The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1860-1863, 1862-03-27

/ n u T~9N~~1-- :
Wehfe kindly permitted % publish tht
following extracts from private letter
written by Henry 6. Beck, a member Of
Capt. Browns Company, 4Sd o. ", q
his father, Jacob Beck Esq., tOf Hooking
Townshiph 79NSHAA RzT4l "a
CAMP NEAR New MADRID.
March l6. 1869. "r.
DEAR FATHER: I received a letter from
you on the l2th, the only news l have
had from home since l left Lancaster, and
you cannot imagine the pleasure it afford
ed. We have had very interesting time
since l last wrote you. On the 7th at 19
M. We were called for the purpose OF
marching down TO town. Our company
was detailed as skirmishers: we moved
on the town with grea, caution; securing
the country completely as we went. On
approaching the outskirts Of the town
we saw the .euemy's piskets who fred on
u.s. this salute was returned by volley
of muskctry from us, which it is though,
did good work; it at least had the effect Of
making them ''hunt their holes.H They
then opened upon us with their cannon.
which was o little more than we had bar.
gained for; SO, after firing few rounds
we rstieated in good order. During the
firing our Company was located about rs
yards in front Uf our cannon, at which
the enemy dirs cted their fire; We we're
therefore right in the midsl Of the music,
several balls passing close by our heads
Others striking the ground inmed lately ih'
front Of US. No serious damage doue.-
After Teturbing to camp nothing interest
ing occurred until about 8 o'clock on the
morning Of the 18th, at which time We
were called up and ordered to prepare
and eat breakfast in haste. At 4 4o'rlock
he battalion was formed and we took up
our line Of march. not knowing our des,
tinaion, but We we're not long in dark.
ness. After going near three miles from
camp we were halted, and from the prep.
aration made here we soon saw this was
to be tile battle field. About day break The
firing commenced. Two companies Of our
Reg took their position behind the breast
works previously thrown up, the remain.
der, among which was our company, took
shelter in a nsrrow stlip Of woods. but
the round shot. SHELLS and limbs Of trees
fell too thick for us 10 remain .here long.
so Colonel Smith moved US about 600
yards 10. cortlield where he directed us
to lie down and remain SO until we were
ordered to get up. The position here up.
on the ground in connection with the
whistling Of iron pots, bursting of bombs
&c.. rendered our situation anything but
agreeable. Thera were about so men
killed anc wounded on. ou: side during
the day; our Company escaped very well,
there being but one VIM. j. Creed of A.
manda,) who WAS wounded. he having
his high broken. He was lying directly
behind ne and the ball which struck him
passed within six inches Of my head.
The firing ceased for the night about sun
set. Next morning we were relieved by
several other regiments. We had not
been in camp more than w hour when
We were again called out and the Colonel
told us The town. aud fort had been cvac-
uated during the night. which news bot
forth three l,ud cheers for the Uuion, three
for Gen. Pope, three for Col. Smith and
three for Col. Swain. am surprised at
The enemy for leaving this stronghold
The fort is surrounded by ditch u feet
wide and 8 feet deep. tbe wall is wide O..
nough for four men to walk abreast on
the top and it is defended with fourteen
large cannon, Property capture d estim-
ated at million dollars. My health is
good, Write soon, direct to, Cairo.
'''f Your affectionate son.
trsEE gAfa Henry s., BEoK.r srtR