The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1862-10-04

CAMP MONTGOMERY, Miss,
SAINT % 1890

Letter From the I'd Regiment.
CAMP MONTGOMERY, Miss,
Sept. %, 1862.
Mr.. EDITOR AFTER many and oft repeat
ed solicitations from the members of Co. X,
and more particularly, the friends Of the
Co uRIER, to correspond with our numerous
friends through the columns of your valua-
BILE paper, take the present opportunity to
crafty the boys and while away weary
hour that hangs heavy on my hands.
You have no doubt, been informed Of the
past doings of this Co., since its departure
from Ottumwa. so shall not give our ex-
ploits in detail but, make it my business to
stop at all intermediate points, as we pass
along. Of course, everybody is familiar
with the story Of the brilliant charge Of the
I'd Iowa at Fort Donelson, in which our Co.
took an active part, loosing in the battle
not merely the best man, but as brave and
gallant a Captain as ever led men to battle.
Also, how we were forced to skedaddle at
Shiloh, though our Brigade formed the line
that held the enemy in check, until the last
great line was formed that held the ground
till the timely arrival of Gen. Blu ellis forces,
who retrieved the fortunes of the day, and
saved Grants army from total humiliation.
Nor is it necessary to give you the details Of
Gen. Grants gallant charge on that occa.
sion, as he did not make any, though for
som e time after the fight, there was nothing
else talked Of bat that.
The investment Of Cor,nth, by Gen. Hal
leck, has become an old story, and mol
thought Of except as passing event in the
life Of a soldier. So let US jog along.
Our numerous scares at the reported ap
proach of a heavy force of the enemy, o.
course does not interest you. nor will ar
account Of our numerous marches, though
we were obliged to subsist upon hard crack
ers and bacon, the latter article in many in
stances taken raw though, we are soldiers
and of course, must stand it without muir
mer
Now, for our fight at Iuka. Gen. Prict
was redorted to be lowering near that place
with heavy force. Accordingly, General
Rosecrans, who was there, was ordered t
fall back to Corinth, for the ostensible pur
pose Of making circuit, and If possible, &c
in the rear of the Rebels. Another fore,
was started from CorInth, about the same
time to attack him in front Rosecrans per
formed his part Of the plan admirably. Blu
Grant marched his men down there, and, a
was supposed, had the Rebels at his mercy
but Price was not to be caught thus; rapidly
falling back, he encountered Rosecrans
when one of the hardest battles of the wa
was fought, for the number of men and tn,
length of time engaged. The 9th Iowa wa
the first engaged, and bravely did they con
test the ground, driving the enemy befor
them with heavy loss. The 10th Iowa ais,
come in for their share of the glory. Thei
Colonel was taken prisoner early in the &C
ton, but our brave boys knowing that the,
could do nothing without commander
charged right into the Rebel ranks, retakin,
their Col. and capturing several prisoners
The Colonel finding himself once more il
command, ordered o charge, and the boy
rushed furiously upon the secesh, drivin,
them with great slaughter. Thus nobly dic
these two regiments sustain the reputatio,
of the Iowa boys for their gallant fightin,
qualities.
I understand that Colonel Chambers. VIII
was wounded in the charge of the 10th, ha
since died. The loss is said to be heavy O,
both sides ; but as nothing Official has com
to hand, we are unable to state our loss i,
killed, wounded and missing.
I fear am making this too lengthy 70
the first one, so I will close, with man,
thanks to the Editor for late Nos. of tn
Courier. Please continue the favor, as
assure yon there is no paper that comes t.
our camp welcomed with as much pleasure
| BLUE DICK.