Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1865-03-31
LETTER FROM THE z2D Owl.

OAUPEIN 1SLASD, 11arCn 4, 1909
FAIEsD KEEEERs-I wrote you last from The
landing ofNew Orleans. We were highly elst-
ed with the idea OF encampiag for while near
the Crescent City, but a drizzling rain had beer
falling all day, and when We got lahore the al
luvia had become 50 thoroughly saturated with
water, that it was with difficulty our teams could
move the heavy wagons ladened with our lug
gage. We eventually got into camp at CslDet-
le-the site of that glorious achievement Of sOld
Hickory, the Battle of New Orleans. The
ground is very low protected by huge lsyess,
Part OF the fields were already ploughed pre-
paraiory to the spring crop; aud the swsTd was
soon tramped into an indescribable consistency
generally designated mud, but as much worse
as mud is worse than sand To add n, the al
ready uncomfortable condition it began tn r.in
with renewed energy, and soon what Iittle
ground was dry when we eDcsmped was over
flowed with water, Obhging to demolish the
adjoining fences and use the rails for beds
The glorious ideas Of patriotism the ardor ol
our enthusiasm, was considerably cooled by this
drenching process; still the boys bore it patient
ly and were inclined to put the brightest side
out. 1t proved TO be utterly useless to try 10
keep dry feet. The boys stripped off their
shoes, rolled up their trowsers and commenced
throwing up levees around their tents. MANY
amused themselves by digging holes in the
road and laying small chunk OF wood over
them, deceiviDg the unwary into the belief IT
was stepping block, and stepping upon soon
lost his confidence in Appearances, and found
the unlucky foot al least a foot under the sur
face, and often himself lying full length IN the
delectable mIre- The shouts of laughter which
met his ears only added to his embarrassment
Woe to 10 the luckless wight OF an officer who
chanced to fall in. - zE
We left camp the 18th, and embarked on the
ocean steamer Empire City for Mobile. Eager
though we had all been 20 see New Orleans,
do not think there was one who was not glad 10
leave. would not by any means allow these
my first experiences at this place to be adopted
as my opinion Of the place. 90 the contrary.
had it been fine weather we should have enjoy
ed the visit very much There is large mon
ument building ON the spot where il is sand.
jackson stood during the battle. II has been
| in course OF erection tweRtY years, did no,
| ascend it but others Of the regiment did. and
informed me that from the base to the top of the
| column were one hundred and six steps. and il
is not near completed yef-. f.- o.
We started down the river in the evening, and
laid up the next day, Just above the bar. on ac-
count of heavy fog, which prevailed an that
day and until nearly noon OF the nextday. when
We safely crossed the bar and were soon gently
rocking ON the waters of the Gulf. Now com
meueed the drollest scene of all as trying to the
| sufferers as it was amusing to the spectators,
| sea-siekRess. There were very few but suffer
ed some from its effects. While lying at the
| bar, oyster slOOps visited our ship and the lu-
cious bivslves were quickly disposed Of at the
rate of a dollar per busheL We were obliged
| to lay TO again part of the night and fiBally
about o'clock Of the I'd inst, we hove in sight
| OF Fort Morgan, we moved into the Bay as far a.
( possible with our large craft, and were trans.
/ ferred to smaller boats, and succeeded about
! dark in reaching the wharf at Fort Gaines
l Marching about one mile from the Fort. We
went into camp.on the sea shore. amid sand as
white as snow and so fine that every light
breeze moves it. Every thing is full Of sand
| At distance as one approaches the shore he Is
easily deluded into the belieftbat he sees break
ers ahead. On nearer approach the shores
have the appearance of snow banks, and indeed
nothing could appear more like snow drifts than
/ the hillocks Of white sand which stretch along
/ the southern shore of the island.
We left our transportation at New Orleans
none of the field officers bringing their horses
| Our luggage is cut down to the lowest possible
estimate, the allowance being one common wedge
tent for headquarters Office purposes to the regi-
ment, the men carrying shelter tents or doing
without, as they please
We are having fine times gathering sea shells
and wading for oysters, which are in abundance,
and can be had by simply wading into the wa
ter few rods. The opposite side of the island.
at least that part over which have been is low
and much oft marshy. The health of the regi-
ment is good, and all are jubilant over the pres
pective fall of Mobile. We have heard Of the
fall Of Charleston and had the attendant Jubilee.
| As ever, yours, HARDWOOD.