From Company B, 2d Battalion 

6-Months' Volunteers

Source:  The Brookville Republican, September 9, 1863

Patterson's Creek
August 24th, 1863

Mr. Editor:

As I have not noticed anything in your columns from this region, I have thought that a few lines might be of interest to some of your readers, as Co. B, 2nd Bat., six months Pa. Vols. is made up from Jefferson, at least a part of it. The only force at this point is our company. Our duties are guarding the Railroad and Bridge at this place; which duty is light, an so far, very pleasant.

We are seldom disturbed, but a few nights ago our pickets were fired on by some skulker or bushwhacker; fortunately no damage was done, though the ball passed near the sentry's head, who returned fire immediately; but the intruders having the benefit of a squad of haystacks and a large cornfield, we were unable to catch them. It was well they made good their escape, for had we caught them, they would have been dealt with in a manner that would have been anything but pleasant to them. I don't think I would make any very extra exertions to arrest such thieving hounds; but shoot them down, and cut off all chance of their ever escaping, as the country would be well rid of such vermin; they neither respect oath or parole, and the soonest and surest plan is the best. They never venture much, unless there is a chance to shoot a lone picket or steal a horse.

We are encamped on the farm of Dr. Everett, it is very large and fine farm; the Dr. has put up a large lot of hay, and has about one hundred acres of very fine corn, which is now in good order for use. The valley of Patterson's Creek is a very pleasant place, surrounded by mountains on al sides. Our camp is near the mouth of the creek, and on the bank of the north branch of the Potomac River.

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad is again in operation and trains run regular, almost constantly the shrill whistle of the Locomotive makes the echoes among the hills and valleys of Va., and by the way, was very annoying at first, especially at night, but we have become accustomed to them and can sleep very well again.

Everything moves off in good shape again, the people here seem to breathe easier now, that they have the protection of Union soldiers. Some of them do not deserve such protection, for I believe they would betray us without hesitation if they thought they would not be punished. Some are true loyal citizens, while others have to be watched. After the Railroad was so much damaged by Imboden and his horse thieving band, the people were very much annoyed by the dirty, greasy gray backs, who were prowling around stealing horses and cattle.

Our Bat. is scattered from Cumberland, east about forty miles on this road, guarding bridges and other points. We have not much to fear from any rebel force, as our troops are at Romney, New Creek and other points between us and any force of the enemy; but we are always prepared for them, and will give them the best we have if attacked.

Company B are all in very good health at present; we have had some cases of measles and one of fever, but all are well now, except Wm. Smith of Beach Woods; who has the fever, but is fast recovering; he is the only man in the hospital.  I think we have the finest Co. that ever left little Jefferson; all are stout young men, but three married men in the Co., including your humble servant.  They are the best of soldiers, always in good spirits and enjoy themselves in various ways.  As for drill, we challenge anything we have seen; we drill twice a day, bayonet exercise and the manual in the morning, and company and skirmish drill in the evening.  All the men do well on these exercises, every one takes an interest in doing his duty, and each trying to excel the other.  We are ready and willing to try to hands in a brush with "Johnny" at any time.  We have been called out several times, with the expectation of having a fight, and I never saw anything like fear in a man; all were jolly and only wanted to get a sight of the enemy, who would have felt the effect of the Pa. boys; they know them, for they are always around when there is a fight.  

In speaking of C. B, being from Jefferson County, I must not forget the representation from Armstrong County, who joined us at Camp Howe.  There is twelve of them, and 2d Lieut. S. P. Houston, who they enlisted under and choose as their leader; he is in every way worthy to lead any number of men.  He is a gentlemen, an officer and a soldier, having served 22 months in an Ohio Regt., and participated in some seven or eight battles and was wounded once.  

Of our lst Lieut., L. T. McCrea, I need say but little, as you all know Tom to be a tried soldier, having served over two years in the famous old 11th Reserves in Co. K.  Our non-commissioned officers are all fine intelligent young men, nearly all have been in the service before, and know and do a soldier's duty with a will.  The boys from town are all well and enjoying themselves finely.

Orderly Sergeant Baldwin of Troy, is at home on a visit at present, we expect him to join us again in a few days.  The weather is very hot but will cool off, as the fall months are near at hand.  Cool nights will be especially welcome as they check up the mosquito raids which are so great an annoyance at present.  

Next Monday is our first muster for pay, but when the pay will come I cannot tell, but Uncle Sam is a good paymaster and provider; we live well, at first the boys thought it hard fare, but have learned how to manage, and now live on top of the pile.

Major Kreiz is Provost Marshal of Cumberland; he is well thought of, and is, in my opinion, the best military man in the Bat., but not that our officers are not good men.  Lieut. Col. J. C. Lininger is a good officer, very energetic and is always on the lookout for his men, that they are well cared for.  

Lieut. B. F. Speedy, Quartermaster, is a fine fellow, he is of the old 135th Pa., and knows how to provide for the boys, also Q. M. Sergeant Thomas J. Coop, of Punxsutawney, never forgets Co. B, if there is a chance for anything extra.  

Our Adjutant, T. K. Hastings, I need say nothing about, as we all know him to be a soldier of the old 105th stamp.  We have received a number of copies of your paper, and are very thankful; keep on in your good work, we are always glad to hear from old Jefferson.  I suppose that Captain Draft will soon make a call on old Jeff. for some more soldiers, no doubt but there will be many long faces when he comes; well, I wish all lucky ones success, as no doubt they are all anxious to draw a prize in the grand lottery.

I must now close, as the call is beating for drill.  Except [sic] our thanks for past favors, nothing more at present.

Yours very respectfully,

C. Mc.

P. S.  Our company numbers 70 men, over half of whom are voters, and would glory in giving A. G. Curtin a hoist at the coming Election; every man is right on the Union, and unconditional to at that.

C. Mc,