Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1861-06-12
Correspondence Daily State Sentinel.
Letter from Camp wallace.
CAMP WALLACE Evansville, Ind

June 2, 1861.
DEAR SENTINEL: The subject of "who will
be our next Maori" which was the topic of con-
versation throughout the camp the first of the
week, has gradually subsidized, and given place to
one of much more importance-"What is to be
done with our regiment?" Various rumors are
in circulation as to our destiny, but yet moth
ing is definitely known. One is that We are to
be separated into three divisions, and to be station
ed at the mouth of Green River, Evansville, and
Mount Vernon for the purpose of searching steam
boats fatboats, &c. Another is that we are to
commence recruiting for three years or until the
war is ended, and all those who are not willing to
enlist for three years are to be sent home, and
their places filled by others. And still another
is, that we are to remain where we are until our
three months are out, and then return to our
homes covered with glory and rags-especially
the latter. / can not say whether there is any
truth in either report, but certainly if there is,
the persons by whose command it is done will
never receive great credit for lrisdom by either
the officers or privates of the Eleventh Regiment
AS has been surmsed by our indianapolis
friends we were not well pleased when we learn
ed that three regiments had been ordered from
indianapolis, and that ours were not recognized.
And why should we not be dissatisfied, when we
reflect upon the fact that ours was the first form
ed, and by far the best drilled regiment in the
State? 1t is certainly under the command of the
best military men in the State, and even the ranks
are filled mostly with men who have had former
experience in military drill-men, too, who have
much pride for their regiment, and who have
heretofore taken great interest in learning to drill
But the treatment they have received very natur-
ally has tendency to discourage them, and in
duce carelessness. They seem to think that
while the Zouave drill-the "double quick -
"lunging," "thrusting, develop" "leap to the
rear, and bayonet exercise, is much more efficient
for battle, that for stopping fatboats, RATS and
logs, the light infantry is just as good, and
does not require half the exertion to learn it. 1t
may be all for the best for us to remain here, but
it looks strange.
Col Wallace has been at Indianapolis on mat
tiers of business for some days, and returned last
evening. What was the result of his visit have
not learned, further than that he brought with
him five dollars apiece for the boys. The money
was God send to revive the dropping spirits in
camp. BOYS who for weeks past have enioyed
the sweet consolation of being 'dead broke" and
who had willingly bartered good fifty cent jack
knives for plug of tobacco, bottle of beer and
bunch of onions, grasped their money and has
tened to the line to get it changed by the milk
women and hucksters, and seemed more at a loss
to find something to spend it for than anything
else.
Our band gave a concert to the citizens OF
Evansville on Thursday night last, which gave
very general satisfaction. They were assisted by
squad composed of the best drilled men from
several companies, who went through various
bayonet exercises, formed tableaux, &c.
1t is with regret that announce to you another
accident from the careless use of fire arms, by
which Mr.. Robert King, of Terre Haute-a mem
Der of the Fort Harrison Guards, and well known
throughout ndianapolis-receved very serious
wound from musket in the hands of one of his
comrades. They had both been participating in
the exercises at the concert, and returning home
met an acquaintance at whose invitation they
stepped into an adjacent saloon, and for his bene
fit were giving some explanation as to the drill
with a musket belonging to one of the night po-
lice of the city, which was loaded with buckshot
The piece by some means was discharged, two
shots striking and passing through the shoulder
of King. 1t was much regretted occurrence
more so from the fact that "Bob" was great IA
vorite with his company and all who knew him
| visited the hospital to-day and found only
nine patients, including King and Harper, who
were shot, which certainly speaks well for the
health of the regiment They all speak in the
highest praise of their comrades for the many
acts of kindness and attention received at their
hands. By the way l would suggest to persons
who seem anxious to add TO our welfare that
soldiers appetiteS DO not crave cakes and other
daintes so much as something more substantial,
and their delicaces would be much more accepta-
BILE to our sick friends at the hospital who fire.
quently are in need of something of the kind.
The citizens of Evansville have sent out one or
two supplies to the hospital, for which they are
entitled to many thanks. yet they are strangers
to most of us and we do not feel like overtaxing
their generosity.
Yesterday, a pic-nic party from Henderson,
Ky. visited our camp, including juvenile mill
tary company, called the Academy Blues. "
Although all youths of from ten to eighteen years
of age, yet they were very well drilled, and went
through the Zouave movement with much credit
to themselves. We are all anxiously awaiting
for the arrival of you indianapolis excursionists.
We still continue to stop and search boats that
pass, and have taken a considerable amount of
contraband goods. Last week Lieut.. Kneffier,
of indianapolis, as officer of the guard, seized
upon two fatboats, containg upwards of 800
barrels of salt, which were held as contraband
goods. | am not acquainted with the rules by
which officers are governed in their search, but it
seems to me that in these times, when everything
is considered as "fair in war;" that it would be
well enough to be more thorough in their invest-
CATION. In other words, because barrel has
"dried apples" marked on the end, do not con-
slider it prma fdcia evidence that it contains dried
apples.
By request, and for fear of an erroneous i'm
preston, wish to correct statement made in a
communication to the Sentinel over the signature
of IS" in speaking of company "B'' being dis
satisfied with their bread and the company and
Capt. being repremanded by the Col. The bread
for the first few days sour, and all complained
of it. But the Col. only repremanded company
planning of him when il was not his fault. He
contracted for good bread but was disappointed,
and offered them -four from which to make their
own bread, which they accepted, and now have it
baked themselves. Yours, &c,
HIGH PRIVATE.