The Burlington weekly hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1860-1876, 1863-05-09
From the 34th Iowa.
PILOT KNOB, Mo-, April 2


Editor Hawk-Ey Many changes have
transpired in the 35th since wrote you
last. A gradual disintegration by disease
which defied the prowess of the most skill,
full medical attendance has fearfully reduc-
ed our numerical strength. But the much
needed rest we received at Camp Benton
after our return from Chicago, together
with the indefatigable labor of Surgeons
Davis and Coffman, have restored the droop:
ing energies and revived the broken spirits
Of the noble but unfortunate 34th. We now
number $50 for duty, and as many conva-
lescent. Among those lost to US, is our
very worthy Major R. D. Kellogg, who lost
his health in the disgraceful Yazoo expedi-
loose so noble and gallant an officer, and
firmly resolve to profit by his exemplary
course of life and emulate his virtues as a
soldier and patriot.
We now have but one half the battalion
which once proudly paraded the streets of
your happy city, the other half filling
soldiers graves or made cripples through
life. Yet we do not falter despondency
nor discouragementi is known in our ranks.
We enjoy freedom of conscience, convic-
ton Of duty performed, a firm hope Of ul-
innate success, and our mistaken determi-
nation to stand by the administration and
our injured country, and to conquer the
enemies Of our commonwealth in the
quickest way possible, which we believe to
be by the bayonet.
Our contempt and hatred for Copper
headism- that foul Upas tree which flour
ishes even in Iowa soil-cannot be express
ed by words. In our coolest deliberations
on that subject, we regard Copperheads as
men.or beings, for they do exist-who
would stoop so low in the pit of degradation
as to seek the overthrow of Freedom for
the brothers breast for mad ambitions
sake; who would become tories to their
country and traitors to God, hunt the per-
lieu of shame and folly, and exult over
deeds that would crimson the cheek of dew
ills damned, who shout with delight over
the lifeless corpse Of Freedom; pusillani-
nous towards and objectionable traitors,
corrupt in morals, vicious in habits; dogs
in principle and devils in practice; vaga-
bonds and mountebanks in times Of peace:
PARTICLES and cut Threats in times of war.
We can but picture for them at the close of
short career of obloquy and shame, a
Pandemonium fit reception for their
blackened souls. Perhaps l have said
enough to give your readers faint idea of
the 'fellow feeling the 34th entertains for
her venemous enemies in the rear.
We left st. Louis on the cars for this
place the evening Of the 21st inst, by order
of Gen. Davidson. Cause of this move is
the rebel raid conducted by Marmaduke, OF
which you have had accurate accounts.
Gen. Vandever has under his command
here nine regiments, and is securing the
country after the enemy with good success.
He is making good use Of the cavalry and
artillery. The LIST Iowa, 18th ILL.,, and six
companies of the Sd Iowa cavalry are here.
Col. G. w. Clark is commanding the post,
and has the infantry strongly posted in the
Businesses Of the rugged Iron Mountains
around Pilot Knob. He has with him our
loved Adj't. Bryant as Post Adj't., who is
giving good satisfaction generally.
Truly, MILES.