The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-07-24

to Marysvle for the purpose Of arrcsting and
killing about 900 or 1000 secession rascals
who were reported to have design on Ma
rysviIle for the taking Of a few prisoners ar.
rested by the Union authorities. Wearrived
at Savannah, 10 miles by railroad, early on
Monday morning. From thence We started
for tramp of 33 miles on foot, over what is
in my judgment the handsomest looking
country ever saw. Monday was the hot.
test day of July, and while am speaking
about the weather Tuesday was Just like it.
Long and weary was the march beneath a
scorching sun. At this distance Of time,
do not know how the boys stood it. For
dinner VIC had bakers break, soda crackers,
and raw bacon. For supper, at o'clock p.
M, the same. We had made % miles. Our
intention was to have gone through during
the night. But Just as supper was over
there came on one Of the most unusual, un.
necessary, wholly uncalled for by the cir
cumstances, and most diabolically outra.
geous rain storms it was ever my bad luck
to stand in for three hours and endure
Talk to me Of Noah's food. Why, ours was
worth two Of IL.
The result of the expedition was as all
croaksrs anticipated. Seven prisoners were
brought back to camp, and after two or three
days they took the oath Of allegiance and
were DISCHARGED. Nary sesesch was
found The boys rendered unfit for duty
for a week. Many Of them are now in
the hospital. At Savannah, on our return,
Company K marched into town, and Lieut.
Eaton called upon the seceesh sheriff of the
county and demanded the key Of the court
house for the purpose Of raising the stars
and stripes. The request was complied with
and in half an hour the old flag foated in
the morning breeze. Cheers were given and
the "Star Spangled Banner" sung by the
company, when we returned to camp. This
is the court house upon which waved, til
the arrival Of the Second Regiment, the mis-.
cradle secession flag. Seceesk had threaten.
edany one who dared put up the Onion flag
again. We intimated that We wished it IA
remain that day. We have every assurance
that it did.
Scouts are being sent out along the line
Of railroad every day. The affairs of the
last week you have received by telegraph be-
fore this date. Wars ard rumors Of wars
abound. IF the purposes of some men could
be accomplished, we should have q pitched
battle every day. The weather is very hot
and sn'try. The health of the men are az
fected by it. A sort Of camp dysepiary
affects many. None are dangerous. lay
in my tent three or four days from this com
plant, together with exposure to the hot sun,
and perhaps want Of seasonable food,
when l concluded the hospital would be a
more retired and quiet place. Here have
been two or three days. This afternoon
intepil to discharge myself and return ia
camp.
Lieut.. Strong. Of the Fairfield Company
has been in hospital for some time. and since
commencing this small page, I have been
called into his room, MENTIONING mine, and
have seen him breathe his last. His friends
around home and his father and relations
and many personal friends in Fairfield may
be assured that he had every personal atten
ton it was possible for him to receive. He
died at Eliminates before SIP. m. this Thurs.
day. 18th Of July. fe was highly esteem.
ed in our Regiment. assure you it was
hard to stand by and close the eyes Of the
first officer that has died in our camp. l dc
not know what disposition will he made o,
his remains. ! shall return to camp this
evening. ! have no heart to say more Elk.
cuse my levity sometimes. would be Sc
rious now. Truly yours,
PEQuAwKEr Boy.