1            Bucks County Intelligencer, From the 104th Regiment.  November 11, 1862  Page 2 Col. 3            1

 

From the 104th Regiment.

GLOUCESTER POINT, Va , Nov. 11, 1862.

Messrs. Editors : —As yet we have seen nothing of the

rebels at this point; though a certain Fortress Monroe

correspondent gave credence to the rumor that they were

marching against this place and Yorktown, more than ten

days ago, with a large body under Gen. Wise.  If they at-

tack these works, they will find that we are fully pre-

pared to receive them in accordance with military cus-

tom, and they will have a happy time amid flying bullets

and bursting shell in storming the works they planned

and built for our use.  The troops here are in good con-

dition and fine spirits.  The 104th, the pride of our hearts,

never was in better condition.  The men are provided

with every comfort camp life can afford, good Sibley tents

and stoves, and all the clothing they desire.  Our regi-

ment has not been in want of anything longer than was

necessary to procure it.  I venture to say that no regi-

ment in the service is better provided and cared for than

the 104th.  The men have reason to feel grateful that

they have a Colonel who is so careful of their welfare. 

Our friends at home may rest assured that we are doing

well, and are ready to obey the orders of Uncle Sam.  If

he desires us to remain here during the winter, we will

comply with pleasure, but if we are ordered to a more ac-

tive sphere of duty, the 104th will be found discharging

that duty with alacrity.

As we awoke on last Friday morning, we found to our

surprise that the ground was covered with snow and the

white flakes were falling thick and fast.  The storm con-

tinued during the day ; had the snow not partly thawed

as it fell.  I think it would have been four inches deep. 

Saturday was cold and wintry.  To day is very pleasant. 

Thus the bright and sunny days of “ chilly November “

as we term it at home, which induced us to believe that

Virginia’s winters are blessed with sunshine and ?

weather, were soon converted into winter.  The men spent

their idle time in quarters, by the side of the new stoves ;

wood was in demand, and the large pile that has been provi-

ded under the direction of Quartermaster Sergeant White;

disappeared in double quick time.  Nobody saves wood

here; we have it in plenty.  It cost the Government noth-

ing.  It is cut by the men, and hauled to camp by the

regiment’s teams.

Adjutant T. D. Hart was commissioned Lieut. Colonel

of the regiment by Gov. Curtin.  This was a deserved and

well earned promotion.  Lieut. Col Hart has been a meri-

torious Officer, always at his post and ready to discharge

his duties.  When this great struggle for nationality has

ended; of him it may be said that he acted his part

nobly.”  Capt. Walter, of Company H, has resigned.  We

regret to part with this brave officer.  Health having

failed, he deemed it advisable to quit the service.  Capt.

Swartzlander arrived here on Wednesday last, after an

absence of five months.  He was badly wounded at the

battle of Fair Oaks ; his lower jaw was almost shot away

by a minie ball, and his recovery was doubted by all who

saw him before he left.  It is gratifying that the Captain

has recovered, and that he is willing to render further

service in defence of the Union.  He fought gallantly and

suffered much in defence of our cause--a grateful people

will appreciate his good service.            L. H. M.