In his fourth letter to his former employers at the Pittston Gazette, Charles Cyphers takes time to describe what camp life was like for the Civil War soldiers stationed at Camp Slifer in Chambersburg, PA in the war’s early weeks.

By this time, Cyphers and his Coal Region comrades in the 8th Pennsylvania Infantry were becoming accustomed to the rhythms and patterns of military life as the weather warmed and summertime loomed. The young printer also took notice to the stream of refugees from Maryland and Virginia crossing into Pennsylvania as Southern unionists fled their secessionist neighbors with military campaigns on the horizon.

From the Pittston Gazette, May 30, 1861:

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Letter from Mr. Cyphers.—No. 4.

Camp Slifer, Chambersburg, May 25, 1861.

Mr. Thompson—Dear Sir: 

Nothing of much importance has occurred since I wrote to you last. We are becoming “hardened” to camp life and military discipline, while we are anxiously awaiting orders to march toward “Dixie’s land.” But a small number of our men are in the hospital, and they are fast recovering under the kind treatment of those who have them in charge. 

Our camp is situated on the rolling ground directly south of Chambersburg. A fine stream of water, sufficiently large for bathing purposes, winds along a marsh within the camp, and a short distance from our shanties, or sheds. 

While I write, many of the men are engaged washing themselves and their clothes; and near the place where the stream comes into camp some are washing dishes; others have spread themselves out beneath the shade of the trees that grow on either bank, for the purpose of taking a snooze.

Equipments for the Seventh Regiment have been received and distributed. It is rumored that the equipments for the Eighth have arrived, but I have not seen them yet. Probably we will get them next week.

While sitting in the “shed” yesterday, eating “our” dinner and talking of war, home and friends, camp life, &c., we were called out to look at an eagle that was passing over the camp. I watched it for some time. Its course was directly east when I first saw it, but suddenly it changed its course and went south, and soon disappeared.

Rumors of war reach us from time to time from Virginia and Maryland. Many people from the above States pass through Chambersburg every day—several families passed through town yesterday on their way north. The south is becoming too hot for them, and they are coming north for protection.

We are to have a regimental drill and dress parade to-day. Gen. Williams will inspect the troops. Many thanks for the “Gazette.” The order is given to “fall in” and I must away.—Remember me to my friends. I send my best respects and good wishes to all. 

Truly Yours,

Chas. M. Cyphers.

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Read the previous letter from the Letters from War: 1861 series.

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This is part of an ongoing series called “Letters from War: 1861” that will share correspondence written on the front lines during the turbulent first year of the Civil War.

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