Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-07-22
From the l25th

EIOA lDC 4AObA
CAMP HILLSBoRo, Tenn, July 10.
Dear UronieIe:-So incessant has been
our perambulations Of late that | have
found neither time nor opportunity to
write to you.
After Gilbert was relieved of his COM
mand at Triune, Ito the infinite satisfac-
ton of all concerned) we were hurried 10
Murfreesburo. Rosecrans was ready to
move to the front, and two days for rest
and preparation was all that was allowed
US to fit ourselves for the march. We
we're assigned to Woods Division, Dist
Army Corps, Major General Crittenden
commanding. Heavy rains set in the
day we started, and have continued with
very little intermission since. Our Corps
comprising the extreme left of the army,
took the Manchester road. We made
good time until we arrived at Bradysville,
where the stone pike terminated and we
were forced to take the mud. Our long
wagon train soon became involved to an
cAltHl WHICH, uClCu luc COlllOlllCu
strength of our disheartened mules. A
regiment at first, and finally a whole
brigade was detailed to assist, but ali
would not do; our tardy movements were
like to defeat the purpose which we had
started out to accomplish. and a remedy
must be applied. Orders came to burn
the baggage, tents, ~messboxes, blankets,
trunks and cooking utensils, and they
were hurled in one promIscUous mass in
to the flames. Even hand-trqnks were
destroyed. leaving many officers without
II change of clothes. Ammunition and
provisions were alone saved.
Again We pushed forward with renew
ed vigor, splashing through the mud and
creeks, clambering over logs and crouch
ing through brush and briers. The reb-
els everywhere fed at our approach. We
pursued them through Hillsboro, Pei
ham and as far as the mountains.
Since the Goth of June, two days after
we left Murireesboro, We have teen on
half rations. The roads have been ex-
tremely bad, and it has been extremely
bad that it has been impossible to get up
plies hauled. As a consequence, the
country through we'have passed has sui
fered much. Wheat, corn, bacon, pota-
toes, chicken, and everything that men
or horses could subsist upon has been APP
p%ropriated. We are now pleasantly en-
camped at this place, awaiting the arrival
of our supplies. Deserters from the enc
my come into Or lines daily. They rep
resent that Tennessee troops will not fol
low Bragg out of the State. and say that
the mountains are full of deserters. We
have very little idea where Bragg has ia
ken up his headquarters, but hope to
have an opportunity to institute a search
soon.
The country through which we have
passed bears many evidences of the evils
of war. The woe-begone expression de-
picted in the countenances of the inhab-
itants, however, indicates more certainly
how tired they ale of the present state of
affairs, and how much they long for the
pleasures of other and better days.
The last salt brought to this place pre-
vious to our entrance was procured thro'
a committee of old men sent for that
purpose. They succeeded in getting
three pounds for each family at an enor-
nous expense. Four dollars a pound
was paid for coffee and three dollars per
pound for sugar. Truly this rebellion has
been a luxury to the South
Colonel Opdycke still continues in the
highest favor with the men. His fine /
military bearing is remarked wherever he
goes, by both officers and men. During
our hard march through the mud and
rain, he might at times be seen carrying
before him not less than FIVE guns-at
other times he would be walking, while a
fatigued officer or soldier would be riding
his horse. We would hat there were
more men in the army Ike Colonel OPP
dycke.
The health of the regiment was never
better than now. Late good news from
Vicksburg and the East has greatly elat-
ed us. The prospect of a speedy and sue
cessful termination of the wal is the con-
slant theme of discussion. Through the
suffering and toll of a few more months,
we see the pleasures of home standing
ferth in fond relief. Not that we are
homesiok, for we are not but we desire
peace more than war. Yet, tired as we
are of this most cruel and unnatural re-
bellion, we would not surrender a
principle or yield a point in any way ten
ding to diminish the former glory of the
Republic.
Sergeant Major Smith and Orderly Ser
geant n. Phillips, of companies B and c,
started for home day before yesterday for
the purpose of recruiting for the regi-
ment. They are both highly deserving,
faithful soldiers and we wish them good
success. Recruits from old Trumbull will
find a hearty welcome in the l25th.-
Come on boys, and let us close this war
up strong. Respectfully yours,
CEYLON.