Headquarters 15th Iowa Inft. Vols
Vicksburg Miss. Jan 23d, 1864
Mr. Caverly:–
It seems as but yesterday since visiting you last, and I am quite surprised to find upon examination that the last was written Jan. 4th, 1864. That and the two days immediately succeeding, [s]ufficed to consume the effervescence arising from the almost unanimous, and quite uneffectual enthusiasm of the men in the first stages of “Veteran enlistments.” And now that the men have “cooled off” and things have resumed the even tenure heretofore unbroken and not likely soon to be broken again, one may not unreasonably retrospect the doings of the past few weeks, and grasp, if he can, the reasons for the action taken, the importance of the movement, and the results likely to accrue from it. I would not have you understand, Mr. Editor, that I am about to enter upon a discussion of the merits of Veteran Soldiers, or speak words of pacification to mothers, fathers, brothers or sisters for those who have reenlisted in the Regiment for an additional term “three years or the war.” The mind of each, having the good of the country in view, will suggest this. But I do wish you to understand, that having thus acted, somewhat upon the spur of the moment, –not without good and potent reasons either, –we are still willing to scrutinize the work and prepare the mind more thoroughly for performing the grave and noble task before us. And having given the matter a reinvestigation, and having stamped the mind with every interest involved, to reenter the arena, full of terrible responsibility, with that courage, consistency and [s]eriousness so becoming to christian and patriotic [men]. Reenlistments have been pretty general throughout the Corps. Every Regiment in the third Brigade (ours) has enlisted, and vies with the others as to which shall first obtain the furlough.
The work of preparation for war goes bravely on. For four days the 3d Division (General Legetts) has been drilling for a prize, - a banner prepared by the Divisions commanders, – culminating today in a drill by the best reg’s in each of the three Brigades; viz:– 17th Ill., 124 Ill. And the 78th Ohio, terminating with the presentation of the banner by Maj. Gen. McPherson to the 124th Ill., –the judges having awarded to it the title “Exesitr” [my best guess] written conspicuously on the flag. The drill to day was very exciting, and the Regiments performed the manouvers [sic] in line and the manual of arms in splendid style. Large crowds of soldiers, citizens, fair damsels and scores of sombre hue, were in attendance, and manifested the liveliest interest in the performers.
Rumor, – twin sister to the father of lies, – says an expedition will leave Vicksburg for [illegible] in [illegible] of the State within a few days, with the express purpose of occupying Jackson, organizing a State government for Miss., and thrashing or otherwise punishing the rebel hordes infesting the country.
It is positively known that the Regiment will be paid within a few days, as some of us saw the Pay Master to day and he told us so. Nothing will be received with more thankfulness than the money now due for services rendered.
The Men in the Regiment enjoy excellent health. Isaac Haner arrived this P. M. from a visit somewhere; he has been detained for many weeks by sickness. He is a good boy and we welcome him among us.
The members of Co., “I” have all enlisted and are anxiously waiting an opportunity to pay their friends in Clark and elsewhere a visit.
The weather has been for a week past the finest imaginable. The clear enlivening sunlight never shone more benignantly on any people.
Secession only blighte[d] this fairland and sunny clime, and the return of peace will inaugurate a return to the same brilliance and prosperity enjoyed previous to the rebellion.
Enjoying this pleasant sunshine we read with dismay and horror of the ice and snow and frost and wind in Iowa Our sympathetic natures stand aghast at the thought of frozen existence, icy fettered streams and crystal covered landscapes.
But my letter is growing too lengthy and I will close. The Sentinel of the 9th ins. Is just received. Its columns are always heartily welcome.
Adieu!
E. H. King
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Oscoela, Iowa, February 20, 1864
Vicksburg Miss. Jan 23d, 1864
Mr. Caverly:–
It seems as but yesterday since visiting you last, and I am quite surprised to find upon examination that the last was written Jan. 4th, 1864. That and the two days immediately succeeding, [s]ufficed to consume the effervescence arising from the almost unanimous, and quite uneffectual enthusiasm of the men in the first stages of “Veteran enlistments.” And now that the men have “cooled off” and things have resumed the even tenure heretofore unbroken and not likely soon to be broken again, one may not unreasonably retrospect the doings of the past few weeks, and grasp, if he can, the reasons for the action taken, the importance of the movement, and the results likely to accrue from it. I would not have you understand, Mr. Editor, that I am about to enter upon a discussion of the merits of Veteran Soldiers, or speak words of pacification to mothers, fathers, brothers or sisters for those who have reenlisted in the Regiment for an additional term “three years or the war.” The mind of each, having the good of the country in view, will suggest this. But I do wish you to understand, that having thus acted, somewhat upon the spur of the moment, –not without good and potent reasons either, –we are still willing to scrutinize the work and prepare the mind more thoroughly for performing the grave and noble task before us. And having given the matter a reinvestigation, and having stamped the mind with every interest involved, to reenter the arena, full of terrible responsibility, with that courage, consistency and [s]eriousness so becoming to christian and patriotic [men]. Reenlistments have been pretty general throughout the Corps. Every Regiment in the third Brigade (ours) has enlisted, and vies with the others as to which shall first obtain the furlough.
The work of preparation for war goes bravely on. For four days the 3d Division (General Legetts) has been drilling for a prize, - a banner prepared by the Divisions commanders, – culminating today in a drill by the best reg’s in each of the three Brigades; viz:– 17th Ill., 124 Ill. And the 78th Ohio, terminating with the presentation of the banner by Maj. Gen. McPherson to the 124th Ill., –the judges having awarded to it the title “Exesitr” [my best guess] written conspicuously on the flag. The drill to day was very exciting, and the Regiments performed the manouvers [sic] in line and the manual of arms in splendid style. Large crowds of soldiers, citizens, fair damsels and scores of sombre hue, were in attendance, and manifested the liveliest interest in the performers.
Rumor, – twin sister to the father of lies, – says an expedition will leave Vicksburg for [illegible] in [illegible] of the State within a few days, with the express purpose of occupying Jackson, organizing a State government for Miss., and thrashing or otherwise punishing the rebel hordes infesting the country.
It is positively known that the Regiment will be paid within a few days, as some of us saw the Pay Master to day and he told us so. Nothing will be received with more thankfulness than the money now due for services rendered.
The Men in the Regiment enjoy excellent health. Isaac Haner arrived this P. M. from a visit somewhere; he has been detained for many weeks by sickness. He is a good boy and we welcome him among us.
The members of Co., “I” have all enlisted and are anxiously waiting an opportunity to pay their friends in Clark and elsewhere a visit.
The weather has been for a week past the finest imaginable. The clear enlivening sunlight never shone more benignantly on any people.
Secession only blighte[d] this fairland and sunny clime, and the return of peace will inaugurate a return to the same brilliance and prosperity enjoyed previous to the rebellion.
Enjoying this pleasant sunshine we read with dismay and horror of the ice and snow and frost and wind in Iowa Our sympathetic natures stand aghast at the thought of frozen existence, icy fettered streams and crystal covered landscapes.
But my letter is growing too lengthy and I will close. The Sentinel of the 9th ins. Is just received. Its columns are always heartily welcome.
Adieu!
E. H. King
– Published in The Union Sentinel, Oscoela, Iowa, February 20, 1864
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