Muscatine weekly journal. [volume] (Muscatine, Iowa) 185?-1890, 1863-01-09

the sick down street, paroled them and left
them without blankets or a mouthful to eat
a - a... 3-pd Yours, as ever, d si
ef -. .. ,LaE .5a sH .s.a Il. II. u. e
CAMP OF Born Iowa REGIMENT jg,
COLUMBUS, KY, Dec. 80, 1862. !
FRIEND MAHIN There was rejoicing in
camp last night Companies c, E, II 6 X
arrived here from Cairo, and Company A
from Mound City, making the 35th, or Mes.
catine Regiment, once more complete, except
about half of Company G, who have gone to
Vicksburg with lot Of secesh for exchange.
We hear that all the cut wood along the
river, below Helena, is burnt, and they are
obliged to cut wood for the boat as they go,
and will therefore make slow trip. ~ m
Our regiment was relieved from guard
duty above by the l2sth Illinois. We were
all glad to be relieved, and hope for more ac-
tive duties. Col. Hill remained at Cairo in
command of the post, but will probably join
us in few days. It. Col. Rothrock has been
too unwell for duty for two Or three days past.
We are all anxious for his speedy recovery.
He is very popular with the regiment. The
health of the regiment has improved very
much. We have about 30 sick at the Post
Hospital at Cairo, and about 25 at the u S.
Hospital at Mound City, and about II quite
unwell in camp here. aa] H s@1of '77seA #a5
The 27th, 33d, 35th and 40th Iowa regi-
ments are now here, together with the 2sth
Wisconsin, 101st, 11lth and 10th Illinois,
2lst, SD and 35th Missouri, 3 batteries, sew
eral detachments Of cavalry, some regulars
and 3 Brigadier Generals. More heavy guns
are being mounted, and if any place can be
made impregnable think this is one of
them. We would as soon meet a large rebel
force here as at any place. We all felt very
much disappointed in not having them come
during the "big scare' on Christmas. On
the 23d we were notified that the enemy was
approaching Columbus. The men were Or
dered to sleep with their arms ready for sur
prise On the morning of the Oath we were
ordered out in cline of BATTLE and in the
evening commenced building entertainments
We slept in our new entrcnchments The
night was bright and clear, and there was
something really grand in our new situation.
Christmas morning, early, all were astir,
and never saw the 'boys" more cheerful,
all seeming anxious to see the "rebs" and
show their friends at home that the confidence
and trust committed to them is not misplaced
believe they are all "true men" yes, you
could tell it by their firm and steady steps
when they were ordered out and told by their
General that he expected them to be ready to
use their bayonets. heard the remark, as
we marched along the crowded street, 'These
men will fght--you can see it in their eyes.
Our line of battle was in the following
ORDER The extreme right resting on the
river below town, forming with the fortifica-
tions above town complete semi-crcle. On
the right the 2Sth Wisconsin, next the 35th
Iowa, next the 1st Missouri battery and an
Ohio regiment in the rear, next the 33d Iowa,
next the 10th Illinois, to the railroad, and
then the 2lst, SD and Both Missouri, next a
battery, next the 10th Iowa, and then the
forts to the river; ambulances all along in the
rear. In this position we spent 'merry
Christmas" constantly on the lookout for
the enemy and finding more enjoyment than
you would suppose under the circumstances.
Christmas night we all laid down to Sleep,
ready at moments warning, but beginning
to feel that fight was somewhat doubtful.
At midnight a heavy rain began to fall,
which lasted until o'clock next day. Many
awoke in the morning and found themselves
lying in the mud and water assure you
we were "a sight Many jokes were passed
but not discouraging word was heard from
any. We looked and felt somewhat as though
we had been on Christmas lager bust!
AS fitting christmas gift'' our imperfect
guns were exchanged for good riAed muskets.
We are very we'll satisfied with our new arms
and only want an opportunity to try their
effectiveness in the field.
On the Goth, in our muddy condition, we
were ordered back to our former camp under
the main forts, where we have been ever
since, daily expecting an order to move some
where. The rebels had things their own
way, and destroyed much of the railroad and
a large amount of Government stores. About
600 paroled prisoners who were taken by the
rebels have arrived. Where the latter will
turn up next I cannot say They are all
mounted and move swiftly, taking all the
horses and property they can use, imprcssing
all able bodied men and carrying off what
slaves they can. Those of the slaves who
refuse to 90 they shoot on the spot. .'
This is very irregular town very little
business doing here, except governmental The
scenery around the Notifications and the view
therefrom cannot be excelled even by the
Muscatine bluffs. a af ~
We are using splendid drill ground be-
hind the fort, made by the. rebels for their
own use. gaI s as rH .slGr94 o. eos !
The Belmont battle ground, which will be
ever memorable to 1owans, is in full view
from here We have some rebel relics here;
about thirty of Bishop Folks torpedoes, his
great chain anchors, sinkers, &c. They are
great curiosities, but now of little practical
value. q .sslDsa sHa 1ds.ga a4i e go lo
3 We will probably not stay. here, long, as
every thing appears quiet. During the excite
ment, the immense Government stores were
all shipped, the mails were stopped, and every
man who was not soldier was liable to be
arrested, unless he had special permission to
remain in town. The sick were removed, and
every soldier ordered to his command. 7av
50 There is now, SO far as my knowledge ex
tends, but one feeling in regard to the war in
4l,;a conf;os, ar,nnune thu cnldiorr md that 10