The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1862-05-08
PirrsBURG LANDING,
TENxEssEE. April. 1862.

PfrrSRURG LANDING,
TENNESSEE, April, 1862. :
W. H. CAMPBELL, Sec'y Relif Meeting, Dowagiac;
SIR:-Here we are at last, on the
great field Tor rather) woodland of
Battle. After being stopped by the
powers that be, we reached this point
via Cincinnati, and through the kind
ness of Lieut.. Gov. Stanton, of Ohio.
We were pleased to find the loss of life
among the Michigan troops much less
than we at first had reason to fear.
Among the wounded there is very
large per cent. not dangerously injured.
Though sad havoc has been made of
life and limb. 1t is gratifying to learn
that the entire country have moved as
one man to their relief Before our
arrival we found the wounded had been
conveyed to Hospitals either at Savan-
nah or were in transit for Hospitals be-
low. With one single exception these
Hospital Boats were well fitted up with
every thing that would conduce to the
comfort of the unfortunate, and in most
cases through the Sanitary Commits
sions. In fact, without this timely aid
by the citizens, much suffering must
have been experienced on the boats.
In the care and treatment bestowed at
the Hospitals, it is but just to say all
that home and mother could afford is
bestowed at these institutions. OF the
18th Michigan, % were killed, 80
wounded and 1O2 taken prisoners, 10
fell early on the first day and were de-
Gently buried near the camp, with head
boards noting name, &c. The others
were buried in like manner in distant
part of the field.
We found that the wounded were
taken to Hospitals as chance offered
without regard to locality, which caused
them to be scattered to almost every
Hospital in the country. From those
we saw, We learned the kindest of
treatment has been given them.
In Capt. Harper's Company of 18th
Michigan, none were killed, and but
wounded, viz: Lieut.. McCleland, A.
II. Allen, Joshua Bradford, G. F. Bar
ker and Bella Norton, none dangerously;
10 were made prisoners, viz: Lieut..
Van Ripper, Edward HartselI, z. B.
Langley, James Colby, Jacob Hebray,
b. F. Higgins, John Higgins, George
Gephart, S. p. Smith and Victor Odel.
1t is but just to say of these, that from
the position they occupied and the
effective work they were doing, all who
saw them say it is apparent they were
not aware the line had retired until
they found themselves surrounded by
the enemy. Considering the sudden
attack and the condition of the men as
to drill, we are am satisfied they sus.
tanned themselves as well as any troops
could under the same circumstances.
Owing to change of water and diet
with improperly cooked food, many in
the Regiment were attacked with
diarrahea soon after their arrival, and
the severe labor and exposure of Sui
day night in the rain and mud without
blankets or even overcoats, caused some
80 or 40 to be sent to the Hospital, O
these, 10 were from Company A, bu
now many are better and some have
returned to camp.
We had the pleasure of seeing Tho
Cass County Guards, of the AID Illinois
and as their Col. says, they now are
soldiers, acclimated, hardy and read,
to obey orders without why or /:
wherefore. From this Company but :
have died and one now in the Hospital
In conclusion, we will say, the money
furnished us has been spent, with some
furnished from our own pockets be
sides. Respectfully yours,
j. H. STITH,
| w. X. PALMER.