The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1865-05-10

oPR1NG HILL, ALA, April Is, 1865.
Col. :-"Grim visaged war has smooth.
ed his wrinkled 'front.'" and we are now
capering nimbly in the deserted hall OF
some proud southerner, to the music Of
Brass Bands, Martial Bands and salute Of
200 guns that is being fred in honor OF
Gen. Lees surrender to 1t. Gen. Grant.
There is no mock modesty here; every man
down to the colored cooks feels and knows
that there is just cause for heartfelt rejoic.
ing.
This strange phenomenon came so un.
expected, with the surrender of this place,
that it is hard to tell what we may look for
next. Jacob, in his vision, saw the ladder
in the eastern horizcn, with its rounds,
Faith, Hope and Charity, reaching from,
earth to heaven. We can now behold in
the western horizon the stepping stones tc
Freedom, Grant, Sherman and Sheridan
and encircling this as sacred halo, are
these words Of promise: "Victory will give
US peace"
This is one Of the happiest camps this
army ever made. We are Z miles from the
city or rather the wharf, but one could
almost call himself in town, as it is all
built up with fine residences of the once
bon tons Of this country. But alas how
changes of war have reduced this once
happy people from affluence and wealth to
pcnury and want, many Of then, having to
depend upon our commissarv for all the
accessories of life. 1t is indeed humil.
iating sight, and if it were possible would
almost feel like praying God to let this cup
pass from them; but as am in the habi,
of hearing all that is done, it would not lool
well to undertake a task that would require
the personification OF true christianity te
be heard at all. ~
1t has not vet been ascertained the mum
Der OF prisoners or guns taken at this
point, but up to the fall of Blakely, our
army had captured 6, 400 prisoners and 12C
pieces of cannon. With ths fall Of the
city, the rebel soldiers that were taken have
to man, taken the amnesty oath and re-
turned to their peaceful avocations and
homes. Daily they are coming in from the
interior in squads Of 8 to 80, taking tn,
oath and returning to their first love, err
the candle, stick and all, be removed from
sight forever.
Madame Rumor is in camp with he,
honied words Of peace propositions made
and accepted on both sides, but nevertheless,
commanding officers Of regiments and com
panies may be seen setting under shade,
with their field desks open and paper.
spread out. or which is printed Ordinance
Stores Received; Clothing; Camp an.
Garrison Equipage Received and issued -
Ones attention is soon attracted by tn
humming sound that proceeds from whenc,
they are seated tits the good old hym
"And now thy servant, Lord,
| Prepare strict account to give"
This close attention to business just at thi
time is caused by Circular from the W..
Department requiring them to make ful
settlement with the government. before the,
can receive their final pay.
Enclosed send you rough map Of tn
bay and surroundings, giving you cur lin
Of march, which I trust will prove of som
| :~ko -
written of the beauties of Mobile. Nor
could be added. and then the beautie
would not be told. It's shady walks ant
crystal springs equal 10 beauty the far
famed Minnie-ha la
I am off for sail on the bay, so good
day. Boys all well-not one in hospital
Give my respects to all.
| ....- am, LINE.