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| from The Webster Times, 9 Nov 1861 (Volume III # 35) |
| A Short Visit to the Seat of the War
To the Editor of the Webster Times: Having recently returned from a short visit to the seat of the war, and thinking your numerous readers might like to hear a little in regard to matters and things out there, I will therefore make a hasty report of my visit. My first stopping place was in Baltimore, where I enjoyed the hospitality of a first rate Union Hotel, kept by Coleman, formerly of Aster House N. Y. Taking the Baltimore and Ohio R.R. , the next morning, at 8 oclock, I arrived at Adamstown at 12, which is 12 miles from Poolesville. The facilities for traveling this last part of my route, were the worst I ever experienced. The roads were very rough, almost impassible. Baggage wagons are generally two days making the trip, I however accomplished the trip in less time , by the aid of a stout nigger and a pair of blind horses. I made about half the distance in about three hours, when I had to dispence with my nigger and team, as he had arrived at Massas house. I then took my carpet bag in one hand, and shouldered my bundle, which contained 50 pair of stockings, and started for Poolesville, through wheat and cornfields, over fences and stone walls, and passing directly through the camp of the California Regt. arrived in Poolesville at sundown. I immediately made tracks for Co. I, and when it was made known that a Webster man had arrived, there was one grand rush. I assure you I was as glad to see them as they were me, but on looking around, I did not see all who I had been accustomed to see, when the company were stationed in our town. The reason of this decrease is as well known to you and your readers as myself. After the usual salutations, I was invited by Lt. Corbin to partake of the hospitalities of the camp. Having never had the honor of the acquaintance with the Captain of our company I was not long in making it. I at once decided to make my stay with them while I remained, which I enjoyed hugely. The next morning was beautiful and Lieut. Corbin and myself started on foot to view the late battlefield, where the brave and gallant 15th fought so nobly. I have neither time nor space to give a description of the appearance of this place. while viewing the battle field from the Maryland side, we could see distinctly on the other side, the rebel pickets almost within speaking distance. Next morning, through the politeness of Capt. Joslin, I was taken through the hospitals. Here my fighting ambition began to wane. Seeing men minus arms, legs, and eyes, are sights I should not like to behold every day. But everything is being done for their comfort that could possibly under the circumstances. Saturday morning, began one of the most terrific storms I have ever witnessed, blowing about one half the tents down, and completely drenching everything without and within. I can speak in the highest terms of the cordiality of Capt. Joslin and Lieut.Corbin, but did not see so much of Lieut Bartlett, as he was detailed as Captain of Co. D, and I wished to spend most of my time with Webster boys On Monday morning, bidding adieu to our company, and bringing many articles belonging to the missing ones, to friends at home, I started for Washington, and from thence direct to Annapolis. Here I spent two hours in company with the Webster Band, which is attached to the 21st regt, and afterwards started for the old Bay State, glad to leave the State of Maryland behind, bur sorry to leave our boys. Capt. Joslin kindly furnished me with a list of our company, which I forward with this for publication if it shall meet your approbation. Capt. George C. Joslin |
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