from The Webster Times, 13 July 1861 (Volume III # 18), 
For the Times: The Slater Guards in Camp

Camp Storrs, Elliot’s Beach,
Webster, July 10,1861
Mr. Editor: Would you like to know whether we live or merely stay while adjourning on the banks of Chaubunagungamaug? Let me describe our surroundings and mode of life, Our camp is at present the principal seaport and boats are constantly arriving at and departing from our shores, the crews of which are extensively engaged in pout and pickerill fishing. The principal imports are beef, pork, potatoes and bread, which are exported quite expeditiously by the extra demand in our appetites

If you are skeptical in regard to anybody’s being really hungry (in) this hot weather, just try camp life a few days, or give us a call at meal time, and you will become satisfied that we, are hungry. As to style, silver forks and napkin rings are eschewed entirely, while even napkins are at a discount. We have a decidedly aboriginal way of doing things, which would doubtless shock some of your readers, for the want of forks we use our fingers!

Our captain is kind and efficient, and while he is absent, arranging for the comfort of his family of boys, his lieutenants are in the right place at the right time, rightly discharging their duty. Our cooks too are worthy of honorable mention, for the excellent manner in which they perform their important duties. I must mention the natives of this part of the country. They are brave and savage, and have engaged in several unsuccessful struggles to drive us from their soil. I refer to the vast tribe of mosquitoes which infest the shores of the lake. They vary in size from that of the vulture to the bumble bee, and belong to the species immortalized in song, who “bite through boots and all.” But we are not disposed to complain of these insects for how would a soldier collapse at the thrust of the enemy’s bayonet, who could not endure with fortitude the sting of a mosquito! yours in haste,
G. W. L.

 

15th Massachusetts VI