The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-09-04

tea for my private perussl. Apotherin strong man.
ly chirography, from whose duty, It Is to stay
with the old folks at home While others take the field
Ills opinion that certain Captain has pluck Is
tainiy natering but It's soupness is yet to be tested
Two threeare from poor fellows left In hospital
There cises ofncn in the service entitled
to car sgepatlhes than the sick. He must have a
moro sanguine and hopeful temperament than mine,
reconcile himself to his lot while the sick
list.
Regmental matters In the 2d are somewhat mixed
The election of Col Curtis urged upon the grounds
Of his influence at headquarters, and upon the sup
position that extra exertions would be made by him
to have his ''pet" regiment, It was called most
thoroughly armed, equipped, and furnished. 1t was
thought Also that his election would be grand stroke
of policy. 1t would be the only means Of elev ating
him to the post of Brgadier. His ami iton has heen
gratifed He has been with the Regiment one month,
1t has been furnished with the commonest kind Of
muskets, the third class. II has had portion of its
outfit. Its mana cement and discipline has been un-
der the cantreL afi officers whose military life
mesced,op the 2sth of, May. The vacancies in pros
pect have been the occasion of an organized system
otpolitica,mitary electioneering that in the judg-
ment off disnterested men, would disgrace village
caucus. Asairants a. plenty as blaGkberries.--
to one side, and seniority presumptuously insisted
upon Captains are cody importuned by Cd Lieuten-
ants to sign their petitions for Resmental promotion.
thus rendering the opinion that no Captain is quail
fed for higher office. Under this state of affairs II
authority passes into incompetent hands, another de-
feat and stampede than that of Run awaits
Seriously, fears are entertained that red tape
and avoriteism may PREVAIL and all its consequences
follow.
Orders. have been issuedprohibting resignatpns,
leaxe of absence, and furoughs It Is claimed tina,
officers must remain In the service, except for phys
cal disability, although II may be kno,cn that SUI
perior () officers are totally incompetent. have
only to say, being no aspirant myself, that when a
certain point has been reached, my resignation viii
rendered, and II not accepted mag
be called,for my benefit.
Our stay has been very pleasant here In Ironton-
Gen. Prentiss Is now In command. Several regiment,
are stationed around in this vicinity. What ones
know not. The health Of the soldiers has been i'm
proving Plenty OF fresh meat fruit and
the finest water ever drank. The weather very fine
nights cool and pleasant.
am now finishing this rapid scrawl on Monday
morning, Aug 26th, ITO o'clock, A. n. Orders have
just been read to to hold my company
for marching orders att N ", Again we are to move
intimatoa H. what direction, but probably towards
the Southwest The whole force under Prentss Is ia
move. may get lost to you out on the prairies.-
May have opportunity to send you word. The
Pequawket Boy will, for time dry up. If have In
the slightest degree contributed your n,
or enterta nment, that Of your readers, glad
have sc-ibbled about matters just as would have
talked to you, had finger in your button hole ma
king no attempts at fine even correct writing you
win not critcise anything haze saAa, aafr now
swith sigh pr those who love me,
And smie fpr those who hate,
Whatere skys above me
Here's a heart for any fate"
PEQUAwKET BoY.