The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1862-12-23

OXFORD Miss, Dec. 9TH 1867.
FRIEND Rich We nave prospect
ola few days of rest before US, and feel
it our duty meantime to let our friends
at home know of our whereabouts. We
marched from Moscow, Tenn, Nov. 28th.
The force there consisted of Gen. Quin-
by's division, but formed a junction
with the remainder of Grants forces be-
fore entering Holly Springs. The route
were next to impossible. 1t was IL o.
clock the first day before we got into
camp. To add to our sufferings, cold
rain set in, so we were obliged to pitch
our tents, but only for short time, as
we were called up at o'clock in the
morning. After a short march we en-
ter the beautiful town of Holly Springs.
1t seems strange that the chivalry should
leave this place without a struggle
They bad some light notifications on
the northern side, that have the appear
ance OF being built some time. There
was a small force of cavalry here the day
before we entered, but they took safety
in flight, at our approach. The recep-
ton we meet from the citizens, is as
cold as the most bitter Of our enemies
could wish. Assembled on the street
corners, are few old fellows that are
out of danger so far as the conscript act
is concerned. These, with a few worn
out negroes and small children, consti-
tute all the visable population. We
marched miles south TO Waterford, and
camped. The rebels were driven from
there by our advance few hours before
we arrived. They had a skirmish, re-
sulting in the loss of one man on our
side. and four of the rebels. We re-
manned in this place two days, then re-
sumed our march to the Tallahatchie.
Price was seized with panic here, as
he has often been before, when he held
strong position, he evacuated in time
to save all. From this position he could
have wilhstood any attack from the front,
but Sherman's presence in the vicinity
seemed TO alarm him for the safety Of
his rear. consider it poor Generalshp
in the rebels selecting this place. 1t
may be strong position enough, but is
situated in the midst of a swamp that is
completely inundated in rainy weather,
and must be very sickly. They took
care TO burn the r. r. bridge before
evacuating. We were obliged to halt
TWO days TO repair the roads, which were
very bad IN consequence Of the rain.
The wagon train was two days coming
to this place IA miles, the infantry
marched on the II. II. track, and had
good walking. Our camp is now situat-
ed a mile east Of Oxford, very pleasantly
situated We came through the town
after dark, and had no opportunity OF
seeing much. 1t is called one of the
finest places in the south, but like all
others. is deserted by the wealthy citi,
zens. We will move southwark rs fast
as the r. r. is repaired. Whatever the
indications may have been, it is certain
now that there is energy displayed in
this department. Everything indicates
speedy termination Of The war. Gen.
Gran! may have many enemies, but lei
him pursue his present course, and
have no fears for his success. The reb-
els are now in the. vicinity OF Grenada, as
near rs can be ascertained from deser
ters.
The 9Th Iowa is with Sherman.
Lieut.. Col Lake and some Of his men
have been over TO see us. The Col. has
the appearance of being all he is repre-
scented TO be, good officer He seem r.
ed to be highly pleased with Company