Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 19.djvu/225

 The First North Carolina Volunteers. 219

canteens ; in fact nothing is wanting. They were met at the depot by the " Cockade Cadets" and the " Home Cavalry," and left for Richmond about eleven o'clock.

[Correspondence of the Western Democrat.'}

CAMP NEAR RICHMOND, May 22, 1861. MR. EDITOR:

The First Regiment North Carolina Volunteers arrived here last night in good order, health and spirits. We are encamped upon an eminence overlooking and in the suburbs of the city. It is a healthy location good water, fine shade trees, and everything pleasant. If we remain in a " masterly inactivity " until after the meeting of the Rump Congress in July, we shall at least be blessed with a fine camp.

At this writing (under a big oak, upon a piece of board) I can look over the camp of the Tennessee Regiment and see the flags of thousands of troops waving in the distance. Truly, the South is in earnest and prepared to "do or die."

Although it was night-time when we arrived at Petersburg, the ladies thronged the streets, shook us by the hand, gave us snacks nicely done up in paper, strewed our path with flowers, and called down the blessings of God upon us. Our advance into Virginia was a constant ovation.

The Charlotte boys are well and cheerful, provided with good

quarters, good water and plenty to eat.

SOUTHRON.

Since the above letter was written the regiment has been ordered to Yorktown, and left Richmond on Friday night for that place.

[Correspondence of the Western Democrat.]

YORKTOWN, VA., May 26, 1861. MR. EDITOR :

The First from North Carolina was ordered to march from Rich- mond to this place on the 23d instant. We immediately struck our tents for the march, and by railroad and river we reached our pres- ent camp, wayworn and weary, on the forenoon of the 25th.