The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1863-02-03
JED LAKE.
CAMP REED, NEAR JACKSON TENN I
Ian 1Sfh SG2

CAMP REED, NEAR JACKSON TENN
Jan. 18th 1863.
FRIEND R1cH Our regiment is in
camp one and half miles north Of Jack
son. The whole brigade, commanded
by Col. Durham, of the 5Oth Indiana, is
encamped here. Our present duty is TO
guard the r. r. and TO run as patrols.
Our chances for wood and water are not
such as we desired The water is no,
at hand, and because of the loyalty OF
our nelghbors we are not permitted 10
burn dry rails which are always most
welcome.
How long we shall remain none can
imagine. 1t is thought by some that we
shall shortly be ordered TO Memphis and
from thence 10 Vicksburg. This would
just now be very acceptable move, for
we are convinced that this climate has
its frosts and It's SHOWS. Ny IDEAS of a
sunny south were dissipated this morning
when | awoke and found the snow three
or more inches IN depth And this even
ing, after having seen ali day long the
low hung clouds drop their fuIlness
down, am exceedingly anxious to be
transported TO n land where the brilliant
sun drives away the cutting b'ast, and
the piercing storm, and warm and
cheering sky is lighted up by a Iumin
Gus orb, and rendered genial By swee;
perfumes and spicy breezes. But still il
SHOWS, the wind blows. and The frost
g'istens on the canvas while | strive
to invent something satisfactory to my
self and Of interest 10 those who may
read, the Adjuant aud Sergeant Major,
Just 10 bed, are amusing me- so tha,
must larry here awhile below. and give
ear TO their song and story. While the
icicles are railing on the caves Of the
tent. the Major. shiveriny, lies singing
ca charge TO keep have, &c" The
Adjutant starts up, amid low murmur
ings, and longs for chew Of tobacco.
AMI | SIT and inquire, . how long must
endure all this q and echo answers, "only
three years"
This morning our sick men. who
were scattered all along the road
from Mile Lac to this point. came
into camp, in charge of Lieut.. Donnan
The Lieut.. is hearty, and looks we'll
They have been absent a long time. and
there was great rejoicing At their arrival.
Lieut.. Hemingway is at Memphis, but
will be in with Col Lake, who has gone
after the sick. Several Of the boys who
remained at Memphis have got their
discharge. and several who are here will
start for home in day or two These
have served well As soldiers, and with US
have endured the privaiions of the camp.
and we hate TO see them so. but we bid
them all kind. aHecliorale adieu.
Just as my last was sealed, learned
of the death of John McBane and Walter
B. Lanfear. Lanfear | did no, know.
until we met as soldiers. He was good
man, and true, and his death is univers
ally regretted. With John l was well
acquainted. He and | were boys logeth
er. His rejoicings were mine, and mine
were his. Together we started for war.
John has fallen. IT'S hard to give him
up. but bright reward awaits him be
You'd the roar OF cannon aud the clash
OF arms.
! see from the Guardian that you have
ha a rumor to the effect that we were
prisoners. 1t is not true. / do not think
a half dozen men in the regiment ever
saw rebel with arms. The Guardian
and lis friends will not be forgotten, and
when anything of interest occurs, you
will be informed by
G.. Fl. l..