The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1861-10-10
From BIRDS Point.
CAMP TAYLOR, BIRDS POINT, Mo-, |
September Sd, 1861. !

CAMP TAYLOR, BIRDS POINT, Mo-,
September Sd, 1861 J
DEAR MOTHER Once more we are on the
Point in Birds Orchard--occupying the same
ground that we formerly did. We left Norfolk
with the whole force-on Tuesday afternoon,
marching five miles in an hour and Il half. Our
section Of the battery taking the centre of the
coumn-which was long one assure you
two cavalry companies and one battery with the
three regiments made it about three miles long.
cannot consider the movement l. retreat, but
rather ian evacuation. Tuesday night at II
o'clock, our scouts reported jeff. Thompson
landing large force at Norfolk, with the int ten
ton of making a connection with the main force
of Confederates in the center of the State. At
3 o'clock an expedition of three cavalry ccm
panies, THE third section of our battery, and
I,5O0 infantry were started for Charleston with
the intention of surrounding Thompson and
men and drive them into our hands. They re-
turned last evening, having seen nothing blu
the deserted camp fires of secession troops, and
captured two prisoners with furloughs in their
pockets. They said they had been out hunting,
but the furloughs condemned them They have
Just passed under guard to headquarters for
dinner That skirmish at Norfolk on Monday
morning was between company of rebel cav
airy and our pickets stationed at bridge across
James Bayou. Our pickets fired on them as
they advanced, which broke their ranks-forc-
ing them to seek shelter behind trees-another
voley of about % shots routed them entirely.
One was killed another shot through the thighs,
and Think that two new graves were found
short distance from the bridge. Which light
enough to cross the bridge with safety the
wounded man was brought to camp, when hau
an opportunity of seeing him, and hearing his
report. He SAID that they came to burn the
briGge--that there was a force of cavalry and
infantry advancing on Norfolk by the river road
and that Pi How with his command was coming
up the Kentucky side. His questions i'll regard
to the wound were wered very plainly, the
surgeon telling him that it was dangerous one
and that he might die in an hour. l felt really
sorry for him, though he was rebel He would
swear fearfully on account of the pain caused
when dressing the wound, and thought how
sa it was that he should be called to die in
such state of mind The wound caused his
death on Wednesday morning. r-
Quite an exciting chase happened that morn
ing-a large buck having been driven into the
river, on the opposite side, by pack ofhounds.
Four skiffs were started from this side; after
half an hours row they came within musk ct
ba, oil thar to<ipr afiept -
Then another hard pull and the last boat Out, was
the one to get The deer. Their success was
cheeled by whole regiment, that had formed
on the bank to watch the chase Wednesday
morning OF should say, Tuesday night, squad
! 3, were called out to watch for a steamer that
was head coming up the river. We soon found
that said steamer was the ferry from Cairo COM
| ing down the river. We returned to bed wish
| ing all sorts of ill luck on the man who gave
the alarm who allowed his ears to deceive him
so much Our position here is a very pleasant
one, in dry weather, but the least rain makes it
great mud-hole. The infantry have infringed
on our rights somewhat, and confscated part
of our grounds which makes US little crowded,
|
while away have left them in very bad con-
dition, and we have considerable work to do,
before our camp will assume its former neat ap-
pearance We have but few sick, and those yet
in the hospital are all improving Walter is
quite weak after the chilIs he has had, but is
looking better than usual He received some
bread, cakes, &c, from Thos. Scranton. this
morning in box to Billy Hea. Cousin Julia
is acquainted with Mr.. Hea. / think that great
puff in the Chicago Tribune was entirely uncall-
ed for, though we did make some excellent shots.
We are to get 25 or 40 more horses to-day, which
that we shall remain on the Point for month
or more, to drill and break IN the new horses.
We hear that a new battery has just arrived at
Cairo we hope they are to take our position
here, that we may be sent where we can be in
genuine service, l rather expected letter
from home yesterday, but none caIne-nor to-
day either / received one from Marie Otis by
the morning mail. % s.ts .,
I I've heard about your tricks with my letters,
though I've not seen Telegraph yet Should
like to see Jennies letter If you can send it
Am usually well, so is Charlie who wishes to
be remembered to you and the Kenosha folks
My love to all
Afechonatey'4 Yours a.a ".
O.