Ossawotamie, Kansas, Feb. 17th, 1862.
Here I am on the battle-ground of old John Brown. The thaw setting in, on Monday we commenced forced marches, in order to cross the Osage river before the freshet would affect a rise in the water, but did not succeed, although I, with the right wing, (five companies) crossed on the ice. Must of our baggage and the whole train is yet on the other side, with all the provisions and stores. The ice is now gone, and the river risen 7 feet, so fording will be impossible for days to come. A communication, by canoe only has been established between our troops. We have had to cross several creeks—some on the ice and some by wading.
Although we should have reached Fort Scott on the 15th, we are yet 50 miles from it, and are hemmed in by the tributaries of the Osage, aa 1 encamped in a heavy piece of black walnut, hickory, and other timber,—Fires are, therefore, plenty, and big enough to roast an ox.