True Democrat., 1863-04-29
CAMP ON BAYOU MASON, MILES WEST [
 Of Gaines Landing, April 20th, lo63.}

Con- R. H. JOHNSON
 Dear Sir: Thinking that few lines from this section might prove of interest to your readers, have concluded to write short notice of what Is transpiring down this way.
 On the 9th inst. our command (McKie's Squad ron Partisan Rangers) took up their line of march from Pine Bluff to this place, for the purpose of watching the movements of the enemy m this sec ton. On Sunday evening, tie l2th inst, we pi tened our camps on Bayou Mason, Chcot county, five miles from Gaines Landing, the MIssis sippi river. On Monday we pasted our pickets near the father of waters, and commenced look over the surrounding country, which we found to be settled with very clever and hospitable set of people, mostly of the weathier class, who have been compelled to move with their negroes and other property from off the river. The tales of destruction Of property by Lincoin's vanaals Is truly distressing. We find that the road now occupy has been great outlet for runaway ne- groes; but since arrival we have compet y broken iip that business in this locality. Since our arrival here on the l2th up to the pre- sent time, there has passed down the river forty five transports, all laden with soldiers for |icks burg. From which l conclude that they have an idea Of again trying to remove that small obstruc- ton from the banks of the Mississippi. A few days previous to our arrival here they landed 5000 ..cSsfs eaf Gfeenvlle Miss, and started them out in pursuit of Col. Ferguson, who had been annoy ing them considerably as they passed along the river. have seen one of Ferguson's men since, who says they made their retreat good without los ing man, and that they killed nearly 100 federals whilst doing so. The iederals become satisfied of their fruitess march, and returned again to their boats without accomplishing any thing more than causing 100 men to retreat about twenty miles be- fore an army ef 5, ,0aD men.
 On the route over which the} traveled they laid waste the country, burned houses, forced away negroes, and destroyed every species ofproperty they come across. Every day brings with it from three to five planters from Mississippi who are
 fleeing to the high land of Arkansas with their ne- grocs for safety. We have not been lucky enough as yet to have brush with any of the scoundrels, but our commanders have move on foot, which if it works out well, will create considerable stir amongst the Yankees some fine morning. We have got just the kind of boys for making quick work with the scamps, and if we do get into skirInish down here you may be certain that you will hear of something more than fun.
 Our command is all in excellent health now, and we are faring finely. Our horses have all the corn and fodder they can eat, and we get bread, bacon, beef eggs, butter, milk, onions and wild game in abundance The only troubles we have to contend with the gnats and musqultoes which inhabit this country in nGniberless quantities. Our only remedy is smoke, with which we keep the whole country filled continually. As for late news, l cannot give you any, but should we be lucky enough to capture some northern papers here at any tlme will forward i'll haste you, as we have an express line from here to Mai Gen. Walkers headquarters, under hose command we are now placed. The river is falling rapidly, but has com menced to do 50 since we came here. In few days more the road will be clear of water between here and the river.
 Hoping that this may prove worthy of space in your columns, that friends may learn where we are and what we are doing,
 remain respectfully yours,
 JOSIAH T. FISHER,
 Private in Co. A, McKies Squadron P. R.
 P. s. April 2lst.-By report just received from Lieut.. Heryey, com'dg pickets at Gaines Landing, we learn that yesterday morning the fedcrals were landing a force of cavalry on the opposite side of the river, Gin Mississippi 1 cannot tell for what purpose this is being done. The river is stin falling fast, and we daily expecting the feds out this way. J. T. F.