Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-12-18
Our Army Correspondence-Th eth
Indiana in Kentucky.

CANp SIXTH WARD,
Hardin Co.. KY. Dec Z, 1861
The weather to day is as mild and pleasant as
a summer day; what the morrow will bring forth
is uncertain, though The hope Of the soldier is
that the pleasantness of the season may continue
IL Is now some three months since the old 9th en-
tered upon the sacred soil Of Kentucky. yet up TO
this time they have not had the opportunity Of
distinguishing themselves on the battle field.
Being the first in the State, they still occupy the
advanced position they are worthy Of Until
within few days they were stationed on the
banks of Non. Now they are stationed about
half way between Nolin and Upton's Station, on
the line of the Louisville aud Nashville Rail-
road
The health of the regiment is good, perhaps
better than any other in this portion Of the State,
only about thirty-five being the sick list, and
OF this number none are considered dangerous.
The medical staff for this regiment has been well
selected DR.. Schassler, the principal surgeon,
has recently been promoted 70 Brigade Surgeon.
Dr. N b. Sparks, his Assistant, will doubtless be
promoted to First Surgeon, position he is emf
nently qualified to fill.
On the 26th (Thanksgiyiog Day. the ladies of
the 9Th ward, Louisville, Ky.. presented the bth
regiment with a splendid silk flag as a token of
the friendship and esteem they have for their de-
ivers. The occasion was honoIed by the pres
sence Of Generals McCook, Rousseau and Negly
and several other distinguished gentlemen. The
presentation speech was made by Mrs. Hughes;
and was responded to by the patriot and soldier
Col. Crittenden in a commendable and patriotic
manner. The Col in honor of the ladies, has
named his camp Sixth Ward, a very appropriate
name. The Chaplain, Rev Barnes from Madi
son, Ind, is actively engaged in bis duties he
breaches every Sabbath, visits the sick regularly,
is the postmaster for the regiment and is much
esteemed by all. Since the washing away of some
OF the tressel work across Rolling Fork, little
inconvenience has been experienced in the Com
missary's department, such short rations, &C.;
but our Quartermaster has been active in the dis
charge of bis duties, and made up the deficiency
by purchases among the citizens, who are
generally loyal; but formerly, actively engaged
in the rebellion for, bear il in mind, this was
once hot bed of secessionism About three
miles from this camp is cave, the mouth of
which is so large that two horse team can be
drove in and turned around, il has been explored
for one mile. When Rousseau's brigade madeits
appearance in this vicinity, this cave was made
place of refuge for the yalorous Secessonists.
Men, women and shildren were huddled in there
A few DAYS since, whilst some companies were
out on picket, near Upton's Station, they per-
ceived an eagle, the American emblem, soaring in
the armament. Oae of the soldiers, not know
ing what animal it was, fired at il on the wing,
and brought the noble bird to the earth. 1t was
only wounded, and was dispatched by pistol
ball. 1t measured six feet on the wing from tip
to tip. 1t was grey eagle. The bows express
ed great deal Of sorrow when they made the
discovery. 1t was a noble looking bird.
To-day flag of truce was sent in to General
Rousseau's headquarters 1t occasioned much
excitement in camp; all were feverish to know
the meaning. Many were the stories in circula-
ton in a few minates. 1t proved to be from the
wife of Gen. Buckner, vho wanted the privilege
of conveying the dead body of her child over the
railroad, the bridges Of which had been ruthless
ly destroyed by order of her liege lord.
The tressel work across Bacon Greek has again
been destroyed by the Secessionists. Why this
has been allowed | do not understand. 1t GER
tainly should have been well guarded. Pickets
have been stationed within two miles of the creek,
but that afforded no protection. ] presume the
bridge will be Immediately repaired.
Gen. Rousseau intends next week to make his
headquarters with the 9th Indiana. Heretofore
he has been altogether with the Louisville Le-
gion. His brigade is composed of the lst Ohio,
Louisville Legion. 18th Kentucky regulars and
9th Indiana, and is the 4th brigade.
The quarters in the regiment are inferior to no
other regiment A cabin is built from three to
fou- logs high, the tents are pitched on top for
a covering. Each one is provided with fire.
place, the chimneys built of mud and sticks and
gives them more the appearance of a village than
a camp; the streets being regularly graded and
bitches along the sides Cleanliness in quarters
is strictly enforced which contributes greatly to
the health of the soldiers and accounts for the
general health i'm camp. More anon. W.
p. s. Since the above written orders
have been received for the lst and 4th brigades
IN adv