The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-05-05

LETTER FROM THE svxr
REGIMENT.

liz THE FIEI.D
NEAR MOBILE Ala, April :, iss5S
TO the Editor of the Pioneer:
You doubtless wonder why Won do M, ,..-
more frequently from the 9Th Minne.oto ~
reason is simply this-when one bas no,h;ns.
interesting to communicate 10 a newenono. %
Is hkely TO save to his credit by keenino on;a.
anu .la' IS our case precisely until yerv lately
When last wrote you we were ohont =.
emoark from Fort Gaines, in the d,rect;on ~
MoDiie We arrived at Fishers river MOL
w. on gunboat No. Al, and awaited 60, :.
transportation until the 25tb, when we n"~.S
ca 1or this point, which is in front If tho =.
FENCES OF Mobile, at Spanish Fort and Blakelev
on the Kansas river and bay
our nrst DAY was occupied in driving tho
enemy's pickets and skirmishers, in which Cd
Marshal was slightly wounded.
The second day the I'd brigade was in front
the 10th Kansas in the lead as skirm;shar. =.
.ne START and were relieved at intervals BY the
9th and other regiments. The casualties wers
very light on our side, the 9Th having none
wounded, and the Kansas but three-tbouob
we Killed several of the enemy and wounded a
Sarge number. On our march we were inter
rupted frequently by the explosion of torno.
does, which killed several horses.
The LIST and Sd divisions of our CORDS the
10th, are at the Spanish Fort, which constitutes
the middle defences, while the I'd division and
aportion of the 18th army corps are here in
'front.' OF the outer works, near Blakelev. Sinoo
our arrival we have been digging trenches and
gradually advancing our lines, while the art;i.
lery are getting in position preparatory to the
grand attack on the enemy. We could can.
ture blakeley In two hours by charge. Int
cooio not nold IT without artillery as thew
have several gunboats in the river which coniI
soon shell us out. ~'N'o
The sixth have been on picket duty con.
stantly, and have calamity repulsed several
charges, which were sustained bv their can.
non, while we had none in position. We have
had three very heavy skirmishes, (some would
call them regular battles, but we are modest
ana call things by their right names), iniicting
serious damage to the rebels, without losing .
man killed and but few slightly wounded
We are In such close proximity to their
works that they can throw shells into anv mart
OF our camp, which is regular pine woods.
the trees being our main protection. We have
lookout trees IN our camp, but dare not ven.
ture on them often, as we can be seen and
snelled ont Immediately. During the last
week, while the heavy guns were being mt in
position, we have been steadily ADVANCING onr
lines, which draws continual Smelling from the
Forts, and firing between pickets.
Ii would be useless, at this late period of
our Term OF service to say that the 9Th are we'll
drilled and disciplined, or that we are brave
ana Will only add that Gems. Garrard and
dilDert who command one division and brig
aoe nave several times complimented the Sixth
in oc
could fill pages with incidents of personal
bravery and gallant conduct of both officers
ana men under calling fire, Immediately un-
oer tne enemys guns, but have not time at
present. Our industry in digging pits and
trenches has saved us many lives. and at the
same time enabled US more efectually to in
jure the foe. "
April 8-This afternoon we shall, mako q
heavy attack, with 100 cannon. on the Snan.
lsn Fort; and 1t must be hard nut if we do
The sanitary condition of the regiment was
never better. We are surrounded by a beauti.
lui healtny country, Astounding in springs of
pure wafer; the weather is cool, the air brac-
ing, ana 1t would have been much better for
Of garrisoning cities, doing police and fatigue
term of service. ''0'' ~ Jul
:, April 9th.-Last night or early this morning
me spanish Fort surrendered to our forces
Win some two thousand prisoners. They were
ready to evacuate, but had not not time to Get
away, SO closely did we pursue them in he
;harge: We are to-day getting our 32.pound
tarrott guns in position. Our division will
ASSIST 10 storming Blakeley. OF course we win
capture the place and contents" Then Mo.
'ne a Is ~ our mercy We are all busy getting
go0d ready" and will move this evening.
WIN write you soon again and give YOU
more intelligent account Of our entire opera
IONS, though you hear by telegraph through
ne associated press more news about ms than
We know ourselves. 1t is a common remark
among the boys that "when we get the Saint
Mobile" A vi """
Yours, &C. r