The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1861-06-26
I'm Camp ut 81. Joseph Missouri.

June 10th, 1861.
Mr.. EDnoR:-We arrived at this place
at 10 \. NJ, in high old spirits, after nights
unrest in 80 cattle cars. Our destination
was at last revealed to US. On arriving we
formed camp on the bank Of the Missouri
At last we arc in camp.
We found two companies Of Regulars and
one of U. s. Dragons stationed here Not
with landing this, the town was under the
control of the Rebels and Union men were
subjected and at their mercy. But night
shot Regular in the streets in cold blood
You may be assured that our arrival was
hailed with satisfaction, and many a true
man came into camp, and with full heart and
quivering lip, expressed their joy at seeing
us, and gave us welcome words. To-day,
(Smday.) confidence seems to be restored
among loyal men, and hope is once more
entertained that the rebels will be held in
check.
Capt. Littler>s, Davenport Company were
sent last night out East on the r. R., to guard
bridge and surprise secession town; re-
turned this morning with 80 prisoners, 5 Sc
cession flags, and a large number of Rifles,
guns and ammunition. You should have
been in our camp when the gallant Capt.
came in holding the Rattlesnake Rag in his
hand One universal shout, from one end of
the camp to the other. Not man of us but
envied his success.
Last night at II o'clock, the Bloomfield
Co. and Co., X. were suddenly called up,
and in half an hour were on the march for
a point s miles north of this, where is large
secession force and ammunition stores. The
scout was intended to include the. Regulars
and Dragons, but for some want of arrange
ment, perhaps point of military etiquette
was involved, they failed to be on the ground
when the cars were ready, so the Col, aban.
doncd the enterprise for the present, and Co.
X. awaits the next opportunity. Much dis
appointment among our boys was the result,
as we are spelling. for a fight.
The Bloomfield Co. are out again to-day,
and am looking every moment for orders
for Company X.
Yesterday morning at little town Is
miles east of this, as we came through, a
seccssionist brandished his revolver at some
of the Keokuk company, whcreupon a pri.
vate lcveled his musket and shot him thro'l
the heart, the first man killed by our Regi
ment. We have lost no one yet, but from
present appearances, and judging from The
character of the warfare to be waged, VIZ
may not long be spared. Perhaps your
correspondent may be among the number
ifso, be it remembered that he accepts thu
fate, firmly believing it to be the imperativ.
duty Of every good citizen to assist in rid
ding the country Of that class of men of thu
character Of those we now are guarding as
prisoners in our camp for must say with
out prejudice, l never saw in all my life /;
more villianous set of men. One of the mer
offers $4,000 to be released. Tomorrow
they will probably have trial.
| We are happy to find our old friends
Sands & Fenneman, late from Ottumwa
sound ON the goose, and who are in extacie
at our arrival. They wish to be rcmem5ere,
to their friends.
J Now as to our prospects for the future
, am inclined to think wo shall remain il
camp at this place for some time. 1t seem
, to me an important point, and should b
maintained at all hazards. Parties will b
sent out as duty may require, but this viii
be the rallying point. The Col. has contro
, Of the Telegraph and the Roads, and is ad
vised of everything that transpires. IIeha
sat in his tent all day issuing his ORDERS
Busy times are ahead we shall take GU
chances.
Address us at this place for the present
Will drop you line as opportunity offers
The health Of the camp is excellent. Fo
the present, adieu. PEoUAwKEr Boy.