The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-08-21
81. Louis ARSENAL, Aug. 10, 1861.

FROM NJ Louis.
ST.. LOUIS ARSENAL, Aug. 10, 1861.
Dr.. j. L. TAYLOR, Ottumwa-
Dear Sir: am sitting on our Captains
trunk with my paper on my kree trying to
write. I need not tell you that we went on
board the Jennie Whipple last Wednesday
noon, and proceeded down towards "Dixic."
We had glorious time on the old boat, COW
cred every inch Of space she had to spare be.
sides two old barges, We got our breakfast
early on the morning we left Burlington, and
as good luck would have it, got our dinner
next morning about 8 o'clock, by the boat
landing US on the "Rebel" shore long enough
to cook little of old Ned and make some
coffee, which, in few minutes, were seen
no more. We were then about FIVE miles
below Hannibal. The stars and stripes were
waving oyer that city, and as we passed the
ladies waved their handkerchiefs from the
windows and the men their hats on the
streets. can't tell you how good feel
when see such receptions on the rebel shore.
My bed that night was about 10 inches wide
by nearly the whole length Of my body, on
the stern Of the old barge. the blue sky my
covering, while the twinkling stars seemed
to be my guards. One of the boys fell over
board that night, but was not drowned.-
The next night the boys all piled in for bed
at dark. being somewhat interested in
that part Of the country, did not feel like re
firing so soon, as we were approaching the
mouth of the Illinois river. soon found
out my mistake. for while was looking to
see the mouth Of the river, the boys occu.
pied my favorite bed, consequently had no
place to lay me down. took my seat for
the night on post about six inches in d.
ameter, when our 1st Lieut. came along and
took me to the cabin deck where found
narrow place on the floor by one of the
pipes. MY bed not being very tempting,
concluded that would sit up till we passed
Alton, which we did about IL o'clock. The
gas-lights gave me slight view Of the city,
and everything seemed to be quiet. I then
turned into bed, but scarcely got to sleep
till was awakened with the cry that man
had fallen overheard. Poor fellow, he beg.
ged for help, but got none, and we have
never heard of him since. I then lay down
again, but did not lay more than an hour
till heard some one say here is st. Louis
While was trying to get my eyes open,
the cry came again that man had fell over
board he was, however, rescued. The boat
then lan6ed, and everything was quiet till
morning. When awoke the citizens of St
Louis were not up, but was soon after We
gave them fine round of music.
We were taken to the Arsenal early in the
morning, and got our breakfast about noon
There are plenty Of arms and great many
large cannon here, and more being brought
in every day. A great many of them are
being distributed to different points where
they are needed. There are great number
of prisoners here, and some desertcrs from
the I'd Ion Regiment. cannot tell how
soon we shall leave here, but expect pretty
soon, for yesterday about noon we were or
dered to be ready to march in few minutes
We were all ready pretty soon, with ou'
"traps" tied on our backs, watching for spe
cial orders till most night, when we were in
ormed that we would not 60. So off went
the hot budgets from our backs, then to get
ting supper. The rumor is that we vii
leave to-day, but where to d" not know
the report that come to my ears was tina
we were going to Bonneville, NO., though
we are not allowed to know anything NOR
than minute ahead. They tell US to ge
ready to march, and that is all we know til
the word march is given. l am enjoying
good health, and feel, think, just like
soldier ought to. Our Captain arrived her
last evening. We were all glad to see him
Yours, &c. Co. SERGENr.