The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1863-02-04

EDITORS lIMES:-l WHte you, hoping
you may make space for the following lines
in your columns, not deeming il improper
to irtrude a little on the readers attention
at the present time Of existing commissions
and tumults Of war. .--.-.
Standing as we may be on a division,
between the past and future, the initial Of
the present year cannot but arrest the
thoughts Of all upon the time through
which they have passed. and the thoughts
Of all upon that which lies before them
The American people are beginning new
year Of individual and national life, with
political PASSIONS producing conflicts which
shall result in enmity and discord, finally
enling in lalnentabls division and irrecon-
chile feuds. The people of the north are
far from being governed by one common
interest in the cause, which we pretend to
maintain. Some seek to promote their
political ambition, and some promote Their
selfish and speculative principles. D.ily
the soldiers in the field Of battle, and those
afflicted and stricken by disease, are be.
coming acquainted with these facts. There
are some who strive to alleviate the suffer.
ing Of the languishiug, while others too
much governed by selfish principles, flch
from the government that which has been
| earned by the brave. Such being the case,
and the soldiers being aware Of thesfact
| ~ l. Ill
cning as we look to the future. When We
think Of the thousands to-day in the ser.
vice, who have been without the pay OF
single dollar for the past four and six
months, who left behind them families in
rather destitute condition, believing tina,
before they left them to respond to the call
of their country, that they would be pro
vidcd for and taken care oft is cnous IN
to make the stones of the street cry out
against public iniquity. Sad arc the facts
Judging from the tone of letters received in
the camps from the loved ones at home
County Warrants which were sent or |, #
with those families had deprecated f!:om
= 30 to 60 cents on the dollar in different
counties Of the state, taken advan,ag. Of
by the speculative capitalists. Those
farmers who left behind them farms in the
hands of their wives and children to be
cultivated and taken care Of by them as
they may best may, with the increasing
value OF labor consequent upon their pres
ence in :he field, and then being taxed in
the field In the shape Of deprecated green
backs which he shall receive, and know
his property behind is depreciatng through
the lack Of culture and loss of gain, will
bear me witness that it makes sad havoc with
the hopes of his heart. Providing he sho'd
survive the dangers Of battle, and return
again to partake of his Preside enjoyments,
indeed his trials and conflicts are sufficient
burthens to bear and tolerate, without in
flicting deeper wounds in the hart.
Pc. ce must soon be made or a desperate
; state of things will ensue. Ere many
months pass away there will be trouble
with the troops in the field, evidently from
the present state Of feeling existing. Moth
ing but moneyed speculation and swindling
exists in every military department 1t
appears so evident, that its not doubted.
There are many times that We don't get half
enough to eat, even when there is no neces
! sity whatever for stinting our rations. No
wonder our army becomes declmated and
diseased under SO much neglect and reck
lessness, consequent upon the supervision
; Of political blockheads. | M ght be put in
Fort Lafayette months ago for writing such
sentiments, but that is played out about
this time. But such are the facts As abovs
stated. Volunteering has ceased and draft
ing has commenced, and those that are
drafted might as well know what they have
k to contend with before hand, so that they
$ may not get disappointed in their expecta
ton OF having their convenience suited. Il
. is different somewhat with the southern
e army. They go forth hand in hand feel
ing that their interest is general and unan
i,nous, While their most wealthy planters
are in the ranks side oy side with them
$ partaking Of the tolls and dangers Of tn:
5 battle field, having no contention as regard.
superiority of position, and having no spec
ulation or bribery at their back. VIVA
privations and hardships cannot they en
7, dure under such u principle, accompanies
!, with such perseverance to conquer ant
y triumph?
e Our cause in the north is hopeless, unles
J. we become more unanimous in making IT,.
r, ends meet, and take a more G neral nteres
e in each others welfare. Notwithstanding
r our immense army in the Ii I'D, if any,hin;
: is done it will have to be done quickly
e Our new forces in the field are fast dinin
= ,shing in numbers. Our regiment, in al
4 probability has not less than 300 men o.
the sick list, besides good many hav
% been discharged through physical disabili
:. ty, and have not yet been in a single IN
=, gagement. Our company at present ha
only q men 6t for duty, out Of 80 whcl
was mustered into the service at Dubuque
and most Of the other regiments have thel
>, proportionate number in the same eeadi
=. ton. r....
:. There are about 20 regiments statiOne'
- here in Jackson. The following are anon
Il the number: the 10th, 62l, 1881, l06t
:, and Hath ILL.,, Goth Ind, 9th Iowa, 81
;, Mimi, 18th Mo-, 32nd and 33rd Wis, 3r'
r. Mich. cavalry, part Of the 81 Wis, and g
Il Tenn. cavalry. The numbers of the othe
regiments am not familiar with.