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Letter from Camp Walker.

1860s newsprint

Daily Advocate
Baton Rouge
May 8, 1861

Camp Walker, Metairie Course, May 8, 1861.
Messrs. Editors—Amid all the excitement of military displays here, nothing as yet has eclipsed the review of yesterday. The troops, nearly 3,500 strong, were marched from camp to the oaks, that famed duelling ground. The grounds were filled to overflowing with spectators, a greater portion of whom were ladies. They are everywhere present with pleasant smiles and encouraging words for the young volunteers. I say young, Mr. Editor, for the simple reason that the army here is composed mostly of just such material as left Baton Rouge in the ranks of the Pelicans, all eager and ready for an affray with the minions of the military despot at Washington.
Perhaps an item of a portion of the duties of camp-life will prove interesting to our friends at home. At early dawn we are aroused from our slumbers by the roll of the drum and the shrill notes of the fife. Roll being called, the boys are dismissed to put their tents in order. Breakfast at 6 o’clock. In the meantime, ten men are appointed to serve twenty-four hours in the main guard. The main guard is composed of ten men from each company, whose duty it is to guard camp. A police guard is also appointed who clean up all the dirt and filth about the tents, bring water for the company, wood for the cooks, and, in fact, keep everything in order. During the afternoon we have squad drills; at sundown the companies muster for roll-call and supper; tattoo at 9 o’clock, P. M., when the men retire to their respective tents—fifteen minutes after, three taps of the drum compels every light to be extinguished and the camp is in darkness and quiet. Everything is conducted with regularity and precision. The promptitude and cheerfulness with which every duty is met and discharged by all the members of the company would surprise some of our friends at home. We have everything necessary for our comfort and convenience, and the laughs, jests and songs heard on all sides attest the general satisfaction and good feeling that prevails.
There are some talk of our speedy removal from here to more pleasant quarters a short distance above New Orleans. Be assured that the Pelican Rifles will not return home until they have seen more active duty than mere camp life.
With many kind wishes for friends at home, I remain as ever, respectfully, etc.
W. H. T.
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