From Camp near Corinth

We are in receipt of a letter some thirteen pages in length from a “Camp near Corinth” correspondent, giving us the details of the brilliant and successful charge of the Iowa 2d cavalry , in rescuing Paine’s division form the tight place in which they had gotten themselves, but adventuring too close to the enemy.  As our correspondent “Diff.” has given us full particulars we are obliged to rule out our friend’s favor, but thank him just as kindly for his attention.  As his letter is one day later that that published on Saturday, we give the concluding portion, testifying to the uncomplaining disposition of our Iowa boys, even when severely wounded:

Two or three of the wounded came in three miles on horseback, each with a foot almost severed at the ankle, yet sitting upright in the saddle and frequently making some careless remark, or threatening vengeance the next time they met the “secesh.”  Two poor fellows, which I now have the care of, were each shot through the right ankle, and apparently by a large grape shot or small cannon ball.  It was a sickening sight to see their limbs amputated, yet wonderful to observe how bravely they stood the operation.  I was with them till midnight, and have been all day long to-day, and am now sitting between their cots, writing, as they are sleeping tranquilly.  One poor man received his mortal wound, and died to-day noon, and I was told that only a few hours before he died he sat propped up in his cot and wrote a letter to his wife.

It is truly wonderful, how patiently our wounded men bear their pains, and how uncomplainingly they submit to the most painful surgical operations.  If any doubt that Iowa has brave sons, let them come and see them fight, or view them lying in the hospital tent, and convince themselves of the fact.

To-day a secesh deserter came into our camp, and told his story, the purport of which was, that, although they were last upon the field, and nearly double in number, yet they sustained a greater loss in killed and wounded.  Strange as it may seem, they evacuated their position, which of course our forces now occupy.

SUNDAY, MAY 11. – An attack is expected upon our left flank soon; and when I awoke this morning, the boys had their horses saddled, ready to start for the conflict at a moment’s notice.  Another deserter, just come in, says that Beauregard lately made a speech in which he seemed confident that he could, with 120,000 men he claimed, whip us. – Perhaps he can, but I don’t believe it.

Yours, &c.

B.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 1