Poughkeepsie Eagle Dec. 10, 1861

In Camp, Near Oakhill, Va.,
Accomac Co., Nov. 21

Dear Eagle:

Here we are again in the Old Dominion, after a tedious march of 17 miles. We left Newtown Sunday morning about 9 o’clock and marched all day. We arrived here about 5 o’clock, P.M., and instantly pitched our tents. The road, for a wonder, was very good. Generally, however, the ground in this part of the country is very level, a slight rise of the ground being denominated a hill. Stones are almost unknown and all fences are built of pine rails.

Before we left Newtown a rumor prevailed that the rebels had dispersed, but just as we marched it was contradicted. Which report to believe we did not know, so we trudged along hoping to find a "foeman worthy of our steel." As we progressed, evidence of the rebels having been ahead of us were visible. Trees were cut down and laid across the road and bridges were destroyed along the road. About 3 P.M. a battery was seen ahead, placed so as to command the road. The bugle sounded a halt and we began to prepare for a conflict. Soon, however, the command to march was given, and we then knew it was untenanted. We soon reached it, and in a few moments the parapets were covered with the "red devils." As we examined it, laughs of derision were heard on every side, and wishes that the rebels had remained to be attacked were prevalent. Why, the Zouaves could take it in half an hour, was the exclamation of many. It was a burlesque, instead of a battery. Boys of 14 would not have owned it for their work. A blow of the foot would crumble half a yard down. The moat, it’s ditch two foot wide and three feet deep could be properly be called, extended along the front. The battery was built in the shape of a V, with one of the sides facing the road. It was about six feet high, with embrasures for 4 guns. Whether they were ever mounted I do not know, as none were visible. However, in one of the embrasures was a log mounted on a wooden swivel facing the road, and at a distance resembling a cannon. We did not stop very long at the battery, as there was nothing worth seeing, but moved on and here we are. I don’t think we will stay here very long, as the rebels are said to be only a few miles ahead. If all their batteries are like the one we have just passed, we will have no trouble taking them. We are encamped in a beautiful place, with wood and water in abundance, and handy.

A sad accident occurred in the Michigan regiment last evening, by which a life was lost. The particulars of the affair I could not learn. It was through the careless use of firearms, however, while loaded. While I am writing, the last rites are being paid to all that is left of one who was as gay and light hearted as any of us. The mournful strains of the fife and drum, playing a dirge, fall sadly upon my ear. Poor fellow, shot be comrades, dying and being buried far from home and friends, is hard to think of. Had he been killed in battle it would have been satisfaction to his friends to know that he fell doing his duty, fighting manfully and falling with his back to the field and his feet to the foe. But to be killed by an associate is a pitiful thought for the mother who mourns for her boy laid beneath the sod in a stranger’s land, his grave an object of curiosity to the passers by. But I am moralizing while your readers are waiting for some items of news to interest them. But I have nothing to write. We are out of the world and hear no news.

Alas, Virginia! - how you have suffered in the hands of your pitiless masters. Where are the once flourishing farms and plantations, all is desolate. The houses are deserted, gardens overrun with weeds, and nothing is to be seen but a few negroes lying in the sun too lazy to do anything more than stare at us. "The wheel at the cistern is broken" indeed, and the Mother of States will rue the day when she cast all into the muddy waters of secession. I doubt whether she will ever entirely recover from the effects of this war.

I have just returned from a visit to Purnell’s Legion, so named from it’s Colonel. It is a crack regiment of Maryland. The officers are a fine set of fellows, very sociable indeed. The Lieut. Col. Johannes, who was in command, says the material of which the regiment is composed cannot be excelled, but he thinks they need more service. They are mostly from Maryland, picked up along the Pennsylvania line. They go in strong for the Union, the Constitution and enforcement of the laws. The order has just arrived from Gen. Lockwood, who has charge of the Brigade, for our advancing this afternoon at 3 o’clock. I must get my knapsack packed before that time, so adieu.

S.H.B.,Jr.