The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1861-10-08

to witness again" But" continued
he, there is too much risk run in this
war. This Regiment has no business on
board ofthis steamboat-we are wholly at
the mercy of the enemy. Fifty Of them,
stationed along the river bank, would
slaughter us like flock of turkeys, and
we could not help ourselves. One can
non ball would play smash with the old
boat, aud then we should all get sent to
thunder, sure"
The evening was now growing late,
and it being unsafe to run in the night
time, the boat was run up to low sandy
island, and moored fast. The cabin
lights were extinguished as soon as pos
sible, for as Capt. White observed to the
pilot, who was passing, che didn't want
TO make any more Of mark than he
could help for the enemy TO shoot al"
and told the engineer that :" he had bet
ter keep small head of steam on
i Wrapping my blanket around me, I
laid down upon the deck, but not to sleep.
The strange events of the past few days.
together with the uncertainty which
must attend our future movements, rem,
dered me restless and uneasy. We were
in the heart Of an enemy's country, sur.
rounded by hostile foe, flushed with
triumph at their recent victory at Lex
ington, and liable at any moment to be
cut off from all assistance. The moon
was just appearing above the edge OF the
horizon, tipping the branches Of the trees
with silver, and casting long shadows in
the silent forest glades, while over me
the stars, vo'celess, but yet eloquent,
shone with q mild and steady light, the
same as when beaming upon the victori
Gus armies of Seostris, or passage OF
Xerxes across the Hellespont. Afar in
; the distance, glistening in the moonlight,
like the spears of Itharel, could be seen
the bayore,s of the picket guard, pacing
; backward and forward with slow monot-
onous step, while behind half enveloped
. in misty haze, lay the deserted houses
and sentry like promonlory of Arrow
Rock. Awaking from troubled sleep.
in which thoughts Of home, friends,
supper, secesh aud warm blankets, were
; strangely commingled, | found that the
; rosy god of day was fast appearing, aud
. the boat putting away like giant for her
J destination. Looking up the river
could see the spires of Glasgow, standing
out in bold relief, against the horizon,
while on either hand appeared, descend
n ing to the river edge, smooth, well kept
Il lawns, fertile farms, with noble dwellings,,
' and vast expanse Of rolling woodland.
) Everything was in keeping with The soft
Italian sky and natural beauties with
{ which nature had decked the place.
) The first idea that would naturally i'm
> press itself upon the mind Of !hs str II vas
, quite moral and civilized, judging from
> the numerous church spires and public
ediices that adorn the town. 1t is not
SO large as Independence, and yet
counted no less than six churches, three
school houses, and one seminary. which
is intended for ladies only. Here the
bloodless Iowa Fifth were to repose
awhile flom their tolls, and bask in the
sunshine of Union hospitality. A large
crowd assembled to witness our landing,
and followed us up Main Street, to the
camping ground, which is distant but
half mile east of the town, situated on
a high grassy elevation, atfording fine
prospect. The inmates Of the seminary
rushed out en- masse TO view the troops,
and expressed their delight and senli-
ments, by peals Of sivery laughter, wa,
wing handkerchiefs and clapping of
hands. Many of Company E looked as
though they had rather be taken than
; not, and all breathed sigh of relief
when the gauntlet of hoops. silk founces,
pearly teeth, and witching smiles was
run.
Take member Of Company Z, drill
him, put him on guard, or extra duty,
send him on long midnight scout, all
these will he perform cheerfully as long
AS il is just. but spare him the sight of "a
woman. Kecolleclions of sweethearts.
dying in the sere aud yellow leaf, AL
home, spring up in quick remem brance,
causing him TO regret the hour that sent
him forth 10 live and wither in a State of
single blessedness.
Of course, the majority of the people
here espouse The cause Of the Confeder.
ates, unless We except the ladies, who ap.
pear 10 be strong for Union, and mani
fest the readiest and most heartfelt sym
pathy. Every day brings flocks Of them