The daily Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1862-1863, 1862-05-30
ARMY CORRESPONDENCE
CAMP BEFORE CoRIRTH,
May 2l, 1862.


EDITOR JOURNAL Il have Written sew
erat times to you since l have seen a copy
of the Journal, but will send you this,
hoping you will send several copies to diff
ferent addresses in our regiment, SO we may
at least get number.
The whole world and ali the rest of man.
kind, no doubt, are wondering why we
have been within sound of the enemy's
guns, and within hearing of the trains
bringing reinforcements and supplies for
thirty days, and are not attacking them
The great body of the army here are as
much in the dark as you at home. The de-
signs of our leaders are mysterious and past
finding out. The Shiloh army has been
here since April 9th, and thousands more
have arrived. We have had several weeks
of the finest weather, so that any amount
of artillery, ammunition and stores could
have been procured. We have been in camp
for six days, in line, and could have opened
the battle in two hours, but the long wished
order TO attack the enemy has not yet
greeted US. While Rome deliberated, Sa-
guntum fell; while Mcclellan hesitated, the
Manassas army escaped and while Halleck
pauses, Tear Corinth may be evacuated-
The army here is in fine condition and
spirits. The great portion of them are
" es'ern men eager for the order, cup and
at EN- We are now, and have been for
sev'ral days, in line of battle before Co
rinth, and ours and the rebel pickets are
exchanging shots hourly. We are now
under ders not TO bring on a general en-
gogemenf, and, when the rebels will attack
us, or when we will be let at them, none
but select few know of course.
Governor Morton is visiting and address
ing the different Indiana regiments. He
met US yesterday. The 18th was formed in
a hollow square, and the Governor ad-
dressed them as follows:
GENTLEMEN II have come out 10 the
army to visit the Indiana soldiers, and TO
promote their interest and welfare. l meet
you this morning under the most solemn
and important aspects-on the eve of bat
tie, the most important, perhaps, ever
fought on this continent. Should this con.
test end in our favor, it will, in all proba-
bility, substantially end the war, and you
will again be permitted to return to your
homes. But should it go against Us, know
of no escape for this army. l do not fear
the result, for If you are true to yourselves,
victory will perch upon your banners.
have already visited and spoken to many
of the Indiana regiments, and expect to
meet them all in few hours. So far,
have found them all eager for the contest
The l7th Indiana regiment has already won
high reputation. l feel proud of it, and
the State feels proud of your reputation
You nave high character to maintain, and
| hOpa rxy;n -
gallant and capable officers to lead you, as
good as in Indiana or in the Union. But
much depends upon you. 1t may be in the
power Of one regiment to achieve the vic |
tory; and one regiment may bring defeat |
and disgrace upon the whole army; a dis |
grace that may follow each man to the last |
day of his life and be entailed upon the |
State for centuries. Our cause, your own /
reputation, and the honor of your State,
call upon you to act the part of brave men.
l have instructed your Colonel to report TO !
me the names of all officers and priYa!es
that distinguished themselves on the field,
as candidates for promotion; and / know
of DO act that would be more pleasant to
me, or more in accordance with the wishes
of the people of Indiana, than the awarding
of promotion for gallant conduct.
You caunJt comprehend the great anx.
iety the people of Indiana now feel for you.
Their prayers go up night and morning Tor
your personal welfare and success. If
nothing else, this alone should urge you to
do your whole duty. Those you have left
behind would scarce wish to see you return
1t dlsgraced. But should you return victo-
rious, you will be received by your State
and your friends with tears and with y.
] must close as / wish to visit and look i
in the face all of Indianas troops here. {
would gladly take each of you by the hand,