Camp Near Coal Harbor
May 30, 1862.
Mr. Editor:–The day after my last to the Globe, we received marching orders. We took up the line of march in the
morning at six o’clock, and marched some ten miles to a place called “the summit,” on the Richmond and York River Railroad.
That day’s marching was a little hard on the boys, as it was the first real warm day’s marching we had–and I do assure you old
Sol did pour forth his rays quite freely that day, and quite hot ones at that. One man died in the 52d Regiment N. Y. V. By the
wayside, caused, it was supposed by the hot sun and fast marching, while the water along the road was extremely bad, which
perhaps caused the sickness at first. We encamped at the above named place one day and night.
We then took up the march again towards the Chickahominy. This day we marched about six miles, and arrived on the
banks of the Chickahominy in good time to put up our shelter tents, which we always carry with us. Our Regiment, the 53d,
was detailed for picket duty. We are some half a mile from the main body of the Division, while the picket line is still about
one half a mile farther in advance. No attack has yet been made on our lines. Two companies are detailed for duty at a time.
There are some fine farms along the line of our last two day’s marching. The farms and buildings are far superior to
those on the lower part of the Peninsula. As usual, you almost invariably find a flag of truce hanging in front of the houses.
You can, however, set to see any of the inmates of the house, unless you go into it. I suppose they think the air is poisoned by
the presence of the Yankees on the sacred soil. The fair part of the population, especially, appear very uncomfortable, on
account of the presence of the “Yankee Hirelings,” as they choose to call us, but the boys generally tell them they consider
source or give them some other appropriate answer.
We are encamped on a tolerably good farm, owned by a violent Secessionist, though he claims to be for the Union,
but he is that, simply because he is afraid openly to express his sympathy for the rebel cause. He was very much vexed when
we came here. He had some fine sweet potatoes on which some of the boys made a supper. But much to the chagrin of the
boys, the Commanding General placed a guard on his potatoes, so the boys were obliged to leave. He often wonders how long
the troops will stay yet. Being told a few days since, that we would leave next morning, he very saucily remarked that he was
tired of our company now, and he did not care how soon the troops would leave, but he has not been relieved of the nuisance
around him, as he has called us when we first came here.
This is the way these Southern scoundrels use the Union troops. Yet no sooner have our troops arrived at a place, than
a strong guard is placed around the houses of these outlaws, and are guarded as though they were the best of Union men, or a
lump of gold. Now good Union men should be protected both in person and property to the utmost, but I do not think such
rascals as these should be protected. Should they find a Union soldier by the wayside away from his companions, they would
just as soon cut his throat as not. Should such men be protected by those whom they are trying to destroy? We answer never!
Let them seek protection of those whom they are trying with all their power to sustain. There are many prisoners taken from
the rebel ranks who are far more loyal than most of those who profess to be Union men.
Gen. Porter’s Division had a spirited fight on Tuesday, in which he totally routed the enemy and took a good many
prisoners. We saw many of them; a flock of four hundred were taken past the camp yesterday. They were the most degraded
part of humanity we have seen for some time. No two were dressed alike, some were tall, muscular men, while others were
small, feeble looking; some had caps, and some hats, while a number of them had neither. They all appeared to be in good
humor, however some few would not speak to our men. They say they would sooner be a prisoner in the hands of the Federals,
than to be in Confederate service. They say many will come over to our side when the opportunity presents itself. They were
mostly North Carolina men. They report the rations to have been scarce for some time in the rebel army.
Some little excitement was noticed in camp for a day or two, account of the news of the reverse of Gen. Banks. No
fear of the Capitol being in danger is entertained here. The retreat of Gen. Banks is generally considered by military men here
to have been quite a masterly one, and to have reflected great credit on the General.
Preparations for the coming battle are going hourly on. You may look for good news from this quarter soon. We had a
great thunder storm here to-day, cooling the atmosphere and making it much more pleasant. More anon.
Yours &c.,
PILUM.
[Huntingdon Globe, June 10, 1862]
