The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1861-10-29
NO. %

years of age, dark as bank Of thunder
clouds, and rugged as Walter the renni-
less. He stated that he was unable to
read or write, although lie might have
learned if his master would have let him.
Then they don't let you read ?" No,
massa, see dar," displaying his back
dem stripes missus had Glib me case she
foun' book in my cabin" Or His back
and shoulders Were scars which must
have been caused by some unmvrriful
weapon, but they were all well called.
Were you ever married. ?" Yes. sar,
and | hab two children, but massa parted
us month ago. and | hab not seen her
since. Dey parted us case would not
not lie 10 dem northern soldiers about
the southerners. Dey wanted TO make
believe that dey was stronger den dey
was" A." How do you like to be slave -
" Oh, massa, dun know. Is alters been
one. We hab to work mighty hard at
times ; and then ole massa's cross, and
cuts US up.
Enough was elected 10 convince me
that the negroes are not the most con-
tented set IN the world, despite the as
serlions Of the soulh-side apologies to
the contrary.
FRIDAY, 1lth.-Still at the old quar-
ters, having delayed marching on ac-
count OF the rain and bad roads. The
dry is fair and sunny, and everything
promises more propitious state Of tenn
per on the part Of The weather deiries.
The camp is in furry Of excitement.
The mail and paymaster have Just arriv-
ed from Jefferson City on tie steamer
Norlherner, bringing plenty of news No
one can imagine with what eagerness tho
letters were seized and their contents de.
voured. To be sure they were all old.
one that | received from home bearinp
date Sept. 10th. But then they were no
less welcome. We have had no la.e pa.
pers lor three weeks, and have been re-
duced to the most deplorabe Shifts for
reading matter. Our letters showed that
all were well, All thriving. all wishing for
our success and safe return, and after
reading them over and over again 10 see
II there was any obscure expressions hat
had escaped us, we went 10 supper. feel.
ing better. The Captains wife, and Lew.
Is, who has been a long time confined At
the hospital, came up 10 day L~Ni> i,
improving. and | hope that lie may soon
be able to bear his new hedged honols.
for | understand that he is 10 be appoint.
ed sergeant major. Mrs LEE Will prob
ably return home, and | shall lakp the
opportunity Of sending this bv her We
all hate 10 have her leave, 70, the whole
company Is in love with h,r quiet una,.
suming manners and nobl" grit. for she
would stick by the company through
thick and Thin. II possible. MAY success
attend her. :" ! say, Cy, just pul in there
how always liked her, but never dared
TO show it for fear the captain might be
Jealous" cries Perham Anv one who
has witnessed the classic beauty Of the
gentleman might indeed lremble for tie
captain. The boys are halt crazy at the
prospect of receiving little money The
Colonel IS IN quandary. He is fearful
that the soldiers cannot resist the temp
lation OF imbibing a liule too much, and
t1vors the expedleney Of paying of part
at time, SO Is TO have a guard for the
rest How many good danes will be
gladdened at sight OF a liide money from
absent husbands. Here comes one rush
ing up in breaihless haste: +" BOYS, am
going 10 send mine back by Mrs Lee.
every cent OF it. Ii should tall into
the hands OF secesh | don't want them
lingering tout Of my pockets Oar pay
will extend To the 3lst day of August.
We shall not 90 to Georgetown. but to
Syracuse, twenty-five miles distant. aud
are to leave as soon as paid of, c J. Il.