We only enjoyed our camp near the Potomac for a few days, when marching orders were received, to report at Hagerstown, Maryland, about ten miles from Sharpsburg, or about eight from our camp. At Hagerstown the Seminary and the grounds were used for a rebel prison and hospital, where we were to do guard and picket duty. Many of the poor fellows confined there died from wounds and disease. While the duty was not very laborious, it was not very pleasant. This is a fine section of Maryland, scenery fine. A large spring, walled in, in the center of the city, from which we obtained water. Quite a large number were confined here as prisoners of war. Here we also came in contact with an army of pedicules, which kept us very busy fighting them. Our boys claimed they bore on their backs the letters C. S. A., Confederate States America. The Seminary and grounds covered quite a tract of land. Our camp was placed as far as could be and still be on the grounds enclosed.
August 15th. A field hospital and camp was established to the north on the Chambersburg road, about two miles from town. A fine location. Plenty of good, clear, running water. The change was not only good for us but very beneficial to all the prisoners, and they enjoyed it very much. Good air and grounds for them to walk about. A provost guard was on duty in town to preserve the peace and protect the town. We were on the alert all the time. Reports of cavalry raids from Virginia into Maryland caused us to turn out in the night and double the line of pickets on the road to Williamsport, near the ford crossing the Potomac. We have very pleasant recollections of Hagerstown. Nothing very serious happened while we were there. Some of the people were very strongly in sympathy with the South. The 4th Connecticut Regiment was at that town a year before we were. They left a good impression there and were well spoken of by the people. We became well acquainted in Hagerstown and vicinity. We traded with farmers coffee, sugar, and hardtack, for eggs, butter, and vegetables. We lived well at that place. All things come to an end. Marching orders received. The prisoners were ordered to be sent to Chambersburg, Penn. At this camp we conquered the army of the pedicules, and became free of the pest.
