O, yes. Our boat was fired into by the enemy, when we were coming up White river to a
place called Duvail's Bluff, and four or five were wounded, but none killed. No one in our

Regiment was among the wounded.
Nothing more this time; only please write often. Good Bye. A DRUMMER BOY.’

LETTER FROM THE 27th REGIMENT.
Helena, Ark., Oct. 11, 1863.

FRIEND PILOT: It is Sunday evening, and in the absence of anything else to do, I will
improve the time by giving you a little news about the 27th Reg't Wisconsin Volunteers. Our
boys are scattered from Little Rock, Ark., to Avoca Minn. I am sorry to say that the Regiment
has been badly broken up, but every day brings back some of the noble boys to join it, and give
their brother soldiers a helping hand in duties that soldiers all have to do. Those that are returning
are looking quite well, and will soon be able to resume active duty.

Our noble Captain, JOS. RANKIN, arrived here about a week ago on his way to Memphis
to get our overcoats and camp equipage, preparatory to going into winter quarters; he informed
me that the boys were all in very good health and spirits. Their new situation is very nicely
located, and they have good camping grounds, and can obtain good water, which is a soldier's
blessing, and something that we have not seen or tasted since we left Milwaukee.. Good water
and good rations, I think, will soon bring all the sick and convalescent on their feet again.

Our Regiment lost a number on the march to Little Rock, three of which were members of
Co. D. EDWARD W. LYON died very suddenly; he was a good boy, and always done his duty
manfully,; CYRUS ELLIS, of Manitowoc Rapids, a nurse in the hospital, was taken with a
convulsion fit and died in few moments; GEO. HUSS, of Mishicott, died suddenly of fever. The
Regiment, when the Captain left, numbered 260 men fit for duty. Co. D had but two on the sick
list, and I think, judging by the appearance of the Captain, that the change in the Regiment is for
the better; for, when the Captain started on the march from Helena he had been quite sick for
some time, and looked more fit for the hospital than he did for a march thro' the wilderness of
Arkansas: but his appearance is now a good deal changed coming down on the scales to the tune
of about 200 Ibs. I never saw him look better and feel better; he will be here again on his way to
the Regiment in a few days.

The 27th gained some honors as they took the advance, with the 40th Iowa, in crossing
the river to protect the cavalry -- marching under the rebel fire three-quarters of a mile, and
driving the enemy from his camp in hot haste, taking possession of his corn cake, and took
breakfast in the rebel camp, and all without the loss of a single man. The assault was made in full
view of the whole army, which was drawn up in line of battle on the bank of the river, and the
boys were highly complimented by all, for they did their work with a courage which every true
soldier might be proud of. The rebels skedaddled in double quick time as our boys were sent
round and saluted them in the rear, bidding defiance to the breastworks which the enemy had
erected with the expectation that it would be attempted to be taken by storm; but GEN. STEELE
had too much good sense and had seen too much of that at Vicksburg, to be drawn into such a
trap; and Little Rock was occupied by our forces, with the loss of but a few men.

 

'°° Evergreen City Times, Sheboygan, Oct. 3, 1863, p. 2/2.

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