The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1865-01-18
WHOLE NO. 431.

and it was soon wra2t in flames, the female
occupants, in silks, standing near in the
heat and smoke, watching the destruction
Of their home-a beautiful one, too-and
everything they possessed, save the clothes
they had on. TIE out buildings and negro
quarters were fred likewise, 50 that not a
thing remained to shelter the ladies. Just
over the hill stood the dwelling of Captain
which met the same fate. When the men
entered the latter house and requested the
ladies to vacate, as they were going to burn
it. the daughter, a merry composition Of
radiant eraces, Of about 1s years maturity,
dropped her countenance and asked in
choking accents if he (the leader) really
meant what he said. Upon being inform
ed that bis orders were such and must be
obeyed, she threw her arms about his neck
and plead with all the f.rvor Of her accomp
lishments and tears, that her fathers house
might be spared, but it was no use, subor.
dnates must obey, and accordingly the
house was fired. The party had to make
the best flight possible from there for the
enemy were pressing close and firing good
many shots. This done, we marched
aboard our respective boats and run down
to Point Lookout, but a short distance,
where we took aboard forage and rations
with the expectation of running up the
Rappahannock and landing again, but there
came up heavy storm of wind and rain,
which lasted about two days, during which
time we lay anchored off the Point. The
storm interfered with future arrangements
so we were compelled to return, making
Grove wharf on the Gath of Dec. Grove
wharf is opposite this place on the James.
have given you detailed account of this
expedition, thinking it might be interest
ing as showing the manner in which we
raid through this country, and giving some
idea Of the conduct Of this wav Now l
wish to ask if you, or any other man of
candor and sense, can look through these
incidents and see peace within the existing
days Of any, or all southerners, whether
possessing a consciousness of dong righ.
or doing wrong. Don't understand that
the burning Of those buildings, was done
in retaliation for Capt Oberteuffers death.
but it it was part Of the programme to
burn officers dwellings and throw their
families upon charity for support, thinking
thereby, to sicken them Of their efforts at
independence, and make them relax their
hold upon the doctrine of secession. How
beautifully it succeeds! every blow inflicted
of this kind, only drives them step deep
er into desperation. Can man white
wash your antipathies by burning your
house over your head? The man that
would sit quietly and sec his domestic
sanctuary thus destroyed, ought to
have milestone hanged about his neck,
and him thrown into the sea. Think Of
column Of soldiers marching through
Clayton Co. helping themselves to anything
the people possessed, and destroying the
rest, would they love their enemies any
better! Raiding upon Govt. and public
property, is all right, and just as i.
should be, but private property should at
all times be sacredly dealt with. AS to
this home-guard, never heard of their
doing anything more than helping our
deserters make their way through the
lines.
We accomplished nothing to boast Of,
as far as suppressing the rebellion goes;
brought in somewhere from so to 100 priS-
oners, by sn.tchipg from their homes as
remarked before--farmers, lawyers, doctors
preachers, and boys. upon the supposition
that they all belong to the home. guards,
which is undoubtedly the case, as man
cannot live in the South, without belonging
to some military organization. There are
other features about these raids concerning
us. We never get any rest if we do stop
for time; there is always picket duty to
do-guard our prisoners, details to 60 out
after forage, signs Of the enemy approach
ing or picket firing; always something to
keep US on the alert; nights we are often
turned out very quietly, expecting sur.
prise or ordered to lay with our bride
reins in our hands, so as to BE- prepared to
mount in q moment; again, walked up to
put out all camp fires, sometimes lay all
night without any at all at other times,
pressed so close we can't feed, or cook our
cotfee-in this way "a hours at time,
riding our horses continually. 1t grinds
tender conscience like mine, TO ride horse
IL hours without food or water, and then
learn that you are not to dismount for the
next l2 to come. It is a good horse that
lasts more than two years. To keep up
our Regt. alone, we require about 500 fresh
horses every year. You always have done
so, but Colonel, never cease representing
to the public the immensity, the gigantic
proportions Of this war. have hardly
written you letter without alluding to
this subject. Once said like this that
all the MANUFACTURES Of the country, seem.
cd concentrated at City Point for the use
0: the little army Of the Potomac; little
when compared with the whole; James riv.
er is in one unceasing bubble from passing
steamers. Clothing, boots, shoes, and
socks axes, shovels. spades, picks, anG
wheelbarrows are piled up there in stacks
and cords, till ones Imagination Of the sable
enterprise sinks into insigni6cance. THIS
is not all might spin you yarn stretch
ing AS far As. The country can't
stand this drain Of resources much longer.