Letters from Robert Allen, Company A 13th Ohio

who by this time have learned that their word cannot be trusted, as will appear from the following f incident: On Thursday last several of us went down to the river to bathe and to see the rebels, and converse with them. Among us was William Messenger who, together with Serg't Higgs, of Co. I, and a young man of the 19th Ky. Reg't, were so imprudent as to swim across the river to the rebels, who, previous to their starting, had said that they would be permitted to return. We that sat viewing the adventure f on our side of the river, saw the tree land and walk on an island where some of the rebels had agreed to meet

our boys. Two of the rebels swam to the island, but as soon as our boys landed, they were recalled, and our boys fell victims to a well-devised scheme. It appears that the two rebel were to remain upon the island until our boys landed, when, they, being unarmed, and naked, were to be called back, and the armed men, who were stand ing picket on the island were to seize their victims and convey them to the main land. The latter part of the plan we did not see performed, but we saw our boys avance into the bushes of on the island, where I suppose it was done. Poor boys, they will suffer greatly. I hope they may soon be exchanged, and

again return to the army. It is said that they are marked as deserters, which I know is unjust. I believe W. M., would have been the last man to desert.

I wish you to get a picture taken off the one I sent you, for [Tom ?] Wertsbaugher. Perhaps I will not soon again have the opportuniety of getting it taken in this place state, and having promised it to him so long, I wish to fulfil my promise as soon as possible.

I am well, as usual, and in good spirits in the anticipation of the speedy termination of this bloody war. I wish it were over that I might come home and help Henry along with his work. I wrote a letter to mother some time ago, in wich I stated that I would send twenty-five dollars home for the p part of the payment of the horse, which you say has not been paid. If you need it, take it: for I wish to do something towards helping

Camp Near Battle Creek, Aug 12, 1862

Dear Sister;

Yours of the 4th inst. was received yesterday evening. It found me well, and at the same old camp. We are fortifying here; and last Sunday we had a chance to try our hand in picking and shoveling, which, you would better believe, was very hot work. Yesterday evening the left wing of our regiment went to work and returned this morning. We expect to work tomorrow. This morning we drilled two hours, and this even will do the same.

Thus we have four drillhours assigned us but do not conclude that we must be very tired and warm after we quit; for, indeed, we do not hurt ourselves, in other words, we frequently stack arms and sit down to rest. We have plenty of provisions and clothing, and, [withal ?], we are [? - ] ewed in spirit by the prospect of a more vigorous prosecution of the war. With at least one million of men. I think we can bring this diabolical rebellion to a speedy close.

How any times have I [proficied ?] the time for the end of war. Not long ago I was of the opinion that I would spend my