The National tribune., 1903-06-11

Feb. 15-I was one OF detail tnat
went down to Eastport and returned with
26 mules drawn from the corral at that
place.
SCOUTING.
Feb. 16-Myself and Is comrades. de-
tailed as n scouting party, commanded by
Lieut.. Corners, of the 1st Wis, reported
at Division Headquarters, where we met
other details, in the aggregate about 800
men. The Lieutenant commanding was
directed to proceed upon scouting expe-
dition some % miles up the river, which
would require about two days time. About
3 o'clock in the afternoon we ran into a
formidable band of bushwhackers or guer-
rillas. After an hours lively skirmishirg
they retreated. we following. AT night
fall we encamped at Salem Creek. Our
days trophies were three horses, bridled
and saddled.
Feb. 17-By 3 o'clock a. m. we were on
the march, local spy in Confederate uni
form accompanying US. He was ter
ror to the guerrillas of that section. they
having offered a fabulous sum for the de-
livery of his body to them, dead or alive.
He directed us to their camp, which we
charged, shortly after IL o'c,ock, capturing
three prisoners and FIVE horses. The 9th
ers got away. This was detachment
Of an infamous guerrilla band that has
Deen Stealing horses anu terTorlZinS ioy'ti
citizens, hanging Union men and maltreat-
ing their families. We returned to camp
about midnight.
! Feb. 1S-Six rebels whose homes are at
Jonesville, five miles northeast of camp,
came in and surrendered, saying they were
tired of fighting.
Feb. 19-As usual, we were inspected
this. Sunday, morning, after which we as
sembled to hear discourse from the pOpu.
lar Chaplain
| Feb. 20-Nothing sensational occurred
the boys devoting themselves to their char
acteristic advertisements.
Feb. 21-Simiar to yesterday.
Feb. Obtained all day. l was one OF
detail that went to Smiths Landing, &c
miles down the river, where boats were
unloading forage. A brigade Of infantry
on the way TO Huntsville, landed there.
Feb. 23-Our arms were inspected. All
who needed new shoes were supplied. Rain
has been falling almost continuously fol
two days, making our environment ex.
ceedingly d;sagreeable.
Feb. 24-The weather is mixed-rain
and snow, and the boys are using some eX-
pressive adjectives.
Feb. 25-I was detailed with others to
search the surrounding country for mules
and horses bearing the Z. S. brand. We
returned late in the evening with about II
1t is still n-rainin', and the boys are still
a-grumblin.
Feb. 2G.--I had steamboat ride to-
day, accompanying detail on the Iron
City" down the river to Eastport, to Sc.
cure some horses, that we failed TO get.
| Feb. 21-Some alleged rebel deserters
We're put under guard until the "honesty
of their policy" can be investigated, there
being a suspicion that they are spies. The
weather has cleared, and we are again en-.
| loving balmy Spring,
| Feb. 23-This camp life is monotonous
and we are longing for more active serv.
| ice.
March 1.-Two men from each company
commanded by Lieutenant, made an un
eventful trip to village up the river
tail from Co. j..
| March Capt. McCubbins succeeded
in securing eight horses at Eastport
| March 3-Gen. Wilson and staff wers
on the drill ground to-day. or course, III
did not see us at our best. Having wit
messed the performance, he said: "You
fellows undoubtedly fight better than you
drill"
FOUND TOO MANY REBELS.
March "A scouting party under Lieut.
Rhodes ran into n rebel camp near VIII
liamsburg, about % miles down the river
Finding that we were stirring up whole
regiment, we were admonshed that discre
ton is the better part of valor and con
cluded that the dull monotony of tho
camp was preferable 10 "actiye service
in the vicinity of Williamsburg. Er
route to our base, we captured four bush
whackers, who were in house commit
ting characteristic dcpredations. Tht
chasing rebels followed US FIVE miles, ant
then, seeing we were moving with surpris
ing celebrity, abandoned the race.
March 5-Heard Chaplain SandoN
preach his text being II am for peace
but when / speak, they are for war;"
March 6-The boys are clamorous fol
the campaign TO open.
March Went through the drill per
formance this morning. There was plenty
of mud and ill-humor, and not few cir
Gus features characterized the exhibition.
March S-There was n review of thu
brigade, Col. Miller commanding, Gen
Wilder being home on sick furlough.
! March Notwithstanding the day hal