The Buchanan County guardian., 1864-04-26
Correspondence of the Guardian.
On STEAMER DIADEM, UP RED RIVER I
GRAND EcoEE, April 4th, 1864. (

On STEAMER DIADEM, Up RED RIvER,l
GRAND EcoRE, April 1th, 1864.
MARCH 17lh.-Remained all day al
Alexandria The town is quite fine
one, and it is claimed that it formerly
had 1900 inhabitants. The regiment
was ordered ashore yesterday, and is in
camp yet just on the bank. Our regi-
ment sent out foraging party to-day,
which obtained three hogsheads and two
barrels of sugar, large quantities OF
shoulders and hams, and great number
of cattle, mules and horses.
Gov. Moore's plantation is within six
miles OF this place, and the very spot
where Solomon Northup, who was kid,
mapped in Washington and sod into
Slavery, lived, is only few miles dis
tant. Old Legree, the heartless old
wretch of Uncle Toms Cabin notorietv,
had plantation up the Red River. How
| wish | had the opportunity of visiting
the interior of the country and searching
out historical facts.
MARCH 18th.- has been fine day.
I The sun shone rather warm during the
middle of the day, but there was cool
/ ING breeze, which rendered it not alto
gether unpleasant, in the camp, on the
bank by the river side. Our boat has
been thoroughly policed, and we are
anxious to be on the move. Many Of the
men are getting sick, Notwithstanding
the greatest care has been used to keep
the men clean, and to have the boat
thoroughly policed. Brig. Gen. A. j.
Smith. comanding the infantry on Red
River expedition, remained behind at
Fort De Russey, while Brig. Gen. Now
er and Rear Admiral Porter, moved up
to capture Alexandria Reached this
place at Z. NJ. The brigade which
remained at the fort to effect its destruc-
ton, did lis work eflectualy. Thirty
barrels Of powder were used 10 blow up
the magazines. Lieut.. Sill, who is on
duty on Headquarters boat, reports that
the air was filled when the explosion took
place. Some Of the men, anxious as
people always arc TO see everything that
is going on, rushed up too near, and met
sad fate. Five were killed, and as
many more shockingly wounded 1t is
truly lamentable that SO many accidents
occur, and il is earnestly hoped by all
that soldiers and officers will use greater
caution when on duty. One man, Beck,
OF Co. G., who was wounded, came up
on the hospital boat Woodlord, tonight.
Lieut. Ruper has been over to see him,
and reports that he is doing finely
There are many sick ON the hospital
boat-as many as forty cases of small
pox. Fortunately for us, we were al
vaccinated soon after our organization
as a regiment, so that those of us who
have taken it. have il very lightly. One
hero Of company +, had it while on III,
expedition 10 Meridian, Mississippi, ant
marched every day
Banks is reported moving through The
country with force of 10000 mounted
infantry, TO cut off the enemy's retrea
from Shreveport. Gen. Lee. with /
+ large cavalry force, is pushing up TO par
ticipate in the same great movement
while Gen Steele is reported chasing
the rebs out of Arkansas. We look for
ward with deep interest for stirrin!
events.
. MARCH l9lh.-We sent out foragin!
party, Col, Gilbert in command. Th
5 party brought in large quantities of su
D car. potatoes, &c. There are thousand
of hogsheads of sugar in this country
/ During the last three years there hs
been but a small amount of sugar or col
4 ion shipped, and a vast quantity Of bot
4 has accumulated. The Laurel Hill cam
up to-day. Ii is reported that Majc
/. Gen. Banks was aboard her. but thin
only some Of his staff were there.
q MARCH 2oth.-Our boat droppe
Il down The river short distance to mo-
4 healthy mooring, and our regimen
moved near the boat, under some fin
., large, live oaks.
e. March 2ist--aen, Banks cavalry n
: riycl AT 3p. m. we're called into lin
I Il was raining furiously. Our MARI
2. was worry short one. aud we were Q
il dered back to get one days ratons Al
e. 90. 900 rounds reserve ammunition, al
ia both ambulances. Some then suppos
there was TO be fight, for already I
ds wounded are being brought IN from.