BAYOU TECHE.

AS WE had now been more than a month at Carrollton, had undergone two reviews and several inspections, had taken in the city and seen the sights, it became necessary to think about changing our base. Accordingly on the evening of October 3d, we went aboard the steamer "North America," and, after a pleasant sail, landed at the railroad station in Algiers on the opposite side of the river, and about ten miles below our encampment. At eleven o'clock P.M., we went aboard the cars, or rather, were piled in, as Col. Webb said, "like a lot of hogs." We had nothing but flat-cars, and a night ride of eighty miles in that shape, was neither pleasant nor entertaining. However, with our usual good luck, we reached Brashear City the next morning at sunrise. We crossed to the opposite side of Berwick Bay, on the steamer "St. Charles," and went into camp. And here we had the pleasure of serving up our oysters on the half-shell. There were many rumors in camp as usual, but we concluded to keep still and wait for developments.
        The developments came on the morning of the 7th, in the shape of an order, which said, "forward," or words to that effect. That day we marched about eighteen miles, and camped at night on the battle-ground of Bisland, where the Army of the Gulf had defeated the rebel form under Dick Taylor, on the 13th of April. We continued the march the next day, and until noon of the 9th, when we found ourselves within a mile of New Iberia, having marched fifty miles in two days and a half. Here we rested a short time, when an order came for the 77th Illinois, 48th Ohio and 19th Kentucky, to take the back track -- a track we did not like to take -- and go into camp at Franklin, twenty-seven miles to the rear, where we arrived on the morning of the eleventh, somewhat jaded and a good deal out of humor.
        We found the country along the Bayou Teche, one of the richest and most beautiful portions of Louisiana we had yet seen. Large and fertile plantations reached back as far as the vision extended, while handsome residences, almost hidden behind the dark green foliage of trees peculiar to the south, fronted on the bayou, and long rows of orange trees, at that season of the year, almost bending under their loads of luscious fruit, lined the road along which we passed. Cattle and sheep, as well as the agricultural products of the country abounded, and it must not be supposed that we had been so long in the service, without learning how to supply our temporal wants while passing through a rich country, with a failing commissary on our hands. General Grant had taught us a few lessons on that important subject, and we were very apt scholars. An extract from a letter written by one of the boys while in camp at Franklin, will show how we enjoyed ourselves:
        "I presume there is not a noisier regiment in the Thirteenth Army Corps than the Seventy-Seventh, especially on the march. When we first came to this place, very strict orders were issued against pillaging, destroying buildings, etc. This did well enough so long as we had good weather. But last Friday we had a heavy rain, and as we had nothing but rail pens to live in, we got very wet. We thought this way of living would hardly pay, and the next day we went to a large barn about a mile from camp, and the way we made the lumber fly was a caution. We tore off all the siding, floors, etc., hauled the lumber to camp, and built tolerably comfortable quarters. Just as we were leaving with the last load, the guards came to protect the property, but they were too late. They succeeded, however, in arresting some of the offenders from the regiment. We have some gay times in the army, and I venture to say that whoever lives to see the Seventy-Seventh return to Peoria, will see a high day." It may be said here in passing, that when guards were sent to protect property and arrest the offenders, they were almost always too late to accomplish those objects. And why not? They did not know how soon it would be their turn to be arrested. And one good turn deserves another.
        It will be remembered that the flags presented to the Regiment before leaving home, were lost in the unsuccessful charge at Vicksburg, May 22d, 1863. The ladies of Peoria, not satisfied with their previous munificence, very generously replaced these flags by others more beautiful, more costly, and, under the circumstances, far more acceptable than the first. The flags were presented through Colonel Grier, who had just returned from leave of absence. The following letter which accompanied the gift, was read on dress parade on the evening of October 31st.

COL. D. P. GRIER, 77th Ills. Vols.

        SIR: To you and your noble Regiment the women of the "National League" present for acceptance our beloved country's ensign.
        When again you stand at the head of your brave column and unfurl it to their view, tell them it was sent by the "Woman's National League" of Peoria, an association of women upon whose record stand the names of many near and dear to them, and of others, who, though it may be, are personally unknown to them, have marked with gratitude and pride, their unremitting efforts in their country's service; an association calumniated and sneered at by the traitors of the North, among whom even women stand enrolled. Say to them that this association has adopted as its motto, "unconditional loyalty to the powers that be," has pledged its members to bring their God-given influence to bear against treason in word or action, at home and abroad, and to give aid and encouragement to our honored soldiers whenever and however it may be in their power.
        In replacing the Flag lost under circumstances of so much daring and peril, the members of the "Woman's National League" feel that they are in part fulfilling their pledge, and are making to you and your Regiment, the most acceptable expression of their sympathy with, and appreciation of your valor.
        Accept it, then, accompanied with the earnest prayer of the league to the God of battles, even He who ruleth supreme over all, that He will ever be with you, giving you in conflict the victory over our country's enemies, protecting you in the hour of danger, assuaging suffering, if suffering there must be, and fitting each by His Spirit, through the merits of His crucified Son, for mansions in Heaven.

MRS. A. G. CURTENIUS,
President W. N. L.

PEORIA, ILL., Sept. 7, 1863.

        The flags were received by the Regiment with long, loud and enthusiastic cheers, and,
        Pursuant to a call from the Colonel of the Regiment, a meeting of the officers of the 77th Reg't Ill. Vols., was held at the Regimental Headquarters at Franklin, La., on the 31st of October, 1863. Col. D. P. Grier was called to the chair, and Lieut. H. P. Ayres, elected secretary. The chairman stated the object of the meeting to be the expression of the sentiments of the regiment on the occasion of receiving two beautiful flags from the "Woman's National League" and "Misses Aid Society" of Peoria, which had been presented on dress parade the same day, and received by the Regiment with three hearty cheers.
        On motion, a committee consisting of Messrs. Major Charles Winnie, Captain John A. Burdett and Lieut. Henry P. Ayres, were appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting.
        The committee, after deliberation, submitted the following preamble and resolutions:
        WHEREAS, on the twenty-second of May, 1863, while engaged in that unfortunate charge on the rebel works at Vicksburg, our flag and colors, planted on the parapet, and defended for eight long hours against a murderous fire from the enemy, were in the darkness, and during a furious onslaught of massed numbers, borne off and insulted by a traitorous foe; and
        WHEREAS, our countrywomen, the loyal ladies of Peoria, have presented to our Regiment, through its brave and talented Colonel, D. P. Grier, new colors and a new flag, whose broad stripes and bright stars will ever cheer us, and to which we shall look in times of danger as the emblems of hope, the insignia of liberty, thus showing their devotion to our common cause, and that they are mindful of the brave boys who have gone at their country's call; therefore,
        Resolved, That to the women of the "National League" and the misses of the "Aid Society" the munificent donors, we tender our grateful thanks -- that we appreciate the gift and the spirit of patriotism and kindness that prompted it, and we promise as we hope for Heaven and as God is just, that never, by one cowardly act on our part, shall these banners be dishonored, but that we will ever be true to our country and our colors, and will do and suffer in their defence until "Old Glory" waves in triumph over every stronghold of treason and rebellion, and as we can only feel that the colors are entrusted as a memento of confidence and respect -- not given, so we promise that when our country shall be reunited and peace shall reign from ocean to ocean, from the Lakes to the Gulf, to bring back these banners, and then only will we accept them in full, when each star represents a loyal State. Then we can feel that these flags are fit to take the place of the old ones, which, though faded and worn by service on the well-fought fields of Post Arkansas, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge and Vicksburg, nevertheless were dear to every one of us.
        Resolved, That we recognize the "National League" and "Aid Society" as auxiliaries to our cause, and powerful agencies for restoring peace and unity to the nation by sustaining and encouraging its defenders in the field -- that we endorse their motto and heartily approve their objects -- that we are proud of their patriotism and fidelity to our Institutions and the banner that represents them, and that we believe that they, and similar associations, in bringing the powerful influence of woman to bear for the cause of Liberty and Union, are golden links in the chain which binds the hearts of all loyal men to the government of our Fathers. They have placed us forever under obligations to defend, not only our Country against traitors from within and foes without, but to defend them from all harm, come from whatever source it may, and as our duty to our country is our duty to our God, so is the defence of our Constitution and Flag, the defence of our mothers and sisters at home.
        Resolved, That the memory of the noble women of the "League" and no less patriotic Misses of the "Aid Society" shall ever be hallowed in the Regiment as the memory of our mothers and sisters is sacred, that we ask their encouragement and prayers and those of loyal women everywhere to sustain us against our open enemies in front and concealed foes in the rear, that our best wishes shall ever be for their happiness and prosperity in this world, and that in another, angel hands may place upon the brow of each and every one of them a diadem of stars far more brilliant and more sacred than those which glitter in the azure of our National banner.
        Resolved, That copies of these Resolutions be sent to the Presidents of the "Woman's National League" and "Misses Aid Society" of Peoria, to the Peoria Transcript and the Chicago Tribune.
        On motion, the resolutions were adopted by a unanimous vote. On motion, adjourned sine die.

COL. D. P. GRIER, Chairman.

LIEUT. H. P. AYRES, Secretary.

        On the eleventh of November, at ten o'clock A.M., we received orders to march at two o'clock P.M. for New Iberia, to reenforce the troops at that place, as General Burbridge was apprehending an attack. Accordingly the 77th Illinois and 48th Ohio packed their traps, and at the hour designated, away we went on a dog trot, reaching our destination, after a forced march, to find that there was no immediate danger. But then, we had been long enough at Franklin, and we had to move to wear off the rust.
        We were now in a land of plenty -- a land of corn and wine, so to speak, and we were not slow to improve our opportunities. On the nineteenth of November the Seventy-Seventh was ordered on a foraging expedition -- that is, to get something to feed the mules. But Gen. Franklin had issued strict orders against supplying our own wants. As we passed through the town, Major Hotchkiss, who was in command of the Regiment, reported to General Burbridge for instructions. He told the Major about the orders of Gen. Franklin, and in conclusion he said, "Now Major, I hope you will observe these orders very strictly, and tell your men from me, that if they should unfortunately catch any chickens or geese, or anything else, they must be careful and not get bitten." The Major brought the report to the Regiment -- we knew what it meant -- three very emphatic cheers went up for General Burbridge, and we started. We crossed the bayou and marched about ten miles when we came to a plantation where we found an abundance of forage for the teams, and it is safe to say that when we came into camp that night we had at least forty bushels of sweet potatoes, ten dozen chickens and other things in proportion.
        On the evening of the 23d one of the boys received a package of papers from home, and among them was the Peoria Transcript, containing a speech made by Col. R. G. Ingersoll, at Pekin, and one by his brother, E. C. Ingersoll, at Elmwood. The boys crowded into the tent and insisted on having those speeches read aloud for the benefit of all present. As the reader proceeded he was frequently interrupted by cheers for "Bob" and such exclamations as these: "read that again," "hurrah for Elmwood," "bully for Bob Ingersoll," "his head is level," etc., and notwithstanding the drum tapped the hour for retirement, they would not be satisfied until both speeches were read. It was a rough and boisterous expression of patriotism, but it came from warm and loyal hearts.
        Our National Thanksgiving was observed on the 26th of November, and on that day a large gathering of officers and soldiers took place at the headquarters of Gen. McGinnis, commander of the 3d Division, 13th Army Corps. It was one of the most cheering scenes we had seen for many a day. Speeches were made by General Cameron, and by a great many Colonels, Majors, Captains, etc. The occasion was enlivened by music from the brass bands belonging to the 11th and 34th Indiana Regiments. At the close, when the Doxology,

"Praise God from whom all blessings flow,"

was sung by the choir and played by the band, every head in that vast assemblage was reverently  uncovered, as in the presence of Him who rules among the nations.
        About this time another change was made in our Division. As now arranged the 1st Brigade was commanded by Col. W. J. Landram, and consisted of the 19th Kentucky, the 83d and 96th Ohio, and the 60th and 67th Indiana Regiments, and the 17th Ohio Battery. The 2d Brigade, commanded by Colonel D. P. Grier, consisted of the 77th, 97th and 130th Illinois and the 48th Ohio Regiments, and the Mercantile Battery of Chicago.
        We remained at New Iberia until the 7th of December, when we turned our faces homeward -- that is in the direction of New Orleans. And here it may be well to state that General Banks pursued a very peculiar, but at the same time, salutary and welcome policy with the troops in his department -- a policy which was well calculated to "make treason odious," and crush the
rebellion.
        He would collect a large army in the vicinity of New Orleans, and after having spent a month or more in the pleasant exercise of reviewing the troops, a la McClellan -- an exercise which was indispensable to the salvation of the country -- he would march his army to some point on the frontier, or "to the front," as it was called, when, having made the necessary observations and studied the geography of the country, he would retrace his steps, return to the city and repeat the programme, placing his "objective point" in a different direction. This policy was pursued probably from the fact that if the troops remained long in the field, they would become demoralized and forget all about city life and polite etiquette. Moreover, they would become total strangers to the influences exerted by the high standard of morality, for which the Southern Metropolis has always been noted. These considerations indicate the necessity of our returning frequently to the base of operations at New Orleans.
        In accordance with the foregoing order of exercises, we made a retrograde movement in due time, leaving New Iberia on the 7th day of December, and arriving at Algiers on the 13th of the month, having marched fifty-six miles, and traveled eighty miles by railroad, in the brief period of six days and a half. Verily, the world did move in those days.