The following letter has been received by The Commercial from our "soldier boys" in Breathitt:

Jackson, December 24, 1878--- As I have time now I will take the opportunity of giving you a short description of the rest of our trip. We left Frenchburg Saturday, December 14, and after a long and tedious trip through the highest and steepest mountains, of 16 miles that seemed like 20, we arrived safe and sound, hungry and tired, to a little place called May Town, which has about 50 or 100 inhabitants. We were fortunate enough to get rude, but comfortable places to stay through the night, and after a good night's rest we left early to make about 20 miles, which we did not do, but came to a place owned by Mr. Hurst, who kindly decided to let us stay during the night, which, I must say, was the worst place we had during our whole trip. We left bright and early the next morning for Jackson, and I never beheld such high mountains and as many little streams to cross. Some of the boys who had boots would be kind enough to help those who had none. So, after a long day's tramp we arrived at our destination, much to the joy of everybody. We marched into the famous old county seat of Breathitt four abreast, with as much awe and pride as 1,000 old regulars would when they go to battle. We are comfortably fixed and well pleased with the people and town. You never would imagine what a welcome we were received with when we entered the town; the people were standing in the doorways, on platforms, and on fences, which made the boys feel rather queer to see so many of them and there being so few of us, but we afterward found that it was county court day that brought all the people there. The court met and elected James Lindon as county judge, after which the people dispersed and went about their business. We have entire possession of the courthouse, and feel quite at home. Captain Taylor bought some lumber and had some rudely, but well-built bunks made for us. Some have mattresses with straw inside, and others have nothing but common straw, and we think we are doing well in preference to camping out, which we had to do between Hurst and Jackson. I had a talk with Jerry Little the other day when he was about half full, and he said he was glad we came to protect him; and further more, he said he was going to have us over there to a turkey shooting, but we will have to take it for what it is worth. He was drunk as a "billed owl," as the boys call it, the other night, and he asked a man to lend him a dollar, and because he was refused he knocked him down, which I suppose is a common occurrence. About 50 men came in town this morning, and they think there will be a little skirmish tonight, as the captain had all the ammunition moved from the storehouse to camp, in case of emergency. The worst part of the trip is guard duty, when we have to stand on guard at night, which is very disagreeable, especially when bad weather sets in. Hoping this may benefit you, I am, yours, W. P. Wimerton.

Postscript

Since writing the letter, which would be called an even full one, I thought best to send a few more lines.

About five o'clock this afternoon Judge Randall came to town, and the sheriff issued a warrant against Jack, Jerry, and Albert Little, and Gamble. Albert Little and Gamble are the parties who are accused of the murder of Judge Burnett. Captain Taylor detailed a squad of ten men, and captured all four and lodged them safely in jail. They are all very drunk, and vow vengeance on those who appear against them. The judge will hold court tomorrow and I will give you a full description of the court news as far as I can. The judge has written for 25 mounted men from Louisville to assist the sheriff in arresting all the guilty ones.

Lieutenant Buck has gone with a strong guard to search the houses. The boys are all on their heads and very much excited about having to scout after men.

--W. P. W.

The order came to this city for men, but as few of the Legion have horses of their own, and the request was for volunteers who have horses, consequently the number could not be raised here. The remaining portion of the McCreary Guards, of Frankfort, volunteered and started for the bloody ground.