American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1851-1863, 1861-10-19
CT which, las been carried on with the


enemy-for some of our pickets have
been so daring as to cross the river and
dine with the Yankee pickets. The
point | visited, on the river, was between
Mason's and Harrison's island. These
islands are about two miles apart. Har-
rison's isle has an extent of two and
half miles. Upon this island last week
the Yankees placed many Of their troops.
They received but little if any opposi-
ton, because this island is considered
part of Maryland. After leaving the
river, l visited Rusts' cave. 1t is
point of considerable interest, consisting
of three large chambers. The parlor-
chamber is about IL feet in altitude and
80 feet in length Curious formation Of
stone work there abound. Not far from
the cave is an old cemetery-the. earliest
burial in which dates back as far as 1928.
and the latest 1898.
A few days since Yankee deserter
was mustered into our company. He
reports the Yankee commander, Gen.
Stone, to have force of 5000 men at
Poolyille, Nd, about seven miles from
our encampment. The young men from
Madison, so far as know, are all well.
To walk through the streets of our camps
almost makes one think he is at home, he
sees SO many familiar faces. Too much
commentator can hardly be lavished
upon our noble Lieut.. Col. Griffin, he
seems ever on the alert, seeking the best
interests of the regiment. He is quite
popular with the boys. although they
think he drills them quite severely, but
then the praise he afterwards bestows
amply atoues for its severity. In him
Col. Burt has a very efficient assistant.
Blythe way, abiding to Col Burt, know
not to what may better compare him than
to Jobs war horse, as be 'smelleth the battle
afar of, and to the sound of the trumpet
saith, ha, Ia ~ He eminently possesses the
qualities OF regimentaI commander.
Our GeneraI-Evans-is known to be, as
the boys say, !" game" In a speech he made
to us long since, he declared that could he
pursue his own policy Immediately, he
would march upon Baltimore" Our response
was three cheers and tiger"
After an animated contest of a week, our
old and distinguished friend Judge Henry was
elected Major of this the 18th Mississippi
regiment He had for a competitor Mr.
Thomas, of Clinton, Miss, young gentleman
possessing winning address and noble quail
tiles. Il was matter of regret that two
such estimable gentlemen were competitors
for the same Office.
We fear that the Z" sovereigns" of Missis-
sippi are going to take from Hon. o. r.
Singleton and Gov. A G. Brown. They both
make Captains of the very first character.
An old Virginia gentleman, hearing that
we had two distinguished Congressman in
our ranks, expressed ardent desire TO see
them, when, what was his surprise, if not con
sternation, TO find Capt. Singleton playing a
game of ball; while Gov. Brown, with coat
and vest off, was walking up and down the
streets of the encampment, enjoying pipe
loaded with aromatic tobacco. 1t took the
old gentleman quite while TO recognize in
these gentlemen the objects he sought.
Nearly every day meet Judge a. P. Hill.
Camp life seems to agree with him. He
looks better than when he left Canton. The
men in his command think his superior can
not be found.
| Capt. W. G. Kearney is also in excellent
health and fine spirits. Brave, noble, digni-
| fed and courteous, he has won the admira-
tion and esteem OF all who know him; in
fact, he is the idol of his company.
As close this hasty effusion, am reminded
that our gallant Adjutant, Tim. Nicholson
sends you his sincere regards.
MILES.