The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1864-07-13
From the 9TH Cavalry.
Fort CoTToNwooD, X. IT,, J
.Tnly 4th 1854

| Fort COTTONWOOD, X. T.,
July 4th, 1864.
TINES EDS. Having little spare time
to day, will, as you requested, send few
lines, and il you can Fix 'cm up suitable
for publication, why r-p-p-publsh 'em.
The Fourth is not being "celebrated'
very extensively here, for the reason that
there are very few who can celebrate in the
approved modern style, whisky being very
scarce, ditto greenbacks, among the boys,
the paymaster not having visited these
parts for some time. A national salute
was fired at sunrise, few random pistol
shots during the day, and that was all.
| We arrived here the Goth ult, after be.
ing almost three months on the way, with.
out having our 'har raised'' by the red.
skins, and when it was mildly observed
that it seemed to US to be longer period Of
time than was really necessary to accomp
lish the journey; we were told that ''mli-
tary was military" and that was sufficient
reason for our being so long upon the road.
Co. B, of the 7th, for F. Kearney. where
we intended to make another halt of a month
or six weeks, but found the Platte so high
that it was unsafe crossing horses, when
we arrived opposite the Fort, and not REL
ishing the idea Of remaining there on short
rations Of "slap;jacks'' and "sow.belly,"
the boys for Cos. G and F appropriated ="
old crazy skiff for the purpose, packed in
our baggage together with the gr. ater part
Of our clothing, and bid Co. B good-b bye.
By noon reached this side of the river in
safety, and the next morning resumed our
march for this place, pleased to escape de-
tention at Fort Kearncy.
Upon our arrival here, we were cordially
welcomed to Co. F, our home for the next
"three years or during the war, unless
sooner discharged" by Capt. O'Brien and
Lieuts. Brewer and Ware. The Capt. is an
universal favorite with the Co., and how
could he be otherwise when it is known
that he is typo, for it is rare thing to
feeling and respect for his fellow, no matter
in what position he may happen to be, and
shoulder straps have failed TO cause him to
forget bis manhood, as is also the case with
Lieuts. Brewer aud Ware-the former be-
ing the same here as when at home-plain,
straightforward and nassuming-while the
| - &, h. G. a. ~ 81,
men as if they were MEN and not as so
many brutes, as also does the Capt and
Lieut.. B., and though We should deeply
regret to lose them, none are more worthy
of promotion than they.
Capt. O'Brien and Lieut.. Ware are absent
at present, leaving Lieut.. Brewer in com.
mand Of the Co., and l will merely state
that he makes most worthy and efficient
commander. The Fort is very pleasantly
situated upon the South side of the Platte,
about / mile from the river, and about
the same distance from the bluffs. We
have very comfortable quarters built Of
cedar logs, with dirt roofs and ground
foors-plenty Of grub of the kind, but it
is not such as is usually put off on soldier
good for the kind, but very poor kind
the duty is light as yet, drilling occasion
ally, standing guard, and just enough
fatigue duty for exercise, and to keep one
from getting the blues. Found letters and
papers awaiting us from home, including
the favorite TINES, which caused US to for
get the fatigues Of the journey, and which
can only he appreciated by a soldier, who
has been lying in camp with nothing to
vary the weary monotony OF such life
but hereafter we shall have little more to
do, though news from home will be accept.
able at all times. The scenery along the
Platte valley is very beautiful, surprising
any description l ever heard given of it,
but as for making this my permanent home,
it appears to me to be too far from "Amer-
ica," and guess l won't "take any Of it
in mine," when my venerable Uncle dis.
penses with my services.
There are rumors of Indian depredations
hereabouts, and there Is to be an expedition
into their country, starting from this Post,
in few weeks, by portions of Co.'s c, F,
and attachments from Laramie and Kear-
ney, under command of Major o. Brien. the
commander of this Post, who, by the way,
is an accomplished officer, and MAN, and
as sure as he does ''go for EN-" he will
cause them to "get out of the wilderness"
and let the emigrants pursue their overland
journey unmolested.
Found several old acquaintances here
from Fayette and Clayton counties, among
whom is Sergt. Homer Foster from near
McGregor, who is now acting orderly Of
the Co. The health of the Co. is good,
there being but few in hospital, and none
Of them are serious. All the McGregor
boys are we'll, and so blackened up as to
be scarcely recognizable by their most init
mate friends. Received another copy OF
the TINES TO day, which, it is useless to
say, was eagerly perused by the boys. NY
kindest regards to INIT, "Sam" and family,
BILLY" the "Dev.," (Uide G. w. To- or
"any other man." and will ''stop her"
| Ike.
THERE is tree in front Of Gen. Harrow s