The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-11-18

aud cream of tartar were gone, and bread
had to be made of water and flour. and
baked Immediately. 1t was as solid as
sandstone, and about as diges;ible. The
men fell sick. The horses too were
without sufficient food, and the mud was
deep. Slowly, very slowly, but surely,
we urged on our way, till we once more
saw through the wilderness. When we
came in sight of the first rude log cabin,
we all broke forth into joy. Never be-.
fore did civilization seem SO good to us.
Before getting out of the woods we re-
ceived information that our regiment
was to go south. Col. Gilbert left for
home to attend to business of a private
character, and left Col. Lake in com.
mand. When just north Of Princeton,
he halted the battalion, placed it in or.
der, and said in effect. "Soldiers we
are once again TO civilization. The
manner in which you have conducted
yourselves Oh this expedition is credita-
bic TO each one Of you. You have en-
dured many privations, the result Of
which is sickness. Show to the people
here in this little town on this frontier
that you are soldiers indeed, and not e
rabble." The battalion then moved in
to town with colors flying. and drums
beating. We encamped, and in the
morning three cheers were given for the
ladies of the little town, at the entrance
way to tie wilderness. We reached
Anoka next day. Here large number
were sick, and made quarters at the
Hotel. A difficulty arose here between
our Quartermaster and the citizens,
which for time portended serious re-
suits, but was adjusted with dispatch by
the Colonel commanding. More of this
difficulty hereafter. On our way from
Anoka to St. Anthony, we met train of
fifty six mule teams en- route for Fort
Abercrombie. They were loaded with
government stores for the soldiers garri-
soned there. We did not get sight OF
the Falls of ST. Anthony as we went up.
Last evening we received orders from
Col. Gilbert to report Immediately just
below Pigs Eye Bar, and embark. Col.
Lake, this morning. fastened to St. Paul
leaving Adju.ant Comstock in command.
He led us TO this grand work Of nature,
across the magnificent suspension
bridge. The falls have been reshaped
and reformed by the citizens until the
works Of art are commingled with the
works Of nature. and help to impart
novelty and grandness to the scene. An
island at the brink of the falls divides
the river. The fall of water is fifteen or
twenty feet. There is a confused tumble
Of rocks below. Some are standing on
edge. some are lying down fatwise.
while others assume various other irregu-
lar shapes.
But we are now in Camp Gilbert, at
Fort Smelling. The four companies have
gone down the river to Cairo, except a
few escort men, Morgan Boon who is
sick, and Benjamin Sutton who has made
his last march and fought his last battle.
He was buried Yesterday over yonder
on the pleasant hillside, in the soldiers
burying ground. He was ever ready to
act his part, and the boys of our COM
pany will miss him. We leave here
on Saturday for Cairo. to join the re-
mainder Of the regiment. A few from
the companies who went North, will
have to remain behind in spite Of the
good success and unceasing care OF
Surgeons Hastings and Hunt. While
We remain here, we shall wash up and
prepare for another Of Uncle Sam
mastery marches. What l saw on the
late one, richly paid for all endured,
and shall never regret that l made it.
All the other boys feel the same, SO far
as know. The drum beats, and re-
minds me that time flies. | must up
and prepare to march for Dixie.
G. II. L.
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