The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-03-04
CAIRo. Feb. 81, 1869.


has so many changes transpired in our
circumstances since | last wrote, that
perhaps some Of them may prove inter
esing. therefore propose to commence
with our march from Boonyille, and give
a kind of detailed account OF our wan
derings up to this period. And this
must be imperfect and cursory, for ]
write in great haste. Our brigade, con
sistng Of the Iowa 9th, Illinois 47lh,
Ohio 39th, and Constable's Ohio Battery,
left Boonvllle on the 9th inst, crossed
the river and proceeded four miles north
to Franklin, where halt was made until
Saturday the 9Th inst, when we had
breakfast, tents struck, teams loaded, and
were on the road (as many supposed to
join Lane By sunrise the wind was
blowing sharply from the northwest. At
Franklin we were kindly entertained by
some secesh women, who assured Us that
Price had from sixty 10 seventy thou
sand men, and that he was bound 10 clean
us out and vindicate the RICH eousness oil
his cause in Missouri They were a hard
looking set of feminines, reminding one
Of the French tigresses who chanted their
hideous odes around the throne OF Robes
pierre, and if their words could be be-
lieved, were quite as thirsty for blood
Here, as everywhere else, the females
are Of true grit, and never afraid to show
their colors or avow their sympathy for
any cause in which they may be enga-
ced. The country is very sterile and
uninterestng. There are some good
farming locations, however, and at one
place we passed | noticed reaper under
the shed, such implements being quite
scar ce in Missouri. Many Of the dwell
ing houses are built Of hewn logs, white.
washed, and look clean and tidy, the
front yards being filled with Spruce
Tamarack, and Sycamore trees. Water
is found in abundance, and we never have
any trouble in obtaining good situation
for camp, and although the ground was
covered with snow and ice, yet to US vet
eran seven month soldiers this chilling
reception afforded us no embarrassment
for, spreading down a littlo straw, and
then our blankets, we slept as soundly a;
though beaeath our warm counterpanes
at home.
Gentle reader, dids't ever have any
idea of the numerous thousand little
things that have to be performed at al
encampment First, the regiment is
drawn up in a straight line, and the com
mand is given Stack arms" " I'm
sling knapsacks," and crest" Mex
the guard is called out. and have to re
port in front Of tie c1lors. The mex
Thing in detail is to build fires. and the
whole country is soon alive with squads
going in every direction after fuel, and
If trees are scarce, woe to the rail fence
that happens to encounter them. particu
larly If the owner is suspected Of secess-
ion procliyities. BY this time the teams
are up, ana tens, ness chess, ETC., etc,
are ualoaded. Soon, in every direction
springing up as If by magic, the canvas:
houses are seen the cooks are busy, anx
tous crowds surround tie fires, who's
bright flames light up the silent wood
around with beautiful phosphorescen
glare The mules neigh shriIly for feed
the senlinel's challenge echoes around The
lines, and thus we daily live and move
and thus goes life in this baneful State 0
Missouri,
Some amusing incidents occurred OF
our march, one OF which | will relate
here. Three or four of the artillery boys
becoming tired Of stale pork, resolved t
try the fresh article, and succeeded, afle
hard chase with dogs and horses, il
running down and killing a regular lant
shark. Complaint was made to the Col.
and as punishment he ordered them t
carry the hog, slung by the hind legs +
rail, the whole length Of The brigade, 1
the tune ofthe Rogue's March. Ofcours
they presented a sight at once unique
and picturesque, and as they passed th'
lines, were greeted with the hearted
shouts and cheers OF the whole brigade
1t has entirely cured the boys Of ,hei
pork eating propensllies.
We reached Columbia about noon o.
the 10Th inst. The country did not loo
quite so we'll to me as in the summer
but there are some splendid private resi-
dences, and every evidence Of taste an
wealth. Prior TO entering the town,
short halt was made, when one Of the l2
Founders was unlimbered, and made t
speak out in its sweet whispers twice
just to give notice 10 any secesh thu
might be lurking around that we wer
coming. A grand display was made
marching through tie streets. Fac
regiment filed by platoons, with drum
beating, and colors flying. The side
walks were lined with spectators, but nc
hand was waved or cheer given. Mel
Irelps famous Missouri Horse is quarter
ed here in the University buildings
Most Of the citizens are uncompromisln
rebels, and nothing but the presence {
an armed force prevents their commit
ting every species Of outrage on the Tn
ion men. At one Of our camps coupl
of Shareholders came in, hunting, rs the
alleged, for negro whom they had rea
son 10 suspect was within our line;
Tho thing getting noised around, th
boys greeted them with groans, and the
had 10 depart without the Niger When
ever the chattel succeeds in getting loose
he invariably steers for the lines of til
Iowa. Illinois or Ohio regiments, for b