The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-09-26

OuCl6 OhIus Ouo VI o"A AaSu iomoIn Ous
the other day, that he had rather take meds
icine than not, just for the sake of having
them give it to him. And then there is
our Chaplain Fiske, Adjutant Thompson,
and Quartermaster Hunt. The Chaplain
ranks me, or I would say something about
that "sarmint." So all just pass him along
for good one, that is always on hand.
But as the army regulations or army orders
rather, know no Sabbath, his plans are Of
ten interfered with, although, since his re.
proof was published, there has been very
perceptible improvement, and much less
profanity among the officers and men (ofi,
GERS especially The Adjutant does well,
and his tent is always open to receive his
friends, whom he treats with the utmost
urbanity. Everybody knows the Quarter
master, so I'll not say anything more of the
field and staff of the Minnesota Fourth,
but sum all up as follows Colonel San.
born commands the Brigade. DR.. Murphy
is Brigade Surgeon. Lieut.. Martin, of
your city, is at present on General Buford's
staff, as acting Assistant Adjutapt General;
and Colonel Thomas commands the Regi-
ment. So you see we are making ourselves
generally useful.
We are all pleased to hear that the Min
nesOta quota of troops will probably be fills
ed without resorting to the draft. But
there is general regret that the whole
thing was not started under different sys-
TEN, viz that of filling up all of the old
regiments first. Two hundred men put in
to an old regiment are worth eight hundred
in new one. This is fact, and experi~
ence proves it. In the first place, none of
those new regiments will be fit for the field
in less than three months, at least, and the
way things look now, HE fate OF cur coun-
try will be decided before that time. Inmy
opinion, the national authority must be
restored before that time or it aecer will be.
What we want, then, is troops for ipmed
ate service, and the only way 70 get them
was to gil up the old regiments. This was
the course pursued by the rebels with their
conscripts, and we see the effects of it in our
late battles. Witness the defeat Of General
Nelson, the other day, in Kentucky. The
troops did bravely, as far as courage went,
but the trouble was, after ttey were once
broken they could never be reformed and
this always has been and always will be the
case with new troops.
SEPTEMBER 7, 1851 did not get quite
through with my letter yesterday, but will
try and do so now. was conversing with
an officer of our brigade, short time since,
and he says ny theory of the way new troops
should be used is all wrong. He thinks the
War Department should, to carry out the
order consistently, muster out of the service
all the officers now in, aud give their places
to civilians. He says they could take charge
of the forces now in the field as we'll as not,
for, what they failed TO know, there would
be plenty Of trusty sergeants to tell them.
Another benefit to be derived would be that
it would create great enthusiasm an the
North, by the rush of place-seekers," and,
in fact, it would kindle the Northern heart
to such an extent that we could quiet our
fears at once about the result of this war.
What do you say to bis plan?
Lieutenant>C Colonel Thomas has just taken
his leave. We knew he was going soon las
he was waiting for an answer to dispatch)
but neither he nor ourselves looked for so
sudden departure. We feel that it is like
parting with brother to have him 90. Ger
tain it is that he has the best wishes and the
"God bless yous " of the regiment.
Orders have also just arrived that will
have tendency to disturb the long quiet on
the Tombigbee. They are to hold ourselves
in readiness, &C.; so must bring this letter
to close.
SEPTEMBER S.--We moved our camp yes.
terday two miles, and had just succeeded in
getting our tents all pitched, when orders
came for us to load up everything, have
three days rations prepared Immediately,
the teams packed, and be ready to move at
moments notice. Something must be up
for we have had our wagons loaded all night
and all day, with the mules harnessed, await.
ing further orders. Two regiments of our
brigade have been ordered to Rienzi, seven
miles from here; so it appears that the long
calm is about ended. x. 0. P.-49.
The Fourth Regiment.