Camp Life - June 30 1863

(The Scene – the encampment of the 116^th Pennsylvania Infantry, Army of the Potomac, somewhere in northern Maryland on the eve of what would become known as "The Battle of Gettysburg")

soft patter of rain on canvas

last drops from a gentle summer storm

the smell of a hard-used bed roll

and the rumble of nasal snores

a penetrating dampness in the still morning air

awakening pain from crooked neck and aching spine

misshapen by hard earthen bed

chirping melody of morning birds

tent mates greet the day with moans

rustling of bed clothes

as sleepers roll to hide from the dawn

the tinny sound of reveille joined by

a chorus of coughs and rhythmic hacks

from the consumptive camp choir

dirty feet in damp stockings struggle into shoddy boots

big toe juts through hole in sock and rubs leather

crouching stiffly I step through tent-flap door

into a hazy blur of movement

men passing to and fro in morning routine

the wafting aromas of wood smoke and coffee

a long morning stretch and

an unrestrained gape yields audible yawn

followed by lazy scratch through soiled union suit

the crawly itch of lousy trousers

first staggering steps loosen stiff legs

now become hardened by long forced marches

mists rising from the sodden grass

cold water shock

spluttering splashing creek-water toilette

from wooden pail tethered to a post

the first clear rays of golden sun

bands of light knifing through the trees

sparkling off dew drops on bent blades in meadow

pull on dirty shirt

smelly reminiscence of yesterday’s toil

hot coffee warms hands through tin cup

first sips soothe away chill

nostrils flare with deep-drawn breath

sweet scent of still morning air

the musty taste of stale hard tack

months in the barrel shared by weevils

settle for breakfast of salt pork coffee and tobacco

orders are barked

the day’s work has begun

“break camp”

“fall in"
to march north on taneytown road.