Poughkeepsie Eagle Dec. , 1861

Camp Federal Hill,
Baltimore, Md,
December 8, 1861

Dear Eagle:

Here I am, at my old resting place. We arrived here Thursday about 10 A.M. We left Eastville Monday morning, and marched about 22 miles. We encamped four miles from Pougateague. A snow storm occurred while there. Tuesday morning was beautiful - the cold, bracing air invigorating body and mind. The idea of "going home," as we call it, acted like magic on our fatigued limbs, and made us fresh again. We reached the wharf about 11 o’clock, and found the steamer Star waiting for us. However, we did not get off as soon as we expected - for the breezes, which seemed so pleasant and refreshing on the land, blew a perfect gale on the water. The bay was so rough that the captain dare not sail. So we spent a night on board of her.

The next morning (Wednesday) the wind had lulled so much that the captain thought it safe to start - so off we set for Baltimore. The water seemed alive with wild ducks, and the boys amused themselves by shooting them with <?> dock of Fort McHenry, where we made fast till morning. We entered the city with colors flying. When we reached the Fort the whole garrison, with Major Hull at their head, issued out of the sally port to greet us. We were soon dismissed - and now, having all our tents erected, consider ourselves at home.

Carpenters are erecting barracks for us - they consist of large buildings, 120 feet long and 25 feet wide; they are two stories high, and well built. How they are arranged inside I do not know, not having seen the plan. I understand they are to be better finished than any other buildings of the style in the Union. Yesterday I saw two friends of mine, Major Haskins and John Buasing, from Westchester county, N.Y. They have been engaged in paying off the troops at Hatteras. They represent a deplorable state of things as existing.

We have now a new system of passes - they are, to go to the city from 4 ½ P.M. till 9 ½ P.M. Ten of each company are allowed every day, and if one comes in behind time or intoxicated, it is deducted from the number of passes granted. I am afraid it will not last long, for some will abuse this privilege until it is stopped. Accept my congratulations on the result of the mayoralty election in the great metropolis, and believe me.

Yours truly,

S.H.B. Jr.