Washington, Nov. 4, 1861
The following is a testimonial of respect from the men under his command, who were in camp at the date of the paper.

All who were absent at the time on duty would have willingly signed it!

Arlington Heights, Va. Nov. 1 1861
Whereas Lieut. W. H. Allen late 2d lieutenant of Co. G. 6th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers has resigned his position and been honorably discharged from the service of the United States we the undersigned. Members of the above company won't take this occasion to return to him our thanks for favors that he had done to us and express our opinion that under all the circumstances he was perfectly justifiable in tendering his resignation.

The line officers of the Regiment who were well acquainted with Lieut. Allen and who entertained a high respect for him as an officer and gentleman sent the following paper to him.
 

Arlington Heights, Va., Nov 4th, 1861
Lieut. Wm. H. Allen-Dear Sir: The undersigned officer of the Sixth Regiment Wisconsin volunteers regret you resigning your commission and feel that your company has lost a most promising and efficient officer; and we your brother officers also desire to signify to you our high opinion of you as an officer and gentleman and hope that you will soon feel able to re-enter the service.

W. H Linderman Captain Co. F, 6th Regment
John f. Marsh   D
Leonard Johnson   I
Alex S. Hooe   C
E. A. Brown   E
R. R. Dawes   K
P. W. Punmer   G
Frank a. Haskell, Adjutant
F. Schumaker, 1st Lieutenant Co. F
M. H. fitch   D
T. W. PlummerC
J. H. Marston   E
J. A. Kellogg   K
W,/ A/ Reader   G
Henry Sirrell   B
J. A. Croughan, 2d Lieut. co. A
W. VonBachelle   F
Sammel Birdsale   D
G. G. Harris   C
C. E. Rogers   I
J. B. Johnson  E
H. H. Carpenter   G
D. L. Quaw   K
John o'Ronrke, ex-Captain

Col. Cutler was at first very much opposed to having Lieut Allen resign considering him as one of the best officers in the regiment but he finally consented when the Surgeon of the regiment informed him of the condition of his health.  Quite unexpectedly to Lieut. Allen the Colonel sent the following letter to him at Washington:

Head Quarters
6th Regiment Wisconsin volunteers
Arlington, Nov 6, 1861

Lieut. W. H. Allen-Dear sir:-As you have been compelled by ill health to leave the service. I desire to say to you that I regret the necessity which compelled you to do so.

I also take great pleasure in saying that I have entire confidence in your patriotism and fidelity to the cause of the Union, and this feeling I am sure is shared by all the officers of the regiment. Your long sickness  has deprived you of the regiment. Your long sickness has deprived you of the same facilities which other officers have enjoyed for drill and improvement. You have been on detached duty more than any other officer, and have always discharged you duties with great fidelity and promptness and to the entire satisfaction of all.

You have shown in one respect that you understand the first duty of a soldier "Obedience to orders"-in an eminent degree as you have always been ready to obey all orders with out questions or evasions for these and many other reasons I regret to lose you.

From the regiment in retiring you carry with you my kindest regards and the wish that you may soon be restored to perfect health and be able to again enter the service of the country.

I am very truly yours

L. Cutler, Colonel.

The surgeon of the regiment made out papers testifying to the state of Lieut. Allen's health which have not been received by us yet.

Washington, Nov. 4, 1861
The following is a testimonial of respect from the men under his command, who were in camp at the date of the paper. All who were absent at the time, on duty, would have willingly signed it:

Arlington Heights, Va., Nov. 1, 1861
Whereas, Lieut. W. H. Allen, late 2d Lieutenant of Co. G., 6th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, has resigned his position, and been honorably discharged from the service of the United States. We, the under signed members of the above company, would fake this occasion to return to him our thanks for favors that he has done to us, and express our opinion that under all the circumstances he was perfectly justifiable in tendering his resignation.
Sergeant George, W. Reed, J. W. Freeman
Martin Ripple, John Cowen
Jabez A. Hyatt, S. G. Bayers
L. B. Raymond, O. Martin

Corporal Russell Harris, A. Maffatt
F. T. Tuttle, A. Clark
H. C. Gardner, A. Wm. Day
D. C. Ourbank, J. M. Moore, 5th Corp'l
K. G. Atwood, H. M. Barr, 1st Corp'l
P. Berch, B. Miller
Hiram Whitaker, John Winans, 2d Corp'l
A. Lane, James Converse
H. L. Boerwin, G. W. Chamberlin
John Lane, William S. Metcalf
Henry C. Matran, E. Devinell
D. G. Harbaugh, Daniel Briggs
H. S. Riele, C. W. Mereer
J. W. Hanson, Matthew Haley
John Killmartin, M. H. Kinsey
W. A. Fuller, J. H. Cowen
A. O. Austin, H. H. Carpenter, Corp'l
W. P. Ford, H. S. Purfield
C. Wet, John C. Leary
C. Guivet, H. Odell
B. F. Clarks, John Gillmore
C. A. Gibbs, Barnard Chrisler
William Necks.

The line officers of the Regiment who were well acquainted with Lieut. Allen, and who entertained a high respect for him as an officer and gentleman, sent the following paper to him:

Arlington Heights, Va. Nov. 4th, 1861
Lieut. Wm. H. Allen- Dear Sir: The undersigned, officers of the Sixth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers regret your resigning your commission, and feel that your company has lost a most promising and efficient officer; and we, your brother officers, also desire to signify to you our high opinion of you as an officer and gentleman, and hope that your will soon feel able to re-enter the service.
W. H. Linderman, Captain ,Co. F, 6th Regiment
John F. Marsh, D.
Leonard Johnson, I
Alex S. Hooe, C
E. A. Brown, E
R. R. Dawes, K
P. W. Pupmer, O
Frank A. Haskell, Adjutant
F. Schumaker, 1st Lieutenant, Co. F
M. H. Fitch, D
T. W. Plummer, C
J. H. Marston, E
J. A. Kellogg, K
Wm. A. Reader G
Henry Sirrell, B
J. A. Croughan, 2d Lieut., Co. A.
W. Von Bachelle, F
Samuel Birdsale, D
S. G. Harris, C
C. E. Rogers, J
J. B. Johnson, E
H. H. Carpenter, G
D. L. Quaw, K
John O'Rorke, ex-Captain

Col. Cutler was at first very much opposed to having Lieut. Allen resign, considering him as one of the best officers in the regiment; but he finally consented when the Surgeon of the regiment informed him of the condition of his health. Quite unexpectedly to Lieut. Allen, the Colonel sent the following letter to him at Washington:

Head Quarters
6th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers
Arlington, Nov. 6, 1861

Lieut. W. H. Allen- Dear Sir: As you have been compelled by ill health to leave the service, I desire to say to you that I regret the necessity which compelled you to do so. I also take great pleasure in saying that I have entire confidence in your patriotism and fidelity to the cause of the union and this feeling, I am sure, is shared by all the officers of the regiment. Your long sickness has deprived you of the same facilities which other officers have enjoyed for drill and improvement. You have been on detached duty more than any other officer, and have always discharged your duties with great fidelity and promptness and to the entire satisfaction of all.
You have shown, in one respect, that you understand the first duty of a soldier- "Obedience to orders" -in an eminent degree, as you have always been ready to obey all orders, without questions or evasions. For these and many other reasons I regret to lose you from the regiment. In retiring you carry with you my kindest regards and the wish that you may soon be restored to perfect health and be able to again enter the service of the country.
I am very truly yours,
L. Cutler, Colonel

The Surgeon of the regiment made out papers testifying to the state of Lieut. Allen's health which have not been received by us yet.

From the Sixth Regiment
(Correspondence of the Journal & Courier.)
Arlington Heights, Nov. 7, 1861

I presume that I cannot write anything of more interest to your readers than something concerning the affairs of our regiment for you have probably heard ere this of the resignation of ten of the officers of the line; among the number were Capt. Northrop and Lieuts. Montague and Allen. The main cause of these resignations was an unfortunate disagreement between some of the field officers and the officers who resigned. Of the particulars of the disagreement, I can of course say nothing, excepting that so far as our officers were concerned, their conduct was perfectly honorable and upright. In fact, an idea of the estimation in which they were held by their fellow officers and those under their command, may be obtained from the enclosed commendation's of them copies of which I send you with a request for publication. Unfortunately I have no copies of Lieut. Allen's certificates but they shall be forwarded at some future time.
Captain Northrop and the Lieutenants did not resign until they had called the non commissioned officers together and stated the case to them, and submitted the question to them whether they should stay or resign. The universal expression was that while they regretted the necessity of such a step and would be sorry to see them go yet under the circumstances, they could not do otherwise than advise them to resign.
Lieut. Montague stated that although the present state of his health was one cause of his resignation yet he considered the Captain's cause, in a great measure his cause, and should be bound to go or stay with him.
Lieut. Allen resigned for the reason that his health would not permit of his taking command of the Company, and he felt that his position might be an unpleasant one should be remain with a Captain over him who would necessarily take a different course with the company from what he would.
It is gratifying that our officers and the field officers parted upon the best terms each party satisfied that the disagreement that had separated them was owing to causes beyond their control.

Capt. Northrop, Lieut. Montague and Lieut. Allen left yesterday for home via New York. The best wishes of the company went with them. Lieut. Allen remained one day longer then he intended to give the boys an oyster supper, for which he has our hearty thanks.
I understand that there is some dissatisfaction in the 7th between the Colonel and the officers of the line. The 8th Massachusetts and the 49th Indiana are similarly afflicted, as well as some other regiments that I cannot now mention. It is due to all the officers that have resigned in this regiment to state that they all passed their examinations before the Military Board of Examiners creditably to themselves and that their resignations were none of them caused by admonition or a fear of one.
Our new officers are:
Philip W. Plummer, Captain
William A. Reader 1st. Lieut.
Hiram H. Carpenter, 2d Lieut.
Capt. Plummer was until recently, 1st Lieutenant of Co. C. in this regiment, and resides at Prairie du Chien. Although all of our commissioned officers were appointed by Gov. Randall, yet had the company been allowed to vote for the men of their choice there would not alter the resignation of our old officers have been a single vote for any man except Capt. Plummer.
Our 1st. Lieutenant was Orderly Sergeant of Co. F. (of Fond du Lac.) He is as well drilled as many officers in the regiment who have worn shoulder straps ever since they left Madison.
Our 2d Lieutenant resides at Brownville, N. Y. and what has been said of Capt. Plummer is equally true of him. He left Madison as one of the non-commissioned officers of the company and for his gentlemanly deportment and soldier like qualities was recommended to Gov. Randall for promotion and we are all satisfied that a better appointment could not have been made.

Arlington Heights Va. Nov. 1, 1861
Where Captain M. A. Northrop and Lieutenant G. L. Montague, late Captain and 1st Lieutenant of Co. G. 6th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers have resigned their positions in the above regiment and have been honorably discharged from the service of the United States, we the undersigned non-commissioned officers and privates in the above company, would take this occasion to express our satisfaction with the treatment we have received at their hands as our officers; with the manner in which they have cared for our welfare; with the fearless and independent manner in which they have stood up for our rights at all times; and would bear willing testimony to them as gentleman and efficient officers, thereby securing the respect and confidence those under their command.
And we do say that as far as our knowledge of the matter extends they both acted an honorable part in rendering their resignations under the circumstance and at the time they did.
Sergeant George W. Reed, Corp'l John Timmons
Jabez A. Hyatt, H. H. Carpenter
L. B. Raymond, Russell Harris
and seventy-one privates

Head Quarters King's Brigade
6th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers
Arlington Heights, Va., Nov. 2, 1861

To the Officers and Friends of the Army:
Greetings: whereas, Captain M. A. Northrop and First Lieutenant George L. Montague, of Co. G. 6th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, of Brigadier General King's Brigade, and attached to Gen. McDowell, have tendered their resignations in that regiment, and thereby have been honorably discharged from the service of the United States, and whereas they are about to leave the army for their homes, we the undersigned having been associated with them in the service of the government for the past five months would respectfully bear willing testimony to them as gentlemen and as prompt efficient and accomplished officers thereby having won the confidence and esteem of the Regiment and while we deeply regret their leaving the regiment we would recommend them to the confidence and esteem of all.
W. H. Linderman, Captain ,Co. F., 6th Regiment
Jas. O'Rourke, D
Leonard Johnson, I
Alex. S. Hooe, C
J. S. Hause, H
E. A. Brown, E
R. R. Dawes, K
P. W. Plummer, G
D. K. Noyes, 1st. Lieutenant, Co. A
F. Schumaker, F
John Nichol, D
T. W. Plummer, C
John E. Lewis, H
J. H. Marston, E
J. A. Kellogg, K
Wm. A. Reader, G
J. A. Croughan, 2d Lieut., Co. A
W. Von Bachelle, F
P. H. McCanley, D
S. G. Harris, C
C. E. Rogers, I
J. B. Johnson, E
John Crane, K
H. H. Carpenter, G
Henry Sirrett, B
L. B. R.

From the Sauk County Rifles
Arlington Heights, Headquarters, 6th Wis. Reg.
November 8, 1861

Friend Kellogg: I send you the enclosed article with the signature of the members of the company which will show you how ready and willing they are to exhibit their respect for Lieut. Noyes who will probably be with you before you receive this article.

There are between ninety and one hundred names here. It was almost impossible to present the paper to all, as there are a number off in the hospital, and some employed in other duties which separate them from the company.

Considerable rain has fallen with in a few days past, but it is drying off rapidly now, and the nights are cold. We have plenty of clothing-one rubber and two woolen blankets apiece.

We shall be paid off next week, and after the boys pay their Suttler's bill there will be quite a demand for oysters as long as their money lasts, I imagine. The National republican has a statement in it, to the effect that McClellan has no idea of wintering his army on or near the Potomac.- We hope it may prove true.

H. J. H.

We the undersigned officers and privates of company A. 6th Wisconsin Regiment of Volunteers, regretting the circumstances which have caused our 1st. Lieutenant, D. K. Noyes to resign his position in our company, and throw up his commission tender him our sincere and heartfelt thanks for the energies he has put forth in our behalf, and the interest which he has ever manifested in us as a company organized for a just and holy purpose. We can truly testify to his integrity as a man, and bravery so far as we have had occasion to observe; and through we have been aroused to march and the time in which to meet the enemy really seemed to have arrived, he has been with us cheering us on and appeared always in good spirits.

(Signed by ninety-two of the officers and privates of the company.)

From the Sixth Regiment.

Head Quarters 6th Reg. Wis. Vol.,
Camp on Arlington Heights, Va.
November 25, 1861

Editors of the Journal:- On Wednesday last one of the grandest, and in fact one of the greatest military pageants ever based on this continent occurred and as the Sixth took a prominent part in the display, I propose to attempt giving you some idea of it.

On the Sunday previous our Brigade was sent out to Muson's Hill, on fatigue duty to clear up the grounds for the Grand Review announced to come off on the next day. The position selected was south east of the hill and between it and Bailey's Cross Roads, in an open space, about five miles square.

Early on Wednesday morning we started and on arriving found ourselves, as usual, the first on the ground. From the time of our arrival about seventy thousand men were present. The day was just cool enough to be pleasant and the soldiers were in good spirits. The field presented a lively appearance the variegated uniforms and equipments of the different regiments of infantry and the flashy yellow of the cavalry with their horses and the bright red of the artillery all combining to produce an effect at once striking and grand. It was a magnificent sight and to be fully appreciated should have been seen.

At about half past one the bugles sounded and Gen. McClellan with his staff, numbering about one hundred splendidly mounted officers, accompanied by President Lincoln, Secretary Seward and other worthies of note, rode out to the front.-

The artillery boomed forth a salute, and he rode past the different brigades amidst the most deafening yells in the way of cheers that mortal man ever split his throat with. On went the young chief, with his brilliant cortege, the enthusiasm of the troops being almost irrepressible.- At last taking his station in the proper place, the column commenced marching in review. The bright and satisfied look which McClellan wore, spoke volumes for the proficiency of the troops.

Notwithstanding the fact that our division, by right of seniority, should have passed first, we were the last as those brigades who were farthest from the camps were given the preference. Consequently we were nearly the last to pass through.

On the whole it was a most magnificent and successful display and will long be remembered as such by the numerous spectators.

I have since been informed by undoubted authority that Gen. McClellan expressed himself as highly gratified with the whole affair and more particularly with the performance of King's Brigade to which he accorded the greatest praise for marching &c.

He also mentioned our regiment in particular as one of the best present. This is no "cock and bull" story of the style of many published, which have no more creditable origin than the brain  of the author, but it is a positive fact, which none can gainsay.

Our regiment occupied the position of honor, Viz: on the right of the Grand Army of the Potomac proper. McDowell's is the senior division, and King's being the senior brigade in the division and ours being the senior regiment in the brigade brings us in the position. Bully for Wisconsin! She leads the van!

I see that you have published a rumor that six companies of our regiments are to be sent to Maryland. This is a mistake as there is no foundation for such a report and if what I hear is true there is not the least likelihood of such an occurrence happening for Gen. McDowell is not very anxious to part with Wisconsin troops.-

The story originated from the fact that six companies of the Sixth Michigan have been sent there.

To any one wishing to enlist, I would say that no better opportunity will ever be offered than that presented by Captain Malloy of this regiment who is now in Baraboo recruiting for us. The benefits to be derived from joining a well drilled regiment which as already won a name and position are manifold and also manifest.

It is the opinion of the majority here, that if we do not move from here before the 1st of December, we will be obliged to go into winter quarters here. In hopes that we will move.

Yours always
In Arms

Letters from the 6th Regiment

Arlington Heights, Nov. 30, 1861

Friend Merrell: The Sixth Regiment still remains at their old stamping ground, as you will see by the heading of this letter.

According to promise, I will attempt to give you some idea of the Grand Review that came off on the 20th, although I suppose you have seen a better description than I could possibly give. Our brigade left camp about 7 o'clock a.m. and arrived on the ground - Bailey's Cross Roads - at about 10 o'clock the distance being seven miles. We were the first on the ground, but had been there but a few moments before the troops began pouring in from all directions. It was grand I assure you, to see the divisions as they came upon the ground. the place selected for the review was what had been a large plantation, but all that remained to show the fact was a small field of turnips, which the owner with thought were not worth gathering or he had left in too big a hurry to attend to such small matters.

About 11 o'clock the booming of artillery told that something was going to be done, by  his staff, and the President and his Cabinet passed along the line. About 12 o'clock, the huge column of troops began to pass in review before Gen. McClellan, who took his position upon a slight elevation near the centre of the field. The divisions passed in the following order:

First- Gen. McCall's Division

Second- Gen. Heintzelman's Divisions

Third- Gen. Smith's Division,
(The Sixth Wisconsin Regiment is in this Division.)

Fourth- Gen. Franklin's Division.

Fifth- Gen. Blenker's Division

Sixth- Gen. Porter's Division

Seventh- Gen. McDowell's Division, in which is Gen. King's Brigade.

Our regiment passed in review about 4 o'clock, and there were two brigades yet to pass when we left. During all this time there was one continual stream of soldiers. It is estimated that there were 70,000 troops on the ground, besides about 4,000 civilians. Gen. McClellan, especially, commended the divisions of Gens. Porter and McDowell for their proficiency. Only two accidents happened - one was that of a surgeon in one of the New York regiments being thrown from his horse.

Report said that he was killed but I hear since that he was not seriously injured. The other was Gen. McDowell's horse getting entangled in a portable wire fence and the General being thrown in his attempts to extricate him - no damage done.

All the troops at the review were furnished with 30 rounds of cartridges, as we were but about a mile and a half from our outposts. When we got back to camp there was one tired regiment, at least to my certain knowledge as we were on our feet from 7 o'clock in the morning till 7 at night- not once sitting down-some of them not even taking off their knapsacks.

Our regiment was paid off on the 15th- one-third gold, and the balance treasury notes.

There have been thirty or forty bodies taken out of the Potomac within the last two or three weeks, between this and Chain Bridge. These were the victims of the Ball's Bluff affair.

H. H. Edwards, Company K, Sixth Regiment, died on the 25th. He came from Lemonweir.

Government issued new overcoats to our regiment this week. They are the regular army pattern-light blue with a large cape- and will be very comfortable this winter.

We have not had any very cold weather yet, but we have been blest with plenty of rain all the fall. This sacred soil of Virginia is full as muddy as any I ever saw in Wisconsin. There is one thing that we have here in abundance, and that is plenty of wood, as the country is very heavily timbered. Our camp is on the estate formerly owned by Gen. Lee, and his residence- Arlington House- is occupied by Gen. King as his headquarters.

This estate, what is not under cultivation, was covered with heavy timber before the troops took possession of it; but it had been mostly cut down by our men, to prevent the rebels from concealing themselves in it. It is sickening to see the waste of property caused by this war; but the rebels have only themselves to blame for it.

The talk here now is about the new naval expedition now fitting out and wishing that we could go with it as the boys would prefer going into "Dixie" on board a ship to footing it and carrying our "kit".

To-morrow our regular monthly Muster comes off, when the guns accoutrements, etc., will be inspected, and if anything is deficient, it must be remedied.

Yours, &C.,

H.