Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-08-21
Our ARMY Correspoudence.


Our Army Correspondence.
The Thirteenth Rs9isnent IN Pfrgiaia-Defenseo OF Col
lSnRirah-Hospi'al egaSafions-Bsfrias Of TIE dead
"A Scouting party composed Of Brackea's eduairy,
and fe'o iafaatry OF Col. KSm5aH's regiment fired
upon by the rebels, and three kted-F7ag of Truce
DTs. Fletcher and Clarke captured by TIE re1es as
scouts and spies-Fate unknOooa.
CAMP CHEAT MOUNTAIN, August IL, 1851.
To tie Eftor Of tie Daily State Sentinel.
At last | have the Sentinel daily and once
again write you few items that may be of in
terest to you and your readers, although of no
Importance to US, as we have become accustomed
to them. Last night we had jig dancing and CO.
tillons in front of Col. Heffrens quarters, and it
was worth more for the health OF the camp than
all the pills and powders of the medical chest
Speaking of health, must state that many per-
sons believe the matters I stated about our
wounded at Rich Mountain and Beverly, was
thrust at Col. Sullivan and the other officers of
this regiment. Such was not the fact and if they
would inform themselves as to army regulations.
they would not nor could not have placed such a
construction upon my letter. The United States
mel has control over it. 1t is above and beyond
our regimental officers control, and they can in
no wise direct the principal Director or Surgeon
what to do. So the infamous guerilla chief of
the Madison Courier, backed up by Representa-
tive Bingham, and a few disappointed seekers af
ter place, had better haul in their horns about
Governor Morton. You know, sir, that do not
like the principles of Morton politically, but
despise the ours of his own party who bark at his
heels because he will not obey their behests Gov
Morton is not to blame for many appointments
he has made, because they have, in all cases,
been "well recommended" and the man who
blames Col. Sullivan, only does what his own in
famous heart desires to do, backens the char
acter, honor and standing of one who has sue
ceeded in spite of their foul and low lived machi-
nations.
The facts are these: Col. S. learning that the
men needed assistance and attention, detailed DR..
Gall from the regiment, knowing him to be com
petent and skillful, and having no superior in
the army, and sent him to the Hospital to
look after tbs wounded, and many were
grati6ed and reoiced at his appearance
for they knew that they would have attention
and they got it; nearly all will recover one has
died, he has gone to his long home, James
Thompson died August 8, in the hospital at Bev-
erly, of wounds received at Rich Mountain He
was but boy, Just starting in lfe l knew him
Murphy, of Company A, was buried; he belonged
to Captain Dobbs' company; he died in the hos
pital. And now as / write, another cortege pass
es, the body enclosed in a rough, rude coffin and
wrapped in the American flag, borne by six stall
wart men on their shoulders. He belonged to
the Sd Ohio. Thus We go. Thus will we con-
tnue to go, and at the end of three years most OF
us who left indianapolis hale and hearty, full OF
enthusiasm and joy, and desiring to meet the
enemy of our country, will be decimated. thinned
and gone to our long home; the cold cods of the
valley, or the rocky earth of the mountain, will
cover us, shall pass away like the summer
flower; but will not be forgotten, our fathers
brothers, sons and friends, will ask, why is il
thusl Why do the bones of our kindred bleach
and whiten on the hillside and valley? And the
answer will come up from the heart of each in
the same strain, and all joining in one acclaim
will revenge upon the authors and instigators oil
this war; that need of condemnation at the ballot
box and upon the stump which shall consign them
to infamy and scorn.
But why muse and reflect upon this? Are not
many of us better off beneath the sod than living
when deserted by family and friends, when the
heart strings broken and the last tie that binds
man to man obliterated and cast asunder, why
desire to liver Better, far better for many of u:
to be buried in an enemys SOIL wehre the vol
and bear shall prowl over us, than ever return
But why reflect upon the passg Let it be buried
forgotten. Let the dead bury the dead and tn,
living wait until the dread summons comes.
Yesterday a scouting party was sent ou
bv Col Kimball, consisting of Bracken's caval
~ and few infantry, which were fired oI
by rebels killing two cavalry and one infant
ry man. The names OF the cavalry killed
are Hawthorn, and Harry Chayne, forme.ly
of the Sentinel. They fell dead. About hun.
dred rebels attacked them. Col. Kimball ant
Major Harrow repaired to the scene of actor
with two companies of infantry and thirty cayal
ry. They captured two prisoners and were still
fighting when a storm broke the wire and we ar,
without further adyices but you will get them b,
telegraph before this reaches you.
flag of truce came in from Gen. Lee asking
for az exchange of prisoners. Gen. Reynolds
has answered it but the reply is not received
They have DIR. Fletcher, resident of you
place, and son of Calvin Fletcher. He was a scou
! and his fate is uncertain. His brother, Miles j.
came Yesterday morning, but had heard nothin,
of his capture. One Clark was captured witt
him. Their fate is unknown; but Cols. Sullivan
Heffren and Others offer to release them if posi-
BILE. Their place at present is unknown. i hop
they may be released. All the 18th will aid IL
the undertaking.
Commissary Harrington and Quartermaste
Levering are now here. We will have bushes
put through now as it should be. Our camp is i
pretty good health now and getting along well
am in great haste and can not write more
will endeavor TO write twice week hereafter, bu
between the duties of drill and guard have no
much time / am, &C., A. B. G.