The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1862-06-07
Army Correspondence.
CAMp $50 III. REGIMENT,

CAMP 03o III. Rr0fNKNf,
In the field, near Corin;h, Miss May q.
Ed Free Irader-This reg,rh ent is now
very pleasantly encamped in the woods,
behind our entertainments. Our boys are
willing to risk themselves at least behind
their own works We form portion Of
the LIST brigade of Gen. Hurlbuts division,
(4th,) in Gen. Thomas army, and conse-
quently our position is not very far from
the right wing. We are probably about
three miles from the famous Corinth, SO
near indeed that the running and whistle
of the cars on the Memphis road can be
Is distinctly heard from our camp as those
on the Rock Island can from the Free
Trader office in Ottawa. The unusual
amount of noise from the cars last night
and this morning, indicates one of two
things, either that the rebels are evacuat-
ing or reinforcing Corinth in great num-
bers. There are so many contrary rumors
afloat that it is difficult to arrive at any
definite conclusion relative to their move
ments. One hour word comes that it is
stated positively in singh military circles"
that the rebels have skedaddled The
next, that they have been strongly rein
forced, and so it goes There is one cir
cumstance, however, whick speaks for
itself, that wherever and whenever q de-
monstration is made by US along the line,
we arc met by a force equal, if not supe-
rior, to US in numbers They constantly
maintain heavy picket. This, however,
is no proof of wha. is going on within
their works, as it may be a concealment
Of the evacuation of the main army. One
thing seems certain, that in the event of a
general battle, whatever else may be the
result, a terrible loss of life on both sides
must ensue. ] base this opinion upon tho
facts that the opposing forces are of great
magnitude, the weapons of destruction
are the most formidable, and the bitter
determination of the me n will be hard to
conquer Oh, that the wisdom and strate-
~ of our generals. or the timely abandon
ment by the rebels of their unholy and
hopeless cause, may avert the dreadful
catastrophe.
l had intended to name personally
number OF our praiseworthy officers and
men, but as / have occupied SO much
space with other matters, | will make a
mere casual mention Of one or two
Our 1t, Col. has labored with great zeal
for the welfare of the regiment, which cir
cumstance, together with his uniform,
urbane manner, has secured for him the
universal esteem and confidence of all
1t has been minated that unfayorable
reports concerning the management of our
Il 1. 1 =
TO Ottawa Some may be uncharitable
enough TO overlook the obstacles that had
to be dealt with here. do not deny that
impertect.ons have existed but am hap
py to say that from whatever other source
they may have arisen, they are not attri-
butLbie TO our worthy Assistant Surgeon
DR.. J. o. Harris. His untiriDg energy,
and the skiliul, Intelligent and successful
manner IN which he has uniformly dis
charged the arduous duties of his depart
ment, have not III the least abated since
he entered upon them at Camp Cushman.
There are croakers in every community.
regiment Of soldiers not excepted. who
give vent to opinions which are the off
spring OF malicious passion, rather than
the conclusions Of sound jud gment, and
unthinkingly produce unjust and injurious
impressions, but as far as Dr. Harris j.
CoUSe!HtI- tue ilaS a,
Assistant Surgeon of the sd, has secured
for him not only the confidence. but the
respect, Of the regiment. This is nothing
more than just mention of a worthy
officer
The health of the regiment has greatly
impro> ed si.cs loft o,:r fret camp Oh
the Shiloh battle field Some few have
died, which although sad, is not wonderful,
when We consider the unfayorabIe oi.cum.
stances we had To contend with, the sud
den change from winter at Chicago to
summer in Tennessee, change OF food
and water, rain storms, and SO forth.
A copy of an Ottawa paper, about
month old, occasionally finds its way into
camp, and is read, re-read, news, local
items, advertisements and all, By all who
can get it before it is worn out This
means something, and you can readily
understand what.
Since writing the above, Orderly Sergt
Carter, of Co. D, f:om Earlville has Just
died, after a severe illness of a few days
A worthy man, brave soldier, pleasant
comrade His loss is severely felt 1t is
a sad thing to die away from the tender
care of loved ones at home, and be sepul-
chred in the forest Bat such alas, is the
poor soldiers fate Yours, t.JC.