Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-04-14
Our Army Correspondence--Fr the.
MississIppi.
CAMP NEAR RUDDLEs's PoINT, MOI
ADril 1880 (

CAMP NEAR 4
April a, 1862
J. ]. BINGHAM, EsQ-Dear Sir: The terrific
storm that passed over Cairo and this region on
the night of the ID added somewhat to the diff
culties of reaching this advanced post of the
Army of the Mississippi. The route is from
Birds Point to Sikesylle % miles, by the Cairo
and Fulton Railroad, completed to that point,
and from thence by tolerabe dirt road, through
New Madrid and Point Pleasant, a distance of SO
miles. The country is made up Of cypress
swamps and rich prairie farms, alternating so as
to give some variety to the scenery along the
line. i must not omit to mention that our old
friend Coyner is the Military Superintendent of
the Sikesville Railroad, and an active and ener
getic manager he makes. The way he hurried
up the repairs to the road after the storm so that
the regular daily train only delayed five or
six hours, made some of the slow coaches of
this region open their eyes. Wepassed him mid
way between the Point and Sikesville, nearly up
to his middle in swamp, encouraging bis men
by example in propping up the sinking ties and
adding strength to the weak places in the road.
Throughout this war i have found that the men
will follow if the officers will go in; and this
rule applies to all departments alike
The portion of the country here susceptible of
cultivation is rich beyond description. Such corn
stalks are seen like deadened trees on every
side, and they seem to raise but little else than
corn, would make the Wea prairie jealous of its
laurels But the swamps that skirt these rich
spots on every side. speak so Enthusiastically of
malaria that healthy Hooser could hardly be
induced to exchange his nest, even if located on
clay soil, for the sandy loan of this part of
Dixie
From Birds Point to this Point il camp com
manded by Gen. Pope, and that is all intend to
say about the force in this region. 1t is sufficient
to say that the river from New Madrid is we'll
protected by batteries manned by competent gun
ners and all the stories you read ofthe rebel gun
boats and transports running the blockade to
Island No. ~ is bosh. They don't do il although
they have repeatedly tried It, On one or two
casions boats of dark nights have slipped up the
Tennessee shore to Tiptonville nearly opposite
here, and dropped few supplies, but even that
game is now eifectually blocked. Yesterday our
gunners at the point got good range on the rebel
fleet and raked them to such good purpose that
they ran clear out of sight and only one gunboat
is visible. and she is evidently standing picket
away out of range of our guns.
THE CAPTURE OF NEW MADRID.
The Indiana troops have been unjustly dealt
with, at least overlooked. in all the published
accounts that have seen of this important event
Five regiments from our State were with General
Pope in his advance, and were certainly not in
the rear during the operations In fact, they
were in front. They Supported the batteries.
we're in every reconnaissance and scout (portions
of them) during the SIEGE and Colonel Stacks
brigade. the 47th and 34th Indiana, were the first
troops to enter Fort Thompson, and il was
HOosier hands that tore down the rebel rag and
flung out the stars and stripes in its stead, and
that rebel rag is now at indianapolis, sent home
as a trophy by Captain John A. Mclaughlin, of
the 47th. And again, while still weary with
watching and toil-whie the breakfast, untasted,
OF the running rebels was still smoking in the
tents and quarters of the retreating rebels il was
the Hoosier boys who hauled the big guns
through the mud, removed the spikes and placed
them in position so as to repe with their own shot
and shell any attempt Of the enemy's gunboats
to retake the place. 1t was the Indiana brigade
under General Palmer that erected the batteries
lower down the river and il is that brigade that
now holds the enemy feet at bay inspiring them
with wholesome tear of Riddles Point The
regiments from our State we're the 47th, Colonel
Slack; Gath, Colonel Ryan; 10th, Colonel Fitch;
43d, Colonel McLene; and 59th. Colonel Alex
ander.
THE BOOSTERS NEST.
Some place near Riddles Point-exactly
where, need not say; but in level corn field,
concealed from the river by a wide belt Of swamp
and timber, and in easy supporting distance of
the batteries, lays General Palmers division.
-Four Indiana regiments, Stacks Fitch's, Ryan's
and McLene's are there, nestled together, close
| /. watching the turn of events, and ready to
spring upon the foe whenever the command is
given. One Of these marches each morning to
the pits at the river, and rain or shine, remains
there twenty four hours--making this duty come
every fourth day, to each regiment. The camn
is perfect Hoosier's nest, and one who has lived
long in indianapolis sees familiar faces peeping
from every street of tents. can almost fancy
myself on Washington street on the day prece-
ding some State Convention, whenever walk
along the parade. And the boys look healthy
aud happy, some of them, however, a little rag
geo; and the officers eager and hopeful of a
speedy and effective victory. The visitor who
cannot enjoy few days in this nest when the
taller aud manhood OF our noble State s so large
ly represented, must be dull and stupid indeed
AMUsEMENTs.
The commanders here act upon the principle
that ''alI work and no play makes Jack dull
boy" and innoces.t camp amusements are by no
means frowned upon. This kindness tells upon
the men, and have no where seen more cheer
ful obedience given 70 commands,or met larger
proportion Of happy looking faces than in this
camp. The merry groups from which the CHEEKY