The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1863-01-29

Of our journey.
At Columbus, Ky, we stopped, and learn
ed that the enemy had been committing dep
relations tearing up Railroad tracks, driv-
ing Union settlers from their homes, and
threatening an attack on the place. Our eg-
inert was ordered off the boats about IL
o'clock, called in order out on the bunk Of
the river, and ammunition given us. As
this kind Of proceeding was something new
% US, it created general stir among the
boys; some appeared eager for the fray,
some silently yielded obedience, and a few
were taken with sudden attacks Of illness
1t was the general belief that we. were to b,
engaged in our first battle; but morning
came and found W. steaming down the river
We were not sorry, as our ideas of Dixie in
clined US to wish to go further south. At
Memphis, also, our boats stopped, and the
first sound that saluted our ears wss that
surrender Of the place had been demanded
Our regiment was ordered on shore and hur
ried upto the City Park, as if W. were des-
tined to b. the salvation Of the city. AS we
passed through the streets. the band playiny
Yankee Doodle" it was plain to be seen
that VIC had all the fun to- ourselves, As no
one appeared to sympathze with us, and, I
think, but one private house showed Union
flag. That night we passed lying on our
arms, ready at moments notice, but thai
night, slso, was passed in safety, and the
next morning we marched down to Fort
Pickering, distance of one and half miles
There we found well fortified place. extend
ing some three miles, saounted with about
seventy-five guns, and breast works in album
danse-in TACT we felt comparatively safe
after getting inside. The quarters for our
regiment was ample, but not inviting
extensive mule shed was 10 DO our abiding
place. We found plenty of guard duty, part
Of which was in the rain. Aftes Ave or six
days we were again ordered to pack up. OF
course we were willing. although in the
meantime better place had been picked
out for US, and even tents were being put up.
And here lei me digress little: a soldier
never knows what day may bring forth
a military life is one of uncertainties. When
regiment stops and gets everything around
liked as comfortable as the nature of the
case will admit, they have no certainty as
to how long they can enjoy it; though, as
general thing, soldier does not want to
stop long in one place. We have been here
since the first Of January. and are to stay
here, together with three o: four other reyi.
ments, to hold the place.
A force of twelve thousand men left this
place day before yesterday. The general
impression is that they will go down abont
the mouth Of White River, and endeavor to
intercept any reinforcement> from HiBdman
for Vicksburg, and to wait an oppartuntv to
make another attack on that place. Our
boys are very anxious to hear of something
decisive being done. We get little or no
news here as to what is going on North or
South. We scarcely ever see newspaper.
and consequently are about as ignorant set
OF soldiers as are often met with; we can
guess and hope, but that affo- ds but little
substantial benefit
The health of our regiment is improving
we have not much serious sickness. I can
not say, however, that this is a healthy
place; but we are HOW in quite comfortable
quarters, and if the guerrillas do not bother
Us too much we anticipate reasonable share
Of camp advantages as we'll as disadraxtages.
We dare not hope for much we are in an
enemy's country, and vigilance is our only
safety. We are also happy to say that Col
and the other Field Offic. RS are
|avortes with the Regiment, and we can re.
y on their doing all they can for the CON-
fort and honor Of the Regiment. Our com
pany, under the care of Captain E. L. JOY,
Of your city, is gradually coming up to
reasonable state Of discipline and efficiency
Ind you may rest assured that our company
IN scratch. will be all right. Perhaps you
are anxious to know something of our man.
ner of living We draw -four, or crackers.
picked pork, bacon meat, and occasionally
beef, Coffee, sugar, beans. rice, hominy and
vinegar, also soap and candles. We are d.
vided into messes of twelve or fourteen. and
'ne is detailed as cook each day; so, when
the war Is over, we will all know something
abont cooking. We wash about once
week, or perhaps, once in two weeks, but
Tail TO do the subject Justice, Ms hardly any
1t Us like to wash; but it il an important
point and not to be omitted. We feel sure
that the ladies Of Iowa would laugh al our
cooking and washing. We could afford to
be laughed at, ifby that means we could see
Them, as ladies down here are remarkably
scarce. especially Union ladies' But mus,
apologize, | was trying to tell you of our
manner of living, and branched off ON an
different subject. told ynu what
we had to eat; it is plain, substantial food,
and all we can reasonably expect from I'm.
Gle Sam, who. at present, has very large
family. In addition. the sick get such deli
cacies rs butter, driel fruits, &c. Perhaps
you wish to know when we retire 10 rest,
md at what time we get up. At six O'Clock
It the beat of the drum. we get up and at
tend to roll cali" When not on guard
duty the companies have morning and af