Corinth, Miss. May 4, 1863.

 

Dear Sister:

                        I received your last letter before going out on the expedition into Alabama, but not in time to answer it then. I will now give you some account of our trip, noting down the incidents of each day. Well, then on the

 

            1^st day of our march, which was April 20^th we went about 18 miles. At Glendale we were joined by our pickets, who came to that point by railroad. Starting from this point about 3 o'clock, we marched to Burnsville, a station on the Memphis and Charleston road between here and Iuka. We attempted to cross a swamp just beyond this place after dark, but were compelled to turn back and wait until daylight.

 

            The 2^nd day's march brought us to Bear River in Alabama, which we crossed on a pontoon bridge. We passed through Iuka on the road and halted there for dinner. We found the place unaltered in appearance, and its water no less glorious than ever. You will perhaps recollect my accounts of its beautiful springs. Soon after leaving Iuka the rain began to descend, rendering the road by no means enviable. For about two miles the road wound along the bed of a creek, between two hills. We plunged along through water and mud, having to stop frequently in consequence of being in the rear of the train. Not a murmuring word was heard from the boys, but frequent jests, such as "Only four feet deep". "No bottom". It reminded me very strongly of our march to the Tennessee River. I found my boots very useful. The rain stopped before night and we dried ourselves and passed the the night very comfortably. We camped in two hills facing each other, and the camp fires scattered all around were / exceedingly beautiful.

 

            The 3^d day we remained in camp. Nothing of especial interest transpired, except that there was a good deal of private skirmishing, resulting in the capture of several chickens, hogs, calves, etc.

 

            The 4^th day we took up the line of march again, advancing about 15 miles. Our force was from 10,000 to 12,000. We passed through a section of country equal in beauty and richness to anything I have ever seen. One plantation especially took my eye. It contained about 1000 acres of beautiful land. A natural mound some 40 feet high afforded a magnificent prospect. On its top was a small cemetery. Scarcely any of the land is now under cultivation however. The slaves have nearly all run off, and there is no one left to till the soil. Hundreds of acres that were planted with corn last year now lie idle. From all this rich country the secesh another year will obtain nothing, and starvation is staring the inhabitants in the face. In taking their negroes we have taken their strength. At night our company was ordered on picket, which was the occasion of a little adventure to me I must not fail to relate. The secesh pickets could be seen across a meadow, and from the top of a high steep bluff they had been firing down upon our men. Volunteers were called for from our county to skirmish up the hill, and see if they were still there. 12 stepped out, myself one. We advanced cautiously up the hill which was covered with a thick undergrowth of thorns and was very rocky. Each tree and bush was eagerly watched lest there should be some hidden rebel lurking behind ready to meet us. The top of one elevation was reached after great difficulty, and part of us were ordered to turn to the left and ascend another small peak, on the top of which some fancied they saw behind a tree a man. Up this then we went. I was on the extreme left. When within about 20 feet of the top, I saw behind a / tree the arm of a man dressed in butternut clothes. I thought we had found them at last. I made a noise to put my comrade, who was advancing in a direct line with him, on his guard. The man who had been concealed behind the tree was watching those coming up on his right, and had not noticed me. When I spoke he jumped from behind the tree and threw up his arms, scared very much. I drew up my gun to shoot, but the others had seen that he was not armed, and said to me "Don't Shoot". You may rest assured that when I saw him jump from behind the tree I didn't stop to see whether he had a gun or not before bringing my own to my shoulder. The prisoner proved to be an old man. When asked what he was doing in that strange place, he at one time said, he was looking at us as we passed, having never seen so many soldiers before. Again he said he was hunting for a cow. He was probably a spy trying to find out the number of our forces. We found his horse tied behind a rock near by. Thus ended my little adventure, without harm to me, but with a considerable startling of my nervous system. From the top of this hill a beautiful view of the valley below and of the Tennessee River was afforded. We were now within seven miles of Tuscumbia. On the morning of the 5^th the

 

            5^th day we advanced toward the town. Before leaving our picket post we committed fearful slaughter amongst a flock of sheep. Eleven fell before a gallant charge. Scarcely had we skinned and cut them up ere orders to march came, and we were compelled to leave our trophies on the field. We advanced cautiously toward the town, the cavalry scouring the woods on each flank as we advanced. We met with no opposition however and about noon we reached the town. Our route still lay through a beautiful country. With our arrival at Tuscumbia I will conclude my account in this letter, giving another instalment in a few days in a letter to mother. /

 

            Mr. Leonard and family have truly been greatly afflicted. I hope that he may be able to see through the cloud, that God's loving hand still is in it all. Tell them that they have my sincere sympathy in their great affliction.

 

            Tell mother I shall need more stamps soon. My love to all. Write soon to

                                               

Your Brother,

                                               

We will probably be paid off within a day or two.

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