The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1861-10-02

Letter II om Lieut. Lcmngweli.
We are permitted by Mr.. Bradley. Of this
city, to make the following extracts from
a private letter from Lieut.. d. Lcffingwell,
Of the Clayton Volunteers:
ST. LOUIS, Sept 18th, 1861.
F.. BRADLEY, Esq.-DEAR SlR:-I have
no doubt that our very kind friends in Nc.
Grcgor are somewhat surprised at not hear.
ing from me on my return to camp, after
the generous and cordial reception they
gave me when last there; yet I think many
have made excuses in my favor for this ap-
parent neglect but the fact is l have not
been able to write. have been in camp
but one day since my return, and then was
ordered to the double duty Of fficer Of the
Day, and Officer of the Guard, which re-
quired my active attention every hour from
eight o'clock that morning to eight the next
morning-the rules Of service not permit,
ting me to sleep. With the exception OF
that one day in camp, have been detailed
on active duty, (sutficient,y active to satisfy
any one of common muscle,) and am now
in st. Louis, coming here with Capt. Will
lett, with special representations as to the
condition of our little army to Gen. Ere,
mont. Capt. W,iictt returned night before
last leaving me here, unable to return with
him. Loss Of sleep and exposure have left
me looking very little like warrior---fol
ne days do not think had more than
eight hours sleep, and for threa successive
nights not one wink Of sleep; in addition
to this a complete drenching in a heavy
storm without a change of clothes.
One word in relation to Company -
they are brave boys They march by tn,
day with their feet all bl,Stered singing as
though they were on pleasure trip-and
this is ahou, the disposition Of the whole
Regiment As to myself am not able
any longer to hold this pen. am utterly
exhausted, prostrated, and broken down
Lust night | was carried from the scttce si
Barnum's Hotel up to my room. The sur
gcon told me this morning if returned to
camp in less than thirty days would die
there" that had done service enough for
the present, and now to wait for orders
from the medical department
One remark in reference to Capt Slad
den: The Captain had command Of the
first expedition, and accompanied the
second riding in wagon, saying that where
there was IA prospect of fight in which
company C. was to be engaged h. would
be in that fight sick or well; il he could
not command, he could handle muske,
and obey orders and when we, in connec-
ton with three hundred and fifty or four
hundred of the I'd Kansas Regiment-were
attacked at Shelbina by three thousand Of
the rebels under Gen. Green and other re.
bel officers whose forces were united, they
having four cannon, the Captain was in.
stanter at his post, and company c. was
placed nearest to the rebels, and was the
last moved from the field. When left
him the Captain was feeling better. So
you Sec that we have been catching glimpses
Of the elephant down here.
Tell the ladies Of McGrcgor that the un-
expected luxuries sent to company c. were
very gratefully received by them. There
was bountiful supply, and all felt very
much gratificd ut being so kindly remem-
bered by their friends in McGregor.
As ever, Yours, Truly,
DOUGLAS WELL.