The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1863-11-07
From the 34th Iowa.

7 EDITOR HAwK-EYE:-I have seen moth
ing in your columns from the Saith since
we were at Port Hudson early in August
Since that time our experience has beer
varied and full of interest, to the actors a
least, although we have had little fighting
that lighter part Of the duties of soldier
| to narrate.
| We seem destined to follow the Missis
sippi river, performing the duties of the
Marine Brigade. However unpleasant il
may be to US, we submit cheerfully to the
direction of our superiors, knowing tina,
the power and efficiency of the army de.
pends chiefly upon the willing co-opera.
tlon OF all its parts, and not little upon
I the good cheer and support of the people
at home. The 34th, numerically the "Sta1
Regiment from Iowa, and intrinsically
surpassed by none in noble daring, heroic
endurance, and terrible sufferings, about
the 10th August, was transferred, more
properly attached, to the 18th Corps, com.
manded by Major General Ord, and en-
| semble transferred to the Department OF
the Gulf. We Immediately proceeded to
New Orleans, and went into camp on the
Champ de Mars, between the principal
part OF the City and Carrollton, to recuper-
ate our depleted strength. While there
we had little to mar the enjoyment of rest
| and quiet in pleasant camp the very
thing we so much needed after severe
| campaign.
1t would surprise any one who has read
OF the conflicts of the opposing elements In
that clty-the amalgam of all the races
known to the genus homo, to see the COM
plete system OF surveillance instituted
there, the cleanly swept streets, the perfect
freedom from riot and dissipation at all
hours of the daV.
The 18th Army Corps was twice review
ed on the Champ de Mars, by Gen. Banks,
ana once by Gen. Grant, accompanied by
the former. The imposing scene OF a grand
review can only be realized by an observ-
er. The reviewing General followed by
his gorgeous train of equestrian convoy
next the long columns OF moving uniforms
with regular cadenced step and glistening
bayOnets, inspire the soul with the greatest
zeal and patriotism.
All admire the finely formed, noble ap-
pearlng, Gen. Banks; express perfect con-
fldence IN his ability, and not few speak
with more irresponsible position than
he now holds.
When Gen. Grant appeared on the re-
viewing grounds, he was cheered vocifer-
ously regulations to the contrary notwith-
standing) by the troops who know well
how to appreciate his merits, the band
playing Hail to the Chieftain who in tri-
umph advances"
On the oath of August, the LIST Division
OF our Corps left Carrollton, destined for
Brasier City. On the 25th, our, I'd Divi-
sion, embarked for this point, under COM
mand Of Gen. Heron. Since that time we
have acted independently so far as coop
Grating with the other divisions.
Our object here is to protect the Missis-
sippi river from strong force under the
rebel Gen. Green, who was approaching
from the westward. There is small town
here called Morganza, in commemoration
of its sage founder, Morgan. 1t is situated
in the wealthy French Parish of Point
Coupee, on the sunset shore, about 80 miles
above Port Hudson, with geniuS loci, de-
cidedly opposed to freedom and it's vota-
rles. Upon our disembarking, the coed
people, mostly of the female persuasion,
contra bonos m0res, suddenly went from
home, evidently having no particular fam
cy for the close proximity OF our support
ing arms.
We made no delay in marching out and
Offering the enemy battle, which he very
ungenerously declined, thereby exhibiting
a punic faith and causing us a fruitless
march through intense heat and dust. He
retreated beyond the Atchafalaya, deep,
impossible river, IA miles from MorganZa.
The General commanding thought it I'M
safe to leave our transports to pursue the
enemy further. Besides the REDS seemed
disinclined to our crossing the river. Re-
turned to Morganza, feeling considerably
plcqueu dt uot being peTulltleu W Cross
swords with our yillainous foe. Gen. Her.
ron being in delicate health, depended
greatly upon Gen. Vandever, of the LIST
Brigade. After due counsel, a strong force
was sent about nine miles TO the 'front.'
Lieut.. Col. Leake, of the 10th Iowa, had
command of this force, with instructions
to remain in the advance to watch the
movements of the enemy.
Thus matters remained intact. The town
was possessed ::as a point d appat, from
which equestrian parties were sent for re-
connoissance and to gather forage for the
animals and subsistence for the men.
On the 2Sth September Gen. Heron was
replaced by Major General Dana, of Min
nesota.
The 10Th was day pregnant with mis-
fortune to our little band. Early in the
forenoon firing was heard in our advance.
Soon the word came to the General that the
entire advance had been surrounded by a
sudden move OF the enemy, and, after a
short resistance, captured. 4i