Year: 1863




Dear Gronieis:-Four things have con-
spired 10 make April, thus far very agree
able to the men of this command


Pleasant weather and good health are
two of them, for which we cannot be too
thankful, although. usually, we are apt
to consider them least Third we have
been paid off; and lastly, we have been
victorious over our enemies. What could
our hearts wish more ..


On the 10th inst, Van Dorm made n
dash upon us with the intention. as we
have every reason to believe of capturing
our entire force. But woe to the evil
spirit that directed him, his plans were
frustrated; his well appointed forces were
put to confusion, and ere Il single point
he had hoped to gain was realized, the
them. and they were fleeing like scared
dogs before the determined bravery of
what, previous to the war, they were
pleased to call "COtearHy Yankess." His
main force was met and put to flight be-
fore it had advanced to within four miles
Of our notifications while the few skir-
mishers that dashed boldly up to within
range OF our heaviest guns, were many Of
them killed and others captured. The
few. who under the mad excitement of
liquor. rushed up under the very shadow
of our forts, sent back no messenger to
convey to their comrads the story of their
misfortune. The affair had the effect,
very much to dispirit the enemy in front
of us, and although Van Dorm undoubt-
edly has an army superior in numbers 10
ours, he will feel his way with more eau
ton when he next makes up his mind TO
attack us


One of Uncle Sans paymasters made a
very acceptable visit TO this command
lately. The l2ith received pay on the
18th inst. up to the 28th of February As
it was the first given us since entering the
service, lover six months. it caused the
face of many of our brave boys TO tighten
up as he received into his hand the shin
ing green back-a just recompense for
his trial. That we did not forget our
friends, you will readily admit when
tell you that the two companies from
Old Trumbull sent home over nine thou
sand dollars. Pretty good for the first
installment don't you think: But Oh
when we return ourselves bringing the
happy tidings that our cause is victorious,
our liberties preserved and our country
saved, what heart will not gladden., what
eye rot moisten at the warm greeting? |?
The entire debt will then be paid Cop
perheads, and peace croakers will have
no portion there. They will be cast into
outer darkness amid wailing and gnashing
of teeth.


A brilliant exploit conducted by Col.
Watkins, Of the 4th KY. cavalry termin-
ated successfully yesterday morning.
With detachment of cavalay from this
place he made bold dash into small
camp established by Van Dorm about
eight miles out on the Carter's Creek
road He found the rebs at roll call and
had them surrounded before they were
aware of his presence. lie captured one
hundred and twenty prisoners including
nine commissioned officers, over one hun
dred horses and mules, besides saddles
and other equipage. Tents, wagons and
such baggage as he did not wish TO bring
away were burned. The expedition re-
turned safely 10 camp about noon yester-
day without having lost a man.


Van Dorm still has his headquarters in
the neighborhood of Thompson's Station.
eight miles out on the Columbia pike. A
very large cavalry force has just been sent
to reconnoiter his position. The army
never was in better spirits than now.


In the hope of a speedy triumph of
Union arms, am truly yours,


CEYLON.