Drilling In Camp
  "Gen. Williams and Staff arrived here on last Thursday, and at once proceeded to organize the camp. Two regiments were here, stationed at the Fair grounds and hotels, but in one day the sheds in the new camp were erected, and all the troops removed on Thursday evening. The energy and order with which these movements were directed soon made it evident that there was a master spirit at the head of affairs. The officers and men soon partook of the spirit of the chief, and each joined cheerfully in bringing order out of confusion. Gen. Williams issued general orders for the government of the camp, which are very explicit, and force the officers and men to the strict line of duty; and already we witness the result of such a discipline, as in a few days order has taken the place of disorder, and well drilled soldiers are now seen on parade instead of raw recruits. Spectators all express surprise at the rapid improvement in the drill of the men. You see no straggling soldiers about town, but every one is compelled to attend closely to duty -- a state of things which I have failed to see in other camps I have visited in the State. Gen. Williams requires the men to be occupied constantly, at either company or squad drill, except of course the time requisite for recreation and preparing meals. While some may complain of the severe discipline, yet all must admit that constant drill alone secures efficiency, and we therefore hear constant praise awarded the General Commanding for his firmness and ambition in making the regiments under his command a credit to the service."

Letter to the Editor of the Pennsylvania Daily Telegraph, 1861

 

This excerpt has been used with the permission of "The Valley of the Shadow"

http://jefferson.village.virginia.edu/vshadow2/cwletters.html

 

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