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‘ [22] way up the river and was a day late. I slept in the guard tent and most froze to death.’

Another says: ‘We were quartered in a negro church but no peace for the weary or hungry there. As our rations had not arrived, we came out minus on the supper question, all the food having been secured for the infantry, who had seen hard marching and wading for a first experience.’

The day previous to the arrival at Snow Hill had been election day and the vote in the town had stood one majority in favor of secession.

After a day or two in the negro church, camp was made in the woods near by in connection with the 4th Wisconsin and the cavalry. Sibley tents were given out and as one of the privates writes home: ‘They are real nice and comfortable though there is no means for hanging up clothes. We have purchased a camp kettle and are cooking by detachments.’

The appearance of the country was unfamiliar to our New England boys and one writes: ‘I've scarcely seen anything that deserves to be called a hillock and the soil is either wet, sandy, or swampy.’ Quite a change from the rock ribbed hills and mountains of the homeland. However, while critical of soil and landscape, Maryland oysters met with universal approbation. Baked beans too had a familiar taste though sometimes when baked in a Dutch-oven underground the sand found its way in, giving a flavor not approved by Bostonians.

The purpose of this Eastern Shore campaign as it was called was to make a demonstration of Union forces in Somerset and Worcester counties, Md., where the feeling was strong for secession and where troops for the Confederacy were being recruited. On November 14, camp was broken at Snow Hill and the battery marched sixteen miles to Newtown, Md., where it joined the larger body of troops under General Lockwood.

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