Memphis, Tenn.
June 24, 1864
Mr. J. H. Caverly:–
Dear sir – by request of the boys from Oceola, I undertake to pen you a few lines. You have been informed of our arrival at this place, a few days ago. On last Saturday we marched out of Memphis into camp some three miles North and East of the city, in a very nice piece of wood land. This was the first march and the warmest day the boys ever felt. Some stopped by the wayside until refreshed, but finally, all arrived safe in the evening. – Since that time the boys have had some good times, and some hard times. The warm weather and change of diet have set pretty hard on some. Several of the Clark Co. boys have been unwell more or less since here in camp, among whom is the writer.
On Wednesday some of the boys were detailed to guard a R. R. train out some 40 miles. The train was fired into, the breakman killed, and one wounded. Yesterday another detail was made for same purpose; it was fired into again, one citizen killed, two wounded, two old soldiers killed and eight wounded. To-day, will be another detail. One-third of our Regiment is gone to guard Rail Road, and one third out on picket duty. The army here which numbered 60,000 one week ago is now reduced to about 20,000, who have gone in the direction of Gun Town to hunt for rebs. It is expected here daily, that our forces will be engaged in deadly conflict. Maj. Gen. Washburn is a right Gov. and will make this place loyal if it is possible. He has notified the present Mayor and City Government if they suceed [sic] in their reelection, (which is to come off on the 30th,) he will supersede them by the military. The Rebs of this city held their Convention last night. They have agreed to abide the Chicago Convention, and support it to the utmost. Nice Company for Northern Copperheads! To hell, with the whole pile of them, is my prayer.
Well, I must say something about the Oceola boys. Some five of the boys said if they were with their mothers one or two days to partake of their hospitalities, they would be all right. But finding that impossible, those five started to find a table more more [sic] congenial to their appetites than that in camp: accordingly O. B. Wilson, Duane Goss, Geo. Bates, M. Bennett, and P. Fowler faced north west half a mile and stacked arms in the yard of a wealthy Secesh woman, and ordered the best she could get up. In good time it came. The boys returned and reported that they each eat [sic] one head of cabbage, one half-quarter of beef, bushel of lettuce, pickled beets and no end to blackberry pies, and butter milk, informing the Captain, after three hours rest, that they would be ready to march to Charleston. If about six more of the Clark Co. boys could get a like treat I think that they would be able for duty. None but M. Bennett, have received a letter from home yet. They are getting very dry for news from home. A few letters from home and a few numbers of the Sentinel would be an oasis in a desert. I find , Mr. Editor, my lines cover too much space. I, in the name of the boys, bid you and kind friends good bye.
W. Watts
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864
June 24, 1864
Mr. J. H. Caverly:–
Dear sir – by request of the boys from Oceola, I undertake to pen you a few lines. You have been informed of our arrival at this place, a few days ago. On last Saturday we marched out of Memphis into camp some three miles North and East of the city, in a very nice piece of wood land. This was the first march and the warmest day the boys ever felt. Some stopped by the wayside until refreshed, but finally, all arrived safe in the evening. – Since that time the boys have had some good times, and some hard times. The warm weather and change of diet have set pretty hard on some. Several of the Clark Co. boys have been unwell more or less since here in camp, among whom is the writer.
On Wednesday some of the boys were detailed to guard a R. R. train out some 40 miles. The train was fired into, the breakman killed, and one wounded. Yesterday another detail was made for same purpose; it was fired into again, one citizen killed, two wounded, two old soldiers killed and eight wounded. To-day, will be another detail. One-third of our Regiment is gone to guard Rail Road, and one third out on picket duty. The army here which numbered 60,000 one week ago is now reduced to about 20,000, who have gone in the direction of Gun Town to hunt for rebs. It is expected here daily, that our forces will be engaged in deadly conflict. Maj. Gen. Washburn is a right Gov. and will make this place loyal if it is possible. He has notified the present Mayor and City Government if they suceed [sic] in their reelection, (which is to come off on the 30th,) he will supersede them by the military. The Rebs of this city held their Convention last night. They have agreed to abide the Chicago Convention, and support it to the utmost. Nice Company for Northern Copperheads! To hell, with the whole pile of them, is my prayer.
Well, I must say something about the Oceola boys. Some five of the boys said if they were with their mothers one or two days to partake of their hospitalities, they would be all right. But finding that impossible, those five started to find a table more more [sic] congenial to their appetites than that in camp: accordingly O. B. Wilson, Duane Goss, Geo. Bates, M. Bennett, and P. Fowler faced north west half a mile and stacked arms in the yard of a wealthy Secesh woman, and ordered the best she could get up. In good time it came. The boys returned and reported that they each eat [sic] one head of cabbage, one half-quarter of beef, bushel of lettuce, pickled beets and no end to blackberry pies, and butter milk, informing the Captain, after three hours rest, that they would be ready to march to Charleston. If about six more of the Clark Co. boys could get a like treat I think that they would be able for duty. None but M. Bennett, have received a letter from home yet. They are getting very dry for news from home. A few letters from home and a few numbers of the Sentinel would be an oasis in a desert. I find , Mr. Editor, my lines cover too much space. I, in the name of the boys, bid you and kind friends good bye.
W. Watts
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, July 9, 1864
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