The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-06-17
Tron the Ninth.
CAMP Of THE 9TH Iowa, BATEsvfLLE,
ARKANSAS, Nav 18th. 1862.


FRIEND RICH After long and te
dious journey over the Ozark Mountains.
| remember that promised you a few
lines Of our movements. We met the
army at Cassvile, and learned that our
destination was Forsyth, on the White
River. We started on the Sd of April,
and reached the latter place on the 18th.
Like all the rest of the villages that we
have passed through, it was nearly de-
serted, and bears the marks and effects
Of war We saw where three or four
cannon balls had passed through the
Court House during the bombardment
last summer A band of rebels were
supposed TO be quartered here, but they
were too smart 10 be caught on the same
side of the river with our boys. They
would just as soon be on the other side
Of Jordan, out Of reach Of the Yankees
shooting wagons. Canister and grape
they dislike to take
Nothing Of interest occurred during
our stay at this place. and as we take no
papers. foreign news is scarce Papers
are strangers TO our camp. We will now
go with you 10 West Plains. by way Of
Ozark. We strike tents on the Goth.
and take The Springfield road Madam
rumor soon flies through the camp, that
we are going back TO 81. Louis, but our
" file right. march," soon satisfies the
boys that we are bound for Dixie We
leave the Springfield road three miles
south OF Ozark, and like the Israelites,
we pass through the wilderness, over
mountain and valley-with the flag Of
our country floating over us. and the
star of liberty, as pillar OF fire, leading
us on TO victory. We arrived a, West
Plains, small town, on the 3Oth Of
April, here we camped and mustered for
pay. The paymaster at present would
be hailed with joy, as many are out Of
money. which is very inconvenient for
soldier on the march.
MAY lst.-We are now headed south.
Four days march brings us 10 the Cross
Roads. ten miles north of Batesylle, Ar
kansas. The country is much better, al
though little improved. Every thing
shares the blight of Slavery. l, is diff
cult TO tel which is the most intelligent.
the negro or the master--if anything the
negro has be advantage. But" says
one. yol re making the negro better
than the " nite man" | care not wbeth.
er he be yellow. red, brown or black, be
is superior 10 that miserable white skin.
ed wretch that will raise bis hand to des
troy his own mother country, that has
protected him from his youth up. But
| am depressing from the line of march.
After remaining in camp two days, we
again moved forward, and arrived AT
Batesville on the 9th. 1t is about the
size of Independence, very fine place,
situated on ridge, overlooking the
White River. AT presen, il is Gen. Cur.
Iis's headquarters. The natives are com
ng in every day by hundreds to take The
path. This county gave 700 majority
for the Union, and as a good proof of
heir loyalty, We find them mostly at
home attending to their business. When
We came into Batesville, one old grey
headed man threw up his hat. and with
ears thanked God that he was once
more free. We me. many such. whose
hearts were overjoyed al the sight Of the
Did flag. Northern Arkansas is more
loyal to-day than Missouri. but I think
that the people in both States are sick of
rebellion. Ye. some Of them say If IL