The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1864-02-03
From the 27th..Ilnp
MEMPHIS, Tenn. Jan. 81, 1885,

MEMPHIS, Tenn. Jan. 81, 1864.
Dear Times: You will please insert
these few lines in your paper, fer the bene-
fit Of all that are interested in the 9th
Iowa. The recruiting parties doubtless
have ere this time been notified TO return
to their regiment as We are at present un-
der marching orders, and the probability is
that we shall start southwark within a
week. In regard to our future destination
there are various surmi>ings, but the most
prevalent opinion is, that We shall leave for
Mobile, Alabama. Each soldier is ordered
to have complete outfit Of clothing, sufIi-
Gent to comply with all demands in that
line for the next eight months, which is
supposed to consist of 2 pairs pants, 2
pairs shoes or bootees, dress coats, hat
and cap, overcoat, and sufficient supply
Of under clothing; in addition to the above
will be rubber blanket, and swoolen
blanket. In addition to the preceding ar
ticles mentioned will, no doubt, be 100
rounds cartridges, weighing not less than
10 pounds. The total number of pounds
to be carried will reach rs at least. Your
readers can judge of the result if much
marching shall be done. We may take
IS far as Vicksburg; then to jackson by
rail, where transports might await US on
Pearl River, if navigable as far south as
Gainesville, thence by land to the Chicka-
sawha, distance Of 80 miles; if we could
cross it, it would bring US within about
80 miles Of Mobile by land. ! suppose the
expedition will be composed of sufficient
force to fight our way through if necessary;
| think it will consist of at least four Ar
my Corps. The 18th army Corps will be
one of the number. The country surround
ing Mobile, and also that which extends
along the Chickasawha River is said to be
rich in grain and provisions which it is nec-
essary to prevent the rebel army from at
tanning. The principal object, suppose,
in being fully provided with clothing, &C.,
is to be prepared for emergencies in case
| our line OF communication should lie bro
ken. AS for subsistence, we could very
well depend on the country for that. 1t
will no doubt be bold and hazardous move
and one that will put the physical endu-
rance Of our men to test. Company
Commanders are required to leave their
company desks behind them as there will
be but three teams allowed to each regi-
| hCh' " S@Aiy satohs, &C. j ptfSuIle we
sEall leave our tents behind, with the ex-
ception of one from each company, for the
officers
i We cannot decide at present what Major
General will accompany the expedition.
Gems. Sherman and Hunter are both in
Memphis at present either one of whom |
think will accompany Us. The latter Gen.
!; eral inspected the two regiments of our
brigade that are here, yesterday. He is a
very plain looking man, and very unassum.
ing in his manner. but looks ferocious as q
tiger, which gave US some idea Of his fight
ing qualities he is seemingly practica
man for the field, and don't absorb his
thoughts about his appearance, &C., which
has been too characteristic Of many Of ou,
more stylish Generels.
hope the friends Of the 9th will no.
wait to receive letters from its members
hereafter, as it may be weeks. perhaps
months, before we may get chance te
/. write them again. would advise all those
at home then to write as often as usua
and their letters will follow the regiment
presume it would be well to have all let
ters, addressed to Memphis, to follow Reg
i:lent.' Gro, G. Woop.