The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1863-12-26
From the 25th Iowa Infantry,

Mr.. DUNHAM We arrived at this post
direct from Chattanooga, on the 9th inst,
at which time Col. Palmer informed us
that we would remain here a week, and
probably longer. The week flew rapidly
by, and since its expiration we have been
in a state Of uncertainty. From what in
formation 1 can gather through outside
sources, there is probability that we will
remain here at least another week. The
boys have been making good use of their
time, and gone into temporary winter
quarters. -
Clothing, camp and garrison equipage is
being shipped to this point, to thoroughly
fit out the entire 18th Army Corps. WE
have received a complete out fit, and the
boys are fully prepared ''to brave the
Southern wintry blasts, as we'll as bullets"
AS regards our future destination, moth
ing reliable is known. Some think we will
go to Huntsville, Alabama, others to East
port, Tennessee, while others think-noth-
ing. And from what intelligence I can
gather through headquarters, in regard to
it. / am inclined to coincide with the latter
named persons.
Bridgeport is truly a "tented city" there
not being solitary house in it. The rail
road bridge across the Tennessee River, at
this point, has been repaired. It is a fine
structure.
Provisions and vegetables are very
scarCe-in fact we can get nothing but our
spare rations. Butter is selling at Is cents
per h. and scarce at that.
The health of the regiment is excellent,
but few cases of sickness, and those not OF
| a serious character. ...'
The place of Col. Stone, now command
ing the Sd Brigade of this Division, is well
aud satisfactorily filed by Col. Palmer
He is an able commander and highly es-
termed. t.... #..
The weather for the past few days, has
been quite unfavorabie. Last night we
were visited by a heavy thunder Storm
1t is now growing colder. .r....
From present indications we begin to
think that we will have a very dull Christ
mas, but we will try and have as merry a
one as possible. -...
To night as 1 am sitting in my 'cotton
castle, +" with the bright and cheerful fire
made with rails from some poor Reb' S
! fence-in my rude, but comfortable fire.
place, casting it's genial warmth through
out the apartment; the brilliant rays from
my--ten Cent-taper, penetrating to the
darkest. corners of my "chebang." My
thoughts have been strolling back into the
past-fiying to the home we left. And,
after indIlging my fancies to some extent,
in drawing comparisons, L have settled
down to the conviction. "That, notwith-
standing, we may be fully provided with
all the neceSsaries of life, surrounded by
kind friends and merry comrades, favored
by dame fortune and the occupant of our
own domiciP' .ls.5 -.a-.- ..
"Theres no place like Home. sweet Home"
Although we have glowing fire to sit
| before, and the proprietor splendid Duck
mansion kindly presented to us
by our Uucle, and sufficient of "Uncle
Samueis Quilts" to protect us from the
cold chilly winds ofDecember we miss the
the loved ones at home.
We may assemble around our inviting
fire side and pass the evening with
gleeful song, or in rehearsing stories o.
our eventful camp life, but the pleasu re
derived thereby is not to be compared with
that of an evening spent midst the
fireside circle at home. .a .n
How little we thought of that home, Of
its importance, its benefits, comforts ano
advantages before we went forth into the
"tented field" to battle for it and our ma
tons honor, compared with our feelings
after a years separation from it. The ties
that bounds us then, have by experience
been strengthened ten fold. Yea, we can
now appreciate that home, and that tender
loving, patient, prudent mother, that strict
upright and judicious father, are likewise
appreciated.
I And now as we have confessed that W.
do love our home and our dear friends
we would beg leave to suggest 10 them
that they can, by little patience and ;
small indulgence of time, make, home still
more dear and attractive, besides keepin
, the army in q heartier state a broad as
f sertion, but true) and make the days pas
more cheerful to their sons, brothers, an
f hus hnds who compose the army.
The life of soldier is an ever varyin
, one, attended with danger, exposure, HARD
| ship and fatigue. And while endurin
them, his mind is continually reverting
. his dear friends and home, and
"That girl, that girl, that pretty little girl,
IL Tho girl he left behind him."
/ And unconsciously there arises in his bt
: som sort of gloom or spirit Of discourage
ment that enshrouds his thoughts, and