Clarke County and the Civil War

Union Sentinel -18 APR 1863

Camp 15th Iowa

Near Providence, La

March 28th 1863

Mr. Caverly:

My promise to keep you and your readers posted as to the doings of our Regiment and Army, as far as it lay in my power, is my only apology for intruding another brief missive on your notice. Brief I say, because I could not reasonably be expected to prepare an essay for your perusal of any considerable length when the events transpiring within the circle of my observation, are so little calculated to excite the interest or curiosity of the reader. The letting of the water into the canal, the overflowing of the country opposite and below, and our removal of camp in consequence, are the only incidents tending in the least to interrupt the common routine of duty in camp life in the field. On the 21st inst., we left our beautiful camp on the lake and pitched our tents four miles further up the river, in an old cotton field which a three days rain compelled us to evacuate on the 26th, the morning of the 27th found us sailing rapidly down "the father of waters." Three miles south of Providence, by order of Gen. _____, she "hove to" and we again stepped on terra firma and pitched our tents. The ground here is higher and dryer than any previously occupied in Louisiana, a fact especially gratifying to the soldier, whose health and comfort are greatly enhanced thereby. Cattle, sheep, hogs, chickens &c., abounded to some extent on our arrival, but their number has already become "beautifully less" on the rigid application of army practice which the boys enforce to the extent of their hungry palates. Everything edible or which will enhance to the comfort of the soldiers, belonging to rebels, is taken and applied to the benefit of the Confiscator. Thus the soldier contrives to make both ends meet. If there is any immorality in this manner of procedure, it is to be charged to the account of the instigators and abettors of the rebellion.

The weather is warm and cloudy, inclining to rain. The boys are prepared for inclemencies [sic]. Health moderately good and improving. No news of importance from Vicksburg. Look with interest for news from the Yazoo expedition. All are anxious for its success; as they also are for the speedy and honorable tremination [sic] of the war.

Hoping that our arms may prove all victorious, and our cause be speedily, signally and triumphantly vindicated. I bid you a kind farewell.

Yours respectfully,

E. H. King

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