The National tribune., 1902-02-06
Left Wing 18th Reg't, o. V. l..
.Nn honrd the TecmmSnh

Editor Courier: | have concluded TO
take notes of our passage down the beau
| tiful Ohio, and believing they will not fail
to interest many of the loved ones left
| behind, as well as your readers i'll general.
and especially the true and loyal citizens
| Of old GAINESVILLE and Muskingum Coun-
| ty, | take pleasure in sending them to
you.
This morning we stopped at Louisville
| to take on coal and get the news, and
| now, at 6:30 o'clock, we are on our way
to DiXie's land, rejoicing in the prospect
of soon being able to assist the loyal Ken
| tuckians and TeEnesSecans in driving the
| rebels from their shores. The contents
of the Louisville Journal are being eagerly
| devoured by Il great many of the boys,
and assure you that confirmation of
| the glorious news, from Gen. Grant at
Belmont and Fort Henry, received before
| leaving old GAINESVILLE, created a spirit of
enthusiasm in the hearts of all on board.
Eight o'clock n. m-Still stcamng
| down the river. The morning is beauti-
full, and the weather pleasant. The decks
are crowded with our boys who are ad-
miring the scenery along the shores and
responding with hearty cheers to the.
many demonstrations Of loyalty manifest
ed by the people on the Kentucky side.
Ten O'Clock a. ln.-Iust now little
girl is waving the glorious old flag as
she stands near the waters edge on the
ing. the sight with a will. God bless the
little girl. May she live to see the Ma
tons banner tiOating proudly throughout
her native land. when traitors shall have
met the doom they 50 justly deserve.
Eleven O'Clock a. m.-Wc are now
passing New River Island, 81 miles be-
low Louisville The sun is shining bright
ly. All hands are on the decks. 1 am
snugly ensconced up in the pilot house,
with lne opportunity to observe things
by the way. LeavenwOrth, Ind, appears
in sight. The inhabitants have heard
the boat whistle and are now gathering
IN groups along the shore. Flags and
handkerchiefs are being waved by fair
hands, while the sterHcr sex are cheering
at the top of their voices. A martial
band is also discoursing lively music for
our benefit, and just now as we pass the
town salute is being fired by those on
the shore. All honor to Indiana for the
part she is taking in the fearful struggle
for the maintenance Of the Government.
Two O'Clock p. m.-AnOther sight to |
cheer the soldier; patriotism is not dead in |
old Kentucky A lady has just come
out of neat cottage house and is now
hOisting the Stars and Stripes to the top
Of a 50-foot pole. The flag is up, it's |
folds are spread to the breeze, and the |
lady is now waving her handkerchief. |
wish you could hear the shout that is now
going up from 400 throats as the boys |
wave the lady KIND adleu.
"Twclye-thirty o'clock.-Opposite Con |
cordia, Ky. 4 beautiful Union flag is |
foating from a house-top, and large |!
crowd Of ladies and gentlemen are cheer |
ing and waving haHdkerchiefs as we pass |
along.
''Fonr o'clock p. m.-Hawesville, KY, |
and Cannelton, Ind, are in sight. The |
side, taking on coal. The Tecumseh will |
stop at Hawesville for the same purpose |
Six o'clock p. m.-Have just left |
Hawesviile. The wind is blowing very |
strong and cold. We will doubtless have |
a severe night. While at Hawesville
gentleman that the citizens of the place |
were nearly all Secessionists. The gen |
eral appearance and sour looks of all that |
l saw convinced me that his statement |
was correct. Several young girls were |
heard by Capt. Rainy to hurrah for Jeff |
DAVIS as he, the Captain, passed them on
the street.
''Eight-thirty o'clock.-A severe snow
storm is prevailing, and the weather is |
very cold. The cabins are crowded from |
end to end by the boys, who have been
driven in by Jack Frost. We have just
passed the Neptune, and now / will go
to bed
Friday morning. Feb. live are
now at Paducah. The Neptune is still |
behind. The town is full of soldiers
Overcoats of every color can be seen on
the streets, the wearcrs being from In
diana, Illinois and Iowa Poor horses
and poor mules are as plentiful as fleas
in August.
Commodore Graham, formerly of
GAINESVILLE, has just been on board He |
says that severe battle is being fought
at Fort Donelson. He left there at II
O'Clock last night. The 7th Iowa has
again met with severe loss. Officers
and men fought like tigers, but / can give
you no further particulars. The greatest
excitement prevails here. We have just
received orders to go up the Cumberland |
River. The Tccumseh will carry us 70
our destination. ! think we will soon
have an opportunity to smell powder Gen.
Tilghman and staff, rebel officers taken
ut Fort Henry, are prisoners at this place.
| will have to close my letter, as the boat |
is about ready to start
Twelve o'clock NIT is now said that |
Fort DonelsOn has surrendered"-J. w.
A. GILLESPIE, First Lieutesant, Co G., |
18th Ohio, Miiddletown, o.