" Where is the Journal.'" has been the inquiry for a week past. I give Mr. Plumb credit for mailing it regularly, and tell the boys the trouble is with the post-office officials. One knows how to appreciate a home paper here in camp. He bought St. Louis papers so long as our dimes lasted, but we cannot prevail upon those sharp- lads, the news boys, to take sutler's checks for their dailies. Some of our men preferred the Republican to the Democrat, as they thought the name was indicative of its politics. They must have found out their mistake by this time.
"We were notified Tuesday morning that an officer would be here to inspect the troops at this post. Gen, Van Renselear, of Gen. McClellan's staff, who is inspecting the troops in this Department, arrived on the noon train. The Eighth Regiment was inspected first. We were marched out with our knapsacks on, feeling that we had cut brushed and polished all the forenoon for nothing. He said as, he inspected our guns, that the Springfield rifle, which our company is armed with, is a splendid arm. Our men are proud of their guns, and they take good care of them. He said something complimentary to our company, which the boys will be sure to write to their friends.
Christmas passed off quietly—no drunkenness in camp—we were even put on a short allowance of hard crackers, in the Company Officers relished a softer article for dinner, and-our squad was the fortunate recipient of a pan of meal for supper. I most not forget to acknowledge the receipt of a parcel which was left in our tent in the afternoon. On a paper, pinned to it, we read—"A merry Christmas, — from the women of Wisconsin, through Mrs. Reid." A roll of pins and the thread which it contained were soon disposed of, but we were at a loss to know what we should do with the roll of butter.
One of the boys thought it would be better to give it to the officers, as they ate it, but another suggested that it should be put into our coffee. I tried some of it on' a hard cracker, and found that I could eat it in that way. -Many thanks to the patriotic ladies of Wisconsin, whose thoughtful kindness has provided so many comforts for our soldiers. We wish them a Happy New Year.
We were told to pack up and be ready to march yesterday afternoon. Captain Perkins of the 8th, and Captain Whitler of the llth, left with their Companies last evening. They were sent to reinforce our men at Big River Bridge, as they were apprehensive of an attack from the rebels, who have returned home to spend the holidays.
We had another alarm last night. Our pickets at Sulphur Spring fired six shots, and soon after Johnny beat the long roll, to call ns out. We waited in our streets, until Adjutant. Lincoln told us that we might go to our tents. They had killed a valuable horse that was running through the brushes.
We heard another gun at three o'clock.
A picket on tho hill,, south of our camp, shot Robert A. Tollard, of Company G, who had left his station on the railroad to find out what was the cause of the alarm. He did not halt when challenged, and advanced, so that he was but a few feet from the sentinel when he fired. The ball passed through his left arm and body near his heart. He lived until one o'clock this afternoon. His friends live in Cottage Grove. Capt. Pelton says he was one of his best men—over ready to do his duty.
A tent, belonging to Company I, was burned this morning. It was quite a loss for them. They will have to pack closer in their crowded tents.
We were pleased to see two Wisconsin ladies in our camp, this afternoon—Mrs. Sprague and Capt. Britton's wife, of the 8th. They will remain here until after New Year's.
The secession ladies here do not hesitate to tell our officers (they do not speak to enlisted men,) that they wish Price would come and take us. These ladies have been serenaded by our band, and seem to like Federal officers.
We have a regimental church and a lodge of Good Templar’s in the llth . The well attended prayer meeting of the 8th and a flourishing lodge show that they are not behind in good works.
We shall be paid next week and may leave soon after. The prospect is that we shall have to remain here in Missouri, guarding railroad bridges or keep up a guerilla warfare with the secesh in the south-western part of the State.
Our men feel the effects of so much guard duty and many of them are sick with cold. One case of measles in the hospital—more expected soon.
The river is open and boats are passing up and down. The City of Alton went down this evening. She will make regular trips between St. Louis and Cairo.
Send us forward. The pay and honor is not of much consequence to men who have shoulder their muskets and left comfortable homes that they may secure the blessings of a free government for themselves and their posterity.
A long stay in camp will be demoralizing.
Mr. Nichols, who has been here to see Johnny, returns to Madison tomorrow.
