Camp at Lagrange,
Tenn., November 15, 1862.
We're having more of a rest here than we anticipated when we
arrived. Suppose that the organizing of the army into divisions and brigades
delays us some; and, maybe, the change of commanders in the Potomac army has
something to do with it. Or possibly we're waiting for McClernand to move from
Memphis. I don't think our army here (the Corinth and Bolivar forces) is very
large, though some estimate it quite strong, as much as 50,000 or 60,000. I
think we have about 35,000, maybe less. General Lauman has been relieved from
command of our division by General McKean and ordered to Memphis. Am sorry to
lose him. He has few equals for skill in handling a division or honor and
courage as a soldier. Am much afraid that the rainy season will catch us in the
midst of our slow motions, and then good bye all hopes of the war's closing
next spring. McPherson and Logan promised in speeches a few days since that we
would finish up the business within 40 days; and I believe we can, West of
Georgia, if this weather will continue and our commanders will improve it.
Don't believe that Price will dare to fight us anywhere, certainly not this
side of Jackson. We can't have more than 40 days' of marching weather yet until
the rains come, and in that time we ought at least to make 250 miles. The more
I think about the matter, the surer I am that we won't do much before next May.
Well, I enjoy soldiering and can stand the delay in proportion; but inactivity
when a fellow can't see the reason therefor, is provoking to a degree
extensive. We made a capital start from Peoria to this place in five days, but
the thing hasn't been followed up. Our cavalry has been doing some dashing work
here, sums up about 300 prisoners, etc. But the 7th hasn't figured much
therein, at least not in reports, although the 7th boys say they did their
share. I have seen all my acquaintances in the 7th, and the 8th Infantry is
also here. Fred Norcott and Milo are both looking splendidly. Also Ben
Rockhold. 'Tis said that General Logan publicly disgraced the 17th to-day for
some insult to himself. Never thought much of that 17th and think less now than
ever before. They certainly show no signs of discipline that can be seen by the
naked eye. The 7th Kansas Cavalry, 'tis said, proposed in writing to General
Grant, that if he would give them a certain time, (no other condition), they
would capture or kill General Price. I wish he'd do it. They would raise the
d---1 around the Rebel army, and I believe it practicable at any time for 500
daring men to reach the person of any of our commanders, and why not theirs.
They are cutting our baggage down to a very small compass, so that six wagons
can haul for ten companies. I'm opposed to it, but Halleck ranks me and I will
have to submit. Nobody in this country seems to care a cuss whether McClellan
is removed or not. General feeling is that the Potomac Army is only good to
draw greenbacks and occupy winter quarters. We're in hopes that Pope will be
sent back to us after he finishes hanging those Indians. I don't believe there
is a regiment in this army that would not cheer him as its corps commander.
Everybody seems to be willing to bet something on Pope. Hurlbut is the most
popular man here as a division commander, and I think that Grant could get more
votes than any other man for commander of the army, always excepting Rosy.
Grant is not so popular among the general officers, as far as I know, but the
whole line believe in him, mostly, because he is for going ahead and will fight
his men. The Memphis force hasn't moved yet that I can hear of. Everything goes
on swimmingly in the 103d. The old regiments try to bore our boys by calling
them conscripts and $40 men, but don't succeed well. In a march of 15 miles
last week an old regiment, 3d Iowa, tried to run us down but it ended in our
marching right through them. Dorrance is an excellent fellow in the field,
wouldn't trade him for any other lieutenant in the regiment. The Democratic
victories at the polls don't excite anyone here. We only wish the soldiers
could vote. Illinois would talk differently if we could..
SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an
Illinois Soldier, p. 143-5
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