an old Press this morning, I have not seen a Penna. paper for the last ten days.
                             I remain Truly yours,       W. W. B.
    [It is singular our papers are not received. We dispatch them regularly every Saturday. The last lot were mailed to Williamsport, Md., for the 6th Regiment. The irregularity of the mails in that quarter must be the cause.--ED. M. J.]

Source:

Unknown, "Letters From Our Volunteers, Letter From a Nagle Guard," The Miners' Journal and Pottsville General Advertiser, Pottsville, Pa., Saturday, 29 June 1861, page 2, col. 7.