Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1861-10-03

uncommon wet season, while others say il
is rather dryer than usual. If the latter
statement be true, il must not only rain all
the time some seasons, bat come down in
streams instead of drops.
! have done considerable scouting since
we have been in this camp. and am well ac-
quainted with all the hills. creeks and ra-
vines within Is miles, We have had con-
siderable skirmishing with the rebel out
posts lately. which have always terminated
in our favor. have not been in regular
battle yet, but have been where the bull
lets whistled round our ears pretty keenly.
The rebels have q camp about 10 miles
from ours. They are said to number 90
OO0. 1 cannot give you description of
our position. the strength of our works, or
the number OF soldiers we have here. lest
this letter should fall into the hands of the
enemy. and thus furnish him with valua-
BILE information. Gen. Rosencrans has
met Gen. ex-Secretary Floyd, completely
routed him. and took every thing he had
General Lee is severely wounded. and John
A. Washington, of Mt Vernon notoriety.
is dead. He was killed about two miles
from camp. by company. or part Of a
company of tie 18th Ind. Some of our
Marshall county boys claim to have shot
him. He received three balls through the
body. He was true grit. After being
shot he drew his revolver on his foes, but
was too weak to shoot and dropped it by
his side. When our boys approached him
he spoke to them politely. and asked them
for drink of water, which was given to
him. and for which he thanked them. He
survived but short time. He exclaimed:
"Oh! my God!' just as he expired. when
his spirit took its flight. He had s1.7OO
in gold. some valuable papers. two revol-
vers and two Bowie knives in his pockets.
His body was brought into camp about
sunset and laid in state in the hospital du-
ring the night. and about 9 o'clock next
morning was sent under a flag of truce to
the rebel outposts. bnt was met on the way
by rebel flag of truce. carried by Colonel
Stark. of Louisiana. for the body. Col.
Stark seemed very much affected. am
told. on hearing Col. Washington was
dead. He had hoped he was prisoner. He
said it was his first venture. which made
the circumstance more painful. The Col.
also told our party. ! arm informed. that
our men did no other damage to his party
than killing three or four horses. which is
hardly credible. considering thirty five
shots were fired with deliberate aim, as
they lay in ambush within forty or fifty
ysrds of the path or road. and is totally ir-
reconciesble with the report of our boys,
who state two other officers. one Of whom
il was thought was Gen. Lee himself. had
to be supported in their saddles as they
rode off.
All tho articles of value found upon Col.
W.. including fine gold watch, in addi.
ton TO those above enumerated. were re-
turned with his body. But an accurate
diagram Of our camp, together with one OF
their own camp. were retained. Thus has
passed away an unworthy son of noble
4
ancestry. The reflections his death called
up were gloomy and sad. Had General
Washington been told when he was peril
ing his all to build this grand temple oi
liberty. under which all might shelter, that
one Of his. own posterity and bearing his
own name, would. in less than . century.
attempt lis destruction. he would have re-
PEELED the prediction as an insult to him
self. How fortunate that the future is hid
from our view. sa sass tlsoo f-al
II is distressing to see what destruction
war causes. Wherever armies 60 devas-
tstion and ruin follow. But few shor.
months ago the people Of this region were
I
dwelling in psace--happy. contented and
proud Of their valley cots and mountain
homes. but now. turn which way you
may desolation stares you in the face
Whole vallies are depopulated. the inhab-
itants having fed in terror. leaving their
stock to be slaughtered. their orchards to
be plundered and fences taken for FIRE wood.
What viii these poor. misled. and could
almost say. believe will, innocent peo-
pie. do next winter? They certainly must
starve e not aided from abroad. Already
they begin to dread the horrors Of the fn-
turc. have seen mothers weep bitterly
in anticipation of the suffering in store for
them and their littls.oncs frou1 hunger sud
cold. Inever have nor never will have auy
sympathy for the enemies of my country.
but cannot repress feelings Of pity for
the women and children, whose punishment
is greater than they deserve. God grant
that my State and County may nsvef be
visited by the ju lgn1cht Of an invading a.
NY g ''''s : 9 :, ''.''s
] am we,; and on.tbe whole enjoy my
self finely; Like camp lifs first rate. and
like my officers and associates. Many el
I'D. .>.<. r.4sfx F-1I =.