The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1863-09-12
BRiDGEPoRT, Ala,

Aug, 10Th, 1868
Editor Free Trader Thinking that you
would like to hear of the whereabouts OF
Battery &, also our numerous acquaintan-
ces in and about Ottawa, would be pleased
TO knew where we are, what We are doing,
and what We shall probably soon do We
are campeG on the immediate light bank of
the Tennessee River, on a bluff some - or
one hundred feet above the level OF the
river. The rebel. have had possession Of
the island Just opposite, the bridge leading
to it they destroyed, and since have des
troyed the other leading 10 the main land
on the other side and vacated the island.
Previous 10 their leaving and burning OF
the bridge, they had their p!ck+ts posted
Just across !-om US OF the is.and, vino
would desert them and SWIM the river
whenever an opportunity ot.eIed The
boys were continually chatting aad casing
with them across the river. hey seemed
10 be open aad des!rous OF communicating
with the boys, and from what we coald
learn from them ana those that deserted
a2i came over, considerable dsatiec-
ton was prevalent among them and that
many more would desert when they got d
chance to do so, feeling that the establish
ing OF the southern con.edeIacy IS about
played out The burning OF the bridge
was iudesd most beautiful sight 10 be-
hold. 1t occurred about IL . clock III III 6
nignt. it is said ;Ae reason tor burning il
was, as they supposed some OF on. forces
we're ia their Tear, and :. movement was
expected from our front. Bat the fact .s
they were frightened, when nothing was
disturbing them but their own guilt. Six
shots were fred in the direction OF their
camp, and several from the Battery in the
Ist brigade, with what effect We have not
learned
Lieut. II. II Prescott, has been promot-
ed to Captain and now commands Battery
c. vice Capt. Houghta.lng promoted TO
Major OF Artillery. j. =. Channel 10 Se-
MGR ID Lieut.. vice J. j. Van Dyke resign
ed Sergt : S. q Grubb, TO Junior ID Lieut..
| vice ChanRel pIonioted-
The company has III men for duty, the
health OF men never WAS better since ITS
| organization. The country here affords
plenty or fru!, and never did any one en-
| Joy it better than we 10 We not unfre-
| quently hear from Major Hough;alins, :" {,
! Is stu In Murfreestoro 10 nas commana
| OF IL batterie- aEu over IIpo men. lie
| and men. also Gen. James D. Morgan
commanding the post in whose brigade We
first went into the field, and remained
with it until just a few weeks before the
battle of Stone River. May the Major
have entire success in his new position,
and crown all his efforts and his untirng
zeal for the good of his country. aud the
| honor of that dear old flag
We are now under orders to be ia readi
ness TO march al a moments warning, our
| knapsacks have all been sent TO the rear.
! The whole army is again in motion and
ere long you will again hear of the rebels
either running or getting badly whipped
| Maj. General Rosecrans' headquarters are
at Stevenson. A pontoon Bridge is beng
laid across the river at that place.
must close fo- the present hoping this
may be the grand final Of the rebellion
when we shall return TO our homes, there
to abide in peace with the full assurance
| that we have saved our country and our
| honors. Yours in frue fellowship,
| RATTERy