Johnson County, Indiana - The whole text, 1913 (part 1 of 11)

Chapter Xiv

Johnson county played an honorable part in defense of the Union and sent from within its borders more than two thousand men to defend the flag. The part they played has been fully recorded in Judge Banta's History of Johnson County (1888), and to the present writer little has been left to sa-- of the general military affairs of the county.

The present generation has come to feel a very impersonal interest in the great Civil war. The grandchildren of the veterans of 1861 look upon the events of that war with the unconcern with which they read the school hisiorv accounts of the war of the Revolution. To stimulate interest in the life stories of the men who so gallantly went to the field of battle, we have songln and found a story which ought to make an appeal to every patriotic impuls.-.

Samuel Watson Van Nuys, son of John H. Van Nuys, of the Ilopcwtll neighborhood, a junior in the Hopewell Academy at the outbreak of the Ci\i! war, volunteered in Capt. T. A. Jeffery's Company F, Seventh Regime n Indiana Volunteer Infantry. His diaries and letters written from tlie fro it have been preserved and, by permission of the family, they are heix fir^t given publication. The account begins with his service in the hos[)ital3 of Washington, D. C, and closes with his death on the field of battle on September 29, 1864. He rests in an lionored grave in our own Grecnlawn ccmetcTv, and his memory is still cherished by many of the same company who are sti!! among the living.

Sunday, June i, 1862. Today finds me in Washington City at Cousin Newt's. Attended chu-cii with Newt and Jennie at Dr. Gurley's Church, had an excellent sermon, h; evening Newt and I visited various p'aces in the city. Visited Jackson Squ: re. White House, Treasury Departmeni:, Post Office and Interior Departmerts: also Williard's Hotel. Bade cousins farewell late in evening and returned to the hospital.

Monday, June 2, 1862. Surgeons having got orders to clear the hospit ' for wounded men, asy^i^ncd me to garrison duty, but by hard entreaty I p;-. .ailed on them to send :vc to the regiment. Wrote Newt a letter and prepared to leave in morning.

"' Tuesday, June 3, 1862. Surgeon discharged me and 1 left for the regiment. Took a boat and ran down to Alexandria. Took the c<irs at Alexandria for Fort Royal. Went .-,; far as Manassas and stopped for the night.

Wednesday, June 4, 1862. Had a very uncomfortable night's rest. Rained all day. Ran as far as 'loose Creek, found one bridge imsafe and had to lay over till next day. O.liccrs were veiy uneasy during the nigh-, as we were in a hostile part of the country, without a guard. At ten o'clock the report of a muslcct rang out on the still night air; in an instant all was alarm and confusion. We hastily scrambled out of the car and ran down to the engine, where we learned that llic engineer had fired at two men coming' towards the train, who turned and tUd. We went back to the car and nothing more occurred during the night.

Train started about noon. Reached Front Royal at four p. m. I'"ound tl.c town full of troops and no place to st.ty. Heard that our brigade was beyond Luray. In company with six otheis I started for the regiment. Went a mile out of town and stopped for the night in an old barn.

Saturday, June 7, 1S62. Learned that our brigade was six miles beyond tovvn, accordingly started i*)r it. ) When we reached the place we learned that the brigade had sent back tiieir baggage and were at least 18 miles aliead of us, marching toward Stanton. ^'' ere at a loss to know what to do, but finally determined to stay with secon'cl '''igade for the present. Went to the 139th Illinois and got some grub. Slept ' an old barn again.

Lieut. Jeffery, with a lot of sick boys, came back to Luray. Saw Duplcii; and Young. Being unfit for duty, Lieutenant gave me a furlough of tliiiiy days. Ixft same day for home.

Left Bellaire at fi\'e a. m.,on Ohio Central R. R., got to Columbus at two p. m. Took Bcllcfontaine Road and reached Indianapolis at six a. m. next morning.

Tuesday, June 17, 1S62. Ma, Mollie and I visited Uncle Dory's. I found them very anxious about Saiu. Hoard that Uncle Dick had his leg broke in the late fight.

Wednesday, June 18, 1S62. I'a and I attended the Union convention at Indianapolis. Went up on ^-ars, and mot Lieut. Holmes coming home wounded. He says Uncle Dick's leg is badly broken. James Bone, Ben Trout and John II. Vanncys arc i!ii:sing.

Thursday, June 19, 1862. Went to town, visited llncle William and Allen. Uncles Will, Allen, Tcte, Corneal, John, and Corneal Vanneys, met at our house and made arrangements to send John to luirse Richard.

Tuesday, June 24. 1862. Ma, Mollie and I visited Uncle Dan, met Minnie and Doc there. Had a very pleasant time. Called at 'Sir. Henderson's and took supper.

Friday, June 2/, 1862. Visited Uncle Corneal in morning. In evening attended a school picnic : 'I'd an exceedingly pleasatit time. Some of the girls went home with us. I'oce & Tom Brewer spent the night.

Wednesday, July 2, 1862. Went to town to get the news and take Uncle Harve to the cars. Brought Aunt Beck back on a visit. Spcrit the evening at Uncle Corneal's.

Saturday, July 5, 1862. Making preiiarations to leave for the regiment coming Alonday. Went with Aunt Beck to town to get some miniatures taken.

Sunday, July 6, 1862. This is my last Sunday at home. Attended cluir(.h in morn an.d eve. Bade many friends goodbye and rec'd letters for boys.

Monday, July 7, 1862. Packed my knapsack. Bid friends farewell and left for the Regiment. Fell in with Uncle Orion at Indianapolis. Went to Bates House, where we found Col. Gavin & Dr. Wooden. Got transportation and left with Dr. Wooden and several others at 8:40 p. m. Go by way of Crestline, Pittsburg & Baltimore.

Wednesday, July 9, 1862. Got to Harrisburg at one a. m. and changed cars for Baltimore - disr.uU 180 miles. Reached Baltimore at six a. m. Got breakfast and took cars itiunediately for Washington - distance 50 miles. Reached Washington at ten a. m. This' I am writing from Jackson Square, where we are resting on .;;:r way to the hospital to see Uncle Dick. Found Dick in good spirits and .ioiiig well. Late in evening pushed on to Alexandria and through to camp. i".)iind the Regiment three miles from Alexandria. Boys all well and recovcr- -:i'4 from the fatigue of their late marches.

Saturday, July 12, 1862. Drill in morning. Went "Dewberry" hunting with John Flendcrson. I)re\v new guns- - Enfield riiles. Dress parade in evening. Went bathing '.'ith the boys. Helped with pay roll,;.

Tuesday, July 15, 1862. ft Made a draw on the commissi'ry. Got a lot of cooking utensils and clothes; got into our Sibley tents; almost feel at home again.

Wednesday, July 16, 1862. Signed the pay rolls and drew our money. I drew four months' pay '.$5-). Officers took a frolic and some of them got high and were scarcely -*«^!e to perform on dress parade.

Monday, July 21, 1862. Our brigade (Carroll's) and Gen. Tyler's wei'c reviewed today by Gen. Sturgis. It was very warm and boys suffered much.

Wednesday, July 23, 1862. Sent to Alexandria with Will Davis and got a gold peii with which I am now writing. Was drilled today by Gen. Carroll in the manual of arms.

Thursday, July 24, 1862. Got orders to march at 12 m., but ordeis v/ere soon countermanded. Boys all loath to leave our present camp. Dress parade in evening. Got orders to be ready to march at four o'clock next morning.

Friday, July 25, 1S62. Orderly got us up at three a. m., expecting to move at four o'clock. Struck tents at eight and sent them to the R. R. Marched to the R. R. at i p. m. and took the cars south. Understand we go into camp 30 miles south. F cached Warrenton at nine p. m. Left cars and camped, sleeping on the ground. Sloan, Overstreet and Jno. H. went to the hospital - none of them much sick. Co. F. got five recruits today from Indiana.

Sunday, July 27', 1862. Rained very hard during the night. Inspecti.) of arms in morning. i'reaching in evening by our Chaplain. Wrote a letter to Uncle Doc. Dress ; .irade as usual.

Monday, July 28, 1862. Company drill in the morning. Also battalion. Regimental drill in the evening - were drilled by Gen. Carroll. Many rumors are afloat about marching orders - some say we go back to Alexandria; others, on towards Richmond.

Tuesday, July 29, 1862. Quite hot and sultry today. Sam List and Allison both unwell. Sergiant Smith, Adams and Brown were detailed today, to take charge of Gen. I'oj>c's baggage. Drill in morning and evening as usual.

Wednesda}^, July 30, 1862. Very hot again. Sam and Allison still unwell. Health of the regiment 15 getting very poor, on account of poor water and hot weather. Our regiiiciit was drilled today by Gen. Carroll.

Thursday, July 31, 1862. Very hot. Drill in the morning. No mail. Rumors of marching or- ('lts again. John, 0\crstrcct and Sloan returned from the hospital.

Got orders to march at 12 m. Turned over our tents to Government, 'j'.n. McDowell and staff passed in morning. Marched at 12 o'clock for Sul- I'^iiir Springs - distance 5 miles. Found the springs in a beautiful place. Went -'--athing in the river near with Jno. H. Allison, Dunlap Covert and Voris.

Inspection of arms in morning. Preaching in the evening, by Kiger -'oni the text, "Lord, remember me when thou comest in thy kingdom." A "^Tn of our brigade was drowned by falling in the vWcr. Dress parade as - . - ,

Review in the morning, by Gen. McDowell. I 'ay was very wann. Boys had to appear with knapsacks and suffered much from heat. Officers and men denounced McDowell in unmeasured terms. The greatest event of tlie day was the reappearance of O. S. Springer, who was taken prisoner at Port Republic. He was confined at Lynchburg and escaped after many adventures and narrow escapes. Springer reports Rone and Fishback at Lynchburg.

Marched at seven o'clock for Culpepper. 'Twas intensely warm and we had our knapsacks to carry; consequently we suffered much - many of the boys falling out of ranks. Reached ?Iazel river at. 12 m. and camped on its banks, waiting for the teams. Boys were in water all evening. Late in evening went swimming myself, with Allison, John H. Dunlap and others. Pitched our "ponchos" and slept v.-ell.

Marched again at six o'clock - our regiment leading the brigade. Had our knapsacks hauled. Got along much better; camped two miles from Culpepper. Llad hardly got into camp when Sergeant Fish of Co. A., who was taken prisoner at Port Republic, came into camp, having escaped like Springer. No reports. Sergeant Harden--of our Company, wounded and supposed to have been killed at Port Republic - at Lynchburg, doing well.

Thursday, August 7, 1862. Rebels are said to be crossing the Rapidan. Some excitement consequently. Dress parade in the evening. Weather intensely hot.

Friday, August 8, 1862. Was detailed for guard. Rumors came in all morning that sesesh were advancing. At three o'clock p. m. orders came to march immediately, "Long roll" was beat and nuich excitement ensued. Took the Culpepper Road stopped in town two hours ; marched through town and rested an hour, ther marched two miles and camped in the woods, without blankets. Davis and I gathered a lot of leaves, made a bed and were soon in the land of dreams.

Saturday, August 9, 1862. Slept tolerably well. ' Rose, got breakfast and were ready to start b]' six o'clock. During the morning a large force of infantr)^ and artillery passed under Gen. Banks. After dinner a very heavy cannonading com- luenced four miles from our camp and continued all evening. Stragglers 5oon commenced coming back and reported a seve- ; " ;hl going on. At seven o'clock p. m. we left camp for the battlefield. Oi. . c road we met the 3rd brigade (Tyler's) straggling back, badly cut up. Arriving on the field, we were immediately marched to the front. The rebels soon commenced shell- !!!<; us - the shells bursting all around and over us. One- shell burst immetjiatcly over our heads, severely wounding Will Young in the foot, Surface in the knee, and cutting Esher's clothes. Young was just behind me and Fisher in the file in front. Firing now ceased and we took a position along 3 woods; here we remained quietly for an hour or more. In the meantime tie rebels brought a batter)- and two regiments of infantry and posted them OM our left, so as to rake our whole line. Our officers saw the danger and r< ported it to the General, but he said he could not move us. The battery v/as i;..t more than 100 yards frorii our regiment. We heard the rebel officer give lie command, "Give them cannister - load - fire." A terrific storm of shot was poured into our regiment. They stood two or three rounds, then broke ii confusion and ran over the hill, where we reformed and marched to a new position. A terrific cannonading now took place between the rebel battery n id one of ours and the rebels soon retired. Sloan and Gordon were slightly wounded. Through the mercy of a kind Providence I escaped unhurt.

Sunday, August 10, 1862. All expected another big battle today, but nothing beyond skirmishing took place. We marclied back a mile or more and remained idle during the day. Will Young sent to hospital. Kxceedingly warm.

An armistice was agreed on till two o'clock, for the burial of the dead, 'onie of our boys visited the battlefield. They represented it as a horrible sght. Our men were undoubtedly worsted in the battle of Saturday. Gen. Milroy came along and said the fight would comxnence again at two p. m. I anticipate a very bloody battle. Some will fall, who will survive? Serious r -flections force themselves on my mind. The Lord is all-powerful to save has promised, 'T will never leave or forsake thee." In Him do I put my trust.

It is now seven o'clock a. m. Nearly everybody predicts a battle today, the Lord have mercy on us all, and may the god of battles give us the victory.

It promises to be an exceedingly warm day. The officers say we have 100,000 men. Gen. Milroy, with a large cavalry force, had the advance. It was soon ascertained that the rebels had fallen back. Our brigade was not moved. During the day our baggage came up and we pitched our little "ponchos." Scarcely were our tents up when we were ordered out on picket. No adventures.

Got orders to march at nine a. m., at which time our division (Ricketts) moved towards Gordonsville. Marched eight miles and camped. Got a letter from Sam List and one from Dick Ditmore.

Remained in camp all day. Many rumors current, about Jackson being reinforced and advancing. Wrote a letter to Uncle Dick. Dress parade in evening and got orders to cook three days' rations and prepare to march. Weather cool.

A beautiful day. Feel quite unwell. Rumors this morning that we are to fall back; also rumors of a 30-days armistice. In evening we marched ?gain; moved about five miles and camped on Cedar Run. Pitched our '"ponchos" and went to roost. Col. Carrell badly wounded while out scouting.

Monday, August 18, 1862. Remained in camp all day. General muster in morning, in accordance with "Sec. of War's" order. In evening got orders to load up and send our knapsacks and camp equipage to the rear. Jackson is reported advancing with a very large force. Much speculation among the boys as to our future movements - some think we will fight; others say we will retreat. At dark we crawled into our "pgnchos" without blankets and went to sleep.

Tuesday, August 19, 1862. Last night at ten o'clock our officers roused us and gave us orders to fall into line without noise. It now became evident we were going to retreat.

>;;lcntly we got into line and marched towards Culpepper. Moved a mile iiiJ a half and halted till daylight. Started then 1 marched steadily all Jjv. Passed through Culpepper at one p. m. with diurns beating and colors rlviii"". Got into camp at ten o'clock at night, having marched 18 miles. Boys ih'^roughly tired and grumbling and officers cursing.

Wednesday, August 20, 1862. - Rose at sunrise. Skirmishing soon commenced on the opposite side of the river, which continued all day. Batteries were planted and forces drawn -r> and every, preparation made for giving Jackson a warm reception. Inf.'.nlry got orders to carry 100 rounds of ammunition. Mail came, but no Idler for me.

Thursday, August 21, 1862. Expected to move during the night, but morning still finds us on the ta;!ks of Rappahannock. Brisk cannonading commenced at ten a. m. and .-.intinucd through remainder of the day. Infantry were not engaged. It is evident there will be severe fighting on the Rappahannock. We hear Gen. Kcno has been fighting all day on our Ic ft. Sigel is on the right.

Friday, August 22, 1862. Were awakened early by a heavy cannonading, which continued for an h ur. It soon commenced again, five or six miles up the river, where Sigel i> posted. Heard in evening that Sigel has captured a battery and dernolivntd a rebel brigade; think it all bosh. In evening our brigade moved a 5h'jrt distance to the rear into a wood. \\''ent with Davis and Henderson to '.hi: river to bathe. Part of our force has crossed the river and taken posi- "'i'ln. Am getting tired of this suspense. Have been living on coffee, sugar, crackers and fresh meat for two weeks and am getting tired of the fare. Also ^11 going it without knapsack or blankets and without any mail. Such is the lif'e of a soldier. Rained hard during evening.

Saturday, August 23, 1862. Morning opened cloudy. Ate breakfast. Ransdall and I then went to station to fill our canteens; while there the artillery opened and the firing >.':>n waxed exceedingly warm. Several of the enemy's shells passed over *-:il burst near us; firing lasted two houi's and then seemed to be transferred ''^? the river to Gen. Sigel's command. A heavy mail came in late last even-^ --s'; no letters from home. Pleavy firing commenced again in our front at a. m. and continued till 12 m., when' our forces fell back towards War-

Felt very unwell - had fever during night. Doctor sent Covert ai.i' me to hospital at Warrenton, but all the sick were ordered back to their rc^-- ments. Consequently we returned to the regiment; some fever through tl.- day. Slept in the ambulanc^^.

Still sick. Several old acquaintances from Indiana came to reginic;;: as recruits. Got a letter from home. In evening regiment got orders i move to Waterloo. I was hauled to Warrenton and left in hospital.

Tuesday, August 26, 1862. Laid in church till evening, when I was put on cars for Alexandria. Ra:; out of town a few miles and laid by till morning.

Wednesday, August 2'], 1862. Heard this morning that the rebels have burnt some of the railroai! bridges, so we can't get out. Laid in cars all day without any medicine or provision.

Thursday, August 28, 1862. Still in the cars, waiting for the railroad to be repaired. Understand] our forces are falling back from War'enton and the enemy pursuing. Cars ran up to the first bridge burnt. Late in the evening the surgeon ordered all who were able to walk to get out and go on. I \\as very weak but walked on to Briston Station.

Friday, ^August 29, 1862. Pushed on this morning to Manassas Junction, where I come across Lod Morgan from our company, also sick. In evening we went on to Bull Run. I was very weak. Here v.e slept in trie bushes.

Saturday, August 30, 1862. Staid all day at Bull Run. Felt some better. Haven't drawn any provisions for a week; had Lo live on green corn, apples and potatoes. Very heavy fighting took place today and ye ^terday in which our men were worsted. I hear our bovs were enga^red and Toi 1 Fisher was wounded.

Sunday, August 31, 1862. Remained at Bull Run till e\cning, when linh C'a -.'-r came along and we .cat on to Fairfax Station. Am improving some.

Monday, September i, 1862. Had a chance to go to the ho?pital from the station, but so many sick .,:'l wounded were going that 1 determined not to go. Went with Carter ;o Fairfax Court House. While there our wagons came along, going to Alexandria. Eeing too v;eak to join the company, I went with the wagons t . Alexandria.

Tuesday, September 2, 1862. Moved a little nearer town, where we remained during the day. \''ery again in evening and had a severe spell of cholera morbus during the :V,dit,

Wednesday, September 3, 1862. l'"elt verv weak and ba'l this morning. Quartermaster got orders to -..1 ;e the train to the regiment at I'als Church. Found the boys very much worn down by exposure and fatigue.

Thursday, September 4. 1862. l-'ut up our little bixouacs and nuifle ourseh'cs comfortable as possible. ih\e been in ser\icc jiist one year today and truK" it has been an eventful Our regiment is now in Doubleday's brigade and King's di\-ision.. Am t li \erv unwell - got medicine firnn the doctor.

h'riday. September 5, 1S62. Still sick - got more medicine from surgeon. Our army seems to be >;iiig on the defensive. It is rumored that the rebels are crossing the Poto- :ic into [Maryland. Afail came in - got letter fror.i D. B. Also wrote one

Saturday. September 6, 1862. C)ur regiment was sent into surrounding forts f(jr garrison. Six C(jmr-nies, our own included, went to Perkins Hill. Feel some better today. lys began fixing up things in evpcctatie>n of staying some time, but at nine ;= in: got orders to march imp.iediately. Lieutenant Jefl'ery reported about a -= '^'en from our company as un.aljle to march. John PL Trout, Overstreet, and Co\-ert among others. Xew said we were going to march but a " iie or tw(5 and we could follow. Regiment started in the direction of '"'ashington. We followed awhile, then I'ly down, till morning. (28) i

Followed on toward Washington. Found that our regiment had crossed the river. We crossed over into Georgetown. Had much difficulty in findinin which direction our regiment had gone. One of the boys - Sennett, got too sick to walk; had to stop and rest; while resting a citizen came aloni' and took him home with him; he then sent us a fine lot of bread and butter, beef and peaches. Started on after the regiment. Got out a mile from town and stopped for the night in a beautiful grove.

Monday, September S, 1862. Fleard this morning that the regiment was 12 or 15 miles ahead of us. None of us being able to march so far, we w-ent back to Georgetown to get into hospital, but could no* get in without a certificate from surgeon. Bought some eatibles, went back and stayed all night on last night's ground.

Tuesday, September 9, 1S62. Started ahead ; came across our old brigade ; found a number of our boys W'ith it; hear that our regiment is ordered back to it; concluded to remain with it for present. At nine a. m. the brigade got orders to report at Ft. Ellsworth. We crossed the Long Bridge, when our scpiad, being much fatigued, stopped under a tree till morning.

Wednesday, September 10, 1862. Rose early and started ; found the brigade at Ft. Fllsworth. Came across Low Allison and Norton, who are here in the convalescent camp. Rained in afternoon. Slept in a barn. Am still very unwell. Face, stomach and bowels much swollen.

Thursday, September 11, 1862. John H. and I went to surgeon of the 84th and got certificates of disability. Found the hospitals in Alexandria full. Had to sleep in an old engine house. Got no medicine.

Friday, September 12, 1862. Ben Trout came in with a "certificate." Spent the day as we pleased. Most of the boys attended market in morning and laid in a supply of peaches, etc. Can't get anv medicine, on account of great number of wounded.

:,rv liospital - two miles from Alexandria. Got vc - >!nfortabIe quarters in v»:ird "B," but got shockingly bad grub. John H. . Trout both with me.

Sunda}', Septei.iher 14, 1862. Am very weak, but able to get around. About 2,000 patients in this ;>. -.spital - mostly wounded. Wrote a letter home, also to Uncle Dick.

Monday, September 15, 1S62. l^octor was around to see us for first time. He marks me down as suf- !rr:ng "debility," but left no medicine. Felt stupid and bad all day.

Wednesday, September 17, 1S62. A death occurred in our ward last night. Thus another name is added I' die long list of the victims of this horrid war. Another soul perhaps is into eternity unprepared. Another wife perchance and loving chil- are left to mourn -tlic untimely fall of a fond father. Verily sr^nie one -..ill meet with fearful punishment for causing so much suffering, sorrow and -!i':.(h. Another death took place during the day.

Friday, September 19, 1862. Ever}'body anxious to hear from our army. Attended prayer meeting in c.(ning. Received a letter from Uncle Dick.

Sunday, September 21, 18G2. Had preaching in morning in the seminary chapel. Got a letter from ^ ':cle Dick, stating that he had his. discharge papers and expected soon to for home. Prayer meeting in evening.

Wednesday, September 24, 1S62. John I]., Ben and I were discharged from the hospital and sent to tl;-. convalescent cafnp. Wrote & letter home.

Tuesday, September 30, 1862. Got our pass and went over to Washington. \"isited the patent office Spent much of the day at Cousin Newt's and touk dinner there. Intended t.."' return to canii) in e\xning, but they persuaded us to remain oxer night.

WVlnesday. Octol-er i, 1S62. Newt persuaded us to stay for dinner and Jennie would make us a peach pie. Our appetites prox'ed powerful auxiliaries to Newt's persuasiuri. so we agreed to sta}'. A'i'-ited the Sr.iitlisonian Institute during the day au'l viewed wiirnjer^ a';d curiwsitie,-, gatheied from the tour corners of the worUl. At tlirec p. m. returned ;.i Newt's and partook of an old-faslu'oned diiuicr ot cabbage, pepchcs, pcitatix-s and nanv other good things too terlious to mertion - the w hole being topped off witii a magnificent "peach cobbler." It wa? just such a dinner as mother gets up. Ah, it did my heart and stomach good. Bid friends goodb\-e for camp.

Tuesday, October 7, 1862. Licutenan.t Thompson came into carip; says we are to go to tlie regi- Got orders to report at the depot ia Washington in the morning.

<ard to my health. Wrote a long letter home. John H. and Allison in toward? evening, having had to stay all night and da}- at the depot.

Saturday, October 11, 1862. In looking o>er the .morning paper I saw a letter ad\-crtised for me. I ' ' ked down to the office and got it. It proved to be from home - the first for ' farly two months. The folks have nearly all been sick but are getting better. '--1 still getting better.

Sunday, October 12, 1862. Newt went to church. I did not go. It prr, -! a glrM>niy, rainy day an,; I almost got the blues, thinking of the hardshi-.;: and d mgcrs I must slill meet if my life is spared."

Wednesday, October 15, 1862. Attended market after reading the morning paper to "pass off time." Went to office for mail, but no letter. Am anxious to hear from home. Weather cool and disagreeable.

Thursday, October 16, 1862. Went out in town after reading the morning paper and spent a good part of the day in strolling around. Came back in evening in time to read Beanpole," a story in Godey.

Friday, October 17, 1862. Spent most of the day in trying to draw my pay, but failed to get it - the paymaster being out of town. Saw "Barnum's Band" with Tom Thumb parading the streets. Returned to Newt's and found Jeimie's cousins from Pa. there ; also his brother-in-law.

Saturday, October 18. 1862. Today went to the postoffice and lol a letter from home! It contained news both good and bad and something more substantial in the shape of s "bank note." Returned to Newt's and wrote a long letter home. Health is improving much.

Sunday. October 19, 1862. Suffered considerably witli toothache. Did not attend church. In tinevening took a stroll down town. Expect to report in the morning for the regiment.

Monday, October 20. 1862. With a sad heart 1 bid cousins L'ewt and Jennie farewell for the regi ment. After much delay I was directed to the medical director. Being tho only one reported for duty, I was sent for the present to Epiphany hospital. Reached the hospital at three p. m. - the Episcopal church.

Saturday, October 25, 1862. Got a pass out on the street. Called at Newt's and found Cousin Kate tJi'Tf. Was much surprised and pleased to see her. Returned to hospital at foir o'clock p. m.

Sunday, October 26, 1862. General Banks and Surgeon General Hammond visited the hospital. !': caching in CA-ening. Rained all day and night.

Thursday, October 30, 1862. Got a pass and visited Cousin Newt. Went with Kate to patent office. - et P>icrs from our company in the hospital.

Sunday, November 2, 1862. Commenced a letter to Uncle Har\-e. Had preaching in evening. Alsr, a visit from Cousins Newt A'oris and Kate \'annuys. <

Thursfia}-, No^-embcr 6, 1862. All eager to hear the result of the election. Heard in evening the Democrats had carried the day - some jubilant, some mad.

I-apers state that our regiment ha? been in another fight, in which L=;aac Magee, of our company, was killed. He was a good and brave soldier.

Sunday, No\ember 9, 1S62. Paper stntes that ^McClellau has be:n removed, which causes a good deal of speculation and indignation among the patients.

Monda}, Nevember 10, 1862. Drew overcoat and some other clothes from hospital stores. Much excitement in consequence of McClellan's removal.

Friday, November 28, 1862. Received a visit from that most welcome of all government officials, the paymaster. Drew two months' wages ($26.00). Three still due me. Wrote home.

Sunday, November 30, 1862. Busy in office all day. Had a call from Hon. McKee Dunn, M. C, from Indiana. Said he had often heard of the "Vannuys family," etc. Had quite a pleasant little conversation with the honorable M. C. Had a visit from Newt Voris. Got letter from Charlie Smith, also from Sam List. Wrote to C. Smith.

Friday, December 5, 1862. Breaking up - everything in confusion. Thirty-two sent to their regiments and thirty-seven to Carver hospital. Was very busy all day. Dr. Bryan keeps rne for the present. Wrote home in evening.

Monday, December 8, i86^. Still busy at the old church. In evening we \. re transferred to "13th SI, Hospital," which is still under charge of Dr. Bryau.

Saturday, December 13, 1862. Good deal of excitement in town. A dispatch came from Fredericksb.irg, announcing that the grand battle \,'hich is to determine the fate of the Confederacy was commenced.

Thursday, December 18, 1862. \\'ounded coming in from Fredericksburg. Much indignation manifested "some one" on account of the blunder.

Friday, December 19, 1862. Very busy all day. Mr. CummingJ: - our steward - is ordered off - ex- I will have to shove for the regimen:, as this is not a friend of mine.

Saturday, December 20, 1862. Hospital was visited by the medical inspector ., i 1 a general examinatir,;, had for discharges. Fifteen are to get discharges.

Sunday, Decc;i:l)er 21, 1S62. Busy all day making out discharges. About dusk \\ci> a,>tonished l)cyor:'] measurement liy a call from Uncle Corneal A'annuys and Xewt. I went back with them and spent the evening at Newt's; had pleasant time; uncle ecniics or, a. pleasure tour. Got letters from Uncle Harve and Dick and from liome.

Monday, December 22, 1862. Visited the capital and Smithsonian with Uriclc Corneal - was in Scnali. Chamber and ]TaU of th.e ITou-e and heard a speech froni Senator Lane. Sf-ent the evening at Xev t's. Wrote Sam List a letter.

Tuesday, December 2^, 1862. Nothing worthy of special note occurred. Visited the patent c>ffice with uncle and spcn.t the evening with him at Newt's.

Wednesday, December 24, 1862. Went with uncle to see the na\y }ard. Leing a soldier, I am not consi'lered entitled to the privileges of a white man; consccjuently I was refused admittance. Making great preparations for Christmas. Passed the evening with uncle and cousins.

Thursday, December 2^. 1802. A glorious day. Ever_\body in the best of spirits. Had a splendid dinn(T, contributed by the ladies of A\'ashington, and a good speech.

At this ]K)i!it, Januarv i, 1S63, we take up the story of Captain \'an N'uvs' life from his letters to his father, John LL \'anNu\-s. \\"e omit al! m.atters of a pufelv perscmal cliaracter, but if space permitted they should be p.-inted in full to show how kind!}- was his interest in his comrades in arms. how respectful was his devotion to his parents, and how high mindei.l hiambitions to ser\-e his country. We wittdiold comment upon the letters gi\'en. preferring to let the reader follow- unguided this interesting story of one man's s.xrifice to his country's cau-e :

Had another fine dinner on Nevr Year's Eve of turke_\-. chickeii, pies, pudding, etc. Since I came to this house I get much better grub than formerly, but at tlie expense, I guess, of other poor fellows. T eat now with the

People are a good deal exercised o\'er the news from Roseerans' army. il'.c (lesii.itches this morning are not at all favorable. If we should be dei't.-ited there we may as well say, ''Wayward sisters depart in peace."

if the I'otomac won't do ariy more fighting this winter. They will go into quarters, make reconnoissances and demonstrations, so as to keep l.i'f's arm\- on the Rappahannock, while the fighting is done in the southwest. i (;ive it for what it's worth.

Washington, D. C, January ii, 1863. Dr. Ih'van got an order today to close this hospital. Ambulances will be "]] h;uul at ten (_)'cl(ick tonir)rr(.>w to remove the [jatients to Colnniljian College 'Dii-pital. Don't know what is to become of me if Dr. Bryan, is placed in .-liarge of another hospital. I am pretty certain 1 can go with him. If not. v.ill get a recommendation from Dr. F.ryan and go to the medical directors try to get anr;ther place. If I fail 1 am ready for my i-cgiment.

As to neus, there is none worth nan.iing. We decently whipped the rebs .-:l Murfreesboro - I suppose, if papers are to be trusted - ami we got most >'vockingly whipi;cd at \'icksl)urg. So it goes - the scales seem c\-enly bal- neither part\- can gain any permanent advantage. The impression i-fins to be general that Buruside will tr / his fortunes again in a few days. I another repulse. Tell Paul just to mark it down in. b.is day book the Arniv of the ]\jtomac will n.cve accomplish anything until i\fac is at :N head and he will be there in less than two months.

The hospital is vacated now an.d t'le patients are scattered to tlie four \. with aliont a half dc)zen others, have been retained by Dr. Bryan,

Wash'ngton, D. C January 27. 1863. r am still at the 13th Street Hospital, although the patients have all 'vcn gone nearly two weeks. We have been \-ery busy making out in\oices of T haven't had time to look for another place. I am not sanguine '-' getting a |)lace. .\ good man.}- hospi'.al- have been Ijroken up and I expect arc a surplus of felkn\> like myself looking for places.

I. am writing this letter from Columbia College Hospital. We fuiishc' all business at the 13th Street Hospital and I reported here last eveuif.g "as ;. patient," but I am in excellent health and do not expect to take any medicine

I had a good recommendation from Dr. Bryan and tried to get auotli.:: situation in several offices in the city, but found they all had their full complement of clerks, .and consequently I am "out of business" and a candidate for the regiment.

What think you of the late changes in the Army of the Potomac? You have now in command a man who will fight without doubt, but I do' not knowhow he will take with the army. He has the reputation of taking entirely too much whiskey for his own good or the good of others. I think so many changes show a very weak and vacillating administration. Am fast loshv^ all confidence in old Abe's ability and begin to doubt his patriotism too.

Washington, D. C, February 5, 1S63. I see by the papers that tlic Butternuts are getting rather bold in our state. I am sorry that our state is taking the lead in such proceedings, but it i^ nothing more than I expected. My only surprise is that they abstained >r> long. We are gaining no victories and there is no prospect of any. Our money is rapidly depreciating and the whole country is going to ruin. No wonder the people are beginning to growl and grumble, get up demonstrations and talk of peace. I notice gold is selling at 60c premium today. I would not advise you to keep too many "greenbacks" on hand. I confess I have not much confidence in them. I heard one of our foreign mitustcr? remark lately "that we will soon have to carry a basketful of 'greenbacks' tn get shaved with."

Camp Distribution, near Alexandria, Va., February 10, 1863. I write you a few lines to apprise you of my wherea'bouts and how I am getting along. Last Friday my name was taken for the regiment. Saturday I shouldered my knapsack and was sent to the Soldiers Retreat. Sunday morning I marched to Convalescent Camp. Here we were drawn up into line and those who wanted to go to their regiments were told to step forward. I volunteered for my regiment and was sent to this camp, which is a branch of the Convalescent Camp, and is more familiarly known as the "Stragglers' Camp," and here I am, waiting for transportation to the regiment. From the time I left the hospital until I reached this camp we were constantly under guard. This is something new and certainly shows a want of confidence on i'.c part of the government in her soldiers. I do not I now how long we will remain here; it is rumored we go tomorrow, but we : y not go for a week - the sooner the better.

Congress, I see, is trying to get the drafting machiri'jry into operation A^'ain. It is time they make some provision if they intend to prosecute the any further. Three hundred thousand troops go out by the first of June - ;!ic idea of arming the niggers is played out already, and if I am not mistaken, tboy cannot enforce another draft. I begin to think the war will be played , in less than six months for want of men to continue it.

I am once more with the company (Company F, 7th Ind. Volunteers). \\\: left Convalescent Camp Wednesday morning and reached the reginriit Thursday noon; found the boys under orders to march at three o'clock. I just had time to roll up my blanket, get my dinner and a- gun before we vt.Ti-ted. We went to the landing, took a boat and steamed down the river. Ol.ject of the expedition was to scout around and gather forage. Towards iiurning we ran aground on a sand bar and stuck fast. Towards noon we got oft. We then tried to effect a landing at Mattock's Creek, but could not, on aaount of the shallowness of the water. We then steamed down as far as N'c'inining Bay and got aground several times while trying to land. Small -fy.ds went ashore several times and found large quantities of wheat and corn, !'>u: no rebels. They captured one "'contraband'' and brought him off as a tr«[)hy. The officers found tliey could not do anything with a boat as large Ji'^ 'jurs, so we returned to camp last evening without accomplishing anything '':^'Tc than the capture of the nigger. However, we had a nice ride - the w lather was beautiful, the boys in fine spirits and we enjoyed it very much.

We are in the first army corps under General Reynolds, the first division ':n ler General Wadsworth and the second brigade under Colonel Gavin. I !i>i,e no idea when we will march again. Hooker keeps his secrets to him- I find the boys do not approve of the proclamation generally nor of ^ iicle Abe's idea of arming the negroes. They are in for anything to stop 5fi*' war, but haven't much faith in such measures accomplishing it.

Pratts Point, Va.. February 23, 1863. The weather has been very disagreeable for the last week. Saturday "->:ht it commenced snowing and snowed all night and part of yesterday, 're snow is now seven or eight inches deep, and in some places, where it has drifted, niucli deeper, hut we are in comfortable quarter? and arc "cu; . along finely. The snow and rain together I think will render any ininic^Ii;.:, movement impossible.

General Hooker seems to be becoming more popular daily. He i; shrewd pian and understands how to get the good will of the troops. Sii:,- ' he took command we have been well supplied with onions, potatoes, beans ;i;; . light bread four times a week. The picketing is done by regiment. Our ix-.. ment has been on picket once since I came back. We did not see any r^! -. as we didn't go towards the Rappahannock.

I was truly glad to hear that you were in good health; also to hear .,: the groat reaction which is taking place in regard to the war. I think, t- .. that a reaction is taking place, but unkss it is sustained by speedy victovii.-. I fear ;- will soon tr,i-n against us again. You are wrong in thinking nic d;-- couraged, although I see no prospect of peace at present. I am in as goo \ spirits as ever. I l:ope and think we will finally be successful if the Euttrr nuts don't raise a fire in our rear. Our superior resources and dogged o^- stinancy will worry them out if we cannot whip them. I still think I w.-.- right in saying three hundred thousand men go out by next June. Thirt>- eight regiments of two-year men go out in !May and n-r»\rh" all the boys fro-;-, the Eastern states by the last call are drafted men or nine-months" voluntciT-. but the new militia bill will supply this deficiency.

Our boys are all in good healtli and spirits today : they had a fine gatnc ball. All the boys in the company are chess players and card playing is at .': discount.

Pratts Landing, \'a., ^kfarch 6. 1S63. You ask me if I really think McClellan ought to be entrusted with command again. All I can say is that T am not satisfied that he is not the bc-t general we have. He is undoubtedly the most popular. I never heard n soldier abuse him and nothing irritates them so much as the "'contemptil'k' denunciations" of him by the radical p^ipers. I cannot think he is a traitor - he has had tuo many good chances to place our army and Washington in tluhands of the rebels. I acknowlctlge that Xorthem traitors, shouting for Jcii Davis and ^icGellan lo'-'ks suspicious, but p'ace ^^c in comuiand again an^! these traitors in le-s than a month will be damning him as heartily as tiiey d'' old .Abe now.

So much ii) regard to ]\IcClellan, but I am not in favor of giving him of this army again until Hooker has been (!' 'Ughly tried. I hope c is the coming man. He undoubtedly \vill fight, bm .hether he is capable .:: handling a large army remains to be seen.

Tiicre is no news worth noting. We have rumors of marching orders and will have them daily until we do move. I do not think there will be a i-ciicral movement before the first of next month and perhaps not then. I i.o'.e Hooker wall not move until the rebs are in good condition, for it will t..n!v be killing horses and men and accomplishing nothing. We cannot con- .;.:'_r the rebels and the elements too. The boys seem to be growing more ..I'tKlent daily of whipping the rebs this summer. They think the summer iu;ii)aign will certainly end i' one way or the other. '"So mote it be," I am v.'irv to say that Farragut has failed to take Port Hudson. I fear our gim- U>:di are losing their former prestige ; at least the rebels do not fear tliem as I'cy did a year ago.

I^st Tuesday's orders were issued to brigade and regimental commanders to procure everything requisite for the campaign, so in one sense of the »'.urd we are under marching orders. Hooker promises to begin a campaign 3> soon as he can move a wagon. The weather has been clear and quite Mnrch-like for some da}S, but the mud is too deep to move yet.

When does the new conscript take place? Plow many are to be drafted ::i Indiana? There is much interest manifested by the boys in tliat draft. Is Mr. Smith o\'er forty-five? I notice ministers are not exempted. John Plen- -iirson says they are needed more than any other class of people.

The "Grand Review" came off last Thursday. Our division was review- ^--'' by General Hooker and staff. Old Joe, of course, was the center of at- 't.iClion. Pie is a much younger and healthier-looking man than I expected to General Wadsworth was on hand, too. He reminds me very much of Billy Sickles.

Governor Morton paid us a short visit on last Sabbath evening. We drawn up in line and he made us a short patriotic speech and then re- turned to ^[eredith's licadquarters. About nine p. m. we were again furuic.] in line, and accompanied by the band, marched over and serenaded him. li^. and Meredith made us very comphmcntary speeches and we wound up will) cheers for IMorton, Mereditli, Hooker, Old Abe and the Union. Thus passed our Sabbath evening.

We sec no more prospect of a move than there was two weeks since. ] suppose they are getting things in readiness, so that when we do go there will be no waiting for pontoons, supplies, etc. They are supplying the army witli mules and pack saddles in places of wagons, two to each regiment. I suppose they are for the accommodation of the officers. It is rumored tliat each company is to have two mules to carry camp equipage and four "contrabands" to cook.

1 suppose we are on the eve of important e\ents. Hooker has issued orders, warning officers to send their wives and extra baggage to the rear by the first of April, as no opportunity will be given after that date. The boy^ interpret this as a declaration that we move at that time. I suppose a few days will dcternn'nc where we strike and h(jw. Hooker keeps his plans tj himself, and we ha\cn't the slightest idea of what he intends doing. It is said the rebs are nearly all gone from Fredericksburg. We see Lowe's balloon every day or so reconnoitering.

General Cutler took command of our brigade a few days since. He was formerly colonel of the 6th ^^'isc^)nsin and was made brigaihcr with the lai^t batch of appointments.

Yesterday we were to have had a review of our corps, but it rained ail day and it was postponed. The boys are very well satisfied with the result. for these "grand reviews" are nothing but grand bores.

We are still in camp. We are laying here nnich longer than I supposed we would. Mac moved a month earlier last spring. However, we do not complain, for we knuw what it is to flounder around in the mud. I think we wdll move in a very few days. Furloughs to general officers and regimental

.. were stopped yesterday. Our blacksmiths are working today -^r.iulay) shoeing horses and mules and our pioneer corps have orders to be to march tomorrow. . Still we know nothing definite and may not move -. : some days.

Last Thursday our corps was reviewed by President Lincoln and Hooker. ;'!:>-lo Abe is as homely as his pictures represent him; in fact the ugliest man t ever saw, except H. S. Lane.

Last Friday we had a general muster to ascertain how many conscripts he required to fill the regiment. Our company wants niijeteen. It will 'Ac three hundred or more to fdl the regiment. Cutler is becoming very .;r:ci with us. We have inspection once a day and sometimes twice. We are ,:i;;^cnod to keep our guns in gor)d order and wear clean clothes or do all the

work about camp. Some of the boys grumble, but I think it a fine thing, 't kieps up discipline and keeps the boys in healthy condition.

We have kept up our prayer meetings regularly twice a week all winter. Tl'.ee are usually fifteen or twenty present and we have very interesting :;u:ciings. Today T intend attending preaching in the 95th New York.

Our corps is still in camp. The ca\-alry has gone somewhere - don't k;v>A where, and it is said some of the corps also are moving. I suppose the .-.h-le army would now be in motion had it not stormed Tuesday night and Wc Inesday. Camp is full of rumors of all kinds. It is said our cavalry have !;.-'.(! a big fight, capturing five hundred prisoners. Murfreesboro has been V'lkni; rebs all gone from Fredericksburg, etc., but you know much more about 1--.C true state of affairs than we do. We never know anything until it is all "--c.- and then we do not know half.

Today we were paid off - drew four months' pay. Captain intends going Aquia Creek tomorrow and express home all the boys want to send. I H-n 1 you forty-five dollars. I suppose it will be sent to Eph Jeffery or J. L. You can call and get it and make the best disposition of it you can.

-I clothes and hauled out a fine lot of fish. Our squad, including the Flope- hoys, took in a rebel deserter. He belonged to Jackson's army.

Pratts Landing. Va., April 22, 1863. Contrary to my expectations, Wednesday morning finds us in our old ij). We have been expecting orders to move every hour for tw.o_ or three days. Gener?.l Doubleday's division of. our corps iDovcd to King GLor'\ Court House last Monday. Griffin's division was t'.> ^MO'.e yesterday, but u;. are still here. Suppose our turn will come today oi I'.viiorrow. Yestcrd.T our sick were sent off, Sloan among others.

I received yours of the 12th a few days since. You had not yet received that document (referring to his application for a commission) I s..::: you. Have you got it yet? Do you think you can do anything with it? My knapsack is getting- very' heavy.

We are just in from company drill. They are now detailing eight nicr; from each company for picket; they are ordered to carry their knapsacks ar, ; eight days' rations with them. It is hard marching with sucli a load and wi!; break down many before the campaign is fairly opened.

You speak of me seeking for promotion, so I will state my prospects r.i: ! ask your advice. Our Adjutant "Baily" goes on General Berry's staff, as assistant adjulant-gfueral. This leaves the adjutancy in our regiment vacant. Captain Wolfe has been courtmartlaled and cashit-red for drunkenness; tl'.ileaves a vacant captaincy. I can say that I stand high--\vith the field ofhctrand I think I can get either position; what shall I lake? If 1 take the c.'.[f taincy I will be the junior captain (iiith in rank) will go to Company D--:'. pretty hard company - and ha\e a X. Y. rough lor 1st lieutenant (a tolcraMy good fellow, however). An adjutant ranks as first lieutenant, has an ca<; and honorable position; is not responsible for any property, and is entitled a horse - which he provides himself. An adjutant does no duty of any kiivl. not connected with his own Dept. ; he has much better opportunity to p'^" himself, for he is compelled to understand all company and regimental business. I ha\'e known adjutants to refuse a captaincy. The senior captain i^ usually promoted to major when a vacancy occurs, but a faithful adjutant i-^ sojjK-limcs promoted to that position over the captains. The pay of an adj.; tant is $i20.co per month. Captain gets the same pay with an extra !>io r^c' month for care of property; which shall I take? provided I can have n;;. choice, for such things in army are exceedingly uncertain.

Pratts Landing, Va., April 26, 1S63. We are still in our old camp. I have nn'ssed it so often of late tha* - won't prophesy again as to when we wilt march. Doubleday's division h'- returned to their old quarters. They made a forced march to the lowor Rappahaiinock, I'rctcndcd to th.row pontoons across the river and then tcturned to camp. ^ suppose it was a feint to cover a movement som.ewherc el-"

There has been a good deal of excitement amou^" the boys of late on the . ci?ro question. Some of our officers propose furnir ' ag enough volunteers our regiment to officer a regiment of darkies. Tlity have sent a petition i,> the secretary of war and the names of those willing t'j take commissions. I icntenant Holmes, Sergeants Branch and Daniels and James Fisher volunt. ..rod from our company. I was urged to give my name for a second lieuicnaiicy, but refused for several reasons. I ain't hardly enough of an aboli- !;oiiist yet to go that far, but I believe I would have gone into it if I could !:.ue persuaded any of our boys to it. Two of our best captains are at the !!.-,-id of it and it is daily becoming very popular with the boys. What would tho people of Johnson county think of a fellow who would descend so low as ;.. command "niggers?"

You ask if we get anything from the sanitary commission. Troops in !:;t field do not. Contributions are sent to the sanitary conunission in Wash- -:i.;ton and are distributed to the hospitals, which are pret*y well supplied ui;h jollies, canned and dried fruits, and such articles, by the commission. Wc have fared as well for the last three months as we would with an abundni-oe of such delicacies. It cannot be said that Hooker has not fed us well, and llii> is one cause of his popularity.

Yours of the 30th inst., stating your want of success with Governor ^Mort '!i, came in a few hours since. I was much disajipointed. I did not suppose y«ni would succeed unless new regimenls were formed, and that does not -ccni to be the policy of the government. You say Morton and Noble offer to recommend me for a commission in an African regiment and ask if I would be willing to accept such a position. I would prefer a white regiment, '-"t would take a place in an African regiment if offered.

I refused to sign the petition gotten up in our regiment, not because my principles opposed it, but because I had no faith in it succeeding, being signed f'v no one higher than a captain, and secondly because the public sentiment at ii'itne was such that one embarking in such an enterprise would be considered " ithout the pale of decent society. Such J know w as the case a year ago.

If you and Uncle Doc think there is any reasonable prospect of succeed- < in getting me a commission in a colc"ed regiment, have time to spare and -"'c willing to make the effort. I will accept if you succeed.

burg. Officers arc putting up quartersandthingi indi'^ate that we will rcnia:!; here some days, unless the rebs take the oflensi\'e. is said the} liave hv^n largely reinforced and many think tliey will make for Washingtuii again ai,.; give us Bull Run Xo. 3, but we used them up too badly for them, to make ;. move of that kind. Had it not been for the disaster to the 6th corp.-, we woul.l have had greatly the advantage of them. As it was, I think we had much tin best of it. Their loss in killed and wounded is undoubtedly greater than ours. Just to our left they charged in our lines thirteen times - on Sunday - and our batteries mowed them down by regiments with double charges 01 cannister. Prisoners say the slaughter was truly awful. Don't think our force was near all engaged'. The loss in our corps was very small. In our regiment three were wounded, one since died. The 27th Indiana - fn another corps - had 165 killed, wounded and prisoners; the regiment acted very handsomely, it is said.

I supi)()se it will require some time to reorganize our army. The time of nine months' and two-years' men is about over and I suppose they will be mustered out. There are thirty-five regiments of two-years' men; don't knowhow many nine months. There are tl\'e regiments of the latter in our division. The army, as far as I am able to judge, is still in excellent condition. Confidence in Hooker is not impaired. Hopewell boys all well.

We are still in camp, but uncertain how long we remain. We had orders last night to be ui^der arms at daylight. We were ready at the appointed time, but are still here and no prospect of moving today. It is said three hundred rebels came o\er this morning and gave themselves up, and I suppose our alarm arose from that fact - if fact it was.

Since our late battles gambling has increased to an alarming extent. It became so 'common that you could not go info the wood.s without finding a party under nearly every tree. This morning orders were read from Wadsworth and Cutler, strictly prohibiting it. Offenders hereafter are to be severely punished.

None of our boys have been engaged in it. Hopewell hasn't a single card player in our company. Boys all seem as steady and moral as when at hime. Cutler has ordered company and regimental drills be resumed. Quite a number of regimerits whose time is up have gone home. Doubleday's entire division, excepting two regiments, go out in a few days. W'hy isn't the go\- ernment drafting men to fill their place?

We are in the same old camp, with no prospects of moving and nine .-, tilths and two years boys are going home rapidly. It is siiid that there will be more than one division left in our corps when all are gone. The recruits are put in other regiments. A recruit has to serve three years. When '/x time of his regiment is up he is transferred to another regiment. It i.iiiscs much dissatisfaction among the recruits, as they expected to go out v..itli the others.

Since I last wrote we have been out on picket. Had a fine time with the rciiel pickets. They stood on one bank and we on the other of the Rappai.tiuiock, only fifty to a hundred yards between us. We were forbidden to j; .!-! any communication with them, but 'twas no use, the bo}-s would talk y.ul trade. The rebs (Georgians) would fill a board with toliacco, trinkets ..I various kinds, then swim over, pushing the board with them. Coffee, gold pens, anything we had they wanted. Our boys always got double jrivos. Common knives they said were worth five or six dollars, pens worth >j 50 with us they paid fi\'e dollars for. Quite a number of the boys got silver '':i;<.T rings. Jim Bone exchanged his test.ament with one of them.

The Seventh Louisiana Tigers also were opposite us. It was one of the ti'.icc regiments pitted against ours at Port Republic. They were not so triendly as the Georgians, but a talkative old Irishman said we "gave them the at that place - killed tlieir lieutenant-colonel and 150 men - said that man in the regiment shot at the man on the gray horse (meaning '"loncl Gavin).

As to news, I haven't much worth v/riting. Officers have been dashing and wagon trains coming and goirg all day. I suppose, from what I -t-c. a general move is on the td.[ns. The 8th corps from Baltimore is said to arrived yesterday. It is reported that the rebels are falling back on '\-cliniond, and, if true, I suppose their n-o\ement is the cause of our present - t'lers. We ha\e the news that \^icksburg is ours, but none of the details the battle at Baker's Creek. Grant has done some smashing business crc. Hope he has captured their entire army; perhaps it would force them '" take the offensive here.

^ esterday I had a visit from Arch Voris. He came \'ery unexpectedly, nevertheless was very welcome. Same old Arch yet in spite of shoulder - . .; .

VVadsworth is now in Washington; General ^leredirli is in conimanj ui the division; Cutler is off somewhere, and Colonel Biddlc of the 95th N. y commands the brigade.

Camp Seventh Indiana Volunteers, May 31, 1863. Contrary to my expectation, we are still in camp. Our marching ord^r> turned out a "flasli in the pan." Commissary stores and everything else almost were laid up and remained so for several days. I see no signs of moving now, but v.e are liable :o leave at any moment. A rel^el movement of some kind is undoubtedly going on, but v.hethcr they intend attaclcing us cr are preparing for another raid on Washington and into :\raryland, or arc falling back on Richmond, no one seems to know. If Grant has Vicksburg, 1 guess the latter surmise is cor.rect. I hope they are going t,> take tk.e offensivr. Would like to see them try Washington again and get them o\-er into Maryland. If v.e can get them on our own soil again they will not fare as well a< they did before.

Cutler and Wadsworth are both back ag;n*n. Yesterday we had cori>< review; marched out of camp at six a. m. ;got up at four, cleaned our gun< and got things in order.

We are hourly expecting to march. Several times during the last few days we have had orders to mo\-e, but each time they were countenTiai'ded. The pontoon trains are now at the river - some say are across it. Troo[)< have been moving toward the river all day; it is even said our men are over the river and the rebels are all gone; how true these reports are I cannot say, but it seems to me it is madness to attempt to cross if the rebels are still there; they are so strongly fortified that I fear they can never be whipped by an attack from the front ; the only way to get at them is in their flank or rear. Ttic news from Vicksburg seems not very encouraging. Grant has a heavy jnh on hand, and before he cuts through those fortifications I fear Johnson will cut through and demolish him.

We left camp 12th and readied here yesterday. Came b\- way of W'^''- renton Junction. It was an exceedinglv hard march, but I made it as we!! a^

Camp Seventh IndianaVolunteers, Frying Pan, Va., June 22, 1863. Wc have had some very tough marching. The weather, until within the ; i.vo or three days, has heen very warm. A great many cases of sunstroke v.-urred - several of them proving fatal. Sam narrowly escaped it. Yester- '..V (jur regiment left our brigade within eight miles of Leesburg. We were ...;ii hack to this place to act as guards and hunt guerillas. This vicinity is -::r,ch infested by them; several of our wagons have been captured. After .-.-:t iig here yesterday we sent out scouting parties, who succeeded in captur- - ,; fifteen old citizens; last night they were sent to General Reynolds' headu'.iTters. Of course they protest their innocence, but I have no doubt they are k.;iiliy. We have not been in any fight or skirmish yet. There was a heavy Kvdk yesterday, I think in the direction of Snicker's Gap. We heard the .ninonading very distinctly. W'e know nothing about the whereabouts of -i'.c rebels. Three corps of our arm}- arc in this region of country ; don't know

JH.ilicr there are any more or not. Can't think the rebs are pushing into i'ri nsylvania very fast or we would be pushing after them. Guess their

'li -ct is to get sujjplies and scare old Joe out of his reckoning. Yesterday 1 r<.''ivecl a permit from adjutant-general to appear before the board in ^^'ash- ;:!:4<^'n for examination. This morning the permit and application for a pass '" A'ashington were enclosed by the colonel to General Reynolds. I fear in confusion of moving the "permit" may be lost, but there was no other c'M.-iiice. I can't get to \\''ashington without a pass and can't get a pass without "permit" goes with the application. Should I get to AVashington I will be mined vigorously by a board, of which Major General Casey is president.

'iHey, moving towards South ]NTountain. Left Frying Pan day before yes- --"lay. Came by Edwards Ferry, Poolsville, Barnstow. Greenfield and

'"iistown. Hopewell boys all well and with us except Henderson. He is ing in the ambulance and is quite sick. Complains of giddiness and v>eak- Liver is out of order. Davis, Holmes and Jeffrey with us. .Sam well.

While halting for dinner I write you a line. \' : are moving north ii Penn. Reached this place about an hour ago. Our icgiment is Corp .M^-. guard and I suppose we are several miles in the rear of our curps. There a;,- a thousand rumors flying as to the whereabouts, strength and inteiUiuus the rebels. It is said they have Harrisburg, but don't believe it, but one thin - is certain, Lee is in downright earnest and may do a great deal of nii;cliici. But still I am glad the war is transferred from Va. to Penn. We now h;i'.- every advantage, and if we can't whip them on our own ground let us give -;, at once. I am confident our own men will fight much more willingly l.tic than in Virginia- -there is sometln'ng worth lighting for here.

It is rumored that Hooker has been relieved - some say only temporarily.. Meade appears to be commanding now; if it proves true and Meade is to ixour commander, I fear there will be much dissatisfaction.

Haven't had mail or pajjers for some days. Think we will get mail tli:^ evening. Tiierefore we are destitute of news. I hear just now that ''Gcijp^i. B. McClellan is commander-in-chief of t!ic land forces of the U. S." If Uw: it will cause great enthusiasm in the army of the Potomac. Strange how tluarmy admires that man. I am not as much for little Mac as I was before 1 read "McClellan - who he is and what he has dop.e," 'oy George Wilkes.

Gettysburg, Pa., July 5, 1S63. (9:00 a. m.) Have had another great battle and are victorious. Our regiment u;'.- not engaged on first day, our division being left behind by Genera! Reynolds for Train guard. Were engaged Thursday night and Friday morning. John Shutters of our company was wounded through thigh - not badly. None others in our company hurt. 1 v.o killed and five wounded in the regiment. We are now in line, expecting to advance on the enemy. I have, through a merciful Providence, escaped unhurt.. All our boys are prcsear and well - Covert, Good, Dunlap, Troi t, Sam List, Bone. Jim Dunlap if behind.

I wrote you a line yesterday, stating we were in line of battle, expecting;; to renew the engagenient. We soon found out that Lee had "evacuated, leaving us jn possession of the battlefield, all their dead, many wounded, and an inimense nuir.ber of small arms. It. is the most decisive repulse they have received from the army of the Potomac since the war coiunienced. Our men acted entirely on the defensive after the first day's figliting, we bein?

irtiik-ry was engaged than was ever before used in one battle on this conciit. Yesterday we buried the dead, gathered up arms, etc. This morning

Camp 7th Ind. Vols., Near Funkstown, Md., July ii, 1863. I last wrote you from Emmettsburg. \Yc left that place the 7th in purs.:;t of "Johnny Rebs," crossed the Catoctin Mountains and Cumberland \':\\x\ reaching South Mountain pass the evening of the Sth. Our forces v,crc there drawn up in battle order, expecting an attack from the enemy. ;';» robs failing to pitch into us, our forces advanced yesterday morning. Tlii robs fell back slowly until they reached Funkstown, where they seemed <::-;osed to make a stand. Our forces were drawn up in line of battle and '.':.;, -s remain in statu quo still. In the afternoon considerable artillery firing took place. Xo firing yet this morning. Our brigade is in t- L- rear. Troops in front have thrown ui) breastworks. Only i I >rtion of our army is here---perhaps three corps. It is said four

)s have gone up the river towards Sharpsburg. Some of the boys expect -i ii:;uy battle today or toniurrow ; it may take place but I doubt it; think Lee "\cr the river on his way ti) Richmond rejoicing. Correspondents state Lee's pontoons are destro}'ed, communications cut off and his capture - cry probable, &c., but any one with a grain of common sense knows Lee is ' o shrewd to be without the means of retreat - if it should be necessary. Mi-ries about the killing, \vounding and capturing of half of Lee's army are '--liiing but senseless cards'. We whipped them handsomely at Gettysburg i'-l our cavalry have harrassed and damaged them a great deal on their re- it. cutting out trains and stragglers, but Lee has an army yet and one too to be despised.

It is reported this morning that our regiment is to be transferred to the -!""'i corps and the ist goes to Baltimore to recruit. The boys are much over the report, swear they won't have anything to do with "D - d

--\ardly Dutch." If it prove true, it will be very unjust. Other regiments rewarded for their men "playing off" straggling and deserting, with rest, "' ''c ours, because we have more pluck and keep our ranks full, is kept

Last Saturday morning I received my papers orloring me to Was'.iiir.i^,.. for examination. The boys were just starting across the river (at r.crlini I. watched them till they touched the sacred soil, then jumped aboard tl.c cars and reached here same evening. Yesterday I reported to the boar.l. but there are so many applicants that I can't get an examination until tomorrow. Examinations are conducted privately, and are exceedingly ri^q,!, extending to grammar, geograpliy, mathematics, ethics, histor)-, &c. The examination on tactics is very close. One of the clerks said about one out a hundred applicants succecdcd--but I think he is certainly mistaken. I s:i,v a dozen or fifteen applicants this morning, most of them very civil, intclligcr/. fellows - in fact was very agreeably surprised m them.

I am not at all confident of succeeding. I am laborin.g under disadvantages. Ha\e had no drilling for six v/eeks or more atid we have bccr, marching so constantly that I ha\'c not had time to even look at tactics - consecpiently I am quite rusty. If I don't succeed it vvil! be no disgrace and ! won't regret my trip here; bu*- I intend to do my best. I go back to t!i" regiment after examination and if the board report favorably I will be notiiicl of it by mail in eight or ten days.

Jennie starts for Indiana in morning; her health, is poor, hence he; visit. She doesn't know whether she will visit Johnson or not. Newt sti'! in Treasury Department. They are preparing to draft here soon.

Expect to leave for regiment at eight o'clock in morning. Rations ardrawn for us and I guess there is no doubt but we will go. On last Sunday our corps and the nth and 12th were in camp near Warrenton Junction. I supose we will take the cars to that place and find them somewlicri on the Rappahannock. Will Greene and Jim Brov/n of our company arc both here and are going with me - so I won't want for company.

I got my examination on Thursday, was examined closely in tactics. mathematics, geography, history and business correspondence - don't kno.v what the result is - will not be surpr'sed if it is unfavorable, though I thii"^ I acquitted myself with honor.

I left Convalescent Camp yesterday morning, took the cars at Alexandn:'. and reached the regiment without accident before night. I found the hoy-

) cainp and all well : they reached this place on Saturday. Several corps ,.-. camped in this vicinity arid two or three between us - ' the Rappahannock. ..c railroad is repaired and the cars run now beyond ^ place. The boys

.4.1 sonic tough marching, the weather has been very hoL; last night we had i fuic rain and today it is cool and pleasant. , All the regiuijuts, except those -roin the West, are sending details after conscripts. Don't know why western regiments get none. Suppose they think we can run down another set of jA>tcrn dandies without help. I pity the poor conscripts - they will see hard tiniCi. The boys v.ill give them no peace.

The colonel has coninicnced the organization of another regiment here, have two companies full. The major went out to Frederick City last ,.t-i'c and enlisted a brass bai- 1 - full member - the picnic furnished means to j;ct them instruments. They play very well and form quite an attraction to . iir dress parade. At first our parade and drills were witnessed only by 1 lured people, but we now have a good number of respecta1>le white visitors. Si?ice I last wrote several new officers have reix)rted for duty - nearly .>!! from the \\^cst - one a ist Lieutenant from Nebraska. Of five captains ,.rc:cnt, four are from the West and one from Buenos Ayres, S. A. I-ieuteniv.'.i are nearly all from New York. I have not learned the result of Amzi cx.".niination - guess it will fail.

Sam wrote me that John Miller, Dr. Donnell's nephew, was also at "-V;!.>hington, undci going an examination. IMIlIer is a sharp boy and unless '-j-Cted on the score of health, will undoubtedly go through.

Briney Barracks, Baltimore, Md., September 20, 1863. We are still in Baltimore - drilling - receiving more recruits in the way '.: otTicers - and getting things in readiness for field service. As yet we not know our destination, but of course we go somewhere on the southern - perhaps not farther south than Portsmouth. I understand the ist ^fs'.inent is at that place, erecting fortifications. Since I last wrote we have *T-:n reviewed by Major-General Schenck and staff. Reviews almost iuvaria- bring marching orders - but it failed this time. I think the General was ^^^\ pleased with our appearances. We were also marched through the prin- Streets of Baltimore by Col. Briney to show the citizens what we could out of the darkies. The "Clipper" gave us credit for making a very '-'-.'licrly display and adds that " a few such displays will do much towards ^ ^-^.rming prejudice existing against colored troops." Col. Briney is organ- izing a second regiment here: he has ah-eady between 300 and 400 nw. It makes the 7th regiment for this department. We have received a nuiiv - of new officers during the last week. -Field officers are all here. Our Colci;.; hails from New Hampshire - his name is Duncan - he was formerly Ahij,- of the 14th New Hampshire Volunteers. I think from the little acquaintar.cc I have with him that he is a fine man. j\ly Captain reported about two hou;, since. He come from Illinois, making the third captain from that slate; believe he was in the ''three months service." I take him to be a very intcll-- gent, nice man, but I fear he is deficient in military knowledge. His nan.c is "A. G. Crawford" - he is a teacher by occupation. The two captains ha\i. not yet reported. \\'e have a chaplain, a colored man. He is a pastor of the most wealthy and aristocratic church in Baltimore. He preached as fine ;: sermon last Sabbath as I ever heard from any chaplain.

here in a few days. Last Sunday we were reviewed by General \\'istar; onr regiment and the 6th did exceedingly well, for the opportunities we have had (so outsiders say). Our two companies at Williamsburg were in a brush a few days since, in which it is said they did splendidly. A foraging party wa-; sent out by Col. West, consisting of 60 men from our companies and 60 from the 139th New York, with 10 wagons. The men were all put in the wagonwhen out about three miles from Williamsburg, eight shots were fired at tlic;n from a thicket, the 139th. doys crouched down like whipped puppies and didn t fire a shot, while our fellows jimiped out of the wagon, put a volley into the thicket, and without any orders whatever, charged right in after them; Oa(^ Bushwhackers beat a hasty retreat, so that none of them were caught ; bnt one of them had to leave his overcoat and hat. Our fellows, thinking it a man, gave it a volley, putting 15 holes through the coat. This tale conicfrom the 139th boys, who say the "darkies ran in like they were hunting rabbits."

Holidays, like Sundays, are unknown in the ar;i . Ma's box hasn't "c its appearance yet, which has proved a great disa^^ Dintment to me. I ; ;- /osc we can recover the worth of it if it is lost, but I would much rather Kivc the box than the money.

Everything remains in "statu quo." The nth Connecticut A^oluntecrs h.ivf rc-cnlisted in the veteran corps and go home in a day or so. It is the ,''.il at lieadquartcrs that we take their place. They are now garrisoning fnrt Gloucester on Gloucester Point.

One of our pickets a few nights since shot a Bushwhacker. 'J'he fellow is:"\<- out of the bushes and fired at the darkey, who immediately rctm-ncd the - next morning they found the b'.ushwhackcr dead with gun in This took place at Williamsburg. We don't furnish any pickets here.

Last week five or six of our officers met and organized a little prayer .'T:ccliiig, to meet weekly (Thursday nights). Their names are: Chaplain };:;!itcr, Surgeon IMitchell, Captains Crawford, Maltby and Parrington and i.'.c'itenant Earner and myself - all church members - the Chaplain and Sur- *co:i are Methodists, Captain Maltby a Congregationalist, Captain Craw ford i I'liitcd Presbyterian, Lieutenant Earner I think is an Episcopalian - a fine r';] ,\\ anyway - left a $1,400 clerkship in Washington to accept his present ;»-<;tion.

1 see in the "Times" (N. Y.) that Indiana's quota is full, so I suppose the ----:'t did not take place. This speaks well for Hoosier patriotism. And Howe proposes calling out 1,000,000 men for ninety days - to liberi^e prisoners, S;c. All I have to say is that he is making himself appear ridiculous. It is a most laudable object, but men can't be drilled '<> as to be prepared to take the field in three month.s - much less take Rich- -::r.i)d - better call out half a million for three years.

Gloucester, Point, Va., January 17, 1864. In my last I spoke of the probability of our regiment going to Glouces- '^- The nth Connecticut left for home last week and on Wednesday our moved over and took their plare. Our company was left behind - '^ a few days to guard some property. Companies are all over now and we stationed inside the fort. We are in every way much better situated than we were over the river - excepting the ofricers - we don't find tents quiic :. convenient or comfortable as our houses were hu', still we are getting alji.j finely. Lieutenant Appleton and I have a very goc.' v.-all tent.

Duty will be somewhat heavier here, as we have some pickctln;^' to C. and also some fatigue. To give you some idea of an ofiicer's expenses, 1 v.::. say that boarding costs us five dollars a week and clothing is proportiuiu!^';, high. Don't know, how long we will remain here.

When I last wrote, our regiment was over at Gloucester Point. L;.;-. Tuesday we v/cre relieved by the i6th New York Artillery and ordeicd h::-'.. to our old camp; the next day the 5th Colored Troops arrived from Port-:- mouth and a brigade was organized under command of Col. Duncan. Ti;., brigade consists of our regiment and the 5th and 6th. Adjutant P.ailcy -<-. on the Colonel's staff as Actirig Adjutant-General and Quartermaster AVilkr as brigade quartermaster. I have been detailed as acting adjutant and Lie;;:. Barnes as acting quartermaster. The whole arrangement is temporary an.'. should a brigadier come we will all gracefully subside to cur former po?:- tions. The nev; kind of business comes a little awkward, but I think I w.W like it very well. An officer on staff duty temporarily is entitled tu a lior>c, so I made out my requisition for one, wlilch came back this evenixig a;- proved. Tomorrow, if the post quartemiaster has any, I will get one.

Lieut. Col. Rogers returned this evening. He has been home on 20 dc.\ < leave of absence. It is rumored that v/c are to have another raid, and fro::. the preparation they are making, I think it very probable. Several regrmcr,:^ have conie up from Fortress Monroe and Newport News last week. Yov. will probably soon hear of us about F.cttcn:is Bridge and the Chickahouiir.y.

Yorktown, Va., January 31, 1S64. I got my horse frou! the quartermaster, but failed to get my equipiv.e;;' Will supply myself the. first raid we make. We had quite an exciting litt!- affair in camp today, in the shape of a fight between our regiment and ti'-- 6th- ill feeling lias exi.^ted between the men of tlie regiments for some tinv:. so today tlie 6t!i pitched in to our boys, half a do.-:en of them, and took sotiH .wood from them which they were carrying to camp. Our regiment, seen;;. the game, broke over the guard line and v/ent to the rescue; the 6tii followc' suit, and the consequence v/as a free fight., in which a good portion of b.'tl regiments wa:, engaged; sticks., rocks and bricks fiew aroimd in the mo^- lively manner. Our boys soon drove them back over tlieir guard line and NVf

I forget-Avhcther I wrote about the 22di Colored Troops joining our They came in about ten days since from; Philadelphia. Their colonel «.;s lorincrly colonel of the 137th Penn. nine months. Vols. I saw him at the UiStlc of Chanccllorsville. We have four regiments now in the brigade. The 'i.'.\ lias temporarily been detached and sent to ^^'illiamsburg. Colonel Dunviu and Colonel Ames (of the 6th) are now on board of examination for inf.riipetent officers; the board is sitting in Yorktown. Colonel Draper of the ;,! .\(irth Carolina Colored Volunteers, has had the name of his regiment ih.iiijjcd to.tlie U. S. C. T. and has had his officers ordered before this board !''r examination. The. result i.. two-thirds of them will be recommended for il-.M-harge for incompetency. Colonel Rogers has made application to have -.Vae or four of our oflicers cited to appear for, examination by them. ' Two !:-.^)rc of our captains have gotten themselves into hot water. Captain Maltby '-..IS been recommended by Colonel Rogers. Colonel DuncrUi and General '.'. !>;lar, to General "Butler for dismissal, for giving the countersign to his «'«!cr while here on a visit. He asked to" be allovyed to resign and his resignat.'ii was approved by all the commanders at this post. It is now in Butler's 'mI)<Is; don't know what disposal he will make of him.

Charges have been preferred against Captain^ Dillenback for making a hUit return of clothing. These charges arc also in Butler's hands, and it re- ::..iir.s to be seen what action he will take. No recommendations have been ^.;.idc yet to "fill the vacancy in "B" Co.; think under tlie circumstances I will !- kc the captaincy, providing always I can get it.

I have. nothing new or very interesting to write. We follow the same routine day after day - Company drill in forenoon, battalion in afternoon, with fatigue every third day---since T have been Acting \'ljiitant Tescape all but battalion drill; .

Today we had our Sunday inspection in forenoon and ,this afternoon --:eut. Barnes and Lwent out riding - went half way to Williamsburg and then again, and got into camp just in time for dress parade.

Last week wc finished our church and tonight the men are holding a meeting in it. Thev are ^ery e-x:itable and demonstrative in their '^-''rship; they are now singing, and I think with a favorable wind, thev would be heard five miles. Officers have been busy with their pay rolls for sewr-r days; tomorrow \vc are to be mustered for pay, for January and Fcl)ruarv Captain Alaltby's resignation has been accepted, and he has been hoiiorab',, discharged from the service. This makes two vacant captaincies in the rc^imeat. As yet no measures have been taken to fill them. Col. Rogers pron; ises to forward recommendations in a few days. Wolfe, after being cashier^,'., went to Washington and has been tr\-ing to get reinstated. He writes hnni,,. to Monmouth, where Crawford comes from, that he has succeeded, but I doiTi believe it. I see Grant has all his columns in motion again except Schoficld. I fear Sherman will meet with disaster before he reaches supplies; his nidw-- ment is the boldest of the war so far - not excepting Wistar's late RichuKni.! raid. It would be a grand thing if Grant should demolish Polk's am! Johiiston's armies, and then cap the climax by taking Richmond and Lee in rear, while the army of the Potomac lies snug in winter quarters.

Since I last wrote you we have been constantly on the mo\'e. Last Tuesday we marched with four days' rations up the peninsula to meet Kilpatrick. We left camp at four o'clock and marched all night, thr(jugh a cold, drenching rain niost of the time and over heavy roads. We reached New Kent Court House next day at three o'clock - marching forty-three miles in twent} - three hours. We met Kilpatrick's forces near Baltimore Crossroad, and wc returned to Yorklow n Saturday.

Our brigade was the first colored troops they had seen and of course they regarded us w^'th much curiosity, but they manifested a very friendly spirit, cheered lustily as they passed, and assured us if we had been with them they would have gone into Richmond "like a D - n."

Shortly after getting into camp on Saturday we were ordered to march again; this time we went in a new direction. Saturday night we took transports and next morning found oursehes at Portsmouth. We disembarked and came out here yesterday on the cars - we are now three miles from Portsmouth. Kilpatrick's ca\alry came down with us. It seems Old Ben got scared - thought the rebs were coming down on Norfolk and Portsmouth, sn we were ordered down. Kilpatrick has been otit to Suffolk and reports no rebs to be found, so we are expecting ard hoping for orders to return. Gen. Berry and the 7th are here. They leave this a. m. for Hollow Head.

Yorktown, Va., February 10, 1863. We are just in from another "on to Richmond" - came in late last even- :-.'h' I hoped when we started to be able in my next to tell you how gloriously »r cliarged rebel fortifications, laid the rebel capitol in ashes, captured Jeff i»:iis, released our 15,000 prisoners. &c., &c. You may smile at the absurdity . ! uch an undertaking, but nevertheless this was the real purpose of our expe- "II. And we confidently expected to accomplish it. but alas, we are ' 'iiicd to many bitter disappointments. As it is, 1 can only say we "marched t!ic hill and then - marched down again" and instead of chronicling desper- charges, I can only boast of bully marching. On Friday morning we orders to march at one o'clock [). m. with six days rati()ns. That :",lit we camped at Williamsburg; next morning our brigade was joined by '"' !. West's brigade and Gen. Wistar issued a congratulatory address, rather iihastic, telling us we were to accomplish the most daring thing of the war, We left \\'illianisburg at 10 o'clock, taking the direct Rich.mond road, noun Col. Spears cavalry brigade, 1.500 in number, passed us. and dur- the day I learned the object of the expedition. The cavalry, by forced were to make a dash on Richmond, take the place by surjirise, cap- c Jeff Davis, liberate the prisoners, burn the city, and then retire with the prisoners; while the two brigades of infantry were to meet them at '" ttuni bridge and escort them back in case of pursuit; it was decidedly the "^t daring and original thing of the war , everything depended on the secrecs' celerity of our mo\cments and I believe it would have succeeded if we i not been betrayed. The cavalry pushed ahead; the infantry reached New - ''It Court House at midnight and halted during the night ; the rebels had signal lights and rockets going up on all sides; early Sunday morning w^- pushed on for Bottom bridge, distant i6 miles - oim colored troops takin"

,.vc(.l to be the case. We left Yorktown Sabbath inoniing and reached - ' -< place same night. It was raining when we arrivci! so we remained on t:-'..." boat all night - next morning we landed and the I2t!i .'. 11. Vols, immediate! v took same boat for Yorktown; we took possession oi the camp vacated I-v the I2th; they had been here about 8 months and had their cjuarters fixed in good style; most of our officers bought the houses of the New Ilamp. otliccrs; mine is lo ft. by 20, and with bucket, basin, sto\e, desk, table, four iiicc chairs and feather tick, cost me $7.00; it cost the Adjutant of the 12th nvcr $60. I am much more comfortably situated now than any other time t'lioc I left home. I hope Gen. Butler A\ill let us remain here, this summer j'lViiow, and I can't help but think he will, for they will need some troops l:iTC and why not keep us ?

Point Lookout is a low, sandy point, formed by the Potomac river and Clie.-apeake Bay ; it is nearly an island and I suppose that is the reason it was H-Icclcd as a depot for prisoners. I understand there are about 7,000 of the "i'.'lumies" here to take care of them. V/e have three regiments - the 5th N'. H. Vols: and 4th & 36th Col. Troops; the 36th was formerly the 2nd N'orth Carolina and isn't of much force. Our turn for a guard comes every tliird day; it requires 300 men and two officers. The reb? are confined in two large cainps, surrounded by a strong board fence 20 feet high; they have barracks and plenty to eat and don't seem to care whether they get back !-' the army or not. I haven't been inside of their camip yet, but I am going t" see them this week. The officers of the 5th seem disposed to be quite friendly.

Among the conveniences we have is a dancing hiall. Our officets had a ''is^ dance Friday night and the 8th officers turned out enmassc with their Guess they had a big time--kept it up till two o'clock next morning: '>aticing not being my forte, T wasn't present.