Monday, 19th E.I.R.B. 2d Kgs. 16th Acts 15. This morning I was detailed for officer of the day. It was the first time I ever served on that post. About noon the news came that the rebels had occupied commerce - a place 30 miles above here. With one piece of cannon, drove all the union people out of the place and fired grape shot and minnie musket balls at the people in a skiff. Our boat, which started to St. Louis, had to return. Preparations are making to drive them out. Our reg. organized. I am co. F.
OUR CAIRO CORRESPONDENCE, Camp Defiance, Cairo, Illinois Aug. 19.
Mr. Editor: - I take this opportunity to comply in part with my engagement to report to you occasionally from this field of military operations. Although nothing of unusual importance has occurred here for a few days; yet Camp Defiance is not void of interest; its location makes it the most important military post in the west. It is far down along the side of the rebel confederacy, and being situated at the confluence of the two great rivers – the Ohio and Mississippi – it commands completely the blockade of the same.
A fort has been built within the last three months, and is now well filled with heavy guns, that command the rivers for several miles. Camp Lyon is directly across the Mississippi from Fort Prentiss, and which is strongly entrenched and fortified with several pieces of rifled cannon, and flying artillery. Eight miles below one regiment is encamped, and fifty miles above are three regiments which serve as outposts to this position.- Gen. Fremont manifests his usual energy in transporting troops to this place and vicinity; and it is whispered and surmised among the soldiers, that before the lapse of many weeks, he will give us the very desirable entertainment of routing some of the rebel camps in the vicinity, perhaps General Pillow who has been camped with 20,000 rebels at New Madrid, but a rumour of last night has it that he has removed down the river, owing in part doubtless, to Kentucky’s late stand. Well, let the days swiftly pass, and the weeks go gladly by, and we may the sooner behold what our eyes have so long desired to see – but in vain. – Better late than never though.
A little thrill of pleasure was realized late yesterday evening at the sight of some prisoners, three in number, taken in the following manner : A Sergeant of the cavalry was detailed to act as Orderly for the General yesterday, in company with two others he was sent out to see what they could find. Riding through the country south west of here a few miles, they suddenly routed three cavalry scouts of the rebel stripe; one Captain, one Sergeant and one private. A horse race of about one mile took place; but the Orderly’s horse was rather too fleet; he rode up on them, ordered halt, which command was promptly executed. They laid down their arms and gave themselves up as prisoners. Soon the other two came up, and all were brought into camp. Three prisoners, three horses, one minie rifle, two shot guns, three revolvers, one sabre; a pretty fair capture for one man to make armed only with a revolver and sabre.
We have a rumour that Gen Lyon has had an engagement at Springfield, Mo. , in which he was killed , leaving Gen. Siegel in command, who, contending against 21,000, with only 8000, routed the enemy. But you will hear the correct report as soon as we will here. Rumours cannot always be credited.
Three gun boats arrived here from Cincinnati (sic) last evening, bearing from thirteen to eighteen guns each. Very useful kind of crafts in war time. You folks up the Mississippi need have no fears of an attack on Birds Point, as the have had, and almost made me believe it while there. There is no danger; the rebels go upon the proverb that “Distance lends enchantment to the view,” but we are of the opinion that they will be required to about face and listen to the music if they can’t dance, before long.
Everything is life here now, every officer determined his corps shall excel in drill, the three months regiments are nearly ready again, for the war. Every body interested in drilling, establishing good discipline, and getting ready for a forward, or rather a downward movement. As circumstances permit, I will report from time to time. - Yours respectfully, L. W., 9th Reg., Ill. V. M.
