Click here for this soldier’s biography:
https://micivilwar.com/authors/dunning-hugh-m/
Regiment: 6th Wisconsin Infantry
Battles Mentioned:
Historical Figures:
Head Quarters 6 Regiment W. Vol.
Camp Kavorama Aug. 14th
Brother Enoch,
Some time having elapsed since my departure from your city and heard from any
body in that place. I thought I would write you, see if I could get an answer. We left
Madison and arrived here without accident or loss with the exception of Benj. Campbell.
He died at Baltimore. His remains was placed in a metallic coffin with the intention of
sending home but since I learnt that the decay was so rapid and the smell so offensive that
they altered their minds. There are murmurs and there is not much confidence to be
placed in them. Our loss at Bulls Run was much greater than published in our papers.
They don’t publish both sides but the battle was one of the most fooly hardy operations
that ever ever was placed on the pages of history. They drove their men into action like so
many sheep for slaughter then the officers took their lives in their hands and ran for their
lives. The Wisconsin 2nd being the first to show the white feather and leaving their men to
the mercy of the enemy, but now Gen. Scott is getting his forces concentrated in and about
this city in such a manner that when you hear of another battle I am in hopes that the
result will be of a different cost for there is some 250,000 troops in this vicinity and all not
knowing what moment they may be called on to pitch tents and be off for action or what
place they are destine for camp life is rather a novelty. Sometimes you lay down to sleep
get into a doze and the first thing you hear is fall in. Out of bed and on the ground, get into
the ranks loud at awhile in the dark and as noiseless as possible then for a scout for some 2
or three miles. Fire at some spies then back to our quarters. While in Baltimore our
company shot 3, killing one and wounding the other 2, so we were the first company to
shed rebel blood. Since we have been in this camp there has been no scouting. You cannot
look in any direction without seeing encampments thick as flies around an early sugar
hogs head. I think according to the best of the news that is reliable there will not be
anything done until about the first of Sept. but no one knows but Gen. Scott and will not
until the order for march comes then you will know about as soon as myself. Since I left
Ostego my health has been good with the exception the diarrhea some on act of change of
weather and water, some time it is sultry and hot, other times it is cold. Yesterday I had
on two flannel shirts, flannel drawers and was cold at that. Today is getting warmer will
not want anything on by tomorrow. As soon as anything transpires worth writing about I
will write you again. If you write me direct to Head Quarters W. V. and your letter will
follow. I left those letters of mine in reference to my business for H.A. Whitney for
collection. I wish you would make some inquiries about the matter and let me know
whether there is going to be anything done in the matter or not. Let me hear what all the
news is and what the folks are doing in your vicinity. Give my respects to all friends. I am
operating as assistant orderly and have the grub to the men, so you see there is not much
need of starving. Our diet is salt pork bacon, fresh beef, vice, beans, sugar, coffee, tea,
bread, crackers, all Wholesome. They will not allow us to buy anything from the
hucksters for fear of poison. The wells and springs are strictly guarded night and day on
the same ground the call is fall in so good buy for the present.
Yours fraternally,
H. M. Dunning
