143                                HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT O.V.V.I.

jacket by a ball. So much for the Seventy-Eighth, who were victorious at the skirmish near Clinton, Miss., July 16, 1863.

           Since crossing the Mississippi river we have marched about three hundred and fifty miles, and have endured hardships that no other troops have done in the same space of time, and doing as much good as we have accomplished. At the siege of Vicksburg we were always on hand when duty called, and ready to face the foe when ordered.

           While at Bovina the members of Company E took it into their heads to make our Colonel a present of a set of shoulder straps. And you know whatever they undertake to do they generally go through with. Below I give you the note accompanying the present, and also Colonel Wiles' reply:

CAMP NEAR BOVINA, MISS.,
July 9, 1863.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL G. F. WILES: –

           Sir: – On behalf of the members of Company E, I herewith present to you a set of shoulder-straps, thus showing our respect toward you as a man, and placing our entire confidence in you as a commanding officer. Hoping this act will meet with your approval, I remain

Your obedient servant,

                    AD. A. ADAIR, Sergeant Company E.

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILES' REPLY.

HEADQUARTERS SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT, O.V.I.
BOVINA, MISS.,
July 10, 1863. }

SERGEANT ADAIR: –

           It certainly affords me unfeigned pleasure, as well as a very pleasant surprise, to receive and accept through you, Sergeant, the very handsome present I have received from that gallant company which you represent. Such a manifestation coming from the "boys" renders the act more dear to me, and is more of a compliment than it would be coming from the Governor of our State. I feel proud that my conduct has met the approval of the men I have the honor to command, and I shall endeavor to sustain that relation to the extent of my ability.

           I also regard it as no unmeaning tribute, for the donors and my-self have been together on more than one occasion where it tried men's souls. Members of Company E, again I thank you.

                  G. F. WILES, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding.

           Our duty continues heavy – furnishing pickets, provost guards and forage details every day, these having nearly half the regiment on duty daily. By going into the country a short distance, roasting ears, melons, peaches and apples can be had in abundance. And the boys are always ready for duty when there is foraging to be done.

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