The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-12-23

Company E. There were faint rumors
in our camp at Wyatt, that the 9Th were
some a or 6 miles from us, up the river,
with Grants corps. 1t was rainy day,
and | did not start out to find them. But
during that evening Wagner, Frank
Noble. and several of the boys of the 5h,
came into our camp, and didn't leave till
next morning. So mounted Sam, and
went over with them. When we arrived
where they were, they acernt there but
had started for Oxford. l thought the
best way was to follow them, and see
whether Grants army presented any
better appearance on the march, than
we did.
Where the R. R. from Holly Springs
to Jackson crosses the Tallihatchie, the
Rebels had prepared for very obstinate
defense. They had earth works on both
sides Of the river, pierced for several
guns, and rifle pits sufficient for 10000
infantry. They had destroyed the R. r.
bridge across the Tallehatchie, and the
road bridge. But the Railroad from the
River to Oxford, IA miles, was nearly
repaired, and several new bridges put in.
They were compelled to leave so sudden.
ly that they had no time to destroy the
Railroad at all. One lady in Oxford
told me that there was but an hour be-
tween the rear guards Of Prices army
leaving, and the advance guard of
Grants army arriving at that place.
Our cavalry took some 100 or 200
prisoners short distance from Oxford,
whom | saw on the march for Holly
Springs.
| found Lieut.. Marshall, who is Adiu-
tant Of the Reg't, and Col. Matthias, both
looking remarkably we'll. found them
laboring through the mud on the wagon
road, while the troops were marching on
the railroad | was anxious to see COM
pany E, so Marshall and myself took
across the woods to the railroad, but
found only Struggling soldiers. We
were unable to find out by them, wheth.
er the 9th was ahead or behind, but con-
cludel to go on and get into the Rail
road some miles ahead, and wait
We rode through the woods jumping
fences and bitches, over boys, and
through swamps, for some miles, when
we came to where the wagon road and
railroad were close together. Here we
halted and waited a few minutes till they
came up. Capt. Lee looks as tough and
hearty as could be expected his hair
may be a little whittier, and bis beard a
little longer, than when he left Indepen-
dence, but otherwise he looks no older.
Tom. Bonden is the same gay and tes
tiua young man ha was at home. G. f.
Putney looked a little thinner in the face.
but as rugged as ever. Mr.. Bunce, of
Hazleton. was we'll and in his company.
Dick What was the sqme old coon. All
the boys looked well, aud seemed to en-
Joy war as one OF the necessities, if not
the Injuries of life. | staid with the 9th
till tie next day.
On returning through Oxford saw
between eight hundred and thousand
rebel prisoners that our cavalry bad Ia
ken from the rear of Prices army. They
report to have great number of prison
ers that have not yet arrived at Oxford.
But one thing is certain, they are wor.
ryng Price very much. Report says
that Steel is at Grenada, south of Price.
OF that there is nothing certain But
if it is true, the rebel army of Miss. is in
hard row Of stumps. Grant has about
so regiments ofinfantry with him. These
are mostly old regiments, well drilled,
and Of course good fighting men.
They are now encamped around the
city of Oxford, which is pleasantly stu
ated, laid out with much taste, and con
tains many fine residences and some nice
public buildings.
l saw on my return to camp that our
wing of the army had taken possession OF
fine steam mill, which they were using
for grinding corn for the men. We ex-
pect to be fed on corn bread for few
days, by way of variety.
The darkies Of the secesh planters were
compelled TO load the corn, drive it to
the mill, husk il and do all the labor
necessary to furnish meal for our men.
Around this mill, which l Judge also
contained cotton gin, there lay several
balls Of cotton and large pile unbailed
On almost every plantation in this vi
cinity there is a large amount of cotton.
Some Of it is unpicked, some picked and
ungined, some in rail pens, and some ly.