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 A VISIT TO THE RELAY HOUSE.
-NEW YORE AND MASSACHUSETTS CAMPS
+NEW YORK AND MASSACHUSETTS CAMPS
 BALTIMORE, May 10, 1861, P. M.
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+//Boston Post//, May 13, 1861
-<figure label>
+THE MASSACHUSETTS SIXTH AT THE RELAY HOUSE. The Baltimore American thus favorably notices the Massachusetts Sixth Regiment and the Boston Light Artillery, now stationed at the Relay House:
-{{:{{ :6th_mass_inf:boston_post_1861-05-13_copy_of_4_.png?400 |img}}
-<caption>boston_post_1861-05-13</caption>
+"This regiment is now about seven hundred strong, a number being left at the Hospital at Washington, all of whom are doing well. They are among the heartiest set of men we have ever seen, and there is much more life and vivacity among them than the Eighth of New York, notwithstanding they are entirely destitute of camp equipage. On the night of their arrival they worked hard in hauling their military stores up the steep ascent, and in the construction of such sleeping places as could be made of the branches of trees, undergrowth bushes, blankets and straw. Of these little huts there are at least one hundred in number, and the men continue to sleep in them, notwithstanding it is difficult to keep out the rain. They are hourly expecting their full and complete set of camp equipage, when they will be quite comfortable. No one can pass through the camp without being struct with the fact that a soldier's life is not always gay, but that they experience considerable hardship at times. Still, not a word of complaint is heard from any one. The rations are the same as the army, consisting of flour, salt beef, beans and coffee. In the tent of the Colonel we noticed a pan full of eggs, which was regarded as a luxury, and which had been purchased of the country people at five cents each.
-</figure>
+In the afternoon, whilst a tremendous shower of rain was falling, a detachment was hard at work in excavating ground, for the purpose of planting two batteries of artillery, one of which commands the bridge of the Washington turnpike across the Patapsco, which is not more than half a mile distant, whilst the other has a clear sweep at the railroad bridge of the Washington branch, as well as the main track.
+The position seems to be impregnable and there is no doubt that the post could be held against an enormous military force. The artillery which is attached to the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment is composed of the Boston Light Artillery, numbering one hundred and twenty men. Their armament consists of six brass guns (six pounders) with caissons to match, each drawn by four horses, and as well equipped as any light battery in the Government service.
+In fact, to see these men work with such regularity and earnestness, one could not tell them from regulars. The horses, like the men, were without any protection, but when we left a pile of lumber was being converted into shanties for their accommodation."
+{{ :6th_mass_inf:boston_post_1861-05-13_copy_of_4_.png?linkonly|}}
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+//Cambridge (MA) Chronicle//, May 18, 1861
+From our own correspondent, a member of the Washington Light Guard.
+LETTER FROM THE SEAT OF WAR.
+WASHINGTON JUNCTION, MD.,\\
+RELAY HOUSE, May 13, 1861.
+Departure of the Sixth Regiment from Washington —Their Arrival at the "Relay House"— Beautiful Scenery— The Eighth New York Regiment— Boston Flying Artillery—Lieut. Josiah Porter— Dr. J. P. Ordway, of Boston— Winans' Steam Gun—Its Capture—An Artist on the spot A "Turn Out"— Change of Feeling in-Baltimore— Capt. Dodd's Command—The New York Fire Zouaves—Gov. Letcher—Missouri— Resources of the North and of the South.
+MR. EDITOR:—The " Sixth" received orders, on the 4th inst, to prepare for instant duty, which order was answered with an alacrity that showed their desire for active duty; and every man was soon in the ranks. Great curiosity was manifested to learn their destination. Some thought it was Baltimore; others Alexandria or Annapolis; and some thought Harper's Ferry, but it was not until three o'clock, Sabbath afternoon, that their curiosity was satisfied. The Relay House was the place -distance, seven miles from Baltimore.
+The Sixth have received their camp equipage, and they are now located in as beautiful a spot of country as I ever saw, on a hill which rises some two hundred feet above the river. The Eighth New York Regiment is encamped here, as also the Boston Flying Artillery, whose battery pieces have a perfect and complete sweep of the country beneath and along the railroad, as for as the eye can reach.
+While visiting the artillery's quarters, yesterday, I unexpectedly came upon Lieut. Josiah Porter, of North Cambridge, who courteously explained to me the bearings of the two pieces under his command. His guns are admirably set within an excavation made in the hillside for that purpose.— His battery looks like business. From our observations, we should say that Lieut. Porter is much beloved by the men under his command. He has a smile and a cheering word for every one. Attached to the Artillery is Dr. J. P. Ordway, of Boston, one of the most humane and kindest of surgeons. His sympathy and skill are not confined to his own immediate precinct, but they extend to all the sufferers he meets with. His smile is sunshine to the heart, and the firm and fervent grasp of his hand gives assurance that the "right man in the right place."
+The object of the location of troops at this point I am not prepared to state, but the service which is now being done by the Sixth will have a tendency to satisfy the rebel leaders of the determination of the government. The Washington Light Guard is located in the Relay House, while the camp-ground is half a mile distant, and there is the strictest surveillance, by Capt. Sampson, of the railroad trains, which are quite numerous, that pass through, into, or from Virginia. Passenger and freight trains are alike examined, and all suspicious personages and packages are detained.— Seizures of provisions destined for Harper's Ferry and other disaffected parts, have been made.
+On Friday last, information was received from spies, that Winans' Steam Centrifugal Gun—a most destructive instrument of death, discharging one hundred and forty-two balls per minute—was being secretly conveyed through unfrequented portions of the country into Virginia. Two pieces of the Boston Artillery and about one hundred infantry were instantly despatched by rail to capture it. But the capture was made by one man-Capt. Hare, an aid of Gen. Butler, before the train arrived; and three prisoners were taken. The capture, for coolness and audacity, I think is unsurpassed. The gun was mounted on a carriage of four wheels, and was drawn by four mules. The person having it in charge, at the moment of the capture, was not present. One driver was mounted on a mule, and another on the gun. They were in the vicinity of Ellicott's Mills, and proceeding quietly. The capture occurred in this wise, as related to me:—
+Captain Hare stepped up to the driver and said to
+him—
+"Halt! Get off this animal!"
+"Git off? What fur?" quietly asked Mr. Muleteer.
+"Because I command you. Dismount instantly!" and a wicked looking revolver was placed within an inch of the muleteer's head. The man came down with a jump.
+"You are my prisoner! Move at your peril!" and turning to the men on the gun Capt. H. gave similar orders and a similar caution. The men were unarmed, and the Captain proceeded with them to the Mills, and procured the assistance of three millers, and with them returned to the gun, and the "institution" was put in motion. They had proceeded but a short distance when an individual rode up at a furious rate.
+"Who stops my team?" he exclaimed.
+"Is this your property?" returned the Captain, with a Yankee answer.
+"Yes; it is mine; or rather I am the agent for it."
+"Then, in the name of the United States of America, I make you my prisoner!"
+The "agent" placed his hand on his breast, as if to grasp his revolver; but Capt. Hare was on his guard, and his revolver covered the man's temple.
+"Will you dismount?" It was a civil request, but it was most urgent. The man dismounted. All the nen then gave their names—John McGee, Richard F. Hardenge, and J. Stucker Bradford, (the "agent.") The muleteers say they are good. "Union men," that they simply made a contract to furnish four mutes and two men for two days' service, and that they did not know the nature of the service required. It will be bad business for them. The gun and the prisoners were brought here; the gun was conveyed to the camp, and the prisoners sent to Annapolis.
+On Saturday, several bales of uniform cloth for the rebel army were captured at a point about six miles from this place. The cloth resembles that worn by the Massachusetts Sixth.
+Mr. Arthur Lumley, war-sketcher for Frank Lestie's Newspaper, was here on Saturday, and made a drawing of Winans' Centrifugal Gun, and of the battery commanded by Lieut. Porter, which has the range of the railroad and bridge, and he also made some other sketches, I can assure you of the truthfulness of these drawings at the Relay. The illustrations I have seen of the attack at Baltimore, have no more resemblance to the reality, than Boston Common has to a prairie, The artist promises other sketches of the Sixth and its camp, for he is one of those "special artists" that are "on the spot," the truth of which may be relied upon.
+From my present location it is impossible to give you the war news from Washington, for I am only cognizant of what transpires here.
+We have considerable work to perform. On Saturday night, every man laid himself down with his accoutrements strapped on, and his musket by his side, with the injunction to "sleep with one eye open." Warm work was expected before morning. At about two o'clock, six shots were heard, and soon after a volley, The gong was sounded in the house, and the startling cry came, "turn out! turn out" Oh, could you have seen the lightning-like movements of those "Boston boys"—not a word—not a quiver! One would think they were old, tried veterans, who had been in the wars for years, instead of a few days. Yet, so still was their hurried movements, after all, that the excellent landlady of the house testified in the morning that she heard nothing of them. In ten minutes' time, our company was near the general camp, under cover of the battery which commands the railroad track from Virginia, ready for action. The alarm was occasioned by watchful sentries, who thought that posts revealed by the waving shrubbery, were secessioners," The picket guard cannot be too watchful, and their eyes will soon be able to discern the difference between a fancied and a real danger. Several minnie balls found their way into the tent occupied by Col, Jones, from the Eighth New York camp, and some into others of the Sixth. Something should be done to prevent this miscellaneous firing, or serious results may ensue. The Washington Light Guard returned in about an hour, and slept soundly until morning.
+Our boys are in the very best humor, for the reason that they cannot help it, in this, one of the most delightful places in the world. Why, Its romantic scenery makes it a perfect paradise. Hundreds of visitors, ladies and gentlemen, are here daily, to look at these "plucky Massachusetts boys," as they term them, "that came through Bultimore."
+The Relay House is what is called a "drive from Baltimore." And on the Sabbath, numberless woolly heads are in attendance upon the hundreds of carriages that are driven here with their gay and lively freight. The grounds and woods are arranged expressly for pic-nics and the rural pleasure-seeker; and on the rough table beneath one of the bowers I am inditing this letter. Nearly all the visitors come from Baltimore.
+I am happy to state that public sentiment has undergone an entire change in Baltimore. Recruiting offices have been opened, and men are rapidly enlisting for the service of the nation.— What a wonderful change is this!
+On Saturday afternoon, the Washington Light Guard were presented with the identical American flag that was first raised in Baltimore by Union men, after the attack upon the troops. Captain Sampson received it in an appropriate manner, and vowed that it should be defended to the last.— When we return, that flag goes with us.
+I understand, from a friend who arrived from Washington this afternoon with dispatches for Gen. Butler, that there is unusual activity in the War Department, by reason of the engagement at St. Louis, yesterday, of which you will doubtless have heard before you receive this. In less than fifteen days there will be a strong smell of gunpowder somewhere.
+I must not omit mentioning the new Company of Rifles from Boston, now quartered In Washington, under the command of Capt. Albert Dodd— well known to some of your residents as a "Tiger," This splendid company, composed of seventy-two men, is attached to Major Devins' battalion, and it has already received many encomiums from the army officers who have witnessed its drill, under its efficient Lieutenant, C. G. Atwood, who, by the way, is one of the "always ready " kind.
+Quite an amusing incident occurred last Thursday in relation to this company. There was an alarm of fire near their quarters, Capt. Dodd called his men, and they broke open the door of the engine-house, hastened to the burning building, and extinguished the dames before any of the fire department arrived. And in this connection the "New York Fire Zouaves" deserve mention.— But for their promptitude and efficiency, Willard's Hotel would at this moment have been a mass of ruins. They are the most adventurous and reckless set of men I ever saw. A ladder, formed of men, one standing on the shoulders of another, was raised three stories high, and water was poured upon the devouring element. Mr. Willard handsomely reciprocated. All honor to these hardy but rough souls!
+This afternoon, near our quarters, a man from Baltimore was run over by the cars, and his arm shockingly mutilated. Dr. Smith, the surgeon of our regiment, assisted by Dr. Payne, amputated the arm above the elbow. I have seen many surgical operations, but I think I never witnessed an amputation performed in a more scientific manner. Dr. Smith has endeared himself to the regiment by his many acts of kindness, and as one or two of the Baltimore surgeons were present, I think that they will appreciate the act, performed, as it was, by the surgeon of the "Bloody Sixth."
+In my last, I gave you my idea of the policy of the government, and I have seen no reason to change it. But some new events have transpired. On Saturday, the Virginia troops advanced from Harper's Ferry to Point Rocks, about seven miles towards our quarters; and have also invaded Maryland soil, and planted their batteries opposite the Ferry. Gov. Hicks Jigs protested to Gov. Letcher against it.
+The Confederate States are playing a deep game with Virginia. She, through her Governor, has virtually joined her fortunes with the South, and by so doing has assumed her portion of the heavy debt. It was evident to Jeff. Davis, that by bringing the conflict into Virginia, he would not only bring the soldiers into a better climate for a summer campaign, but by so doing secure the whole interest of Eastern Virginia, and, if successful in his attacks upon the capitol, would secure also the co-operation and immediate secession of Maryland. Not only would North Carolina more readily come to their aid, but Kentucky, being settled by so many Virginia families, would naturally feel more like co-operating with the treasonable plans of the Confederate Congress. But Maryland being overawed, and Western Virginia in a state of revolt, poor Letcher is truly in a tight place.
+So far as Missouri is concerned, she has not only the Union element to contend with in her own State, but also the presence of a large body of federal troops at Cairo. Old Jim Lane is on their track, on their Western border, The great Northwest—with its countless numbers, and millions of dollars' worth of bread-stuffs, not a pound of which can go below Cairo, armed with rifles which in their hands are used with great dexterity, with a fleet of steamboats that would reach from Boston to Gloucester—will steam down the Mississippi, and sweep both banks from St. Louis to the Gulf. Let your readers for a moment compare the resources of the North with those of the South.— Where is the Southern navy? Echo answers— where? Where is their money? Aside from the two hundred millions of dollars which the North holds of their protested paper, falling due in the last six months, they have not the means to redeem one dollar in twenty of their bank issues.— Their bonds in any foreign country not worth a picayune, they are carrying on the war with forced loans made upon their own people. Their financial condition is certainly in a most precarious state. Soldiers must be fed, clothed, and armed, and they cannot buy a dollars' worth of bread stuffs or munitions of war from the North, with no manufacturies or men capable of engaging in any mechanical pursuit, how can they successfully compete with the wealth, energy, and industrious habits of our Northern mechanics?
+In closing this letter, Mr. Editor, I would say, that persons having friends in the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, and wishing to correspond with them, can dispatch their letters to Washington.— They will be forwarded to the Regiment in whatever section of the country they may be, More Anon, W. D. G.
+{{ :6th_mass_inf:cambridge_ma_chronicle_1861_05-18_2.png?linkonly|}}
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-{{:{{ :6th_mass_inf:cambridge_ma_chronicle_1861_05-18_2.png?600 |img}}
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+//Railroad Mercury//, May 23, 1861
-<figure label>
+around. The soldiers have no camp equipage and are obliged to bivouac in the open air, which is not the pleasantest thing in the world, considering the fact that it has rained nearly the whole time for twenty-four hours; but the men, nothing disheartened, built wigwams of boughs, and those not actually on guard tumbled into these sieve-like dens and bore it as best they could. But thanks to fortune the glorious sun shines forth this morning, lighting up one of the finest landscape any where to be seen, bringing with it warm rays, joy and happiness to the soldiers as they sit around the camp fires, discussing bread, beef, coffee, and the state of the Union.
-{{:{{ :6th_mass_inf:railroad_mercury_1861-05-23_2.png?800 |img}}
-<caption>railroad_mercury_1861-05-23</caption>
+This is most like a "soldier's life" of anything we have experienced since we left home; for there is something romantic and bewitching in this open field life, seeking food and sleep where accident or fortune may lead us. Our quarters are about half a mile from the relay House, which is a favorite watering place in summer; and within the lines of the camp is stationed a detachment of the Boston Light Artillery, 107 men, with six field pieces commanding the railroad; and nothing in the shape of stores is allowed to pass over the Baltimore and Ohio R. R. without being inspected by the troops, for which purpose three companies of the Sixth have been detailed for that especial duty. Already they have seized large quantities of provisions and arms destined for Virginia. Gen. Butler has has quarters at the Relay House, which is in possession of Government troops, he has visited the quarters of our Regiment and told the men they were to have three meals a day. The intelligence as might be expected was received with rounds of applause. This is a very important post, and I understand it is the intention of the Government to hold it for a time at least.
-</figure>
+The eighth N. Y. Regiment is just back of us and a few rods distant; there are in all about two thousand troops at this place. One of the soldiers of the 8th N. Y. Regiment accidentally shot himself yesterday, and was buried at sunset last night. The funeral procession was a sad and solemn sight; as the funeral train passed slowly by our camp the soldiers formed in line and removing their hats stood silently viewing the melancholy spectacle. It was one of the most solemn sights I ever witnessed. Presently the notes of the muffled drum ceased, and we heard the farewell shot discharged over the grave where they had laid him. Almost a fatal accident happened in our camp yesterday. One of the men was a poisoned by eating some food sent from Baltimore containing strychnine; although it is possible he will recover, yet he had a narrow escape, which he probably owes to the fact that he took an over dose of the poison, besides having prompt medical assistance.
+We have read a great deal in the papers about what the good people at home were doing for the soldiers in the way of supplies, but we began to think it all a "hum" until yesterday, when six hundred dollars in gold arrived to be divided among the soldiers from Lowell. Now to me this seems very sensible, (not to intimate that every one wished himself a Lowell soldier,) for money is the very thing that makes the men comfortable after all. It may not appear so, but it is nevertheless a fact, that it is very expensive business, this being a soldier, where every thing is held at such ruinous prices. I have no doubt it has cost the greater part of the soldiers more to live since they left home than all their pay will amount to. We are hourly expecting to receive our camp equipage and supplies, which will make us happy for the time being at least. Miss Lander, the scupltress, and her sister Mrs. Col. Lander, better known as Miss Davenport the actress, very kindly nursed the sick men of our regiment at Washington, and are deserving of all praise for their attentions and benevolent labors. We have had many offers to tend the sick, but the the ladies have come in and quietly rendered us untold services in caring for them, and it is but just their services should be publicly acknowledged. The charge in the sentiment of the people of Baltimore, and in fact the whole State, is remarkable. a few days ago the secessionists had it all their own way, but the Baltimore papers have come out strong for the government, including the Sun, a disunion sheet and are doing all they can to avert the commercial run which just now seems to threaten the city. the fact is the thinking men of Baltimore begin to see it is useless to oppose the Government, which has it in its power to shut off all trade, and to all intents and purposes close the city. Crowds of the citizens of Baltimore are hovering about our camp to-day, eager to get a sight at the "Sixth," as well as to learn anything concerning the probably movement of troops.
+Before I close I will say that I visited the Charlestown City Guard at their quarters, in Washington, and found them well and in good spirits. The office seekers were returning to Washington under the protection afforded by the arrival of troops at the seat of government.
+General Butler is a great favorite with the soldiers, from the fact that he takes especial care of his men, looking as well as he possibly can to all their little comforts. More anon. J. T. P.
+{{ :6th_mass_inf:railroad_mercury_1861-05-23_2.png?linkonly|}}
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+//Boston Traveler//, May 28, 1861
-<figure label>
+Tent Life at the Relay Camp, etc.
-{{:{{ :6th_mass_inf:boston_traveler_1861-05-28_2.png?400 |img}}
-<caption>boston_traveler_1861-05-28</caption>
+RELAY CAMP, May 24, 1861.
-</figure>
+I believe that the soldiers and officers of the 6th and 8th Mass. Regiments, who are encamped on the Heights above the Relay House are enjoying themselves far better sleeping and eating under canvas or in the open air, than the ordinary citizen does in his house of wood, or stone, or brick. For the past few days, the weather has been superb. The nights have been cool but brilliant, with moonlight and starlight. The days have been warm and sunny. Long before the morning reveille the white canvas under which you are sleeping grows golden with the early morning light.
+The whole country here is thickly embowered with woods, whose foliage wears the delicate green of Spring. No wonder that our men enjoy themselves and wax fet. Their fare is good and abundant, and they are making rapid progress in the drill. In fact the 6th and 8th M. V. M. are fast becoming accomplished soldiers. Hardee's drill manual is in everybody's hands. This same Hardee by the way is in the rebel camp. He is another of those Southern born West Pointers, who have lifted their hands against the North which fostered them. However he but teaches bloody instructions which return to plague the inventor.
+The camp was yesterday relieved of the presence of the famous steam gun. I suppose by this time it is in your midst. One of the most lively incidents connected with the Relay camp is the passage below of new regiments in the cars for Washington. Our troops at such times are generally drilling on the side hill above the railroad track. The cheering on both sides is terrific in its enthusiasm.
+I believe I can truly say that everything connected with the Massachusetts Sixth is as it should be. There is now the utmost harmony prevailing between officers and men.
+During the past week Lieutenant Colonel Watson has been in command of the Sixth Regiment. He is a brave, energetic and able officer. I predict a brilliant career for Col. Watson. The camp here is literally flooded with newspapers from all points North of Mason and Dixon's line. Our soldiers her are well posted in the history of passing events. It is amusing to hear them discussing men and events in their tents at night. Their remarks generally indicate a high degree of acuteness and intelligence. Sometimes at night the tents resound will all kinds of melodies from grave to gay. Now they are plaintive, not they are comical.
+Many officers and men take the present opportunity to pay Baltimore a flying visit. They report that they are universally well treated. Capts. Noyes and Follansbee were overloaded with attention. Every now and then a crowd of ladies visit the camp, and shed a gleam of feminine loveliness over the stern features of camp life.
+The camp grounds belong to a gentleman resident in the immediate vicinity, by the name of Dr. Hall. His lady the other day sent a beautiful Havelock, the work on her own hands, to Capt. Follansbee, of the Lowell Phalanx. In fact, the Sixth and Eighth Regiments stand A No. 1 in the good will of the residents here. Of course they would rather not be living in the midst of armed men, but if they must be under the rule of the sword and musket, they prefer Massachusetts to any other to be encamped in their midst.\\
+J. F. N.
+{{ :6th_mass_inf:boston_traveler_1861-05-28_2.png?linkonly|}}
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+//Boston Post//, June 12, 1861
+Letter from the Sixth Regiment,
+CAMP NEAR RELAY HOUSE,\\
+MARYLAND, June 8, 1861.\\
+Dear Post —Nothing has transpired in camp to interest your readers since my last. A supposed Secessionist is occasionally captured, however, and sometimes an alarm is given that brings the glorious Sixth into line with "little finger on the seams of their pants, palms out," ready to smell powder. But the boys have always been ordered back to their quarters, or learning that the alarm was false, disappointed at never being allowed to meet the traitors. I trust, nevertheless, that the Sixth will have a pop at Jeff Davis before the end of Summer. I cannot believe that the mission of the Regiment is ended.
+Winfield Scott Anderson has been arrested in the cars by the guard detailed from our Regiment with letters in his boots and $10,000 worth of Southern Confederacy bank bills (not signed) His father being, an engraver, young Anderson was carrying, the dispatches' and bills to Winchester and Harper's Ferry. He gave bail in $4000 and is now in Baltimore. Col. Jones has every car bound South strictly searched, and every trunk, box or package is opened or broken open to find contraband goods. I saw a trunk opened yesterday from which about thirty letters were taken, directed to as many different parties in South Carolina, with the United States postage stamp on each envelope. A box of oranges was also opened and found to contain, besides two layers of oranges, ten thousand percussion caps,—a timely seizure.
+The regiment of Maryland troops which has been quartered in this vicinity, was last week completely clothed and equipped by the Government and encamped at a place about two miles from Baltimore, where it now remains. We do not have much faith in the men. They appear to have been enlisted from the worst of Baltimore, and fighting among themselves was the order of the day when they were here. I think a mistake is made in enlisting such men. They cost twice as much, and are not worth half as much as intelligent, industrious men who enlist from principle.
+Rev. Mr Hepworth, of Boston, is in camp, and we are anxious to have him preach for us to-morrow. He will probably do so if he does not leave this afternoon. The consolidated morning report of the Sixth Regiment to-day (June 8th) shows our force to be as follows -—Commissioned officers, 99; field and staff, 9; total privates, 609; sick, 28. Absent—Commissioned officers, 2; privates, 5, Effective privates 675. Aggregate 660. On the 26h of, April the, aggregate was 613, and there were 33 reported sick. The above figures show the regiment to be in a healthy condition, The 28 sick are troubled with a complaint caused by drinking too strong coffee. A few days in the hospital under the care of our excellent surgeon will bring them into the ranks again.
+Much fault has been found by letter writers here with Col. Jones's management, but I really hope he will not be censured by the people of Massachusetts before his treatment of his regiment has been investigated. We have suffered a great many things since we left Boston, and Col. Jones has been blamed, but the unfortunate circumstances were entirely beyond his control. When we left Boston we were not half equipped, having no camp equipage at all, and but very few cooking utensils. As soon as we arrived in Washington all communication was cut off, and the arrivel of those things that we so much needed was thus delayed. The means were of course irregular, which gave the men a chance to talk and then to write how hard their lot was. And when we came to the Relay House, and the rain fell in torrents before our tents arrived, Col. Jones was still blamed for everything, and no credit given him for the many, kind acts which he had done for his regiment. The Eighth Regiment also took the matter in hand, and disgraced themselves by hanging in effigy the man who had been a friend to Col. Hinks and his command. Massachusetts people ought to consider all these things before passing a hasty judgment.
+The "Daughter of the Regiment" presented to each company this morning sixteen boxes Strawberries. With her hat trimmed with "red, white and blue,"" it was very interesting to see her at the side of the wagon superintending in a lady-like manner the delivery of the luxury.
+D.
+{{:1st_md_inf:boston-post-jun-12-1861-p-2a.png?linkonly|}}
+----
 //Massachusetts Spy//, June 12, 1861
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 THE MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENTS AT THE RELAY HOUSE. The Sixth and Eighth Massachusetts Regiments are still at the Relay House, and if they have been ordered away it was probably for service in the immediate vicinity. We make the following extracts from a letter to the Boston Advertiser, dated—last Friday, respecting the Massachusetts regiments, written at the Relay House.
-Posted in this stronghold, with nothing to break the monotony more serious than an occasional night alarm, the troops are having an easy time. They find opportunity for drills and for dress-parades, such as officers in the Fourth Regiment sigh for in vain. The Eighth, especially, under Col. Hinks, has improved its opportunities, and is now one of the best regiments in the service, officers and men having had all the "bounce" of militia training knocked out of them, and having acquired the steady bearing and solid movement of regular troops. Besides having the advantage of an admirable camping-ground, the troops here have also learned valuable lessons as to the use of their rations. Officers and men declare that the supply under the army regulations is so abundant that, as one stout, hearty young private told me, "no man can eat his own ration." Under the supervision of Hon. Dexter F Parker, of the Sixth, now Acting Commissary of the post, economy in the use of rations has been made a system, and regular exchanges of the surplus, are made, so as to procure for the men an additional variety of articles such as the government does not supply. With constant labor and with some generous expenditures from his own private resources, Lieut. Parker hass reduced all these matters to order, and has enabled both regiments to get a considerable amount to their credit in the ration account with the Government. One item which I observed was 650 pounds of coffee, saved by the Eighth, if I remember rightly, within this month. The effect of all this upon the spirits as well as health of the men is at once obvious. They are for a most cheerful, contented, and eager for action.
+Posted in this stronghold, with nothing to break the monotony more serious than an occasional night alarm, the troops are having an easy time. They find opportunity for drills and for dress-parades, such as officers in the Fourth Regiment sigh for in vain. The Eighth, especially, under Col. Hinks, has improved its opportunities, and is now one of the best regiments in the service, officers and men having had all the "bounce" of militia training knocked out of them, and having acquired the steady bearing and solid movement of regular troops. Besides having the advantage of an admirable camping-ground, the troops here have also learned valuable lessons as to the use of their rations. Officers and men declare that the supply under the army regulations is so abundant that, as one stout, hearty young private told me, "no man can eat his own ration." Under the supervision of Hon. Dexter F Parker, of the Sixth, now Acting Commissary of the post, economy in the use of rations has been made a system, and regular exchanges of the surplus, are made, so as to procure for the men an additional variety of articles such as the government does not supply. With constant labor and with some generous expenditures from his own private resources, Lieut. Parker has reduced all these matters to order, and has enabled both regiments to get a considerable amount to their credit in the ration account with the Government. One item which I observed was 650 pounds of coffee, saved by the Eighth, if I remember rightly, within this month. The effect of all this upon the spirits as well as health of the men is at once obvious. They are for a most cheerful, contented, and eager for action.
 The chief complaint which I heard, of any hardship at the hands of the government, was caused by the doubt as to whether they can be taken on their present cones into the three year's service. The Eighth regiment is eager to be recruited up to the full standard and mustered in for long term, and the Sixth might easily be made the basis for another valuable corps. The great point on which they insist is that they shall not lose their present regimental numbers; they are jealous of having any new regiment confounded with the Sixth that forced its way through Baltimore, or the Eighth that opened the road to Washington, and they have a right to have their honest pride respected. It is not possible that this opportunity to obtain two regiments which have had their training in actual service, and have become accustomed to army fare and inured to the climate, will be neglected by the government, I am glad to add that these regiments are also recommended by their approved good conduct, the inhabitants in the neighborhood of the camp, including the gentlemen whose grounds are occupied by some of the troops, having petitioned to the War Department to the Massachusetts men retained at this post. On the other hand it is said that the neighborhood was somewhat relieved at the departure of the Maryland regiment, which was at one time encamped close by the Relay House.
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+----
+//Boston Traveler//, June 26, 1861
+THE EIGHTH (MASS.) IN CAMP.
+Camp Life - A Stroll to a Maryland Town - Poverty and Desolation - The Inhabitants - Presentation of Colors to the Regiment by the Ladies of New York - Other Presentations - Return Home of the Three Months Men - Negroes and Flies.
+From our Correspondent.
+CAMP NEAR RELAY HOUSE, MD., \\
+June 22, 1861.
+Camp life drags along somewhat monotonously with us at the relay camp. To be a soldier and know that we are entitled by right to be in old Virginia where the fighting is going on, and yet be forced to remain quietly here with another regiment for something, the possible good of which you cannot see, is most certainly a grievous bore. Well-appointed regiments destined to Virginia via Washington, are carried by our encampment by the railroad every day. We greet them with patriotic enthusiasm, but at the same time we cannot help envying them the good fortune of being permitted to pay their respects to the poor fools down South who are growing very angry at being let alone.
+The weather continues dry and hot, but as our drills are now early in the morning and late in the evening, exclusively, we manage with but little difficulty to keep tolerably comfortable, and the long rest at mid-day gives us plenty of chance to bathe, or to walk about the country, for which passes are issued in liberal numbers. The most of my recent walks have been through the neighboring woods; but a day or two since I passed through the streets of the adjoining village of Elkridge Landing, where some years since there was in operation Iron works which gave employment to a large number of men; but the furnace has ceased operation and closed up some time ago and every inch of the premises is the very picture of desolation. Nearly all the dwellings of the village are in keeping with the furnace property. The brick store, after fourteen failures in one year, shut up shop, and
+closed its shutters for the last time; the houses, for the most part, are miserable specimens of architecture, sadly out of repair, and somewhat after the supposed style of Noah's ark; the inhabitants, if one may judge by appearances are not rich enough to be troubled with investments, and too lazy to warrant any fears of their ever adding, by labor, much more to their wordly goods; in short, the whole concern is about as much of a one horse with a broken harness settlement as I every saw.
+And yet this settlement, as poor as it is, is quite a convenience to us. From its inhabitants we procure, at reasonable rates, milk, eggs, butter, fruit, &c.: but we are of still more advantage to them, for aside from what they gain from us by peddling, washing, and doing trifling errands, they obtain our swill for their hogs, our cast-off clothing for their growing children, and our surplus rations for themselves. It is a singular community hereabout - a mixture of Union and secession sentiment. I met a man yesterday, who told me that he had two brothers who had been pressed into the Virginia service, and that one of them was totally blind in one of his eyes, yet he expressed strong Union sentiments, and would, if necessary, enter the Federal forces and trust of Heaven to care for his wife and children. Then, on the other hand, there is a professed secessionist residing near our camp, who is reputed wealthy, and who has a son holding a commission in the Confederate Army; he sent one of his men into camp, a day or two since, with a load of cherries to sell, and the darkey told me, confidentially, that the old man had never sold his cherries before, but times were had and money scarce, and he wanted to raise enough to pay his daughter's music tutor the next day, and so keep up his reputation for prompt payment.
+There are in this vicinity numerous well-to-do farmers with fine estates, well improved, and to a number of them our men are under great obligation for favors rendered; their strawberry beds and cherry trees have been thrown open to us with great liberality, and consequently we have had fruit in profusion. One of my mess tells of climbing into a cherry tree a day or two since, where he eat so many cherries that the stones which he dropped upon the ground almost reached a lower limb of the tree! I am inclined to doubt his statement, but I am positive that he and two companions were disturbed last night in their slumbers by cramps, supposed to be caused by too much fruit.
+Our regiment is not likely to want for regimental colors. We had a third banner presented to us last Friday. It is the present of several ladies of New York, and was forwarded to us through Maj. Gen. Butler with the following neat letter:
+"To Gen. Butler: We take pleasure in presenting this flag to the Sixth Mass. Regiment as a token of our admiration and respect for the noble and courageous men, who were among the first to obey their country's call to arms, and the first to shed their blood in defence of the laws and property of the United States."
+The donors are Mesdames Lydig, Kernochan and Colden, and Misses Berriam, Lydig, Gerry, Fish, Lorillard, Clift, Wolfe, Russell, Prime, Campbell, Wilkes, Minton, Field, Tompkins, Griffin and Whitsey. Gen. Butler says in forwarding the flag - "It gives me pleasure to be the medium of transmission between the ladies of New York and your Regiment of this token of good will. I know that in the hands of my old friends and neighbors it will be borne forward in such manner, as never to call a blush to the cheek of the fair donors, but they will hear of it carried in advance of you, with sparkling eyes of pleasure and triumph."
+Col. Watson forwarded to the ladies the following letter of acknowledgment:
+HEAD QUARTERS 6th Regiment M. V. M.\\
+Camp near Relay House, June 21.
+To Miss Berriam and other ladies of New York City
+In behalf of my command, the 6th Regiment of Mass. V. M., I take great pride in acknowledging the gift from you of the beautiful Regimental Colors transmitted by Major Gen. Butler. Such a gift - wrought by fair hands - prompted by pure and patriotic hearts, and presented to us by a gallant officer whose name every citizen of our old Commonwealth pronounces with pride, and to whom the eyes of an expectant country are turned, calls out from every heart in our land the terms of gratitude, and nerves every arm uplifted in the pledge of devotion to the flag. To us it symbolizes the pure patriotism of the Fathers - their noble blood shed and the band of free States united. It reminds us of the successful labors of those great and good men who followed in their footsteps, and following, nourishes the growth of Freedom's Empire. In its folds we read the call to duty in a cause which seeks only to maintain and not to conquer. In behalf of every officer and soldier in the 6th Regiment, I feel authorized to return sincere thanks to the fair donors and to pledge a rally around that flag whenever floes or traitors danger it, and that we will never dishonor it.\\
+B. F. WATSON\\
+Lieut. Col. Commanding.
+While on the subject of flags I may as well say that we are expecting to be presented with another one from the Union merchants of Baltimore. The Eighth Regiment have also had a splendid affair in that line presented to them by the ladies of the New York Seventh.
+Our men are now engrossed with the subject of returning home, and rumors are rife that we shall return before the expiration of our time, but rumor is liable to be false; most of our men will probably reenlist for the war, but I think that ll of them will desire to return and arrange their business and see their friends; besides, some of our boys desire to try a different arm of service. As our present term of service draws to a close we are receiving smarter drills, and the reins of government are being drawn a trifle tauter by the officials. Besides the "Shirks' Battalion," we have almost daily court martials, and they sentence men to carry knapsacks upon their backs containing from 25 to 40 lbs. of stone for several hours. The regiment remains very healthy, and although we have at present a very fine hospital, for which purposes we have taken possession of a find house a short distance from the camp; yet the boys do not seem inclined to patronize it to the extent that was anticipated, but those who are sick receive the very best of care. The wife and daughter of Col. Jones - who still remain in camp - as well as the colonel himself, are very attentive to them.
+Negroes and flies are very thick here, the latter, perhaps, a trifle the thickest, but the former the greatest annoyance by all odds. Nearly all our commissioned officers sport a darkey body servant, which which the camp is over-run, and they all answer with great pleasure to the name of Ephraim. There is a big nigger wench, a frequent visitor to the camp, formerly a slave, who had a hand cut off by a mowing machine some years since, who, with many other of the blacks hereabouts seem to think that our mission is to free all the slaves. She answers readily to the above general name, and swears worse than any man in our Regiment.
+If the friends of any of our men wonder why then do not hear from them they must bear in mind that the most of us are out of money, without postage stamps, and that the franking privilege is cut off.\\
+Co. K.
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 There are law-abiding, Union-loving people in Baltimore, whose sympathies have been and were extended to the Sixth Regiment, who deprecated in unmeasured terms the transactions of that day, and who gave their whole might and strength to avert it. An expression of their sympathies and admiration was made manifest on the Fourth of July, by the presentation of an American flag to them, the cost of which was $350—one of the most beautiful emblems of our nation that I have ever witnessed. The presentation occurred about five o'clock in the afternoon, previous to which time a special train, containing a great number of ladies and gentlemen, including the donors, had arrived. The presentation speech and Col, Jones' reply are worthy a place in your columns. The "Daughter of the Regiment," when the flag was given into the hands of Col. Jones, stepped forward and crowned it with a beautiful wreath of flower which was altogether unexpected on the part of the donors and recipients, and which act was received with great applause, The "Star Spangled Banner" was sung in a masterly and impressive style, by Mr. A. J. Burbank, of the Lowell Mechanic Phalanx, whose clear, deep baritone voice in the beautiful and patriotic melody and words, received the applause it merited. Patriotic songs were sung by other individuals, and a number of glees by our quartette club.
-But to return, Mr. Editor, to the Sixth, which we fully expected would enjoy their patriotic devotions in Baltimore. Quarters quite comfortable were prepared for them fur a lengthy stay, but on Tuesday afternoon last they were returned "home," like dutiful children from a careful and concientious schoolteacher, having not only learned their part well, but did it, each with a diploma in his hand, to be given up to their good mother on reaching the paternal roof.
+But to return, Mr. Editor, to the Sixth, which we fully expected would enjoy their patriotic devotions in Baltimore. Quarters quite comfortable were prepared for them for a lengthy stay, but on Tuesday afternoon last they were returned "home," like dutiful children from a careful and concientious schoolteacher, having not only learned their part well, but did it, each with a diploma in his hand, to be given up to their good mother on reaching the paternal roof.
 We had no sooner received the order, "arms aport—break ranks!" and rushed to our respective tents, than word came to full in at eight o'clock for "special duty." Two hours for supper and rest. The words "special duty," Mr. Editor, to a solider, is received with lively joy and excitement. It is like a recess to a wearied scholar, as he bounds unrestrained through the open door, to enjoy the exhilarating recreation. Supper was dispatched and the men were in readiness, fully equipped, and with blankets strapped on their backs. The Washington Light Guard of Boston, Stoneham Light Infantry, and Watson Light Guard of Lowell, were the companies detailed, and each reported with full ranks. Surmises were various as to the special duty could be, It had been reported about the camp that a body of secession cavalry were in the habit of drilling nightly some six miles distant, and that it was for the purpose of putting a stop to this kind of sport. As each company filed from its quarters, it was welcomed with cheers and exclamations from those who remained in camp. The battalion took seats in the cars awaiting them, and accompanied by Colonel Jones and Lieut. Col. Watson, they departed on the road for Washington.
@@ Line 816: / Line 1004: @@
 Well, it was so—not from a desire to shun danger, exposure, or battles; but it was an imperative duty to themselves as well as to their families to return to arrange for their wants. It has been stated in Boston papers that one hundred and fifty men of the Sixth returned a week before the Regiment. This is not so; only twenty-three returned.
-But to resume: knapsacks which had accumulated considerable of a little treasury, were packed in boxes, thus saving the soldiers the task of carrying a very heavy backload. There was very little sleep or rest that night. Lieut, Porter's headquarters, which, on his departure for Baltimore, he "made over" to our "Hazzarac, the Hermit of Battery Glen," was fired. This was a very nice residence—small to be sure, bat infinitely more substantial than numerous cabins in the locality of the camp, occupied by whites and negroes. The night was quite dark, and the huge blaze as it licked the trees and boughs contiguous made the surrounding scenery most beautiful and startling. From the running and hilarious "‘hi-hi's" and ringing of cow-bells, one would think that the whole Cambridge Fire Department was on the spot.
+But to resume: knapsacks which had accumulated considerable of a little treasury, were packed in boxes, thus saving the soldiers the task of carrying a very heavy backload. There was very little sleep or rest that night. Lieut, Porter's headquarters, which, on his departure for Baltimore, he "made over" to our "Hazzarac, the Hermit of Battery Glen," was fired. This was a very nice residence—small to be sure, but infinitely more substantial than numerous cabins in the locality of the camp, occupied by whites and negroes. The night was quite dark, and the huge blaze as it licked the trees and boughs contiguous made the surrounding scenery most beautiful and startling. From the running and hilarious "‘hi-hi's" and ringing of cow-bells, one would think that the whole Cambridge Fire Department was on the spot.
 The sound of the hammer, and of wagons conveying heavily packed boxes to the depot, was heard all night. At two o'clock, Tuesday morning, the tents were struck, end the camp now had distressed but very interesting appearance. At seven o'clock we marched to the depot and formally gave the Relay Camp into the keeping of the 2d Michigan Regiment —a body of wiry, plucky, substantial looking men. At half-past eight, we went "through Baltimore" for the fourth time, and the only time when our guns were not loaded. No enthusiasm was manifested by citizens during the two miles march, except at the Custom House. Once on the route we saw a small insignificant secesh flag waving from a window in defiance at us, but no notice was taken of it. On arriving at the depot we found a Pennsylvania Regiment waiting for the iron muscle. They had been kept thus sixteen hours in the cars, waiting patiently, of course, for soldiers have to cultivate that remarkable virtue,—for a start home. They had been in the battle at Bull Ran, and had with them several trophies, the most conspicuous of which was  a large rebel flag, whose drooping folds was o'er topped by the bridge stars and stripes. Cars were waiting for us, After twelve hours of patient endurance, we sped off on the iron rail. While waiting, the Boston Light Artillery and Major Devins' Rifle Battalion arrived, homeward bound.

Howard County, MD in the Civil War

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