From the Richmond Daily Whig, 5/22/1861
The Howitzer Companies, forming a battalion under the command of Major
Geo. W. Randolph, are encamped on the extreme eastern slope, of the eminence
overlooking the river, at and below Rocketts. The guns are stationed on the
summit of the hill, fronting an extended plateau, well adapted for field
practice. A military road has been constructed, leading from the plateau, along
the declivity, to the encampment. We visited the camp, yesterday, and found all
"the boys" in good spirits, good health, and contented as shepherds. The
majority of them were actively employed in camp duties, while those not so
engaged wee lolling in the shade of the fragrant pines, reading newspapers,
chatting, smoking, etc. The situation is rather a romantic one affording as it
does, a picturesque view of the suburban town of Fulton, and the adjacent river
scenery.
The culinary operations, for dinner, were progressing during our stay. Two or
three sable cooks were preparing the beef, corn bread, and coffee, in regular
camp style, and, we doubt not that the food was eaten and relished, with a zest
which more luxurious dishes could not have so well imparted, with the exercise
and mode of life to which the Howitzer Boys are now subject.
The force in camp, numbers about one hundred and seventy men - the residue of
the battalion being on duty, at Gloucester Point. Rev. F. W. White, the
chaplain, has evidently entered fully into the spirit of the campaign and while
rejecting Puritanism as a characteristic of Yankee Pharisees, will diligently
attend to his ministerial and perceptive duties on all proper occasions. We will
publish the roll of the Howitzers, in a day or two.
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