Des Arc semi-weekly citizen., 1861-05-17
LETTER FROM CAMP RECTOR.
CAMP RECTOR, MOUND CITy, ARK, } FIVE MILES ABOVE MEMPHIS,
 MAY 11th 1S61.

you, for you must know that soldiers
 life is the same everywhere-every day the same routine of duties to perform and very rarely change, so scarcity ofnews is the consequence. But however, I'll at- tempt to make out readable letter.
 On Tuesday evening after dress parade Rev. J. B. Ferguson of Nashville, Tenn, delivered one of the most impressive speeches to the troops 1 ever listened to-. His burning eloquence and enthusiasm for our cause-his touching pathos and earnest manner I've rarely seen equalled by any speaker. He presented unanswer- able arguments, in which he showed plainly the hypocrisy and fanaticism of the Northern minons-their lust for power, and love of gain; and proved to the hear CT he was we'll posted in regard to this civil
 war waged by the treachery and deceit of an abolition President against our loved institutions of the South. He was follow ed in short but telling speeches by Col McRae,s General Patton and Capt. Cle- burne.
 Since my last, one more company has arrived, the Napoleon Grays from Napo- leon, Ark. They number about 55 and are fine looking body of men.
 The news of the secession of our gal lant little State was received here with un- bounded applause and enthusiasm on the part of the whole camp. All were wait-' ing with anxiety and surprise till the news finally arrived Tuesday evening that she was disenthralled. Every one expected the convention would pass an ordinance of secession, but still none entertained doubts on the subject, fearing there were traitors in the camp as was he case with our convention which met on March 4th Every delegate did their duty nobly with a single exception, and their names will always be venerated by true Arkansans, for having cut the Gordlan knot which bound us to a section who were hostile to our institutions. to our homes and dearest interests, and everything which consli- tutes southern happiness and southern prosperity. Arkansas now occupies proud position, and one for which her eve ry son will defend her as long as he has an arm to raise at her call.
 Our old friend, Col. ". ". Wair, is here acting as Major of our regiment by temporary appointment. H has had the of the camp under his super vision since his arrival, and has given the best satisfaction in the Generals depart ment, which by his care and attention is now arranged properly. He is an old soldier of great experience and skill, and much is due 10 him for the good manner in which everything is arranged and car ried out. The weather has been excess sively hot for the past four days and Old Sol's rays has poured down upon our de- voted heads with remorseless fury, with not breath of air stirring in mid day but the atmosphere is as hot and stihing as in the tropics. However, we have one that 1t makes us suffer com. paratively little 10 what it will our enemies, 'Old Abe's" hired vagabonds of black republican predelictions when they invade our soil. The nights however, are cool enough to require blanket to keep com fortable.
 The officers in command of this post ire Col McRae, Gen. Patton and Mai. Hurley, gentlemen of talent and worth, md will no doubt crown themselves with 'resh laurels when called to meet the ene- ny in the tented field.
 One of the artillery companies here are Braggs battery, which is now 1t Fort Smith. It is the same battery hat dealt such death and destruction upon he bloody field of Buena Vista, scattering ike chaff before the winds, the flower of he Mexican army. This company may we'll be proud of the achievements of the oattery upon the battlefield against the erred hosts of Mexican ehivalry, and a.