13 May 1861

Monday, 13th Cloudy.

[from the Goodhue County Republican]
Letter from Cairo.  Camp Defiance.  Cairo, Ill., May 13

Mr. Editor : You received a short communication from me dated Camp Yates, April 29th, 1861 - or at least I intended it for that day, but as I have not the manuscript, I am not able to say who made the mistake in the date, you or myself : but it is very evident to me that I was not at Camp Yates on the 29th of April, 1860, as is reported in the paper.  Mistakes are liable however to young soldiers, so I will take it upon myself.

Since the time of my last writing, we have removed from Springfield to this place.  We received orders at 12 M. (sic), May 1st, and at half past 4 o'clock P.M., were under way, 800 of us in number.  As our removal was most of the way in the night, we were prevented of getting a view of the country, but surrendering ourselves to the power of the old iron horse, we reclined in our seats, and in dreams often disturbed by the loud neighing of our smoking charger, we marched into the enemy's land; stormed the works of despotism, hurled the king of treason from his throne, and wrested from the hands of the traitors, America's own treasures.  Then halting for a moment to join in acclamations of joy over our victories, we saw that "glorious bird," type of American liberty, descended with lightning speed, and seized in her talons the rattlesnakes of anarchy, bear it away to the regions of oblivion.  At length the sun arose, we opened our eyes and found that we had not yet entered their land, but were fast hurrying in that direction, and I candidly think that time and opportunity will enable us to more than realize the fulfillment of our dreams.

At 11 o'clock, P.M., May 2d, we arrived at the confluence of the two great rivers, the Ohio and the Mississippi, and looked out for the first time upon the city of Cairo.  When the cars stopped we paraded upon the sidewalk and marched to camp, where we still remain.  For three days we were without shelter, sleeping on hay in the open air, though we procured lumber and built some temporary barracks, that do very well in dry weather, but a little too much ventilated for the rainy season that has existed here for the last three days.  With the exception of some accidents, nothing has transpired.  The accidents were one that one of the guards fell down, discharged his gun, and the ball took effect upon a man who had been committed for intoxication - one of the citizens; entering his left groin, it passed through the wall of the house; he was removed to the hospital, and I understand that he has since died, though I have not ascertained positively.  The other was shot in the leg by a man who discharged his piece at random.  He will be ready for duty in ten or twelve days.

On Saturday night last , about 10 o'clock, the camp was aroused by the beating of the alarm drum, and firing of rockets, and notwithstanding the rain and mud the men were upon the ground and formed into line, within two minutes after the cry "to arms" was raised; some bare-footed, some bare-headed, ready for the fight.  Captain Van Cleve was out double quick time, and when ready, dispatched messengers to head-quarters that we were ready for action.  His message to head-quarters was not in these words however - I decline to give them; but can assure you that it was laconic and to the point, and will doubtless be remembered by the boys.

Some of the boys have been unwell, but no serious sickness has yet been in camp; they are in good spirits and eager for a fight, and complain some because we are not allowed to go down upon the traitors at once.  We received the news of the St. Louis victory with shouts.  Our commander says the time for conciliation has passed, and the time to advance has come.   

(text illegible).  We are getting in good readiness for battle, whether it comes or not; but it does come and I should get through, I may be heard from again. - L. Webb.