The Tri Weekly Citizen

LETTER FROM LIVINGSTON

"Front Lines," Nov. 24th, 1863.

As you and your readers desire to hear from the "front lines," do you? Well, we promise you shall, "with a vengeance,"
for if there is one ingredient in the composition of your correspondents it is that of never knowing when and where to stop after they commence writing.

Along the banks of the sparkling stream designated on the map as "Big Black," (a name, by the way, about as appropriate as it would be to call a haystack a stack of turnips.)
quiet reigns supreme, So much so, in fact, that the boys are growing rusty, and, in order to keep off the blues, they tried and failed even to get up a dog and coon fight.

Our neighbors on the other side seem to have become perfectly satisfied with that side of the river, and McPherson has reconsidered his design of putting up a telegraph line between Canton and Vicksburg, and concluded not to do it. The wagon load of wire he brought out for the purpose was, therefore, carried back. His Excellency, having also determined that Vicksburg can furnish more wholesome headquarters than Canton.

We keep far better posted with regard to the movements of the enemy than he is aware of, for though we haven't got any Yankees among us, yet we have a parcel of shrewd boys who can beat the very devil at guessing.

Everything being quiet in a military point, we may mention, in connection that Gen. Jackson has his command so admirably arranged as that it would be a very hard matter indeed, for the enemy to make any move without the Commanding General being made aware of it very soon after it was started. This division, large as it is, needs but one thing, and that is a signal corps, and this we learn it is the intention of the General to organize as speedily as possible. Such a corps will be of incredible benefit to the command, and with that, its organization will be complete.

The troops are all contented and cheerful, with the single exception, that they desire activity, and there are no complaints and no deserters, but all is going on like clock work and the command is strengthening every day.

It is a gratifying fact, too, that through all this country, the "old folks at home" are as thoroughly unsubdued as they can be in any part of the Confederacy, and as kind to the soldiers.

We have come to the conclusion that Madison is a great county, and her people a great people, and particularly the fairer portion of them, who are as fresh and lovely as fresh-blown roses, bespangled with dew drops.

The boys all think so, and are clear gone in the land of dreams and love. The only difficulty is, there are not girls enough for all, and the gallant fellows have to draw straws to determine who shall court first, for though "all is fair in war," they are too noble and brave to take advantage of the times, or to throw obstacles in the way of each other, the unsuccessful knights preferring rather to
"Let concealment like a worm i' the bud,
Feed on the damask cheek."

And so mote it be. We'll write again without waiting for "something to turn up."

WILKINS MICAWBER & CO.