The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1863-12-08
OBSERVER
Nov. e5Tn, 1863.
MEMPHIS, TINy. Nov o5tl

FRIEND Rich Sill in Mem his
Our camp is an excellent one among the
old forest trees. We have drawn new
tents AID clothing, and are again quite
comfortably situated. The weather has
been quite cool for several days past, and
goodly number Of men are aborinr un
der severe colds. Many Of the officers
have bought small cheap stoves, and are
living in comfort in their tents, The
boys have arranged their tents in the
most comfortable manner, but for want
OF room have no slows. The eyeaings
are pleasant aud the men enjoy th.m-
selves WELL
on the e3l We were paid for two
monIhs-from the 3 LIST Of August TO the
3lst oil October. Thus you sac that we
are being paid promptly, SO that sold
iers who have friends al home, who need
their wages, are hot without assistance
Company A, Capt Haslp, which was
left at Little Rock for the want OF trans
portalion, has not vet arrived, but i,
hourly expected. Our duty is not now
severe. We have no picketing or pa
trolling to do nothing but to look after
our own wants and conreniences.
Two regiments ofour first brigade,
that came through from Lite Rock, are
yet in command of Col Gilt ert. who re
ports 10 Brig. Gen. Veatch, commandant
Of the District of Memphis. 1t seems
probable that we shall soon be assigned
TO some brigade, but nothing is as | am
aware yet known for certainty. 1t is
thought by some that we shall go as
guard at some point on the railroad east
of Memphis, while others guess that we
are to do duty as Provost Guard in
Memphis 1t does not look as though
we wire permanently located here, and
yet | see no prospect of an immediate
movement We have no teams, as vet.
to fill the need occasioned by he turn.
ing over of all we had AZ Little Rock.
Our regiment is about organizing a
Brass Band. The instruments are Oh
lalned and | think that in a short time
we shall listen TO some fine music, as the
! boys who form the band are adj ults in
their profession. The instruments will
cost several hundred dollars, and are
paid for by those in the regiment, who
feel an interest in having good music
There is but ltlle news Of interest in
or about The city, save that all citizens
are called upon 10 organize for home de
Tense, or subject themselves TO the liza.
bility Of being impressed iato the ser.
vice. Guerrilas are committing but few
depredatons now, and we confidently
hope that they will not again seriously
modest the peaceable citizens. How long
shall this State which has been so len
iently dealt with, throw her influence
with traitors? How long shall the delu
ded natives persist in their angry course 2
When will they again assume the digni
ty and manhood of American citizens
and American patriots
On last Sunday evening | attended
service in Union Chapel, large hall, ell.
igantly fitted up for the use Of soldiers.
Ii is large room which will conyen.
iently seat 900 people. The pulpit pre-
sen's neat appearance. Above the
speaker is rainbow wreath Of cedar,
whose arch reaches the ceiling. Enclo-
sed is beautiful portrait Of Washington,
with n little flag dropping over each
shoulder Sill farther down, aud Just
above The head Of the chaplain, large
portrait OF Abraham Lincoln. From the |
center Of The room drops down a large
chandelier loaded with dozen globe
lamps, each Of which pour out a volume
of light There was an orchestra in
which was large AID excellent organ.
and fine body Of singers. Just as the
exercises at the chapel were over. the
fire bells rang the alarm, and now that
vast congregation crowd in one promis
cuous throng 10 reach the open air. and |