Str. South Wester

                                                                                                Off Alexandra, La.

                                                                                                            March 22^nd 1864—

                                                                                                                        Tuesday—

 

My Dear Annie,

                                    I had finished my letter to you yesterday when an order came to “fall in”. I went on the bank to the camp, and as the men got into line it commenced a violent rain & hail storm, which continued with slight intermissions till dark, and after. When the men had become sufficiently wet they were ordered to camp, to prepare 2 days rations in Haversacks, and await further orders, which have not arrived yet, at 10 1/2 A. M. no one knows what for, or why we were thus ordered out in a shower—at least no one that I have heard say anything about it. The weather is cold & cloudy this morning. The hail is not all gone, and on the top of the boat I noticed a little, looked like snow. last night ice froze over the water Barrels. The soldiers that went out yesterday morning must have had a hard time last night in the wet & cold of this “sunny south”. which, by the way, is nearly as cold as Iowa The boat is comfortable, in each end of the cabin is a huge coal-stove, kept wa this cold weather. then I have a good mattress in my berth, and plenty of blankets, so that I am warm enough during these very cold nights. /

 

This trip is becoming irksome. we are staying here too long. The men will get sick presently unless we move. The days seem long, and still they pass away almost before one is aware of it. I get up about 7 in the morning. when breakfast is ready, eat my breakfast, and inquire the news of which there is always an abundance. Then sometimes we have a game of cards, though not often. write a line to you, read a little in some book, of which there is no scarcity, since we came here, Confiscated by the chaplain, or stolen perhaps is the proper word. eat dinner at 12 1/2. Then I take a nap invariably, waking at 3. Then read a little perhaps, or do nothing as the case may require, till six, when tea is ready. Then sometimes after that is over, comes a game of cards, and between 9 & 10 I am abed, and perhaps asleep. You will see that I am writing on confiscated paper and with a confiscated quill. I found these necessary articles when I was on provost Guard a few days ago. It is a long time since I wrote with a quill, yet it comes somewhat natural. It is harder for me to keep a straight line on this unruled paper than formerly when accustomed to it. Col. Gilbert of the 27^th Iowa has his wife along, which is no doubt pleasant our days of steamboating were pleasant you remember but if you were here you would not find it so pleasant as on the Canada, too many Soldiers here I think. /

 

Afternoon. I have had my sleep after Dinner, and as I see everybody writing I thought I should write you a line or two more—But I dont know what to write now. The weather has cleared off nicely & the mud is fast drying up. I have not been ashore to-day. The Drs. are sending all the seriously sick to the Hospital Boat “Woodford,” of the Marine Brigade, where they can be better cared for. none of Co. “I.” goes and I am glad of it. one of the “Musqueto fleet” came up the river this P.M. with 2 coal barges. it caused some excitement, from the hope that a mail for us might be on board of it. I heard many inquiries, but no one seemed to know whether a mail had come or not. I wish one would come I would gladden us to hear from Iowa, or I should be glad to hear from you, and that you were well, and many other things I know you would write one. The weather is cold in Iowa perhaps. When I left D— Mar. 21^st 1862 for Dixie the ice was quite thick on the river as you recollect no doubt. It is said our forces had a fight yesterday a few miles south but how it terminated or what was effected no one seems to know, except that 32 wounded men were brought in last night, including one Col. Six Regts of Cavalry, part of Banks forces were sent out as reinforcements, of which nothing so far as I know has been heard. It was no doubt a reconnoitering force of Rebs. that ventured a trifle too close, and I hope has received a good reward. /

 

The Rebel forces seem to be sadly demoralized on this side of the river. It is confidently asserted by citizens here who have the credit of being good union men, while we are here at least, that aside from the forces in Texas the Rebs. have not 10,000 men west of the Miss. River. I have no doubt but we can go as far as we please, or as the water will allow, without their being able to molest us. At Ft. DeBussey they have one fortification mounting 3 guns, strongly protected by R. Road iron. The front of it was finished. after the balance of the works had been blown up, the Gunboat Essex fired 5 shots from a 100# Parrott gun. one shot missed entirely. The 4 that struck completely ruined the work that had consumed months of weary toil to build, and which they boasted was impenetrable. They can build no fortification, or obstruction that will prevent Gunboats from passing, or that cannot be destroyed. The complete losses taking the fort were 6 killed & 30 wounded. The captures consisted in a large quantity of ammunition, 10 heavy guns, and 300 prisoners with their arms. Several were killed by bursting a cannon to destroy it, and the blowing up of the magazine. I had nothing to write, but to-day I have filled my sheet. I may have a chance to send it in a day or so, & it will be ready—

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