April 30, 1861
The Charleston Mercury
From our Special Correspondent.
RICHMOND, VA., April 26.
I have just returned from a visit to the camp of Co. GREGG’S regiment of South Carolina Volunteers. Upon their arrival in the city they were first assigned quarters in a large and commodious though unfinished building, intended to be used as an alms house. Today, however, they marched over to the old State Fair grounds, and having taken possession of the whole enclosure, the area of which may be roughly estimated at ten acres square, they are now busy pitching their tents and otherwise making themselves comfortable. The grounds they occupy are excellently well suited for the purposes of encampment. A close high fence on every side, with but a single gateway, secures that privacy from intrusion which is so desirable. The enclosed space consists of a field of clover, now freshened by the breath of spring, divided into plans by several winding walks, and containing here and there, capacious sheds, which, by the addition of a little canvas, have been transformed into very serviceable kitchens, stables, etc. The tents of the several companies dotted every position of the field, and gave a picturesque appearance to the scene, while high above the encampment floated the glorious Palmetto Flag, which our gallant boys bead, before they return, to make a sign of terror to the invader. A large number of ladies, generally accompanied by some of the gaily uniformed volunteers of Richmond, are continually visiting the camp of our South Carolinians, and during my visit, I noticed among those upon the ground, the wife and daughter of Governor LETCHER of this State. The worn and dingy uniforms of our men contrast a little strangely with the bright new trappings of the Virginians, but the ladies have not been slow to assign the difference to its true cause–long and faithful service upon the cheerless sand hills of Morris Island; and I have heard more than one enthusiastic Virginia, glancing wistfully at the torn and grimy clothes of those whom our State has sent, declare that they envied their brethren of South Carolina the possession of those tattered and smoke stained garments, which afforded so striking a testimony to the sacrifices and privations through which Fort Sumter has been wrested from the Northern Government.
As I quitted the encampment, night was approaching, and I had an opportunity of seeing how our men managed to yet along in preparing a Virginia supper. The camp fires blazed cheerily in the middle of the ‘of the camp, and all the paraphernalia of a well stocked kitchen was brought into requisition to cook the meal. I was glad to see fresh beef and all the accompanying substantials supplied in great abundance, and when the cooking was over and the messes spread their well filled dished upon the grass, the sight convinced me that our Palmetto troops were well cared for, and fully understood how to avail themselves of a soldier’s opportunities.
The Richardson Guard, Capt. AXSON (Company M of Col. GREGG’S command), are getting along bravely, and say that they only need a few copies of THE MERCURY to make them feel perfectly at home.
ADSUM.
ADSUM.