From the Sixth Regiment

Camp Lyon, Oct. 4, 1861
Since my last nothing of interest has occurred in this vicinity excepting the general retreat of the rebels and advance of our forces over the river, which took place last Saturday. The whole thing was done so quietly that most of us did not know of it until the Sunday morning papers from Washington came up.

All though we were ordered about midnight, Saturday night to hold ourselves in readiness to march by daylight Sunday morning with two day's rations yet very few of us thought of the rebels as being the cause of the order. We were held in readiness to re-inforce our troops over the river in case the rebels should attempt to re-occupy any of the positions that they abandoned Saturday.

But as yet they have shown no disposition to return and our camp has again become as quiet as usual. Of the value of these fortifications that have come into our hands it it sufficient to say that we have been most thoroughly hoaxed in regard to their importance they being chiefly valuable as lookouts and affording excellent opportunities for building batteries which by the way our troop are doing.

The enterprising artist who sketched the Rebel fornications at Munson's Hill for that celebrated pictorial sheet having an extensive circulation, "&c. &c. certainly never approached near enough to the Hill to endanger his life by a shot from a 64-pounder provided there had been one there. the cut of the frowning ramparts and high walls in the aforesaid pictorial bear about as much resemblance to the rifle pits found at Munson's Hill as Gee. MeClellan's army of the Potomac does to a fourth of July procession in Beloit. As to the reason for this step on the part of the rebels it is hard to give any. Whether the withdrawal is for the purpose of drawing us into an ambuscade or for the purpose of concentrating their forces for an attack above or below or whether it is the commencement of a general retreat is is impossible to say.

Two regiments of our brigade, the 19th Indiana and the 2d Wisconsin have lately come back from over the river and encamped near us. The 2d are in good spirits as usual -discipline ditto and seemed to be as happy as though every one of them owned half of a kingdom. They are good fellows and although there is no disguising the fact that they are many of them rather rather tough still there is as good fighting stock in them as in any Wisconsin regiment or I might say in any regiment.

The 7th Wisconsin arrived here last Tuesday. Our boys and those of the 2d made extravagant demonstrations of delight when they saw the grey uniforms and blue flag coming up the road from towards Washington. We were very much pleased with the appearance of Captain Gordon's company. They will compare favorable with any company in General King's brigade. Captain Gordon and Lieutenants Oakley and Shirrell are a looking well, notwithstanding the hard trip they have had from Madison here the proficiency of drill as shown in the movements of the seventh was a subject of general remark.

The 5th Wisconsin has been taken out of this brigade the reasons for this step have not yet fully transpired to us at least. We all regret it very much as we felt an attachment for the 5th that we felt for no other regiment as we might be said to have grown up together. I heard yesterday that they were near falls church. Wherever they are thy cannot fail to do honor to themselves and to the State to which they belong.

We had a military funeral in camp yesterday. A corporal in company I, from Gad Axe country died of typhoid fever, and was buried with military honors at Teunallytown. It is somewhat unpleasant here at present. The days are hot and the nights very chilly, and the fog here is every morning so thick that it can be cut with a knife. There are three or four cases of fever and ague in our company.

We have had a change in field officers lately. Lt. col. J. P. Atwood of Madison resigned on account of ill health and Major Sweet was appointed in his place Capt. E. S. Bragg of fond du Lac, was appointed Major by Gov. Randall, Capt. Northrop could have been Major had he chosen and was urged by some to accept the position but he preferred to remain with his company. And although we would have been glad to have seen him promoted yet we could not spare him nor replace him by any man we know of. the captain has won the love and respect of his men by the upright and straightforward course that he has taken and by the consideration and anxiety that he has shown for their welfare. Lient. Montague we think cannot be surpassed as a drill master and the same success that attended him as a disciplinarian in school has attended him ever since he has been connected with our company. Capt. Northrop had been detailed for special service by the colonel two or three times on matters vitally connected with the welfare of the regiment and of such a character that no one that had not the entire confidence of the colonel would have been selected.

The latest report in camp is that our brigade is going to fortress Monroe. I think it is doubtful yet it may be so. If so we are ready to go at any time and in fact to go anywhere where we can best serve the interests of our country.

The news of the nomination of Hon. L. P. Harvey for Governor gives great satisfaction to the Wisconsin boys here. To him next to Gov. Randall is due the credit of what Wisconsin has done toward upholding the Union in this trying crisis and in his past acts as Secretary of State, we have ample guarantee that as Governor of Wisconsin he will neither let the good cause lag at home or be unmindful of the welfare of her soldiers abroad but do all in his power to bring this terrible war to an end and restore us to our homes and friends and peace to our land.

L. B. R.

From Capt Malloy

The following extract though not intended for the public we take the liberty of giving to our readers We shall be glad to hear frequently from Capt. Malloy.
Arlington Heights Virginia, Oct 12, 1861
Friend Kellogg.-We are now on the sacred soil of the "Old dominion " feasting on contraband beef and eager for the fray. the enemy fall back as we advance and will probably continue to do so until they are brought up by a wall of steel in their rear when there will be a collision shaking the Allegany's to their foundation.

The boys are all improving in health since our arrival in Virginia the prospect of a battle is of more medicinal virtue than all the drugs in the surgeon's chest. While in Camp Lyon Maryland we were ordered to cross the Potomac at the time Gen. Smith's division had a skirmish with the enemy there was every prospect of a great battle. Our company had then dwindled down to seventy men for duty about thirty-six being on the sick roll but only the order "fall in" being given those thirty were filled with new born health. They immediately seized their muskets determined to conquer or fall with their comrades. Such is the spirit of the Sauk county Riflemen. I send you a map of the seat of war. Some alterations were necessary and I have made them YOU will find I Have drawn a pencil mark from Prospect Hill to near Mt. Vernoa on which are our pickets the enemy having fallen back to Vienna which you will see is but a short distance from out lines. You will also discover the vicinity of our encampments which I have marked with pencil.

This moment we have received orders to march immediately to the relief of Gen. Smith who it is said is in danger. The boys received the order with a shout of joy. We expect an advance of our army in the direction of Manassas where we expect to win immortal honor for our selves and County.

A. G. Malloy
P.S. Lieut. Noyes is well light Thomas is under care of the surgeon he had not been well for some time.

From the Sixth Regiment
Arlington Heights, Va., Oct. 18, 1861
but little of interest has occurred since my last which was from near the Chain Bridge. On Saturday, Oct 5th we struck our tents about 8 a. m. and at 10 took up our line of march for this place. the day happened to be the hottest of the season with us at least and our march of eight miles was a tough one. each man had to carry his knapsack, haversack filled with one day's rations, canteen filled with water, cartridge box with forty rounds of ammunition and his gun weighing 12.5 pounds. this may not at first thought appear to be much of a load but when it comes to having it all strapped on to our back with the thermometer at 95 degrees in the shade and a thick suit of woolen clothing on and the roads dusty and a regiment to kick up the dust it is not so agreeable.

As I have said we started about 10 o'clock and it was 4 p.m. before we climbed the Heights and passed Arlington house. We encamped abut a mile to the westward of the House. Our camp ground is in the woods almost completely shut in and was covered with small log shanties or pens in all stages of erection from a pen three feet high to a respectable appearing shanty with a roof on.-The boys however cleared them away pretty thoroughly the first two days we were here and out comp begins to look quite respectable.

Yesterday, Oct 9th our brigade was reviewed by Gen. McDowell. He expressed himself much pleased with the regiment especially with the order in which their arms were kept. He complimented Capt Northrop upon the appearance of his company in particular.

There are but four regiments in our brigade the 2d, 6th and 7th Wisconsin and the 19th Indiana. the 7th is encamped next to and adjoining us on the south the 2d next south of the 7th. I was over into the 7th today. I believe the boys are all well.

We were glad this afternoon to see two of the Beloit boys who are in the 5th. their regiment has been at Fall's church for some time but moved today to Prospect Hill, about four miles above the chain Bridge. the boys were out on picket when the regiment marched and they concluded to come over and take a look at their old friends before they left. They report all the Beloit boys in the 5th well.

We do not expect to stay here long, but expect to go farther into "Secessia" in a few days when I hope to have something to write to you worth writing.

The most of us have become quite contented with camp life. One great trouble is the want of suitable reading matter. Western papers especially are eagerly sought after and if one come into camp it goes through the company The Journal is always especially a welcome guest.

I am satisfied that a large proportion of our letters never reach us at all. this is all through their being directed improperly. It is of no consequence to put the camp on the direction for we may be in one camp today and another tomorrow. Each regiment sends its own messenger to Washington each day for the mail of the regiment no matter where it is located. For the benefit of out correspondents and friends I will give the correct method of direction to all letters for soldiers. For company for instance it would be as follows:

Mr......

Co. G. 6th Reg. Wisconsin Volunteers
Washington, D. C.

Most of our letters have the direction W. V. for Wisconsin Volunteers. The W. is frequently mistaken for M.- which may mean Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan or Minnesota volunteers. The best way therefore is to write the word Wisconsin for legibly so that there may be no mistake about it.

From the Sixth Regiment
Headquarters 6th R. W. V.
Camp at Arlington, Va., Oct. 20, 1861
Editors of Journal:-You have no doubt been made aware of the whereabouts of the Sixth through other correspondents, more prompt than I have been of late, but as to the Regiment "individually" owing to my remissness, you have heard nothing. Where to begin is the query uppermost in my grain now that I am fairly started at writing to you We have passed through so many changes that an attempt to report them exactly at this late hour would be futile; nevertheless, I will try.
First of all and most important to us, we have had a remarkable change in our field officers.
J. P. Atwood our Lieutenant Colonel was honorably discharged on account of physical disability and Major Sweet was promoted, and now fills the vacancy occasioned by said discharge and he does it well, too. Gov. Randal visited us about that time and somewhat astonished us by appointing Capt, E. S. Bragg of Company E, (Bragg's Rifles, of Fond du Lac, ) as major. I have nothing to say against Major Bragg; on the contrary he makes a very good and efficient officer; but I must say that most of he Regiment was astonished. The only applicants for the position that I heard of were Capt. Malloy of Company A who by right of promotion should have received it. Capt. Dill of Company B, and Capt O'Rourke, of Company D. Capt Malloy withdrew his claims and we-that is, the greater portion of the Regiment-expected that Capt O'Rourke would be appointed) Capt. Bragg's name was hardly mentioned; nevertheless we are satisfied as he fills the office in a manner that does credit to his military ability and to the Regiment.
Second Sergeant Johnson of Company E, was elected Second Lieutenant, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of Capt. Bragg.
The next thing that now occurs to me worth of note was the reorganization or rather reassembling of our brigade, and the arrival of he Seventh. The Nineteenth Indiana and Second Wisconsin were ordered back from their advanced position over the river and in a few days the Seventh arrived. The Nineteenth Indiana was placed on the left of the brigade, the Second next the Seventh next, and the Sixth next which gives us the right-the position of honor you know. After our new neighbors were fairly settled and in fact only two days subsequent to the arrival of the seventh we received orders to cross the Potomac which we did via George town and the Aqueduct Bridge and were located on Arlington Heights a mile or so beyond the Arlington House (quordate property of Gen. Lee Rebel) where Gen McDowell had his headquarters and in whose Division we are. Gen. King also has his quarters near that building.
Our camp is on the highest elevation of is known as Arlington Height's and in piece of heavy timber which also did belong to Gen. Lee the grounds were partly cleared by the 23d New York which was (encamped) there before us; but under the influence of Western muscle and experience in the chopping line, it has been greatly improved. We are in the rear of the great line of forts on this side of the Potomac, and some seven miles from the rebel outposts, but only a short distance from the ground occupied by then previous to the advance of McClellan. So far as health is concerned we could not be better located. The high position of the camp renders the atmosphere exceedingly clear and free from malaria, &c. On the whole we are satisfied with our situation, save that we wish to be neared the rebels.
Since our arrival here we have been reviewed twice by Gen. McDowell the first time a week ago last Wednesday and the second last Friday. At the last review Secretary Seward Lord Lyons, the British Minister, and several other dignitaries were present. Gen McDowell expressed himself highly satisfied with our appearance whish of course is pleasant to us.
So far as I can learn the rebels have fallen back will leave the country immediately in front of us clear.
Above and below us however, they have some large bodies; but as McClellan says they have seen their last glimpse of the Capitol. I do not anticipate fight in this neighborhood very soon although it is hard to see why we should not whip them now as well as after awhile, for we are as well prepared as we ever will be. But he powers that be know what they are about and are probably only waiting to hear the result of the secret naval expeditions which have been sent out.
The Fifth is in Hancock's Brigade, somewhere in the vicinity of Lewisville, and from our occasional reports from there I judge that they are doing well. By the way you have perhaps seen an account of a splendid coup de matin of one of the companies of the fifth in the way of capturing what was supposed to be secesh cows and horses. The account was written in fine style but was incomplete as it did not state that on investigation it was found that the cattle were the property of good Union people, and were returned to them. the boys thought they were doing their duty, however. Dr. Chapman is now acting Brigade Surgeon and has passed the necessary examination necessary to filling or that post.
Dr. Preston is officiating in the regiment, Dr. Preston is officiating in the regiment, Cr. Chapman's many friends in your city will be glad to hear of his success and as he deserves it and is every way qualified or the office. We are all of us happy to Congratulate him on his promotion.
Of late I have heard a rumor of a possibility of the promotion of Col. Cutler.-
Of his physical courage I can say nothing as we have as yet been in no position to try him; but as a disciplinarian, he is without his equal in the volunteer service. And it is to this qualification that our regiment owes it prominence amongst the many here. Everything goes like clockwork in camp and notwithstanding his strict and some things severe system, he is respected by all under him. Although we would be reluctant to part with him we feel that he deserves promotion, and for his sake would be glad to have him receive it.
We have received a visit from W. H J. Watson, Governor Randall's private secretary. It does one's soul good to see some one from our noble young State and the only recommendation that need be offered to ensure hospitality and good treatment at the hands of our men is that the applicant is from Wisconsin.
Harrison Reed and family are also here I understand that his business is in behalf of Q. M. Gen Tredway and that he is to settle with the Quartermasters of the different regiments. I have also heard that he has received the appointment of "document clerk" in some of the departments in Washington and that he intends taking up his residence permanently in that city.
The Madisonions in our regiment enjoyed a great treat last week in the way of a bottle of most excellent current wine, sent to us by Mrs. Col. Fairchild of your city. we drank her health with a hearty good will and more than ever appreciated her as a lady of the first quality. Such little reinembrances from home cheers more than you at our cozy firesides can appreciate.
The Board of Examination as to the qualifications of volunteer-officers has been taking a tare at our regiment. So far all who have been summoned before them have passed through the try ordeal unscathed and with credit to themselves.
I oftentimes hear people wonder at the military poser and ability of McClellan but to my idea it is not at all strange.- Napoleon was only twenty-five when he had reached the acme of his glory as a military chieftain. At that time he had fought victoriously at Millisenno, Lodi Castiglione and Bassano - had won for himself the name of the greatest modern warrior. McClellan is some thirty odd years of age. Yet look at the difference between the impetuous and overwhelming movements of Bonaparte and the slow out sure strategy of McClellan. the former was a rare avis and the latter is Scot like. In fact judging from the impetuous concomitant with the character of a young man and the characteristic caution of old Scott, I think that his "say" is yet respected and obeyed.

From the Sauk county Rifles
Arlington Heights head 6th Wis. Reg.
October 27th, 1861
Friend Kellogg:-The Sauk Co. Riflemen yet live though they have long been desirous to take their chances of lift and death in battle.- How soon they may be permitted to experience a little of what they enlisted for I can not say, but the understanding now is hat if the weather holds dry the army is to advance immediately. It is difficult to transport army supplies here in Virginia during wet weather. Each soldier is furnished with and is obliged to carry and extra pair of shoes; we have to drill with our knapsacks on our back now, also which indicates that we are going to have some marching to do.
Our regiment was hurried out on the parade ground a few minutes ago to receive some visitors, some officers in the army and some members of President Lincoln's cabinet were escorted in by Gen. Kings and we won't through the usual maneuver of presenting arms: while they could down in front reviewing us hastily we ordered back to quarters, and at the invitation of Col. Cutler, the visitors dismounted and proceeded with him to his quarters. Their visit was unexpected and their stay short Gen King called it a surprise party. You are aware that we in Gen McDowell's division. We have great confidence in him as a good General.
I have one thing to mention which is far from being pleasant. It is the departure of our Captain for Baraboo. A disease has been preying upon him or more than two months and though he has not been able to do duty any of the time his anxiety to keep the company progressing in military affairs and maintain their reputation has kept him up and he has worked with and for the company until he became so low that he could summon his energies no longer. We have perceived his decline all along but have tried to shut our eyes on the unpleasant truth and think it would not prove serious. In order to live it has become necessary for him to and relief soon and though he has only gone home on a furlough the company miss him much more than they anticipated.
Lieut. Noyes is our only commander now. Lieut. Thomas having gone home and we cling to him as children to an only parent. He has ever been watchful of the interests of the company and energetic in promoting them. If the rights of company a or its members are infringed upon Lieut. Noyes is informed of it immediately, and the aggressor, be he captain or colonel is called for an account for it. But alas! the probabilities are that we shall lose him as he has already sent in his resignation. the company can hardly reconcile themselves to this though they may know that the causes justify him in so doing.-They begin to fear that we are going to lose both Captain and Lieutenant and the idea is revolting to us. A recognition of the southern Confederacy of England and France, and threats to raise our blockade would not affect us as much as to have our officers taken away for if we can maintain a union among ourselves and go hand in hand with each other we can keep up spirits let what else transpire that may. We have changed since we left home-we have changed together-officers too have learned the disposition of every member of the company and the members have developed the greatest confidence in their officers. If we lose them our loss will be great. We trust our Captain will come back to his company. the health of the company I believe is improving. We are glad to hear of other companies being raised in Sauk County for the war. come on, you will be needed certainly if the plan of sending one or two regiments against four or five of the enemy is kept up and we continue to meet with petty reverses-but do not be discouraged, -we hope for better times. It is getting late if the season now; the weather is growing uncomfortable and we are anxious to move towards dixie.-Should you forget that you have a company of Sauk County Riflemen in the field, we all believe that we shall remind you of the fact when we get into battle, and we trust not to our disgrace or yours.
H. J. H.

From Captain Northrop's Company-Sixth Regiment
(Correspondence of the Journal &Courier)
Arlington Heights. Va.,
Oct. 27th, 1861
Contrary to my expectations when I last wrote you, we are still on the "reserve," daily expecting an order to move forward, and wondering why we have not done so ere this. In fact, if the truth be told, I have waited several days longer than I intended to before writing thinking that in change of position I would find some thing to write more interesting than any account of th dull routine of camp life. But I presume that many of us have friends who will be glad to hear of us even though it may not be interesting to the casual observer.
We had a grand review the 18th before Gen. McDowell and staff and Gen. King and staff. Secretaries Seward and Welles. Lord Lyons the English Minister, M. Mercier and M. Lassura the French and Spanish Ministers and several other foreigners of more of less note were present.
Our regiment was highly complimented.
It may not be amiss to remark hat Capt. Gordon's company was though by one or two of the field officers of the 6th. to present the beat appearance of any company in the 7th regiment.
There is a gradual "tightening up" the reins in this brigade and if it goes on for two months more as it has for two months past we will be regular soldiers in almost everything except proficiency in drill. I do not mean but what we are as well drilled as the average of volunteer regiments in the field. Each man has been ordered to provide himself with an extra pair of shoes, which adds considerable to the already heavy loads that we have to carry on our backs. then a few days ago we were ordered to drill two hours a day with knapsacks on. The boys complain considerably but it is to be hoped that they will soon become accustomed to it, and find it less of a task than they now do.
A week ago today (Sunday)_ a comrade and myself went out to fall's Church to visit some friends in the 24th and 35th New York regiments. We had an opportunity of seeing for ourselves many things which we never would have heard of otherwise. Strange as it may seem I believe a person could learn more concerning the real state of affairs by spending a day along our lines than could be learned from the newspapers in a month. We visited Upton's Mason's and Munson's Hills. Upton's hill is the highest of the three and from an observatory built upon a house upon the top of the hill a large extent of rebel territory can be seen in a clear day. Fall's church was last Monday (and I presume still is) the outpost of our regular encampments To be sure the pickets of Gen. Wadsworth's brigade virtually hold possession of the county for seven or eight miles farther on nearly to Fairfax court house; but the camp of the 35th New York at the south end of Fall's church village is the last regular camp on the road that leads from here (or Washington) to Fairfax and Manassas. The three hills I hav mentioned and Fall's Church it will be remembered, were in the possession of the rebels until the advance of out force on the 26th of September. Their pickets and ours up to that time joined near Ball's cross roads, about two miles this side of Upton's hill. for a long time "Ball's cross roads" and "Munson's Hill" were the main points of the interest. On our way out last Sunday we passed the former plane without knowing it, but being prepared in coming back we took a look at the noted locality. It consists of one very old tavern, half log and half frame now entirely deserted, excepting what was formerly the gar-room, i which a miserable article of "forty rod" whisky is dispensed to thirsty soldiers who are smart enough to steal away from camps in the vicinity and get there. there are two or three other old buildings there but unoccupied save as stables for officers horses. About fifty rods south of the road stands the chimney of what was apparently a fine building burned down by the rebels a few weeks ago.
Upton's Hill is a mile east of fall's Church, and two miles west of Ball's cross roads. The county between these two places is almost entirely covered with cavalry encampments. We noticed but one camp of infantry between the two places -the 14th New York or Brooklyn Fire Zouaves, as they are called. The majority of these cavalry regiments are poorly drilled and lately arrived. Upon Upton's Hill gen. Keyes' brigade is stationed consisting of three New York regiments and a cavalry regiment, or battalion, more properly. These New York regiments are not like ours-containing a thousand men. Most of them will not average over seven hundred men, rank and file. O should have said that this brigade is a little east of the crest of the hill proper but still upon the rise of ground known as Upton's Hill farther on, and near Upton's house is fort Lafayette-two regiments of artillery and all of Gen. Wadsworth's brigade excepting the 35th New York, which as I have said is at Fall's Church, a mile east.
Munson's Hill is about a mile south of Upton's. It presents as uninteresting and uninviting an appearance as any hill with the timber cleared from it. Mason's Hill is probably a quarter of a mile from Munson's and between it and fall's Church. The "rebel fortifications" that I saw mostly consist of a ditch or rifle pit, which would screen a man from observation if he "laid close."
I found upon talking with the soldiers of these brigades that a large proportion of the adventures that the papers have given credit for are the products of the fertile brain of some newspaper reporter. Many of them said that they had never to their knowledge seen a live rebel although they have been on the advance ever since the first of august. But some of them have been in sharp and severe skirmishes. I presume you have heard many and different accounts of the late battle of Gall's Bluff on the Upper Potomac.
We too have heard several accounts of the affair, but I presume we can get at nearer the truth than you do for the reason that the information we receive passes through fewer hands than your does the officaL account of the matter had not been published but the truth seems to be that Gen. Stone designed to occupy Leesburg and ordered a simultaneous advance from Edward's Ferry and Conrad's Ferry two points about five miles distant.

The troops crossed the river in a couple of old boats, miserable, unmanageable things, which could not carry over a company in less than an hour. the force of the enemy was underrated and a fight ensued. Our forces fought bravely for three hours, and were compelled to fall back to the river. they were hotly pursued by the enemy, and many of them taken prisoners. Col. Baker only had about 1,800 men. He crossed at Conrad's Ferry, and formed in line of battle about one hundred yards from the shore. He drove the enemy back to within two miles of Leesburg, when the enemy suddenly opened fire from concealed rifle pits, underbrush and acorn field. Enough troops were waiting on the Maryland side of the river to have driven the rebels back beyond Leesburg, but being without means of transportation they could not cross. After our troops were driven back to the river and Col Baker had been killed the rebels took possession of the heights on the Virginia side, and concealed among the underbrush picked off our men as they were attempting to cross the river in the unmanageable boats or were attempting to swim  it. Many were drowned in the swift and turbulent waters of the Potomac. the 15th Massachusetts suffered the most. Our loss in killed wounded and missing according to the best information that we can give upon the subject is not far from 600. Brig. Gen. Evans, the rebel general commanding in his report published in the Richmond papers of Thursday last gives their loss as 300 killed and wounded: but as he likewise states that he took 600 prisoners and 1200 stand of arms, and that our killed and wounded amounted to between 1000 and 1200, his statement must be taken with several grains of allowance. Upon the whole, it is not another bull Run failure, for our troops occupy the same position that thy did before the battle. It is not a success, for the loss of the gallant Baker and the thinned ranks of the 15th Massachusetts and the California regiment bear witness to the contrary. Our men were too brave, but not prudent enough. The report is believed by some that Col. Baker exceeded his instructions, but it is not justified by facts that have come to light since the battle. Many of the readers of the Journal will remember a young man named Derby several years since a clerk for Clinton Babbitt at the present stand of Johnson Bro's. He was a Lieutenant in the 15th Massachusetts, but I have not heard as the story of the fight. I presume, however, that he is safe, for his name is not among the killed and wounded as most of the commissioned officers of the regiment

Our boys are nearly all in good health and spirits I am sorry to say that none of the officers are in their usual health. Capt. Northrop and  Lieut. Montague have neither of them been able to do duty for several days past, and Lieut. Allen having had double duty to perform is pretty well worn out. He had not fully recovered his health when we came over from the chain Bridge and the march here tired him severely and probably had the Captain and Lieut. Montague been able to attend to the company he would have been off duty.

The "Potomac fogs" seemed to be particularly bad for a person predisposed to rheumatism or lung complaints. There is a real substance to the fog here. ether's none of your light this, airy concerns that melts away before the rising sun like a white frost in a hot stove but a genuine dampness. I have taken a rubber blanket up in the morning from the bottom of the tent, where the evergreen covered the ground to the depth of two inches and seen the water run from it in large drops. Sometimes the ground will "smoke" until ten o'clock and that too in a clear sunshiny day.

Monday Evening

Every day we are forcibly reminded that winter is coming upon us. Today had been quite cold and last night we had a severe frost. The Washington National Republican of this morning contains the official account of the wounded in the battle of Gall's Bluff. it was made up to Friday night last, and fonts up to the number of 155 One hundred and twenty four of the wounded were brought down on canal boats to Georgetown Saturday night The Republican of this morning also contains a long account of the Great Expedition that has sailed or is about to sail from Fortress Monroe. the details in regard to the fitting out of this expedition. have been conducted with great secrecy and many statements have been made in Union papers in regard to it purposely to mislead the rebels. The Republican has already set five or six days upon which the expedition was to have sailed. It states too that the 7th and 8th Wisconsin Regiments are to forma part of the expedition. If we are to judge the truth of what it publishes in regard to the rest of expedition by the truth of that report-we cannot believe much of it. The expedition is said to consist of the steamers carrying respectively 58, 57 and 54 guns.

One frigate carrying 50 guns-five sloops carrying 24, 24, 22, 20 and16 guns twenty-six gun boats each carrying a 11inch Dahlgren forward one rifled gun, and from two to four 24 pounders. Eleven ferry boats with six guns each, 30 transports averaging probably 1700 tons each and six sailing vessels of from 3356 tons burthen to 1000. We may safely expect great results from the fleet and three weeks is not too far agreed to hear of its success upon the rebel coast somewhere the newspapers are required to be even more guarded in regard to what they publish than they were a few weeks ago. Recent developments have brought the fact to light that the rebels have for weeks past received copies of the Washington daily papers within twenty-four hours after their publication . they have had our countersign every night for over a month. they mast have obtained it through the treachery of commissioned officers for privates do not have the countersign excepting when on guard and is most regiments a private does not come on guard over once in ten days or two weeks.

That they are informed of all out important movements, is no longer an unsettled question. They were informed of our advance of the 28th in time to leave Munson's Hill before we could reach there. It does seem strange that our commanders cannot learn a lesson from the "south, in regard to tolerating enemies in their midst. Their motto is "He that is not for us, is against us."
The report has just came into camp that the 6th and 7th Wisconsin Regiments, are to be sent to Pensacola Bay, in two or three weeks. This may account for the statement in the Republican referred to above, or it may be only a report growing out of that statement. In the same connection we hear also that the 2d Wisconsin is going to winter in the Navy Yard. By the way the 2d has improved more in appearance during the last month than any regiment in this vicinity Col. O'Connor, Col. Meredith of the 19th Indiana, with Gen. King and Staff, and Hon. Caleb B. Smith Secretary of the interior, with Gov. Morton of Indiana were present at a review of our regiment yesterday morning.
But this letter has already strung itself out to an interminable and I fear an unreadable length, and I will close.
T. R. R.

The Wisconsin Regiments on the PotomacASZD6AA
Dr. Chapman, whose return we mentioned yesterday, reports a very favorable sanitary condition in the Wisconsin Regiments
now stationed near Washington.-
Of Col. Cutler, of the Sixth to which he was originally attached as Surgeon he speaks in high terms of praise. His promptness,
efficiency and assiduous care of his Regiment have rendered him very popular. Frank Haskell, Adjutant of the same Regiment he pronounces one of the very best officer in the service just as we expected. Lient. col. Fairchild, who is the acting Colonel of the Second, has been specially fortunate in securing the confidence and good will of his men.
He has the rare faculty of securing through the affection of the soldiers under him the order and discipline which many can only enforce by severity.
Dr. Chapman saw Capt. Randolph a short time before he left Washington, and reports him convalescent.

Lieutenant Wm. H. Allen
Last week we published a letter from our correspondent in the sixth Regiment, which served the double purpose of answering many inquiries in regard to the resignations of Capt. Northrop and Lieut. Montague, and of showing the manifestations of
respect for them by their own company and the officers of the regiment. We this week, for similar reasons, cheerfully extend the same courtesy to  Lieut. Allen whose documents were not received in time for publication with those of the others.
These gentlemen are well known as among our best citizens and all believe that they would not hove resigned their commissions without good reasons. Their high standing and honorable character render the publication of these documents unnecessary; but the curious public will ask questions, and the easiest way of answering them is through our columns.
It will be remembered by our readers that Lieut. Allen was sick with the measles when the company left Madison for the seat of war; but be thought it was his duty to go, sick as he was and run the risk of suffering from exposure in camp. He did suffer
all the while, but make that no excuse for neglecting the duties of his office, as will be seen by the letter of /Colonel Cutler.
But he had to give up at last a severe fever threatening. sickness and that only, was the reason he tendered his resignation, and as soon as his health is restored he is resolved to enter the service again.

The following is his certificate of honorable demission:

Head Quarters King's Brigade,
Arlington Heights, Va., Oct. 20, 1861
Special order No. 130
Wm. H. Allen, 2d Lieutenant of Co. G. 6th, Wisconsin volunteers, having tendered his resignation is honorable discharged from the military service of the United State.
By command of Major General McClellan
(signed)   S. Williams
Assistant Adjutant General
I certify that the above is a true copy, and that I have this day paid Lieut. Allen $212.50 in full from Sept. 1, 1861, to
Oct. 31, 1861, both days inclusive.
WM. B. Rochester,
Paymaster U.S. Army.