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Letter from the “Silver Grays.” Camp Curtin February 28, 1862 Correspondence of The Alleghanian It is a source of real pleasure to be favored with the opportunity of taking by the hand those to whom we feel indebted for favors, conferred, and for whom we entertain sentiments of esteem. The “Silver Grays” cannot forget, nor would they if they could, the deep interest you manifested in behalf of the company, at a time when the helping hand was needed, and your unfaltering devotion to the cause of volunteer organizations in Cambria county, from the very inauguration of this monstrous rebellion. These were the considerations which moved the hearts of the “Old men of the Mountain” on the occasion of your recent visit to our quarters in Camp Curtin, and which prompted the friendly reception with which you were greeted on that occasion. “A friend in need is a friend indeed” is an adage, which, though not very classically express, is nevertheless, a truism. The relation which has existed, and which continues to exist, between you, Mr. Editor, and the “Grays” is evidence of the value of your personal aid, and that it is properly appreciated by every man in our ranks. Camp Curtain is being “cleaned out.” On Wednesday, the camp was electrified by the intelligence that an immediate onward march had been ordered. Preparatory to the removal of the Regiments from camp, it has devolved upon his Excellency, Governor CURTIN, to present the Standards, voted by the last Legislature, to each of the Regiments in the field. The presentation of the Flags to the 54th, (Co. CAMPBELL'S,) 56th (Col. MEREDITH'S,) 101st, (Col WILSON'S) and, the 103d, (Col. LEHMAN'S,) took place on the afternoon of Wednesday last, in front of the State Arsenal. The ceremonies were of the most interesting character. The four Regiments were drawn up, upon the Capitol Grounds, on in rear of the other in the numerical order. The Governor, accompanied by the Adjutant General of the Commonwealth, appeared upon the stage created for the occasion; the former holding in his hands the Standards designed for the respective Regiments. Prior to the formal presentation, Governor CURTIN delivered on of the most thrilling, patriotic, and eloquent addresses, to which it has ever been my good fortune to listen. There stood before him three thousand men, who had voluntarily left their homes, to undergo the hazards and privations of war, for the purpose of protecting the Government from subversion by traitors. He congratulated them upon the prospect of a glorious and final triumph of the Federal arms. In the name of the People of Pennsylvania, he thanked them for the alacrity with which they had hastened to the rescue of their country from the destruction with which dark rebellion threatened it. He saw before him men of every religious creed—of every nation—of every political party—men who had left behind them all personal, religious, and political animosities, that they might be a united effort, keep floating aloft the Stars and Stripes which had, for more than four score years, been our protection upon every sea, and our shield from insult in the most distant lands. At such a time and upon such an occasion, he could make no distinction, other than that designated by loyalty or disloyalty to the Government. He embraced them as brothers, engaged in the one holy cause. He reminded them that, in their absence, the orisons of those left behind them would ascend from the church and the fire-side, for their protection and safe return. The Governor was peculiarly happy in that portion of his address, in which he assured the troops, then assembled before him, that their wives, their children and their mothers should be cared for in their absence—that the obligation rested upon the legislature, now is session, to make provision for the families of the soldiers who are absent, defending the Government against the assaults of domestic foes—that he, the Executive, would most cheerfully execute the wished of the lawmaking power. He recommended speedy action, in terms which indicated the deep interest he takes in that which has for its object the welfare of the citizen soldier. The Governor's eloquent words reached the hearts of his auditory. Expressive silence marked the proceedings. The men drank in every word that came from the speaker's lips. New vigor seemed to be imparted to the determination of the troops. Take it all in all, the Flag presentation of Wednesday last was one of the most cheering exhibition I have ever witnessed. I must not neglect to allude, in proper terms, to the well conceived and eloquently spoken replied of the Colonels of the respective Regiments. Their several speeches were evidently the ebullitions of hearts that beat in unison with the patriotic emotions which the Governor's address had enkindled in the hearts of all around. While the necessary brevity of a letter precludes the possibility of following either the speaker or respondents throughout their entire addresses, I must refer more particularly to one than to the others. Your readers are well aware that the 54th Regiment, commanded by Col J. M. CAMPBELL, has been designated as the Cambria County Regiment. Of course, more interest is taken by our people in every thing concerning that corps, than is bestowed upon strangers. Your correspondent was influenced by this partially, on the occasion referred to. When the Flag was handed to Col CAMPBELL, I felt a pride, while looking over the fine body of men under his command, and this feeling was not diminished, while looking from the line to the Regimental and Company officers. The 54th, now on its way to join the Army of the Potomac, is as well officered as any Regiment in the field. I feel safe in predicting for it, a career of glory and usefulness. Col. CAMPBELL'S reply to the Governor's address was a most beautiful and appropriate impromptu. It was heard only by a few nearest the stand, the Colonel's characteristic modesty inducing him to rather hide the merits of his effort, than to make himself or it conspicuous. He pledged himself, and those whom he represented, that that “banner” should never be disgraced—that the members of the 54th would do their duty to the cause in which they had enlisted—that the honor of good old Pennsylvania should be safe in their hands. I much mistake my man if Col. CAMPBELL's plighted faith be not redeemed. The flying reports, that the Army of the Potomac are now engaged, along the whole line, in battle with the enemy in Virginia, causes a great sensation in this quarter. Were it not for the bustle, caused by the marching out of the Regiments from this camp, our anxiety would be painful in the extreme. The General Government having taken charge of the telegraph lines, we expect to be kept in the dark for some days. However, we have an abiding confidence in the successful results of the Federal arms—that, when the cloud, which now hovers over the battle-field, shall have been dispelled, the view presented will be of the most gratifying description—Victory will be seen perched upon the Banners of Freedom—the loud shout of triumph will make the very welkin ring – our brethren in arms will wave back to us the assurance, that “all is well.” High Private