The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1865-01-18

have got to snatch up these seed sewers
: or home guards, as they style themselves
or never settle this strife. The country
} through which we passed abounds wit.
everything that one could wish the people
are rich in produce Of all kinds; most any
house could furnish meal for the 500 men
We had along; found pork by the thous
ands and beeves fat and sleek as molcs.-
At noon charged into Unionville halted
for dinner and to feed, but the Rebs
wouldn't let US alone long enough; they
were harrassing the outposts all the while
so that we dare not take our brides off. -
Were ordered into line two or three times
Johnnies thick outside. All at once we
dashed out down the road after something
ran about as fast as horse-Aesh could carry
US four miles; supposed we were after a
Reg't. Of Rcbs. but could not see them for
the dirt and mud that came in our eyes,
Made up our minds we ,cant catching any
one very fast--so held up little. Found
out what the matter was: Serg't. of the
4th Mass. and two men had been gobbled.
Made up our minds they had got away safe
with their captives, so We rode back. Had
hardly got down from my horse when the
order came, "MEnwIN, take II men
and 60 down this road after Serg't. Langley,
and find out what has become Of him and
the men in his charge" Found Serg't.
and men coming in-had been skirmishing
with .ohnnies and had pushed some ways
from town. Thus We had it until we re-
suu,ed the march. On starting out, owing
to reports Of large force laying on the
road waiting for US, we found it necessary
to throw infantry in advance, in skirmish
line, so as to prevent surprise and confu,
sion. We had hardly left the town when
we met said captives. They had been
parolled; horses, arms and equipments
taken away. They said we had large
force hanging about US as far as they were
capable Of judging by observation. Just
after dark We were fired upon by party
in a thicket ahead Of us. tell you it
looked beautiful to see those long streams
Of red light flashing out into the gloomy
darkness. Although they were blazing
compliments for US, we did not appreciate
the cold lead prelude whizzing past in close
proximity to our ears. The niggers up
and at them with a reciprocation of fire.
works that aroused my ideas OF sublimity
very much.
We marched about O mile farther and
put up for the night with rich old farmer
| that bad his store-houses we'll fled with
every variety Of palatables, easily to be
obtained. All We had to do was to help
ourselves, thing We are very backward
about, indeed! Left the old fellow poor
in the morning, only one live chick he in.
vited US to take that, but we did not feel
so ungenerous; told him We would be
pleased to call again, his accommodations
were so good! Picket firing before we
started-no injury sustained. This picket
firing commenced so regular each morning
| about 5 that we called it Reveille. Our
| Co. WAS in advance to, day fer the FIRST time.
This is the place you get your moneys
| worth, but our usual luck attended u.s.
Marched along quietly about ni!es--came
to small mill stream-two considerable
hills, one on each side---bridge across the
stream, going down the hill-a6vance guard
across the bridge, when from the opposite
bank came scores of flying missiles, strik-
ing en- the water, knocking up the dirt,
cutting leaves from the bushes, &c. Capt.
Hill shouted, Jor~ara, troop G, torwara :!
Flashes from heaven, pencils of light could
not have sped so fast. Half way up the
opposite hill We fouod the road barricaded
-two fences across, one behind the other
high walls Of earth on each side. The
advance guard scaled the walls; some
slipped and fell back, rolling rider and all
in the mud, but up and at it again.
Column Immediately on the heels of ad-
vance guard-tore down the barricade In
double quick, but ere done the advance
guard was mile ahead, chasing the John
mics all over the fields-picked up several
in their hasty retreat. What was better
than all, not a man of US was hurt. We
proceeded but little farther when we struck
the Potomac again, under cover Of gun.
boat that accompanied the expedition,
which after landing us ran down to this
place, where arrangements had been made
to meet. We lay here until the next
morning, when We took the road again.
War commenced brisk this morning. Had
no more than got off our camp ground,
when the advance guard commenced shoot.
ing. Gallop, march rang along the line,
and away We ratified over the frozen ground
in reckless speed. Soon came up where
guns, pistols, hats. haversacks and tin cups
were scattered all along, and just before US
lay dead body. As we few past we saw
twas an officer, and asked man standing
by the body. who it was. "a Reb." was
the reply. Charged but little farther and
came to halt. The boys began to specu
late upon said dead body; thought twas
our Captain; sent man back to ascertain !;
the truth was painful; it was our own
Captain, John G. Oberteuffsr, the grand.
child Of old Gen. Oberteuffsr, of Switzer-
land. He was an old man, about go, but
very active; was kind and generous to bis
men, and in return received their warmest
regards. ! was deeply engaged with my