CAMP ON THE ROAD TO NEW MADRID,
8 miles from Charleston, Mo,
March 6th, 1862.
FRIEND SANDERS: The 1st and 2d battalions of the 2nd Iowa cavalry, left Bird’s Point on the 4th, and finding themselves surrounded by the high water, were, after some delay, transported by steamboats five miles up the river above the sloughs. The rear did not arrive until 11 o’clock p.m., and camped at the landing for the night. Left camp at 7 a. m. yesterday (5th) and passed through Charleston about noon. We found Maj. Love and the 3d battalion camped in the town, having arrived the day previous. They had taken possession of a printing office, and were getting out a paper. Having obtained a copy of the proof sheet, I send it to you as a specimen of the first attempt of the 2nd Cavalry. As soon as the train came up, the 1st and 2d battalions moved forward and camped as above.
The country from Charleston here is very fine, more level than Iowa; principally timber land, but occasionally some small prairies. The soil is very sandy, but produces the biggest kind of corn, having noticed several stalks standing not less than twenty feet high. The country is full of corn, cribs full, and a great deal standing in the fields.
We are camped in a fine settlement. On one side of the road is a fine brick house: secesh away, and a substitute in charge. No one from the command is allowed to enter the premises. On the opposite side is a good house, with Union inhabitants.
The 10th Iowa were at Charleston and a few miles this side. This morning, as we were preparing to star, a dispatch came with orders to halt here until further orders. So, here we are. Orders may come to go forward, or to return; we hope the former, but are ready for orders. We are expecting a provision train every hour, being now “out,” and when it returns will mail this and anything further that may transpire. We are isolated from the world here. We hear a report of a fight and a victory at Manassas. Hope it’s true, and more soon to follow. Weather very cold.
March 8th. - Left camp yesterday morning at 10 a.m. and taking the “back track” part way, arrived here at Bertrand, the town we visited last Saturday, after Jeff Thompson. All was quiet here then; but there is now at least five thousand troops here – two regiments of cavalry[,] there is an impassible swamp a few miles ahead, but a column is forming here. Gen. Pope’s command is within three miles of New Madrid, where the rebels are in full force. It is reported that they threw a shell yesterday into Gen. Pope’s camp. Distance from here to New Madrid thirty-five miles. This column will move in a day or two, and join Gen. Pope. If the rebels don’t “skedaddle” look out for another haul. I received at this place two Gazettes, the only news for three whole days. Mail to Cairo, until further notice – weather fine.
In haste, yours,
DIFF.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, March 13, 1862, p. 2
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