The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1863-09-04

TO that better land whers wsrs are unknown
The baltic is . splendid boat and Il not
bsing crowded, as 10 usually the case when
troops are moving. we had q vesy pleasant
trip, the cool breeze adding much to our
comfort. We reached Natchez just after
daylight the following morning, and laid to
for few minutes. Here our boys luxuria.
ted in some fine melons, peaches, &c. We
were soon under weigh again and came in
sight of Port Hudson by Al O'Clock +. N -
Our trip down was without incident. the
gnerrilas not showing themselves as they
usually have done. The country on the
river banks is more thickly settled below
Natchez than above, and some splendid su-
gar plantation. can be seen from the river
Port Hudson, as well as the country sur
rounding it. is dreary looking sight in
deed. A dozen old log houses CONSTITUTES
the city; business is entirely suspended, J
the rebel works are on high abrupt bluffs.
and perhaps quite as formidable as those a!
Vicbsburg but not half so extensive. They
are now guarded by troops Of African de-
scent, and very trusty soldiers they are too
neat, clean and soldierly in their appearance,
and observe discipline to the most extreme
point, as you will soon learn if you set out
to view the fortifieations. guns, Nc.. about
the first thing you know you are brought
up standing by big six-footer at charge
bsyonet, and he yelling out, " hold dare
sir-you can't come dare SIR" AMI about
the best thing you can Go is to halt dare.
too, il you don't desire further demonstra-
tion from said lump Of darkness. They
complain very much of the Eastern troops
not supporting them in their desperate
charges upon the works at this place, and
say they could have easily held the posi-
tons they gained ifthey had been promptly
supported, how true this may be l will not
undertake 10 say. Many Of the Eastern
troops are now leaving for home, their time
being out. and a giadder set OF men never
saw. Our boys bore them terribly by ask
ing them il they are nine montts' men or
soldiers.
The weather is intolerably hot, and much
warmer than at Vicksburg; TO stand still in
the sun for minute is like being roasted
alive. Our stay here will be Of short dura.
ration-we will be moved to Carlton, six
miles above New Orleans, as soon as trans
portatiou can be obtained. Although fur
tier south, it will be much more pleasant,
as then we will have the benefit OF the coast
breeze.
The health Of the regiment is improving
slowly but there is good deal Of sickness
yet, and Of 276 men present there are GA
sick. Our troops have suffered terribly,
and many have died for the want Of prop.
or medicines which our regimental surgeons
were unable to get. The manner in which
the medical department in this army has
been conducted is an outrage upon human
ity. Many brave and true soldiers have
died for the want Of the most simple r-ms
dy. This l know, and there are thousands
who will sustain my statements. The sani-
tary department is still worse. If the ladies
at home--God bless them-that are work
ing and tOiling, day and night. for the COM
fort Of the weary and sick soldier abroad,
collecting the many little deleacies that
none but good, kind angel world think 81.
and sending them off in the hands Of the
Sanitary Commission. could see 10 what use
more than one half Of all they send is aPpro-
pria,ed. wish that snndry long gowned.
low-slippered. would be angels of mercy
might be hung higher than Hannah. would
certainly be theirs: There is. of course. a
great good done by this Department when
some kind lady takes the matter ia her own
hands, and goes to the hos pitfalls and sees the
soldier eat and wear what is intended for
Of it. A hint to the wise. l hope, will be
sufficient.
Our officers are nearly all absen, spend
ing few happy days with the dear ones
at home-hope they are having good time.
they deserve it. We are somewhat lonely
Of course while SO many are gone. and il it
WAS not for Alex. McKinz'e. the soul OF
good nature, wit and bumor. we would all
get the blues. Alex. by his gentlemanly
bearing. has lately been elected sutler of
the seth by unanimous vote of all the Of
fcers. He is well liked by all, and with his
good business qualifications cannot fail to do
well.
There is no doubt an important move to
be made soon by this Department. In
what direction would be mere conjecture as
well as contraband; hut if anything new
should turn up, Of which | am hourly ex.
pecting. l will endeavor to drop you few
lines. Until then am your most obedient
QUILP.
p. S.-Persons sending letters or pack
ages to the G9th hereafter will remem Der til at
it now belongs to the Sd brigade, Is, division
18th Army Corps. Department Of the Gulf,
stationed Mt New Orleans O.