Evansville daily journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1863-1866, 1864-01-09
False RumOrs 0dlcially Corrected


The following letter from Gen. Car
rington is interesting, because it effectu-
ally silences many unpleasant rumors
which are aAoat through the State, rsla-
tive to the suferings of our soldiers at
the Capital. At the request of Gov.
Morton, Gen. Darlington visited all the
camps in the vicinity of the city on Wed
nesday, and the following is the report of
his observations:
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Jan. 6, 1864
SIR: In accordance with your request,
1 have visited all camps near this city,
to learn their condition during the pres
ent cold term. The following is the re-
suit: .---,.--,--.
CAMP MORTON.
Troops on duty the Invalid Corps, Col.
Stevens. Unusual health prevails. Only
one death since September, and that a
case of congestive chills after illness of
several weeks. No deaths or serious in
jury from the extreme cold. All reports
to that effect are without foundation.
The guard is relieved hourly, when nee
essary, and as much oftener as the sol.
der advises the corporal, by call, that he
suffers on his beat Hot coffee is served
to the men when relieved, and pains are
taken to prevent suffering and needless
exposure The officers detailed for daily
duty are held to the rules of picket SER
vice, and have no rest or relaxation DUR
ing the twenty-four hours They are ex-
posed with the men, and all alike deserve
credit
The only cases that could have given
currency to the reports as to suffering,
are, one where in the change from two
hours to one, sentry was accidentally
retained on his post, but without injury;
and another where double duty was re-
quired of soldier for misconduct on
guard. This case is under investigation
by Col. Stevens; but this man was not
frozen, and is as well as usual
THE PRISONERS AND SICK
Less sickness than usual. No suffer-
ers by frost. l visited nearly every bar
racks and the hospitals. The men were
cheerful and thankful. OF fifty letters
sent out nearly every one spoke kindly of
their treatment. One prisoner said to
me, ct would be extravagant to ask for
anything else"
Seven hundred extra blankets and
many shoes had been issued. They lack
for nothing indispensable to personal
health and comfort.
CAMP CARRINGToN
Troops on duty, two Invalid compa.
MES and new recruits The extreme
cold weather came on while the barracks
were being rebuilt Norecruits arrived;
wood was impressed, when necessary,
for their comfort, and there has been
neither death nor injury from cold.
CAMP sHANKs
Same force and condition as Camp
Darlington.
SOLDIERS HOME.
Troops on duty, I'd Battalion, 63d In
diana volunteers, Major Tindall. Only
two sick men out of four hundred. No
suffering from cold, but the men well
provided for.
There has been more suffering to SOL
diers in their coming to the city, than
from all duty whatever. All unnecessa-
~ guard duty is avoided. At all the
camps the proper effort is made to pro-
mote their comfort, and the measures
taken would satisfy any parent or guar
dian who should visit their son or ward
in camp Camp life cannot be home
life; but few camps in winter can be
more comfortable than the above named.
CAMP FREMONT.
The colored troops at Camp Fremont
suffered more than any others the first
night of the cold spell, but were at once
amply provided for, and none suffered
permanent injury
Yours, respectfully,
HENRY B. CARRIEGToN,
Brig. Gen. O. S. Y.
His Excellency, Gov. o. P. Morton, In.
dianapolis, Ind.