The National tribune., 1896-07-16
PICKET SHOTS.
From Alert Comrades All Along the
Line.
From the Sth Ind.

From the Sth Ind.
B. T. McCutchen, Co. F, Sth Ind, Forces
ton, H., writes: 81 have been reading THE
NATIONAL TRIBUNE for year, but have
never yet seen anything from the pen of an
9Th Ind. man. The regiment was organized
for the three-years' service, and mustered in
at indianapolis, Aug. 20, 1861. 1t was or
dered to st. Louis, and went into camp at
Benton Barracks. 1t campaigDed in south
west Missouri until the Spring of 1862, when
we left Otterville, Mo-, on that long and
muddy march to Springfield, crossing the
river on pontoon-boat, and in going over
the Ozark Mountains we were obliged to
haul our cannon up the mountains by hand.
Men were detailed to do the work and
rope 100 feet long wa. fastened to the gun,
and men would get either side of the rope
and pull up the side of the mountain, where
horses could not climb This was done at
two different places. Reaching Springfield
tired and foOtsore, and not stopping long
enough to recruit, we pushed on.
I'VE came to stop at Sugar Creek and
went into camp for Few days, while Sigel
advanced beyond and stirred up nest of
Johnnies. They turn and drive Sigel back,
and make circuit around and attack us
in the rear. Then came the battle of Pea
Ridge The C0nfederates called it the battle
of Elkhorn as there was a country tavern
with large pair of elk horns fastened on
the house, so 1T was called the Elkhorn
Tavern. This was the first battle of the 9Th
Ind. 1t was a very hard-contested field, but
the Stars and Stripes came out victorious.
have no notes to refer to, and l am
writing from memory. would like to read
something from the pen of some of the 8th
or 18th Ind, 33d or Goth Ill, that composed
our brigade"
Opportunities In Oregon.
Capt. S. T. Malehorn, Co. A, ODD H.,
Langlois, Ore. writes: Il am one who be-
lieves that the defenders of the old flag
should have the best there is in all our vast
domain. They should locate where life will
be prolonged TO the latest day possible.
Their families should all sit at the first
table; that table spread three times day
with the best the land affords, where there
are no cyclones, billiards., or plaques; no
malaria; with pure, living water, fertile
land, which produces all that grows from
Florida to Maine; and where the most
equable climate in the United States is
found. The highest temperature on record
is 800, and the lowest, 25o. There are thou
sands of acres for the homesteader, and the
best cedar in the world to work. Hundreds
can find homes here, without means except
honest and willing hands, and they ought
to do so in preference to all others. / want
a veteran or a son, who is an expert at bud
ding and grating, now. Two of my COM
rades have taken land adjoining mine, and
are healthier and happier than ever since
Our industries are numbering,
cattle and sheep, fruit-growing, and general
farming. Comrades of the old 22d, come
this way!"
Record OF PIemon a. Star.
r. L. Chalk, Bolton, Tex, writes: az
would like to find some one who served in
the same command with Plemon A. Star,
from the State of Ohio. After the close of
the war, he re-enlisted in the Regular Army |
cavalry came to Texas, and married; he |
died some few years ago, and his wife has |
applied for pension. She is bound to get |
his correct service from Ohio before she can |
get her pension. She is very poor, and very |
nuch in need of help. Her claim is all |
proved up except his correct service"
In the Prune-RaisTng Country.
W. Brummett, Co. F, 9th Mo-, Yoncalla,
Ore writes: "a number Of comrades have
me to write a description of west
ern Oregon. Yoncalla is situated on the |
Oregon e. California Railroad, 166 miles
south of Portland, in Douglas County. 1t
IS new town of some 400 inhabitants. We
have a large and commodious school build
ny, two churches, four dry -goods stores one
irug store, one hardware store, and two
hotels. Our little town is only about three
years old.
Fruit-raising is our principal industry
We have planted over 10000 prune trees in
Valley during the past three years,
md in the near future YOncalla will be
great shipping point for all kinds of dried
ruit. Prune-grOwers clear each year after
rees are four years old from $50 to 5000 per
lcre on their prune orchards. This is be-
,ond doubt the best fruit country in the
United States.
I'VE raise all kinds of crops without irri-
cation. This country is valleys, hills, and
"The climate cannot be surpassed in the
United States-never colder in Winter than
.0o above zero, nor higher in Summer than
100. We have Grand Army Post, and also
Noman's Relief Corps. Our town and coun-
~ are fast being settled up with old Union
oldiers, and am proud to say they are all
,ood and respectable citizens, and full of
'ush and enterprise, and all are well pleased
With the country. This is good country
or those who are able to buy small homes
nd pay for them, but for those who are not
would advise them not to come, as there is
ut little demand for labor"
Ship Island Relic.
Comrade Dan Mccall, Ship Island, Miss,
ends MS an old copper cent, stamped DIR.
!. G.. Wilkins" which he says was found
here March 10, 1896, and is supposed to
ave been lost in 1862 Some Massachusetts
uttons were found with it, and no Massa-
husetts troops were on the island after 1862.
the owner is living he can have it by send
~ to THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE.
The Hamlin Family.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The writer
, engaged in compiling the geneology of