Year: 1861

/ ~ - '.-r- T. :


Orders were received about two o'clock this
afternoon for our Battalion to hold itself in
readiness to march at an hours notice. We
are making preparations to march At six o'clock
in the morning. Considerable stir in camp
during the afternoon in consequence. The boys
and men have been busily engaged in writing
letters home; for It 10 supposed that this will
be the last opportunity in q long time. as We
shall be beyond railroads aud telegraphs
when We leave this place. We are to march
through . country that hiss already been de-
vastated, 70 = great extent, by desolAting
army. The rebels have appropriated oil the
sval.bIs produce and stock to their own use in
their lire Of march, No other alternative ia
left Us but to carry subsistence, both for men
and animals, with us. This will require more
means fur transportation than We have at COM
mand, and our commissary, Lieut. Brunaugh'
10 actively engaged to night, as he has been ever
since We came here, to supply the deficiency.
e An eventful field ia nov before us. Many
who are nov jubilant and buoyant-rejoicing
st the idea Of meeting the enemy on the bat
tie 6eld-will never return 70 relate the deeds
won. This will cause esddened hearts to those
loved ones they have left behind them. Fathers
and mothers will cast many an anxious look for
the return of their sons whom they may never
meet again on the shores Of time. Many
sister will offer fervent prayers for the safety Of
. brother; but will he be spared to gladden. her
anxious hearth Will that husband and father
who perhaps Is now sending last farewell to
those dear ones he loves best, ever return from
the field Of deadly strife in which he 10 to en-
gage, again to caress those little ones he has
left at home, or return tho fond smile Of that
con6ding wife !!


These are thoughts that occupy the mind Of
the soldier. The soldier has feelings, and they
IRE tender, rough as he may appear extern ally.
But the field of conflict is before him, and he
nerves his heart for the deadly strife This is
truly the case now. Another reverse in the


West will set us far back in the struggle. Such
3 catastrophe in al probability, will create 9TH
er foes TO contend with, or force US to ackn0w


edge power We lothe. This, every enc feels.
We are not ignorant of passing events. A de
cisive blow must be struck, and struck speedily.
that will end this contest, at least pro-
spectively. Other nations must not have the
aimsy excuse of impotency in the Government
to protect itself, to interfere in this quar-
rel. This now seems to be the drift nf eyerts.
If We can meet the foe in a fair conflict the
contest will not be doubtful; for, trusting in
the justice of our cause and the bravery of our
troops, victory must turn on our side.


Der. l9rH-We shall not move to-day
Means of transportation are still wanting
News from Fremont and Sigel are, that they
have crossed the Usage, and that skirmishing hiss
already taken place between the advanced
guards of sigel's division and the enemy. We
are hourly expecting intelligence of fight
This We fear, and will not hav~ the opportunity
Of participating in it. The troops are impatient
to be on, but cannot for want Of more wagons
aud teams TO transport subsistence. We are
still under marching orders, and expect every
hour to receive the order to forward march.


It il very tiresome to write on the ground,
but We have to take things as they are and
make the best Of them. More anon.


H. n. RoDxRfs