Colonel Lyons.
Fort Donelson, July 20, 1863.—A few days ago Hinson and three others, one of whom was a soldier sentenced to be shot, escaped from the guard-house. I did not want them to escape, of course, but it relieves me from hanging one of them and shooting the other. It is quite a relief, too, I can assure you.
The health of the troops is improving. We get large quantities of blackberries, and the effect of their free use is most excellent on the health of the men.
The officers elected a chaplain the other day, Rev. Mr. Foote, of Rock county. Two of Flood’s Battery were captured by guerillas on Saturday. They were outside the lines, drunk. It is reported that they have been murdered, but I can not believe it. They were worthless fellows.
