LCCWHLA: The Union Standard

Opening Shots

From Vince Slaugh, Editor :

Hurrah for Landis Valley! Welcome to another edition of the Union Standard. This issue contains some resources that I hope you find interesting and useful for historical interpretation. Our favorite historical fashion guru, Lindsey Koch, leads with an interesting commentary on three carte-de-visite photographs from the collection of Tom and Janice Grove. Following that is a collection of “snippets” from the 1863 election in Pennsylvania designed to introduce you to the issues and rhetoric. The final main piece reminds us how interesting the history of the Union Guards (the company we portray) is, beyond Gettysburg, as they leave Pennsylvania in 1861.

Thank you to all who supported the presentation given on June 26 graciously hosted by Nancy Koch on the home-front repercussions of battle. Like desserts, good discussion abounded that evening. Hopefully, many more such “educational” experiences will take place in the near future, as our group reorients itself away from monthly business meetings. I certainly learned much about making such presentations and hopefully will present next time with a better grasp of what works and how to explain a historical topic in an interesting and informative manner.

If you just picked up this newsletter at our Landis Valley stand, please feel free to flip through and learn more about the Union Guards and the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster, as they existed in the 1860s and as they are recreated today. Enjoy!

Vince Slaugh

*****Civilian Pages*****

Photograph Gallery and Fashion Notes

By Lindsey Koch

All photographs that appear in this article are reproduced courtesy of Tom and Janice Grove.

Pictured above and to the left is a lady in her mid-twenties to thirties. Not to jump to conclusions like many eBay sellers out there, but it is very possible that the dress she is wearing is a mourning dress. What leads us to this assumption? The collar on her dress is dark in color and the dress is of a dull luster. The fabric is most likely a silk or wool or a blend of the two. It also has minimal trim. The trim that is existent is dark like the dress. The handkerchief she carries looks to have initials embroidered on it. The sleeves style is a full gathered sleeve and the skirt is knife pleated. The skirt shape looks elliptical at the back and the skirt may be slightly longer there. The bodice is darted and closes with hooks and eyes. The skirt has three large tucks at the bottom as decoration–another example of the minimalist trim options. She appears to have a brooch at the neckline of her dress. The hair is parted at the center, as was the standard for the era. The hair is shiny and smooth, possibly due to period hair products. The hair is pulled tightly over the ears–a style which was very common for the era but is rarely seen on reenactors. It is a great option for people with straight hair and is very flattering on some face shapes. The hair is pulled into a low chignon at the nape of the neck. The lady wears a decorative net with ribbon trim, streamers fall down one side of the face.

The CDV above and to the right displays an interesting hairstyle option. The lady pictured is fairly young, probably in her 20s. We can tell this by the style of bodice she wears–a garibaldi styled white bodice with a silk jacket over it. This was a style popular among younger women and could be worn until the early to mid-20s. It would be entirely inappropriate for anyone older though. The hairstyle however could be carried into a later age. The hair is parted in the center and rolled, it is then braided and the braid is pinned into place slightly covering the ears and carried to the back were it falls at the nape of the neck. This low hairstyle is common for the era and helps to keep a bonnet in its proper position. Often this placement of the hair is overlooked by reenactors. Changing your hairstyle to reflect this lower placement of the chignon can dramatically affect the authenticity of your look. It was common to add purchased strands of human hair to hairstyles during the era to achieve a fuller look. Hair switches were advertised in period fashion magazines, and instructions were provided for their use. A piece of hair matching the natural hair color may have been inserted near the start of the braid to add a fuller look to the hair around the face. During the 1860s it was considered beautiful for the face to look full. When styling the hair it is often helpful to use hair pomades that can help mimic the effects achieved by natural hair products during the period. It is also helpful to allow the hair to retain its natural oils by not washing the hair immediately before an event.

At the left is a woman possibly in her thirties. She wears a nice silk day dress with a slightly elliptical hoop. The dress features a set of white collar and cuffs. Dresses during the civil war usually always featured a collar, and often cuffs. The collar was tacked on inside the neckline of the dress so that it could be easily removed for frequent laundering, since the dress itself was not so frequently washed. This dress features buttons down the center front, although these are likely just for decoration and not functional. The bodice probably fastens closed with hooks and eyes. The sleeves are of the leg-o-mutton fashion with double puffs at the shoulder and a tighter sleeve below. The front of the bodice and the skirt are trimmed with gathered and pinked silk, likely of the same shade as the dress. A belt fits securely around the waist. The lady wears a set of kid-skin leather gloves in a dark shade with lighter detailing on the front below the fingers. She carries a light colored handkerchief. The hair is parted at the center and pulled back, covering most of the ears. It rests low on the back of her neck.

Snippets from the Pennsylvania Election of 1863

By Vince Slaugh

Coinciding with this year’s Landis Valley Civil War Village and its focus on Pennsylvania’s election of 1863, this article serves as an introduction to the issues and characters of that election. The governor’s race possessed great significance as a referendum on the conduct of the war, which included questions about the effectiveness of the Lincoln Administration and the future of African-Americans as soldiers and citizens. As a disclaimer, it contains many hastily-written generalizations, but it will do.

Voters could show support for the war by voting for the Union Republican Party candidate, incumbent Gov. Andrew G. Curtin. Or, voters could show skepticism about the war by voting for the Democratic Party candidate, Judge George Woodward.

Republicans, who also wanted to be called the Union Party to attract Democrats who supported the war, generally:

§ Supported incumbent Governor Andrew Curtin in 1863

§ Supported President Abraham Lincoln

§ Despised Democrats who did not support the war as disloyal “copperheads” and rattlesnakes and built much of their campaign around condemning disloyalty

§ Advocated harsher measures for eliminating slavery in the South

§ Promoted the use of African-American regiments to varying degrees

§ Received much more support (like public letters) from soldiers in the field

§ Postured as “friends of the soldier” and called Democrats enemies of the soldier

§ Affiliated more closely with ladies’ aid societies

§ Supported the draft

§ Attacked Judge Woodward for pro-Southern and “anti-soldier” statements that he made in speeches before and during the Civil War

Democrats generally:

§ Supported incumbent Governor Andrew Curtin in 1863

§ Denounced President Abraham Lincoln, often calling him a tyrant or a primate (especially a baboon)

§ Called themselves “conservatives,” generally referring to a Constitutional outlook and a resistance to making drastic changes to the contemporary racial hierarchy

§ Spoke much more of civil liberties and the Constitution

§ Condemned Republicans as radical abolitionists trying to hijack the war and turn it into a crusade to make blacks equal to whites

§ Played upon the racial fears of immigrant laborers, often claiming that Republican policies would allow freed slaves to come north, steal their jobs…and worse

§ Were outraged by the use of African-American regiments

§ Fought against the draft as a violation of civil liberties

§ Still supported the war against the South and cannot accurately be labeled “anti-war” (for the most part)

Opening with the Democratic point of view, the following is an editorial from the September 22, 1863, Lancaster Intelligencer:

THE RADICAL ABOLITIONISTS.

After all their pledges to be Union men, and to belong to a Union party, they are now coming out openly for the destruction of the Union our fathers made. They tell us now that they are not warring to restore the Union as they pledged the country, but that they intend to protract the war, and keep the seceding States out of the Union until they agree to abolish slavery. This most astounding and destructive policy they kept from the people as long as they could, to deceive them into their support, but the prospect of a return of some of the Southern States to the Union has drawn them out, and now they are showing their true colors. Bogus Union editors and bogus Union pretenders, whether speakers, preachers, or street brawlers can no longer deceive either the people at home, or the soldiers in the field. They have taken their position—to destroy the old Union, and the old Constitution, and to protract the war, for the mere purpose of abolishing slavery. Such is the wickedness and crime which these Abolition leaders have reached at last. They have forgotten their thousand promises to the soldiers and the people, that they would war only to restore the Union as our fathers made it. They openly proclaim the old Union dead, and the Constitution null and void, and yet in the face of all this treachery and public prostitution, these same bogus men have the hardihood to ask the people, and even the soldier who is enduring all the hardships of actual war for his country, to vote for them. It is not enough that these men or their party have stolen two hundred millions of dollars yearly since the war commenced, which the people have to pay in taxes; it is not enough that their party have tried, and in many cases successfully, to destroy the freedom of the press and of speech, the right of trial by jury, and the habeas corpus—that they have made and are executing laws in violation of the Constitution, and most abhorrent to the people, and destructive to the Union; it is not enough that they, with their co-workers in rebellion, have already sacrificed nearly half a million of valuable lives, and thousands of millions in property; but to cap the climax of all their crimes, they must now pervert the Government from the restoration of the Union and the aiding of States to return, into a negro crusade to destroy slavery. They are now determined that the old Union and Constitution, and slavery, shall be buried in the same grave, and this is the feast to which they invite the soldiers and the people. If there is an honest man, whether at home or in the field, who will uphold such rascality, we pity him from the depths of our hearts.

THE CANVASS FOR GOVERNOR,

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IMMENSE UNION MEETING AT LANCASTER,

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Thirty to Forty Thousand Assembled

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TWENTY ACRES COVERED WITH THE MULTITUDE

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demonstrations at darby, hestonville, &c.

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The Tour of the Governor,

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ENTHUSIASM OF THE PEOPLE.

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[Specially Reported for The Press.]

GOING TO LANCASTER

The trains going up to Lancaster, on Saturday, were heavily crowded. As we came to the county itself, deputations and less official gatherings of humanity and folks, men, women and children, from town, village, hamlet, farm, station, and wayside too far removed from the county capital for carriage or wagon conveyance, joined us in motley numbers.

The good people were full of good humor—genuine country bonhomie–and, withal, intelligent, simple and earnest. This plain character which the farmers of Lancaster keep as well as they keep their fields, conserves for us the virtue of “the good old times,” and makes this day of revolution worthy of our sires. The county of Lancaster is, perhaps, above all others, the truest representative of Pennsylvania yeomantry, in its fusion of races and general type of character. Consider, also, it’s natural and acquired riches—its industry, economy, and intelligence—its yield of leading public men, and its regular crop of majority for the Union ticket. Lancaster is steady and sure. Depend upon its majority, and do not wonder at its size.

POLITICAL WEATHER WISDOM

Standing in the cars or out on the platform is not pleasant, especially the latter, when the day is vague and chill, neither rain nor shine, and does not know itself. But it was a compensation to catch the tide of talk and enter into its interest. Two “eminently respectable Copperheads,” one a judge and the other a lawyer, sat together, and talked loudly and adroitly for a number of soldiers opposite. “No doubt the militia were cheated.” “The robberies committed at Harrisburg have been enormous.” “At any rate, Woodard is an honest man, whatever be said of him.” “It grieves me to the heart—the poor soldier suffers for everything.” The loyal people were figuring up majorities between themselves. “Lancaster’ll give six thousand at least.” “More’n that; people don’t know how the country’s been stirred up.” York was discussed, but, “Gettysburg” itself hadn’t redeemed it—it would “go against us foul.” “They’ll take ‘Skookle” county, too, but won’t count much of a majority.” Somebody asked, why don’t they go to work and evangelize the sinner counties –that is, throw the whole moral force of the party upon places regarded inveterately Democrat. Worse places in the South have been thoroughly Unionized. And so on.

LANCASTER

As we came into Lancaster we saw the streets crowded with people. On every side of the depot was one great throng of tailing[?] men. Going up Queen street it was the same rattle, racket, hub-bub and multitude. The whole town was in perfect holiday, and on fire with its enthusiasm. Heads were out at every window, and old-fashioned piazzas and balconies filled with women and children. The Union League building had suddenly grown from door, window, and roof, and in every place where nature could find a hold, a grove of festal evergreen. Other buildings were wreathed with arborvitae, and rejoiced in innumerable flags. Lancaster is, for all its modern growth, something quaint and Quaker built upon the square Penn principle, “a greene countrie towne.” Its plan is admirable, From the fine central open space between East and West Queen and North and South King streets; the city radiates to the four corners. Towards this centre the multitude poured in from east, west, south, and north, from every part of the county of Lancaster. Deputations of Union men, on horse, in carriages, and farm wagons, had been arriving for the grater part of the morning. This best blood of old Lancaster, so to speak, flowed into the heart of the ancient city, met in flood, like a meeting of the waters, and flowed out into all its avenues, like a strong tide.

THE GIRLS

Every one must have remarked with what a sou[?] and earnest the women of the land graces our celebrations and gatherings in the last Presidential campaign. The ladies (God bless them, says Gov. Curtin) helped us greatly to elect our President and our Governor. By contrast. Democracy, and disloyalty receive no such encouragement, illumination, and blessing as that given to our patriots and soldiers by our free-hearted, brave-hearted, tender-hearted Republican girls. These are home-angels that cry for our poor soldiers when they are slain, care for them with a motherly and sisterly care when they are wounded, but as “the bravest are the tenderest,” bid us God-speed (and let man acknowledge the fact with additional respect for the name of woman) in completing the righteous work of our honest forefathers.

The girls will elect Governor Curtin again. I have a maiden-like faith, unshadowed by a doubt. There was no end to their train in this procession. The wagons were full of beautiful lasses, dames, and little children. Nymphs and swains came in together, as if John were “taking his lass to the fair.” A decorated car, full of pretty girls from Strasburg, all in white, with bewitching cherry-colored, and sky-colored ribbons, sailed along, if possible, like a floating garden of roses, tulips, and carnations, only the flowers cannot laugh as they did, and be half as happy as they were. Some girls less pretty I saw than these white robed maidens, but they had the charm no less of our ever-loveable country clover.

A long detachment (or should we say attachment!) of young men, and young ladies came in pairs, each lady holding the banner of one of the States. Florida was pensive; Maine merry; Massachusetts eager and pretty; handsome Virginia was full of blushes, and quite subjugated; and lovely Pennsylvania, plump and laugher-loving, a fair type and promise. The idea of the procession of States was extremely happy in the liberal and entire spirit of “the complete Union.” Every lady and gentleman illustrated it harmoniously.

But no girls there were more beautiful than the Mount Joy girls, seated as on a mount of joy, and dispensing pleasure in the path of the procession. As this charming parade went by, the young men cheered vociferously, and all the old men looked as benignant as rich uncles and kind grandfathers. Along the march of the procession, all the ladies of Lancaster waved their handkerchiefs. The procession at last came to a halt. The equestrians dismounted, horses and carriages were stabled, and all prepared to form on foot after dinner, and go to the meeting ground.

THE MEETING GROUND

A common of some twenty acres a short distance from the town, was prepared for the meeting. Three stands had been erected, and long before the arrival of the speakers, many acres were covered with people. One looked from the stand, and saw an apparently endless crowd winding along the roads near and away, bearing banners and flags, and arriving at the stands. In a short time the common was covered; soldiers brought battle flags and women marched on foot in the procession. The people were intensely delighted, and before the principal stand were especially demonstrative. Neat teams of mules rode up to the stands, ringing the bells around their necks, and bearing wagon-loads of girls. At such times the uproar of enthusiasm was immense. Dr. Atlee called out: “This is the county meeting of Union men, in return for the State meeting of Copperheads!” and the people shouted again, “Look at the girls!” said the inspired Doctor, and the whole multitude again broke into cheers.

This great crowd was so disposed to be happy, that, would you “tickle it with a straw, it laughed with a harvest.” It covered twenty acres, and could not be less than 30,000 if not much more. On “hurrah” of this grand assemblage passed from hundred to thousands, from thousands to ten thousands, from people to people, as rapidly as sun or shadow passes over acres of wheat, and its last echo must have died away beyond Lancaster.

THE BANNERS

Some of the banners borne near the stands were very significant and meritorious. The Germans, from Lititz, bore this motto:

“We care nothing for Party: we love our Fatherland! Manheim had a banner: “Death to Traitors!”

Another motto was the following: “Traitors in the North, take warning to-day, the People are Moving!”

“Uncle Abe can depend on Us,” and—

“Curtin and the Union against Woodward and Treason,” were other inscriptions.

“Andrew Curtin, the Soldier’s Friend,” was written on fifty banners

Another proclaimed: “We hold our Soldiers not as Hirelings, but as Patriots.”

The Abolition Mass Meeting in this city, on Saturday last, was pretty largely attended by beardless young men, women and children—the two latter classes predominating. And yet notwithstanding this and the immense efforts to get it up, it was on the whole a fizzle. The time selected for the meeting was one of the very best in the year, and the peculiar circumstances surrounding this day made it the best. The rain of the previous day prevented the farmers from attending to any labor on their farms and as Saturday is a general holiday with them, of course their sons and daughters come to the city for business and to make purchases. The different delegations made a very imposing display with their banners, devices and mottoes. Among the latter however, we did not observe Mr. Stevens’ motto, “The Union as it was, and the Constitution as it is—God forbid!” This is the motto of the Abolition party of Lancaster County, for Thaddeus Stevens says so, and what he says is law and gospel with them. Therefore they should not be ashamed to carry the motto on their banners. It is decidedly more appropriate than the banner with the likeness of Andrew Jackson upon it, which was carried in the procession. The idea of Andrew Jackson’s name being associated with a band of fanatical Abolitionists is sacrilegious. We have neither time nor space to write of the affair as we should, and consequently our report is very brief. The main procession in the afternoon numbered a few over 1700 persons, men, boys, and women, and we know our readers will be surprised to learn that there was a large delegation of the latter on foot in the procession. There were from 5,000 to 6,000 persons on the ground where the speeches were made. The principal speakers were General John Cochrane, of New York, a “life-long Democrat,” who voted for Martin Van Buren against General Cass in 1848, and who was retired from his position in the army for the army’s good; our exquisite “ladies’ man,” Judge Shannon; Colonel Joseph W. Fisher, who distinguished himself on this occasion by an indiscriminate abuse of the Democratic soldiers in his regiment, the 5th Reserves, and a gentleman by the name of Noble. There were also speeches at a smaller stand by such small fry as Major Rudolph W. Shenk, and a pedegogue by the name of Barr. The speeches were so devoid of interest and anything like argument, that a good while before the close of the meeting there were scarcely one hundred persons, (not including the Abolition League of this city,) left on the ground. The managers begged and begged for the people to remain, but it was all of no use. Several gentleman, who were present, informed us that they felt very much for the speakers, who were so coldly treated. This meeting did not certainly show much interest or enthusiasm among the masses of the Abolition party in the Old Guard for the “Soldier’s Friend,” Andy [Curtin].

NOBLE RESOLUTIONS FROM BRAVE MEN,

Below we append a series of patriotic resolutions from the 1st Reserves, forwarded by our valued correspondent Capt. W. L. Bear. We received them on Saturday last, too late for our regular edition. No man who possesses a desire to see treason crushed and the Union restored, secession banished and our nationality preserved, copperheadism defeated, and loyalty, patriotism, and love of country supported, can fail to endorse these resolutions. They come to us as speaking the words of heroes, of soldiers, of patriots,—men who have braved, the horrors of the peninsula, and fought nobly in every battle that has made our arms victorious, who still will fight traitors in front and implore us to guard their line of communication by taking care of the guerilla Copperheads in the rear:

Headquarters 1st Regt. 1. P. R. V. C.

October 6th, 1863.

Whereas, We, being absent as Pennsylvanians from our native State in defence of our country, against a causeless and wicked attempt to overthrow constituted authority, and feeling a deep interest in the approaching gubernatorial contest, in justice to our friends in the State and to ourselves, take this method to express our sentiments upon the issues involved. Therefore,

Resolved, First, That our duty to our country and our State impels us to give our undivided and active support to the Administration now conducting the affairs of the National Government, in all its measures to suppress this wicked and unholy rebellion.

Second, That we know but one party at the presence crisis,—that which is for the vigorous prosecution of the war, until rebels lay down their arms, and spurning the proposition of “peace upon any terms”—believing that, at this stage of affairs, a conquered peace will be the quickest, best and cheapest mode of ending this war and preventing a recurrence.

Third, That we recognize no man as a friend of the Union, unless he is outspoken, and gives his earnest support to the government, and such sympathizers with treason as Vallandigham, Seymour, Woodward et al., we regard as dangerous men and enemies to the country.

Fourth, That in Andrew G. Curtin we behold the undoubted, earnest patriot and statesman, truly the “friend of the soldier,” the friend of his country, with energy and the ability for the crisis, to give force and effect to every requirement from the old Keystone, in support of national authority, and that we will hail his election with more joy than a success in battle, or a reinforcement to our army.

Fifth, That in Judge Woodward, the candidate of the mis-named Democratic party, we recognize an apologist for secession, an encourager to the rebellious, no friend of the soldier, and no true friend to our country; and we would regard his election to the gubernatorial chair of our State as a calamity to our country, as dispiriting to our army, and encouraging to the rebels.

Sixth, That, being disfranchised, we call upon all our friends, and upon all who have still a spark of love for their country remaining, to use every honorable means to elect Andrew G. Curtin, thereby hastening the fall of the rebellion, the punishment of traitors South and North, and secure to our country a peace, never again to be disturbed for the same cause.

[A list of officers signing the document followed. This included Col. Wm. Cooper Talley, Major T. B. Kauffman, Capt. William L. Bear (Co. B), Lt. Milton Weidler (Co. B), Philip L. Sprecher (Co. B), Capt. W. G. Wasson (Co. D), Lt. W. M. Trapnell (Co. D), and P. I. O’Rourke (Co. E)]

For more information, please play around with digitized Pennsylvania Civil War newspapers at:

http://www.libraries.psu.edu/digital/newspapers/civilwar/

While there, you might want to search for terms like “Woodward and Curtin” to see what comes up. Search the Columbia Spy or the Philadelphia Press if you want to find items related to Lancaster County. Also, if you are interested, you can read a Penn State honors thesis on Judge Woodward and his campaign available online at:

http://jbe.la.psu.edu/histrlst/Theses_Papers/Sturges/Thesis.pdf

Finally, in the actually election held on October 13, 1863, Curtin won 13,341 votes in Lancaster County versus Woodward, who won 7,650 Lancaster County votes. Statewide, Curtin won the election by a mere 3% of the vote over Woodward (according to the research paper listed in the above paragraph).

Notes for Landis Valley

From Meeting Minutes

From the May Meeting:

1. Any one selling things will be in the court yard.

2. We would like to separate ourselves from fundraising to be the organizing force behind the Soldier’s Fair with our priority being on interpretation rather than making money. We should send a clear message to the organizer this year that we are here to interpret.

3. There will be other presentations during this coming year that should help us determine what we need to be doing to be more interpretive and more interactive.

4. We need to have a schedule as to when the stand will be manned and by whom.

5. Someone will need to organize the food.

6. Susan will bring along a friend who has spinner skills to entice the public. Faith will bring her sewing machine. There will be quilting and Mary will bring a butter churn for Meg to churn butter

7. All ladies should be busy doing something with their hands.

From the July Meeting:

Everyone is asked to bring a gallon of yellow lemonade and a period-correct snack.

*****Military Pages*****

Camp Carroll, near Baltimore, Md.,

July 25, 1861.

Our two regiments at Camp Wayne did not get off on Saturday, as expected. The Seventh had to haul their baggage back from the depot, but the First got off on Sunday morning. It was escorted to the car, by the Seventh, and while halted in Church street, which is like a continuous arbor formed by the shade trees on either side, all the men were treated by the citizens of West Chester to warm coffee, cakes, pies and bread. It was relished, for the men had little to eat for more than a day, everything being packed. The regiment expressed its gratitude as well as it could with cheers. Being Sunday, the inhabitants along the railroad were all out, and cheered us on with as much demonstration as they possibly could; but not until reaching Lancaster were we overwhelmed. Such a crowd of friends jammed the depot that no on could find his particular friends. I have heard many of the boys say that before they thought Lancaster was slow and more selfish than many other places; but they have been undeceived since the war commenced and they have left their homes. We have heard of no place that has done as much for her volunteers as Lancaster. The gratitude of us all is especially due to the ladies. They are, every one of them, “Patriot Daughters.”

We reached Camp Curtin about sundown. We met here Bob Jeffries, Charley Wiley, and several other Lancaster volunteers returning from Washington. Camp Curtin is a miserable looking place, but the Commissary Department appears to be well managed—a rare occurrence. We got our tents pitched and supper finished about 11 o’clock. At 3 o’clock we were roused from our sleep, pulled stakes, and fell into line to go to Washington. This was a new wrinkle, for we thought we had to remain here for several days. Before starting, eleven cartridges were dealt out to reach man—our passports through Baltimore. The cars finally moved off long after sunrise. From the bridge could be seen the monument erected where the tree stood to which Harris was tied by the Indians. Our progress was slow, so that we did not reach Baltimore before 10 o’clock in the evening. The whole regiment rode in open cars, and, as it rained a little, all had their overcoats on. It presented a fine appearance as the train wound through the wild wooded dales of York and Baltimore counties. On passing the Maryland line the whole regiment rose and gave nine cheers for Pennsylvania. We soon came to the first bridge burnt by the Baltimore Secessionists. Some five or six were burned in all. They are replaced by temporary structures, and are guarded at present by the 12^th ‘Regiment P.V., who at every bridge rose from their supper and cheered us.

On reaching Baltimore we remained in the cars in the rain, while the Colonel reported at Fort McHenry by telegraph. We had to wait three hours in the rain before and answer came, and then marched through Baltimore to the Washington depot. Here we laid on the floors and slept soundly until morning, when we were marched out to Mount Clare and pitched our tents in Camp Carrol, next to the 2^nd Regiment M.V., where we remain still. An old mansion of the Carroll family remains standing on the Mount close to our tents. It and the park attached are in a dilapidated condition and the outhouses are in ruins. It was not doubt considered a grand residence when built (1756 A.D) At a time during the revolution Washington had his headquarters here and it is supposed it was within its walls that he planned the siege of Yorktown, whose fall decided American Independence. I am now writing this in one of the back chambers, where the Paymaster is paying off the companies. The room contains a large old fashioned hearth and broad, deep windows opening on the lawn, in whose recesses I heard our Lieut. Colonel say the old folks used to court. The walls are hung with old pictures, and strange and musty curiosities fastened on pasteboard, showing that one of the proprietors was a naturalist. Our camp in on Mount Clare which overlooks nearly all Baltimore, the West Branch of the Patapaco and a valley half encircling the Mount, nearly two miles broad, as level as a bay, and evidently once watered by the Patapaco, from its conformation and the nature of the soil. Far off on the horizon one can see the white sails of ships appearing, as if moving on the blue outline of a range of hills evidently situated on the other side of the Chesapeake.

On each side of the Mount runs a branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. On every side in the fields are villages of tents. There are about 20,000 men in and around Baltimore now. The 1^st, 4^th, 8^th, 10^th, 12^th and perhaps several more Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Regiments are here, and the 7^th went to Washington last night, as well as seven others that passed straight through. As we were paid off to day we may receive orders to move any hour. On Monday night all the recruits were left in Camp Curtin, nearly 400 in number, to receive their uniforms and muskets first. Yesterday they came down and marched through Baltimore to camp under the able command of Lieut. W. L. Baer, of the Union Guards. The Colonel specially detailed him for this work as requiring a trustworthy officer, and he executed it satisfactorily. By great exertions he got the men properly supplied with food while at Harrisburg, and supplied with uniforms in time. They could get no cartridges from the State, but got enough from returning volunteers to take them through Baltimore. He brought us the news that it was reported in Harrisburg and West Chester (and I supposed in Lancaster) that our regiment was attacked in Baltimore and lost 150 men. We were not molested, but I was since informed from reliable sources that there was a plot formed to attack our regiment, but it was not put in execution, as it was reported that two regiments were following close after ours. It is without doubt, true, for the secession serpent was wonderfully revived in Baltimore when the news came of the disaster on Sunday. Had the attack been made, we would have been prepared—our pieces were loaded and caps were distributed before reaching the outskirts, and we were also warned by the pickets extended along the railroad near the city. The mode of procedure was also fixed in case of an attack. The Union Guards lead the column, although their usual position would have been at the rear end.

Yesterday evening the companies were lettered and the remaining officers appointed, as follows:

Comp. A. Union Guards, Capt. Barton.

“ B. Adams Infantry, “ McPherson

“ C. Stifer Phalanx, “ Dyer.

“ D. Safe Harbor Atillery, “ Hess.

“ E. Lancaster Guard, “ Neff.

“ F. Archy Dick Volunteers, “ Talley.

“ G, Phoenix Artillerists, “ Dobson.

“ H. Carlisle Infantry, “ McCartney

“ I. Carlisle Guards, “ Cropp.

“ K. Branywine Guards, “ Nields.

Quarter Master________ _________Quarter Master Sergeant, D. L. Sanders, of Lancaster; Sergeant Major, Isaac W. Kurtz, of Phoenixville; Colonel’s Secretary ________Harvey, of Lancaster,

It will be seen that our Company has at least obtained the right of the Regiment, which is the post of honor. Capt. Barton desired his company to have that position; and for that purpose qualified us by making us the best drilling Company in the Regiment.

Our address at present is “Company A. First Regiment P. R. V. C. Camp Carroll, Baltimore Md.

All the Lancaster boys are in good health.

MILES

[The editor apologizes for the belated publication of this note—submitted in mid-June—due to his failure to notice it in his files.]

The Patriot Daughters of Lancaster & children (Marion. Viktoria, Sheldon, Carol, Nancy B., Nancy, K., Kay, Susan, Gaye, LuAnn and Lindsey), and PDL Agents (Paul, David, and Dan) wish to thank you for inviting us to attend the Historic Preservation Gala. Never were we so well fed, especially for doing nothing except being our 1860s personas! Oh, some of us did help the Explorers with dancing & the PDL tableaux, but we don’t call that work!

Sir, anytime you need people to go to a $60 a person gourmet gala for free, the PDL, their Agents and the Explorers are ready to help the cause!

“Opening Shots”: From Vince Slaugh, Editor	1
Civilian Pages
Photograph Gallery and Fashion Notes by Lindsey Koch	2
Snippets from the Pennsylvania Election of 1863 by Vince Slaugh	3
Notes from Landis Valley	8
Military Pages
Soldiers’ Correspondence: Traveling with the Union Guards 145 Years Ago	8
Reenacting Pages
A Challenge for Reenacting by Vince Slaugh	10
A Letter Concerning the Historic Preservation Trust Gala by Kay Lingle	10
Calendar	11