The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-11-18
CAMP OF THE 9th Iowa, HELENA ARK. :,
Nov. Sd. 1862

FRIEND RICH The Iowa Grey
Hounds" or the 9th Iowa, are still at
their old camping ground. Some Of the
boys have erected log barracks, antici-
pating winters campaign around the
suburbs Of Helena. Fort Curtis, the
Ssbsstapol of the Mississippi, mas just
been completed. The dedication took
place on last Thursday. Gen. Hoyey
entered the Fort, attended by his staff, at
ten o'clock, and opened the ceremonies
by unfurling the ensign Of Liberty to the
breeze. Immediately salute Of thirteen
guns was fred from the Fort, the 4 gun
boats responding a: the same time with
eight guns each, many of them 36
FOUNDERS; then followed the batteries Of
the different commands, until it became
one continuous roar Of artillery, sounding
from hill top to hill top, striking terror
to the Butternuts and niggers in the
valley. While the Dubuque Battery was
firing, the boys of the Saith Indiana COM
menced ringing large contraband
church bell, which had been taken from
tho christian rebels, who had designed
to convert it into more potent weapon
against Northern Vandals. But Yankees,
you know, have great reverence for
Church Bells, and after it's capture had
it erected in the centre Of the Camp, and
is now used as all bells should be, to call
patriots and soldlers to the service of
God and their Country. /. is also used
as camp clock, ringing every hour in
the day and night. which makes it very
convenient for the different guard relisfs.
When Sabbath comes, its familiar sound
calls US to divine service, and many a
poor soldiers heart is made to reflect at
the thought of being far away from
friends and home, deprived Of all those
endearing associations that cluster around
his once happy boyhood homo. Wha.
charm there is in that simple word
home. How often the tear will moisten
the cheek OF our brave boys when they
talk to each other of home. / could not
help noticing the feeling that was exhib-
tied on last Sabbath, while we were sing
ing that old familiar piece, 4" Home. sweet
Home" There father, husband, brother,
son, all joined in the sentiment
| &c Be it ever so humble,
There is no place like home
But our friends must not think or in
fer from this, that we are home sick and
want to get away from duty. Far from it;
our country, our homes, life, liberty, ev-
erything We hold dear, is being assaulted
by the wicked hands Of treason, and as
long as We have life and health, it shall
be given in the defence of the flag of our
country, until every armed rebel is driy-
en- from our once happy land.
Mr.. Harter has arrived with seven
others. for Co. c. They are strong, no
BILE fellows, and will make the rebels sks-
daddls when they get an opportunity
The officers and men of Co. G, are high
ly pleased in having our ranks filled up
with such good timber. We would like
about ten more Of the same stamp; can
we have them ? Lieut.. Col. Coyls has
returned, and takes command Of the reg
iment. The severe wound that he re.
csivsd at the battle Of Pea Ridge, while
gallsntry charging the enemy. We are
happy to state, has become entirely we'll
The regiment has all confidence in him
as . leader. No one doubts his bravery
He has been tried. and not found want
ing. Gen. vandsver has gone with all
the cavalry on five days scout. in the
direction Of Clarendon. Ii there are any
rebels in that direction, he is the man tc
find them, and il he can get them so they
can't run, he is sure to whip them. Tn.
rebels all fear him more than any other
Gen. in this command. We hope tina
we may be able to give you an account
Of the expedition, and its abundant sue
cess, in few days. The fact 10, unles,
We have battle or grand retreat soon
we shall have nothing to write about
All fears Of an attack upon US at present
have past. The rebel Gen. Holmes say
il it was not for our id gun boats. b,
would drive us into the Mississippi Riv
or. Good for the gun boats. The 24tl
Iowa came to Helena last week. Lieut.
Capt. Hord is in one of the companis,
~ I'd Lieut.. Bully for the Capt