Originally published in the Perrysburg Journal, June 8, 1864, p. 3
Annapolis, Md.
May 30, 1864.
Company F, 144th O.N.G. has again changed its base. On Friday evening last, 27th inst., Capt. Cook received orders to assume the duties of Provost Marshal of this place- and his company was ordered her to act as Provost Guard. We therefore received orders to prepare to move at 6 o'clock on the following morning-and at the appointed hour, we marched from Relay Barracks to the Depot, where about 7 o'clock we took the cars and in about half an hour arrived here- and at present writing we are encamped in a fine grove of oak, a short distance from the railroad station..
We occupy shelter tents which we brought with us from the Barracks. For the information of the uninitiated I will state that those we use are composed of four pieces of heavy cotton cloth-each about 2 yards square, and so made that they may be buttoned together- and are occupied by four persons. On the march, the tent is taken apart-each one taking a piece. A small ridge pole, with a forked stick at each end to support it, and six stakes are all that is actually required to pitch these tents. We have, however, have ours about 2 feet from the ground, filling up the sides with such timber, rails, boards, & c., as were to be found in a deserted camp near us. Thus pitched, our shelter tents make very commodious but well ventilated quarters..
So far as buildings or population are concerned, this place-about 22 miles from Washington- is one of very little importance- containing 2 hotels, a small store, and perhaps half a dozen residences. The importance which attaches to this locality is due more to the fact that at this place the railroad to Annapolis forms a junction with the road between Baltimore and Washington. In fact, I might say the Junction is the principal public improvement here..
In the foregoing, I spoke of the place itself aside from any improvements made by the Government- for only a few rods east of the station are 15 or 20 one-story wooden buildings erected by the Government, for general hospital purposes..
As before stated, Captain Cook is Provost Marshal of this Post; Lieut. Frank S. Tyler is commissary of Subsistence here..
No person is permitted to go from this point to Annapolis without a pass from the Provost Marshal, here, the War Department, or from the commander of this military department- and no person can obtain a pass without first taking the oath of allegiance. One of our duties here, therefore, is to guard the train to Annapolis, before starting and see that no person enters the cars without a pass. We are also to assist in enforcing an order forbidding intoxicating liquors- including ale and beer-to private soldiers. Isn't that a tolerable joke on such "high privates" as were wont to imbibe their little beer bedtimes? By the way, soon after our arrival here, five of us were greeted with- "Won't you go over and take a glass of ale?" Having almost forgotten how that article tasted, we rather thought we would accept the invitation-just to refresh our memory. The landlord, however, couldn't see it- whereupon this party unanimously:.
"Resolved:" That this assemblage is not thirsty.".
We left the companies of Captain Hathaway and Captain Kitchen at Fort Dix, Relay House. There were some cases of slight indisposition among the men, but none were considered actually sick..
Lee Klopfenstein, of Bowling Green, (a member of Captain Kitchen's company) while standing guard at Fort Dix Thursday night last, accidentally discharged his gun, the ball shattering the forefinger of his right hand-making amputation of the finger necessary. On Friday last, it was taken off at that joint, close to the hand..
John Barton, of this company, was left in the hospital at Relay Barracks. He was, however, improving rapidly and is expected to join us in a few days. No other members of this company are in the hospital, although cases of slight illness have occurred..
I have learned nothing new, since my last concerning the movement of the companies of Captains McKee, Smith, and Black..
There are now 70 members of Company F- including officers. Thirteen men have been temporarily detached for duty at other places but are expected to join us in a few days..
As to whether we are to remain here during our time of service, I will not venture to express even a guess. We have been jogging around until we have gotten in a moving way, and are rather indisposed as to what comes by.".
H.S.C.
