Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1864-09-24

from hence, to that "Second Gibraltar. Inc
three regiments were the 47th Ind. Vets;
the 29th Wis. $4,000 men" and the l2Oth
Ohio yors.-the latter mastering but about
100 rank and file, the balance having been
killed and captured by the rebels, while pro-
ceeding up Red River upon one OF the lost
transports, during the spring campaign OF
Mai. Gen. Banks. There was another brig
AIDE of three or four regiments, and the I'd
New York cavalry, from this place: the Ne
braskd and several other boats conveying
them to We Port called Hudson.
We disembarked, marched through the fort
and stacked arms Just outside, after which we
improvised shelters from our blankets stretch
ed upon stacks of guns, and awaited orders.
During the day we drew five days rations, and
stuffing our haversacks with hard tack, ba-
con, coffee and sugar, we resolved to do a
little in the way of stufling our "crops."
We reconnoitered, and discovering a ba-
kerry, concluded to 'feel the enemy;" found
him strongly posted, with cords of soft bread
upon each flank. We opened upon him with
'schrapnel," in the shape of fractional cur
rency," and caused his strong slough" works
to disappear. He surrendered conditional
ly"-conditions being, "dime loaf"-and we
returned to quarters. s
Another party was less successful, and
would have returned discOnsolate, had not
the eolored troops, upon finding the state OF
the case, generously given to the boys what
fresh bread they had on hand. No more
kindly disposed men can be found, believe,
than these same damned niggers;" and yet,
l regret to say, that some trops with US
not of our brigade, however-abused the
soldiers, guards, and even the white officers.
These were only individuals of "exalted
ideas,"I should judge, for generally the white
and black soldiers have no misunderstand-
ings, each minding his own business, and on
ly interfering where they can accommodate.
At4P.M NJ. we "pulled out" for Clinton,
and, must say, that l never experienced a
more disagreeable night-march than the one
which followed. The road was full of mud
holes, and in the darkness and uncertainty
we were sure to step into the deepest of them;
nearly every one was in over shoes, and sew
eraI fell sprawlng in the soft slush--one fell
over log, and injured himself so much that
he was obliged to ride In an ambulance. OF
course, the mud in our shoes caused our feet
to ache, and when, at midnight, halt was
ordered, we were glad to refresh ourselves
with coffee, made with the water from
pond, inhabited by muskrats, l should judge
by the taste. This halt was six miles from
Port Hudson, near house where our cavalry
had captured very smart looking reb. OIL
Ger, who was Sparkling" in the very oldest
style on record. We remained but few
minutes here, and again moved after the old
style until morning, when little skirmishing
took place between our advance and a small
body of rebels, near the -Four Corners, wuery
we turned east, leaving jackson, La, mile
or so to our left As the sun rose higher AMI
higher we got up more and more "steam,"
and once in a while marched slightly fast
At nine we stopped forty minutes for break
fast, and then moved ON again, the object
being to arrive in time TO cooperate with a
cavalry force coming from Baton Rouge but
having slept none tor two nights. and being
a little "sott from laying in camp week
or two, the boys became very much played"
before we arrived IN Clinton, and a number
fell so far behind that the prowling "rebs"
made a charge upon squad of them, captur-
ing three from Co. K, and one from Co. L
two of these escaped, and g fell in as we re-
the others, Sergt. Hyde and Corp.
Roper, of Co. K have not been heard from.
We arrived in Clinton about z. NJ, and
those who were not too tired, proceeded to
kill beef and poultry for supper The cav
airy had arrived before US, and killed, taken,
and driven off what rebels were in the place;
at least none disturbed US while there, and
we slept as soundly as men will, when max
ing up for lost time.
We remained until T. NJ next day, Fri-
day. and the boys lived well upon sweet po-
tatoes, beef and poultry; while some few
chose corn cakes, baked by the darkeys, as a
luxury
Nothing lawless was done, farther than Wis
iting the rebs' girls, wives, and sweet-hearts,
and overhauling tailor shops, where rebel uni
forms we're formerly made.
+, The public neutrality-suspicious., jail,
&C., were visited and the rebel flag removed,
the owners having left too suddenly to take
It with them.
One 4th Wisconsin cavalryman made an
assault upon each bloodhound he came across,
and | am told he slew sic with his sabre alone.
One he gave cut upon the nose, "amputat-
Ing" his upper jaw, and with a second blow,
cut his body almost in twain. He would
have slain more, but was stopped by an Off
GER His reason for this is, that he was re-
Gently prisoner, and, with an officer, at
tempted to escape. They were pursued with
g hounds" and he swore vengeance against
all rebel g dorgs," as well as rebel soldiers.
1t would be mercy to our men in rebel
hands if every bloodhound was killed, for they
could frequently escape were it not for these
same animals.
we LOOK IL quite easy upon the return,
marching morning and sleeping evenings, ar
irving in Port Hudson at IL A. NJ, Sunday,
and at 2. NJ. embarked for Morganzia, this
time our brigade upon the Nebraska, where
we were not crowded. Several men were
nearly used up by sun stroke, while several
we're worse affected by ration of whisky is
sued before embarking ; but once aboard and
under way, the breeze cooled them off, and
Ill felt better. Arriving. at p. NJ, we i
sought our tents, Qeft under guard of conva-
escents,) and found all right, and thanked
1ur stars for even shelter tents" when the
heavy thunder shower burst "a few moments
after. ..,...ss....,... v.-.s
Three things are decided: we like Gen.
Dennis; the brigade likes Col, Green, as a
and none of US like to march dur
ng this hot weather. 'a..3 ,. usni4e J
Yesterday we mustered for pay" and re-
,eiyed orders to " be in readiness to embark
1t moments notice." Ga I rcs
The Sd Division lin which is the 35th, has
similar orders. Our destination is uncertain.
Some think we go to Mobile, some say the Il.
z. to Brashear, others the Potomac, and
/ few, Memphis, and Atlanta.
Until we go, adieu, SCRIBUs.
Affairs 40 Vieksburg.