The Iowa transcript. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1858-1866, 1861-10-10

Camp Instruction Benton Bar.
racks st. Louis Mo.
Mr.. EDITOR:
Sept. 9th.
"And there were sudden partings such as
press
The life from out young hearts, for who could
guess
If, ever more should meet those mutual eyes
Since upon night 50 sweet such awful morn
could rise,
We have Just begun to realize that q
soldiers life is oneof change and uncer-
tainty. last Monday eve, a feeling OF
quiet satisfaction seemed to pervade the
whole camp. Some were happy with
near and dear friends, who had that
day arrived; and many more were
dreaming of the loved ones, who were
to come on the morrow.-Time flew on.
The camp lay calm and still, as sleep
ing infant; when glorious voice broke
upon the stiffness Of the night with
awake Boys Awake! Marching or
ders have Come" There was no further
time to dream Of wives, sweethearts and
home. The cry was caught up, by one
and another and in an instant the whole
regiment, were wild, with excitement.
Nearly every man was shouting, sing
ing, or laughing, at the top ofhis voice.
The predominant feeling, was pure
hilarious Joy. But there were some,
who had to suddenly part, from cher
ished friends, one leaving wife on
sick bed, away from home. Others, Of
whom your humble servant was mi
SCRABBLE specimen, expected on this very
day to greet with joyous welcome lovely
babes and loving wife. Wcll-.ce were
not cery noisy-ifwe attempted . shout
it fell stillborn from our lips; If we
essaycd a smile it invariably got upon
the wrong corner Of the mouth.-But
there was no faltering, no hesitation,
although choking sensation, was felt
now and then. for we are still human.
The order to march, came at $ .. n.
and at ! we had ourselves, tents, and
baggage on the cars and were enroate
for Davenport; where we arrived with
out incident worthy Of note At II A. n.
Boats were in waiting tor us, and at 2
2. NJ. we left for St. Lonis on the stea-
mer Clara Hine and the Ferry Rock
Island, the Clara lime had two barges
in tow, and took the following Compa-
MES.
Co. G. Capt. Henderson
+" 4. McCalla
g D. Berry
!" IT. Orr
G. Stoddard
TIE Rock Island took the rest Of our
regiment. The Iowa 9Th left on the
steamer Jennie Whipplc some hours, be-
fore us, but we passed them the first
evening and arrived at St. Louis in adj
vance. On our trip down the Boats
lay to at Port Louisa, to give the men
a chance to cook, and again just below
Hannibal for the same purpose. The
inhabitants on both sides of the river
particularly the ladies showed their
good feelings towards us by waving
flags, handkerchiefa, hats, bonnets and
aprons, which the boys, reciproceted
by many rousing cheer. Wednesday
was drizzling, disagreeable kind OF >
day, and the only circumstance that
marred the pleasure of our trip. At
Quincy we saw portion of Sen. Null
ligans command. released by Rice on
parole, they waved their tattcred flag,
as we passed and were answered by
loud hurras from our feet.-We arrived
in St. Louis about 10 A. N. on Thurs.
day. The City wore Sabbath day ap-
pearancc, all the stores and shops were
closed, and all kinda ofbusiness suspen-
ded; it being the National Fast day.
In the afternoon we marched to Camp
Benton, our present destination which
is located on the Fair Ground about 1
miles from the steamboat landing
This is designed As camp Of instruc-
ton, and is an immense establishment
capable Of accommodating $1,000, men
and several thousand horses. Al to
how many there are here, we have no
means Of knowing. It is rumored that
Fremont has taken the field in person
at the head Of 40, 900 men. II it be COR
rect. rebels::had betterlookoutfor break
ers. Our Co. are all well ] believe at
present; and well pleased with their
situation.
Letters q papers for u should be
directed as follows.
John Smith, Co. c, 10th Regt. Iowa
Volunteers, St. I.ouis Mo.