p.

men in a remarkably good one, the citizens of this town
have made an application to Col. Oakes, to keep us here
the whole summer. This does not agree with my wishes
at all, for this is a dreadful loansome place and
we all desire to go back to Rock Island. Several of
these Western Regiments, who have been mustered out of
the service, have reenlisted; the men have 30 days
furlough, and this town as well as the County is
crowded with these reenlisted boys; everyone of these
fellows of course wears a revolver; target shooting
is going on in every tavern, and you are not sure
of your life in the streets. Amongst these furloughed
men there are lieutenants, captains and Majors,
and with but one exception (Captn. Clark 8. Ills.) they all
fraternize with their soldiers like friends and brothers.
My soldiers give the military salute to every officer
they meet; but no soldier of the 8. 41. 54, &c.
Ills. Regt. has ever honored me or my officers here
with a salute. They consider the whole town
to be their own, insult citizens in the street,
and it is my firm opinion, that we never would
have had here any troubles with the copperheads,
if they had not been provoked by these
soldier - boys, who have not an idea of discipline