IACLARKE-L Archives

From: "Jim Miller" <>
Subject: [IACLARKE] Letter From E. H. King
Date: Sat, 13 Jul 2002 20:31:53 -0500

Head Qarters 15th Iowa Vol's.,
Before Vicksburg Miss.
June 15th 1863

Mr. Caverly:

Since writing you at Grand Gulf Miss. Our Regt. And Brigade have passed
through a great many vicissitudes of hardship and danger, nearly always
moving, though we have been spared the misfortune of engaging, very
extensively in any of the hard and terrible battles in the rear of
Vicksburg. It was not until the evening of the 19th of may, we received
orders to join the gallant band, that had marched triumphantly from Port
Gibson to Jackson, thence back to the stronghold at Vicksburg, which has
proved, thus far a successful barrier to the destruction or capture of the
rebel Mississippi army. - Since arriving here we have marched forward and
backward, and once and a half around Vicksburg, besides innumerable little
marches, and a march of six days into the Yazoo county - an expedition
consisting of six Brigades under command of F. P. Blair - to capture or
disperse a band of rebels said to be gathering for the purpose of harassing
our army in the rear, which, of course, we did effectually, though our
captures were meager as to member, It is hoped no one will deny but that
the enemy was effectually scattered, as but few could be found, after having
met them on the 29th of may at Mechanicksburg, and engaged them with our
skirmishers.

At any rate, we were ordered back to Vicksburg, by the way of Haine's
Bluff, which place we reached about 10 o'clock P.M. of the 31st.

Remaining there until the 4th of June the line of march was again resumed,
and the 3rd Brigade of the 6th Division was for the first time, after
leaving Milliken's Bend, placed in proper position with its division and
Corps. We now enjoy the luxory of a camp, in one of the many valleys, lying
deep among the hills and bluffs whicy surround Vicksburg. Being the reserve
of our Division, we are under orders to be in readiness to march at any
moment, wherever the emergencies require it. In the mean time, there are
many dangerous and onerous duties to perform. We furnish details for
Picket, fatigue and sharpshooting almost every day, thus making requisitions
on the Regiments for 150 and 200 men per day.

This from a regt. Numbering only about 400 men present for duty, is heavy,
certainly.

Our rations are abundant and substantial, not withstanding the variety is
very limited. Hard crackers, baon, sugar and coffee comprizes the whole,
except an occasional intermixture of potatoes, which the good people of Iowa
and other states furnish through their Sanitary agents.

As an item of news, we hear that there is heavy fighting in our rear in the
direction of Mechanicsburg. This town is 20 miles from Yazoo City in the
Direction fo Vicksburg, I have not heard as to the forces engaged, or the
success attending either party. This rear attack, may prove an occasion of
considerable annoyance and possibly of disaster and defeat, but we feel
perfectly cool about the matter, as yet, knowing that our position is
strong, and our army confident.

Our forces, usually keep up a continuous fire, at regular intervals, with
artillery, night and day, but tonight, ten P.M. not a gun has been fired.
This seems strange to us, our ears having become accustomed to the noise and
thunder of artillery.

Health in the Regt. is tolerably good. In Co. I, there are none seriously
ill, though a few are slightly unwell. Spirits are good, and I assure you,
the detestation of Northern Copperheadism; is universal. - How could it be
otherwise? When fighting for their country and flag, far from home and
friends, men should unite together to defeat their efforts and desolate
their homes and firesides. I will close, bidding you a kind good night.

Respectfully;
E. H. King


- Published in the Union Sentinel, Osceola, IA, 4 JUL 1863

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• [IACLARKE] Letter From E. H. King by "Jim Miller" <>