Year: 1863

Edtt0's Times thinking that it might
not be altogether uninteresting to our
friends in your part Of iowa, l iuseribe to
you these few lines. l have got nothing
very interesting to write you; we are hold
ing this place to keep open navigation at
this point. We do not form very strong
protection as we have not got gun that
will throw one ounce ball, the guns that
are in the fort were all left spiked and the
carriages burned by Col Scott. lie took
one twelve FOUNDER with him. think we
ought to nave two or three pieces Of artil
lery, though | suppose our Col. could get
them if nc thought they were needed. We
occupy good position and Colonel Hughes
says he can hold the place against any
number Of traitors the rebel jeff. may send
against US. We are all confident that he
is made Of the right kind Of metal, VIC
hold the same opinion Of cur Lieut.. Col.
and Major, and they in return have got
confidence in the men under their com
mand. But let me assure you that the
boys and officers who form the Iowa 3sth
are eager, nay, impatient to add to the fair
fame the Iowa regiments have already won,
but believe We shall have to stay here
this winter, and am afraid that the rebels
won't give US chance to have a pop at
them.


The sympathy Of nearly all the citizens
in this part of the state are with the south,
although most Of them have got the oath OF
allegiance in their pockets, and doubtless
they have taken the oath that makes them
traitors; yet they cannot we'll disguise the
unfriendly feeling they have toward US, and
we take advantage Of it whenever they cx-
pose themselves by drawing on them at
sight for few fat hogs, chickens, sweet
butter, eggs, etc, as our tastes and neces-
sites suggest-and such things taste very
well in camp; they help hard crackers and
mess pork nightly.


| was out the ether day and took dinner
with DR.. Martin, rich Old fellow so full
of secesh and talk, that he couldn't help
stopping over. helped him on, saying
yes to great many things l should not
like to believe. After dinner he brought
out a bottle Of rather strong wine. 1t prov
ed too strong for him for it brought secesh
out right and left. Old JEFF himself could
not beat him in talking treason. He swort
that U. S. could not make him take The
oath of allegiance, but am happy to inform
you that he has had to take it, and for Il al
that he might not keep il involate, it is Sc
cured with fifteen thousand dollar bond
| guess he will keep it. There are severa
in this vicinity that have had to give theil
bond to make good their oaths, and think
no one will dispute that it is good idea


1t is the only way to make good thei'
oaths.


L am happy to inform you that We hav'
got no partyism or party troubles amongs
US. Politics are entirely dropped, par
ty prejudice is melting away, and i
is time it should. The Abolitionists il
our regiment, (there is or was several o
them, have quit worshiping the negro, w


have enough to do in fighting for the Uniol


which We are wiling and ready to do at an


moment. 1t would be well if our politi
Clans in Congress and elsewhere would pu


aside their politics and take up the mus
ket. 1t would be better for .he country


they were in Salt Lake or some other Lake
than making their long party speeches.
Democratic or Republican.


The office Of COMMANDMENT Chief is a