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Kate Cumming's Notes on Campaign Style Camping

From: Becky Nall
Date: 23 Oct 1999
Time: 22:58:16
Remote Name: 205.188.200.53

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I have been reading the journal written by Kate Cumming - KATE, THE JOURNAL OF A CONFEDERATE NURSE edited by Richard B. Harwell. An excellent read, and I might add that it isn't really a book about nursing as I had expected (and I have to admit was dreading reading, but was asked by Barnes & Noble to do a review and promo for them.) This book gives insights into some of the details of this horrible war that you will find so riveting it is all but impossible to put this book down. (Oh, if I could just read and sew at the same time!) Anyway, I just ran across a paragraph I thought I would share. I know it will seem as though this is preaching to the choir, but I thought it was interesting because she mentions how the regiments in camp looked at the beginning of the war, contrasted to that day the entry was made on the 21st of July, 1863, as the army was working on the fortifications and encamped all around Chattanooga. Read on:

"I rode out this afternoon, in company with Dr. Burt, paid a visit to the Twenty-fourth Alabama Regiment. There I saw Lieutenant Chamberlain, now captain, and Captain Fowler, whom I met in Okalona. The regiment was encamped in a grove of trees; it had a few tents for the officers and commisary stores. But the only protection the men have from the inclement weather is their blankets put up on sticks about three feet high. The men were busy preparing for supper, and I did not think looked altogether pleased at my visiting them, as their attire and employment is not such as they would wish them to be. But there is more true glory in thier dress than all the gilt lace, brass buttons, and holiday attire usually worn by fireside soldiers, and in their work, than if they had scores of attendants to do it for them. I could not help contrasting this camp with the one I last visited. It was when the war first commenced, and our house had been emptied of furniture to put in tents, as we thought it impossible for men to do without certain things which they had been accustomed to at home. Since then they have learned a few lessons, in this respect, as we all have."

Respectfully submitted, Becky Nall Cotton City Tailors Mobile, Alabama

Last changed: December 16, 2006

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From: USA
Date: 16 Dec 2006
Time: 04:20:27
Remote Name: 10.124.131.236

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