Lt. Daniel W. Mayes, Warren Guards, Co. H, 10th Pa. Reserves.
Oct. 5, 1861 [Warren Mail: 10-26-1861]
Camp Tenally –
Mr. Editor: On the 30th of September the Reserve Corps was called to arms with the expectation of having some fun with Jeff’s men. We were laying in our quiet tents when all at once the long roll beat and the bugle called to arms. The old lazy Tenth as it is called was under arms and formed in line with two days rations in our haversacks and forty rounds of cartridges and had double-quicked one half mile in twenty minutes. The men appeared as cool as if they were going out on dress parade. The line of the brigade was formed in good order. The field officers dashed up and down the lines with as much coolness as though they were passing review. Our Colonel, S.P. McCalmont, who is acting Brigadier General, was pleasant and smiling as a boy going to a pic-nic. The major and the old white horse looked eager for the fray. But all was in vain. The report was that the rebels were advancing on the Great Falls of the Potomac. The first dispatch stated that there was one regiment; the third said there was two; the fourth stated their was eight and that they had divided and were marching towards the Chain Bridge. We remained under arms until 11 o’clock P.M., when we were marched into camp in good order.
The next the Warren Guards were ordered out on picket duty accompanied by five other companies. We had a fine time; the weather was warm and dry; the night was rather cool but we had good blankets which made us comfortable. Perhaps our friends would like to hear the way the pickets are formed. They are thrown out four or five miles to watch the enemy. The fortifications are now finished; they are good substantial works and will do good service if needed. The Pennsylvania Reserve Corps is in as good health as can be expected.
Lieut. D.W. Mayes.
