September 2, 1862, Daily Times (Leavenworth, Kansas)
Camp Near Rienzi,
Mississippi, August 22, 1862.
Ed. Times:–The 7th boys are anxious to return to Kansas, and from the treatment we receive I must say that it cannot be wondered at. I have a few facts to state that will prove to you that the Kansas regiments have been imposed upon, and will be so as long as they remain here.
That Gen. Rosecrans is down on the Kansas troops is most true. He asserts that while three companies of the 7th and a part of the 8th Kansas regiments were at Trenton, Tenn., they stole a quantity of tobacco and sugar. Now this same Government star issued an order, a few days since, instructing the paymaster not to pay the 7th until they make up the sum of $1053.50. This property belonged to rebels, they having fled previous to our troops taking possession of the town. The Kansas 8th being out of his jurisdiction, are safe. The Illinois 2d was engaged in this diabolical confiscation; why does he not make a similar demand of them?
Again, it is my belief, as well as others, that he would rejoice to see the last one of us cut to pieces.
To show you that we are “some on a scout,” I will give you an account of the trip we had the two days previous.
About three hundred men, under command of Col. Lee, left here at three o’clock on the evening of the 19th, to attack a rebel picket, said to number ninety men, near Marietta. We accordingly arrived at their first picket at daybreak. The advance guard sent a few of Lincoln’s leaden messengers after them, but they managed to make to the bush. After taking three prisoners at the next picket, we found ourselves at head quarters, but the ninety men had skedaddled to their main body, which are about ten miles from Marietta. They are said to number 10,000, being a part of Price’s army. We scoured the country till night, going five miles beyond Bay Springs.
It was amusing to see the traitors run. One man was fired at while making tracks for the woods, and was taken. On being asked why he ran, he said he didn’t want anything of us, and thought we didn’t want anything of him.
Suffice it to say, we returned to our camp safe, after being absent two days.
James Armstrong, of Co. I, was accidentally shot, near Marietta, by one of our men, yesterday. His home is at Garnet, Kansas, and he was engaged at the battle of Springfield.
Strother Nichols, of Co. H, 7th Regt., Kan. Cav., died in hospital on the 15th inst. His parents reside at Stanton, Miami county, Kansas. Also, on the 17th instant, Timothy Murray, of the same company and regiment. His family resides in Linn county, Kansas.
Col. Anthony’s resignation, I understand, has been approved.
Col. Lee commands the respect and good will of all the regiment. He is an able and efficient officer, doing his whole duty at all times.
To return to the “gals we left behind,” is the popular wish of all.
Truly yours, soldierly,
Em. Quad.