The Semi-weekly Shreveport news. [volume] (Shreveport [La.]) 1862-1864, 1862-09-09
Special Correspondence.
PINE BLUFF, Ark, Sept. /, 1862.

FRIEND DICk1NSON-NOW that /
have been here some time, and taken
a good look into the state Of affairs in
our Western army, l have concluded
to begin the fulfllment of the prom
Use l made you in parting. Our
march to this place was rather pleas
ant than otherwise. We We're de-
layed one week in Eldorado, a nice
little village about half way between
Shreveport and Pine Bluff. We az
rived here one hot, dusty evening,
aud l reported Immediately to the
commander of the Post, who said he
was glad to receive us, for the Con-
scripts We're deserving daily and he
wanted cavalry for their apprehen-
sion. A few days after he called on
me for detachment of ntv-iive
men, to go on an errand Of love-
They took a fue pack OF negro dogs
and brought in eight Of the boys for
whom Gen. Hindman had offered a
handsome reward, hut as we belong
ed to Uncle JEFF. we couldn't get it.
went up to Little Rock soon after
arriving here, and found them busily
organizing the army there, which
was daily swelling in numbers. Gen.
Holmes had just arrived and said al,
energies had to be bent to the rapid
and thorough organization. I saw
Gen. Hindman and was much pleased
with him. He is the personitication
of bold and daring leader, I had
heard he was fancy man, but far
from it. His quick fry eye, his hoa-
ry brow, his closely pressed lips aud
quick emphatic speech, pronounce
him a man we'll fitted to breast the
storm of these times, and able to
strike with the BLACK Knight for
the brightest honors of the field. He
did us the honor of making us his
body guard, and \ hope We will prove
ourselves worthy OF the post. He
says we shall be equipped as we'll as
his resources will permit.
Since our arrival here, the measles
has broken out in full blast in The
company, but as yet none are serious
~ i'll. l hope to have all back in
the ranks soon, and ready the COM
mand Coward. March, We are
growing very impatient, but we think
Gen. Holmes will soon move us
Sergeant VIM. NJ. Her, and James
Lee, have been detailed to return
home to procure our winter clothing
and blankets. This country has been
drained of everything of the kind,
home is our only resource. Those Of
the company who have families viii
send to them for what they need, bu.
there are many young men ir the
company who have no families or
friends there, and must rely upon the
charity Of the good people Of our
Parish for Blankets. Love nor mo-
ney cannot get them in this country.
One blanket from family where
there are plenty, will not he missed, !
and poor soldier in mid-winter viii
bless the giver hundred times
You know we are going to colder
then our Sunny South"
where the winters blast will strike
US keen and severe-we must have
blankets or suffer much. ANYTHING
that will keep US warm will be APP
preciated. l only appeal to our fell
low citizens in behalf Of the poor
young men without home and with
out friends.
1 must close-Sergeant Her will
give you all the particulars. will
write you occasionally, but we have
learned from sad experience since
our arrival here that the mails are
very uncertain. Don't forget to send
us the "Neaes" as you promised. +
havn't seen a single Shreveport paper
since [ have been in Arkansas, and
the sight Of one would cure sore eyes.
l remain truly yours, etc.
w. b. benson.