The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1863-07-11
BURLINGTON WEEKLY HAWKEYE.

wharf, where lay his regiment. There he
got among his own crowd. Sergeant Afri-
Gus pursued his man to the water edges, and
would have followed him onto the boat had
he been allowed. Some officer of the white
soldiers told the Captain of the African
company, who was present, that he had
better take his "nigger" away from there,
or he would get hurt. The Captain intima-
ted that the sergeant was able to take care
of himself in that crowd. The white OIL
Ger said: "Well, sir, I'll tell you that a
dam Niger can't arrest man here, and
you had better get out of this or you'll get
your head cracked After taking time to
ascertain the name of the company and re-
giment, and of the gentlemanly t?) white
officer, he and sergeant Africus retreated in
good order, under heavy shower of pa
wing stones, thrown by white" soldiers
Let Gen. Thomas use his authority and dis
miss the above mentioned officer, who is
justly afraid of being no better than "dam
Niger"
We were three days and two nights COM
ing down the river. The weather during
that time was rainy and as large portion
of the regiment was quartered on the up
per deck, it was rather a disagreeable trip.
The division landed at this place on the
18th, and went into camp just above the
old rebel works-once the terror of even
our iron-clads, but now overgrown with
rank weeds and briers.
The 10th Iowa and four companies of en-
gineers were the only troops we found at
this point. Since our arrival, many other
troops have landed here, and the Bluffs are
now covered with tents. Among others,
the 9th Army Corps have gone into camp
somewhere on our right; our division ac-
companying the left of the line, which ia
ces in the direction of jackson. This corps
is composed of Eastern troops, viz: New
Hampshire, Massachusetts,, New Jersey,
New York and Pennsylvania. For good
soldlerly appearance, we must confess that
they excel the most of our Western regi-
ments, and lack much of the rudeness of
Western troops. A few mi-barbarians
from Illinois, and even Iowa, I am afraid,
have tried to raise feeling unfavorable to
them. They have been grossly insulted
by cur troops as they passed through our
camps, and that, too, by regiments, that
for want of drill and discipline, are dis
grace to the profession of arms. 1t ought
to be some satisfaction to the heroes Of
Roanoke and Port Royal, to know that the
mines who twit them about their want of
success before Richmond, are the same that
hid under the bluffs at Shiloh.
The weather has been excessively warm
for some days. am told that quite num-
Der of the 9th Wisconsin regiment, lately
from Milwaukee, were attacked by coup de
Sohet while on short march some days
ago. One thing which makes the heat more
unbearable, is the want of good water
The springs hereabouts are warm and al
kaline in their nature. We sadly miss the
fine spring which ran near our camp at La
Grange, Tennessee.
Our camp is constantly full of all kinds of
idle rumors, hence we cannot believe any,
thing we hear, and really know less of what
is going on at Vicksburg than when we
were at La Grange. An Adjutant, from
Gen. Osterhaus' Division on Black River,
visiting his brother in this regiment, last
evening, informs us that Joe. Johnston S
pickets are across the river, within speak
ing distance of Gen. Osterhaus. They ask
tor the Vicksburg news occasionally, and
say they would pitch into us, but they
nave not men enough, and Bragg cannot
spare them any more, as "Old Rosy" is
watching him too closely. Osterhaus en-
tire division is being mounted, and fur
nished with cavalry arms and equipments
complete. We seem to be coming to cr-
sis in the war, when this arm of the service
can be protitably and successfully employ
ed.
Our line here is being strongly fortified.
Ritte-pits and forts, browning the brows OF
the ridges east of us, give feeling of Sc
curlty that is extremely pleasant this hot
weather. The Commandment of the city
still goes on. The booming of some OF the
heaviest artillery can be heard here. The
firing has been more lively to-day than
common. The people must be tired Of hear |
ing that the city will fall in few days.
Yet that event is certainly month closer
than it was thirty days ago. And that is as
much as the Specials know about it.
Johnston has probably given up the idea
OF attacking here. He may make strike
at Memphis, or somewhere in that direc- |
ton, but can hardly make it pay very large
ly if he does. He will more likely fortify
jackson, Miss, and try to make another |
stand at that place.
And now word to Union people in |
Iowa. Letters from there show an alarm |
ing state of affairs in society. We had |
hoped that the brutaIizing effects Of war
We're confined to the army. But when the |
Lords day and the house of God are made |
the time and place for fighting and wrang-
ling about such trifies as COpperhead pins, |
we are bound to fear that it is doing bad |
work at home, also. Pray, good friends,
let them wear the outward signs of their |
inward depravity. You will then know
who are your friends and who are YOUR
enemies.
This is pay day, and the boys have their
pockets full of ''green backs once more.
Euchre, poker, and "chuck -a-luck'' will |
flourish again for a few days. Gen. Smith
has issued an order against gambling,
which, it is hoped, will have a good effect;
Hoping that may soon write you from
the city OF Vicksburg, l remain
Truly Yours, LINTON.
Taylor County.
EDITOR HAWR-EYE.-DeGr Sir: By
vote of Union Club, No. 10Y, of Bedford,
Taylor county. Iowa. I was instructed to