The Soldiers' journal. (Rendezvous of Distribution, Va.) 1864-1865, 1864-03-09

tense commotion, on Saturday evening last, by
the report of a musket, followed by prolonged
cries of pain, in the direction of the deserters'
quarters. 1t seems, from what we can learn,
that a man belonging to the 10th Indiana, name
unknown, who had just arrived in camp, seeing
the suffers establishment connected with the de-
serters' camp stroyed inside of the lines without
knowing where he was going, and after transact
ing his business was passing out as he entered,
when the guard halted him. Failing to hear or
comprehend the challenge, he crossed the beat
and, on it being repeated was in the act of turn
ing around to see what was wanted when the
guard fired at him, the whole CHARGE buck and
ball. passing through his clothes the left side,
severely frightening, but as subsequent investi-
cation proved, not seriously injuring the sup
posed-to-be deserter. An examination by the
Surgeon disclosed the fact that the skin was
slightly gfazed, producing considerable lump
on the left side, in the region of the heart. When
consider that the distance between the guard
and the man was not more than twenty feet, his
escape seems to have been miraculous No blame
is attached to either party, as the man was igno-
rant of where he was, and that he was the object
of the sentry's challenge while the latter simply
carried out his orders. We opine that Mr. 10Th
Indiana will be a little more guarded in his per-
calculations about camp in future, and the guard
will be more watchful that such persons do not
pass their beats in either direction without pro-
per authority. We extremely solicitous
that such accidents may not occur frequently on
the western border of the camp, we per-
sonally interested in the direction taken by
charges of buck and ball from that standpoint,
and respectfully request that when deserters
attempt to run the guard, they will not come in
the direction of our office. This suggestion is
not based on our dread of musket balls and buck
shot particularly but the fact that the chances of
escape are materially lessened by the uneven
nature of the ground in the locality referred to.
A COMPLIMENTARY SUPPER was rendered Sur
geon s. b. Hunt, by the officers of this camp, at
Col. McKelvy's headquarters on Thursday even
ing last, Friday morning having been the time
fixed for his departure to the West. Having
been associated in the administration of this
Camp almost year, they met together for the
purpose of attesting their appreciation of the Doc
tors untiring efforts to secure thorough organ
izaton of its different departments, well as to
express the high esteem in which they had al
ways regarded him an officer and gentleman.
1t seldom occurs that an occasion of this kind is
celebrated where more of genuine friendship
and unfeigned sorrow characterize it's proceed
tngs. sumptuous repast prepared, of
which all in attendance partook, and the utmost
cordially prevailed throughout the festival,
which did not close until a late hour in the even
ing. On Friday morning the Doctor babe his
friends adieu, and departed for his new field of
labor. May the most unbounded success attend
him.
BEAUTIFYING THE HOSPITAL YARD.-Work-
men have been engaged for several days sodding