The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1862-08-30

HELENA, Ark, August 81, 1862.

| ubhbSh, MN, huSuSe lOO1.
Mr.. Editor On the bank of the Mis-.
sissippi a short distance above the city of
Helena, is situated the camp of the Sd Iowa
Cavalry, where our soldiers have been rest
ing quietly, after the fatigucs and privations
Of that long to be remembered march, down
White river. About noon to day, the usual
quiet of our camp was considerably disturbed
by an exciting scene on the river. The riv.
err suddenly became covered with floating
fragments of steamer, and far up the
stream, was seen what appeared tobe a raft,
covered with human beings. Presently there
was commotion in the fleet, in front Of the
city, and the steamer White Cloud started
up the river, followed by two tugs from the
gunhoats. The tugs ran up to The raft
made fast to it, sn6 soon towed it ashore
We were at loss to know what all this
meant !; but our anxiety was soon relieved
In few minutes after the landing of the
raft, Lieutenant Col Trimblc of our regi.
rnent, came walking into camp, presenting
the appearance Of a shipwrecked mariner,
dressed in the simple costume of pantaloons,
shirt, and socks. From him, we learned
the particulars ola terrible steamboat disas-
ter. Last night at eight O'Clock, the steam
er Acacia left Memphis, for Helena, having
on board about two hundred passengers,
about one hundred of whoar, were soldiers
returning to join their regiments. At mid.
night the boat struck snag and commenced
sinking, but Immediately went to pieces
Many of the passengers were asleep, and
were drowned 1t is estimated that from
! fifty to seventy were lost. A large part of
the wreck kept afloat, and by clinging to
this, those that succeeded in getting out of
the boat, were saved. The accident occur
red forty miles above this. and all that dis
lance did the shipwreckcd passengers float
on their frail raft. Many who became afraid
of the sinking Of the raft, were landed by
means of skiff on the Arkansas shore at
different points. cd. Trimble remarked
that he preferred the risk on the raft, to the
risk Of being taken prisoner on shore
The destruction fthe boat was so sudden
that no kind of property was saved. The
friends of the soldiers of this regiment, in
Davis county, will be sorry to learn that the
many letters, amhrotypes &C., sent by the
Colonel, all went down with the boat. Col.
Trimble met with hearty welcome from
the boys of the regiment, this being his
first appearance in the regiment since the
battle Of Pea Ridge, from which he merely
escaped with his life. His scanty wardrobe
was soon replaced with full uniform by
one of our Captains, and the Col. is himself
again. .E#.f@
This evening, Joseph French, OF Co. A,
come into camp. He succeeded in getting
ashore ten miles above this, and had walked
that distance berefootcd lie had been home
on furlough. having been wounded in Skin
mish near Batesvillc. Out of ten ladies on
the Acacia, only three are known to he
saved. | saw two officers who were expect.
ing their wives at the wharf this evening,
making d,iligent inquiries as to the names
ofthe ladies who were on board the i'll fated
boat. Their countenances, evidently show
ed their deep anxiety.
The principal part of Gen Curtis army
is still at this place, resting ana procuring
the supplies necessary for new campaign.
Many of the troops were badly in need of
clothing, and some of the regiments in need
of arms. Our regiment, yesterday received
supply of Sharp's and Halls carbines,
which will make our men more effective
when they get among the bushwhackers
again. A number of gunboats and rams,
accompanied by considerable land force,
went down the river last Saturday morning
The expedition has not returned, and have
heard nothing of its destination.
We have considerable sickness in the
army, but not of a fatal character. There
seems to be considerable fatality on the feet,
from diseases contracted at Vicksburg.-
Want oftime prevents me from writing more;
when have opportunity may drop you
line again. MEMO.