Nebraska advertiser., 1863-06-11
the Second Nebraska CaTaITT,

EdIOf NeOTdSEd Advertiser:
presume HAT you would infer from
the heading of this letter, that we were
away Odt of the world, but when | in.
form you that the Dakota line runs with
IN four miles of Sioux CITY, Iowa, and
that we are encamped six miles distant
from that famous town. You must nee.
essarily come TO the conclusion that we
are not yet-at the Jumping off place, al.
though appearances Indicate that we are
not far distant from it.
My ideas of Sioux City, before my arrival
were very exhalted indeed, from the
glowing descriptions of same gwen in
Newspapers. But distance in this inst
ance certainly leuds e~nchanlment to the
view, for of all the God forsaken looking
towns and country around it, that l ever
saw, Sioux City and country immed.
lately around it, and for some distance
north and east of same, excells all.
Hills, and sand bars &C., are prolific
and meet the eye at every step, aForaing
magnificent sites for pallatial residences,
but a poor prospect for the rapid develop
ment of Agriculture. You may think
that | exaggera.e the appearance of
Sioux City and surrounding country ; but
if you don't believe it, ask any one in the
9th Iowa, or I'd Ne6. cavalry or come
and see for yourself.
What ever induced any one to lay off
a town in this locality. l cannot imagine,
unless it was some one who had his eye
on the corn trade.
1t only cost the Government 50, so per
bushel for corn at this place, and other
things in proportion, while thousands OF
bushels of shelled corn could he delivered
here, from the Nebraska side Of the
river at so cents per bushel, and farmers
would be glad 10 sell at that price. Gen.
Cook who commanded this District is in
no way responsible for the state Of af-
fairs, and if l am correctly informed is
in every way possible, dispOsedto econo-
misefor the Government.
The Gen'l is very well liked, and has
the reputation of being a brave and eff
cient officer. He commanded a brigade
at Shiloh and acquitted himself nobly in
that bloody contest. Our regiment ar
rived here on the 5th inst. and encamped
on the left of the 9th Iowa clvasry I;
where we have been ever since, with a
prospect howevr. of moving soon for
Devils Lake, or some other point, where
corn cannot be obtained, even at W
dollars and a half per bushel. a large
number of our men have been sick
Cause, change of climate, mode of living
and high price Of corn.
Companies IA" Capt. Reed and tx"
Capt. Patrick, arrived here week before
last, so we now have eight Co.'S of the
Regiment together VIZ "A, E, F, G, X,
L and NJ" Mai. Taffs has been ordered
here, bat is not well enough to comply
with the order.
Col. Furnas is untireing in his efforts
TO make the men comfortable, aud is at
work early and late. He is certainly
the right man, in the right place.
All honor and esteem him from the
the highest Field Officer to the hum
bles. private. Mark my word for it, the
Col. will with the I'd Nebraska cavalry,
show an honorable career, during lis
term of service, and if they only get the
opportunity will make a reward that their
children and friends will not blush to see.
Our regiment has not yet been tried
on the battle field, but when tn e time
does come for US to go forth, and give
battle to the hosts of copper colored
enemies of our country. or rebels. l
hope to see our boys 60 in on their nerve
and acquit themselves as Nebraskians,
and as brave men should, Maj. Pear
man, our amiable and good natured Major
is we'll liked, and is a good officer.
/ have not time TO particularize, but
will say all that both officers and men feel
proud in doing their duty.
The boys need clothing very much and
Col. F. is doing his beS, 70 obtain the
needed supply. The troops drill four
hours per day. Our dress p~arades are
very fine. Eight squadrOns Of cavalry
or eight hundred men and horses in line
(single manipulating a front OF more
than a half a mile, with sabres glltterlng
in the sunlight, is a very pretty sight TO
witness in this far west, where corn Is
worth two dollars and a half per ou smell
Port Richardson, as he Familiarity call
ed, is our Post Master, and is anxlousIy
looked for every evening, as he Is also
carrier. Our men have shelter tents
II $50 TIo~-1tt md Mann