The Allentown Messenger On September 10, 1907, is
printed the following composition, which is dated June 27, 1862, and was written by a
little girl about fourteen years of age at that time, and who lived near Allentown. It is
titled, “The Allentown Soldiers”. Allentown is a small village, and therefore could not raise
many soldiers.
Their commander, Captain Stagg, took twenty-six up to Trenton to be
mustered in. The Saturday before they went, the ladies of Allentown gave them a Picnic
in Borden’s woods. There was music, speaking, and refreshments. Both of the schools
were invited; and they enjoyed themselves very much. Some of the soldiers put up a
swing, and the children and some of the soldiers, had a nice time swinging.
On Sunday the
Rev. Dr. Perkins, the minister of the Presbyterian Church, preached to the soldiers. The
day that they went away, the marched around town with the band, and the Home Guards,
to the tune of Star Spangles Banner; and then up on Aristocracy Hill to have likeness
taken; while they were getting it done, one of them fainted. Some of them went up to
Trenton in covered, and some in open wagons.
When they were starting they hallowed,
Hurrah, for Captain Stagg. The name of their camp is Camp Perrine. They enlisted to fight
for our country. They received their uniform from Uncle Sam; the color is blue, and they
looked very nice. They had a heavy load to carry. The knapsacks with their clothes; a
blanket; a satchel with a Plate, Knife and Fork; a pair of Shoes; a Tin Cup; a Canteen to
carry water; and a Cartridge Box. Some of the soldiers felt bad at leaving their families and
friends.
They do not expect to go South until September. I hope they will all be spared to
come back. Three cheers for the Jersey Blues and their Captains.