The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1863-02-05
Letter from Mrs. Wittenmyer

Letter from Mrs. Wittenmyer.
MEMPHIS, TENN, San. 10Th, 1863.
Mrs. Norris -
Dear Lddam-I remember
my promise to write you when reached
Dixie, and as have few leisure moments
before leaving for Vickshurg, will devote
them to you.
After leaving Iowa, which I did on the
oath ut., went down the Mississippi river
with the intention of joining the army at
vicksburg with my supplies. We met the
fleet, however, just this side of Vicksburg,
returning up the river. went on board the
steamer +" City of Memphis" a steamer des-
tined to bear the worst wounded North
Nearly seven hundred of the worst wound
| ed cases were brought on board. The boa!
was not fitted up for sick or wounded-there
were little or no arrangements for their COM
fort-the men were obliged to lie on the
Aoor--every place where man could be
slowed away was occupied by wounded
ing in the same length of time before. About
forty died on the way up. Most of the men
were patient and silent, and bore their suf-
ferings bravely, without murmur !; others
were delirious, and tossed their fractured
limbs about regardless of their broken con-
dition Some called for wife, mother, or sis
ter, and in their delirivm imagined that
their loved ones had forsaken them | did
all | cenld to soot ie their suffering; I an
swered to their calls and assured them that
their friends were true, and thae we were on
our homeward way. went through and
through the boat, down on the g boiler
deck" and everywhere there was wound
ed, helpless sufferer, distributing food and
deliaacies, and encouraging them with kind
words; many poor soldier expressed his
gratitude with tears. | was on the boat
nearly week and on duty almost night and
day. am now returning from ST. Louis
have journeyed this far on my way South
The expedition up White River was success
full; the place, with about four thousand
prisoners, was taken.
A formidable expedition is now fitting out
for Vicksburg. Gen. Grant has already left
here with the advance of his army. A large
fleet is here under orders-wil leave tomor-
row morning, most likely. go down with
the feet. ,as
You may reasonably expect that our sick
list will be larger than it has ever been. and
ii we have battle at Vicksburg, which
seems now inevitable, Iowa must suffer
greatly, as large body of our forces are Co
! ing down. If the ladies of our State will
have it in their hearts to work for the sol
diers, now is the time for them to put forth
their noblest efforts The supplies being
sent from iowa at this time is very small,
/ nothing insufficient for the demands of
our sick, mlc!i less for the undel
know that it is hard for those who enjoy II
the blessings of home who enjoy butter,
eggs, good bread, chickens and turkeys, and
fare sumptuously every day--to realize the
restitution of our southern hospitals Who,
among you, that does not have butter three
times day, and eggs and chickens when
ever they desire them? And yet how few
Of all the multitude of butter-eaters in our
State show their willingness to share this
luxury by sending fresh butter to the sick
soldiers, although they are needing it thou
sand times more than may who enjoy it to
safety. If the ladies Of our State could see
the suffering that am obliged nearly all
the time to witness, am sure they would
work with greater earneStness and ZEAL
The ladies of the South are putting forth
three times the effort, and are making ten
times as great sacrifices as the ladies of the
North. They are at work in good earnest
will let you hear from me again when re-
turn from Vicksburg.
a Very truly yours,
| .. ..-.a. ANNIE WHITEWATER.