We are again at camp, having been for the last 8 days on the road with prisoners. We left Wilmington about dusk on the 23rd and travelled all night, reaching Goldsboro next morning about 8 o’clock, stayed here only a few moments when we ran though on the same train for Tarboro, reach her late in the evening. I found Tarboro to be one of the prettiest places that I ever saw, and, from appearances, seemed to to be a place of wealth. Beautiful residences, surrounded by shady yards, bounded the principal street. The town is situated on Tar River, a beautiful stream, and on the whole the place presents a very favorable view to a strangers eye. Late, about dark, we marched thru town across the river and took up our bivouac on the opposite bank about one mile from town. Here we lay for two days, waiting for the Yankees to be brought up from Plymouth. At last they came in sight, marching along, guarded by the Halcombe Legion. They were well uniformed and a stout body of men, but tired and awful hungry. They offered gold rings, five dollar pieces, etc. for a little piece of bread. Our fellows did not hesitate to trade with them but got knives, pipes, rings, etc. for bread. The Yankees were marched into a bullpen, formed by our guard, and rations given out to them. A strong guard was mounted and kept on all night. The next morning Company A and Company F were sent off to take charge of a detachment of prisoners. We had 680 in numbers and marched through town and took the cars from Tarboro. Forty prisoners and five guards being put into a boxcar. We were very much crowded, and such cursing (For they were without exception the most wicked set I ever had anything to do with), they were a very impudent set, New York and Pennsylvania troops. Real black Republican Abolitionists, we made them walk straight and soon got them to fear to disobey orders. They were ultra in their political principals, but actually did not know what they were fighting for. They guard Grant as an Honorable and are confident of his success against Lee this summer. We have little trouble with them beyond tedious guard duty, and in due time arrived at Charleston where we were relieved by some other command and returned to camp glad the trip was over.
