Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1863-04-24
Letter from the 72d o. v. I.
c0rrespOndenos Of the Fremont Journal.

April 8, 1863.
On the 2Sth last month our division embark
ed on transports and began moving down tn,
river, with orders to report to Major Genera
Mcpherson, at Providence, La. which point wal
reached at 2 p. NJ, next day. We remained
there until next morning, with the occurrence
no greater event than the plunderiug of little
Jew snttler, who had his canvas pitched on the
bank hard by.
Next day, 3Oth, the division moved down the
river and went into camp on large and beau
tiful plantation Of some 5000 acres. The camp.
ing ground was a choice one, and we flattered
ourselves we were to enjoy it for time. But
next day little after noon, the order came 10
embark Immediately on the salne boats we ca me
upon, and report to General Sherman at Young's s
Point At dark we were aboard, and awoke in
the morning TO find the boats tied up at Young 3
Point. Atl0 A. NJ. we moved up the river
about four miles, and went into camp at this
place Ducks Point
The Division has been assigned 10 Mai. Gen.
W. T. sherman's (the l5th) Army Corps. Cen
Smith has been relieved by Brig. General Tut
tie, who was for long time in command at Ca
iro, Ill So at last we are back again in Shcr-
mans command, greatly to our Joy and satisfac
tion. Whether this is to be the end of change
aud new commanders, know not, but surely
every man here hopes so. We have experienc-
quite enough ofit
A new canal is to be dug at this point; where
1t is to go, what is to be accomplished by it is
more than | know. Most can say is it com
mences here, some 8 or 9 miles above Farraput's
celebrated ditch, and there is heavy detail of
several thousand working upon it night and day
We have been working on it every other day
since we came here. II is now some 4 feet in
depth, and is 40 feet wide 1t is said TO inter.
sect bayou which goes into the Mississippi
again below Vicksburg. Its probable object is
to furnish passage by which vicksburg may
be reached from below.
The health of the troops is good as usual
In truth the health of this army, as far as can
learn, is as good as that of any army in the
] know not what motive would have
the circulation of the reports of the
great sickness aud mortality in this quarter, for
it does not and has not existed The greatest
care and discretion is exercised by the command
ing officers to prevent disease. All precautions
to health are strictly observed, which the large
amount Of fruits and vegetables distributed 10
the troops by government and the sanitary com
mission, restore and retain the health of men,
doing far more than all medicines Every man
in the army says, "Gud bless the people," for
their priceless contributions of delicacies, and
will tell you they are thus doing service Sec
ond to none in its benificeut effects The army
will ever be free from great sickness if it can be
supplied with vegetables and fruits-such arti-
ticlcs as the people can contribute, and should
contribute freely
The weather continues extremely clear and
pleasant. Hardly a cloud has been in the sky
since we landed here. The days are warm, the
nights cool. / have, however, known as warm
weather in Ohio in April.
The pay masters are around again, and are
paying the troops for four months, bringing The
accounts up to the 2sth February, 1863 This
will do much to insprit the men, rendering them
vastly more cheerful and contented
We have had no mail from the north since we
came here, and not a paper has made its appear
ance. Hence, you see we are in blissful igno-
rance of what is going on in the world
Letters and papers should be addressed 10
Young's Point, Louisiana. Our division is new
the Sd, of the 18th army corps. 1t is nearly
A. NJ, and at that hour go on duty, conse-
quently am compelled to close.
SEVENTY