The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1863-12-10
Little Rsck Cerrespondence.
HEADo'Rs 29rH Iowa INFANTRY,
i.Alo Qnak Al Nnu On pH2

sounded, and al is quiet in camp, save
the heavy tread of the sentinsl in front
of my tent, purpose reminding you that
we are yet in the land of the living, and
that there is still an army in Arkansas,
which fear you and many of your read
ers have forgotten. by having your
thoughts SO much directed to the great
centres of interest, viz: Chattanooga,
Charleston, and the large army in front OF
Washington. Besides, the stirring polit-
icai events which are transpiring in our
own and other States, have diverted the
public mind somewhat from the scenes of
strife in the field. l assure you that the
people at home are not the only ones
interested-those in the army, removed
from politics, and who are supposed to
take no part in such matters, are not ip-
different spectators. The intelligent,
thinking portion of the army regard the
victories achieved in Pennsylvapia, Ohio,
Iowa and other States, that have held
elections this fall, of greater importance
than any won by our arms during the
war. II the result had been different, it
would have cast gloom over the entire
army, and the men who are exposing
themse'vss to danger in almost every
form for the preservation of the Union,
wou' d have been disheartened; but now,
that they know that the great heart Of
the North is with them, and that the
people are determined TO prosecute the
war until every foot of territory is regain
ed, they will never vote to lay down their
arms until that is accomplished.
Since the surrender, or rather the hur.
ried evacuation Of this place by Price
and his inglorious army, we have had
comparatively qniet times. With the ex
ception of the Pine Bluff aifair-which,
by the way, was quite spirited fight,
and reflects credit upon Col. Clayton aud
his brave boys-and a few skirmishes BY
the cavalry. there has been no fighting.
Our division, commanded by Gen. Rice
OF whom Iowa may be proud. was sent to
the front few days ago, as far as Rock
port, on the OuachIts, while the cavalry,
under Caldwell, went into Arkadelphia,
but Marmaduke had been SO badly whip
ped at Pine Bluff be continued his fight
and gave no chance for fight. Indeed
the enemy have fallen into such strange
habit of running from danger in this State,
we have despaired of having another
chance at them.
1t is occasionally rumored, however,
that force is advancing, but no one be-
lieves they will have the temerity to at
tack the army here, after the result at
Helena, and having left their strong posi-
ton at this place. 1t is more proba BILE
that they will cross the river above in
small parties, and get in our rear, if pos
sible, for the purpose of cutting our line
long, but they will be defeated in accom-
plisbing any disastrous results. The rail
road and telegraph are both in good work
ing order, and we'll guarded, to Davall's
Bluff, and the transports on the White
River are properly conveyed By gunboats,
which are terror to all rebels.
Gen. Steel is actively engaged building
permanent Notifications, 30 that the place
may be held with small force, which is
giving cou61e to citizens who are 10y
ally inclined, and already marked chang
is manifest in public sentiment. The Union
men here seem to have imbibed the true
spirit and to have adopted the true course
Ia reference to the restoration Of civil au.
thoriiy in the State. A Union club is
formed of some of the most substantial
citizens, aud many who were in sympa-
thy with the rebels are now active mem
bels of it.
Two regiments of cavalry are being
raised here and 10 adjoining counties for
home protection, and the citizens seem
desirous TO avoid. if possible, the state OF
things existing in Missouri. l would
rather to day undertake to suppress the
rebellion in this State and bring it back
into harmony with the Government than
to attempt to quiet the distractions in the
unhappy State of Missouri.
The army is in fine health and spirits
and ready for anything that NAV be or
dered. We have but three sick in hos.
pital, and only thirty excused from duty
in the regiment, and | believe other regi-
ments report about the same number
Iowa is well represented here by the 29th,
SD, seth and doth infantry. the Let and
Sd cavalry and the Sd battery, and better
troops are not to be found in any army.
The weather is delichtful-all tha i'm.