The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1863-12-30
Army Correspondence.
HTHty OOrFcBpOmUeHces
CuLPErPER COUNTY, Va, !
Dec OOth 1Sf2Mf

DeC. Zotn, loOoNS
Dear Times The forc-part of the even
ing was passed with two jolly good fellow
of the "old 9th" and not of a humor {,
"turn i'm with my old mate, take up tn
pen, to write letter to the TINES. Plum
MER and HARRIS ale good boys, and know
how to make good "punch"-at least tn
invited ones present shared in the belle
that if HARMS couldn't sing Robinson Cru
So he could make first rate bumper
Seldom does a canteen Of Uncle Sam.
Commissary ind its way to We gents o
the West, without a general invite O
neighbors is given, that bespeaks for re-
hearsal of the past. For the time given tc
pleasure, forgetting the dreariness of camp
life, these little harmless sociables arc q
great treat. And so to,night vote Harris
and Plummer "bricks" of the first water
for believe me, l am extremely happy,
from the goodness of the contents of afore-
said canteen.
am in a log shanty six by ten-a cosy
place for one to be this cold night. Ihave
a bed made of pine poles, on which have
spread cedar and pine boughs, which an
swer the purpose of both straw and feath-
ers It is warm, it is elegant, and might
say handsome bed. although feel the
effects Of divers knots and sharp pointed
sticks, which will materially interfere with
fellows sleeping. Two very handsome
looking ~eapens Of war grace one corner
of this shanty. They have been borne in
many conflict, and none are more willing
than the writer thrt they should still hang
there, mementoes Of the past. A library
is upon one end OF the table, consisting
OF the Army Regulations, very valuable
book in these days the three volumes of
Casey's tacticts three very valuable books;
the Ordnance Manual, and volume of
General orders of 1861 and 1862, which
would require committee of Congress,
with Lovejoy at the head, to digest. The
floor of the shanty is of brick, part Of
what was once church. The fact of said
brick being used as flooring does not mate
rally change the views of the subscriber,
although the Lieutenant AYERS that it
appears more dignified. That this
house may be more comfortable | have
played the printer and papered it inside
The latch string is out and how happy
would | be to welcome you in.
The Army of the Potomac is in winter
quarters. Reports are current that the ar
my will re-trace its steps to Centrevile.
How true know not, yet should not be
surprised at the receipt of an order to move
at any time. The railroad is barely able to
supply the army, and the several roads
leading to the Station are in that condition,
which makes it almost an impossibility to
haul the supplies to camp. These roads
are now being corduroyed, and possibly
the army will be the gamers thereof Ger.
tain it is, that scarcely enough forage has
been brought up since the late move, to
supply the Cavalry and Artillery, let alone
the thousands of public animals other
wise employed, Therefore if we move out
# our present comfortable quarters it will
be on account Of supplies. No other rca-
son will induce Meade to change his posi-
ton for the present
Since the late movement across the Rap
idan, We have looked for the removal of
General Meade, but he still holds command
and we infer that all matters of the unsuc
cessful advance are amicably settled.
To say the least, our army is unfortu-
nate; God knows we have had change of
Generals often enough, and by this time,
there should be desire on the part of all
concerned, to let as alone for a while, and
see if these blunders cannot be wiped out,
We are good enough, (no body will deny
US that praise l hope) and are under good
discipline, and now, after so many curses
have befallen US, why not for Christs
sake, even, let US try for ourselves. Cut
the wires between us and Washington, and
give us twenty-five days rations, and, Oh,
Lord, we can and will give Brother
Lee one Of the prettiest little trouncings
that ever was donated in behalf of good
and gracious government. Oh, Father
Abraham, let us try, and we will sing you
1--WE are coming 300 OCO strong
Fnrloughs of fifteen days are being given
to both officers and men. You may look
for the undersigned in January.