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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/31887-h.zip b/31887-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c9a3e44 --- /dev/null +++ b/31887-h.zip diff --git a/31887-h/31887-h.htm b/31887-h/31887-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dc790a6 --- /dev/null +++ b/31887-h/31887-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4218 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Our Battery; or The Journal of Company B, 1st O. V. A., by O. P. Cutter. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + + p {margin-top: .75em; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: .75em;} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center; clear: both;} + + hr {width: 33%; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; clear: both;} + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body {margin-left: 12%; margin-right: 12%;} + + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right; font-style: normal;} + + .blockquot {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .author {margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%;} + .poem {margin-left:15%; margin-right:15%;} + + .right {text-align: right;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + a:link {color:#0000ff; text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:#6633cc; text-decoration:none} + + .spacer {padding-left: 1em; padding-right: 1em;} + .spacer2 {padding-left: 2.5em; padding-right: 2em;} + .spacer3 {padding-left: 5em; padding-right: 3em;} + + ins.correction {text-decoration:none; border-bottom: thin solid gray;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Battery, by Orlando P. Cutter + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Our Battery + The Journal of Company B, 1st O.V.A. + +Author: Orlando P. Cutter + +Release Date: April 5, 2010 [EBook #31887] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUR BATTERY *** + + + + +Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images +generously made available by The Internet Archive/American +Libraries.) + + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<h1>OUR BATTERY;</h1> +<h4>OR THE</h4> +<h2>JOURNAL OF COMPANY B,</h2> +<h3>1st O. V. A.,</h3> +<p> </p> +<h3>BY O. P. CUTTER.</h3> +<p> </p> +<h4>CLEVELAND, OHIO:<br />NEVINS’ BOOK AND JOB PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT.<br />1864.</h4> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>DEDICATION.</h2> + +<div class="author"> +<p>To <span class="smcap">Colonel James Barnett</span>, commanding the First Ohio Artillery, than whom a +braver, or kinder hearted man to the soldier does not exist, this humble +work is respectfully inscribed by his friend,</p> + +<p class="right"><span class="smcap">The Author</span>.</p> + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<p><span class="smcap">Author’s Note.</span>—This little work was hastily written during the leisures +of Camp Life, and without any intention of ever putting it in print. But, +by the urgent entreaties of his companions-in-arms, the author has finally +concluded to risk it—incomplete though it be—in the hands of a generous +public.</p></div> + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h3>Table of Contents</h3> +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" summary="Table of Contents"> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">Chapter I.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">Chapter II.</a></td><td>Battle of Wild Cat.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">Chapter III.</a></td><td>On the Road Again.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">Chapter IV.</a></td><td>The Battle of Mill Springs.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">Chapter V.</a></td><td>Here a Little, and There a Little.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">Chapter VI.</a></td><td>Expedition of the Center Section.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">Chapter VII.</a></td><td>Moving—Still Moving.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">Chapter VIII.</a></td><td>At Louisville—And off Again.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">Chapter IX.</a></td><td>Battle of Perryville.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">Chapter X.</a></td><td>Much Marching but Little Fighting.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">Chapter XI.</a></td><td>Skirmishing Previous to the Battle of Stone River.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">Chapter XII.</a></td><td>The Battle of Stone River.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">Chapter XIII.</a></td><td>We Leave the Battle-Field.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">Chapter XIV.</a></td><td>Departure from Cripple Creek.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">Chapter XV.</a></td><td>The Battle of Chickamauga.</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#CONCLUSION">Conclusion.</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right"><a href="#APPENDIX">Appendix.</a></td></tr></table> + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[Pg 5]</a></span></p> +<h2>OUR BATTERY.</h2> + + +<hr style="width: 10%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<p>In accordance with the Proclamation of President Lincoln, calling out +troops for three years, or during the war—which in future history will be +better known as the great Southern Rebellion—a Regiment of Light +Artillery was at once organized in this State, and the command given to +<span class="smcap">Col. James Barnett</span>, of Cleveland, than whom no person was more qualified +for the position. For many years previous to the present outbreak he had +interested himself in the study of Artillery, and for some time commanded +a battery in this city, which, under his skillful management, became +highly proficient.</p> + +<p>Of the batteries composing the above regiment, Co. B, of which we are +about to give the Journal, was the second organized, and W. E. Standart +elected Captain, and J. A. Bennett and J. H. Sypher as First Lieutenants, +and N. A. Baldwin and E. P. Sturges for Second Lieutenants. All the +commissioned officers and a portion of the non-commissioned and privates, +were residents of Cleveland or its vicinity.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[Pg 6]</a></span>On Thursday, September 4th, 1861, the company having been recruited to the +maximum number, we took our departure from Cleveland. A large number of +relatives and friends had assembled at the depot to see us off. At 2.40 +P. M., the train on which we embarked moved slowly out of the depot amid +the cheers of the people. At Grafton, Wellington, and other points along +the road, we were joined by a large number of recruits, who had enlisted +in these and surrounding towns. Many of their friends and relatives were +present to bid the bold “soger boys” good bye. Early the same evening we +arrived at Columbus, were delayed for an hour, then got under way, and +reached Camp Dennison the following morning, when we at once formed in +line and <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'mnrched'">marched</ins> to our quarters.</p> + +<p>At Camp Dennison commenced our first experience of a soldier’s life. We +were quartered in shanties built for the purpose, eight or ten persons to +each. The first day was passed in looking around the Camp. The next, we +had guard mounting, and were given the order of the day. Each day we were +twice drilled, and soon became quite proficient in handling the guns. A +few days after arriving at Camp we were regularly mustered into the United +States’ service, when we received our clothing and equipments, and now +pitched our tents for the first time, in a beautiful grove about one mile +<ins class="correction" title="original reads 'fromo ur'">from our</ins> old quarters. The horses, harness, and other <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'necesary'">necessary</ins> articles +soon arrived, and on the 5th of October<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span> orders were received to hold +ourselves in readiness to march at an hours’ notice. Each member of the +battery was assigned his position, and all was got in readiness to march.</p> + +<p>On Sunday morning following, the order was given to strike tents, harness +horses, and be prepared to march without delay; and, although it was then +raining heavily, no time was lost. Every one was actively engaged in +getting ready. Soon came word to move, but some of our horses were +inclined to disobey orders, as they refused to proceed. Camp life had not +been without its charms to them; they had no inclination to give up “going +to grass,” so soon; but, after considerable coaxing, and a little +“persuasive force,” we were finally on the road, and with but little +adventure, aside from our horses being once or twice stalled in the mud, +we reached Cincinnati.</p> + +<p>On arriving at the “Queen City,” we were quartered at the Elm street +barracks. The building is quite extensive, and built of brick. It was +formerly used as an Orphan Asylum, and was thus rather suggestive to us +poor soldiers. How many of our little band of warm hearts would ever again +sit in the sunshine of home? How many of the loved and true would look</p> + +<p class="poem">For the brave men who’d come never again,<br /> +To hearths that are broken, to hearts that are lone.</p> + +<p>None could know the ending.</p> + +<p>Quartered in the same building was Kinney’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> battery of our own regiment. +We remained here but two days, during which we were visited by a large +number of citizens, and by them shown much attention.</p> + +<p>On the morning of October 8th, we were on the march to Kentucky, and +crossed the Ohio river. Arriving at Covington we at once commenced getting +our horses and guns on board the cars, after which we were formed in line +and marched to the market house, where we partook of a good dinner that +had been provided for us by the loyal and patriotic ladies and gentlemen +of Covington. When we had eaten to our hearts’ content, our haversacks +were abundantly filled by fair hands; then, giving nine rousing cheers for +Covington’s noble sons and daughters, we reformed in line and marched back +to the depot. In a short time all were on board the cars and under way. We +passed through Cynthiana and several small towns and arrived at Lexington, +where we remained until daylight. The cars containing the horses were sent +forward to Nicholsville, the drivers going with them. Those who remained +at Lexington were marched up to one of the hotels and treated to a good +breakfast. During the forenoon the entire train reached Nicholasville, our +guns and equipments were landed, and in a short time we were once more on +the march.</p> + +<p>Early the following morning we arrived at Camp Dick Robinson, having +marched sixteen miles over a good turnpike road, and through what is +called<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> “the blue grass regions.” This part of the country is said to be +the finest in Kentucky. We pitched our tents in an extensive field, and +found quite a large body of troops who had preceded us, numbering about +six thousand. The place is poorly adapted for a camping ground, wood and +water being quite unhandy. We were obliged to go three miles to the +Kentucky river to water our horses. After remaining here eight days, +during a portion of which time it rained, on the night of October 18th we +received orders to be ready to march early the next morning.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h3>BATTLE OF WILD CAT.</h3> + +<p>Early the following morning, in accordance with orders, all were actively +engaged in making preparations to march; and, from certain indications, it +was evident that we were shortly to be called on to take part in our first +battle. It had been reported that the rebels, under Gen. Zollicoffer, were +advancing from Cumberland Gap to attack the Union force stationed at Camp +Wild Cat. The men were all in high spirits at the prospect of soon meeting +the enemy in battle array. At an early hour we were on the march, being +accompanied by the Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of +Col. Steedman.</p> + +<p>At noon, we passed through the pretty little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> town of Lancaster. The +citizens are nearly all Unionists, and they greeted us kindly as we passed +along. A number of ladies brought out such provisions as they had ready +cooked, and gave to us freely. At sundown, we arrived at Crab Orchard, +having marched twenty miles during the day. We here camped for the night, +it raining heavily at the time.</p> + +<p>Next morning, after a hasty breakfast, were again on the tramp. After +passing Crab Orchard we left the beaten turnpike over which we had for +some time been traveling; and now commenced the worst trial we had yet +undergone. Over rocks, into ruts, through mud, onward we went; when, about +ten o’clock, reports reached us that the enemy had already commenced the +attack on the First Kentucky Infantry stationed at Wild Cat, and which was +yet some twenty miles distant. We therefore hurried along as speedily as +the rough nature of the ground would admit, and, at four o’clock, halted +at a small creek and were ordered to feed our horses and prepare supper +with all possible dispatch, to be ready for an all night march. Instantly, +all was activity. Ammunition chests were overhauled, and things got in +readiness for the coming battle.</p> + +<p>At dark the word “forward” was given, and away we went over hills, through +valleys, and through the interminable mud. Such roads! The one leading to +“Jordan” can hardly be more difficult of passage. The moon, however, was +shining brightly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> and all night long we held our toilsome way. No word of +complaint, not a murmur was heard, but with a silence only broken by the +heavy tread of our horses, and the creaking and rattling of the caissons +and gun carriages, we passed slowly forward. We were about to engage in +our first battle for the country we loved; the country that gave us birth; +and that was enough to quicken the blood, to rouse our nerves for the +coming conflict.</p> + +<p>At daylight we arrived at Rock Castle River, and here made a halt to feed +horses and get breakfast. On the opposite side of the river lay Wild Cat +Mountain, where we soon expected to meet the foe. Breakfast was soon +dispatched, and on crossing the river, which was done by fording, we were +met by messengers with orders to hurry forward, as the battle had already +begun. Although we had a steep and rugged mountain of some three miles in +hight to ascend, and were much fatigued with our last night’s march, the +whip and spur were freely applied to our horses, and hurrying along at +double quick were soon at the scene of action.</p> + +<p>In less than ten minutes after our arrival we were in position, and at +once opened on the enemy. They were rather taken by surprise, it being the +first intimation they had received that there was any artillery on the +ground. The fighting, up to this time, had been done by infantry and +cavalry. The Rebels were in a deep ravine, and so thick were the trees we +were unable to obtain sight of them from our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> position, and were only +guided by the smoke from their guns.</p> + +<p>The Thirty-third Indiana Infantry were posted on a hill directly opposite +our battery, while the Seventeenth Ohio and First Kentucky Infantry, +together with a part of Woolford’s Cavalry, were stationed away to our +right. The Fourteenth Ohio Infantry were drawn up in line to our left. The +Rebels were making efforts to drive the Thirty-third Indiana from their +position. Every shot from our guns told with good effect, and the battle +continued at intervals during the day. About three o’clock in the +afternoon the firing became quite brisk, and lasted for half an hour. At +this time we rapidly threw shells into the enemy’s cover, which they did +not much relish, for their fire soon perceptibly diminished, and finally +ceased. All was now quiet. At dark, one section of our battery, under +Lieutenant Sypher, moved over to where the Thirty-third Indiana held +position. It being through the woods, and as there was no road, the guns +were of necessity dragged by hand; but there were willing hearts and stout +hands at the work, and it was speedily and safely effected.</p> + +<p>About midnight the enemy endeavored to outflank us, but in this they were +foiled; for we opened on them, throwing two or three shot, when they at +once fell back to their old position, and all again became quiet.</p> + +<p>In the morning, nothing was to be seen or heard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> of the enemy. They had +doubtless come to the sage conclusion,</p> + +<p class="poem">“That those who fly may fight again,<br /> +Which he can never do that’s slain,”</p> + +<p>and so had quietly decamped. They had been badly whipped, and only wanted +to be “let alone.” Their force was estimated to be about seven thousand, +while ours did not exceed two thousand, and five hundred actively engaged. +The Rebel loss could not have been less than two hundred and fifty killed +and wounded. Our loss was four killed and twenty wounded. Twenty-eight of +the enemy’s dead were left on the field, and were buried by our soldiers. +Three of their wounded fell into our hands, two of whom died the next day. +Owing to the wild and rugged nature of the country, immediate pursuit was +impossible, otherwise we would have “gobbled” the greater part of their +force. The ground on which the battle was fought is said to have been the +favorite hunting ground of Daniel Boone, the pioneer of Kentucky. It was +rather a romantic place for a battle.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h3>ON THE ROAD AGAIN.</h3> + +<p>We remained at Camp Wild Cat until Thursday, Oct. 24th, and then took up +our line of march on the track of the fleeing Rebels. All along the road +were evidences of their work of destruction, as, in their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> retreat, they +destroyed bridges, fences, and even houses. Carcasses of horses, cattle +and hogs, were strewn along the roadside. In many places they had felled +large trees across the road to cover their retreat. We also saw several +graves where they had buried their dead.</p> + +<p>In the afternoon of the same day, we arrived at what is called Pittman’s X +Roads. The Richmond road here intersects the Lexington and Cumberland Gap +road. The place derives its name from an old settler.</p> + +<p>We here pitched our tents upon a pretty knoll. It was quite convenient to +wood and water, and was the most pleasant place we had yet occupied.</p> + +<p>While here, large reinforcements were received, being an entire brigade, +composed of the following regiments, namely: Fourteenth, Seventeenth and +Thirty-eighth Ohio; Thirty-third Indiana; First Kentucky; First and Second +Tennessee; all Infantry, and a small detachment of Woolford’s Cavalry, +with our own and Kinney’s Batteries, of the First Ohio Artillery.</p> + +<p>While here, we had several night alarms, but none of them proved of much +consequence. In each instance, however, we were promptly prepared for any +emergency. A few days later, word came to strike tents and proceed on to +London, some three miles distant.</p> + +<p>We reached London about noon of the same day, and took our bivouac in a +large field on the outskirts of the town. Some of the brigade arrived the +night<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> previous, having been pushed forward, from a report that the enemy +were advancing on the place. This, however, proved false. But we at once +took up good positions, and made preparations to resist any attack. +Detachments were sent out to reconnoiter, but without discovering any +signs of the Rebels. They had retired to their old quarters at Cumberland +Gap.</p> + +<p>The country around London is rough and mountainous, and the people are +mostly of the poorer class. They are generally loyal to the “old flag.” +The population of the town is about five hundred. Most of the inhabitants +had fled on the approach of the Rebel army, but returned to their homes on +our arrival. The buildings are, for the greater part, rickety affairs. +There are but few good houses in the place. The stars and stripes, which +had been torn down by vandal hands, were again raised, when the people +were addressed by those noble patriots, Andy Johnson and Horace Maynard, +both of Tennessee.</p> + +<p>After remaining here quietly for two weeks, we changed our camping ground, +moving about a mile west of the town, the officers thinking it to be a +more desirable place for the purpose. But ere the tents had been pitched, +an order came to cook three days’ rations, and be prepared to march early +in the evening. All wondered what was up, and various were the +conjectures. The most reasonable supposition was, that we were going to +attack the enemy. What was our surprise, when, on forming into line, to +find ourselves faced towards Wild Cat.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>At last came the word to march. Regiment after regiment fell into line as +we filed past, for our battery was to take the lead. Soon the entire +brigade was in motion. Wild Cat was reached and passed, but forward was +the order. It was now past midnight, with the moon shining brightly. Rock +Castle river was crossed; and after marching some two miles further we +came to a halt. In the meantime the moon had sunk beyond the western +hills, and it was now quite dark. Fires were built, around which we +gathered and patiently waited for daylight. Our brigade was strewn along +the road for miles, and their watch-fires streamed brightly athwart the +gloom, but all was quiet, save the mournful hoot of an owl perched in the +neighboring forest, and the measured tread of the sentinels as they paced +their weary beat.</p> + +<p>Daylight came at last, and with it came rain. The command was given to +move on, and forward we went, the rain pouring down in torrents, and the +roads in a horrible condition. At almost every step, poor, weary, worn out +soldiers sank by the road-side, being completely exhausted and unable to +proceed further.</p> + +<p>About four o’clock in the afternoon, the advance of our battery arrived at +Mount Vernon. Here they halted for the remainder to come up, but finally +took up quarters in a large field just in rear of the town, and it was +decided upon to remain there for the night. Our guns came stringing along, +and at dark all had not arrived. A small quantity of coffee was procured, +from which, with some raw pork, we made the best<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> meal we could. Fires +were kindled, around which the weary souls gathered to obtain, if +possible, a little sleep. Some crouched under wagons, others stowed +themselves away in sheds and barns. The wagons containing our tents and +mess chests were still back on the road.</p> + +<p>Such a night as we passed through, will never be forgotten. All were wet +to the skin, and many had no overcoats nor blankets.</p> + +<p>Morning came at last, and with it a bright sun; but the air was raw and +chilly. A breakfast similar to last night’s supper was procured and soon +eaten. After waiting some time for the rest of the battery to come up, we +finally moved on without them. A march of ten miles brought us to a short +distance from Crab Orchard. Here, much to our satisfaction, we were +ordered to encamp. No time was lost in obeying the command, and what few +tents had arrived were soon pitched. A hasty supper was cooked, and as +speedily demolished. Soon, all had turned in for a night’s rest, being the +first we had been able to obtain for two days.</p> + +<p>Thus ended one of the most disastrous forced marches during the war. Many +a poor fellow owes his death to this cause.</p> + +<p>The day following, the rest of the battery <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'arived'">arrived</ins>, and we remained here +until Tuesday noon, the 19th of November, when we were ordered to march, +our destination being Lebanon. Alonzo Starr, of our company, died the +night previous at Mount Vernon,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> a victim of the forced march above +alluded to. His remains were sent home in charge of Corporal Blanchard. +This was the first death in the battery. A number of our sick were left +behind; one of whom, E. K. Bailey, died on the 17th of December. After +marching about eight miles during the day, we encamped for the night, and +the next morning were again on the move, marching some eighteen miles, +when we halted near a small creek. The weather up to this time had been +quite pleasant, but the following morning it commenced raining, still we +pushed forward, the rain continuing during the day. In the afternoon +passed through the village of Caynaville, rather a small place. The same +night pitched our tents in a field near a creek, about six miles from +Lebanon. The weather on the next day was clear but quite cold, and we +again resumed our march. Daring the forenoon we halted and camped on a +high hill, a short distance from the town, which lay in plain view. The +Fourteenth Ohio Infantry were still with us. Four days later our right +section was ordered forward to Somerset, it having been reported that a +large Rebel force under Zollicoffer had made an attack on the Twelfth +Kentucky Infantry, Col. Hoskins, who were camped on the Cumberland River, +about five miles from Somerset. According to orders, at nine o’clock in +the morning, the right section, under Lieut. Bennett, started, and at noon +the remainder of the battery were sent forward. Shortly after dark we came +up with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> Bennett’s command, and halted for the night. We here found the +paymaster, who, the next morning, paid over our first instalment, being up +to the 1st of November. After receiving our pay, again moved forward in a +heavy rain, which continued through the day, and late in the afternoon the +advance reached Danville, and encamped two miles beyond the town. At dark +all had arrived. Most of the men were quartered in town for the night, +procuring their suppers at the hotels, and at private residences. The +citizens did all in their power to make us comfortable during our short +stay. A number of us obtained beds at the hotels, by paying for them, +which was done willingly, for a comfortable bed we had not for a long time +enjoyed.</p> + +<p>In the morning, after passing a short time doing our trading, all returned +to camp, and were again soon on the move. The right section had gone on +ahead, under command of Lieutenant Baldwin—Lieutenant Bennett having +received a short furlough to go home. We passed through Stanford during +the day, and pitched tents four miles beyond the town. Next morning +continued our march. The weather was clear, but quite cool. After marching +fifteen miles, encamped near a church in progress of erection. That night +the boys lodged in the church—probably the first time some of them were +ever in one. Early in the morning were again moving.</p> + +<p>Every one that we now met, reported that a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> battle was going on at the +river just beyond Somerset. In a short time we distinctly heard +cannonading, and pushed on as fast as possible, at noon arriving at +Somerset. We were here informed that a regular battle was being fought at +the river, five miles distant. The Seventeenth and Thirty-eighth Ohio +Infantry were close on our rear, and all possible dispatch was made to +reach the river, as the men were anxious to have a hand in the fun, as +they called it.</p> + +<p>At two o’clock we reached the river. It was snowing quite hard, and the +firing had ceased. This was on Monday, December 2nd.</p> + +<p>We here found Lieutenant Baldwin, and his command. It appears that the +firing had all been done by the Rebels, who were on the opposite side of +the river. They had been throwing shot and shell into the camp of the +Twelfth Kentucky, but without execution, only causing the Twelfth to move +further back from the river, and out of reach of their guns.</p> + +<p>Occasionally the Rebels would march forward in regiments, fire a volley, +and then fall back. Our guns made no reply, we not firing a shot. There +had been some slight skirmishing between the enemy and the Twelfth +Kentucky a day or two previous to our arrival. Colonel Hoskins had a small +mountain howitzer, with which he now and then sent them a shell. No more +firing took place that night after our arrival.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>The following morning, after vainly endeavoring to make some discovery of +the enemy, but seeing nothing of them, it was concluded that they had gone +down the river about sixteen miles, to what is called Mill Springs, and +that they would there make an attempt to cross, as at that place the river +is sometimes fordable. Accordingly, Lieutenant Sypher was directed to take +part of the Battery and proceed to that point, to prevent their crossing. +The Seventeenth Ohio Infantry had previously gone on as far as Fishing +Creek, and there Lieutenant Sypher joined them. They then proceeded on +towards the river, Lieutenant Sypher having the front. On enquiring of +people living along the road, they were informed that none of the enemy +had crossed the river; and when they had arrived to within six miles of +the ford, a halt was ordered.</p> + +<p>After some consultation, Colonel Connel, and Captain Rickards, of the +Seventeenth Ohio, and Lieutenant Sypher, concluded to go forward, by +themselves, and reconnoiter. When near the river, and in a deep ravine, +they were suddenly fired upon by a number of Secesh Cavalry, and ordered +to halt. But, instead of obeying this command, they put spurs to their +horses, and made “tracks” as fast as possible, the Rebels firing several +volleys after them. In their flight, Colonel Connel’s horse stumbled and +fell, throwing the Colonel off, by which means he lost his cap and sword, +and was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> badly bruised. Captain Rickards immediately came to his +assistance, and gave him his horse, the Captain making his way out on +foot. All got safely back to their men.</p> + +<p>It was now evident that a large body of the enemy had already crossed, and +there being no chance of obtaining a desirable position, and not having +sufficient force to contend with them, they determined to fall back to +Fishing Creek, and await further orders. A retreat was ordered, and our +men retired in good order, and at daylight next morning were safely +arrived at Fishing Creek. In the meantime, the balance of the Battery were +on the way to their assistance, and on the night previous were camped only +two miles from the creek, where we soon found them.</p> + +<p>We remained here through the day, and early in the evening were ordered to +have all the horses harnessed, and everything ready in case of an +emergency; information having been received that the enemy were advancing. +One section of the Battery, under Lieutenant Baldwin, was posted on the +spur of a hill, commanding the crossing of the creek. A part of the +Seventeenth Ohio were also stationed with them, and all were prepared for +an attack.</p> + +<p>About ten o’clock, our pickets were driven in by the enemy’s advance. They +reported the Rebels in large force; and it being deemed folly to contend +against such odds, General Schoepf, who was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> then in command, thought it +advisable to fall back on Somerset, and there await reinforcements. We +were soon retiring in good order, and before daylight arrived at Somerset. +The Thirty-eighth Ohio, and Twelfth Kentucky, coming in about the same +time. Shortly after daylight we moved about two miles North of the town, +and encamped. This was on Thursday, December 5th.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h3>THE BATTLE OF MILL SPRINGS.</h3> + +<p>We remained quietly at Somerset until December 8th. In the meantime, were +reinforced by the arrival of the Thirty-first and Thirty-fifth Ohio +Infantry, and also Hewitt’s Kentucky Battery. In addition to the above, +was a small detachment of Woolford’s Cavalry.</p> + +<p>On Sunday noon, one of the cavalrymen came riding into camp in hot haste, +and nearly out of breath. He stated that the enemy were advancing, and +that they had made an attack on our picket guard, killing and wounding +several, and had taken the rest prisoners.</p> + +<p>At first, his story was doubted. It, however, proved true in many +respects. One of the guard was killed, one wounded, and fifteen or twenty +taken prisoners, all of them belonging to the Thirty-fifth Ohio. +Immediately, bustle and confusion pervaded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> the camp. The long roll was +beaten in the Infantry, and all were soon in line for action. Our horses +were harnessed, tents struck, when we at once proceeded towards Somerset, +which we had only left a few hours previous; and, at double quick, soon +went rushing into the town.</p> + +<p>We at once took up position on a high hill just north of the town, which +gave us a fine command of the country. The Seventeenth Ohio were stationed +with us. The remainder of the force were stationed at different points, +and all quietly awaited an attack; but at dark, no enemy had appeared. The +horses were kept harnessed, and every one remained near his post of duty +all night.</p> + +<p>During the night, we were reinforced by the arrival from London of the +First and Second Tennessee Infantry. The next morning nothing was seen or +heard of the enemy, and it was supposed that they had become alarmed +during the night, and had fallen back to their intrenchments at Mill +Springs. Small reconnoitering parties were sent out daily, but with the +exception of a few slight skirmishes, and occasionally a little firing +between the picket guards, nothing of importance occurred for a number of +days. During these skirmishes, a few prisoners were taken on both sides, +so that neither derived but little advantage. The weather for about two +weeks, continued fine; but neither force seemed inclined to make good use +of it.</p> + +<p>On the 17th December, Gen. Schoepf ordered the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> whole brigade to be in +readiness to make a reconnoisance the next day. That night, one day’s +provisions were cooked, and all prepared for an early start. At daylight, +December 18th, the entire brigade, with the exception of a sufficient +number of men to guard the camp, were on the move. The forces were divided +into two divisions. The Ohio and Kentucky Regiments, with two sections of +our battery, under General Schoepf, went up Fishing Creek. The two +<ins class="correction" title="original reads 'Tennesse'">Tennessee</ins> Regiments, with the right section of our battery, under +Lieutenant Bennett, General Carter commanding, went down the Creek. The +division of General Schoepf did not effect anything, being unable to fall +in with the enemy. General Carter’s command, however, was more successful. +They came upon a party of the Rebel Cavalry, who were on the opposite side +of the Creek, and being out of rifle distance, they were inclined to be +quite bold and defiant. But Lieutenant Bennett got his guns in position, +and sent over several shells, which caused them to “skedaddle” in all +directions. It was supposed that his shot killed and wounded several, as +they were seen carrying off a number. They left considerable plunder which +fell into the hands of the Tennessee men.</p> + +<p>Seeing no further prospect of drawing out the enemy, the expedition +returned to Somerset, arriving at dark.</p> + +<p>Nothing of further importance occurred for some time, with the exception +of an attempt on the part<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> of Colonel Hoskins, with his regiment, and a +part of the Thirty-eighth Ohio, to capture a forage train of the enemy, +but which proved unsuccessful. The weather had now become cold and rainy, +making the roads almost impassable; and, it was thought that nothing would +be done before Spring, as neither party seemed inclined to throw down the +gauntlet. But things were quietly working, and which the following will +show was to some purpose.</p> + +<p>On Friday morning, January 17th, <ins class="correction" title="original reads '1852'">1862</ins>, in accordance with orders of the +previous evening, the entire available force then at Somerset, set out, as +was then supposed, for another reconnoisance, towards the enemy’s lines. +Subsequent events showed that it resulted far different from what most of +the men anticipated. All camp equipage was left behind, in charge of a +sufficient guard. At an early hour a start was effected; but, owing to the +bad condition of the roads, slow progress was made. The late rains had +swollen Fishing Creek, so that it was almost impassable; and it was at a +late hour of the night ere the Battery succeeded in crossing the stream.</p> + +<p>It now commenced raining quite hard, but the men bravely pushed forward, +and, near midnight, arrived at the camp of General Thomas, who had a large +force under his command. They had come over the Columbia road. This was +quite a surprise to all, except such officers as were in the secret.</p> + +<p>It now became evident that an exciting time was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> at hand, and that a +battle was soon to be fought. But little did we soldiers dream that it +would result so gloriously to our cause as the sequel will show. The rain +kept pouring down, and all were wet to the skin, having no tents to +protect us. At day-light next morning, it was still raining. A +consultation was held between Generals Thomas and Schoepf, the result of +which was known only to themselves. A part of Schoepf’s Brigade was +ordered back to Somerset, to act as a reserve. Our Battery, with the two +Tennessee regiments, remaining. Teams were sent to Somerset for +provisions, with which they were loaded, and sent forward. The rain, which +had fallen heavily during the entire day, had swollen the creek to such a +hight that they were not able to recross until the following morning.</p> + +<p>All of Saturday the men remained in camp, on account of the rain. The +various regiments were scattered over a large extent of ground. On Sunday, +January 19th, at an early hour, a part of Woolford’s Cavalry, who were on +picket guard, were driven in by the advance of the enemy, and soon +thereafter the attack was commenced on the Tenth Indiana Infantry, who +were camped in an advanced position. The Tenth stood their ground manfully +for a long time, although they were opposed by four times their number. At +length the Fourth Kentucky came to their relief.</p> + +<p>The engagement had now become general. For<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> a time our guns could not be +brought to bear upon the enemy, owing to the nature of the ground, and the +position of our troops, without endangering our own men. After +considerable maneuvering, a portion of the guns were got into a favorable +position, and soon begun to pour in a deadly fire upon the enemy. Shot and +shell flew thick and fast. Each discharge wrought fearful execution, and +the Rebel ranks were rapidly thinned.</p> + +<p>The fighting had now become terrific, the advantage changing alternately +from one side to the other; and at times it was difficult to tell how the +battle was going. Our troops fought bravely, not once flinching. Although +their comrades were falling around them, still they pressed bravely +forward. General Zollicoffer fell in the early part of the engagement, +having been shot through the heart by Colonel Fry, of the Fourth Kentucky.</p> + +<p>The <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'euemy'">enemy</ins> had now begun to waver, and gradually gave ground, when the +gallant Ninth Ohio made a grand bayonet charge, which scattered them in +all directions. The retreat then became general. Our forces followed them +up, firing volley after volley into their disordered ranks. In the +meantime, the guns of our Battery were doing fearful execution among the +fleeing Rebels. Many of the shells exploded in their very midst. We still +kept up the pursuit, the rain all the time falling heavily, which rendered +the roads almost impassable; but on we went, through woods, over logs and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span> +stumps, through brush and mud. At times it was all our horses could do to +pull through, and our progress was consequently slow. The roads and woods +were scattered with the dead and wounded of both armies. The track of the +fleeing Rebels was strewn with muskets, swords, knapsacks, overcoats, &c., +which they had thrown away to facilitate their flight.</p> + +<p>At about five o’clock we had succeeded in driving the enemy behind their +intrenchments at Mill Springs, being a distance of eight miles from where +the battle commenced. Reinforcements had now come up, and though the men +were nearly exhausted, having eaten nothing since early morning, and were +saturated with the rain, the guns were soon got in position, and opened +with shell on the enemy’s works. The Rebels replied with a few ineffectual +shot, their shell falling far short of their destination. Kinney’s and +Wetmore’s Batteries were also engaging the enemy from different positions. +About eight in the evening the enemy’s guns were silenced, and in a short +time the firing ceased altogether. An hour later quiet reigned in the +camp.</p> + +<p>Our weary men now stretched themselves on the cold, damp ground, to obtain +a little repose from the toils of the day. All slept near their post of +duty, and were ready to spring into action at sound of the bugle. At early +dawn they were at their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span> stations, to renew the battle; but no sound came +from the enemy’s camp.</p> + +<p>It was now determined to make a grand charge, and storm the Rebel works. +All the forces were drawn up in line of battle, and, at the same time, our +guns were got in readiness to open on the enemy. At last the word to +charge was given, and with a loud yell, the brave troops rushed forward, +and were soon scaling the entrenchments. But what was their surprise, when +reaching the top of the breastworks, to find the place evacuated. The +birds had flown; or to use their own favorite phrase, “skedaddled.” They +had succeeded in crossing the river in a small steamer. A shell from our +battery struck the boat just as it had crossed for the last time. The +shell exploded, setting the boat on fire, and it was soon burned to the +water’s edge.</p> + +<p>Having no means of crossing our forces, we were unable to follow them up. +They had attempted to get part of their guns over the river, but our near +approach prevented them from doing so. They left several sticking fast in +the mud. A large number of the Rebels could yet be seen climbing the hill +on the opposite side of the river, when a few shell thrown among them +caused them to scatter in wild confusion. So great was their fright, and +in such a hurry were they to get away, that they left everything behind, +even to their half-cooked rations. They saved nothing, except what they +had on their backs.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>The result of this glorious victory to the Union cause, is summed up as +follows: From three hundred to four hundred of the enemy killed and +wounded, and two hundred taken prisoners. About fifteen hundred horses and +mules, five hundred wagons and harness, fourteen guns, with caissons and +equipments complete, five thousand muskets, together with a large quantity +of provisions, clothing and ammunition, fell into our hands. But the best +of all, by this victory we succeeded in freeing this part of Kentucky of +the secesh army, much to the gratification of the good Union people.</p> + +<p>This was the first, of a series of brilliant victories that soon followed. +The enemy’s force in this engagement, was about ten thousand; while our +force, actually engaged, did not exceed three thousand five hundred—they +having about three to our one. Our men got a large quantity of trophies, +in the shape of guns, revolvers, watches and clothing.</p> + +<p>The following list comprises our force engaged in the battle: Tenth +Indiana, Fourth Kentucky, Ninth Ohio, Second Minnesota, part of the First +Tennessee, all Infantry, and a portion of Woolford’s Cavalry, together +with our own and Kinney’s and Wetmore’s Batteries, First Ohio Artillery.</p> + +<p>This battle has been given several names; such as, battle near Somerset, +battle of Fishing Creek, Logan’s X Roads, Old Fields, and Mill Springs. It +is better known by the last mentioned.</p> + +<p>It was not until Wednesday evening, the 22d of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> January, that our battery +arrived in Camp at Somerset, having been absent six days. Although the men +were well nigh worn out, yet all were in high spirits over their late +victory, and for a long time it was the only thing talked of.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h3>HERE A LITTLE, AND THERE A LITTLE.</h3> + +<p>As has been stated, it was on the 22d of January, when the battery +returned to Somerset. The next day, we went back to Mill Springs with our +horses, to bring away the guns captured from the enemy.</p> + +<p>As it was late in the day, when we arrived at the scene of the engagement, +and the roads being in bad condition, we remained over night. The next +morning, at daylight, started on our return, and reached Somerset at 2 +P. M., the distance traveled in both expeditions being sixty-four miles.</p> + +<p>We now received orders to march for East Tennessee; but the order was soon +after countermanded, as it was found impossible to proceed, owing to the +horrible condition of the roads. Colonel Barnett had arrived shortly after +the battle, it being the first time we had seen him since leaving Camp +Dick Robinson. He remained with us only a few days.</p> + +<p>Not having before said anything about Somerset, we will here describe the +place:—It is one of the early settled towns of Kentucky, and like all the +other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> mountain towns of this State, it presents rather a sombre and +gloomy appearance. The buildings are mostly built of wood, and are old +fashioned affairs. The business part looks as if it had gone through the +revolutionary war; many of the buildings are fast going to decay. The +population is about one thousand five hundred. Although the inhabitants +profess to be loyal to the old Government, yet many of them are, at heart, +rank secessionists. There is a court-house and jail here, it being the +seat of justice for Pulaski county.</p> + +<p>We remained here until the 10th of February, 1862, being a period of just +ten weeks from the day of our first arrival. On Saturday, the 8th of the +same month, Edward C. Chapman, a member of our company, died, and was +buried the next day. His remains were followed to the grave by nearly all +the members of the battery. This was the first burial in the company, the +others, who died, having been sent home, with the exceptions of Hodge and +Bailey, who were left sick at towns we passed through.</p> + +<p>It having been found impracticable to go forward into East Tennessee, for +various reasons, on Saturday, February 8th, we were ordered to be prepared +to march on the following Monday.</p> + +<p>Monday morning found us ready to move; and, at 8 o’clock, we bade good bye +to Somerset, much to our satisfaction. We marched twelve miles that day, +over the worst kind of a road. In many places the mud was belly deep to +the horses, and they often got stalled. At night, camped in a small valley +near a creek.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> During the night, a heavy snow storm set in, and, in the +morning, the ground was covered, and more still falling. At 8 o’clock, +were again on the move. The roads were but little better than the day +previous; we were, however, in a more open country. Marched this day about +fourteen miles, and at 4 o’clock struck the turnpike at a small creek, +where there was a mill, and one or two stores. We proceeded one mile +beyond, and camped for the night—the weather cold and stormy.</p> + +<p>Next morning, the weather was quite pleasant; and, as soon as breakfast +was over, were again on the road. Lieutenant Bennett was taken sick, and +was left at this place. We now had a good road, and made fair progress. At +4 o’clock, we camped two miles from Danville, the town being in plain +view. The distance made this day, was twenty-four miles.</p> + +<p>Danville is one of the most beautiful towns in Kentucky. The streets are +wide and clean, and the place is well laid out. The population is about +five thousand. It contains many fine buildings, both public and private.</p> + +<p>Early next morning, as usual, on the move, with fine weather. Lieutenant +Sturges was left sick with typhoid fever at Houstonville, on our way +through. Marched twenty miles this day, <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'aad'">and</ins> camped in the woods eight +miles from Lebanon. There was a heavy fall of snow during the night, and +the morning was ushered in cold and disagreeable, but we were soon moving, +and arrived at Lebanon about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> noon, and camped two miles from town on the +Louisville road.</p> + +<p>Time, on the above march, four and a half days.</p> + +<p>At Lebanon, we received a supply of new clothing, and also our Sibley +tents, which made us more comfortable. At this place, we obtained the news +of the capture of Forts Henry and Donelson. Our horses were shod, and some +of them exchanged for others. Also received a lot of army wagons, with six +mules to each. Had considerable sport in breaking in the mules, many a +laughable incident occurring. One of them, in particular, seemed inclined +to have his own way, in spite of all the driver’s efforts to render him +tractable. He would neither go forwards nor backwards; and when Jehu +applied whip and spurs, as an inducement to proceed, he would turn his +head, look his tormentor full in the face, with a most wicked leer, and +then commence such a series of “ground and lofty tumblings,” that the +driver was feign to hold on for dear life. Finally, a bright idea seized +the mind of our mounted friend. “Boys,” said he, “I’ll bet two to one, +that I make this cloven-footed, tobacco-leaf-eared model of a Dutch church +sweat the hide off hisself;” and, leaving his animal tied to a fence, he +entered a grocery, soon returning with an immense cabbage stuck on the +point of his sword. Once more mounting the sagacious beast, Jehu laid his +sword between the animal’s ears. The cabbage projecting in full view to +the enraptured gaze of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> refractory steed, caused him to elevate his +muzzle for so tempting a morsel, and, in the attempt, he began to move +forward, and soon was going at a speed wonderful to behold. That mule +always went well after that. He was partial to cabbages.</p> + +<p>We had orders to move on Tuesday, the 18th <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'of of'">of the</ins> same month; but, owing +to the rainy weather, did not leave. From preparations being made, it +looked as if we were going to have another long and tedious march. Only +the officers knew our destination. The weather during our stay here, had +been wet and cold.</p> + +<p>Theodore White died in hospital on the night of February 18th. His remains +were sent home in charge of his brother, who was quite sick. A large +number of sick were left in hospital at this place, among whom was +Corporal H. P. Fenn, who died shortly after our departure. Lieutenant +Bennett returned on the 20th, having nearly recovered from his sickness.</p> + +<p>Friday morning opened bright and clear, and we took our departure from +Lebanon, having been here one week.</p> + +<p>At 8 o’clock, were on the way, and, at 11 A. M., passed through the town +of Springfield. Marched twenty-five miles that day, and pitched our tents +<ins class="correction" title="original reads 'in in'">in</ins> the woods, five miles from Bardstown. The next morning was rainy. +Proceeded to within one mile of the town, and again camped. Kinney’s +battery accompanied us. This was the 22d of February,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> being Washington’s +birth-day. At noon, Kinney’s battery fired a salute, in honor of the +occasion. The next day, went about four miles beyond Bardstown and again +camped in the woods. A large number of troops were camped near us.</p> + +<p>On Monday morning, the 24th, we started for Louisville. Nearly all of +Thomas’ Division were with us, making quite a large army. Marched +twenty-six miles this day, and camped for the night near a small village. +The next morning, got an early start, and arrived within three miles of +Louisville. It was now the 25th of February.</p> + +<p>We camped in a large field near the city, and the following day were paid +for two months’ services, being up to the 1st of January. This was the +second payment we had received.</p> + +<p>It was now generally understood, that we were bound up the Cumberland +river; but for what point, was not fully known. General Thomas’ Division +kept coming in, regiment after regiment; proceeded directly to the city, +and there embarked aboard the steamers which were chartered for the +purpose. A number of our men went into the city, after being paid.</p> + +<p>Louisville is the largest and most important city in Kentucky. It is +situated at the falls of the Ohio river, and contains a population of +seventy thousand, and is the center of a large and growing trade.</p> + +<p>On Thursday morning, the 27th of February, we entered the city, and at +once commenced getting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> the guns, horses, &c., on board the steamer +Westmoreland. It was nearly dark, ere this was completed. At 10 o’clock +the same evening, we cast loose from the levee and were soon steaming down +the broad Ohio. Sixteen boats loaded with troops accompanied us. Colonel +Barnett was on one of them; and there were also two or three more of his +batteries on different boats.</p> + +<p>Lieutenant Sypher, who had been absent on a short furlough, joined us at +Louisville.</p> + +<p>The late heavy rains had caused quite a freshet in the Ohio river and its +tributaries. Many towns and buildings, which we passed, were almost +submerged, and in some places the river spread out in lake-like expansion. +We frequently met boats, which were returning for troops and supplies, +having discharged their loads. Making but few stops, and only then for the +purpose of “coaling,” on Sunday morning, March 2d, we arrived at +Smithland, at the mouth of the Cumberland. We made but a short stay here, +and then went steaming up the river.</p> + +<p>It was now well understood, that Nashville was our destination. The +Cumberland, like the Ohio, was at a high stage, and our progress against +the current was but slow. About 4 o’clock in the afternoon, we arrived at +Fort Donelson, and as we made but a short stop, had no opportunity to go +on shore to see the place, but had a pretty good view of it as we passed +by. There were a large number of Union troops stationed here, who heartily +cheered us on passing.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> The stars and stripes were floating over the fort, +where erst the hated symbol of secession flung its disgraceful folds.</p> + +<p>On Monday morning, we passed the city of Clarksville, Tennessee, but made +no landing. A band, on board one of the transports accompanying us, played +several national airs as we steamed along. The place seemed almost +deserted. Occasionally, a group of “wooley heads” could be seen, +displaying their “ivories,” and swinging their old hats. Here, as at Fort +Donelson, were a large number of troops, and the good old flag was flying. +The railroad bridge, over the river, had been partially destroyed by fire, +when the Federal gunboats first made their appearance before the city. On +Tuesday morning, March 4th, we arrived at Nashville, having been four days +on the trip.</p> + +<p>At Nashville, we found about fifty steamers discharging their loads. All +of them had brought troops and munitions of war. There had already twenty +thousand troops arrived, and more constantly coming. Our guns and caissons +were got ashore at once, the men and horses remaining on board until next +morning, when we disembarked, and took up our line of march for the +camping ground, passing through several of the principal streets. We +proceeded out on the Charlotteville road some three miles from the city, +and pitched our tents on a beautiful spot, near a small creek. Bartlett’s +and Kinney’s batteries were camped near by. We had dress parade at 4 P. M.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> +each day. The weather was very changeable, sometimes being cold, with rain +and snow, at other times quite warm and pleasant.</p> + +<p>While at this camping ground, a large number of the Company visited what +was called Fort Zollicoffer, or, at least, what was intended for a fort, +or defence, for the protection of Nashville. It is situated on a high +bluff, three miles below the city, on the Cumberland River, and consists +of a slight earthwork. There were several large guns laying half buried in +the mud; only two remaining mounted, the Rebels having hastily attempted +to destroy the works, on the approach of the Union gun-boats. Shot and +shell, were laying around in large quantity.</p> + +<p>Remaining at this camp until Sunday, March 16th, we moved our quarters two +miles south of the city, on the Franklin Pike, and near the Tennessee and +Alabama Railroad. We here pitched our tents, on a high ridge between the +railroad and turnpike. Colonel Barnett named it Camp Brownlow, in honor of +that sterling old patriot, Parson Brownlow. There were also camped near +by, several batteries from Kentucky, Wisconsin, and other States. Colonel +Barnett, had the entire command. We were kept under thorough military +discipline. Dress parade every afternoon, drilling and guard mounting. +After remaining here about one week, for some cause or other, we again +moved half a mile to new grounds. While here, a number of the sick were +discharged the service. Those who had been left sick at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> different points, +and had recovered, here rejoined us. Richard Williams, a member of our +Company, died in the hospital at Nashville on the 15th of March. He was +from Cleveland.</p> + +<p>Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is situated on the Cumberland River, +two hundred and fifty miles from its mouth. It is the terminus of the +Louisville and Nashville Railroad, and is also the centering point of +numerous other Southern roads. It is sometimes known as the City of Rocks; +being built on a high rocky elevation. The population is about twenty-five +thousand, and it is a place of considerable trade. Most of the cotton, and +other products of Middle Tennessee, here find a market. The State House, +is a large and magnificent structure, built entirely of marble, and +situated on a high elevation called Capitol Hill. It is the first object +that attracts the attention of the stranger, on his approach to the city, +as it can be seen from a considerable distance from all quarters of +approach. The glorious old flag, under which our fathers fought in a cause +most holy, now floats from its dome, in place of the late Secesh rag. The +streets are narrow and irregular, not being laid out with any regard to +beauty. There are a large number of fine buildings here, both public and +private. The citizens are, for the most part, strong secessionists. The +appearance of Union soldiers in their streets was not much relished, but +they were obliged to put up with it.</p> + +<p>On the 29th of March, we struck tents, and again<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> moved forward, taking +the Franklin road, in company with the Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania, First +Wisconsin, and Thirty-fifth Indiana, all Infantry, and one Regiment of +Pennsylvania Cavalry. We were now in the Seventh Brigade of General Buel’s +department, General Negley commanding. A march of twenty miles through +heat and dust, brought us to the pretty little town of Franklin, and at 4 +o’clock in the afternoon we camped in a grove one mile from the town. +Nearly all the places of business here were closed, many of the +inhabitants having fled from the wrath of the “barbarous Yankees.” We +remained here only two days, and were then again ordered forward.</p> + +<p>On Monday morning, April 1st, we left the place. The day was quite warm, +and the roads very dusty, but we marched twenty-five during the day, and +camped in the woods near a creek. The men had now a good opportunity for +bathing, which most of them took advantage of. This place was rather a +rough camping ground, being quite uneven and covered with rocks. The next +morning, had a fine shower, which cooled the atmosphere and settled the +dust. At 8 o’clock were once more moving, and soon forded a creek, the +Rebels having <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'detroyed'">destroyed</ins> the bridge. A number of the First Regiment +Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, were actively engaged in rebuilding it. +After proceeding about two miles, were ordered to halt, remaining in the +road for two hours, then moved into a field to our left,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> and encamped. +Next day, again started, and at noon reached Columbia, having crossed Duck +River. We here camped on a high hill just back of the town.</p> + +<p>This was April 3d.</p> + +<p>It was about 2 o’clock, when our tents were pitched. The ground was +cleared up, and the place made quite pleasant for camping purposes. It was +surrounded by a heavy growth of trees, which were beginning to leave out. +We also had a commanding view of the town and surrounding country.</p> + +<p>Columbia, the county seat of Maury, is situated on Duck River, and is +fifty miles from Nashville. The Tennessee and Alabama Railroad, passes +through it. Population, about three thousand. The streets are wide and +clean. Among the public buildings, is a large Female Seminary, then +closed. A majority of the people are secessionists. Shortly after our +arrival, Dow Tanney, a member of the Company, died. On the 7th of April, +the right section of the Battery, under command of Lieutenant Bennett, +went to Mount Pleasant, fourteen miles from Columbia. A part of our +brigade, also went with them. On the 22d of April, we received another +payment, being up to March 1st. On the night of May 1st, about 11 o’clock, +an order came for one section of the Battery to proceed at once to +Pulaski. At 12 o’clock the centre section, under Lieutenant Baldwin, +started, with four companies of the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, one +company First Kentucky,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span> and four companies Seventy-ninth <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'Pensylvania'">Pennsylvania</ins> +Infantry, accompanying.</p> + +<p>The reason of this sudden movement, was on account of Morgan’s cut-throat +Cavalry being at Pulaski, where they had captured a wagon train of General +Mitchell’s division, and had also made an attack on a party of unarmed +Union soldiers, who had just been discharged from hospital, and were on +the way to join their regiments. A number were killed and wounded, and +several taken prisoners. The citizens of Pulaski had assisted Morgan in +this attack, firing on our soldiers from their houses, and had also broken +open the store of a Union man, and carried off all his goods and money.</p> + +<p>Our men pushed on as fast as possible, and, when within ten miles of the +town, were met by a number of the troops, who had been captured by the +enemy, and released on parole. They reported Morgan and his gang still at +Pulaski, when they left. Lieutenant Baldwin having the front, gave the +order to forward on double quick. The men were not slow in obeying; and at +2 o’clock went rushing into Pulaski in hot haste, but were a little too +late for the Rebels, as they had taken the alarm and “skedaddled.”</p> + +<p>The men retaliated on the citizens for their base conduct. They took +possession of the town, and went into the mercantile business. From +soldiers, they were soon turned into merchants, and opened stores on their +own account. Soon all were loaded<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> with watches, jewelry, boots, shoes, +hats, clothing, etc., besides a certain other article which we wouldn’t +mention by a jug-full.</p> + +<p>They remained here a few days—long enough to regulate matters, and to +give the residents to understand, that they must behave themselves. For +Union boys wont be trifled with.</p> + +<p>On the 6th instant, they returned to Columbia, where they safely arrived.</p> + +<p>On the evening of the 2d of May we were all aroused by an order to harness +horses, and every man to be at his post with all possible dispatch.</p> + +<p>This sudden move rather took us by surprise, and all wondered what was in +the wind.</p> + +<p>It would appear that a large number of Morgan’s guerillas had been +prowling in the vicinity of Columbia, and it was supposed that they +intended to take advantage of the absence of part of our force, to attack +the place. But it was not long ere we were in readiness to give them a +warm reception. Our remaining two guns were posted on a hill a short +distance from the camp, and the balance of the troops, then here, were +placed in favorable positions. The night passed without any disturbance.</p> + +<p class="poem">Morgan and his hellish crew<br /> +Were afraid to come in view.</p> + +<p>But for several nights we maintained a strict watch for the murderous +thieves.</p> + +<p>On the morning of the 6th of May, the forge wagon was sent to Mount +Pleasant, to shoe the horses of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> Lieutenant Bennett’s section. Lieut. B. +and his command were camped in a fine grove, near a large creek. The First +Wisconsin and Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, together with some Kentucky +Cavalry, were camped near by.</p> + +<p>On the 10th of May, an order came for them to proceed directly to Pulaski; +and at noon they were on the road,—the First Wisconsin going with them. +The left section had, also, an order to go to the same place, and left +immediately, under command of Lieutenants Sypher and Sturges. I will here +state, that Lieutenant Sypher had returned, and joined us at Columbia, +some two weeks previous, having recovered his health. He had been sick +nearly two months, and went home from Houstonville, where we had left him. +A number of our sick, who had been left behind, rejoined us here.</p> + +<p>On the 20th of May, Lieutenant Bennett returned to Columbia with the right +section, and <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'immediotely'">immediately</ins> proceeded to Kalioke Station, six miles from +Columbia, and on the railroad. On the 21st inst., the left section, under +Lieutenant Sypher, returned, and went into camp at the old place. The +night of June 2d, had another alarm, caused by the firing of our pickets. +The next day, a Union meeting was held at the place; and during the +afternoon had still another alarm, but, like the former, proved without +cause. On the 29th of May, the left section again left Columbia, the +center section now only remaining; and, on the 9th of June, they also left +for Murfreesboro.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h3>EXPEDITION OF THE CENTER SECTION.</h3> + +<p>On Monday, June 9th, the Center Section left Columbia for Murfreesboro, +leaving the forge, battery and baggage wagons behind, together with the +tents and camp equipage. The reason for this move was supposed to be an +attack apprehended on Murfreesboro, as there had been several skirmishes +in that vicinity.</p> + +<p>At 5 A. M. the two guns started, under command of Captain Standart and +Lieutenant Baldwin. At 2 P. M. the forge and battery wagons, together with +what men were left; also left along with the First Kentucky Cavalry. +Standart’s command marched four miles beyond Franklin that day, and camped +for the night. The remainder went within five miles of the above place, +and also camped. The next day, the last-named went to within seven miles +of Murfreesboro. The center section reached the town at 2 P. M. the same +day. The roads, with the exception of some six miles, were in fine order, +being macadamized. The country is well adapted for farming, and we passed +many large fields of wheat, corn and cotton. The wheat, generally, was +being cut. On Wednesday morning, June 11th, with our two guns we set out, +in company with the Sixty-ninth and Seventy-fourth Ohio, Third Minnesota, +Eleventh and part of the Ninth Michigan—all Infantry—and one battalion +each of the Fourth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> Kentucky and Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, together +with four guns of the First Tennessee and four of First Kentucky +Artillery. At 9 o’clock, same morning, the First Kentucky Cavalry, +together with our forge and battery wagon, arrived at Murfreesboro, and +were at once sent forward to join the main body of the army. The +expedition was under command of General Dumont.</p> + +<p>Early that evening our expedition reached Readyville, and camped in a +corn-field near a creek. At 11 o’clock, the same night, all hands were +ordered out to proceed on the march. A good deal of grumbling was caused +at this unlooked for command, but all must obey.</p> + +<p>About this time, an eclipse of the moon occurred, and the men jocosely +remarked that we were only wakened to take an astronomical survey of it.</p> + +<p>After considerable delay, at 1 o’clock we were in motion. For the first +few miles the road was quite hilly, and one of the Kentucky battery’s +caissons was capsized over a bank, and had to be left behind. The roads +were now in pretty good condition, but very dusty, and at daylight we had +advanced some ten miles. The weather was extremely warm, but the road was +well shaded by woods. At 11 o’clock arrived at McMinnville, a small town +of some five hundred inhabitants, and situated on the Manchester and +McMinnville Railroad. The place is strongly “secesh.” There was an M. D. +along with us, who had lately been driven out of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> town on account of +strong Union sentiments. He was acting as our guide.</p> + +<p>At McMinnville we camped in an open field near the town—the Tennessee and +Kentucky Batteries being camped near by. The remainder of the force were +camped at different places. On the day following, a part of the force, +consisting of the Third Minnesota, and First Kentucky Infantry, one +battalion each of the Fourth Kentucky and Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, +one section of Hewitt’s Kentucky, and our center section of artillery, +were ordered forward to Pikeville, to drive out a body of Secesh Cavalry, +who were reported as being at that place. At 5 P. M., took up our line of +march. The next morning, early, the rest of the force followed.</p> + +<p>Our road now lay through a wild, rough, and mountainous country, but +thinly inhabited and little cultivated—corn being the only grain we saw. +The long and dry continuance of the weather had drained all the creeks, so +that water was not readily obtained, and, for the want of which, both man +and beast suffered terribly. The hills were steep and rocky, and our poor +horses, overcome with heat and thirst, were bleeding at the nose, and +ready to give out; but by dint of hard urging, and easing them of their +loads, we finally reached Pikeville early in the afternoon of Saturday, +June 14th. Much to our disappointment, found that the secesh had left +three days prior to our arrival.</p> + +<p>Pikeville is a small place, containing one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> hundred and fifty inhabitants, +and is situated at the head of Sequatchie Valley. It is on or near the +dividing line of East and Middle Tennessee. There were several Union men +living here, some of whom joined Woolford’s Cavalry.</p> + +<p>The advance, finding their mission at an end, set out on their return the +next day. In the meantime the rear detachment, which had camped half way +between McMinnville and Pikeville the night before, the next morning +proceeded on; but when they had gone four or five miles, were ordered to +face about and retrace their steps.</p> + +<p>A day and night’s march again brought us to McMinnville, where we camped +on the river’s bank. Those who went forward also arrived on the afternoon +of the same day, which was Monday, June 16th.</p> + +<p>We remained here until 5 o’clock on the afternoon of the 17th, and then +once more moved towards Murfreesboro. Marched all night, and at daylight +of the 18th entered the town of Woodbury, where we camped near our former +ground. Remained here during the day, and at night resumed our march. +During the night were visited by a heavy thunder storm, rendering it so +dark as to be almost impossible to keep the road. At 4 o’clock next +morning reached Murfreesboro, and went into camp.</p> + +<p>Murfreesboro is quite a pretty place, and contains a population of five +thousand. It is the county seat of Rutland, and is located on the +Nashville and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> Chattanooga Railroad, being some thirty miles from the +former place.</p> + +<p>Friday morning, at daylight, we started for Columbia, free from infantry +and cavalry, with the exception of one company of the First Kentucky. +Captain Standart left us at Murfreesboro and went to Shelbyville, where +Lieutenant Sypher was stationed with the left section. We were accordingly +under command of Lieutenant Baldwin. We camped the first night, two miles +beyond Franklin. Made an early start on Saturday morning, June 21st, and +reached Columbia at 11 A. M. the same day. Camped on the east side of Duck +River, where we found Lieutenant Bennett with the second detachment of the +right section, they having arrived the night previous from Rogersville, +Alabama, where they left the first detachment. The Seventy-eighth +Pennsylvania Infantry were encamped with them. All were glad to once more +get back to their old quarters. We had been gone just thirteen days, +during which time we had marched two hundred and fifty miles, and which +resulted in no particular advantage; but, on the contrary, had +considerably worn down the men and horses, besides losing our tents and +part of our baggage. Take it all in all, it was the most severe march we +had yet endured. Our present camping ground was not near as pleasant as +formerly.</p> + +<p>July 1st, moved our quarters one mile north-east of the town. This was a +much better location in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> many respects. The Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania +camped near us. July 4th, at 3 A. M., one section of our battery went into +town, and fired a salute of thirty-four guns. At noon, the entire battery +did the same. On July 9th, the left and center sections started for +Shelbyville, marching till about 8 o’clock that evening, and then halted +near a creek to feed horses and get supper. At 11 o’clock, the moon having +risen, were ordered forward, and soon passed through the small town of +Farmington. The stars and stripes were flying from a high staff in the +center of the town, and several of the inhabitants displayed small United +States flags in front of their houses.</p> + +<p> </p> +<h4>TOGETHER AGAIN.</h4> + +<p>We were here joined by the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry; and, on the +morning of July 10th, entered Shelbyville, where we found Lieutenant +Sypher with the left section, camped one mile from town. This was the +first time that the entire battery had camped together since the 7th of +April. Distance from Columbia, forty miles.</p> + +<p>Shelbyville is located on Duck River, and is the terminus of a branch of +the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, and distant about seventy-five +miles from Nashville. It contains a population of three thousand five +hundred, and is the county seat of Bedford. About one-half of the +residents are good Unionists.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>We remained here only a few hours, being ordered off at 6 o’clock the same +evening. The left section had been here nearly a month. A short time after +getting under way, it commenced raining quite hard. At 10 o’clock the same +night arrived at Wartrace, where we remained until next morning. We laid +out in the storm all night, and, in the morning, after breakfast, went one +mile from town and camped. The Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry were +already here.</p> + +<p><ins class="correction" title="original reads 'Watrace'">Wartrace</ins> is a small station on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. +Population about two hundred. Our camping ground was on a hill, and near a +fine creek. For two days, everything was quiet; but, on Sunday morning, +July 13th, at daylight, heavy firing was heard in the direction of +Murfreesboro, which is about twenty miles distant. All sorts of +conjectures were formed in regard to the cause of it. At night, received a +report that the Rebels had attacked Murfreesboro, and had succeeded in +obtaining possession of the town. Had captured the Third Minnesota +Infantry, and part of Hewitt’s First Kentucky Battery. At first, this +report was doubted, but in the end proved true.</p> + +<p>From certain rumors current in camp, it was supposed that a force of the +enemy were in the vicinity of Wartrace, and an attack was apprehended at +any moment. At dark struck our tents, harnessed our horses, and made all +preparation to meet the enemy. About 10 o’clock, received an order to +move.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> The right section remained near camp. The left section took +position at the depot, the center section going out some distance below +the depot, and close to the track. All kept vigilant watch during the +night, but no enemy appeared.</p> + +<p>The following day we received reinforcements, consisting of the +Fifty-first Ohio, part of the Ninth Michigan, and two companies of the +Third Minnesota, who were engaged in guarding some station at the time of +the capture of Murfreesboro, and had luckily escaped. We also had a small +force of cavalry. During the day of Monday, July 14th, scouts were sent +out in different directions. A small barricade was built at the point +where the center section was posted. At night, troops were stationed in +different places along the road, and the utmost caution observed to +prevent a surprise. But the night passed, like the one previous, without +an attack.</p> + +<p>At daylight, the whole force was ordered to move, and were soon under way. +We were not allowed to wait for breakfast, or to feed the horses. What +this movement was for, or where we were going, none, save the officers in +command, knew.</p> + +<p>A march of twenty miles brought us to Tullahoma, which is south of +Wartrace, and on the same railroad. It is also at the junction of the +Manchester and McMinnville road. On arriving there, we encamped in an +orchard near the depot. At dark, the left section were posted on a high +elevation, at the north-east<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> part of the town. There was already a large +force here, and more troops still arriving. The concentrating of so large +a force at this point, looked as if a battle was brewing. Preparations +were at once made to resist any force the enemy might bring to oppose us. +Rifle pits were dug, and earth works thrown up. Various rumors circulated +through camp. Several persons were arrested on the charge of being spies; +one of whom, rumor had it, was found guilty, and sentenced to be hung.</p> + +<p>Three days thus passed by, during which time we were visited by frequent +showers of rain.</p> + +<p>On the night of the 18th of July, the center section moved to a grove +close by the depot, while the right section moved in another direction, +and near where the left was posted. At 9 o’clock next morning, received +orders to march, and a general breaking up of camp now took place; some +going in one direction—some in another. Our battery, together with the +Eighteenth Kentucky Infantry, went towards Shelbyville. Marched about nine +miles that day, and camped in a large field. During the night, had a heavy +thunder storm, with high wind. At daylight, were on the move. The weather +was quite cloudy, and threatened more rain, but soon cleared up and became +quite pleasant. At 10 o’clock A. M., entered Shelbyville, and, after +remaining there an hour, again moved forward. We were now traveling over a +macadamized road, which was in most excellent condition. After going eight +miles, we camped near a creek, and re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span>mained here until daylight the next +morning, when we again resumed our march. At 11 o’clock A. M., arrived at +Murfreesboro, where we found a large Union force, under Major General +Nelson. We camped on the Nashville pike, about one mile from town. The +next morning, there was quite a movement of troops. A large force headed +by General Nelson went towards Nashville. Our battery moved camp to a high +elevation overlooking the town. About three hundred slaves had been +brought in from the surrounding country, and set to work building a +redoubt for the use of artillery. Our men were engaged in putting the +camping ground in good order. In a short time, report reached us that a +large force of Rebels had entered Lebanon and captured the place without +firing a gun. All kinds of rumors were put in circulation regarding this +movement. At 4 o’clock, we received orders to harness horses and be +prepared to march at any moment. About the same time, a “cock and bull” +story was started, that a party of “secesh” had entered town with a flag +of truce and demanded the surrender of the place. But it afterwards +appeared that a small body of rebels had approached the place for the +purpose of effecting an exchange of prisoners. At dark, no order had been +given to move. Another sensation was created, to the effect that some +Rebel Cavalry had been seen skulking in the upper edge of a cornfield, +near which we were encamped.</p> + +<p>All this time we were momentarily expecting to move; but, for some reason, +the order was delayed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> It seemed as if those in command did not know what +to do. After waiting until after midnight, we at last received word to +march. The night was very dark, and the clouds threatened an instant +storm. We moved on at a snail-like pace until daylight, and shortly after +arrived at Stone river, which we were obliged to ford, the bridge having +been destroyed. We now knew that we were going towards Lebanon. The slaves +along the road reported that a large body of Rebel Cavalry had gone +towards Murfreesboro late the day previous. Here, again, was a fine +opportunity to manufacture long “yarns;” and mole-hills were magnified +into mountains. Notwithstanding all this, we kept on towards Lebanon. When +we had proceeded to within ten miles of the town, a halt was ordered, and +some of the Cavalry were sent forward to reconnoiter. In about an hour +they returned, bringing in two prisoners whom they had captured. They +reported that the enemy had left Lebanon. Order was now given to “about +face,” and we were soon on the return to Murfreesboro. When we had arrived +to within two miles of where the Nashville and McMinnville road crosses +the Murfreesboro and Lebanon road, it was reported that a body of the +enemy were there, waiting to offer us battle; and, from the stories we had +heard in the morning, it looked somewhat reasonable.</p> + +<p>Our forces were soon drawn up in line of battle, and moved forward to meet +the supposed enemy;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> Colonel Barnes, of the Eighth Kentucky, acting as +Brigadier General.</p> + +<p>After deploying right and left, and sending out scouts, it was soon +ascertained that there was no enemy lying in wait. It was now nearly dark, +and we had eaten nothing during the day, except a little hard bread and +cold bacon, but the word “forward” was given, and on we went. About 7 +o’clock we again crossed Stone river, and here camped, or rather +bivouacked, for the night. After feeding our teams, and preparing some +coffee, stretched ourselves on the ground to obtain a little sleep, being +pretty well tired out.</p> + +<p>The next morning, as soon as it was light enough to see, and without +having anything to eat, we again moved forward towards Murfreesboro. We +had barely gone two miles when we were ordered to about face and march +back. What this all meant was more than we were able to surmise. The boys +remarked that we were going back to water, and which has since been a +by-word, whenever a countermarch has taken place.</p> + +<p>Once more we crossed the river, and on arriving at the cross-roads before +mentioned, were ordered to camp, which we were glad to do, though it was +far from being a pleasant place. This was on the 24th of July.</p> + +<p>We remained here until the afternoon of the 25th, without anything worthy +of note transpiring.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> At 6 o’clock P. M. we started for Murfreesboro, +arriving there at 8 o’clock the same evening. We halted in front of the +court-house, and after standing some two hours, were ordered to unhitch +horses, but not to take off harness, and lay by for the night. We spread +our blankets on the sidewalk, and, with an excellent brick sidewalk for a +bed, dreamed the hours away. Early in the morning, went to our old camping +ground on the hill. This was on the 27th of July.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p><span class="smcap">Note.</span>—The enemy which we expected to meet at the cross-roads near +Stone river, on the night of the 23d of July, proved to be General +Nelson’s command, who had returned by this road. Colonel Barnes—who, +it will be recollected, was in command of our force—was unaware of +this movement. The slaves had mistaken General Nelson’s force for a +body of “secesh.”</p></div> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h3>MOVING—STILL MOVING.</h3> + +<p>On arriving at the old quarters, we found the negroes still at work on the +<ins class="correction" title="original reads 'reboubt'">redoubt</ins>, which they had nearly completed. The Twenty-third Kentucky were +camped near us. We now supposed that we would be allowed at least a short +respite after our previous three weeks’ hard marching; but in this we were +mistaken. And, as the old Scotch proverb runs—</p> + +<p class="poem">“The best laid plans of men and mice<br /> +Oft gang aglee.”</p> + +<p>At noon of the 28th July, we received orders,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> (those eternal orders,) to +prepare for a march at 3 o’clock that afternoon. The battery wagon, tents, +and all the extra baggage, were to be left behind. At the appointed hour +all was in readiness, and in a short time we were on the move. We had +proceeded but a short distance when we were ordered back, and the old +by-word came again in play, that we were only going to water our horses. +Back to camp we went. It seemed as if those in command were diverting +themselves at our expense. The next day we were permitted to remain in +quiet. But at 2 o’clock on the morning of the 30th July, we were all +aroused out of a sound sleep with the old oft-repeated order to get ready +to march. Soon all were actively engaged in preparing to move. At +daylight, after drinking a cup of slops—denominated coffee—and devouring +some mouldy hard bread, we patiently awaited the order to march.</p> + +<p>It had now commenced raining, and in a short time was pouring down +heavily. No word came to move. And thus we stood, hour after hour, and +received a thorough drenching. Finally, about noon, were ordered to +unharness horses, but to hold ourselves in readiness to move at any +moment. Here was a piece of great military strategy displayed.</p> + +<p>Finally, on the morning of August 1st, we succeeded in making a start. At +5 o’clock were on the road leading to McMinnville, over which a part of +our battery had before traveled. The forces with us consisted of the +Eighth and Twenty-first<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> Kentucky and Fifty-first Ohio Infantry, together +with a part of the Fifth Kentucky Cavalry. General Nelson headed the +column. A much larger force had preceded us a few days previous. It was +rumored that there was a large force of the enemy at McMinnville, and the +object of the present expedition was to drive them out. Their number was +variously estimated from five thousand to forty thousand. We marched the +first day as far as Woodbury, a distance of twenty miles, and camped for +the night near one of our old quarters.</p> + +<p>Early next morning, as usual, again on the move. Another “cock and bull” +story was going the <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'ronnds'">rounds</ins>, but little heed was given it. <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'A'">At</ins> 6 P. M. of +the second day, August 2d, we entered McMinnville, but instead of finding +a large Rebel force, we found only the residents. As near as could be +ascertained, there had been some three hundred Rebel Cavalry in the place, +who had said “good-bye” on our approach.</p> + +<p>We pitched tents near our former camping ground. The next day, which was +Sunday, we were allowed to rest. It was said that the Rebels, some eight +thousand or ten thousand strong, were camped nine miles distant, on the +Sparta road. Our force numbered about twelve thousand. At dark, that +night, received orders to be ready to march at 4 o’clock the following +morning. We were further ordered not to take any extra clothing—not even +our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> overcoats, nor cooking utensils, and but one blanket to two men.</p> + +<p>From these orders, and what had been reported of the enemy, a fight was +certainly expected. On Monday morning, at the break of day, all were +ready, and soon regiment after regiment fell in line. At 5 o’clock, moved +out on the Sparta road. But for some reason, unknown to us soldiers, our +battery, and the Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, were ordered to remain in +camp.</p> + +<p>For the two succeeding days, nothing of consequence transpired. At the end +of this time the expedition returned, having been unable to meet with the +enemy, and therefore but little of importance was effected by this +movement.</p> + +<p>On the morning of August 6th, we moved our camp one-half mile out on the +Sparta road. We were now assigned to the Twenty-third Brigade—Colonel +Stanley Mathews, of the Fifty-first Ohio, acting Brigadier General. The +brigade consisted of the Fifty-first Ohio, Eighth and Twenty-first +Kentucky, and Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, together with our battery. On +the 6th instant, being the same day of our removal, seven of our men, with +three six-mule teams, were captured by a party of Secesh Cavalry a few +miles from McMinnville, and on the Chattanooga road. They were, at the +time, out foraging. Thirteen out of fifteen of the Thirty-fifth Indiana, +who went out as guards, were also captured, although they made a strong +resistance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> The day previous, Lieutenant Sturges and Sergeant Lewellen +had been out to this place, and had made arrangements to take a lot of +corn on the day following, being the one on which the men were taken +prisoners. The Rebels were either informed by the owners of the grain, or +had got notice of it in some manner, and were lying in wait for our men. +The consequence was, the men were entirely surrounded and taken by +surprise. Those belonging to the battery were without arms, or any means +of defence. It is said that two or three of the Rebels were killed or +wounded, but it lacks confirmation.</p> + +<p>The Rebels immediately hurried the men off on double quick, and, after +taking them some twenty-five miles, released them on parole, leaving them +to <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'fidd'">find</ins> their way back to camp on foot. They returned safe on the morning +of the 8th. Shortly after their arrival, they were arrested and put in the +guard house, by order of General Nelson, but for what reason was not known +at the time. Subsequent events went to show that they had purposely +surrendered themselves to the enemy, or had not exercised due caution in +preventing surprise.</p> + +<p>On investigation they were all honorably discharged, as none of the +charges could be substantiated; but, on the contrary, it was proven that +they had done all in their power to prevent being taken, and only +surrendered when they became aware that any further resistance was +useless. They<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> were again ordered on duty, as those who had paroled them +had acted without proper authority, and therefore it was null and void.</p> + +<p>On Sunday, August 10th, about noon, were ordered to be ready to march at 4 +o’clock, but shortly before the appointed time the order was +countermanded. The next morning at daylight, got the order to “forward,” +and were soon in motion. One of the guns was left behind, as there were +not sufficient men to handle it. The Eighth and Twenty-first Kentucky, and +Fifty-first Ohio, with a small detachment of the Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, +and our battery, constituted the force, all under the command of Brigadier +General Jackson. A march of eighteen miles brought us to the town of +Smithville, and about 4 o’clock we camped a short distance beyond the +place. We here found the Thirty-first Indiana and Twenty-third Kentucky +Infantry, and the Second Indiana Cavalry. They all joined us on the march +next day, when we made an early start, and after proceeding six miles +struck on the Lebanon pike. About noon, passed through the small village +of Liberty—a strong Union place. Going two miles further, we turned off +on the road leading to Murfreesboro, and went into camp on the banks of +Clear creek. Remained here until 4 o’clock of the next afternoon, when we +once more formed in line for the march. On getting on the old road, we +were faced towards McMinnville. The Thirty-first Indiana and Twelfth +Kentucky, and Second Indiana Cavalry, remained in camp. Nine o’clock that +morning, we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> arrived at our old camping ground at Smithville, and remained +there for the night. Resumed marching early in the morning, and at 6 P. M. +reached McMinnville. The day after our arrival at this place, the battery +wagon, tents and baggage, came on from Murfreesboro. Remained here until +Sunday afternoon, August 24th, when we again moved forward. The sick were +sent to Nashville, and a large quantity of provisions and other property +was buried, as there was not sufficient means of transportation. At 3 +o’clock the entire force were in motion. None but the officers in command +knew our destination. We crossed the river, and found ourselves on the +road to Altamont, Winchester, and other towns. Marched six miles, and, at +9 o’clock, halted for the night. It being late, and over a mile to where +we could obtain water, and as all were tired and sleepy, we went to bed +supperless—our beds being mother earth. Started early in the morning for +Altamont, without breakfast. Proceeding two miles we came to water, and +now supposed we would have a chance to cook our rations. But no; as soon +as the horses were watered, “forward” was the word, and we must obey. This +command caused much grumbling. Two more weary miles were passed, when we +again halted for a couple of hours; but no water was to be had here, so we +were obliged to content ourselves with some dry, hard bread for breakfast. +We finally got started again, and after going a short distance another +halt was made, caused by the road being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> blockaded by the wagons. We at +once turned into the woods on our left, and encamped. Remained here until +daylight, and were once more ordered forward. Arrived at McMinnville at 11 +A. M., and proceeded to our old camping ground, having been absent two +days, and accomplished nothing. This was on August 26th. With the +exception of an alarm, caused by some of the cavalry firing their guns +just outside the lines, a few days after our return from the above +expedition, nothing of note occurred until September 3rd.</p> + +<p>On the morning of September 3d—being just one month from our arrival—we +took our departure from McMinnville. After the usual delay, we were on the +move, and headed for Murfreesboro. For the past month we had been deprived +of all communication with home, and had scarcely seen a paper. As a matter +of course, we knew but little of what was transpiring in regard to the +war. We could not even tell for what purpose we were ordered on, or what +our destination. We marched about twelve miles this day, and then camped +in a large open field. During the morning we passed the place where a +skirmish had taken place between some of our troops and a party of Rebels, +a few days previous. The Union force had succeeded in routing the enemy, +but several of their men were captured. We remained in this camp until the +next morning, and again started. At noon passed <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'torough'">through</ins> Woodbury, and at +night camped at Readyville, having marched about fifteen miles.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> The +following morning resumed our march, and reached Murfreesboro at noon. +Considerable delay was caused here, and it was 4 P. M. ere we pitched our +tents, which was done two miles from town, on the Nashville pike, and near +Stone River.</p> + +<p>Here, for the first time, we received information that some extraordinary +movement was on foot. Troops, in large bodies, were constantly coming in +from all quarters, and it seemed as if Buel’s entire army were about to +concentrate at this point, for the purpose of some grand movement upon the +enemy. The report was that we were about to return to Kentucky. About this +time we received a late paper, and the tenor of its news led us to believe +that such a movement looked reasonable.</p> + +<p>The next morning early were on the move towards Nashville. All doubts as +to our course were now removed. Owing to the large body of troops in +advance, our progress was necessarily slow. But we made sixteen miles +during the day, which was September 6th, and at night camped at a small +station on the Nashville and Chattanooga railroad, and fourteen miles from +the former place.</p> + +<p>An early start the next morning brought us, at noon, to within five miles +of the city. We here turned off from the main road, and proceeding two +miles, camped near a small creek. But scarcely had our picket ropes been +extended, and horses unharnessed, when we were again commanded to move. +This time proceeded to within a mile of the city, and then pitched<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> our +tents. Were ordered to be in readiness to move at 3 o’clock in the +morning.</p> + +<p>It was now evident that Kentucky was our destination. At the appointed +time next morning, we were on the move; and, shortly after daylight, +crossed the Cumberland river by means of the railroad bridge, which had +been planked over for the purpose. We passed through the pleasant little +town of Edgefield, and found ourselves on the road leading to Bowling +Green. When we had gone four miles we halted in a piece of woods, and +remained there two hours, then proceeded on our way, and at night camped +eight miles from Nashville, and near what is called Edgefield Junction.</p> + +<p>We remained at the above camping ground two days. On the afternoon of the +2d of September, we had an alarm; and, as the surrounding country was +swarming with Rebels, it stood us well in hand to be on the alert. It took +but a moment’s notice to be prepared for action, when scouts were sent out +in all directions. They succeeded in bringing in several prisoners, some +of whom belonged to the Rebel army. But little information could be +obtained from them. The remainder of the day and night passed without +anything further of note transpiring.</p> + +<p>Early on the morning of September 11th, we were once more on the move. +About 10 A. M. passed through the small town of Goodsonville, or Edgefield +Station. We here saw evidences of the Rebel’s work of destruction. The +place was almost entirely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> deserted, and every store had been completely +riddled and robbed of its contents. Many of them had been fired, and were +partially consumed.</p> + +<p>We made no halt at this place, but continued our march. A few miles +further on passed through another small town, which contained two or three +stores, all of which were closed, and, as at Goodsonville, the inhabitants +had mostly fled. At noon we halted near a large public house, where there +was a fine spring of water. Here we procured dinner, and remained for two +hours.</p> + +<p>It appears that there had been a skirmish a short time previous, some two +miles ahead, between our advance and a large body of Rebel Cavalry. A part +of the Ninth Michigan Infantry, one section of Hewitt’s Battery, and a +small detachment of cavalry, succeeded in repulsing the enemy, who had one +killed and three wounded, who fell into our hands. On our side, there was +but one wounded.</p> + +<p>About 2 o’clock resumed our march, and shortly after passed the spot where +the skirmish had taken place. It was at a crossing of the road. We marched +until 8 o’clock in the evening, and then camped near a small creek, where +there were two or three stores.</p> + +<p>September 12th resumed our march. We had skirmishers thrown out on each +side of the road to prevent a surprise. Nothing worthy of note occurred +during the day. Marched sixteen miles, and camped at Mitchellville shortly +before dark. Had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> a light fall of rain during the night. General Buel +joined us this day.</p> + +<p>At daylight, September 13th, continued the march. At 10 A. M. arrived at +Franklin, Kentucky, which place is on the Nashville and Louisville +Railroad. It was reported that a large body of the enemy were hovering +around the town. A halt was ordered, and scouts sent out in all +directions. Each section of our battery went to the outer edge of the town +on picket guard. After remaining one hour, and nothing seen or heard of +the enemy, resumed our march. At 8 o’clock in the evening, camped two and +a half miles from Bowling Green. Distance made this day, twenty-five +miles.</p> + +<p>Early the morning succeeding proceeded on the march, but went into camp +one mile from Bowling Green. While here we suffered for the want of +wholesome water—the only spring of good water being two miles from camp. +We were obliged to use water for cooking purposes from a pond that was +stagnant. Were kept on half rations, as we had been since leaving +McMinnville. In place of hard bread, flour was distributed.</p> + +<p>Were ordered to move on September 15th, but, after getting ready, the +order was countermanded.</p> + +<p>September 16th, again ordered to move, and at 5 o’clock were ready, but +waited two or three hours for the word to proceed. Finally started and +went one mile, when we bivouacked on side of the road<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> for the night, it +being impossible to proceed further, owing to the immense wagon train.</p> + +<p>At daylight next morning again started, and passed through the town of +Bowling Green, and shortly after forded Barren River, then halted long +enough for breakfast. About an hour before dark we left the turnpike, and +turned off to the right, through a piece of woods. It now commenced +raining quite hard, and the night was very dark. Our progress was but +slow, and it was 10 o’clock ere we halted for the night. The rain was +still falling heavily, and the air was quite chilly. Large fires was soon +built, around which we all gathered to enjoy the genial warmth. Water was +not readily obtained, and we lay down supperless. Tired and hungry, wet +and cold, we were soon asleep.</p> + +<p>The next morning, September 18th, opened cold and cloudy, but soon cleared +up. And now, for the first time since leaving McMinnville, we had three +days’ full rations served out. Having found a mudhole, from which we could +obtain water, all were soon busy in cooking their food, and for a time the +camp was quite lively—the men once more wore cheerful faces, and our +former hard fare was forgotten. Hardly, however, had we prepared our meal, +when the order was given to move, and the grub went down our throats on a +double quick. There was considerable “jawing” about that time. In a few +minutes, we were once more on the road. We started at noon, and for the +greater part of the way<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> the road lay through a woody and sparsely +populated country. At dark we came in sight of camp fires, burning +brightly, evidently but a short distance ahead. But, for some reason, we +were delayed for hours on the road, and it was midnight ere we arrived at +the place. Here was presented one of the most beautiful sights ever +witnessed. Spread out in a large open space, extending over many acres of +ground, were the camp-fires of an army of fifty thousand men. The fires +were built in rows a few feet apart, each mess having its own fire. The +men could be seen flitting about from point to point, some cooking, some +carrying wood and water, some sleeping, others smoking or eating. +Occasionally the strains of a flute were wafted sweetly to the ear, borne +on the night breeze. Then came the full manly chorus of some patriotic +song, from one of the messes. Away in the distance we heard the sweet and +touching words of “Rock me to sleep, mother,” sung by some brave but +warm-hearted soldier-boy, as he thought of his dear home far away. Would +that kind mother ever again fold her darling boy to her warm heart? +Mayhap, even the morning’s sun might shine on his lifeless form. The +vicissitudes of war are great.</p> + +<p>At a distance, the camp resembled a large and populous city by gaslight, +and it was truly a magnificent spectacle. Our battery was soon joined with +them, and most of us being wearied by the days’ labors, lay down for a +little sleep, as our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> orders were to move at daylight. We were informed +that the place near which we were encamped was called Prout’s Knob, from a +small mountain, which reared its rugged head just outside the line of the +encampment.</p> + +<p>Were routed out before day next morning, September 19th, to prepare +breakfast. At daybreak, were ready to move. General Smith now took the +command of our division in place of General Ammon.</p> + +<p>Owing to the large number of troops, it was nearly 7 o’clock before we got +started. After proceeding four miles we halted in the road, and were kept +there until 4 o’clock in the afternoon. During the day signal flags were +kept flying, the meaning of which only those in command knew. At 4 o’clock +we moved forward, and pitched tents in a field near the road, most of the +infantry and other troops going further on.</p> + +<p>Remained in camp during the day of September 20th, engaged in cooking +three days’ rations. While here heard of the fight at Mumfordsville, and +defeat of our troops. All kinds of stories were at once set afloat, and, +like those at a ladies’ tea-party, were not much entitled to +consideration. It was generally supposed that we were on the eve of a +great battle.</p> + +<p>At daylight, September 21st, were again ordered to move, and were soon on +the road. But before we had gone one mile came to a halt. We turned<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> aside +into a piece of woods, where we remained till 5 o’clock in the afternoon, +when we once more proceeded forward, and it was long past midnight ere we +encamped, which was done near a small creek. Distance traveled, ten miles.</p> + +<p>One o’clock, September 22d, took the road, and after going some four miles +came to where the enemy had been camped the night previous. It was +reported that they had left in two divisions, and that some of our advance +cavalry had a skirmish with them, and caused the enemy to retreat. We went +about one mile further and were then ordered to “about face,” it having +been ascertained that we were on the wrong road. Going back two miles we +turned to the left, and in a short time pitched tents on the banks of +Green River, opposite Mumfordsville, and near an old fort which had been +erected the previous winter.</p> + +<p>September 23d, again early on the march. At sunrise crossed Green River, +and passed through Mumfordsville. At noon, halted near the railroad. +Remained one hour, and once more under way. At 9 o’clock in the evening +reached Camp Nevins, and pitched our tents near a creek. Marched this day +twenty miles.</p> + +<p>Early on the following morning moved forward. Passed through Elizabethtown +without stopping. Went thirteen miles beyond, and camped for the night. We +were now on a good macadamized road. As heretofore, water was scarce.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>September 25th, resumed our march, and at noon arrived at West Point, +situated on the Ohio, at the mouth of Salt River, and distant from +Louisville twenty-two miles.</p> + +<p>For the first time in a year we once more beheld a free State. After +remaining a few hours, once more made a move. Crossed Salt River, and were +now on the direct road to Louisville. Two miles from West Point we +encamped.</p> + +<p>Started before daylight, September 26th, and at noon reached Louisville.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h3>AT LOUISVILLE—AND OFF AGAIN.</h3> + +<p>As before stated, at noon of September 26th, we arrived at Louisville, +having marched over two hundred and fifty miles, occupying just +twenty-three and a half days. We were nearly all worn out on this long, +dreary, and tedious march, and presented a most woful appearance, being +dirty, ragged, and well nigh famished. Take it all in all, we had +undergone more hardships and real suffering than on any previous occasion, +and it was probably one of the most disastrous movements that had taken +place since the war had an existence. The boys say it was a “masterly +piece of military strategy,” and think that a few more such movements will +speedily terminate the war.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>Our camp was located on a piece of low ground, and in a potato patch near +the canal, through which the boats are obliged to pass when the river is +at a low stage, as there is then an insufficiency of water on the falls.</p> + +<p>We now had full rations served out, and as far as the matter of eating, +were well off. On Sunday the 27th September, we received an addition of +forty-seven new members, they having been recruited at Cleveland by +Colonel Barnett and others. Two of our men, who had been home on sick +leave, rejoined us at the same time.</p> + +<p>On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 30th, we moved camp a short +distance, and the same afternoon were paid for four months’ services, and +also received a lot of new clothing, which rendered the men extremely +happy, and many a wistful eye was cast towards the city. But the same +night we received that same “eternal” order to be ready to march the +following morning. So the men were disappointed in the expectation of +getting “shut” of their money.</p> + +<p>At an early hour, October 1st, all were ready for a start; and shortly +after daylight the battery was in motion. But, on crossing the canal, we +came to a halt, and after being delayed an hour, again moved forward. In a +short time another halt was ordered, and</p> + +<p class="poem">We all halt, halt, halted.</p> + +<p>In this manner nearly the entire day was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span> consumed, and it was quite late +in the afternoon ere we were fairly outside the city.</p> + +<p>We now found ourselves on the Bardstown pike, being the same road by which +we had entered the city seven months previous. Marched six miles, and at 9 +o’clock camped for the night.</p> + +<p>October 2d resumed our march at the usual early hour; but owing to the +large force accompanying, our progress was slow. About 4 o’clock in the +afternoon, and about eight miles distant from our starting point in the +morning, heavy firing was heard some distance ahead, but in a short time +it suddenly ceased. After proceeding two miles further we halted, and went +into camp for the night. We soon learned, from scouts sent out, that the +firing was occasioned by a skirmish between our advance and the rear guard +of the enemy, who were slowly retreating before us. There being so many +rumors concerning the skirmish, it was impossible to obtain a correct +result. However, there was no great damage done on either side. The enemy, +as usual, wanted to be “let alone.” Considerable rain fell during the +night.</p> + +<p>Captain Standart and Lieutenant Bennett, who had remained at Louisville on +business, joined us the next day, October 3d. The morning was cloudy, with +some rain. At 9 o’clock got started. The clouds swept away shortly after, +giving place to the genial sun, and the remainder of the day was quite +pleasant. At 10 A. M. passed through the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span> small town of Mount Washington. +Here was where the skirmish of the day previous had taken place. At 3 +o’clock crossed a small stream, called Floyd’s Fork. The bridge had been +destroyed by the Rebels. We had no difficulty in fording the stream, owing +to the low stage of water. This was six miles from Mount Washington, and +fourteen miles from Bardstown. Just beyond here our advance cavalry were +fired upon by the Rebels, with artillery from a masked battery. A halt was +at once ordered, and instant preparation made for action. Two of our guns, +under command of Lieutenant Bennett, were moved forward some two miles, +and were then fired upon. The pieces were immediately posted on a +commanding place near by, and opened on the enemy. A few shots were +exchanged, when the firing soon ceased. Scouting parties were now sent out +to reconnoiter, but returned without making any discovery of importance. +Nothing more, worthy of notice, occurred during the night.</p> + +<p>Having ascertained that the Rebels had retired during the night, at 10 +o’clock next morning, October 4th, we again moved forward. It was now +evident that the enemy were gradually falling back, but had left a rear +guard for the purpose of retarding our march, and to cause us as much +trouble as possible, without bringing on a general engagement. About three +miles from our last night’s camping ground we again crossed Floyd’s Fork, +and near<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> where the Lexington pike intersects the Bardstown and Louisville +road. We here found that the bridge had not been destroyed. About one-half +mile beyond we came to where the enemy had thrown up a sort of barricade +against a fence, and from which they had, no doubt, intended to give us a +surprise, but had thought better of the matter. Another mile, and we came +to a public building, called the Barclay House, and located on a high +elevation. Here, the night previous, the Rebels had posted their +artillery. Our forces were again placed in position, and scouts sent out +to ascertain the enemy’s whereabouts. In two hours they returned without +having made any discovery, and once more we resumed our march. At night +camped within eight miles of Bardstown. From people living along <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'tne'">the</ins> route +we traveled, all manner of reports concerning the Rebels were received. By +some it was represented that they were at Bardstown, from sixty thousand +to eighty thousand strong, and were going to make a stand to offer us +battle. But little credence was given to any of these reports; but we were +all inclined to believe that a battle was soon to be fought.</p> + +<p>The morning of Sunday October 5th, was ushered in clear and pleasant. Had +breakfast at daylight, and at 7 o’clock our column was in motion. We moved +slowly, and with much caution, halting frequently. Once we laid by for +nearly three hours. Shortly before dark we entered Bardstown, and found<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> +that the Rebels had, as usual, “skedaddled.” We now found that the +detention during the day was caused by the arrival of another division of +troops, who had come by a different road, and we had to wait for them to +pass on ahead. We were informed by the citizens that the enemy had left +but a few hours previous, and that the division above mentioned were in +close pursuit. They had taken the direct road to Lebanon and Danville. We +passed through town, took a road to the left—crossed a small creek, and +pitched our tents, one mile beyond the place.</p> + +<p>Early next morning, October 6th, again on the move. Our march this day was +over a rough and hilly road, and through a thinly settled part of the +country. At noon crossed a creek, the name of which we did not learn. +Shortly after this we passed through the village of Glenville, and again +got on a good road. Marched about eighteen miles this day, and, at 8 +o’clock in the evening, camped one mile from Springfield.</p> + +<p>October 7th. This morning continued our march, and at 8 o’clock passed +through Springfield. A large party of Rebels had been driven out of town +the day previous, by the advanced division. We proceeded on towards +Danville, following the pike for some distance, and then turned off to the +left, on a common dirt road. Marched several miles, and at dark came out +on the Lebanon and Danville road, six miles from the former place. General +Gilbert’s division passed on ahead. We went on two miles further, and, at +a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> small village, turned off to the right, and proceeding some distance +further, came to a creek, and camped. Our object in leaving the main road +was to find water. Marched eighteen miles this day.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h3>BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE.</h3> + +<p>At 7 o’clock on the morning of October 8th, we resumed our march, +returning and taking the Lebanon and Danville pike. A few minutes after +reaching the main road, we heard heavy firing some distance in advance. A +halt was made, and the order given to transfer all extra baggage from the +pieces and caissons to the baggage wagons, and be prepared for action. The +report was then prevalent that the enemy were some five miles ahead, and +had made a stand, and were already engaging our advance force. A fierce +battle was now anticipated, and our men were anxious to participate in it, +after the long chase we had given the enemy.</p> + +<p>The firing had now become more frequent and distinct, and our men were +becoming more and more eager for the conflict. As usual, there were all +sorts of rumors regarding the number and position of the enemy. After a +halt of one hour we again moved forward, and soon came on the Perryville +pike. Proceeding one mile further, we turned off into a field on the left +of the road, and took position on a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> high piece of ground, our division +being posted at different points. We held our position until near dark, +when we moved forward half a mile, and were then stationed on a hill to +the right of the road. The fighting in the meantime had been most +desperate, and was chiefly confined to General McCook’s division, which +maintained its ground in fine order, the men showing great bravery. The +battle lasted until dark, when the enemy retired, and, on the following +morning, retreated to Harrodsburg. The Union loss was eight hundred and +twenty killed, between two thousand and three thousand wounded, and over +four hundred missing. Enemy’s loss, one thousand and eighty-two killed, +and four thousand two hundred and sixty-one wounded. Our Battery took no +part in this action, as we were, during the time, out of range. It was the +intention, on our part, to renew the battle the next day—the enemy +willing—but they wanted to be “let alone,” and withdrew from the field.</p> + +<p>On the day following the battle, our Battery was kept constantly on the +move, charging through woods and cornfields, but no enemy was there. At +night we camped near Perryville.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h3>MUCH MARCHING, BUT LITTLE FIGHTING.</h3> + +<p>The morning of October 10th were again early on the move, and at 9 o’clock +passed through the town of Perryville, and proceeded on towards Danville. +The buildings, as we passed along, presented the appearance of hard usage +from the effects of the battle of Wednesday. Nearly every house was more +or less riddled by shot and shell. We saw one house that seemed as if it +had been the especial target of the gunners, for it was pierced in many +places. We continued on for about two miles, when our advance had some +little skirmishing with the enemy’s rear guard. Our guns were at once +drawn up in position on a high hill, having a good command of the country +surrounding. We remained here some fifteen or twenty minutes, and then +proceeded forward on a double quick. Two miles further, and we came to a +halt—all our forces being drawn up in line of battle. More skirmishing +took place. About 4 o’clock we <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'bivouaked'">bivouacked</ins> in an extensive hemp field, four +miles from Danville. The boys remarked that we had come here for the +express purpose of preparing hemp for the “skedaddlers.” That night was +cold and stormy. We crawled under the hemp-stacks, and made ourselves as +comfortable as the circumstances would admit.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>October 11th. Morning still cold and stormy. We changed the position of +our guns, and the horses were kept ready harnessed, and every one at his +post. Some firing was heard on our left during the forepart of the day, +and, in the afternoon, on our right. We, however, kept our position, and +at night again slept under the hemp-stacks. The weather still continued +cold, but the storm had ceased.</p> + +<p>Weather next morning was clear, but cold. At 9 o’clock some of the enemy +came into camp, bearing a flag of truce, but for what purpose we soldiers +did not learn. About 10 o’clock we were ordered to move forward. Our march +was through woods and fields, we seldom being on a regular traveled road. +At 4 P. M. we came out on the turnpike leading from Danville to Camp Dick +Robinson, and proceeded towards the latter place. The smoke of the enemy’s +camp-fires could be plainly seen. When within four miles of the camp we +were ordered to “about face,” and march back. So face about it was, and we +were again passing over the same ground that we had but just traveled.</p> + +<p class="poem">“We marched boldly down the road,—<br /> +Then marched back again.”</p> + +<p>After going about three miles, we came out on another pike, which also led +to Danville. And now we came to a halt, for the night. Supper was soon +over with, and all turned in for a night’s repose. Before midnight we were +routed out, with orders to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> harness our teams and march. Soon found +ourselves faced towards Danville. The night was clear and the road good, +so we went along at a lively pace, and in an hour’s time reached the town, +and halted in a field just on the outskirts. We were now allowed to remain +quietly until morning.</p> + +<p>October 13th. The weather being fine, and as we were to remain in camp +this day, the men took the opportunity to wash their clothes, it being the +first time that they were able to do so since leaving Louisville. During +the day we were visited by Colonel Barnett. We had not before seen him +since leaving Nashville, in March, a period of eight months. Major Race +also accompanied the Colonel. At 4 o’clock we were ordered to move.</p> + +<p>On getting into the road we found we were faced towards camp Dick +Robinson. Marched three miles, and camped directly opposite the camping +ground of the night previous.</p> + +<p>On the following morning, October 14th, again on the move, and going +towards Danville, which place we reached about 9 o’clock A. M. We here +turned into a field and halted. The entire army seemed in motion. After +remaining here some two or three hours we again started, and about noon +passed through town, and took the road leading to Stanford. Just before +dark we turned off the main road, and after going two or three miles +through the woods and fields, camped on a high piece of ground, as we +supposed, for the night, as it was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> quite dark. It was reported that a +large wagon train of the enemy had passed only two or three hours in +advance of us. As soon as supper was over those who were not on guard +stretched themselves on the ground to seek repose. Suddenly the clear +notes of the bugle rang out on the night air. Never was the sound more +unwelcome; but its call had to be obeyed. The moon shone brightly, but the +air was piercing cold. The prospect of an all night’s march was not much +relished.</p> + +<p>As soon as we got out on the road we struck off on a double quick, and +went spinning along towards Crab Orchard. Considerable firing was now +heard some distance in advance. At every halt that was made fires were +kindled with the rails along the road, and for miles ahead the sky was +lighted up by them. There is something very impressive and thrillingly +grand about a large army in motion at dead of night. The measured tramp, +tramp, of the infantry, the rattle and creaking of artillery, the +occasional neigh of a horse, mingled with the peculiar sound which always +accompanies a large body—the breathing of thousands of human beings—and +all lit up by the camp-fires, presents a weird, spectral scene. The march +of death!</p> + +<p>Shortly before daylight, and when we were some three or four miles from +Crab Orchard, we came to a halt in the middle of the road. Several large +fires were built, around which we all gathered. At daylight we got a cup +of coffee and some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> “hard-tack,” then away on the road again. An +occasional report of a gun could be heard. About 9 o’clock, A. M., we +entered the town of Crab Orchard, and were here informed that the rear +guard of the enemy had passed through only an hour before. The firing +which we had heard was caused by a slight skirmish between them and our +advance. Several prisoners had been taken.</p> + +<p>After a few moment’s halt we pushed on through the town, and once more +were on the road to Wild Cat, the place where we had fought our first +battle, nearly one year previous. The weather was fine, and the roads were +in far better condition than when we first traveled them.</p> + +<p>Proceeding four miles beyond Crab Orchard, our brigade left the main body, +and turned off on a road leading to the left. Just before dark, and after +having gone some six or eight miles, we were obliged to turn back, to find +a suitable camping ground, as there were several high hills which we could +not ascend at night. The road being very narrow, with a thick growth of +trees and underbrush on either side, it was fully two hours ere we got +fairly turned about. We then went one half a mile, and camped in a +cornfield, near a small creek.</p> + +<p>October 16th, resumed our march. Nothing worthy of note occurred during +the day. About 3 P. M. passed through Mount Vernon. Did not make any halt. +At night camped three miles from the crossing of Rock Castle River.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>The next morning, early, moved forward, a part of the battery in advance. +Captain Standart acted as a guide, from his previous knowledge of the +country. He, with the advance, consisting of some cavalry and the +Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, proceeded on some distance beyond Wild Cat, +and on the road to London. When three miles beyond the old battle ground, +they suddenly encountered quite a force of the enemy, when a brisk +skirmish took place. In a short time our forces succeeded in driving the +Rebels, killing and wounding several of their number, and taking a few +prisoners. Our loss was six or eight killed and wounded. Captain Standart +had a very narrow escape, as one of the Thirty sixth Indiana was killed at +his side.</p> + +<p>Our entire battery, with the rest of the brigade, arrived at the summit of +Wild Cat Mountain about 2 P. M. We then camped on the same place we had +occupied on the first battle, and our guns were placed in almost the same +position that they were in when we hurled death and destruction into the +enemy’s ranks nearly one year ago. Appearances indicated that we were to +have another battle. It would indeed be a singular coincidence should we +again fight on the old ground.</p> + +<p>Our battery, being the only company of our present division that had +participated in the former battle, was the center of attraction, and many +a tough “yarn” was told by our men of their exceeding valor at that time.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>Lieutenant Bennett here left us to take command of a battery in Virginia.</p> + +<p>During the day of October 18th, there was considerable movement among the +troops, and, for a time, it seemed as if we were about to have an +engagement. But still it was thought that the Rebels would make for +Cumberland Gap as speedily as possible. Some of our troops went out on the +Winding Glade Road. Two of our guns were sent with them. Another body went +towards London. Troops were constantly arriving. In the afternoon +considerable firing was heard in the direction taken by our two guns. It +was soon ascertained that a lively fight had taken place between our men +and some Rebel Cavalry and Infantry. Our troops soon drove them, taking +about one hundred prisoners, and between two hundred and three hundred +head of cattle. This occurred about four miles from Wild Cat. The enemy +were driven some miles, and several of them were killed and wounded. Four +men were wounded on our side.</p> + +<p>About 10 o’clock, October 19th, were ordered to follow after the advance. +A march of six or eight miles brought us to their encampment. It was +located at what is called Scovill’s Corners, or Cross-Roads, being where +the Richmond road intersects the Lexington pike. We remained here during +the night.</p> + +<p>At 2 o’clock on the morning of the 20th, our Battery was ordered out, to +go on a reconnoisance, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> was also the greater part of the brigade. All +baggage-wagons, tents, and camp equipments, were left behind. The men took +but one day’s rations.</p> + +<p>Shortly before daylight the brigade separated in two divisions, and +proceeded out on different roads; but, after being absent all day without +meeting with any of the enemy, with the exception of a few stragglers, +whom they captured, they returned to camp. The Rebels being alarmed at the +near approach of our forces had hastily beat a retreat, burning several of +their transportation wagons, to prevent their falling into Union hands.</p> + +<p>October 21st. Just one year ago this day was fought the battle of Wild +Cat; and we were only six miles from the place. All was quiet in camp.</p> + +<p>Another reconnoizance was made, commencing October 22d. Our Battery went +towards Manchester. The expedition was gone three days. Their object was +to destroy the salt works near Manchester, on which the Rebels depended +for a supply of that necessary article of consumption.</p> + +<p>Having accomplished their purpose, and nothing further remaining to be +done, the expedition returned to camp on the morning of October 25th. On +the day previous, several citizens of London came into camp, and reported +a large body of Secesh cavalry in the town. It was thought that, owing to +the absence of the greater part of our force, the Rebels might take +advantage of it, and make an attack on our camp during the night.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> +Accordingly the men belonging to our Battery were all armed with muskets, +and given several rounds of amunition. We were notified to hold ourselves +in readiness to repel an attack. For the first time our artillerymen were +transformed into infantry. About one hundred refugees from East Tennessee +came into camp, and were also armed. The night, however, passed without +any alarm. Our troops arriving the next morning, we all again got in +motion, and proceeded back through Wild Cat. Arrived at the Rock Castle +river crossing, and camped for the night.</p> + +<p>There was a very heavy snow storm during the night, and in the morning the +ground was covered to the depth of several inches; but, the weather being +mild, it rapidly disappeared. Got an early start, and pushed on through +the mud and slush. At noon arrived at Mount Vernon, and halted for an hour +in a large field, and cooked our dinner. At 2 o’clock we again moved +forward, and went towards Somerset. The weather was now growing colder, +and the snow had made the roads very heavy, so that our progress was but +slow. It was a cheerless and comfortless march. Little do those at home, +who tread only on hard, dry pavements, know where a soldier’s feet hath +been. We toiled on through the mud for about six miles, and then camped +for the night. The snow was still quite deep, but we succeeded in getting +some hay, and, clearing the ground, spread our blankets on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> hay, then +built large fires, and lay down to rest. Thus we managed to pass the night +in tolerable comfort. It must be borne in mind that, as yet, we were +<ins class="correction" title="original reads 'withont'">without</ins> tents, and had been so ever since leaving Nashville.</p> + +<p>The next morning, October 27th, we were up betimes, and, after breakfast, +were again on the road. The sun shone brightly, yet the air was quite +chilly. We marched about twenty miles, and at night camped near a small +creek, two miles from Somerset.</p> + +<p>The day succeeding we all remained in camp, and passed the time in looking +over old letters—as dear to us as household words—and now and then a sly +look was given to some well-worn miniature of a nameless friend far away +in some Northern home. Thus passed the day, and the stars came out, and</p> + +<p class="poem">“Sat their sentinel watch in the sky,”</p> + +<p>and found us sunk on the ground overpowered with sleep.</p> + +<p>The following morning we were again on the march. Passed through Somerset +at 8 o’clock, and went out on the road to Fishing Creek. Found all the +places of business closed, and the town looking quite gloomy. The greater +part of the inhabitants had left previous to the Rebel army entering. We +were warmly welcomed by those who remained—especially the members of our +Battery, as most of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span> us were well known. As we passed the hill on which we +had been so long quartered the previous winter, all eyes were turned +towards it, and many a familiar spot was pointed out. It seemed to us like +an old home.</p> + +<p>We crossed Fishing Creek about 11 o’clock, A. M., and here remained until +the following morning.</p> + +<p>October 30th. Resumed our march, and, at 9 o’clock, A. M., passed the +battle ground of Mill Springs.</p> + +<p>Old stories of the battle were told, as we passed the familiar places +where the conflict had raged. Many a tree bore the marks of cannon ball +and shell. The fences were riddled with bullet holes, as evidences of the +terrible work of January 19th, 1862, and which will long be remembered as +an eventful day in future history.</p> + +<p>We saw many graves of those noble heroes who that day gave up their lives +in their Country’s cause. Peace to their ashes.</p> + +<p>Marched about twenty miles this day, and camped near the road.</p> + +<p>The next day we continued our march, and at dark crossed Green River, and +camped one half-mile from Columbia, having marched twenty-one miles.</p> + +<p>November 1st. Remained in camp. A general muster was had, for the purpose +of making out the pay-roll. Weather clear and pleasant.</p> + +<p>The next day resumed our march at noon, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> passing through Columbia at +dark, camped near a creek, eight miles from last night’s camp.</p> + +<p>November 3d. Again on the move, and at noon halted near the town of +Edmonson, and remained long enough to feed horses and get dinner. Passed +through the town, and took the road towards Glasgow. Marched eight miles, +and camped in a piece of woods. The men had here a fine opportunity to +<ins class="correction" title="original reads 'gathery'">gather</ins> hickory-nuts, which covered the ground profusely.</p> + +<p>The next morning made an early start, and at noon passed through Glasgow, +and camped one mile beyond.</p> + +<p>We here found George Eldridge, with our baggage, tents, etc., which we had +left behind at Bowling Green. Some of the sick, who had also been left, +rejoined us here.</p> + +<p>We remained in camp at this place for three days; and while here received +some blankets, and a few articles of clothing, of which we stood greatly +in need. Orderly Sergeant Kelley here received a commission as Second +Lieutenant, and Sergeant Thompson was promoted to Orderly. +Quarter-Master’s Sergeant, George Eldridge, was transferred on detached +service, as clerk in the Division Quarter-Master’s department. The +weather, during the time we remained here, was wet and disagreeable.</p> + +<p>Saturday, November 8th. Broke up camp, and resumed our march towards +Nashville. Marched<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> about twenty miles, and camped near the road. During +the day we crossed Great Barren river.</p> + +<p>Next morning proceeded towards Scottsville, where we arrived at noon. +Pitched tents one mile beyond, and remained until next day.</p> + +<p>Scottsville is sixty miles distant from Nashville, and is the last town we +passed through previous to entering Tennessee.</p> + +<p>November 10th. Commenced our march at half-past 8 o’clock, A. M. At noon +halted for dinner, a short distance from the boundary line of Kentucky and +Tennessee. At 2 o’clock we were again on the move, and in the State of +Tennessee, having been out of that State nearly two months. Marched only +thirteen miles this day, and halted for the night. Weather clear and cold.</p> + +<p>Early the next morning on the move. At half-past 3 o’clock, P. M., passed +through Gallatin, without stopping, and took the Lebanon road. At night +camped on the banks of Cumberland river, about three miles beyond +Gallatin. Had all kinds of rumors during the day. One of which was that +there had been a fight at Nashville. No reliance could be placed on these +reports.</p> + +<p>The morning of November 12th opened with a cold, drizzling rain. About 11 +o’clock, A. M., we were ordered to move; and, after waiting until near +noon for the Tenth Brigade to pass, we finally forded the river—which was +at this time quite low—and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span> marching eight miles, encamped for the night +in the woods, near the Nashville and Lebanon turnpike.</p> + +<p>The next morning, at 10 o’clock, we started towards Nashville, and on +reaching Silver Springs, camped in rear of the town. This place is distant +eighteen miles from Nashville.</p> + +<p>We remained here for several days, during which time one of our men was +tried by Court Martial for attempting an outrage on the person of a woman +in Kentucky, while on the march from Somerset to Columbia. He was found +guilty, and sentenced to serve six months in military prison, with ball +and chain attached to his leg, and to forfeit two months’ pay.</p> + +<p>While here, General Crittenden came near falling into Rebel hands. He, +however, managed to escape, but several of his staff were captured.</p> + +<p>After having remained in camp at Silver Springs for six days, on the +morning of November 19th we broke up, and moved down the turnpike towards +Nashville. Proceeded as far as Stone river, and again camped, being eight +miles from the city. We remained here one week, with nothing worthy of +note transpiring.</p> + +<p>Broke up camp on the morning of November 26th, and moved towards +Nashville.</p> + +<p>During the march, one of our new members, who had joined us at Louisville, +named Leonard Starr, died in the ambulance. He had been sick several days. +His remains were sent home in charge of his brother, who is also a member +of our battery.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>We camped on the Murfreesboro pike, three miles from Nashville.</p> + +<p>Our tents were pitched in a large open field. The ground was low and +springy, and whenever it rained, the place was almost untenable.</p> + +<p>The day after our arrival was Thanksgiving day, but it passed off the same +as all other days with us. We had our usual dinner of sow-belly <i>a la +mode</i>, and hard-tack <i>a la mouldy</i>.</p> + +<p>Nothing out of the usual course occurred, until December 8th. On that day, +our brigade made a foraging excursion on the Nolensville pike. Went ten +miles, and succeeded in obtaining one hundred and sixty-nine loads of +corn, which was brought away in sight of the enemy’s pickets, without a +gun being fired.</p> + +<p>Captain Standart was acting as Chief of Artillery on General Palmer’s +Staff; General Palmer having succeeded General Smith as Division +Commander.</p> + +<p>I will here mention that we were now in what was called the Fourth +Division of General Crittenden’s Corps. Our Brigade is known as the +Twenty-second, General Cruft commanding. Lieutenant Baldwin, at this time, +was temporarily commanding the Battery.</p> + +<p>On the 10th, we moved our camp about one-fourth of a mile to a drier piece +of ground. Captain Standart also moved his quarters back to the Battery, +but still retained his position as Chief of Artillery.</p> + +<p>We remained in camp near Nashville just one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> month, during which time we +had several alarms, but none of them of any consequence. Also made several +reconnoisances on different roads.</p> + +<p>We here received a supply of new clothing, harness, and other equipments; +and, on the morning of December 24th, were ordered to have five days’ +rations in haversacks, ready to march—but for some cause did not move.</p> + +<p>Christmas went by in quiet, but it was only a lull in the war-storm which +was soon to break upon us with a fury hard to withstand.</p> + +<p>On the morning of the 26th we were ordered to move. All camp equipage and +baggage, as well as those who were not fit for active duty, were to be +moved into Nashville.</p> + +<p>The storm was about to burst.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h3>SKIRMISHING PREVIOUS TO THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.</h3> + +<p>At an early hour on the morning of Friday, December 26th, the shrill call +of the bugle ringing out on the frosty air, announced that we were about +to move.</p> + +<p>Soon great activity prevailed in camp, and all were in high spirits at the +prospect of an advance; and it was evident to each and every one of us, +that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> unless the rebels should retreat from Murfreesboro, a battle must +soon occur.</p> + +<p>Nothing so arouses a soldier’s spirit as the prospect of a battle—though, +in the same anxiously looked for battle, his life may be sacrificed. For +human life, at best, but hangs on a thread which even a little blow may +snap asunder. But if man dies thus, his life is nobly given on the altar +of his country, and that is worth the life of any man.</p> + +<p class="poem"><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">“<i>Who</i> dies in vain</span><br /> +Upon his country’s war-fields, and within<br /> +The shadow of her altars?”</p> + +<p>War follows rebellion, and death follows war. Some must die—both the just +and the unjust; but in the end, right will <i>ever</i> conquer. And now to our +movements.</p> + +<p>The morning was cloudy, and in a short time it began to rain. +Nevertheless, all were soon ready to move. After waiting for more than an +hour, the command was finally given to “forward march.”</p> + +<p>The army of General Rosencrans had now been divided into three separate +divisions, or army corps, and designated as the Right, Left and Center +wings. The Right, commanded by General McCook; the Centre, by General +Thomas; and the Left, by General Crittenden. To the last named was our +Battery attached, General Palmer being still in command of the Division, +and General Cruft of the Brigade. Our Corps moved forward on the +Murfreesboro road, the other Corps taking different routes. At the time<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> +we got fairly started the rain had increased, and the storm was raging +furiously; and though all were thoroughly drenched, yet it dampened not +the ardor of the brave men, as they were elated at the prospect of soon +meeting their deadly enemy in battle array.</p> + +<p>Owing to the great number of troops, and having a large wagon train, our +progress was quite slow; and further, it was known that our movements +would be more or less harrassed by the enemy. Great caution was therefore +necessary.</p> + +<p>When within two miles of Lavergne—which is a small station on the +Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad—our advance guard encountered the +Rebel pickets. After a short skirmish, the enemy were driven into their +camp at Lavergne, where they had one Brigade stationed.</p> + +<p>Our Brigade having the advance, we soon came in sight of the enemy, who +were drawn up in line ready for battle. Our Battery, and one section of +Konkle’s Battery, under command of Lieutenant Nathan Newell, were ordered +into position, and opened on the Rebels. They immediately returned our +fire, when a lively artillery fight commenced, which lasted until dark. +One of our men had his hand badly shattered, by the premature explosion of +one of the guns. He has since had his hand amputated. One of the men +belonging to Newell’s section was instantly killed by the Rebel fire. This +was the only loss sustained on our side. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> Rebels suffered the loss of +a number killed and wounded, and a few taken prisoners.</p> + +<p>Early next morning, we were in readiness to renew the attack; but the +enemy were not inclined to oppose us, as they commenced a retrograde +movement towards Murfreesboro. Our troops at once pressed on them closely, +and constant skirmishing ensued throughout the entire day. At dark, we had +succeeded in driving them six miles, to what is called Stewart’s Creek. We +here rested for the night—the Rebels on the east and we on the west side +of the creek.</p> + +<p>The following day both armies remained in the same position, and no +movement was made on either side. <i>We</i> were awaiting the arrival of +General Thomas’ troops.</p> + +<p>The next morning we moved forward in order of battle. Skirmishers were +thrown out on each side of the road, through the woods and fields, and +during the day some little fighting took place. We moved to within four +miles of Murfreesboro, and camped for the night in a piece of cedar woods.</p> + +<p>The following day was passed in preparing for the great battle, which was +now imminent. Our troops were posted at different points, Batteries placed +in position, picket lines established, scouts and skirmishers thrown out, +ammunition chests overhauled, and all other necessary preparations made +for the coming conflict.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>That night our guards were doubled. The Infantry slept on their arms, and +Artillerymen at their several posts. No fires were allowed, and the utmost +vigilance enjoined on all.</p> + +<p>To-morrow would be an eventful day.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h3>THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.</h3> +<p> </p> +<h4>FIRST DAY.</h4> + +<p>Just at daylight, and while some were getting breakfast, others watering +their horses, the Rebels made a sudden and vigorous attack on the Division +of General Johnson in General McCook’s Corps, and which was stationed on +the extreme right.</p> + +<p>Owing to the suddenness of the attack, and the overpowering force which +the enemy had brought to bear at this particular point, the troops of +General Johnson were thrown into confusion, and ere they could recover +from their surprise, the enemy had broken through their lines, and forced +them to fall back, at the same time firing volley after volley, killing +and wounding a large number of Union troops. They had also succeeded in +capturing several pieces of artillery, and, in one instance, the entire +battery of Captain Edgarton, taking the Captain and most of his men +prisoners.</p> + +<p>General Johnson rallied the remainder of his troops as speedily as +possible, and others coming to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> support—but not until having lost +considerable ground—by 9 o’clock, A. M., the engagement had become +general along the entire line. At 10 o’clock the battle raged with great +fury, and slaughter. Our Battery was stationed on the left of General +Negley’s division—it being the last, or left division of the right wing. +The enemy, at noon, had succeeded in turning this wing, and had partially +got in on our rear, subjecting us to a severe cross-fire. General Cruft, +however, managed to extricate the brigade from this unpleasant +predicament, and our Battery was drawn off in fine order, but not until we +had expended all our ammunition. Our men, as well as those of the entire +brigade, stood their ground bravely, and dealt dire destruction to the +enemy. Several of our men were killed and wounded about this time.</p> + +<p>The battle still raged with great fierceness. The Rebels had gained a +great advantage, and had driven General McCook’s wing two or three miles.</p> + +<p>At this critical juncture, when it seemed as if we must suffer complete +annihilation—when the Rebel star was in the ascendant—Generals +Rosencrans and Thomas <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'caming'">coming</ins> dashing along the line, cheering and rallying +their men, when they turned and fought like very tigers. And now the scene +was truly thrilling.</p> + +<p class="poem"><span style="margin-left: 8em;">“Then more fierce</span><br /> +The conflict grew; the din of arms—the yell<br /> +Of savage rage—the shriek of agony—<br /> +The groan of death, commingled in one sound<br /> +Of undistinguished horrors.”</p> + +<p>Inch by inch was the lost ground recovered, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> hand to hand friend and +foe grappled for the mastery. General Rosencrans, by his dauntless +bearing, cheered on our brave men to such deeds of valor as the pen of +history has seldom recorded. Fiercely did the Union troops throw +themselves in solid battallions against the fierce assailing foe. The roar +of artillery, the rattle of musketry, the groans of the wounded and dying, +rang horribly upon the ear.</p> + +<p>Darkness finally closed over the scene, and, for the time, put an end to +the conflict. Weary and exhausted the men threw themselves on the +blood-dyed ground, to pass the hours of night, their ears filled with the +groans of their dying companions.</p> + +<p>The number of killed and wounded, on both sides, this day, was quite +large.</p> + +<p>Thus ended the old year of Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-Two.</p> + +<p> </p> +<h4>SECOND DAY.</h4> + +<p>The New Year dawned not on faces radiant with joy and gladness; for, alas! +many of our brave comrades lay stark and cold on that ensanguined field. +No “Happy New Year” came from their voiceless lips—no kindly word of +greeting; but, with eyes upturned to Heaven, they lay mute in death. Never +again would that gray-haired father welcome his son on the threshold of +home. Never again would that meek-eyed mother fold her darling soldier-boy +to her heart. Never again would brother, nor sister, gaze upon his manly +form—for that brave boy slept his last sleep on the battle-field of his +country. Who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> shall say that the angels did not welcome him that morning +to a Happy New Year, where the sound of battle is never heard?</p> + +<p>No, there were no merry greetings, nor lively pealing of bells, for those +war-worn men; but instead was heard the roar of artillery, and the rattle +of musketry, and the groans and shrieks of the wounded and dying soldier, +mingled with that thrilling and strange cry of the horse on receiving his +death wound.</p> + +<p>The fighting this day was confined principally to artillery, but at longer +range than the day previous, and consequently the slaughter was much +lighter.</p> + +<p>The battle lasted through the day, with no material advantage to either +side; and at night both armies retained nearly their positions of the +morning.</p> + +<p>Another night was passed on the battle-field.</p> + +<p> </p> +<h4>THIRD DAY.</h4> + +<p>Early the following morning considerable skirmishing ensued, and continued +through the forenoon, with shifting of positions.</p> + +<p>Between 3 and 4 o’clock in the afternoon, the Rebels, in strong force, +opened an attack on a single brigade of ours, which was posted near Stone +river, and in advance of our extreme left. Pressed by greatly superior +numbers the brigade was compelled to fall back, which they did in good +order, contesting every inch of ground, and making great havoc in the +enemy’s ranks. Our reserve force soon pushed forward, with cheers and +yells, determined to do or die.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> With a shock that could not be withstood, +our brave men rushed upon the foe. Their columns shook—they wavered, +reeled, and fighting desperately, fell back, while the brave Union troops +pushed them at every step. Vainly did the Rebel General in command strive +to rally and turn back his horror-stricken legions. But furiously, more +furiously, did our noble men assail the rebellious foe, till the ground +was piled heap on heap with the slain, and the thirsty earth drank up +their life blood. And now, in utter confusion, the enemy gave way, and +soon were flying before us, like chaff before the wind.</p> + +<p>Night had now set in, and darkness was gradually stealing over us; but +still we fought on, determined to achieve a glorious victory for our +country, and our firesides.</p> + +<p>Our forces were now massed, and with cheers that made the welkin ring, we +charged down upon a battery of artillery, which had been pouring +destruction into our ranks.</p> + +<p>So great was this onset, that again did the enemy give way and retire from +their guns, and fled in wild disorder back into the cedar thickets which +dotted the battle-field.</p> + +<p>In this charge we captured four guns of the enemy’s celebrated Washington +battery, of Louisiana, and also recaptured several of our own guns, which +were taken from us in the first day’s fight.</p> + +<p>The Rebel loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, was nearly three to our +one. Had but two hours<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> more of daylight intervened, the Rebel army would +have been well nigh annihilated. It was fortunate for them that darkness +put an end to the conflict, when</p> + +<p class="poem">“Our bugles sang truce—for the night-cloud had lower’d,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">And the sentinel stars set their watch in the sky;</span><br /> +And thousands had sunk on the ground overpower’d,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">The weary to sleep, and the wounded to die.”</span></p> + +<p>Thus passed another night on the battle-field.</p> + +<p> </p> +<h4>FOURTH DAY.</h4> + +<p>During this day the enemy kept up a continual skirmishing along our front, +but without seeming inclined to risk another general encounter. This +afterwards appeared to have been only a blind to cover their retreat, for +during the same night they evacuated the field.</p> + +<p>On Sunday morning, January 4th, General McCook entered Murfreesboro, and +took formal possession of the town.</p> + +<p>Thus ended the great battle of Stone river, which, for desperate and hard +fighting, has not been excelled by any battle fought during the rebellion.</p> + +<p> </p> +<h4>SUMMARY.</h4> + +<p>It would be occupying too much time and space to give full particulars of +all that transpired during this memorable conflict. And where all fought +so bravely and so well, it will not be necessary to discriminate. Taken as +a whole, it was one of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span> hardest contested, and most decisive battles, +which has yet been fought. The loss, in killed and wounded, on both sides, +was very heavy. The enemy’s loss, in killed and wounded, will not vary far +from twelve thousand to fourteen thousand. About five thousand of the +enemy fell into our hands as prisoners of war. We captured but few arms or +equipments. Our loss, in killed and wounded, was about eight thousand, and +from three thousand to four thousand captured and missing. The Rebels +probably gained a slight advantage in the amount of artillery captured. +Several Generals, and other officers high in rank were killed and wounded, +on both sides. The Rebels retreated towards Tullahoma.</p> + +<p>This victory once more placed us in possession of a good part of Middle +Tennessee, and thereby materially afforded us help in obtaining supplies.</p> + +<p>The enemy were confident of success, but were woefully disappointed, and +it has been a severe blow to them, and one from which they will hardly +recover. General Rosencrans rather outwitted the redoubtable Rebel Bragg, +and came off with increased laurels. Rosencrans has shown himself to be +the right man in the right place. He knows no such word as <i>fail</i>.</p> + +<p>Our Battery, in this engagement, was in command of Lieutenant Norman +Baldwin. Captain Standart was still acting as Chief of Artillery, on +General Palmer’s Staff. Lieutenant Sypher was sick, at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> Nashville. Both +Lieutenants Baldwin and Sturges acted with great coolness and bravery. +Lieutenant Baldwin had one horse killed under him. The Battery was several +times in a dangerous position, and once was nearly surrounded by the +enemy, and subjected to a severe cross fire. The men heroically stood at +their posts, and fought like veterans, while the air was hissing with shot +and shell. None wavered from their duty, and all are deserving of the +highest praise. But, alas! some laid down their lives in that fearful +battle-storm. This was the first time that any of our company were killed +in battle.</p> + +<p>The following is a list of the members of the Battery who were killed, +wounded, and taken prisoners:</p> + +<p><i>Killed</i>—Orderly Sergeant Thomas J. Thompson; Sergeant George Wolf; +Privates Chauncey Lyon, Samuel Ruple, John Elliott.</p> + +<p><i>Wounded Seriously</i>—Privates <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'Bejamin'">Benjamin</ins> F. Sarles, S. W. Shankland, William +Broe, Alfred French John Blanchard.</p> + +<p><i>Wounded and Missing</i>—A. J. McLaughlin, George Overy.</p> + +<p><i>Slightly Wounded</i>—L. L. Sawtell, N. Schoh, J. Arndt, J. Grant, —. +Hayes.</p> + +<p>Of those mentioned as killed, Chauncey Lyon was killed instantly; <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'Seargeant'">Sergeant</ins> +Wolf had his head entirely blown off, and, as is supposed, by one of our +own guns, as he was seen to step in front of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> battery just as the +command to fire was given. Immediately thereafter his lifeless body was +found near one of the guns. The others died a few days after, from the +effects of their wounds. Those seriously wounded were removed to the +hospitals at Nashville. Alfred French had his arm amputated. The others +will all probably recover without loss of limbs. Those who were slightly +wounded continued on duty. We had twenty-one horses killed. <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'A A'">A</ins> shot struck +the forge, knocking out a spoke and splintering the box. The battery wagon +was made a complete wreck.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h3>WE LEAVE THE BATTLE-FIELD.</h3> + +<p>We remained camped on the battle-ground until the 7th of January, when we +moved about three miles beyond Murfreesboro, on the McMinnville road, and +camped in a piece of woods near the road. The same night the wagons came +out from Nashville, bringing our tents and baggage. We remained here +through the next day. On Friday, January 9th, we struck tents, and went +one mile nearer town.</p> + +<p>We camped about a quarter of a mile off the road, and near a house. The +ground was not very well adapted for such a purpose, being quite low.</p> + +<p>During our stay here we experienced much heavy<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> weather; it rained or +snowed a great portion of the time. But we now received a supply of new +clothing, and other necessary articles.</p> + +<p>After remaining here for ten days, on the morning of Sunday, January 18th, +we once more made a move.</p> + +<p>The morning was quite cold, and considerable snow lay on the ground—a +heavy snow storm having prevailed during the night.</p> + +<p>A march of six miles brought us to Cripple creek. We pitched our tents on +a hill overlooking the surrounding country, and near the creek. The place +was very rocky, and covered with young cedars. The trees, rocks and +stumps, were so thick that it was almost impossible for a wagon to get +through. But the men went to work, and soon had the ground sufficiently +cleared to pitch the tents. This camp was on the McMinnville road, and +eight miles from Murfreesboro. We had <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'pased'">passed</ins> the place several times +previously.</p> + +<p>The day succeeding our arrival all hands went to work clearing up the +ground, felling trees, and building breast-works and fortifications. This +occupied several days. The weather was cold, with frequent rains, which +rendered our condition rather unpleasant.</p> + +<p>Nothing out of the usual way occurred until <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'Jannary'">January</ins> 24th, when the entire +brigade made a reconnoissance towards Woodbury. On reaching Readyville +were joined by General Hazen’s brigade, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span> then proceeded as far as +Woodbury, where a skirmish ensued with a small Rebel force. Our troops +repulsed and drove them from the town. Our brigade returned to camp the +same night.</p> + +<p>Sunday, January 22d. This being the anniversary of Washington’s birth-day, +at sun-down we fired a salute.</p> + +<p>The next day Captain Standart started for home, having obtained a short +furlough.</p> + +<p>March 2d. A skirmish reported beyond Readyville.</p> + +<p>March 3d. The entire division of General Reynolds passed our camp, going +towards Woodbury.</p> + +<p>March 5th. An election took place for five persons whose names should be +placed on the Roll of Honor, according to published order of General +Rosencrans. The following men were elected, viz: John Boon, Joseph Axford, +Thomas C. Potter, John Snyder, and C. B. Valentine.</p> + +<p>March 6th. Were paid this day for four months’ services, being up to +January 1st. The first payment we had received in six months. This put the +men in good spirits again; but they had one difficulty, and that was, they +had no means of getting rid of their money, as the market in this vicinity +was not over-well stocked with what a soldier wants.</p> + +<p>The next day a portion of General Reynold’s force—which went towards +Woodbury a few days previous—returned to Murfreesboro. Cannonading<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> was +heard this day—supposed to be in the direction of Franklin.</p> + +<p>The morning following, the order was passed to prepare to march. But, +after getting ready, we stood all day waiting for the word to proceed. +Just at dark were told to unharness horses, as we were not to move for the +present.</p> + +<p>Tuesday, March 10th. All quiet on Cripple creek. Tents were again pitched. +Considerable rain fell during the day.</p> + +<p>Thursday, March 12th. Lieutenant Baldwin went to Nashville this day, to +procure horses.</p> + +<p>Saturday, March 14th. Buchanan Reed, the artist and poet, of Cincinnati, +addressed our brigade this day. Lieutenant Kelley left for home, having +resigned, and his resignation being accepted. Captain Standart returned to +his command.</p> + +<p>Sunday, March 15th.—Eighth week in our present camp. Brigade review +to-day.</p> + +<p>Sunday, March 22d. Ninth week in camp.—Weather delightful. Peach trees in +bloom. Trees leaving out.</p> + +<p>Wednesday, March 25th. Received news to-day that George D. Eldridge—a +member of our company—was dead. He died in hospital, at Nashville.</p> + +<p>Sunday, March 29th. Tenth week in camp. Last night, at 10 o’clock, we had +an alarm. It was caused by our pickets, who fired on a small party of +Rebel cavalry—the cavalrymen having made a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> dash on them, so the pickets +reported. No one hurt.</p> + +<p>Wednesday, April 1st. At 12 o’clock last night were routed out, with +orders to prepare three days’ rations, in haversacks, for a +reconnoissance. Two hours later preparations were completed, when a start +was made. All of our guns were taken, with two train wagons. The forge and +Battery wagons, and all camp equipage, were left in camp. The brigade +divided and took different roads. The object of this movement was to +surprise and capture a force of Rebel cavalry, who were camped between +Woodbury and McMinnville. A part of the third brigade came out to our +camp, on guard duty, during the absence of our brigade. The expedition +returned at night, having dispersed the enemy, killing and wounding a +number. They also captured their entire camp equipage, several wagons, a +lot of horses and mules, and about twenty prisoners.</p> + +<p>The next morning the third brigade of our division passed camp. Part of +the Fifteenth Pennsylvania cavalry were with them. They had no camp +equipage, and carried five days’ rations. Were on a reconnoissance, and +going towards Woodbury and McMinnville.</p> + +<p>Saturday, April 4th. Part of our brigade went to Readyville, as guard to +General Hazen’s camp.</p> + +<p>Sunday, April 5th. Eleventh week in camp.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>Tuesday, April 7th, were paid to-day up to 1st of March.</p> + +<p>Saturday, April 11th. At roll-call we had orders to draw three days’ +rations, and be in readiness to move at daylight next morning.</p> + +<p>Sunday, April 12th. All were ready to move, but no further order was given +in regard to doing so. In the afternoon the First and Second Kentucky +infantry were each presented with a beautiful flag. The weather continued +fine. This was our twelfth week in present camp.</p> + +<p>Monday, April 20th. General Reynold’s division passed our camp on another +reconnoissance towards Woodbury and McMinnville.</p> + +<p>Tuesday, April 21st. The men were this day—as well as several days +previous—engaged in clearing up camp—hauling gravel and evergreens. The +ground had been leveled off, and covered with gravel, and arbors and +summer-houses built of evergreens, stables made for the horses, and our +camp otherwise beautified. It now presented a cheerful appearance. From +indications it appeared that we were to remain here for some time to come. +We were favored with fine weather—but little rain having fallen during +the last month. Everything in nature looked beautiful.</p> + +<p>Saturday, April 25th. A teamster belonging to the brigade, while +intoxicated, fell off his mule just in front of our camp. The wagon passed +over him, injuring him so severely that he died the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> night. Could not +learn his name, nor to what regiment he belonged.</p> + +<p>Sunday, April 26th. Fourteen weeks this day since our arrival here. +Lieutenant Baldwin started for home, on a short furlough. Lieutenant +Sypher was sent to Cleveland, on recruiting service, on the 22d inst. The +teamster who was killed the day previous was buried this day.</p> + +<p>Tuesday, April 28th. Had orders to hold ourselves ready to move at any +moment. Considerable Rebel cavalry were daily seen hovering around our +lines. Nothing very serious apprehended.</p> + +<p>Thursday, April 30th. Regular two month’s muster for pay. Our tents were +also turned over to the Quarter-Master. We were to have what are termed +“shelter” tents, in place of our old ones. The men call them “dog” tents, +and they are rightly named. Although this was the day set apart, by +President Lincoln, as a day of fasting and prayer, everything went on as +usual in camp. The men said that they had done enough fasting.</p> + +<p>Friday, May 1st. All the sick were this day sent to the hospital.</p> + +<p>Sunday, May 3rd. Fifteen weeks this day at Cripple Creek. We were joined +by two companies of the First Tennessee Cavalry. They went into camp on +the flats across the creek. Regular brigade review.</p> + +<p>Monday, May 4th. The One Hundred and Twentieth Illinois Infantry passed +our camp, going<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> towards Murfreesboro. The regiment had been for some time +in the Second brigade of General Palmer’s division, but had been reduced +by sickness and desertion, so that it did not then contain over one +hundred and fifty effective men. The weather continued quite warm.</p> + +<p>Tuesday, May 5th. The Twenty-Third Kentucky Infantry passed our camp, on +their way to take the place of the One Hundred and Tenth Illinois. Weather +cloudy, with some rain.</p> + +<p>Friday, May 8th. Lieutenant Baldwin returned from home, bringing numerous +packages for the men, sent by their friends.</p> + +<p>On Sunday, May 11th, J. P. Beers died, at noon. His disease was Typhoid +fever. He hailed from Collamer, a few miles East of Cleveland, Ohio. At 3 +o’clock a grand review of the entire brigade took place, after which the +troops were formed in a hollow square, when Captain Standart was called +out and presented, by General Cruft, on behalf of the officers of the +brigade, with a beautiful flag for our Battery. But great was the +Captain’s surprise, when the General presented him with a splendid sword, +as a mark of the respect and high estimation in which the officers of the +brigade held him. General Cruft then made a neat little speech, which was +happily responded to by Captain Standart.</p> + +<p>Colonel Barnett being present, also offered a few remarks, in which he +alluded, in a happy manner, to the good discipline and soldierly bearing +of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> men, and congratulated us for the fair name and reputation which +we had gained.</p> + +<p>Colonel Enyart, of the First Kentucky Infantry, was also presented with an +elegantly wrought sword, by the officers and soldiers of his command.</p> + +<p>Immediately after the above ceremony, loud, long, and hearty cheers were +given for General Cruft, Colonel Barnett, Captain Standart, Colonel +Enyart, and the officers of the First Brigade. And now all quietly marched +back to their respective quarters.</p> + +<p>Sunday, May 10th, 1863, will long live in the remembrance of those who +composed Standart’s Battery.</p> + +<p>The flag which we received was made of the most costly material. On its +folds, in letters of silver, was inscribed: Presented by the Officers of +First Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-First Army Corps, to Standart’s +Ohio Battery. Underneath this were the Words: Wild Cat, Mill Springs, +Chaplin Hills, Stone River. The Captain’s sword is heavily mounted with +gold, and is a beautiful piece of workmanship. It cost two hundred +dollars.</p> + +<p>From the above it will be seen that the services which our Battery has +rendered in the Union cause are duly appreciated by those who know our +history best.</p> + +<p>The morning succeeding the above eventful day, the body of J. P. Beers was +sent home. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span> detachment to which he belonged escorted his remains +outside the lines.</p> + +<p>The day following, the Third brigade of our division arrived, and camped +near us.</p> + +<p>Friday, May 15. A little excitement in camp, caused by a horse-race for +one hundred dollars a side. Our whilom mule-driver says that his steed can +run the “har” clean off them dandified looking “critters.” But says he +don’t “keer” about betting, as cabbages ain’t very plenty just now.</p> + +<p>Sunday, May 17th. On this morning, as General Palmer and Staff were out, +with some of the First Tennessee cavalry, on a reconnoissance, when about +five miles from camp they were suddenly confronted by a large body of +Rebel cavalry, who at once opened fire on them. General Palmer gave the +command for his cavalry to charge, and which order the brave Tennesseeans +were not slow in obeying. With drawn sabres they rushed on the Rebels, +which caused them to give way, when they broke and fled in confusion. The +result was the capture of about twenty prisoners, the same number of +horses, and a few muskets. Two captains were among the prisoners. One or +two of the enemy were killed, and several wounded. Two or three slightly +wounded on our side. The prisoners were soon after brought into camp. +Brigade inspection in the afternoon. Seventeen weeks in camp at Cripple +creek.</p> + +<p>After the above incident nothing aside from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> usual daily routine and +an occasional reconnoissance, transpired until Tuesday, June 23d. On this +day we received word that Andy Ives, a member of our company, was dead. He +had been sick for some time, and had been taken to Nashville by his +father. This made twenty-two of our members who had died or been killed +since we first entered the service. This afternoon the entire army in camp +at Cripple Creek was called out to witness the execution of a private, in +the First Kentucky infantry, for desertion.</p> + +<p>At half-past 2 o’clock, P. M., the division marched in regiments to the +parade ground, and were drawn up in the usual manner on such occasions. At +a quarter to 3 o’clock the prisoner made his appearance, following his +coffin, and surrounded by a strong guard. On either side of him was a +chaplain, or spiritual adviser. The drums beat a mournful march, and, +after passing around the various regiments, with head uncovered, the +doomed man was placed behind his coffin. He was then allowed to make a +short address, but little of which could be heard. After he had concluded, +a prayer, in his behalf, was offered by each of the chaplains. The +prisoner then shook hands with them, and with some of the officers. His +eyes were then bandaged—his bosom bared for the fatal shot. The soldiers +detailed for this painful duty took their positions. With a suspense which +was painful to witness, all awaited the final word for the execution.</p> + +<p>Precisely at 3 o’clock the signal was given, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> immediately the report +of twelve guns echoed through the valley. * * * All was over.</p> + +<p>On examination it was found that four balls had pierced his heart, and one +had entered his temple. His death was easy and instantaneous.</p> + +<p>Thus ended a sad and painful scene, the like of which we hope never again +to behold. The man’s name was Shockman, and he hailed from Cincinnati. He +was about twenty-eight years of age, and unmarried.</p> + +<p>On returning to our quarters, an order was received to issue twelve days’ +rations, and be ready to move at a moment’s notice. As we had before +received such orders, and nothing came of them, the men were now inclined +to believe—as we had been so long at this camp—that we would here remain +until disbanded. But at dark it became quite evident that a move would be +made on the following morning. Some were pleased at this, but others were +loth to leave a place which had become almost like a home to them. We had +now been here a little over five months—by far the greatest length of +time we had remained in any one camp. But all things must have a +termination, and so did our stay here.</p> + +<p>In the different dates above, have been given the items of interest which +occurred during our stay at Cripple Creek. But little else, aside from the +usual routine of camp life, had taken place.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h3>DEPARTURE FROM CRIPPLE CREEK.</h3> + +<p>Early on the morning of June 24th all were astir, and busily engaged in +preparing to march. The word was given to be ready at 7 o’clock. The +weather was quite cloudy, and indicated rain. At 8 o’clock it commenced +raining; and shortly after, we were on the move, having bid adieu to +Cripple Creek, which had so long been our home. The rain was now falling +heavily, and so continued through the whole day.</p> + +<p>After crossing the creek, we took a South-east course. The roads in many +places were quite rough, but the country, generally, was level. We passed +through a fine farming section, and the crops mostly looked flourishing, +but somewhat backward, owing to the late spring frosts, which had delayed +planting.</p> + +<p>A march of six or eight miles brought us out on the Murfreesboro and +Bradyville pike, and the roads were now in better condition. General +Wood’s Division were here waiting for us to pass. A little further on, we +found the Second Brigade, General Hazen, waiting to join us. Shortly +after, we passed through the small town of Bradyville. About one mile +beyond this, at a creek, a skirmish took place between some of the First +Tennessee Cavalry and a party of Rebel Cavalry. Two of the Tennesseans<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> +were wounded, and, as usual, the enemy “skeedaddled.”</p> + +<p>A halt was now made; and, after standing in the rain for an hour, we +finally turned off the road, and camped for the night in a piece of woods. +Thus ended our first day’s march from Cripple Creek.</p> + +<p>The next morning was again rainy. Made a move at 6 o’clock, and found the +roads rough and hilly. Had one very steep and bad hill to ascend, and +found it necessary to double our teams; but it was some time ere all the +guns and caissons were well at the top. We marched about five miles, and +then halted for the wagon train to come up. The weather had now partially +cleared. At 5 o’clock, seeing no prospect of the trains arriving that +night, we finally camped. Some firing heard in the distance, on our left.</p> + +<p>Next morning, the train had not reached us, and we could not move without +it, as we were without provisions or forage. Were obliged to send back for +feed for our horses. More rain was falling, and the roads were getting +very heavy. About noon, the wagons arrived; but no further move was made, +and we quietly remained in camp. Heavy firing was heard nearly all day. A +general battle was reported as going on at Beech Grove, about twelve or +fourteen miles distant. General Thomas’ Corps was engaged. Rumors were +rife in camp, and several prisoners were brought in. Our camp was located<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> +at Holly Springs, about seventeen miles from Murfreesboro.</p> + +<p>Saturday, June 27th. All hands were up at daylight, and prepared +breakfast. The weather again cloudy. Firing on our right, still heard; but +just before noon, ceased. At 12 o’clock, report came that General Thomas +had defeated the Rebels and driven them, taking a large number of +prisoners, and a lot of plunder.</p> + +<p>At 1 o’clock, we once more got started, but the road was in a horrible +condition; and after plodding slowly along for some six miles, we turned +into a field near a creek and pitched our tents.</p> + +<p>Sunday, June 28th. Morning cloudy. About 9 o’clock it commenced raining, +but we were soon moving. Went two miles, and then prepared to camp; but +the stumps and brush were so thick that it was some time ere we were +enabled to pitch the tents. This was one mile from Manchester, and near a +large creek, called the Barren fork of Duck river.</p> + +<p>In the morning we were again moving, but nothing worthy of note transpired +for several days.</p> + +<p>Saturday, July fourth, eighteen hundred and sixty-three. This is the +eighty-seventh anniversary of our National Independence, and here we are +engaged in civil war. What would our old Revolutionary heroes say, could +they but look in upon us? Ah! little did they dream when they laid down +the sword and gun, that this country would ever again<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> have cause to +maintain her honor by sword-blade and cannon’s mouth; yet, this curse has +been entailed upon us, by the vandal hand of the South. And now, to-day we +stand up in a cause just as pure and holy as that for which our fathers +fought in days gone by. We battle for our country as a whole; it <i>must +not</i>, it <i>can not</i> be divided. Yes,</p> + +<p class="poem">We’ll battle for our own true flag,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">We’ll fight for every star;</span><br /> +In town, on plain, or beetled crag,<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Our cause we’ll thunder far.</span></p> + +<p>But, already a light—faint though it be—breaks over our war-tossed +homes, and ’tis slowly but surely expanding. Ere another year be passed, +we hope to see its effulgent rays light up all the dark corners of our +land. That light, is the light of Liberty and Union.</p> + +<p>But to our Battery.</p> + +<p>We were now camped in the woods near Elk river, and there was but little +prospect of our very soon getting out, as it rained almost uninterruptedly +for several days, making our condition far from enviable. Our wagons, +which had been left at Manchester, arrived early in the morning, as also +did the train from Murfreesboro with provisions, which was hailed with +delight. But still we were to be kept on half rations, as we had been for +some time back.</p> + +<p>During the afternoon the writer of this received two boxes of “good +things” from home, and the men<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> all gathered around him with open mouths +and straining eyes.</p> + +<p>There being a little “mountain dew” in one of the boxes, on inspection, it +made some of the men feel in better spirits, and rather more patriotic.</p> + +<p>Thus passed the 4th of July, 1863.</p> + +<p>Tuesday, July 7th. About five o’clock in the afternoon cannonading was +heard in the direction of Tullahoma, and from the regularity of the firing +it was supposed to be occasioned by some good news. In a short time after, +firing was heard much nearer, and evidently in General Thomas’s Corps, +which was encamped on the opposite side of Elk river. One half hour later, +the joyful news was received of the capture of Vicksburg, and the entire +Rebel army of that place. The news spread like wild-fire through the camp, +and every one was in high glee. Good news was also received from the army +of the Potomac, which was now under the command of Major-General Meade.</p> + +<p>Wednesday, July 8th. Early this morning received word to prepare for a +move. Some of the batteries in our division fired a salute in honor of the +victory achieved at Vicksburg. About half-past 7, we got started, and +moved towards Manchester. The roads were in a horrible condition, and it +was with difficulty that we were enabled to proceed. We passed through the +town of Hillsboro, and here General Woods’s division went into camp while +we pushed forward, and at 4 o’clock in the afternoon reached<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> Manchester, +a small town on the Chattanooga and Nashville railroad, and went into +camp.</p> + +<p>Our tents were pitched on the same ground that we formerly occupied, and +on the following day we commenced clearing up and regulating the place, as +it was evident that we were to remain here for several days. Shades of +evergreens were erected over the tents, and the ground being hard and dry +our situation was quite pleasant.</p> + +<p>On Monday, July 13th, Generals Rosencrans and Crittenden, together with +several other distinguished officers, arrived on the cars. They appeared +to be on a tour of inspection; but after a short stop proceeded to +McMinnville.</p> + +<p>The Pay Master arrived on the following Wednesday, and took up quarters +with Captain Standart. The next day we were paid for four months’ +services, being up to July 1st.</p> + +<p>The above comprises about all that <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'occured'">occurred</ins> while in camp at Elk river, +out of the usual course of camp life. The weather, while here, was quite +hot, and frequent thunder storms ensued. Several prisoners were brought in +at different times, and <ins class="correction" title="original reads 'numerour'">numerous</ins> foraging expeditions were sent out, and +were generally successful, bringing in oats, rye, and hay. Farmers came in +with wagon loads of potatoes, fruit and vegetables, which were readily +bought by the soldiers. A number of men in our Battery built ovens, in +which they baked bread, pies, etc.; and, as a general thing, we lived on +the best the country afforded.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>A few days before we left camp an addition was made to our Battery of +twelve new members, who were enlisted on the Western Reserve, in Ohio. +Orderly Sergeant Thompson, received his commission as Second Lieutenant, +and William Camp was appointed Orderly Sergeant. William Broe, who was +wounded at the battle of Stone river, rejoined us. Captain Standart was +acting as Chief of Artillery for the division, and also sitting on the +Court Martial board. We received a number of fresh horses from Nashville, +together with a lot of new clothing. Several of the members who had been +left in hospital at Murfreesboro, returned to duty. We remained in this +camp just thirty-eight days.</p> + +<p>At 3 o’clock on the morning of Sunday, August 16th, we were all aroused +from a sound sleep, with the order to “turn out,” and “get ready to +march.”</p> + +<p>This was rather unexpected, and caused considerable surprise, as it was +understood that no movement would be made until Monday. But, “no man +knoweth what a day may bring forth.” So move it was, and at 8 o’clock we +were “marching along.” About 10 o’clock we crossed Taylor creek, and +headed towards McMinnville; but when we had proceeded some five or six +miles it clouded up suddenly, and soon we were experiencing one of those +thunder storms so peculiar to this region. In a couple of hours the storm +had passed over, and the remainder of the day was quite pleasant. We +reached Viola near sundown, and camped in a large field near the place.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>At daylight all were up and had breakfast, expecting the usual early move. +The morning was foggy, but at 8 o’clock the mist cleared away, and two +hours later we were on the road.</p> + +<p>We now turned off to the right, crossing a small creek; and, as we were +now off the McMinnville pike, our expectations of going to that place +vanished. We were once more nonplussed as to what was really our +destination. As usual, various opinions were expressed.</p> + +<p>It would really be laughable to an outsider to hear the surmises and +“yarns” of the men about this, that and the other. One thing, however, was +quite evident: that from the direction we were taking, we would soon be +among the Cumberland mountains; and it further looked as if we were +heading towards Chattanooga.</p> + +<p>We soon found ourselves on a road over which we had marched nearly a year +previous, and which leads from McMinnville to Altamont. This road is a +succession of twists and turns, being similar to a street in Boston: it +had no apparent beginning, nor ending.</p> + +<p>After a tedious day of it—meeting with some slight accidents—at night we +came near a large Female Seminary, and camped in the woods close by, and +two miles from Collins river.</p> + +<p>Started at 8 o’clock the next morning, and soon thereafter crossed Collins +river. The road was now ascending, being in many places quite steep, and +it was with much difficulty that we were enabled to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> transport our heavy +guns. The horses were all pretty well used up at the end of the day, and +some of them had given out entirely.</p> + +<p>On Wednesday morning, according to orders of the previous evening, we got +an early start, and at five o’clock were all on the road. The horses were +suffering for want of food, as we had no forage for them, and we were +obliged to send them back on the road for a supply.</p> + +<p>The road now lay through a thinly settled part of the country, and very +rocky and uneven. Water was scarcely to be obtained, and for the want of +which there was much suffering. Frequent halts were found necessary, to +rest both men and horses. At 2 o’clock we had made about fifteen miles; +had now gained the summit, and were about to descend the mountain. We +found this part of the road more heavy than that of the morning. In going +down a steep pitch, the reach of the forge was broken, and a little +further on, two caissons broke down. The men belonging to the detachments, +together with the wagon maker, were left with them to make repairs. The +remainder of the Battery continued on, and at 5 o’clock reached the small +town of Dunlap, which is located in Sequatchie Valley, and one mile from +the foot of the mountain.</p> + +<p>At 10 o’clock on the morning of September 3d, we once more made a move, +and about noon passed through the town of Jasper, making but a short halt. +Five miles beyond the town, we crossed the Sequatchie<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> river, and halted +on its banks long enough to get dinner. At 4 o’clock we again moved +forward, and continued on till about 8 o’clock in the evening, when we +halted in a large field, about one mile from the Tennessee river.</p> + +<p>Our orders were to unharness horses, but to be prepared to cross the river +as soon as the moon rose. Accordingly none ventured to sleep; but we built +large fires, cooked supper, and patiently awaited for the moon’s rising.</p> + +<p>At 10 o’clock Miss Luna showed her face, which was the signal to move; and +in a few moments we were on the way to the river. In a short time we +reached its bank, and at once commenced crossing by means of ferry-boats; +but it was daylight ere all were safely crossed, and at Shellmond.</p> + +<p>Shellmond is nothing more than a railroad station, there being only the +depot building to give it the name of a place. It is located on the +Nashville and Chattanooga railroad, twenty-two miles from Chattanooga, and +about sixteen from Stevenson, being on the South bank of Tennessee river. +The place had been occupied by the Rebels a short time previous to our +arrival, but they had been driven out by Union troops. The depot building, +which is of brick, showed rough usage from the effects of cannon balls, +shell and bullets—it being pretty well riddled.</p> + +<p>About one mile from the depot is a large cavern, called the Knick-a-Jack +Cave. Near by, are the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> salt works, which had been worked by the Rebels, +but which were mostly destroyed by our troops, at the time the Rebels were +driven out.</p> + +<p>We remained in the above camp until the afternoon of September 5th, when, +at 2 o’clock, we were once more on the move.</p> + +<p>During our stay here, a large number of troops arrived from different +points; and it was now plainly evident that our destination was +Chattanooga, or its immediate vicinity, and all were in expectation of +soon being once more engaged in deadly array with the enemy. The weather +was extremely warm and sultry.</p> + +<p>The division to which our Battery was attached, proceeded on the direct +road to Chattanooga. In many places the road was narrow and rocky, and our +progress was necessarily slow. The Tennessee river was frequently in plain +view, and the road ran in close proximity to the railroad. We occasionally +passed places where the Rebels had made a halt, and had hastily erected +breastworks, or slight stockades, no doubt from fear of an attack from our +forces.</p> + +<p>At dark, all were anxiously awaiting for the order to encamp; but in this +were disappointed, for we were still kept on the move. At half-past 9 +o’clock we passed the ruins of the railroad bridge at Falling Waters. This +bridge was formerly a splendid structure, but was now a complete wreck, +having been destroyed by the Rebels. Three miles further,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> much to our +gratification, we filed into a cornfield and camped for the night.</p> + +<p>All were weary and well nigh worn out by the protracted march; but fires +were soon lighted, and preparations made for supper.</p> + +<p>It so happened that there was—to elegantly describe it—a hog pen near +by, in which were several fine young “porkers,” and the men—though +contrary to orders—were determined to make an inspection of the place. +But how to manage the thing, without alarming the guard, was the question. +Finally a plan was arranged: Two of the men were to stand sentry, while +one, with axe in hand, and another with keen, glittering blade, were to +knock on the head, and cut porkers’ throats. This done, they would be +thrown out to the sentries, when they would at once drag them off into the +field, where the initiated were to be lying in wait to receive them. But, +alas! how often are poor mortals’ calculations vain. Owing to some +blunder, the pigs took the alarm, and beat a hasty retreat into one corner +of the pen, and their outcries soon brought a Major to the scene of +action, who at once arrested all those who were in the vicinity of the +pen, and all of whom were innocent of any crime. But to the guard-house +they were marched, there to dream of pork in all its forms.</p> + +<p>At daylight we were again on the move, and shortly after crossed the +Georgia line, being the first time we had ever been in that State.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>In many places there were evidences of a grand “skedaddle” having been +made by the Rebels. The men now anxiously began to enquire along the road +the distance to Chattanooga, and what about the enemy. To these questions +they received about as intelligent answers as they might expect from a +freshly imported Dutchman’s “Nix-cum-erouse,” as all we could learn was, +that it was a “right smart distance,” and that Bragg had a “heap” of men, +and us Yankees would wish ourselves “done gone.”</p> + +<p>At noon, we arrived at Rock Cove mountain, and, on climbing to its summit, +went into camp.</p> + +<p>We remained here undisturbed during the following day, when, at evening +roll-call, we were ordered to prepare to march. A large number of troops +had come in during the day, and it was evident to all that something +important was soon to occur.</p> + +<p>At 1 o’clock on the morning of September 8th, we resumed our march, and +without an incident, at night camped by the road-side. At daybreak the +following morning, again moved forward, and just before noon arrived at +the celebrated Lookout Mountain, and at once commenced its ascent. We were +soon in plain view of Chattanooga; and from the top of this mountain the +prospect of the surrounding country was grand and picturesque in the +extreme.</p> + +<p>Owing to the breaking down of a number of the transportation wagons, it +was late in the day<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> ere we were all safely over. But great was our +surprise, on now finding ourselves faced in a contrary direction to +Chattanooga. Soon, however, we learned that the enemy had evacuated the +town, and were retreating towards Lafayette; so in that direction we +shaped our course. Proceeding five miles further, we camped for the night.</p> + +<p>The next day we continued the march, and now began to have skirmishes with +the enemy’s rear-guard, and it was thought that a general engagement would +soon be brought about.</p> + +<p>Shortly before dark, we crossed the small river of Chickamauga, and two +miles further on came to a halt.</p> + +<p>We moved on the next morning, and after proceeding five miles, halted for +dinner. But while we were quietly partaking of our food, a sudden and +unexpected assault was made by a force of the enemy’s cavalry, which +resulted in the capture of about fifty men of the First Kentucky Infantry, +of our brigade, and who were on picket guard. So emboldened were the +Rebels by their exploit, that they made a second dash, and into our very +midst. But they met with a sudden check, and were soon put to flight, +leaving several of their number dead and wounded in our hands. For the +remainder of the day we were not disturbed, and lay in camp till the next +morning.</p> + +<p>The next day, at 10 o’clock in the morning, we arrived at the small town +of Graysville. At this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> place were several mills and factories, which had +been used in manufacturing various articles for the Confederates. These +works were ordered to be destroyed, which was speedily accomplished, and +soon thereafter we were again moving.</p> + +<p>At 2 o’clock P. M., we reached the town of Ringgold. It was near this +place that Colonel Creighton, and Lieutenant-Colonel Crane, of the gallant +Seventh Ohio Infantry, were soon afterwards killed, while charging up the +steeps at the head of their men.</p> + +<p>We were here informed that the enemy’s rear guard had been driven from the +town by our advance cavalry.</p> + +<p>Remaining here for the night, early in the morning we moved forward; but +not until we had destroyed the property of the rampant Rebels who resided +in the place.</p> + +<p>Passing through the town, we took a South-easterly course, and soon +crossed Chickamauga river. After proceeding about eight miles, our column +was suddenly brought to a halt, by our scouts coming in contact with the +enemy’s rear guard. A lively skirmish now ensued, which resulted to our +advantage, as several of the Rebels were killed and captured.</p> + +<p>After this incident, we continued on our way, and at dark camped near Lee +and Gordon’s Mills, which are situated on the Chickamauga river. Troops +were constantly coming in, and there seemed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> to be a general concentration +of our forces at this point. Something momentous was on the tapis.</p> + +<p>Long ere daylight the following morning, we had made preparations to move, +and were awaiting orders. From various movements going on in camp, it was +apparent that the enemy were meditating mischief, as it was well known +that they were in strong force in our immediate vicinity. About dark we +changed our position by crossing the river.</p> + +<p>At early dawn the next morning all were ready for orders. After waiting +for some hours, word reached us that the enemy were retreating. +Immediately we were pushed forward, and after going a few miles, arrived +at a cross roads, when a halt was ordered.</p> + +<p>It was now ascertained that the enemy were gradually falling back to the +town of Lafayette, and where it was supposed they would concentrate their +force and await an attack.</p> + +<p>At 7 o’clock of the same evening, the clear, ringing notes of the bugle +summoned us to our respective posts, and in less than ten minutes +thereafter we were moving. But instead of going forward, a retrograde +movement was made; or, in other words, we fell back. Here was mystery on +mystery, to us soldiers, and many a sly wink, or ominous shake of the +head, was exchanged. Two days later, however, plainly showed what this +movement meant. All along the road flashed the camp-fires of the Union +army. The night was cold and cheerless,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> and around the fires groups of +weary, worn-out soldiers were gathered. Many a draft was made on some +Confederate’s rail fence, for fuel to keep the fires going. Onward we +slowly moved, sometimes through cornfields and woods. At 8 o’clock we +turned into a large field, and now expected to go into camp. But in this +were disappointed, for an hour later we were again ordered to proceed. +Near midnight we turned into a cornfield, and, after considerable +maneuvering, were ordered to pitch tents.</p> + +<p>At peep-of-day, on the morning of September 18th, the camp was astir. +Breakfast was hurried up, horses fed and watered, and soon we were ready +to move. Orders were frequently given, and as often countermanded. Horses +were harnessed and unharnessed, some half dozen times; but at last we made +a go of it. Every few moments a halt was ordered; and thus it went until +the day was nearly ended, and little progress had been made.</p> + +<p>Shortly before dark we arrived at Gordon’s Mills and came to a halt. +Considerable cannonading was now heard on our right, and Madame Rumor, +with her thousand tongues, was busily circulating all manner of reports +throughout the lines. One thing, however, was certain; and that was, +matters must soon come to a focus, which the events of the following day +will fully demonstrate.</p> + +<p>At 8 o’clock, the same evening, our horses were harnessed and hitched to +the guns; but hour after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span> hour went by, and no word to move. Troops were +constantly filing past our Battery. We huddled around the camp-fires and +patiently awaited for orders. At midnight came the word to “forward,” and +away we went. But little did we dream of what was in store for us the day +following, and which resulted so disastrously to the Army of the +Cumberland.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h3>THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA.</h3> +<p> </p> +<h4>FIRST DAY.</h4> + +<p>At 2 o’clock on the morning of the 19th of September, we passed our former +camping ground near Lee and Gordon’s Mills, and about one mile beyond, +came to a halt. The weather was very cold, but fires were not allowed, and +every one was cautioned to remain as quietly as possible—to keep our +stations, and be prepared to obey any orders that might be given.</p> + +<p>Although the men were weary and nigh worn out, yet they cheerfully obeyed, +as all well knew that danger threatened, and it behooved us to be on our +guard.</p> + +<p>It was well that this caution was taken, for at daylight, the booming of +artillery and the rattle of musketry proclaimed that another battle had +commenced.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>The enemy, in part, were stationed in a piece of woods near the banks of +the Chickamauga river, but in a short time they attempted a flank +movement, and the lines of both armies were at once changed. At 9 o’clock +the engagement became general, and the enemy now made several desperate +charges, but were as often repulsed with heavy loss. At 11 o’clock, the +battle raged with great fury, but both sides still maintained their +ground, and frequently a fierce hand to hand conflict ensued. Charge after +charge did the Rebels make in heavy body upon our sturdy lines, and as +often were they driven back.</p> + +<p>Our Battery was exposed to a hot and galling fire, but we maintained our +position through the entire day, the guns belching forth a continuous +sheet of flame. Several of our men were wounded in the engagement, but +none were killed. Lieutenant Baldwin still commanded the Battery, and +here, as well as at Stone river, he displayed great coolness and bravery.</p> + +<p>At dark, hostilities ceased, only to be renewed with greater fierceness on +the following day.</p> + +<p> </p> +<h4>SECOND DAY.</h4> + +<p>Early in the morning the battle again opened, when both armies for some +time kept up a series of maneuverings, each endeavoring to gain some +advantage in position. The Rebels having greatly superior numbers, were +enabled to extend their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> lines, so that our army was in imminent danger of +being outflanked; and at one time they had nearly succeeded in cutting off +our communication with Chattanooga. But General Rosencrans had anticipated +this, and had made preparations to check the movement, which was +successfully done, but not without great loss.</p> + +<p>General Bragg, finding himself foiled in this attempt, now ordered a +general assault along the entire line, and soon the battle raged with +increasing fury.</p> + +<p>About this time, a large body of the enemy charged upon our Battery. On, +on they came, with steady front, feeling confident of victory. But our +gallant men wavered not. Nobly did they face their hated foe, and +anxiously watched the countenance of our brave Captain. Soon he gave the +word, and instantly the brazen throats of all our guns spoke out their +thunder, and the enemy went down like grass before the scythe. But onward +came the foe, and at each instant our guns mowed great gaps in their +ranks. Now they were seen to waver—to sway backwards and forwards, and +finally when it seemed as if they must surely accomplish their object, +they fell back in confusion.</p> + +<p>Soon thereafter, a large body of the enemy were massed and thrown forward +on our Brigade. For a time this assault was withstood, but owing to their +superior numbers, the Brigade was finally compelled to give way.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>The ground over which we retired was very rocky, and covered with a heavy +growth of underbrush. Two of our guns had been disabled, by the breaking +of the trails. As the enemy were closely pressing us, we were compelled to +abandon these guns, which fell into their hands.</p> + +<p>During the above charge, several of our Company were wounded and taken +prisoners.</p> + +<p>The retreat now became general, the Union forces slowly retiring towards +Chattanooga.</p> + +<p>Thus, after nearly two days’ hard fighting against a greatly superior +force, the Army of the Cumberland were compelled to give up the field.</p> + +<p>The Union loss in this engagement was, two thousand and eight hundred +killed, eleven thousand and five hundred wounded, and five thousand +prisoners. The Rebel loss was, from their own account, twenty thousand +killed, wounded and prisoners.</p> + +<p>Our Battery reached Chattanooga about dark the same night, and early the +following morning the forge and baggage wagons crossed the river. The army +took position in the town and extended their works for several miles along +the river. Skirmishing frequently ensued, and the battles of Lookout +Mountain, Mission Ridge and Chattanooga were fought, when Bragg was +compelled to give up the offensive, and retire, with his whole army, into +Georgia.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="CONCLUSION" id="CONCLUSION"></a>CONCLUSION.</h2> + +<p>During the intervals of these battles, our Company, as well as the entire +Army of the Cumberland, suffered greatly for the want of suitable food. +For many days we were on quarter rations; and, for some time, had but one +biscuit per day. The horses fared still worse; and it often happened that, +for two or three consecutive days, we had nothing wherewith to feed them. +The Rebels had possession of the country in our front, where forage only +could be obtained. They also had command of the Nashville and Chattanooga +Railroad, on the South side of the Tennessee river; so, our supplies were +transported by wagons by the way of Stevenson.</p> + +<p>Finally, it being found impossible to procure provisions for the entire +army, a number of batteries were placed in the Reserve Corps. Our Battery +was of the number.</p> + +<p>On the morning of October 19th, the order was given to send all the horses +belonging to the Reserve to Stevenson, and that the batteries be moved +across the river. This was done, and we went into quarters at Black Oak +Ridge, where we found comfortable log houses which had been erected by +Union troops, who had previously occupied the place.</p> + +<p>We remained in camp at this place, until the battle of Chattanooga, when, +by orders of General<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> Thomas, we were sent to Nashville. Captain Standart +had sent in his resignation, which was accepted, and, on the 12th of +November, he left for home. The command of the Battery now devolved on +Lieutenant Baldwin, he being the senior officer on duty.</p> + +<p>On Sunday evening, December 6th, we arrived at Nashville, and on the +following day went into camp one mile from the city. Five other Batteries +occupied the same quarters—all under the personal command of Colonel +Barnett. We were designated as the First Division of Reserve Artillery.</p> + +<p>Soon after arriving here, Lieutenant Baldwin—much to the gratification of +all the members of the company—received his commission as Captain.</p> + +<p>As we now had neither horses nor guns, we led a very easy life of it. +Whenever the weather was pleasant, we engaged in out door sports—such as +ball playing, pitching quoits, etc. But when, as was often the case, the +weather was stormy, the time was passed in our tents, reading, writing, +and “spinning yarns.”</p> + +<p>At last, the subject of re-enlisting was broached; but, at first, this did +not meet with much favor. Finally, on talking over the matter, and on +learning the benefits to be derived from such a course, a few of the men +stepped forward and placed their names on the roll. Soon, others did the +same, and, by the 4th of January, sixty-five of the old, original members +of the company, had re-entered as veterans.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>On the 18th of the same month, the veterans were duly mustered in for +their new term of service; and a few days later received their back pay, +and also their bounty.</p> + +<p>The 3d day of February was a joyful day to us who had re-enlisted; for, on +that day we were given the order to return home for a month’s furlough.</p> + +<p>At 3 o’clock, on the morning of the day following the reception of this +order, the bugle was sounded, as a signal for the veterans to form in +line. Never did its notes sound sweeter. The roll was called, and all +responded to their names but one poor fellow, who had been taken sick, and +was in the hospital. The men who had not re-enlisted gave us three rousing +cheers, followed by a “tiger,” to which we heartily responded. Soon we +were on the road to the depot with nimble steps and light hearts; for we +were not going to battle, or on one of our long and weary marches. We were +“homeward bound.”</p> + +<p>A half hour later, we were speeding it towards our Northern homes. All our +past trials and privations were forgotten.</p> + +<p>At 9 o’clock on the evening of February, 6th, 1864, we arrived at +Cleveland, having been in the service nearly two and a half years.</p> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> +<h2><a name="APPENDIX" id="APPENDIX"></a>APPENDIX.</h2> + +<h3>ORIGINAL ROLL OF MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY,<br />AUGUST, 1861.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" summary="roll"> +<tr><td>William E. Standart,</td><td><span class="spacer"> </span></td><td align="right"><i>Captain.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>John A. Bennett,</td><td> </td><td align="right"><i>First Lieutenant.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>J. Hale Sypher,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer2"> </span>"<span class="spacer"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Norman A. Baldwin,</td><td> </td><td align="right"><i>Second Lieutenant.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Eben P. Sturges,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer2"> </span>"<span class="spacer"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Geo. D. Eldridge,</td><td> </td><td align="right"><i>Quartermaster’s Sergeant.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Thos. J. Thompson,</td><td> </td><td align="right"><i>Ordnance Sergeant.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>John J. Kelly,</td><td> </td><td align="right"><i>First Sergeant.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>David H. Throup,</td><td> </td><td align="right"><i>Second Sergeant.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>John H. Blair,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer2"> </span>"<span class="spacer"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Elisha D. Parker,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer2"> </span>"<span class="spacer"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Henry Moats,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer2"> </span>"<span class="spacer"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>William M. Camp,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer2"> </span>"<span class="spacer"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>George Wolf,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer2"> </span>"<span class="spacer"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Wm. Lewhellen,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer2"> </span>"<span class="spacer"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Alonzo B. Adams,</td><td> </td><td align="right"><i>Corporal.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Alonzo Starr,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Edmond A. Nichols,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Addison J. Blanchard,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>Silas H. Judson,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Harvey P. Fenn,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Joseph G. Lankester,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Gerhert Schmidt,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Merwin Blanchard,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lewis R. Penfield,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>Barney McNani,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>William T. Quilliams,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>James Willis,</td><td> </td><td align="right"><i>Bugler.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Charles E. Humm,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>George Luster,</td><td> </td><td align="right"><i>Artificer.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>George Schmehl,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>William C. Hodge,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>John S. Coleman,</td><td> </td><td><span class="spacer3"> </span>"</td></tr> +<tr><td>William Naylor,</td><td> </td><td align="right"><i>Wagon Master.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td align="center"><i>Privates.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Jeremiah Arndt,</td><td> </td><td>John G. Courser,</td></tr> +<tr><td>John Q. Adams,</td><td> </td><td>William H. Chapman,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Joseph Axford,</td><td> </td><td>Samuel B. Cole,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Robert F. Andrews,</td><td> </td><td>Francis Carter,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Joseph Binehurer,</td><td> </td><td>Newton Crittenden,</td></tr> +<tr><td>David K. Bailey,</td><td> </td><td>William B. Carvey,</td></tr> +<tr><td>John L. Barnes,</td><td> </td><td>Edmond Chapman,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Jerome Boice,</td><td> </td><td>Orlando P. Cutter,</td></tr> +<tr><td>James Baker,</td><td> </td><td>John Dunlap,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Thomas K. Bayard,</td><td> </td><td>Marvin Dodge,</td></tr> +<tr><td>John Boon,</td><td> </td><td>James Disbrow,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Jacob Bluim,</td><td> </td><td>Edmond Demilt,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Charles Bull,</td><td> </td><td>Joseph A. Day,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Hugh Chambers,</td><td> </td><td>John David,</td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>John Elliott,</td><td> </td><td>George Mason,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Samuel Earl,</td><td> </td><td>Angus McDonald,</td></tr> +<tr><td>James H. Fast,</td><td> </td><td>James McIlhaney,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Charles E. Fowler,</td><td> </td><td>John McKinty,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Louis Fahrion,</td><td> </td><td>C. C. McIlrath,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Martin P. Findley,</td><td> </td><td>Henry McCowan,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Charles Furst,</td><td> </td><td>Peter Manning,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Theodore Gott,</td><td> </td><td>William McFarland,</td></tr> +<tr><td>John Grant,</td><td> </td><td>Hugh B. Mooney,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Ransom E. Gillett,</td><td> </td><td>William Newcomb,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Milo H. Gage,</td><td> </td><td>George Overy,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Thomas M. Hunter,</td><td> </td><td>Edgar M. Peet,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lewis Hickok,</td><td> </td><td>Harlan P. Penfield,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Percival Holcomb,</td><td> </td><td>Aldin B. Peet,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Egbert Holcomb,</td><td> </td><td>Royal E. Pease,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Byron Hougland,</td><td> </td><td>George W. Payson,</td></tr> +<tr><td>William R. Hoadley,</td><td> </td><td>John W. Pickersgill,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Rodman Hart,</td><td> </td><td>Thomas C. Potter,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Dwight N. Hamlin,</td><td> </td><td>James Rosborough,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Andrew H. Ives,</td><td> </td><td>Frank G. Recklee,</td></tr> +<tr><td>John Jackson,</td><td> </td><td>John Ripperton,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Joshua B. Kerebs,</td><td> </td><td>George Reading,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lowman Keredzon,</td><td> </td><td>Samuel B. Ruple,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Buchan Kirk,</td><td> </td><td>Lyman C. Richmond,</td></tr> +<tr><td>John Lepper,</td><td> </td><td>John Renouard,</td></tr> +<tr><td>William Leary,</td><td> </td><td>Martin V. B. Richards,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Alonzo D. Lee,</td><td> </td><td>Stephen D. Renouard,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Chauncey Lyons,</td><td> </td><td>Alexander Stratton,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Charles H. Millis,</td><td> </td><td>Erastus H. Stroup,</td></tr> +<tr><td>A. J. McLaughlin,</td><td> </td><td>John Shukers,</td></tr> + + +<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>Nicholas Schroh,</td><td> </td><td>Austin VanHaun,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Adam Sprinkle,</td><td> </td><td>Cyrus B. Vallentine,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Francis D. Storey,</td><td> </td><td>Richard Williams,</td></tr> +<tr><td>William H. Singer,</td><td> </td><td>Wesley Wilson,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Walter Starr,</td><td> </td><td>Jacob Wolf,</td></tr> +<tr><td>John Snyder,</td><td> </td><td>Alonzo White,</td></tr> +<tr><td>S. W. Shankland,</td><td> </td><td>Theodore White,</td></tr> +<tr><td>William R. Stanfield,</td><td> </td><td>James Webster,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Frank H. Seidel,</td><td> </td><td>Arthur West,</td></tr> +<tr><td>James N. Sloan,</td><td> </td><td>George Walters,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Benjamin H. Sarles,</td><td> </td><td>Daniel White,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Francillion Tanney,</td><td> </td><td>Samuel P. Wilson,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Lewis M. Tyson,</td><td> </td><td>John Wellsted,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Henry Tyson,</td><td> </td><td>Frank M. Yeckley.</td></tr> +<tr><td>William Twerrell,</td></tr></table> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<h3>NAMES OF MEMBERS WHO JOINED THE BATTERY SINCE ITS FIRST ORGANIZATION.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" summary="members"> +<tr><td> </td><td align="center"><i>Privates.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Robert S. Avery,</td><td> </td><td>Henry Mace,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Charles Abbott,</td><td> </td><td>Moses Marx,</td></tr> +<tr><td>William Abbott,</td><td> </td><td>George Nagle,</td></tr> +<tr><td>David Burnham,</td><td> </td><td>H. Olrock,</td></tr> +<tr><td>William Broa,</td><td> </td><td>Fletcher S. Penfield,</td></tr> +<tr><td>John P. Beers,</td><td> </td><td>Philo A. Penfield,</td></tr> +<tr><td>John Blanchard,</td><td> </td><td>Henry A. C. Ross,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Orlando D. Cole,</td><td> </td><td>Charles B. Radder,</td></tr> + +<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>Edwin Chester,</td><td> </td><td>Lester J. Richmond,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Frank Deidirich,</td><td> </td><td>A. E. Sheldon,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Walter Dalgleish,</td><td> </td><td>Leonard G. Starr,</td></tr> +<tr><td>William Freeman,</td><td> </td><td>Edward E. Swift,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Balthaser Fischer,</td><td> </td><td>Levi L. Sawtell,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Alfred French,</td><td> </td><td>George Smith,</td></tr> +<tr><td>John French,</td><td> </td><td>Bradford Teachout,</td></tr> +<tr><td>William Grant,</td><td> </td><td>John Carroll,</td></tr> +<tr><td>G. L. Goodyear,</td><td> </td><td>Reason B. Case,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Silas A. Gardner,</td><td> </td><td>Frederick Flick,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Charles G. Guilford,</td><td> </td><td>F. E. Freeman,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Robert S. Graham,</td><td> </td><td>Thomas J. Gill,</td></tr> +<tr><td>William C. Howe,</td><td> </td><td>John H. Gause,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Thomas J. Holcomb,</td><td> </td><td>Alexander Manary,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Charles L. Hayden,</td><td> </td><td>Dennis Troy,</td></tr> +<tr><td>T. J. Hudson,</td><td> </td><td>J. McDonald,</td></tr> +<tr><td>James Hathaway,</td><td> </td><td>George Wilson,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Augustus B. Hayes,</td><td> </td><td>Thomas Marx,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Samuel T. Hoyt,</td><td> </td><td>Harman H. Alms,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Albert Hawkins,</td><td> </td><td>Alfred Burton,</td></tr> +<tr><td>James S. Jennings,</td><td> </td><td>Frank Bowers,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Conrad Koch,</td><td> </td><td>Albert Fahrion,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Patrick Kelley,</td><td> </td><td>Fayette Green,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Henry Long,</td><td> </td><td>Charles Heller,</td></tr> +<tr><td>William R. Leonard,</td><td> </td><td>Richard Miller,</td></tr> +<tr><td>Cuyler Morris,</td><td> </td><td>Eli Wright.</td></tr></table> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span></p> + +<h3>LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY WHO WERE KILLED IN BATTLE, OR DIED FROM DISEASE.</h3> + +<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" summary="killed"> +<tr><td>George Wolf, First Sergeant,</td><td align="right"><i>Killed in Battle.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Chauncey Lyons, Private,</td><td><span class="spacer"> </span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>Samuel B. Ruple,<span class="spacer"> "</span></td><td><span class="spacer"> </span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>John Elliott,<span class="spacer"> </span>"</td><td><span class="spacer"> </span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>T. J. Thompson, 1st Serg’t,</td><td align="right"><i>from wounds in Battle.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>Thomas C. Potter, Private,</td><td><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>T. J. Hudson,<span class="spacer"> </span>"</td><td><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>John David, Corporal,</td><td><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>G. Wilson, Private,</td><td><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>John W. Pickersgill, Private,</td><td align="right"><i>Killed by Cars.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>A. Starr, Corporal,</td><td align="right"><i>Died.</i></td></tr> +<tr><td>D. K. Bailey, Private,</td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>W. C. Hodge, "</td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>E. Chapman,<span class="spacer"> "</span></td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>T. White,<span class="spacer2"> "</span></td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>H. P. Fenn, Corporal,</td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>R. Williams, Private,</td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>F. Tanney,<span class="spacer"> "</span></td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>J. P. Wilson,<span class="spacer">"</span></td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>W. B. Carvey, "</td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>J. Baker,<span class="spacer2">"</span></td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>L. Starr,<span class="spacer2"> "</span></td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>G. Smith,<span class="spacer2">"</span></td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>G. D. Eldridge, Quartermaster’s Sergeant,</td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>J. P. Beers, Private,</td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr> +<tr><td>A. H. Ives,<span class="spacer"> "</span></td><td align="right"><span class="spacer">"</span></td></tr></table> + + +<p> </p><p> </p> +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p><b>Transcriber’s Notes:</b></p> + +<p>In the phrases “Pittman’s X Roads” (page 14) and “Logan’s X Roads” (page 31), +the “X” is printed horizontally in the original text.</p> + +<p>The original text does not contain a Table of Contents. The Table of Contents included +near the beginnning of this file was created by the transcriber as an aid for the reader.</p> + +<p>Other than the corrections noted by hover information, printer’s inconsistencies in +spelling and hyphenation have been retained.</p> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Battery, by Orlando P. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Our Battery + The Journal of Company B, 1st O.V.A. + +Author: Orlando P. Cutter + +Release Date: April 5, 2010 [EBook #31887] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OUR BATTERY *** + + + + +Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +https://www.pgdp.net. (This file was produced from images +generously made available by The Internet Archive/American +Libraries.) + + + + + + + + + + OUR BATTERY; + OR THE + JOURNAL OF COMPANY B, + 1st O. V. A., + + + BY O. P. CUTTER. + + + CLEVELAND, OHIO: + NEVINS' BOOK AND JOB PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT. + 1864. + + + + +DEDICATION. + + +To COLONEL JAMES BARNETT, commanding the First Ohio Artillery, than whom a +braver, or kinder hearted man to the soldier does not exist, this humble +work is respectfully inscribed by his friend, + +THE AUTHOR. + + + + +AUTHOR'S NOTE.--This little work was hastily written during the leisures +of Camp Life, and without any intention of ever putting it in print. But, +by the urgent entreaties of his companions-in-arms, the author has finally +concluded to risk it--incomplete though it be--in the hands of a generous +public. + + + + +OUR BATTERY. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + +In accordance with the Proclamation of President Lincoln, calling out +troops for three years, or during the war--which in future history will be +better known as the great Southern Rebellion--a Regiment of Light +Artillery was at once organized in this State, and the command given to +COL. JAMES BARNETT, of Cleveland, than whom no person was more qualified +for the position. For many years previous to the present outbreak he had +interested himself in the study of Artillery, and for some time commanded +a battery in this city, which, under his skillful management, became +highly proficient. + +Of the batteries composing the above regiment, Co. B, of which we are +about to give the Journal, was the second organized, and W. E. Standart +elected Captain, and J. A. Bennett and J. H. Sypher as First Lieutenants, +and N. A. Baldwin and E. P. Sturges for Second Lieutenants. All the +commissioned officers and a portion of the non-commissioned and privates, +were residents of Cleveland or its vicinity. + +On Thursday, September 4th, 1861, the company having been recruited to the +maximum number, we took our departure from Cleveland. A large number of +relatives and friends had assembled at the depot to see us off. At 2.40 +P. M., the train on which we embarked moved slowly out of the depot amid +the cheers of the people. At Grafton, Wellington, and other points along +the road, we were joined by a large number of recruits, who had enlisted +in these and surrounding towns. Many of their friends and relatives were +present to bid the bold "soger boys" good bye. Early the same evening we +arrived at Columbus, were delayed for an hour, then got under way, and +reached Camp Dennison the following morning, when we at once formed in +line and marched to our quarters. + +At Camp Dennison commenced our first experience of a soldier's life. We +were quartered in shanties built for the purpose, eight or ten persons to +each. The first day was passed in looking around the Camp. The next, we +had guard mounting, and were given the order of the day. Each day we were +twice drilled, and soon became quite proficient in handling the guns. A +few days after arriving at Camp we were regularly mustered into the United +States' service, when we received our clothing and equipments, and now +pitched our tents for the first time, in a beautiful grove about one mile +from our old quarters. The horses, harness, and other necessary articles +soon arrived, and on the 5th of October orders were received to hold +ourselves in readiness to march at an hours' notice. Each member of the +battery was assigned his position, and all was got in readiness to march. + +On Sunday morning following, the order was given to strike tents, harness +horses, and be prepared to march without delay; and, although it was then +raining heavily, no time was lost. Every one was actively engaged in +getting ready. Soon came word to move, but some of our horses were +inclined to disobey orders, as they refused to proceed. Camp life had not +been without its charms to them; they had no inclination to give up "going +to grass," so soon; but, after considerable coaxing, and a little +"persuasive force," we were finally on the road, and with but little +adventure, aside from our horses being once or twice stalled in the mud, +we reached Cincinnati. + +On arriving at the "Queen City," we were quartered at the Elm street +barracks. The building is quite extensive, and built of brick. It was +formerly used as an Orphan Asylum, and was thus rather suggestive to us +poor soldiers. How many of our little band of warm hearts would ever again +sit in the sunshine of home? How many of the loved and true would look + + For the brave men who'd come never again, + To hearths that are broken, to hearts that are lone. + +None could know the ending. + +Quartered in the same building was Kinney's battery of our own regiment. +We remained here but two days, during which we were visited by a large +number of citizens, and by them shown much attention. + +On the morning of October 8th, we were on the march to Kentucky, and +crossed the Ohio river. Arriving at Covington we at once commenced getting +our horses and guns on board the cars, after which we were formed in line +and marched to the market house, where we partook of a good dinner that +had been provided for us by the loyal and patriotic ladies and gentlemen +of Covington. When we had eaten to our hearts' content, our haversacks +were abundantly filled by fair hands; then, giving nine rousing cheers for +Covington's noble sons and daughters, we reformed in line and marched back +to the depot. In a short time all were on board the cars and under way. We +passed through Cynthiana and several small towns and arrived at Lexington, +where we remained until daylight. The cars containing the horses were sent +forward to Nicholsville, the drivers going with them. Those who remained +at Lexington were marched up to one of the hotels and treated to a good +breakfast. During the forenoon the entire train reached Nicholasville, our +guns and equipments were landed, and in a short time we were once more on +the march. + +Early the following morning we arrived at Camp Dick Robinson, having +marched sixteen miles over a good turnpike road, and through what is +called "the blue grass regions." This part of the country is said to be +the finest in Kentucky. We pitched our tents in an extensive field, and +found quite a large body of troops who had preceded us, numbering about +six thousand. The place is poorly adapted for a camping ground, wood and +water being quite unhandy. We were obliged to go three miles to the +Kentucky river to water our horses. After remaining here eight days, +during a portion of which time it rained, on the night of October 18th we +received orders to be ready to march early the next morning. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +BATTLE OF WILD CAT. + + +Early the following morning, in accordance with orders, all were actively +engaged in making preparations to march; and, from certain indications, it +was evident that we were shortly to be called on to take part in our first +battle. It had been reported that the rebels, under Gen. Zollicoffer, were +advancing from Cumberland Gap to attack the Union force stationed at Camp +Wild Cat. The men were all in high spirits at the prospect of soon meeting +the enemy in battle array. At an early hour we were on the march, being +accompanied by the Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of +Col. Steedman. + +At noon, we passed through the pretty little town of Lancaster. The +citizens are nearly all Unionists, and they greeted us kindly as we passed +along. A number of ladies brought out such provisions as they had ready +cooked, and gave to us freely. At sundown, we arrived at Crab Orchard, +having marched twenty miles during the day. We here camped for the night, +it raining heavily at the time. + +Next morning, after a hasty breakfast, were again on the tramp. After +passing Crab Orchard we left the beaten turnpike over which we had for +some time been traveling; and now commenced the worst trial we had yet +undergone. Over rocks, into ruts, through mud, onward we went; when, about +ten o'clock, reports reached us that the enemy had already commenced the +attack on the First Kentucky Infantry stationed at Wild Cat, and which was +yet some twenty miles distant. We therefore hurried along as speedily as +the rough nature of the ground would admit, and, at four o'clock, halted +at a small creek and were ordered to feed our horses and prepare supper +with all possible dispatch, to be ready for an all night march. Instantly, +all was activity. Ammunition chests were overhauled, and things got in +readiness for the coming battle. + +At dark the word "forward" was given, and away we went over hills, through +valleys, and through the interminable mud. Such roads! The one leading to +"Jordan" can hardly be more difficult of passage. The moon, however, was +shining brightly, and all night long we held our toilsome way. No word of +complaint, not a murmur was heard, but with a silence only broken by the +heavy tread of our horses, and the creaking and rattling of the caissons +and gun carriages, we passed slowly forward. We were about to engage in +our first battle for the country we loved; the country that gave us birth; +and that was enough to quicken the blood, to rouse our nerves for the +coming conflict. + +At daylight we arrived at Rock Castle River, and here made a halt to feed +horses and get breakfast. On the opposite side of the river lay Wild Cat +Mountain, where we soon expected to meet the foe. Breakfast was soon +dispatched, and on crossing the river, which was done by fording, we were +met by messengers with orders to hurry forward, as the battle had already +begun. Although we had a steep and rugged mountain of some three miles in +hight to ascend, and were much fatigued with our last night's march, the +whip and spur were freely applied to our horses, and hurrying along at +double quick were soon at the scene of action. + +In less than ten minutes after our arrival we were in position, and at +once opened on the enemy. They were rather taken by surprise, it being the +first intimation they had received that there was any artillery on the +ground. The fighting, up to this time, had been done by infantry and +cavalry. The Rebels were in a deep ravine, and so thick were the trees we +were unable to obtain sight of them from our position, and were only +guided by the smoke from their guns. + +The Thirty-third Indiana Infantry were posted on a hill directly opposite +our battery, while the Seventeenth Ohio and First Kentucky Infantry, +together with a part of Woolford's Cavalry, were stationed away to our +right. The Fourteenth Ohio Infantry were drawn up in line to our left. The +Rebels were making efforts to drive the Thirty-third Indiana from their +position. Every shot from our guns told with good effect, and the battle +continued at intervals during the day. About three o'clock in the +afternoon the firing became quite brisk, and lasted for half an hour. At +this time we rapidly threw shells into the enemy's cover, which they did +not much relish, for their fire soon perceptibly diminished, and finally +ceased. All was now quiet. At dark, one section of our battery, under +Lieutenant Sypher, moved over to where the Thirty-third Indiana held +position. It being through the woods, and as there was no road, the guns +were of necessity dragged by hand; but there were willing hearts and stout +hands at the work, and it was speedily and safely effected. + +About midnight the enemy endeavored to outflank us, but in this they were +foiled; for we opened on them, throwing two or three shot, when they at +once fell back to their old position, and all again became quiet. + +In the morning, nothing was to be seen or heard of the enemy. They had +doubtless come to the sage conclusion, + + "That those who fly may fight again, + Which he can never do that's slain," + +and so had quietly decamped. They had been badly whipped, and only wanted +to be "let alone." Their force was estimated to be about seven thousand, +while ours did not exceed two thousand, and five hundred actively engaged. +The Rebel loss could not have been less than two hundred and fifty killed +and wounded. Our loss was four killed and twenty wounded. Twenty-eight of +the enemy's dead were left on the field, and were buried by our soldiers. +Three of their wounded fell into our hands, two of whom died the next day. +Owing to the wild and rugged nature of the country, immediate pursuit was +impossible, otherwise we would have "gobbled" the greater part of their +force. The ground on which the battle was fought is said to have been the +favorite hunting ground of Daniel Boone, the pioneer of Kentucky. It was +rather a romantic place for a battle. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +ON THE ROAD AGAIN. + + +We remained at Camp Wild Cat until Thursday, Oct. 24th, and then took up +our line of march on the track of the fleeing Rebels. All along the road +were evidences of their work of destruction, as, in their retreat, they +destroyed bridges, fences, and even houses. Carcasses of horses, cattle +and hogs, were strewn along the roadside. In many places they had felled +large trees across the road to cover their retreat. We also saw several +graves where they had buried their dead. + +In the afternoon of the same day, we arrived at what is called Pittman's X +Roads. The Richmond road here intersects the Lexington and Cumberland Gap +road. The place derives its name from an old settler. + +We here pitched our tents upon a pretty knoll. It was quite convenient to +wood and water, and was the most pleasant place we had yet occupied. + +While here, large reinforcements were received, being an entire brigade, +composed of the following regiments, namely: Fourteenth, Seventeenth and +Thirty-eighth Ohio; Thirty-third Indiana; First Kentucky; First and Second +Tennessee; all Infantry, and a small detachment of Woolford's Cavalry, +with our own and Kinney's Batteries, of the First Ohio Artillery. + +While here, we had several night alarms, but none of them proved of much +consequence. In each instance, however, we were promptly prepared for any +emergency. A few days later, word came to strike tents and proceed on to +London, some three miles distant. + +We reached London about noon of the same day, and took our bivouac in a +large field on the outskirts of the town. Some of the brigade arrived the +night previous, having been pushed forward, from a report that the enemy +were advancing on the place. This, however, proved false. But we at once +took up good positions, and made preparations to resist any attack. +Detachments were sent out to reconnoiter, but without discovering any +signs of the Rebels. They had retired to their old quarters at Cumberland +Gap. + +The country around London is rough and mountainous, and the people are +mostly of the poorer class. They are generally loyal to the "old flag." +The population of the town is about five hundred. Most of the inhabitants +had fled on the approach of the Rebel army, but returned to their homes on +our arrival. The buildings are, for the greater part, rickety affairs. +There are but few good houses in the place. The stars and stripes, which +had been torn down by vandal hands, were again raised, when the people +were addressed by those noble patriots, Andy Johnson and Horace Maynard, +both of Tennessee. + +After remaining here quietly for two weeks, we changed our camping ground, +moving about a mile west of the town, the officers thinking it to be a +more desirable place for the purpose. But ere the tents had been pitched, +an order came to cook three days' rations, and be prepared to march early +in the evening. All wondered what was up, and various were the +conjectures. The most reasonable supposition was, that we were going to +attack the enemy. What was our surprise, when, on forming into line, to +find ourselves faced towards Wild Cat. + +At last came the word to march. Regiment after regiment fell into line as +we filed past, for our battery was to take the lead. Soon the entire +brigade was in motion. Wild Cat was reached and passed, but forward was +the order. It was now past midnight, with the moon shining brightly. Rock +Castle river was crossed; and after marching some two miles further we +came to a halt. In the meantime the moon had sunk beyond the western +hills, and it was now quite dark. Fires were built, around which we +gathered and patiently waited for daylight. Our brigade was strewn along +the road for miles, and their watch-fires streamed brightly athwart the +gloom, but all was quiet, save the mournful hoot of an owl perched in the +neighboring forest, and the measured tread of the sentinels as they paced +their weary beat. + +Daylight came at last, and with it came rain. The command was given to +move on, and forward we went, the rain pouring down in torrents, and the +roads in a horrible condition. At almost every step, poor, weary, worn out +soldiers sank by the road-side, being completely exhausted and unable to +proceed further. + +About four o'clock in the afternoon, the advance of our battery arrived at +Mount Vernon. Here they halted for the remainder to come up, but finally +took up quarters in a large field just in rear of the town, and it was +decided upon to remain there for the night. Our guns came stringing along, +and at dark all had not arrived. A small quantity of coffee was procured, +from which, with some raw pork, we made the best meal we could. Fires +were kindled, around which the weary souls gathered to obtain, if +possible, a little sleep. Some crouched under wagons, others stowed +themselves away in sheds and barns. The wagons containing our tents and +mess chests were still back on the road. + +Such a night as we passed through, will never be forgotten. All were wet +to the skin, and many had no overcoats nor blankets. + +Morning came at last, and with it a bright sun; but the air was raw and +chilly. A breakfast similar to last night's supper was procured and soon +eaten. After waiting some time for the rest of the battery to come up, we +finally moved on without them. A march of ten miles brought us to a short +distance from Crab Orchard. Here, much to our satisfaction, we were +ordered to encamp. No time was lost in obeying the command, and what few +tents had arrived were soon pitched. A hasty supper was cooked, and as +speedily demolished. Soon, all had turned in for a night's rest, being the +first we had been able to obtain for two days. + +Thus ended one of the most disastrous forced marches during the war. Many +a poor fellow owes his death to this cause. + +The day following, the rest of the battery arrived, and we remained here +until Tuesday noon, the 19th of November, when we were ordered to march, +our destination being Lebanon. Alonzo Starr, of our company, died the +night previous at Mount Vernon, a victim of the forced march above +alluded to. His remains were sent home in charge of Corporal Blanchard. +This was the first death in the battery. A number of our sick were left +behind; one of whom, E. K. Bailey, died on the 17th of December. After +marching about eight miles during the day, we encamped for the night, and +the next morning were again on the move, marching some eighteen miles, +when we halted near a small creek. The weather up to this time had been +quite pleasant, but the following morning it commenced raining, still we +pushed forward, the rain continuing during the day. In the afternoon +passed through the village of Caynaville, rather a small place. The same +night pitched our tents in a field near a creek, about six miles from +Lebanon. The weather on the next day was clear but quite cold, and we +again resumed our march. Daring the forenoon we halted and camped on a +high hill, a short distance from the town, which lay in plain view. The +Fourteenth Ohio Infantry were still with us. Four days later our right +section was ordered forward to Somerset, it having been reported that a +large Rebel force under Zollicoffer had made an attack on the Twelfth +Kentucky Infantry, Col. Hoskins, who were camped on the Cumberland River, +about five miles from Somerset. According to orders, at nine o'clock in +the morning, the right section, under Lieut. Bennett, started, and at noon +the remainder of the battery were sent forward. Shortly after dark we came +up with Bennett's command, and halted for the night. We here found the +paymaster, who, the next morning, paid over our first instalment, being up +to the 1st of November. After receiving our pay, again moved forward in a +heavy rain, which continued through the day, and late in the afternoon the +advance reached Danville, and encamped two miles beyond the town. At dark +all had arrived. Most of the men were quartered in town for the night, +procuring their suppers at the hotels, and at private residences. The +citizens did all in their power to make us comfortable during our short +stay. A number of us obtained beds at the hotels, by paying for them, +which was done willingly, for a comfortable bed we had not for a long time +enjoyed. + +In the morning, after passing a short time doing our trading, all returned +to camp, and were again soon on the move. The right section had gone on +ahead, under command of Lieutenant Baldwin--Lieutenant Bennett having +received a short furlough to go home. We passed through Stanford during +the day, and pitched tents four miles beyond the town. Next morning +continued our march. The weather was clear, but quite cool. After marching +fifteen miles, encamped near a church in progress of erection. That night +the boys lodged in the church--probably the first time some of them were +ever in one. Early in the morning were again moving. + +Every one that we now met, reported that a battle was going on at the +river just beyond Somerset. In a short time we distinctly heard +cannonading, and pushed on as fast as possible, at noon arriving at +Somerset. We were here informed that a regular battle was being fought at +the river, five miles distant. The Seventeenth and Thirty-eighth Ohio +Infantry were close on our rear, and all possible dispatch was made to +reach the river, as the men were anxious to have a hand in the fun, as +they called it. + +At two o'clock we reached the river. It was snowing quite hard, and the +firing had ceased. This was on Monday, December 2nd. + +We here found Lieutenant Baldwin, and his command. It appears that the +firing had all been done by the Rebels, who were on the opposite side of +the river. They had been throwing shot and shell into the camp of the +Twelfth Kentucky, but without execution, only causing the Twelfth to move +further back from the river, and out of reach of their guns. + +Occasionally the Rebels would march forward in regiments, fire a volley, +and then fall back. Our guns made no reply, we not firing a shot. There +had been some slight skirmishing between the enemy and the Twelfth +Kentucky a day or two previous to our arrival. Colonel Hoskins had a small +mountain howitzer, with which he now and then sent them a shell. No more +firing took place that night after our arrival. + +The following morning, after vainly endeavoring to make some discovery of +the enemy, but seeing nothing of them, it was concluded that they had gone +down the river about sixteen miles, to what is called Mill Springs, and +that they would there make an attempt to cross, as at that place the river +is sometimes fordable. Accordingly, Lieutenant Sypher was directed to take +part of the Battery and proceed to that point, to prevent their crossing. +The Seventeenth Ohio Infantry had previously gone on as far as Fishing +Creek, and there Lieutenant Sypher joined them. They then proceeded on +towards the river, Lieutenant Sypher having the front. On enquiring of +people living along the road, they were informed that none of the enemy +had crossed the river; and when they had arrived to within six miles of +the ford, a halt was ordered. + +After some consultation, Colonel Connel, and Captain Rickards, of the +Seventeenth Ohio, and Lieutenant Sypher, concluded to go forward, by +themselves, and reconnoiter. When near the river, and in a deep ravine, +they were suddenly fired upon by a number of Secesh Cavalry, and ordered +to halt. But, instead of obeying this command, they put spurs to their +horses, and made "tracks" as fast as possible, the Rebels firing several +volleys after them. In their flight, Colonel Connel's horse stumbled and +fell, throwing the Colonel off, by which means he lost his cap and sword, +and was badly bruised. Captain Rickards immediately came to his +assistance, and gave him his horse, the Captain making his way out on +foot. All got safely back to their men. + +It was now evident that a large body of the enemy had already crossed, and +there being no chance of obtaining a desirable position, and not having +sufficient force to contend with them, they determined to fall back to +Fishing Creek, and await further orders. A retreat was ordered, and our +men retired in good order, and at daylight next morning were safely +arrived at Fishing Creek. In the meantime, the balance of the Battery were +on the way to their assistance, and on the night previous were camped only +two miles from the creek, where we soon found them. + +We remained here through the day, and early in the evening were ordered to +have all the horses harnessed, and everything ready in case of an +emergency; information having been received that the enemy were advancing. +One section of the Battery, under Lieutenant Baldwin, was posted on the +spur of a hill, commanding the crossing of the creek. A part of the +Seventeenth Ohio were also stationed with them, and all were prepared for +an attack. + +About ten o'clock, our pickets were driven in by the enemy's advance. They +reported the Rebels in large force; and it being deemed folly to contend +against such odds, General Schoepf, who was then in command, thought it +advisable to fall back on Somerset, and there await reinforcements. We +were soon retiring in good order, and before daylight arrived at Somerset. +The Thirty-eighth Ohio, and Twelfth Kentucky, coming in about the same +time. Shortly after daylight we moved about two miles North of the town, +and encamped. This was on Thursday, December 5th. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +THE BATTLE OF MILL SPRINGS. + + +We remained quietly at Somerset until December 8th. In the meantime, were +reinforced by the arrival of the Thirty-first and Thirty-fifth Ohio +Infantry, and also Hewitt's Kentucky Battery. In addition to the above, +was a small detachment of Woolford's Cavalry. + +On Sunday noon, one of the cavalrymen came riding into camp in hot haste, +and nearly out of breath. He stated that the enemy were advancing, and +that they had made an attack on our picket guard, killing and wounding +several, and had taken the rest prisoners. + +At first, his story was doubted. It, however, proved true in many +respects. One of the guard was killed, one wounded, and fifteen or twenty +taken prisoners, all of them belonging to the Thirty-fifth Ohio. +Immediately, bustle and confusion pervaded the camp. The long roll was +beaten in the Infantry, and all were soon in line for action. Our horses +were harnessed, tents struck, when we at once proceeded towards Somerset, +which we had only left a few hours previous; and, at double quick, soon +went rushing into the town. + +We at once took up position on a high hill just north of the town, which +gave us a fine command of the country. The Seventeenth Ohio were stationed +with us. The remainder of the force were stationed at different points, +and all quietly awaited an attack; but at dark, no enemy had appeared. The +horses were kept harnessed, and every one remained near his post of duty +all night. + +During the night, we were reinforced by the arrival from London of the +First and Second Tennessee Infantry. The next morning nothing was seen or +heard of the enemy, and it was supposed that they had become alarmed +during the night, and had fallen back to their intrenchments at Mill +Springs. Small reconnoitering parties were sent out daily, but with the +exception of a few slight skirmishes, and occasionally a little firing +between the picket guards, nothing of importance occurred for a number of +days. During these skirmishes, a few prisoners were taken on both sides, +so that neither derived but little advantage. The weather for about two +weeks, continued fine; but neither force seemed inclined to make good use +of it. + +On the 17th December, Gen. Schoepf ordered the whole brigade to be in +readiness to make a reconnoisance the next day. That night, one day's +provisions were cooked, and all prepared for an early start. At daylight, +December 18th, the entire brigade, with the exception of a sufficient +number of men to guard the camp, were on the move. The forces were divided +into two divisions. The Ohio and Kentucky Regiments, with two sections of +our battery, under General Schoepf, went up Fishing Creek. The two +Tennessee Regiments, with the right section of our battery, under +Lieutenant Bennett, General Carter commanding, went down the Creek. The +division of General Schoepf did not effect anything, being unable to fall +in with the enemy. General Carter's command, however, was more successful. +They came upon a party of the Rebel Cavalry, who were on the opposite side +of the Creek, and being out of rifle distance, they were inclined to be +quite bold and defiant. But Lieutenant Bennett got his guns in position, +and sent over several shells, which caused them to "skedaddle" in all +directions. It was supposed that his shot killed and wounded several, as +they were seen carrying off a number. They left considerable plunder which +fell into the hands of the Tennessee men. + +Seeing no further prospect of drawing out the enemy, the expedition +returned to Somerset, arriving at dark. + +Nothing of further importance occurred for some time, with the exception +of an attempt on the part of Colonel Hoskins, with his regiment, and a +part of the Thirty-eighth Ohio, to capture a forage train of the enemy, +but which proved unsuccessful. The weather had now become cold and rainy, +making the roads almost impassable; and, it was thought that nothing would +be done before Spring, as neither party seemed inclined to throw down the +gauntlet. But things were quietly working, and which the following will +show was to some purpose. + +On Friday morning, January 17th, 1862, in accordance with orders of the +previous evening, the entire available force then at Somerset, set out, as +was then supposed, for another reconnoisance, towards the enemy's lines. +Subsequent events showed that it resulted far different from what most of +the men anticipated. All camp equipage was left behind, in charge of a +sufficient guard. At an early hour a start was effected; but, owing to the +bad condition of the roads, slow progress was made. The late rains had +swollen Fishing Creek, so that it was almost impassable; and it was at a +late hour of the night ere the Battery succeeded in crossing the stream. + +It now commenced raining quite hard, but the men bravely pushed forward, +and, near midnight, arrived at the camp of General Thomas, who had a large +force under his command. They had come over the Columbia road. This was +quite a surprise to all, except such officers as were in the secret. + +It now became evident that an exciting time was at hand, and that a +battle was soon to be fought. But little did we soldiers dream that it +would result so gloriously to our cause as the sequel will show. The rain +kept pouring down, and all were wet to the skin, having no tents to +protect us. At day-light next morning, it was still raining. A +consultation was held between Generals Thomas and Schoepf, the result of +which was known only to themselves. A part of Schoepf's Brigade was +ordered back to Somerset, to act as a reserve. Our Battery, with the two +Tennessee regiments, remaining. Teams were sent to Somerset for +provisions, with which they were loaded, and sent forward. The rain, which +had fallen heavily during the entire day, had swollen the creek to such a +hight that they were not able to recross until the following morning. + +All of Saturday the men remained in camp, on account of the rain. The +various regiments were scattered over a large extent of ground. On Sunday, +January 19th, at an early hour, a part of Woolford's Cavalry, who were on +picket guard, were driven in by the advance of the enemy, and soon +thereafter the attack was commenced on the Tenth Indiana Infantry, who +were camped in an advanced position. The Tenth stood their ground manfully +for a long time, although they were opposed by four times their number. At +length the Fourth Kentucky came to their relief. + +The engagement had now become general. For a time our guns could not be +brought to bear upon the enemy, owing to the nature of the ground, and the +position of our troops, without endangering our own men. After +considerable maneuvering, a portion of the guns were got into a favorable +position, and soon begun to pour in a deadly fire upon the enemy. Shot and +shell flew thick and fast. Each discharge wrought fearful execution, and +the Rebel ranks were rapidly thinned. + +The fighting had now become terrific, the advantage changing alternately +from one side to the other; and at times it was difficult to tell how the +battle was going. Our troops fought bravely, not once flinching. Although +their comrades were falling around them, still they pressed bravely +forward. General Zollicoffer fell in the early part of the engagement, +having been shot through the heart by Colonel Fry, of the Fourth Kentucky. + +The enemy had now begun to waver, and gradually gave ground, when the +gallant Ninth Ohio made a grand bayonet charge, which scattered them in +all directions. The retreat then became general. Our forces followed them +up, firing volley after volley into their disordered ranks. In the +meantime, the guns of our Battery were doing fearful execution among the +fleeing Rebels. Many of the shells exploded in their very midst. We still +kept up the pursuit, the rain all the time falling heavily, which rendered +the roads almost impassable; but on we went, through woods, over logs and +stumps, through brush and mud. At times it was all our horses could do to +pull through, and our progress was consequently slow. The roads and woods +were scattered with the dead and wounded of both armies. The track of the +fleeing Rebels was strewn with muskets, swords, knapsacks, overcoats, &c., +which they had thrown away to facilitate their flight. + +At about five o'clock we had succeeded in driving the enemy behind their +intrenchments at Mill Springs, being a distance of eight miles from where +the battle commenced. Reinforcements had now come up, and though the men +were nearly exhausted, having eaten nothing since early morning, and were +saturated with the rain, the guns were soon got in position, and opened +with shell on the enemy's works. The Rebels replied with a few ineffectual +shot, their shell falling far short of their destination. Kinney's and +Wetmore's Batteries were also engaging the enemy from different positions. +About eight in the evening the enemy's guns were silenced, and in a short +time the firing ceased altogether. An hour later quiet reigned in the +camp. + +Our weary men now stretched themselves on the cold, damp ground, to obtain +a little repose from the toils of the day. All slept near their post of +duty, and were ready to spring into action at sound of the bugle. At early +dawn they were at their stations, to renew the battle; but no sound came +from the enemy's camp. + +It was now determined to make a grand charge, and storm the Rebel works. +All the forces were drawn up in line of battle, and, at the same time, our +guns were got in readiness to open on the enemy. At last the word to +charge was given, and with a loud yell, the brave troops rushed forward, +and were soon scaling the entrenchments. But what was their surprise, when +reaching the top of the breastworks, to find the place evacuated. The +birds had flown; or to use their own favorite phrase, "skedaddled." They +had succeeded in crossing the river in a small steamer. A shell from our +battery struck the boat just as it had crossed for the last time. The +shell exploded, setting the boat on fire, and it was soon burned to the +water's edge. + +Having no means of crossing our forces, we were unable to follow them up. +They had attempted to get part of their guns over the river, but our near +approach prevented them from doing so. They left several sticking fast in +the mud. A large number of the Rebels could yet be seen climbing the hill +on the opposite side of the river, when a few shell thrown among them +caused them to scatter in wild confusion. So great was their fright, and +in such a hurry were they to get away, that they left everything behind, +even to their half-cooked rations. They saved nothing, except what they +had on their backs. + +The result of this glorious victory to the Union cause, is summed up as +follows: From three hundred to four hundred of the enemy killed and +wounded, and two hundred taken prisoners. About fifteen hundred horses and +mules, five hundred wagons and harness, fourteen guns, with caissons and +equipments complete, five thousand muskets, together with a large quantity +of provisions, clothing and ammunition, fell into our hands. But the best +of all, by this victory we succeeded in freeing this part of Kentucky of +the secesh army, much to the gratification of the good Union people. + +This was the first, of a series of brilliant victories that soon followed. +The enemy's force in this engagement, was about ten thousand; while our +force, actually engaged, did not exceed three thousand five hundred--they +having about three to our one. Our men got a large quantity of trophies, +in the shape of guns, revolvers, watches and clothing. + +The following list comprises our force engaged in the battle: Tenth +Indiana, Fourth Kentucky, Ninth Ohio, Second Minnesota, part of the First +Tennessee, all Infantry, and a portion of Woolford's Cavalry, together +with our own and Kinney's and Wetmore's Batteries, First Ohio Artillery. + +This battle has been given several names; such as, battle near Somerset, +battle of Fishing Creek, Logan's X Roads, Old Fields, and Mill Springs. It +is better known by the last mentioned. + +It was not until Wednesday evening, the 22d of January, that our battery +arrived in Camp at Somerset, having been absent six days. Although the men +were well nigh worn out, yet all were in high spirits over their late +victory, and for a long time it was the only thing talked of. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +HERE A LITTLE, AND THERE A LITTLE. + + +As has been stated, it was on the 22d of January, when the battery +returned to Somerset. The next day, we went back to Mill Springs with our +horses, to bring away the guns captured from the enemy. + +As it was late in the day, when we arrived at the scene of the engagement, +and the roads being in bad condition, we remained over night. The next +morning, at daylight, started on our return, and reached Somerset at 2 +P. M., the distance traveled in both expeditions being sixty-four miles. + +We now received orders to march for East Tennessee; but the order was soon +after countermanded, as it was found impossible to proceed, owing to the +horrible condition of the roads. Colonel Barnett had arrived shortly after +the battle, it being the first time we had seen him since leaving Camp +Dick Robinson. He remained with us only a few days. + +Not having before said anything about Somerset, we will here describe the +place:--It is one of the early settled towns of Kentucky, and like all the +other mountain towns of this State, it presents rather a sombre and +gloomy appearance. The buildings are mostly built of wood, and are old +fashioned affairs. The business part looks as if it had gone through the +revolutionary war; many of the buildings are fast going to decay. The +population is about one thousand five hundred. Although the inhabitants +profess to be loyal to the old Government, yet many of them are, at heart, +rank secessionists. There is a court-house and jail here, it being the +seat of justice for Pulaski county. + +We remained here until the 10th of February, 1862, being a period of just +ten weeks from the day of our first arrival. On Saturday, the 8th of the +same month, Edward C. Chapman, a member of our company, died, and was +buried the next day. His remains were followed to the grave by nearly all +the members of the battery. This was the first burial in the company, the +others, who died, having been sent home, with the exceptions of Hodge and +Bailey, who were left sick at towns we passed through. + +It having been found impracticable to go forward into East Tennessee, for +various reasons, on Saturday, February 8th, we were ordered to be prepared +to march on the following Monday. + +Monday morning found us ready to move; and, at 8 o'clock, we bade good bye +to Somerset, much to our satisfaction. We marched twelve miles that day, +over the worst kind of a road. In many places the mud was belly deep to +the horses, and they often got stalled. At night, camped in a small valley +near a creek. During the night, a heavy snow storm set in, and, in the +morning, the ground was covered, and more still falling. At 8 o'clock, +were again on the move. The roads were but little better than the day +previous; we were, however, in a more open country. Marched this day about +fourteen miles, and at 4 o'clock struck the turnpike at a small creek, +where there was a mill, and one or two stores. We proceeded one mile +beyond, and camped for the night--the weather cold and stormy. + +Next morning, the weather was quite pleasant; and, as soon as breakfast +was over, were again on the road. Lieutenant Bennett was taken sick, and +was left at this place. We now had a good road, and made fair progress. At +4 o'clock, we camped two miles from Danville, the town being in plain +view. The distance made this day, was twenty-four miles. + +Danville is one of the most beautiful towns in Kentucky. The streets are +wide and clean, and the place is well laid out. The population is about +five thousand. It contains many fine buildings, both public and private. + +Early next morning, as usual, on the move, with fine weather. Lieutenant +Sturges was left sick with typhoid fever at Houstonville, on our way +through. Marched twenty miles this day, and camped in the woods eight +miles from Lebanon. There was a heavy fall of snow during the night, and +the morning was ushered in cold and disagreeable, but we were soon moving, +and arrived at Lebanon about noon, and camped two miles from town on the +Louisville road. + +Time, on the above march, four and a half days. + +At Lebanon, we received a supply of new clothing, and also our Sibley +tents, which made us more comfortable. At this place, we obtained the news +of the capture of Forts Henry and Donelson. Our horses were shod, and some +of them exchanged for others. Also received a lot of army wagons, with six +mules to each. Had considerable sport in breaking in the mules, many a +laughable incident occurring. One of them, in particular, seemed inclined +to have his own way, in spite of all the driver's efforts to render him +tractable. He would neither go forwards nor backwards; and when Jehu +applied whip and spurs, as an inducement to proceed, he would turn his +head, look his tormentor full in the face, with a most wicked leer, and +then commence such a series of "ground and lofty tumblings," that the +driver was feign to hold on for dear life. Finally, a bright idea seized +the mind of our mounted friend. "Boys," said he, "I'll bet two to one, +that I make this cloven-footed, tobacco-leaf-eared model of a Dutch church +sweat the hide off hisself;" and, leaving his animal tied to a fence, he +entered a grocery, soon returning with an immense cabbage stuck on the +point of his sword. Once more mounting the sagacious beast, Jehu laid his +sword between the animal's ears. The cabbage projecting in full view to +the enraptured gaze of the refractory steed, caused him to elevate his +muzzle for so tempting a morsel, and, in the attempt, he began to move +forward, and soon was going at a speed wonderful to behold. That mule +always went well after that. He was partial to cabbages. + +We had orders to move on Tuesday, the 18th of the same month; but, owing +to the rainy weather, did not leave. From preparations being made, it +looked as if we were going to have another long and tedious march. Only +the officers knew our destination. The weather during our stay here, had +been wet and cold. + +Theodore White died in hospital on the night of February 18th. His remains +were sent home in charge of his brother, who was quite sick. A large +number of sick were left in hospital at this place, among whom was +Corporal H. P. Fenn, who died shortly after our departure. Lieutenant +Bennett returned on the 20th, having nearly recovered from his sickness. + +Friday morning opened bright and clear, and we took our departure from +Lebanon, having been here one week. + +At 8 o'clock, were on the way, and, at 11 A. M., passed through the town +of Springfield. Marched twenty-five miles that day, and pitched our tents +in the woods, five miles from Bardstown. The next morning was rainy. +Proceeded to within one mile of the town, and again camped. Kinney's +battery accompanied us. This was the 22d of February, being Washington's +birth-day. At noon, Kinney's battery fired a salute, in honor of the +occasion. The next day, went about four miles beyond Bardstown and again +camped in the woods. A large number of troops were camped near us. + +On Monday morning, the 24th, we started for Louisville. Nearly all of +Thomas' Division were with us, making quite a large army. Marched +twenty-six miles this day, and camped for the night near a small village. +The next morning, got an early start, and arrived within three miles of +Louisville. It was now the 25th of February. + +We camped in a large field near the city, and the following day were paid +for two months' services, being up to the 1st of January. This was the +second payment we had received. + +It was now generally understood, that we were bound up the Cumberland +river; but for what point, was not fully known. General Thomas' Division +kept coming in, regiment after regiment; proceeded directly to the city, +and there embarked aboard the steamers which were chartered for the +purpose. A number of our men went into the city, after being paid. + +Louisville is the largest and most important city in Kentucky. It is +situated at the falls of the Ohio river, and contains a population of +seventy thousand, and is the center of a large and growing trade. + +On Thursday morning, the 27th of February, we entered the city, and at +once commenced getting the guns, horses, &c., on board the steamer +Westmoreland. It was nearly dark, ere this was completed. At 10 o'clock +the same evening, we cast loose from the levee and were soon steaming down +the broad Ohio. Sixteen boats loaded with troops accompanied us. Colonel +Barnett was on one of them; and there were also two or three more of his +batteries on different boats. + +Lieutenant Sypher, who had been absent on a short furlough, joined us at +Louisville. + +The late heavy rains had caused quite a freshet in the Ohio river and its +tributaries. Many towns and buildings, which we passed, were almost +submerged, and in some places the river spread out in lake-like expansion. +We frequently met boats, which were returning for troops and supplies, +having discharged their loads. Making but few stops, and only then for the +purpose of "coaling," on Sunday morning, March 2d, we arrived at +Smithland, at the mouth of the Cumberland. We made but a short stay here, +and then went steaming up the river. + +It was now well understood, that Nashville was our destination. The +Cumberland, like the Ohio, was at a high stage, and our progress against +the current was but slow. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon, we arrived at +Fort Donelson, and as we made but a short stop, had no opportunity to go +on shore to see the place, but had a pretty good view of it as we passed +by. There were a large number of Union troops stationed here, who heartily +cheered us on passing. The stars and stripes were floating over the fort, +where erst the hated symbol of secession flung its disgraceful folds. + +On Monday morning, we passed the city of Clarksville, Tennessee, but made +no landing. A band, on board one of the transports accompanying us, played +several national airs as we steamed along. The place seemed almost +deserted. Occasionally, a group of "wooley heads" could be seen, +displaying their "ivories," and swinging their old hats. Here, as at Fort +Donelson, were a large number of troops, and the good old flag was flying. +The railroad bridge, over the river, had been partially destroyed by fire, +when the Federal gunboats first made their appearance before the city. On +Tuesday morning, March 4th, we arrived at Nashville, having been four days +on the trip. + +At Nashville, we found about fifty steamers discharging their loads. All +of them had brought troops and munitions of war. There had already twenty +thousand troops arrived, and more constantly coming. Our guns and caissons +were got ashore at once, the men and horses remaining on board until next +morning, when we disembarked, and took up our line of march for the +camping ground, passing through several of the principal streets. We +proceeded out on the Charlotteville road some three miles from the city, +and pitched our tents on a beautiful spot, near a small creek. Bartlett's +and Kinney's batteries were camped near by. We had dress parade at 4 P. M. +each day. The weather was very changeable, sometimes being cold, with rain +and snow, at other times quite warm and pleasant. + +While at this camping ground, a large number of the Company visited what +was called Fort Zollicoffer, or, at least, what was intended for a fort, +or defence, for the protection of Nashville. It is situated on a high +bluff, three miles below the city, on the Cumberland River, and consists +of a slight earthwork. There were several large guns laying half buried in +the mud; only two remaining mounted, the Rebels having hastily attempted +to destroy the works, on the approach of the Union gun-boats. Shot and +shell, were laying around in large quantity. + +Remaining at this camp until Sunday, March 16th, we moved our quarters two +miles south of the city, on the Franklin Pike, and near the Tennessee and +Alabama Railroad. We here pitched our tents, on a high ridge between the +railroad and turnpike. Colonel Barnett named it Camp Brownlow, in honor of +that sterling old patriot, Parson Brownlow. There were also camped near +by, several batteries from Kentucky, Wisconsin, and other States. Colonel +Barnett, had the entire command. We were kept under thorough military +discipline. Dress parade every afternoon, drilling and guard mounting. +After remaining here about one week, for some cause or other, we again +moved half a mile to new grounds. While here, a number of the sick were +discharged the service. Those who had been left sick at different points, +and had recovered, here rejoined us. Richard Williams, a member of our +Company, died in the hospital at Nashville on the 15th of March. He was +from Cleveland. + +Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is situated on the Cumberland River, +two hundred and fifty miles from its mouth. It is the terminus of the +Louisville and Nashville Railroad, and is also the centering point of +numerous other Southern roads. It is sometimes known as the City of Rocks; +being built on a high rocky elevation. The population is about twenty-five +thousand, and it is a place of considerable trade. Most of the cotton, and +other products of Middle Tennessee, here find a market. The State House, +is a large and magnificent structure, built entirely of marble, and +situated on a high elevation called Capitol Hill. It is the first object +that attracts the attention of the stranger, on his approach to the city, +as it can be seen from a considerable distance from all quarters of +approach. The glorious old flag, under which our fathers fought in a cause +most holy, now floats from its dome, in place of the late Secesh rag. The +streets are narrow and irregular, not being laid out with any regard to +beauty. There are a large number of fine buildings here, both public and +private. The citizens are, for the most part, strong secessionists. The +appearance of Union soldiers in their streets was not much relished, but +they were obliged to put up with it. + +On the 29th of March, we struck tents, and again moved forward, taking +the Franklin road, in company with the Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania, First +Wisconsin, and Thirty-fifth Indiana, all Infantry, and one Regiment of +Pennsylvania Cavalry. We were now in the Seventh Brigade of General Buel's +department, General Negley commanding. A march of twenty miles through +heat and dust, brought us to the pretty little town of Franklin, and at 4 +o'clock in the afternoon we camped in a grove one mile from the town. +Nearly all the places of business here were closed, many of the +inhabitants having fled from the wrath of the "barbarous Yankees." We +remained here only two days, and were then again ordered forward. + +On Monday morning, April 1st, we left the place. The day was quite warm, +and the roads very dusty, but we marched twenty-five during the day, and +camped in the woods near a creek. The men had now a good opportunity for +bathing, which most of them took advantage of. This place was rather a +rough camping ground, being quite uneven and covered with rocks. The next +morning, had a fine shower, which cooled the atmosphere and settled the +dust. At 8 o'clock were once more moving, and soon forded a creek, the +Rebels having destroyed the bridge. A number of the First Regiment +Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, were actively engaged in rebuilding it. +After proceeding about two miles, were ordered to halt, remaining in the +road for two hours, then moved into a field to our left, and encamped. +Next day, again started, and at noon reached Columbia, having crossed Duck +River. We here camped on a high hill just back of the town. + +This was April 3d. + +It was about 2 o'clock, when our tents were pitched. The ground was +cleared up, and the place made quite pleasant for camping purposes. It was +surrounded by a heavy growth of trees, which were beginning to leave out. +We also had a commanding view of the town and surrounding country. + +Columbia, the county seat of Maury, is situated on Duck River, and is +fifty miles from Nashville. The Tennessee and Alabama Railroad, passes +through it. Population, about three thousand. The streets are wide and +clean. Among the public buildings, is a large Female Seminary, then +closed. A majority of the people are secessionists. Shortly after our +arrival, Dow Tanney, a member of the Company, died. On the 7th of April, +the right section of the Battery, under command of Lieutenant Bennett, +went to Mount Pleasant, fourteen miles from Columbia. A part of our +brigade, also went with them. On the 22d of April, we received another +payment, being up to March 1st. On the night of May 1st, about 11 o'clock, +an order came for one section of the Battery to proceed at once to +Pulaski. At 12 o'clock the centre section, under Lieutenant Baldwin, +started, with four companies of the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, one +company First Kentucky, and four companies Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania +Infantry, accompanying. + +The reason of this sudden movement, was on account of Morgan's cut-throat +Cavalry being at Pulaski, where they had captured a wagon train of General +Mitchell's division, and had also made an attack on a party of unarmed +Union soldiers, who had just been discharged from hospital, and were on +the way to join their regiments. A number were killed and wounded, and +several taken prisoners. The citizens of Pulaski had assisted Morgan in +this attack, firing on our soldiers from their houses, and had also broken +open the store of a Union man, and carried off all his goods and money. + +Our men pushed on as fast as possible, and, when within ten miles of the +town, were met by a number of the troops, who had been captured by the +enemy, and released on parole. They reported Morgan and his gang still at +Pulaski, when they left. Lieutenant Baldwin having the front, gave the +order to forward on double quick. The men were not slow in obeying; and at +2 o'clock went rushing into Pulaski in hot haste, but were a little too +late for the Rebels, as they had taken the alarm and "skedaddled." + +The men retaliated on the citizens for their base conduct. They took +possession of the town, and went into the mercantile business. From +soldiers, they were soon turned into merchants, and opened stores on their +own account. Soon all were loaded with watches, jewelry, boots, shoes, +hats, clothing, etc., besides a certain other article which we wouldn't +mention by a jug-full. + +They remained here a few days--long enough to regulate matters, and to +give the residents to understand, that they must behave themselves. For +Union boys wont be trifled with. + +On the 6th instant, they returned to Columbia, where they safely arrived. + +On the evening of the 2d of May we were all aroused by an order to harness +horses, and every man to be at his post with all possible dispatch. + +This sudden move rather took us by surprise, and all wondered what was in +the wind. + +It would appear that a large number of Morgan's guerillas had been +prowling in the vicinity of Columbia, and it was supposed that they +intended to take advantage of the absence of part of our force, to attack +the place. But it was not long ere we were in readiness to give them a +warm reception. Our remaining two guns were posted on a hill a short +distance from the camp, and the balance of the troops, then here, were +placed in favorable positions. The night passed without any disturbance. + + Morgan and his hellish crew + Were afraid to come in view. + +But for several nights we maintained a strict watch for the murderous +thieves. + +On the morning of the 6th of May, the forge wagon was sent to Mount +Pleasant, to shoe the horses of Lieutenant Bennett's section. Lieut. B. +and his command were camped in a fine grove, near a large creek. The First +Wisconsin and Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, together with some Kentucky +Cavalry, were camped near by. + +On the 10th of May, an order came for them to proceed directly to Pulaski; +and at noon they were on the road,--the First Wisconsin going with them. +The left section had, also, an order to go to the same place, and left +immediately, under command of Lieutenants Sypher and Sturges. I will here +state, that Lieutenant Sypher had returned, and joined us at Columbia, +some two weeks previous, having recovered his health. He had been sick +nearly two months, and went home from Houstonville, where we had left him. +A number of our sick, who had been left behind, rejoined us here. + +On the 20th of May, Lieutenant Bennett returned to Columbia with the right +section, and immediately proceeded to Kalioke Station, six miles from +Columbia, and on the railroad. On the 21st inst., the left section, under +Lieutenant Sypher, returned, and went into camp at the old place. The +night of June 2d, had another alarm, caused by the firing of our pickets. +The next day, a Union meeting was held at the place; and during the +afternoon had still another alarm, but, like the former, proved without +cause. On the 29th of May, the left section again left Columbia, the +center section now only remaining; and, on the 9th of June, they also left +for Murfreesboro. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +EXPEDITION OF THE CENTER SECTION. + + +On Monday, June 9th, the Center Section left Columbia for Murfreesboro, +leaving the forge, battery and baggage wagons behind, together with the +tents and camp equipage. The reason for this move was supposed to be an +attack apprehended on Murfreesboro, as there had been several skirmishes +in that vicinity. + +At 5 A. M. the two guns started, under command of Captain Standart and +Lieutenant Baldwin. At 2 P. M. the forge and battery wagons, together with +what men were left; also left along with the First Kentucky Cavalry. +Standart's command marched four miles beyond Franklin that day, and camped +for the night. The remainder went within five miles of the above place, +and also camped. The next day, the last-named went to within seven miles +of Murfreesboro. The center section reached the town at 2 P. M. the same +day. The roads, with the exception of some six miles, were in fine order, +being macadamized. The country is well adapted for farming, and we passed +many large fields of wheat, corn and cotton. The wheat, generally, was +being cut. On Wednesday morning, June 11th, with our two guns we set out, +in company with the Sixty-ninth and Seventy-fourth Ohio, Third Minnesota, +Eleventh and part of the Ninth Michigan--all Infantry--and one battalion +each of the Fourth Kentucky and Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, together +with four guns of the First Tennessee and four of First Kentucky +Artillery. At 9 o'clock, same morning, the First Kentucky Cavalry, +together with our forge and battery wagon, arrived at Murfreesboro, and +were at once sent forward to join the main body of the army. The +expedition was under command of General Dumont. + +Early that evening our expedition reached Readyville, and camped in a +corn-field near a creek. At 11 o'clock, the same night, all hands were +ordered out to proceed on the march. A good deal of grumbling was caused +at this unlooked for command, but all must obey. + +About this time, an eclipse of the moon occurred, and the men jocosely +remarked that we were only wakened to take an astronomical survey of it. + +After considerable delay, at 1 o'clock we were in motion. For the first +few miles the road was quite hilly, and one of the Kentucky battery's +caissons was capsized over a bank, and had to be left behind. The roads +were now in pretty good condition, but very dusty, and at daylight we had +advanced some ten miles. The weather was extremely warm, but the road was +well shaded by woods. At 11 o'clock arrived at McMinnville, a small town +of some five hundred inhabitants, and situated on the Manchester and +McMinnville Railroad. The place is strongly "secesh." There was an M. D. +along with us, who had lately been driven out of the town on account of +strong Union sentiments. He was acting as our guide. + +At McMinnville we camped in an open field near the town--the Tennessee and +Kentucky Batteries being camped near by. The remainder of the force were +camped at different places. On the day following, a part of the force, +consisting of the Third Minnesota, and First Kentucky Infantry, one +battalion each of the Fourth Kentucky and Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, +one section of Hewitt's Kentucky, and our center section of artillery, +were ordered forward to Pikeville, to drive out a body of Secesh Cavalry, +who were reported as being at that place. At 5 P. M., took up our line of +march. The next morning, early, the rest of the force followed. + +Our road now lay through a wild, rough, and mountainous country, but +thinly inhabited and little cultivated--corn being the only grain we saw. +The long and dry continuance of the weather had drained all the creeks, so +that water was not readily obtained, and, for the want of which, both man +and beast suffered terribly. The hills were steep and rocky, and our poor +horses, overcome with heat and thirst, were bleeding at the nose, and +ready to give out; but by dint of hard urging, and easing them of their +loads, we finally reached Pikeville early in the afternoon of Saturday, +June 14th. Much to our disappointment, found that the secesh had left +three days prior to our arrival. + +Pikeville is a small place, containing one hundred and fifty inhabitants, +and is situated at the head of Sequatchie Valley. It is on or near the +dividing line of East and Middle Tennessee. There were several Union men +living here, some of whom joined Woolford's Cavalry. + +The advance, finding their mission at an end, set out on their return the +next day. In the meantime the rear detachment, which had camped half way +between McMinnville and Pikeville the night before, the next morning +proceeded on; but when they had gone four or five miles, were ordered to +face about and retrace their steps. + +A day and night's march again brought us to McMinnville, where we camped +on the river's bank. Those who went forward also arrived on the afternoon +of the same day, which was Monday, June 16th. + +We remained here until 5 o'clock on the afternoon of the 17th, and then +once more moved towards Murfreesboro. Marched all night, and at daylight +of the 18th entered the town of Woodbury, where we camped near our former +ground. Remained here during the day, and at night resumed our march. +During the night were visited by a heavy thunder storm, rendering it so +dark as to be almost impossible to keep the road. At 4 o'clock next +morning reached Murfreesboro, and went into camp. + +Murfreesboro is quite a pretty place, and contains a population of five +thousand. It is the county seat of Rutland, and is located on the +Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, being some thirty miles from the +former place. + +Friday morning, at daylight, we started for Columbia, free from infantry +and cavalry, with the exception of one company of the First Kentucky. +Captain Standart left us at Murfreesboro and went to Shelbyville, where +Lieutenant Sypher was stationed with the left section. We were accordingly +under command of Lieutenant Baldwin. We camped the first night, two miles +beyond Franklin. Made an early start on Saturday morning, June 21st, and +reached Columbia at 11 A. M. the same day. Camped on the east side of Duck +River, where we found Lieutenant Bennett with the second detachment of the +right section, they having arrived the night previous from Rogersville, +Alabama, where they left the first detachment. The Seventy-eighth +Pennsylvania Infantry were encamped with them. All were glad to once more +get back to their old quarters. We had been gone just thirteen days, +during which time we had marched two hundred and fifty miles, and which +resulted in no particular advantage; but, on the contrary, had +considerably worn down the men and horses, besides losing our tents and +part of our baggage. Take it all in all, it was the most severe march we +had yet endured. Our present camping ground was not near as pleasant as +formerly. + +July 1st, moved our quarters one mile north-east of the town. This was a +much better location in many respects. The Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania +camped near us. July 4th, at 3 A. M., one section of our battery went into +town, and fired a salute of thirty-four guns. At noon, the entire battery +did the same. On July 9th, the left and center sections started for +Shelbyville, marching till about 8 o'clock that evening, and then halted +near a creek to feed horses and get supper. At 11 o'clock, the moon having +risen, were ordered forward, and soon passed through the small town of +Farmington. The stars and stripes were flying from a high staff in the +center of the town, and several of the inhabitants displayed small United +States flags in front of their houses. + + +TOGETHER AGAIN. + +We were here joined by the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry; and, on the +morning of July 10th, entered Shelbyville, where we found Lieutenant +Sypher with the left section, camped one mile from town. This was the +first time that the entire battery had camped together since the 7th of +April. Distance from Columbia, forty miles. + +Shelbyville is located on Duck River, and is the terminus of a branch of +the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, and distant about seventy-five +miles from Nashville. It contains a population of three thousand five +hundred, and is the county seat of Bedford. About one-half of the +residents are good Unionists. + +We remained here only a few hours, being ordered off at 6 o'clock the same +evening. The left section had been here nearly a month. A short time after +getting under way, it commenced raining quite hard. At 10 o'clock the same +night arrived at Wartrace, where we remained until next morning. We laid +out in the storm all night, and, in the morning, after breakfast, went one +mile from town and camped. The Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania Infantry were +already here. + +Wartrace is a small station on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad. +Population about two hundred. Our camping ground was on a hill, and near a +fine creek. For two days, everything was quiet; but, on Sunday morning, +July 13th, at daylight, heavy firing was heard in the direction of +Murfreesboro, which is about twenty miles distant. All sorts of +conjectures were formed in regard to the cause of it. At night, received a +report that the Rebels had attacked Murfreesboro, and had succeeded in +obtaining possession of the town. Had captured the Third Minnesota +Infantry, and part of Hewitt's First Kentucky Battery. At first, this +report was doubted, but in the end proved true. + +From certain rumors current in camp, it was supposed that a force of the +enemy were in the vicinity of Wartrace, and an attack was apprehended at +any moment. At dark struck our tents, harnessed our horses, and made all +preparation to meet the enemy. About 10 o'clock, received an order to +move. The right section remained near camp. The left section took +position at the depot, the center section going out some distance below +the depot, and close to the track. All kept vigilant watch during the +night, but no enemy appeared. + +The following day we received reinforcements, consisting of the +Fifty-first Ohio, part of the Ninth Michigan, and two companies of the +Third Minnesota, who were engaged in guarding some station at the time of +the capture of Murfreesboro, and had luckily escaped. We also had a small +force of cavalry. During the day of Monday, July 14th, scouts were sent +out in different directions. A small barricade was built at the point +where the center section was posted. At night, troops were stationed in +different places along the road, and the utmost caution observed to +prevent a surprise. But the night passed, like the one previous, without +an attack. + +At daylight, the whole force was ordered to move, and were soon under way. +We were not allowed to wait for breakfast, or to feed the horses. What +this movement was for, or where we were going, none, save the officers in +command, knew. + +A march of twenty miles brought us to Tullahoma, which is south of +Wartrace, and on the same railroad. It is also at the junction of the +Manchester and McMinnville road. On arriving there, we encamped in an +orchard near the depot. At dark, the left section were posted on a high +elevation, at the north-east part of the town. There was already a large +force here, and more troops still arriving. The concentrating of so large +a force at this point, looked as if a battle was brewing. Preparations +were at once made to resist any force the enemy might bring to oppose us. +Rifle pits were dug, and earth works thrown up. Various rumors circulated +through camp. Several persons were arrested on the charge of being spies; +one of whom, rumor had it, was found guilty, and sentenced to be hung. + +Three days thus passed by, during which time we were visited by frequent +showers of rain. + +On the night of the 18th of July, the center section moved to a grove +close by the depot, while the right section moved in another direction, +and near where the left was posted. At 9 o'clock next morning, received +orders to march, and a general breaking up of camp now took place; some +going in one direction--some in another. Our battery, together with the +Eighteenth Kentucky Infantry, went towards Shelbyville. Marched about nine +miles that day, and camped in a large field. During the night, had a heavy +thunder storm, with high wind. At daylight, were on the move. The weather +was quite cloudy, and threatened more rain, but soon cleared up and became +quite pleasant. At 10 o'clock A. M., entered Shelbyville, and, after +remaining there an hour, again moved forward. We were now traveling over a +macadamized road, which was in most excellent condition. After going eight +miles, we camped near a creek, and remained here until daylight the next +morning, when we again resumed our march. At 11 o'clock A. M., arrived at +Murfreesboro, where we found a large Union force, under Major General +Nelson. We camped on the Nashville pike, about one mile from town. The +next morning, there was quite a movement of troops. A large force headed +by General Nelson went towards Nashville. Our battery moved camp to a high +elevation overlooking the town. About three hundred slaves had been +brought in from the surrounding country, and set to work building a +redoubt for the use of artillery. Our men were engaged in putting the +camping ground in good order. In a short time, report reached us that a +large force of Rebels had entered Lebanon and captured the place without +firing a gun. All kinds of rumors were put in circulation regarding this +movement. At 4 o'clock, we received orders to harness horses and be +prepared to march at any moment. About the same time, a "cock and bull" +story was started, that a party of "secesh" had entered town with a flag +of truce and demanded the surrender of the place. But it afterwards +appeared that a small body of rebels had approached the place for the +purpose of effecting an exchange of prisoners. At dark, no order had been +given to move. Another sensation was created, to the effect that some +Rebel Cavalry had been seen skulking in the upper edge of a cornfield, +near which we were encamped. + +All this time we were momentarily expecting to move; but, for some reason, +the order was delayed. It seemed as if those in command did not know what +to do. After waiting until after midnight, we at last received word to +march. The night was very dark, and the clouds threatened an instant +storm. We moved on at a snail-like pace until daylight, and shortly after +arrived at Stone river, which we were obliged to ford, the bridge having +been destroyed. We now knew that we were going towards Lebanon. The slaves +along the road reported that a large body of Rebel Cavalry had gone +towards Murfreesboro late the day previous. Here, again, was a fine +opportunity to manufacture long "yarns;" and mole-hills were magnified +into mountains. Notwithstanding all this, we kept on towards Lebanon. When +we had proceeded to within ten miles of the town, a halt was ordered, and +some of the Cavalry were sent forward to reconnoiter. In about an hour +they returned, bringing in two prisoners whom they had captured. They +reported that the enemy had left Lebanon. Order was now given to "about +face," and we were soon on the return to Murfreesboro. When we had arrived +to within two miles of where the Nashville and McMinnville road crosses +the Murfreesboro and Lebanon road, it was reported that a body of the +enemy were there, waiting to offer us battle; and, from the stories we had +heard in the morning, it looked somewhat reasonable. + +Our forces were soon drawn up in line of battle, and moved forward to meet +the supposed enemy; Colonel Barnes, of the Eighth Kentucky, acting as +Brigadier General. + +After deploying right and left, and sending out scouts, it was soon +ascertained that there was no enemy lying in wait. It was now nearly dark, +and we had eaten nothing during the day, except a little hard bread and +cold bacon, but the word "forward" was given, and on we went. About 7 +o'clock we again crossed Stone river, and here camped, or rather +bivouacked, for the night. After feeding our teams, and preparing some +coffee, stretched ourselves on the ground to obtain a little sleep, being +pretty well tired out. + +The next morning, as soon as it was light enough to see, and without +having anything to eat, we again moved forward towards Murfreesboro. We +had barely gone two miles when we were ordered to about face and march +back. What this all meant was more than we were able to surmise. The boys +remarked that we were going back to water, and which has since been a +by-word, whenever a countermarch has taken place. + +Once more we crossed the river, and on arriving at the cross-roads before +mentioned, were ordered to camp, which we were glad to do, though it was +far from being a pleasant place. This was on the 24th of July. + +We remained here until the afternoon of the 25th, without anything worthy +of note transpiring. At 6 o'clock P. M. we started for Murfreesboro, +arriving there at 8 o'clock the same evening. We halted in front of the +court-house, and after standing some two hours, were ordered to unhitch +horses, but not to take off harness, and lay by for the night. We spread +our blankets on the sidewalk, and, with an excellent brick sidewalk for a +bed, dreamed the hours away. Early in the morning, went to our old camping +ground on the hill. This was on the 27th of July. + + NOTE.--The enemy which we expected to meet at the cross-roads near + Stone river, on the night of the 23d of July, proved to be General + Nelson's command, who had returned by this road. Colonel Barnes--who, + it will be recollected, was in command of our force--was unaware of + this movement. The slaves had mistaken General Nelson's force for a + body of "secesh." + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +MOVING--STILL MOVING. + + +On arriving at the old quarters, we found the negroes still at work on the +redoubt, which they had nearly completed. The Twenty-third Kentucky were +camped near us. We now supposed that we would be allowed at least a short +respite after our previous three weeks' hard marching; but in this we were +mistaken. And, as the old Scotch proverb runs-- + + "The best laid plans of men and mice + Oft gang aglee." + +At noon of the 28th July, we received orders, (those eternal orders,) to +prepare for a march at 3 o'clock that afternoon. The battery wagon, tents, +and all the extra baggage, were to be left behind. At the appointed hour +all was in readiness, and in a short time we were on the move. We had +proceeded but a short distance when we were ordered back, and the old +by-word came again in play, that we were only going to water our horses. +Back to camp we went. It seemed as if those in command were diverting +themselves at our expense. The next day we were permitted to remain in +quiet. But at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 30th July, we were all +aroused out of a sound sleep with the old oft-repeated order to get ready +to march. Soon all were actively engaged in preparing to move. At +daylight, after drinking a cup of slops--denominated coffee--and devouring +some mouldy hard bread, we patiently awaited the order to march. + +It had now commenced raining, and in a short time was pouring down +heavily. No word came to move. And thus we stood, hour after hour, and +received a thorough drenching. Finally, about noon, were ordered to +unharness horses, but to hold ourselves in readiness to move at any +moment. Here was a piece of great military strategy displayed. + +Finally, on the morning of August 1st, we succeeded in making a start. At +5 o'clock were on the road leading to McMinnville, over which a part of +our battery had before traveled. The forces with us consisted of the +Eighth and Twenty-first Kentucky and Fifty-first Ohio Infantry, together +with a part of the Fifth Kentucky Cavalry. General Nelson headed the +column. A much larger force had preceded us a few days previous. It was +rumored that there was a large force of the enemy at McMinnville, and the +object of the present expedition was to drive them out. Their number was +variously estimated from five thousand to forty thousand. We marched the +first day as far as Woodbury, a distance of twenty miles, and camped for +the night near one of our old quarters. + +Early next morning, as usual, again on the move. Another "cock and bull" +story was going the rounds, but little heed was given it. At 6 P. M. of +the second day, August 2d, we entered McMinnville, but instead of finding +a large Rebel force, we found only the residents. As near as could be +ascertained, there had been some three hundred Rebel Cavalry in the place, +who had said "good-bye" on our approach. + +We pitched tents near our former camping ground. The next day, which was +Sunday, we were allowed to rest. It was said that the Rebels, some eight +thousand or ten thousand strong, were camped nine miles distant, on the +Sparta road. Our force numbered about twelve thousand. At dark, that +night, received orders to be ready to march at 4 o'clock the following +morning. We were further ordered not to take any extra clothing--not even +our overcoats, nor cooking utensils, and but one blanket to two men. + +From these orders, and what had been reported of the enemy, a fight was +certainly expected. On Monday morning, at the break of day, all were +ready, and soon regiment after regiment fell in line. At 5 o'clock, moved +out on the Sparta road. But for some reason, unknown to us soldiers, our +battery, and the Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, were ordered to remain in +camp. + +For the two succeeding days, nothing of consequence transpired. At the end +of this time the expedition returned, having been unable to meet with the +enemy, and therefore but little of importance was effected by this +movement. + +On the morning of August 6th, we moved our camp one-half mile out on the +Sparta road. We were now assigned to the Twenty-third Brigade--Colonel +Stanley Mathews, of the Fifty-first Ohio, acting Brigadier General. The +brigade consisted of the Fifty-first Ohio, Eighth and Twenty-first +Kentucky, and Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, together with our battery. On +the 6th instant, being the same day of our removal, seven of our men, with +three six-mule teams, were captured by a party of Secesh Cavalry a few +miles from McMinnville, and on the Chattanooga road. They were, at the +time, out foraging. Thirteen out of fifteen of the Thirty-fifth Indiana, +who went out as guards, were also captured, although they made a strong +resistance. The day previous, Lieutenant Sturges and Sergeant Lewellen +had been out to this place, and had made arrangements to take a lot of +corn on the day following, being the one on which the men were taken +prisoners. The Rebels were either informed by the owners of the grain, or +had got notice of it in some manner, and were lying in wait for our men. +The consequence was, the men were entirely surrounded and taken by +surprise. Those belonging to the battery were without arms, or any means +of defence. It is said that two or three of the Rebels were killed or +wounded, but it lacks confirmation. + +The Rebels immediately hurried the men off on double quick, and, after +taking them some twenty-five miles, released them on parole, leaving them +to find their way back to camp on foot. They returned safe on the morning +of the 8th. Shortly after their arrival, they were arrested and put in the +guard house, by order of General Nelson, but for what reason was not known +at the time. Subsequent events went to show that they had purposely +surrendered themselves to the enemy, or had not exercised due caution in +preventing surprise. + +On investigation they were all honorably discharged, as none of the +charges could be substantiated; but, on the contrary, it was proven that +they had done all in their power to prevent being taken, and only +surrendered when they became aware that any further resistance was +useless. They were again ordered on duty, as those who had paroled them +had acted without proper authority, and therefore it was null and void. + +On Sunday, August 10th, about noon, were ordered to be ready to march at 4 +o'clock, but shortly before the appointed time the order was +countermanded. The next morning at daylight, got the order to "forward," +and were soon in motion. One of the guns was left behind, as there were +not sufficient men to handle it. The Eighth and Twenty-first Kentucky, and +Fifty-first Ohio, with a small detachment of the Fifth Kentucky Cavalry, +and our battery, constituted the force, all under the command of Brigadier +General Jackson. A march of eighteen miles brought us to the town of +Smithville, and about 4 o'clock we camped a short distance beyond the +place. We here found the Thirty-first Indiana and Twenty-third Kentucky +Infantry, and the Second Indiana Cavalry. They all joined us on the march +next day, when we made an early start, and after proceeding six miles +struck on the Lebanon pike. About noon, passed through the small village +of Liberty--a strong Union place. Going two miles further, we turned off +on the road leading to Murfreesboro, and went into camp on the banks of +Clear creek. Remained here until 4 o'clock of the next afternoon, when we +once more formed in line for the march. On getting on the old road, we +were faced towards McMinnville. The Thirty-first Indiana and Twelfth +Kentucky, and Second Indiana Cavalry, remained in camp. Nine o'clock that +morning, we arrived at our old camping ground at Smithville, and remained +there for the night. Resumed marching early in the morning, and at 6 P. M. +reached McMinnville. The day after our arrival at this place, the battery +wagon, tents and baggage, came on from Murfreesboro. Remained here until +Sunday afternoon, August 24th, when we again moved forward. The sick were +sent to Nashville, and a large quantity of provisions and other property +was buried, as there was not sufficient means of transportation. At 3 +o'clock the entire force were in motion. None but the officers in command +knew our destination. We crossed the river, and found ourselves on the +road to Altamont, Winchester, and other towns. Marched six miles, and, at +9 o'clock, halted for the night. It being late, and over a mile to where +we could obtain water, and as all were tired and sleepy, we went to bed +supperless--our beds being mother earth. Started early in the morning for +Altamont, without breakfast. Proceeding two miles we came to water, and +now supposed we would have a chance to cook our rations. But no; as soon +as the horses were watered, "forward" was the word, and we must obey. This +command caused much grumbling. Two more weary miles were passed, when we +again halted for a couple of hours; but no water was to be had here, so we +were obliged to content ourselves with some dry, hard bread for breakfast. +We finally got started again, and after going a short distance another +halt was made, caused by the road being blockaded by the wagons. We at +once turned into the woods on our left, and encamped. Remained here until +daylight, and were once more ordered forward. Arrived at McMinnville at 11 +A. M., and proceeded to our old camping ground, having been absent two +days, and accomplished nothing. This was on August 26th. With the +exception of an alarm, caused by some of the cavalry firing their guns +just outside the lines, a few days after our return from the above +expedition, nothing of note occurred until September 3rd. + +On the morning of September 3d--being just one month from our arrival--we +took our departure from McMinnville. After the usual delay, we were on the +move, and headed for Murfreesboro. For the past month we had been deprived +of all communication with home, and had scarcely seen a paper. As a matter +of course, we knew but little of what was transpiring in regard to the +war. We could not even tell for what purpose we were ordered on, or what +our destination. We marched about twelve miles this day, and then camped +in a large open field. During the morning we passed the place where a +skirmish had taken place between some of our troops and a party of Rebels, +a few days previous. The Union force had succeeded in routing the enemy, +but several of their men were captured. We remained in this camp until the +next morning, and again started. At noon passed through Woodbury, and at +night camped at Readyville, having marched about fifteen miles. The +following morning resumed our march, and reached Murfreesboro at noon. +Considerable delay was caused here, and it was 4 P. M. ere we pitched our +tents, which was done two miles from town, on the Nashville pike, and near +Stone River. + +Here, for the first time, we received information that some extraordinary +movement was on foot. Troops, in large bodies, were constantly coming in +from all quarters, and it seemed as if Buel's entire army were about to +concentrate at this point, for the purpose of some grand movement upon the +enemy. The report was that we were about to return to Kentucky. About this +time we received a late paper, and the tenor of its news led us to believe +that such a movement looked reasonable. + +The next morning early were on the move towards Nashville. All doubts as +to our course were now removed. Owing to the large body of troops in +advance, our progress was necessarily slow. But we made sixteen miles +during the day, which was September 6th, and at night camped at a small +station on the Nashville and Chattanooga railroad, and fourteen miles from +the former place. + +An early start the next morning brought us, at noon, to within five miles +of the city. We here turned off from the main road, and proceeding two +miles, camped near a small creek. But scarcely had our picket ropes been +extended, and horses unharnessed, when we were again commanded to move. +This time proceeded to within a mile of the city, and then pitched our +tents. Were ordered to be in readiness to move at 3 o'clock in the +morning. + +It was now evident that Kentucky was our destination. At the appointed +time next morning, we were on the move; and, shortly after daylight, +crossed the Cumberland river by means of the railroad bridge, which had +been planked over for the purpose. We passed through the pleasant little +town of Edgefield, and found ourselves on the road leading to Bowling +Green. When we had gone four miles we halted in a piece of woods, and +remained there two hours, then proceeded on our way, and at night camped +eight miles from Nashville, and near what is called Edgefield Junction. + +We remained at the above camping ground two days. On the afternoon of the +2d of September, we had an alarm; and, as the surrounding country was +swarming with Rebels, it stood us well in hand to be on the alert. It took +but a moment's notice to be prepared for action, when scouts were sent out +in all directions. They succeeded in bringing in several prisoners, some +of whom belonged to the Rebel army. But little information could be +obtained from them. The remainder of the day and night passed without +anything further of note transpiring. + +Early on the morning of September 11th, we were once more on the move. +About 10 A. M. passed through the small town of Goodsonville, or Edgefield +Station. We here saw evidences of the Rebel's work of destruction. The +place was almost entirely deserted, and every store had been completely +riddled and robbed of its contents. Many of them had been fired, and were +partially consumed. + +We made no halt at this place, but continued our march. A few miles +further on passed through another small town, which contained two or three +stores, all of which were closed, and, as at Goodsonville, the inhabitants +had mostly fled. At noon we halted near a large public house, where there +was a fine spring of water. Here we procured dinner, and remained for two +hours. + +It appears that there had been a skirmish a short time previous, some two +miles ahead, between our advance and a large body of Rebel Cavalry. A part +of the Ninth Michigan Infantry, one section of Hewitt's Battery, and a +small detachment of cavalry, succeeded in repulsing the enemy, who had one +killed and three wounded, who fell into our hands. On our side, there was +but one wounded. + +About 2 o'clock resumed our march, and shortly after passed the spot where +the skirmish had taken place. It was at a crossing of the road. We marched +until 8 o'clock in the evening, and then camped near a small creek, where +there were two or three stores. + +September 12th resumed our march. We had skirmishers thrown out on each +side of the road to prevent a surprise. Nothing worthy of note occurred +during the day. Marched sixteen miles, and camped at Mitchellville shortly +before dark. Had a light fall of rain during the night. General Buel +joined us this day. + +At daylight, September 13th, continued the march. At 10 A. M. arrived at +Franklin, Kentucky, which place is on the Nashville and Louisville +Railroad. It was reported that a large body of the enemy were hovering +around the town. A halt was ordered, and scouts sent out in all +directions. Each section of our battery went to the outer edge of the town +on picket guard. After remaining one hour, and nothing seen or heard of +the enemy, resumed our march. At 8 o'clock in the evening, camped two and +a half miles from Bowling Green. Distance made this day, twenty-five +miles. + +Early the morning succeeding proceeded on the march, but went into camp +one mile from Bowling Green. While here we suffered for the want of +wholesome water--the only spring of good water being two miles from camp. +We were obliged to use water for cooking purposes from a pond that was +stagnant. Were kept on half rations, as we had been since leaving +McMinnville. In place of hard bread, flour was distributed. + +Were ordered to move on September 15th, but, after getting ready, the +order was countermanded. + +September 16th, again ordered to move, and at 5 o'clock were ready, but +waited two or three hours for the word to proceed. Finally started and +went one mile, when we bivouacked on side of the road for the night, it +being impossible to proceed further, owing to the immense wagon train. + +At daylight next morning again started, and passed through the town of +Bowling Green, and shortly after forded Barren River, then halted long +enough for breakfast. About an hour before dark we left the turnpike, and +turned off to the right, through a piece of woods. It now commenced +raining quite hard, and the night was very dark. Our progress was but +slow, and it was 10 o'clock ere we halted for the night. The rain was +still falling heavily, and the air was quite chilly. Large fires was soon +built, around which we all gathered to enjoy the genial warmth. Water was +not readily obtained, and we lay down supperless. Tired and hungry, wet +and cold, we were soon asleep. + +The next morning, September 18th, opened cold and cloudy, but soon cleared +up. And now, for the first time since leaving McMinnville, we had three +days' full rations served out. Having found a mudhole, from which we could +obtain water, all were soon busy in cooking their food, and for a time the +camp was quite lively--the men once more wore cheerful faces, and our +former hard fare was forgotten. Hardly, however, had we prepared our meal, +when the order was given to move, and the grub went down our throats on a +double quick. There was considerable "jawing" about that time. In a few +minutes, we were once more on the road. We started at noon, and for the +greater part of the way the road lay through a woody and sparsely +populated country. At dark we came in sight of camp fires, burning +brightly, evidently but a short distance ahead. But, for some reason, we +were delayed for hours on the road, and it was midnight ere we arrived at +the place. Here was presented one of the most beautiful sights ever +witnessed. Spread out in a large open space, extending over many acres of +ground, were the camp-fires of an army of fifty thousand men. The fires +were built in rows a few feet apart, each mess having its own fire. The +men could be seen flitting about from point to point, some cooking, some +carrying wood and water, some sleeping, others smoking or eating. +Occasionally the strains of a flute were wafted sweetly to the ear, borne +on the night breeze. Then came the full manly chorus of some patriotic +song, from one of the messes. Away in the distance we heard the sweet and +touching words of "Rock me to sleep, mother," sung by some brave but +warm-hearted soldier-boy, as he thought of his dear home far away. Would +that kind mother ever again fold her darling boy to her warm heart? +Mayhap, even the morning's sun might shine on his lifeless form. The +vicissitudes of war are great. + +At a distance, the camp resembled a large and populous city by gaslight, +and it was truly a magnificent spectacle. Our battery was soon joined with +them, and most of us being wearied by the days' labors, lay down for a +little sleep, as our orders were to move at daylight. We were informed +that the place near which we were encamped was called Prout's Knob, from a +small mountain, which reared its rugged head just outside the line of the +encampment. + +Were routed out before day next morning, September 19th, to prepare +breakfast. At daybreak, were ready to move. General Smith now took the +command of our division in place of General Ammon. + +Owing to the large number of troops, it was nearly 7 o'clock before we got +started. After proceeding four miles we halted in the road, and were kept +there until 4 o'clock in the afternoon. During the day signal flags were +kept flying, the meaning of which only those in command knew. At 4 o'clock +we moved forward, and pitched tents in a field near the road, most of the +infantry and other troops going further on. + +Remained in camp during the day of September 20th, engaged in cooking +three days' rations. While here heard of the fight at Mumfordsville, and +defeat of our troops. All kinds of stories were at once set afloat, and, +like those at a ladies' tea-party, were not much entitled to +consideration. It was generally supposed that we were on the eve of a +great battle. + +At daylight, September 21st, were again ordered to move, and were soon on +the road. But before we had gone one mile came to a halt. We turned aside +into a piece of woods, where we remained till 5 o'clock in the afternoon, +when we once more proceeded forward, and it was long past midnight ere we +encamped, which was done near a small creek. Distance traveled, ten miles. + +One o'clock, September 22d, took the road, and after going some four miles +came to where the enemy had been camped the night previous. It was +reported that they had left in two divisions, and that some of our advance +cavalry had a skirmish with them, and caused the enemy to retreat. We went +about one mile further and were then ordered to "about face," it having +been ascertained that we were on the wrong road. Going back two miles we +turned to the left, and in a short time pitched tents on the banks of +Green River, opposite Mumfordsville, and near an old fort which had been +erected the previous winter. + +September 23d, again early on the march. At sunrise crossed Green River, +and passed through Mumfordsville. At noon, halted near the railroad. +Remained one hour, and once more under way. At 9 o'clock in the evening +reached Camp Nevins, and pitched our tents near a creek. Marched this day +twenty miles. + +Early on the following morning moved forward. Passed through Elizabethtown +without stopping. Went thirteen miles beyond, and camped for the night. We +were now on a good macadamized road. As heretofore, water was scarce. + +September 25th, resumed our march, and at noon arrived at West Point, +situated on the Ohio, at the mouth of Salt River, and distant from +Louisville twenty-two miles. + +For the first time in a year we once more beheld a free State. After +remaining a few hours, once more made a move. Crossed Salt River, and were +now on the direct road to Louisville. Two miles from West Point we +encamped. + +Started before daylight, September 26th, and at noon reached Louisville. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +AT LOUISVILLE--AND OFF AGAIN. + + +As before stated, at noon of September 26th, we arrived at Louisville, +having marched over two hundred and fifty miles, occupying just +twenty-three and a half days. We were nearly all worn out on this long, +dreary, and tedious march, and presented a most woful appearance, being +dirty, ragged, and well nigh famished. Take it all in all, we had +undergone more hardships and real suffering than on any previous occasion, +and it was probably one of the most disastrous movements that had taken +place since the war had an existence. The boys say it was a "masterly +piece of military strategy," and think that a few more such movements will +speedily terminate the war. + +Our camp was located on a piece of low ground, and in a potato patch near +the canal, through which the boats are obliged to pass when the river is +at a low stage, as there is then an insufficiency of water on the falls. + +We now had full rations served out, and as far as the matter of eating, +were well off. On Sunday the 27th September, we received an addition of +forty-seven new members, they having been recruited at Cleveland by +Colonel Barnett and others. Two of our men, who had been home on sick +leave, rejoined us at the same time. + +On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 30th, we moved camp a short +distance, and the same afternoon were paid for four months' services, and +also received a lot of new clothing, which rendered the men extremely +happy, and many a wistful eye was cast towards the city. But the same +night we received that same "eternal" order to be ready to march the +following morning. So the men were disappointed in the expectation of +getting "shut" of their money. + +At an early hour, October 1st, all were ready for a start; and shortly +after daylight the battery was in motion. But, on crossing the canal, we +came to a halt, and after being delayed an hour, again moved forward. In a +short time another halt was ordered, and + + We all halt, halt, halted. + +In this manner nearly the entire day was consumed, and it was quite late +in the afternoon ere we were fairly outside the city. + +We now found ourselves on the Bardstown pike, being the same road by which +we had entered the city seven months previous. Marched six miles, and at 9 +o'clock camped for the night. + +October 2d resumed our march at the usual early hour; but owing to the +large force accompanying, our progress was slow. About 4 o'clock in the +afternoon, and about eight miles distant from our starting point in the +morning, heavy firing was heard some distance ahead, but in a short time +it suddenly ceased. After proceeding two miles further we halted, and went +into camp for the night. We soon learned, from scouts sent out, that the +firing was occasioned by a skirmish between our advance and the rear guard +of the enemy, who were slowly retreating before us. There being so many +rumors concerning the skirmish, it was impossible to obtain a correct +result. However, there was no great damage done on either side. The enemy, +as usual, wanted to be "let alone." Considerable rain fell during the +night. + +Captain Standart and Lieutenant Bennett, who had remained at Louisville on +business, joined us the next day, October 3d. The morning was cloudy, with +some rain. At 9 o'clock got started. The clouds swept away shortly after, +giving place to the genial sun, and the remainder of the day was quite +pleasant. At 10 A. M. passed through the small town of Mount Washington. +Here was where the skirmish of the day previous had taken place. At 3 +o'clock crossed a small stream, called Floyd's Fork. The bridge had been +destroyed by the Rebels. We had no difficulty in fording the stream, owing +to the low stage of water. This was six miles from Mount Washington, and +fourteen miles from Bardstown. Just beyond here our advance cavalry were +fired upon by the Rebels, with artillery from a masked battery. A halt was +at once ordered, and instant preparation made for action. Two of our guns, +under command of Lieutenant Bennett, were moved forward some two miles, +and were then fired upon. The pieces were immediately posted on a +commanding place near by, and opened on the enemy. A few shots were +exchanged, when the firing soon ceased. Scouting parties were now sent out +to reconnoiter, but returned without making any discovery of importance. +Nothing more, worthy of notice, occurred during the night. + +Having ascertained that the Rebels had retired during the night, at 10 +o'clock next morning, October 4th, we again moved forward. It was now +evident that the enemy were gradually falling back, but had left a rear +guard for the purpose of retarding our march, and to cause us as much +trouble as possible, without bringing on a general engagement. About three +miles from our last night's camping ground we again crossed Floyd's Fork, +and near where the Lexington pike intersects the Bardstown and Louisville +road. We here found that the bridge had not been destroyed. About one-half +mile beyond we came to where the enemy had thrown up a sort of barricade +against a fence, and from which they had, no doubt, intended to give us a +surprise, but had thought better of the matter. Another mile, and we came +to a public building, called the Barclay House, and located on a high +elevation. Here, the night previous, the Rebels had posted their +artillery. Our forces were again placed in position, and scouts sent out +to ascertain the enemy's whereabouts. In two hours they returned without +having made any discovery, and once more we resumed our march. At night +camped within eight miles of Bardstown. From people living along the route +we traveled, all manner of reports concerning the Rebels were received. By +some it was represented that they were at Bardstown, from sixty thousand +to eighty thousand strong, and were going to make a stand to offer us +battle. But little credence was given to any of these reports; but we were +all inclined to believe that a battle was soon to be fought. + +The morning of Sunday October 5th, was ushered in clear and pleasant. Had +breakfast at daylight, and at 7 o'clock our column was in motion. We moved +slowly, and with much caution, halting frequently. Once we laid by for +nearly three hours. Shortly before dark we entered Bardstown, and found +that the Rebels had, as usual, "skedaddled." We now found that the +detention during the day was caused by the arrival of another division of +troops, who had come by a different road, and we had to wait for them to +pass on ahead. We were informed by the citizens that the enemy had left +but a few hours previous, and that the division above mentioned were in +close pursuit. They had taken the direct road to Lebanon and Danville. We +passed through town, took a road to the left--crossed a small creek, and +pitched our tents, one mile beyond the place. + +Early next morning, October 6th, again on the move. Our march this day was +over a rough and hilly road, and through a thinly settled part of the +country. At noon crossed a creek, the name of which we did not learn. +Shortly after this we passed through the village of Glenville, and again +got on a good road. Marched about eighteen miles this day, and, at 8 +o'clock in the evening, camped one mile from Springfield. + +October 7th. This morning continued our march, and at 8 o'clock passed +through Springfield. A large party of Rebels had been driven out of town +the day previous, by the advanced division. We proceeded on towards +Danville, following the pike for some distance, and then turned off to the +left, on a common dirt road. Marched several miles, and at dark came out +on the Lebanon and Danville road, six miles from the former place. General +Gilbert's division passed on ahead. We went on two miles further, and, at +a small village, turned off to the right, and proceeding some distance +further, came to a creek, and camped. Our object in leaving the main road +was to find water. Marched eighteen miles this day. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE. + + +At 7 o'clock on the morning of October 8th, we resumed our march, +returning and taking the Lebanon and Danville pike. A few minutes after +reaching the main road, we heard heavy firing some distance in advance. A +halt was made, and the order given to transfer all extra baggage from the +pieces and caissons to the baggage wagons, and be prepared for action. The +report was then prevalent that the enemy were some five miles ahead, and +had made a stand, and were already engaging our advance force. A fierce +battle was now anticipated, and our men were anxious to participate in it, +after the long chase we had given the enemy. + +The firing had now become more frequent and distinct, and our men were +becoming more and more eager for the conflict. As usual, there were all +sorts of rumors regarding the number and position of the enemy. After a +halt of one hour we again moved forward, and soon came on the Perryville +pike. Proceeding one mile further, we turned off into a field on the left +of the road, and took position on a high piece of ground, our division +being posted at different points. We held our position until near dark, +when we moved forward half a mile, and were then stationed on a hill to +the right of the road. The fighting in the meantime had been most +desperate, and was chiefly confined to General McCook's division, which +maintained its ground in fine order, the men showing great bravery. The +battle lasted until dark, when the enemy retired, and, on the following +morning, retreated to Harrodsburg. The Union loss was eight hundred and +twenty killed, between two thousand and three thousand wounded, and over +four hundred missing. Enemy's loss, one thousand and eighty-two killed, +and four thousand two hundred and sixty-one wounded. Our Battery took no +part in this action, as we were, during the time, out of range. It was the +intention, on our part, to renew the battle the next day--the enemy +willing--but they wanted to be "let alone," and withdrew from the field. + +On the day following the battle, our Battery was kept constantly on the +move, charging through woods and cornfields, but no enemy was there. At +night we camped near Perryville. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +MUCH MARCHING, BUT LITTLE FIGHTING. + + +The morning of October 10th were again early on the move, and at 9 o'clock +passed through the town of Perryville, and proceeded on towards Danville. +The buildings, as we passed along, presented the appearance of hard usage +from the effects of the battle of Wednesday. Nearly every house was more +or less riddled by shot and shell. We saw one house that seemed as if it +had been the especial target of the gunners, for it was pierced in many +places. We continued on for about two miles, when our advance had some +little skirmishing with the enemy's rear guard. Our guns were at once +drawn up in position on a high hill, having a good command of the country +surrounding. We remained here some fifteen or twenty minutes, and then +proceeded forward on a double quick. Two miles further, and we came to a +halt--all our forces being drawn up in line of battle. More skirmishing +took place. About 4 o'clock we bivouacked in an extensive hemp field, four +miles from Danville. The boys remarked that we had come here for the +express purpose of preparing hemp for the "skedaddlers." That night was +cold and stormy. We crawled under the hemp-stacks, and made ourselves as +comfortable as the circumstances would admit. + +October 11th. Morning still cold and stormy. We changed the position of +our guns, and the horses were kept ready harnessed, and every one at his +post. Some firing was heard on our left during the forepart of the day, +and, in the afternoon, on our right. We, however, kept our position, and +at night again slept under the hemp-stacks. The weather still continued +cold, but the storm had ceased. + +Weather next morning was clear, but cold. At 9 o'clock some of the enemy +came into camp, bearing a flag of truce, but for what purpose we soldiers +did not learn. About 10 o'clock we were ordered to move forward. Our march +was through woods and fields, we seldom being on a regular traveled road. +At 4 P. M. we came out on the turnpike leading from Danville to Camp Dick +Robinson, and proceeded towards the latter place. The smoke of the enemy's +camp-fires could be plainly seen. When within four miles of the camp we +were ordered to "about face," and march back. So face about it was, and we +were again passing over the same ground that we had but just traveled. + + "We marched boldly down the road,-- + Then marched back again." + +After going about three miles, we came out on another pike, which also led +to Danville. And now we came to a halt, for the night. Supper was soon +over with, and all turned in for a night's repose. Before midnight we were +routed out, with orders to harness our teams and march. Soon found +ourselves faced towards Danville. The night was clear and the road good, +so we went along at a lively pace, and in an hour's time reached the town, +and halted in a field just on the outskirts. We were now allowed to remain +quietly until morning. + +October 13th. The weather being fine, and as we were to remain in camp +this day, the men took the opportunity to wash their clothes, it being the +first time that they were able to do so since leaving Louisville. During +the day we were visited by Colonel Barnett. We had not before seen him +since leaving Nashville, in March, a period of eight months. Major Race +also accompanied the Colonel. At 4 o'clock we were ordered to move. + +On getting into the road we found we were faced towards camp Dick +Robinson. Marched three miles, and camped directly opposite the camping +ground of the night previous. + +On the following morning, October 14th, again on the move, and going +towards Danville, which place we reached about 9 o'clock A. M. We here +turned into a field and halted. The entire army seemed in motion. After +remaining here some two or three hours we again started, and about noon +passed through town, and took the road leading to Stanford. Just before +dark we turned off the main road, and after going two or three miles +through the woods and fields, camped on a high piece of ground, as we +supposed, for the night, as it was quite dark. It was reported that a +large wagon train of the enemy had passed only two or three hours in +advance of us. As soon as supper was over those who were not on guard +stretched themselves on the ground to seek repose. Suddenly the clear +notes of the bugle rang out on the night air. Never was the sound more +unwelcome; but its call had to be obeyed. The moon shone brightly, but the +air was piercing cold. The prospect of an all night's march was not much +relished. + +As soon as we got out on the road we struck off on a double quick, and +went spinning along towards Crab Orchard. Considerable firing was now +heard some distance in advance. At every halt that was made fires were +kindled with the rails along the road, and for miles ahead the sky was +lighted up by them. There is something very impressive and thrillingly +grand about a large army in motion at dead of night. The measured tramp, +tramp, of the infantry, the rattle and creaking of artillery, the +occasional neigh of a horse, mingled with the peculiar sound which always +accompanies a large body--the breathing of thousands of human beings--and +all lit up by the camp-fires, presents a weird, spectral scene. The march +of death! + +Shortly before daylight, and when we were some three or four miles from +Crab Orchard, we came to a halt in the middle of the road. Several large +fires were built, around which we all gathered. At daylight we got a cup +of coffee and some "hard-tack," then away on the road again. An +occasional report of a gun could be heard. About 9 o'clock, A. M., we +entered the town of Crab Orchard, and were here informed that the rear +guard of the enemy had passed through only an hour before. The firing +which we had heard was caused by a slight skirmish between them and our +advance. Several prisoners had been taken. + +After a few moment's halt we pushed on through the town, and once more +were on the road to Wild Cat, the place where we had fought our first +battle, nearly one year previous. The weather was fine, and the roads were +in far better condition than when we first traveled them. + +Proceeding four miles beyond Crab Orchard, our brigade left the main body, +and turned off on a road leading to the left. Just before dark, and after +having gone some six or eight miles, we were obliged to turn back, to find +a suitable camping ground, as there were several high hills which we could +not ascend at night. The road being very narrow, with a thick growth of +trees and underbrush on either side, it was fully two hours ere we got +fairly turned about. We then went one half a mile, and camped in a +cornfield, near a small creek. + +October 16th, resumed our march. Nothing worthy of note occurred during +the day. About 3 P. M. passed through Mount Vernon. Did not make any halt. +At night camped three miles from the crossing of Rock Castle River. + +The next morning, early, moved forward, a part of the battery in advance. +Captain Standart acted as a guide, from his previous knowledge of the +country. He, with the advance, consisting of some cavalry and the +Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, proceeded on some distance beyond Wild Cat, +and on the road to London. When three miles beyond the old battle ground, +they suddenly encountered quite a force of the enemy, when a brisk +skirmish took place. In a short time our forces succeeded in driving the +Rebels, killing and wounding several of their number, and taking a few +prisoners. Our loss was six or eight killed and wounded. Captain Standart +had a very narrow escape, as one of the Thirty sixth Indiana was killed at +his side. + +Our entire battery, with the rest of the brigade, arrived at the summit of +Wild Cat Mountain about 2 P. M. We then camped on the same place we had +occupied on the first battle, and our guns were placed in almost the same +position that they were in when we hurled death and destruction into the +enemy's ranks nearly one year ago. Appearances indicated that we were to +have another battle. It would indeed be a singular coincidence should we +again fight on the old ground. + +Our battery, being the only company of our present division that had +participated in the former battle, was the center of attraction, and many +a tough "yarn" was told by our men of their exceeding valor at that time. + +Lieutenant Bennett here left us to take command of a battery in Virginia. + +During the day of October 18th, there was considerable movement among the +troops, and, for a time, it seemed as if we were about to have an +engagement. But still it was thought that the Rebels would make for +Cumberland Gap as speedily as possible. Some of our troops went out on the +Winding Glade Road. Two of our guns were sent with them. Another body went +towards London. Troops were constantly arriving. In the afternoon +considerable firing was heard in the direction taken by our two guns. It +was soon ascertained that a lively fight had taken place between our men +and some Rebel Cavalry and Infantry. Our troops soon drove them, taking +about one hundred prisoners, and between two hundred and three hundred +head of cattle. This occurred about four miles from Wild Cat. The enemy +were driven some miles, and several of them were killed and wounded. Four +men were wounded on our side. + +About 10 o'clock, October 19th, were ordered to follow after the advance. +A march of six or eight miles brought us to their encampment. It was +located at what is called Scovill's Corners, or Cross-Roads, being where +the Richmond road intersects the Lexington pike. We remained here during +the night. + +At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 20th, our Battery was ordered out, to +go on a reconnoisance, as was also the greater part of the brigade. All +baggage-wagons, tents, and camp equipments, were left behind. The men took +but one day's rations. + +Shortly before daylight the brigade separated in two divisions, and +proceeded out on different roads; but, after being absent all day without +meeting with any of the enemy, with the exception of a few stragglers, +whom they captured, they returned to camp. The Rebels being alarmed at the +near approach of our forces had hastily beat a retreat, burning several of +their transportation wagons, to prevent their falling into Union hands. + +October 21st. Just one year ago this day was fought the battle of Wild +Cat; and we were only six miles from the place. All was quiet in camp. + +Another reconnoizance was made, commencing October 22d. Our Battery went +towards Manchester. The expedition was gone three days. Their object was +to destroy the salt works near Manchester, on which the Rebels depended +for a supply of that necessary article of consumption. + +Having accomplished their purpose, and nothing further remaining to be +done, the expedition returned to camp on the morning of October 25th. On +the day previous, several citizens of London came into camp, and reported +a large body of Secesh cavalry in the town. It was thought that, owing to +the absence of the greater part of our force, the Rebels might take +advantage of it, and make an attack on our camp during the night. +Accordingly the men belonging to our Battery were all armed with muskets, +and given several rounds of amunition. We were notified to hold ourselves +in readiness to repel an attack. For the first time our artillerymen were +transformed into infantry. About one hundred refugees from East Tennessee +came into camp, and were also armed. The night, however, passed without +any alarm. Our troops arriving the next morning, we all again got in +motion, and proceeded back through Wild Cat. Arrived at the Rock Castle +river crossing, and camped for the night. + +There was a very heavy snow storm during the night, and in the morning the +ground was covered to the depth of several inches; but, the weather being +mild, it rapidly disappeared. Got an early start, and pushed on through +the mud and slush. At noon arrived at Mount Vernon, and halted for an hour +in a large field, and cooked our dinner. At 2 o'clock we again moved +forward, and went towards Somerset. The weather was now growing colder, +and the snow had made the roads very heavy, so that our progress was but +slow. It was a cheerless and comfortless march. Little do those at home, +who tread only on hard, dry pavements, know where a soldier's feet hath +been. We toiled on through the mud for about six miles, and then camped +for the night. The snow was still quite deep, but we succeeded in getting +some hay, and, clearing the ground, spread our blankets on the hay, then +built large fires, and lay down to rest. Thus we managed to pass the night +in tolerable comfort. It must be borne in mind that, as yet, we were +without tents, and had been so ever since leaving Nashville. + +The next morning, October 27th, we were up betimes, and, after breakfast, +were again on the road. The sun shone brightly, yet the air was quite +chilly. We marched about twenty miles, and at night camped near a small +creek, two miles from Somerset. + +The day succeeding we all remained in camp, and passed the time in looking +over old letters--as dear to us as household words--and now and then a sly +look was given to some well-worn miniature of a nameless friend far away +in some Northern home. Thus passed the day, and the stars came out, and + + "Sat their sentinel watch in the sky," + +and found us sunk on the ground overpowered with sleep. + +The following morning we were again on the march. Passed through Somerset +at 8 o'clock, and went out on the road to Fishing Creek. Found all the +places of business closed, and the town looking quite gloomy. The greater +part of the inhabitants had left previous to the Rebel army entering. We +were warmly welcomed by those who remained--especially the members of our +Battery, as most of us were well known. As we passed the hill on which we +had been so long quartered the previous winter, all eyes were turned +towards it, and many a familiar spot was pointed out. It seemed to us like +an old home. + +We crossed Fishing Creek about 11 o'clock, A. M., and here remained until +the following morning. + +October 30th. Resumed our march, and, at 9 o'clock, A. M., passed the +battle ground of Mill Springs. + +Old stories of the battle were told, as we passed the familiar places +where the conflict had raged. Many a tree bore the marks of cannon ball +and shell. The fences were riddled with bullet holes, as evidences of the +terrible work of January 19th, 1862, and which will long be remembered as +an eventful day in future history. + +We saw many graves of those noble heroes who that day gave up their lives +in their Country's cause. Peace to their ashes. + +Marched about twenty miles this day, and camped near the road. + +The next day we continued our march, and at dark crossed Green River, and +camped one half-mile from Columbia, having marched twenty-one miles. + +November 1st. Remained in camp. A general muster was had, for the purpose +of making out the pay-roll. Weather clear and pleasant. + +The next day resumed our march at noon, and, passing through Columbia at +dark, camped near a creek, eight miles from last night's camp. + +November 3d. Again on the move, and at noon halted near the town of +Edmonson, and remained long enough to feed horses and get dinner. Passed +through the town, and took the road towards Glasgow. Marched eight miles, +and camped in a piece of woods. The men had here a fine opportunity to +gather hickory-nuts, which covered the ground profusely. + +The next morning made an early start, and at noon passed through Glasgow, +and camped one mile beyond. + +We here found George Eldridge, with our baggage, tents, etc., which we had +left behind at Bowling Green. Some of the sick, who had also been left, +rejoined us here. + +We remained in camp at this place for three days; and while here received +some blankets, and a few articles of clothing, of which we stood greatly +in need. Orderly Sergeant Kelley here received a commission as Second +Lieutenant, and Sergeant Thompson was promoted to Orderly. +Quarter-Master's Sergeant, George Eldridge, was transferred on detached +service, as clerk in the Division Quarter-Master's department. The +weather, during the time we remained here, was wet and disagreeable. + +Saturday, November 8th. Broke up camp, and resumed our march towards +Nashville. Marched about twenty miles, and camped near the road. During +the day we crossed Great Barren river. + +Next morning proceeded towards Scottsville, where we arrived at noon. +Pitched tents one mile beyond, and remained until next day. + +Scottsville is sixty miles distant from Nashville, and is the last town we +passed through previous to entering Tennessee. + +November 10th. Commenced our march at half-past 8 o'clock, A. M. At noon +halted for dinner, a short distance from the boundary line of Kentucky and +Tennessee. At 2 o'clock we were again on the move, and in the State of +Tennessee, having been out of that State nearly two months. Marched only +thirteen miles this day, and halted for the night. Weather clear and cold. + +Early the next morning on the move. At half-past 3 o'clock, P. M., passed +through Gallatin, without stopping, and took the Lebanon road. At night +camped on the banks of Cumberland river, about three miles beyond +Gallatin. Had all kinds of rumors during the day. One of which was that +there had been a fight at Nashville. No reliance could be placed on these +reports. + +The morning of November 12th opened with a cold, drizzling rain. About 11 +o'clock, A. M., we were ordered to move; and, after waiting until near +noon for the Tenth Brigade to pass, we finally forded the river--which was +at this time quite low--and marching eight miles, encamped for the night +in the woods, near the Nashville and Lebanon turnpike. + +The next morning, at 10 o'clock, we started towards Nashville, and on +reaching Silver Springs, camped in rear of the town. This place is distant +eighteen miles from Nashville. + +We remained here for several days, during which time one of our men was +tried by Court Martial for attempting an outrage on the person of a woman +in Kentucky, while on the march from Somerset to Columbia. He was found +guilty, and sentenced to serve six months in military prison, with ball +and chain attached to his leg, and to forfeit two months' pay. + +While here, General Crittenden came near falling into Rebel hands. He, +however, managed to escape, but several of his staff were captured. + +After having remained in camp at Silver Springs for six days, on the +morning of November 19th we broke up, and moved down the turnpike towards +Nashville. Proceeded as far as Stone river, and again camped, being eight +miles from the city. We remained here one week, with nothing worthy of +note transpiring. + +Broke up camp on the morning of November 26th, and moved towards +Nashville. + +During the march, one of our new members, who had joined us at Louisville, +named Leonard Starr, died in the ambulance. He had been sick several days. +His remains were sent home in charge of his brother, who is also a member +of our battery. + +We camped on the Murfreesboro pike, three miles from Nashville. + +Our tents were pitched in a large open field. The ground was low and +springy, and whenever it rained, the place was almost untenable. + +The day after our arrival was Thanksgiving day, but it passed off the same +as all other days with us. We had our usual dinner of sow-belly _a la +mode_, and hard-tack _a la mouldy_. + +Nothing out of the usual course occurred, until December 8th. On that day, +our brigade made a foraging excursion on the Nolensville pike. Went ten +miles, and succeeded in obtaining one hundred and sixty-nine loads of +corn, which was brought away in sight of the enemy's pickets, without a +gun being fired. + +Captain Standart was acting as Chief of Artillery on General Palmer's +Staff; General Palmer having succeeded General Smith as Division +Commander. + +I will here mention that we were now in what was called the Fourth +Division of General Crittenden's Corps. Our Brigade is known as the +Twenty-second, General Cruft commanding. Lieutenant Baldwin, at this time, +was temporarily commanding the Battery. + +On the 10th, we moved our camp about one-fourth of a mile to a drier piece +of ground. Captain Standart also moved his quarters back to the Battery, +but still retained his position as Chief of Artillery. + +We remained in camp near Nashville just one month, during which time we +had several alarms, but none of them of any consequence. Also made several +reconnoisances on different roads. + +We here received a supply of new clothing, harness, and other equipments; +and, on the morning of December 24th, were ordered to have five days' +rations in haversacks, ready to march--but for some cause did not move. + +Christmas went by in quiet, but it was only a lull in the war-storm which +was soon to break upon us with a fury hard to withstand. + +On the morning of the 26th we were ordered to move. All camp equipage and +baggage, as well as those who were not fit for active duty, were to be +moved into Nashville. + +The storm was about to burst. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +SKIRMISHING PREVIOUS TO THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. + + +At an early hour on the morning of Friday, December 26th, the shrill call +of the bugle ringing out on the frosty air, announced that we were about +to move. + +Soon great activity prevailed in camp, and all were in high spirits at the +prospect of an advance; and it was evident to each and every one of us, +that unless the rebels should retreat from Murfreesboro, a battle must +soon occur. + +Nothing so arouses a soldier's spirit as the prospect of a battle--though, +in the same anxiously looked for battle, his life may be sacrificed. For +human life, at best, but hangs on a thread which even a little blow may +snap asunder. But if man dies thus, his life is nobly given on the altar +of his country, and that is worth the life of any man. + + "_Who_ dies in vain + Upon his country's war-fields, and within + The shadow of her altars?" + +War follows rebellion, and death follows war. Some must die--both the just +and the unjust; but in the end, right will _ever_ conquer. And now to our +movements. + +The morning was cloudy, and in a short time it began to rain. +Nevertheless, all were soon ready to move. After waiting for more than an +hour, the command was finally given to "forward march." + +The army of General Rosencrans had now been divided into three separate +divisions, or army corps, and designated as the Right, Left and Center +wings. The Right, commanded by General McCook; the Centre, by General +Thomas; and the Left, by General Crittenden. To the last named was our +Battery attached, General Palmer being still in command of the Division, +and General Cruft of the Brigade. Our Corps moved forward on the +Murfreesboro road, the other Corps taking different routes. At the time +we got fairly started the rain had increased, and the storm was raging +furiously; and though all were thoroughly drenched, yet it dampened not +the ardor of the brave men, as they were elated at the prospect of soon +meeting their deadly enemy in battle array. + +Owing to the great number of troops, and having a large wagon train, our +progress was quite slow; and further, it was known that our movements +would be more or less harrassed by the enemy. Great caution was therefore +necessary. + +When within two miles of Lavergne--which is a small station on the +Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad--our advance guard encountered the +Rebel pickets. After a short skirmish, the enemy were driven into their +camp at Lavergne, where they had one Brigade stationed. + +Our Brigade having the advance, we soon came in sight of the enemy, who +were drawn up in line ready for battle. Our Battery, and one section of +Konkle's Battery, under command of Lieutenant Nathan Newell, were ordered +into position, and opened on the Rebels. They immediately returned our +fire, when a lively artillery fight commenced, which lasted until dark. +One of our men had his hand badly shattered, by the premature explosion of +one of the guns. He has since had his hand amputated. One of the men +belonging to Newell's section was instantly killed by the Rebel fire. This +was the only loss sustained on our side. The Rebels suffered the loss of +a number killed and wounded, and a few taken prisoners. + +Early next morning, we were in readiness to renew the attack; but the +enemy were not inclined to oppose us, as they commenced a retrograde +movement towards Murfreesboro. Our troops at once pressed on them closely, +and constant skirmishing ensued throughout the entire day. At dark, we had +succeeded in driving them six miles, to what is called Stewart's Creek. We +here rested for the night--the Rebels on the east and we on the west side +of the creek. + +The following day both armies remained in the same position, and no +movement was made on either side. _We_ were awaiting the arrival of +General Thomas' troops. + +The next morning we moved forward in order of battle. Skirmishers were +thrown out on each side of the road, through the woods and fields, and +during the day some little fighting took place. We moved to within four +miles of Murfreesboro, and camped for the night in a piece of cedar woods. + +The following day was passed in preparing for the great battle, which was +now imminent. Our troops were posted at different points, Batteries placed +in position, picket lines established, scouts and skirmishers thrown out, +ammunition chests overhauled, and all other necessary preparations made +for the coming conflict. + +That night our guards were doubled. The Infantry slept on their arms, and +Artillerymen at their several posts. No fires were allowed, and the utmost +vigilance enjoined on all. + +To-morrow would be an eventful day. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER. + +FIRST DAY. + + +Just at daylight, and while some were getting breakfast, others watering +their horses, the Rebels made a sudden and vigorous attack on the Division +of General Johnson in General McCook's Corps, and which was stationed on +the extreme right. + +Owing to the suddenness of the attack, and the overpowering force which +the enemy had brought to bear at this particular point, the troops of +General Johnson were thrown into confusion, and ere they could recover +from their surprise, the enemy had broken through their lines, and forced +them to fall back, at the same time firing volley after volley, killing +and wounding a large number of Union troops. They had also succeeded in +capturing several pieces of artillery, and, in one instance, the entire +battery of Captain Edgarton, taking the Captain and most of his men +prisoners. + +General Johnson rallied the remainder of his troops as speedily as +possible, and others coming to his support--but not until having lost +considerable ground--by 9 o'clock, A. M., the engagement had become +general along the entire line. At 10 o'clock the battle raged with great +fury, and slaughter. Our Battery was stationed on the left of General +Negley's division--it being the last, or left division of the right wing. +The enemy, at noon, had succeeded in turning this wing, and had partially +got in on our rear, subjecting us to a severe cross-fire. General Cruft, +however, managed to extricate the brigade from this unpleasant +predicament, and our Battery was drawn off in fine order, but not until we +had expended all our ammunition. Our men, as well as those of the entire +brigade, stood their ground bravely, and dealt dire destruction to the +enemy. Several of our men were killed and wounded about this time. + +The battle still raged with great fierceness. The Rebels had gained a +great advantage, and had driven General McCook's wing two or three miles. + +At this critical juncture, when it seemed as if we must suffer complete +annihilation--when the Rebel star was in the ascendant--Generals +Rosencrans and Thomas coming dashing along the line, cheering and rallying +their men, when they turned and fought like very tigers. And now the scene +was truly thrilling. + + "Then more fierce + The conflict grew; the din of arms--the yell + Of savage rage--the shriek of agony-- + The groan of death, commingled in one sound + Of undistinguished horrors." + +Inch by inch was the lost ground recovered, as hand to hand friend and +foe grappled for the mastery. General Rosencrans, by his dauntless +bearing, cheered on our brave men to such deeds of valor as the pen of +history has seldom recorded. Fiercely did the Union troops throw +themselves in solid battallions against the fierce assailing foe. The roar +of artillery, the rattle of musketry, the groans of the wounded and dying, +rang horribly upon the ear. + +Darkness finally closed over the scene, and, for the time, put an end to +the conflict. Weary and exhausted the men threw themselves on the +blood-dyed ground, to pass the hours of night, their ears filled with the +groans of their dying companions. + +The number of killed and wounded, on both sides, this day, was quite +large. + +Thus ended the old year of Eighteen Hundred and Sixty-Two. + + +SECOND DAY. + +The New Year dawned not on faces radiant with joy and gladness; for, alas! +many of our brave comrades lay stark and cold on that ensanguined field. +No "Happy New Year" came from their voiceless lips--no kindly word of +greeting; but, with eyes upturned to Heaven, they lay mute in death. Never +again would that gray-haired father welcome his son on the threshold of +home. Never again would that meek-eyed mother fold her darling soldier-boy +to her heart. Never again would brother, nor sister, gaze upon his manly +form--for that brave boy slept his last sleep on the battle-field of his +country. Who shall say that the angels did not welcome him that morning +to a Happy New Year, where the sound of battle is never heard? + +No, there were no merry greetings, nor lively pealing of bells, for those +war-worn men; but instead was heard the roar of artillery, and the rattle +of musketry, and the groans and shrieks of the wounded and dying soldier, +mingled with that thrilling and strange cry of the horse on receiving his +death wound. + +The fighting this day was confined principally to artillery, but at longer +range than the day previous, and consequently the slaughter was much +lighter. + +The battle lasted through the day, with no material advantage to either +side; and at night both armies retained nearly their positions of the +morning. + +Another night was passed on the battle-field. + + +THIRD DAY. + +Early the following morning considerable skirmishing ensued, and continued +through the forenoon, with shifting of positions. + +Between 3 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon, the Rebels, in strong force, +opened an attack on a single brigade of ours, which was posted near Stone +river, and in advance of our extreme left. Pressed by greatly superior +numbers the brigade was compelled to fall back, which they did in good +order, contesting every inch of ground, and making great havoc in the +enemy's ranks. Our reserve force soon pushed forward, with cheers and +yells, determined to do or die. With a shock that could not be withstood, +our brave men rushed upon the foe. Their columns shook--they wavered, +reeled, and fighting desperately, fell back, while the brave Union troops +pushed them at every step. Vainly did the Rebel General in command strive +to rally and turn back his horror-stricken legions. But furiously, more +furiously, did our noble men assail the rebellious foe, till the ground +was piled heap on heap with the slain, and the thirsty earth drank up +their life blood. And now, in utter confusion, the enemy gave way, and +soon were flying before us, like chaff before the wind. + +Night had now set in, and darkness was gradually stealing over us; but +still we fought on, determined to achieve a glorious victory for our +country, and our firesides. + +Our forces were now massed, and with cheers that made the welkin ring, we +charged down upon a battery of artillery, which had been pouring +destruction into our ranks. + +So great was this onset, that again did the enemy give way and retire from +their guns, and fled in wild disorder back into the cedar thickets which +dotted the battle-field. + +In this charge we captured four guns of the enemy's celebrated Washington +battery, of Louisiana, and also recaptured several of our own guns, which +were taken from us in the first day's fight. + +The Rebel loss, in killed, wounded, and prisoners, was nearly three to our +one. Had but two hours more of daylight intervened, the Rebel army would +have been well nigh annihilated. It was fortunate for them that darkness +put an end to the conflict, when + + "Our bugles sang truce--for the night-cloud had lower'd, + And the sentinel stars set their watch in the sky; + And thousands had sunk on the ground overpower'd, + The weary to sleep, and the wounded to die." + +Thus passed another night on the battle-field. + + +FOURTH DAY. + +During this day the enemy kept up a continual skirmishing along our front, +but without seeming inclined to risk another general encounter. This +afterwards appeared to have been only a blind to cover their retreat, for +during the same night they evacuated the field. + +On Sunday morning, January 4th, General McCook entered Murfreesboro, and +took formal possession of the town. + +Thus ended the great battle of Stone river, which, for desperate and hard +fighting, has not been excelled by any battle fought during the rebellion. + + +SUMMARY. + +It would be occupying too much time and space to give full particulars of +all that transpired during this memorable conflict. And where all fought +so bravely and so well, it will not be necessary to discriminate. Taken as +a whole, it was one of the hardest contested, and most decisive battles, +which has yet been fought. The loss, in killed and wounded, on both sides, +was very heavy. The enemy's loss, in killed and wounded, will not vary far +from twelve thousand to fourteen thousand. About five thousand of the +enemy fell into our hands as prisoners of war. We captured but few arms or +equipments. Our loss, in killed and wounded, was about eight thousand, and +from three thousand to four thousand captured and missing. The Rebels +probably gained a slight advantage in the amount of artillery captured. +Several Generals, and other officers high in rank were killed and wounded, +on both sides. The Rebels retreated towards Tullahoma. + +This victory once more placed us in possession of a good part of Middle +Tennessee, and thereby materially afforded us help in obtaining supplies. + +The enemy were confident of success, but were woefully disappointed, and +it has been a severe blow to them, and one from which they will hardly +recover. General Rosencrans rather outwitted the redoubtable Rebel Bragg, +and came off with increased laurels. Rosencrans has shown himself to be +the right man in the right place. He knows no such word as _fail_. + +Our Battery, in this engagement, was in command of Lieutenant Norman +Baldwin. Captain Standart was still acting as Chief of Artillery, on +General Palmer's Staff. Lieutenant Sypher was sick, at Nashville. Both +Lieutenants Baldwin and Sturges acted with great coolness and bravery. +Lieutenant Baldwin had one horse killed under him. The Battery was several +times in a dangerous position, and once was nearly surrounded by the +enemy, and subjected to a severe cross fire. The men heroically stood at +their posts, and fought like veterans, while the air was hissing with shot +and shell. None wavered from their duty, and all are deserving of the +highest praise. But, alas! some laid down their lives in that fearful +battle-storm. This was the first time that any of our company were killed +in battle. + +The following is a list of the members of the Battery who were killed, +wounded, and taken prisoners: + +_Killed_--Orderly Sergeant Thomas J. Thompson; Sergeant George Wolf; +Privates Chauncey Lyon, Samuel Ruple, John Elliott. + +_Wounded Seriously_--Privates Benjamin F. Sarles, S. W. Shankland, William +Broe, Alfred French John Blanchard. + +_Wounded and Missing_--A. J. McLaughlin, George Overy. + +_Slightly Wounded_--L. L. Sawtell, N. Schoh, J. Arndt, J. Grant, --. +Hayes. + +Of those mentioned as killed, Chauncey Lyon was killed instantly; Sergeant +Wolf had his head entirely blown off, and, as is supposed, by one of our +own guns, as he was seen to step in front of the battery just as the +command to fire was given. Immediately thereafter his lifeless body was +found near one of the guns. The others died a few days after, from the +effects of their wounds. Those seriously wounded were removed to the +hospitals at Nashville. Alfred French had his arm amputated. The others +will all probably recover without loss of limbs. Those who were slightly +wounded continued on duty. We had twenty-one horses killed. A shot struck +the forge, knocking out a spoke and splintering the box. The battery wagon +was made a complete wreck. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +WE LEAVE THE BATTLE-FIELD. + + +We remained camped on the battle-ground until the 7th of January, when we +moved about three miles beyond Murfreesboro, on the McMinnville road, and +camped in a piece of woods near the road. The same night the wagons came +out from Nashville, bringing our tents and baggage. We remained here +through the next day. On Friday, January 9th, we struck tents, and went +one mile nearer town. + +We camped about a quarter of a mile off the road, and near a house. The +ground was not very well adapted for such a purpose, being quite low. + +During our stay here we experienced much heavy weather; it rained or +snowed a great portion of the time. But we now received a supply of new +clothing, and other necessary articles. + +After remaining here for ten days, on the morning of Sunday, January 18th, +we once more made a move. + +The morning was quite cold, and considerable snow lay on the ground--a +heavy snow storm having prevailed during the night. + +A march of six miles brought us to Cripple creek. We pitched our tents on +a hill overlooking the surrounding country, and near the creek. The place +was very rocky, and covered with young cedars. The trees, rocks and +stumps, were so thick that it was almost impossible for a wagon to get +through. But the men went to work, and soon had the ground sufficiently +cleared to pitch the tents. This camp was on the McMinnville road, and +eight miles from Murfreesboro. We had passed the place several times +previously. + +The day succeeding our arrival all hands went to work clearing up the +ground, felling trees, and building breast-works and fortifications. This +occupied several days. The weather was cold, with frequent rains, which +rendered our condition rather unpleasant. + +Nothing out of the usual way occurred until January 24th, when the entire +brigade made a reconnoissance towards Woodbury. On reaching Readyville +were joined by General Hazen's brigade, and then proceeded as far as +Woodbury, where a skirmish ensued with a small Rebel force. Our troops +repulsed and drove them from the town. Our brigade returned to camp the +same night. + +Sunday, January 22d. This being the anniversary of Washington's birth-day, +at sun-down we fired a salute. + +The next day Captain Standart started for home, having obtained a short +furlough. + +March 2d. A skirmish reported beyond Readyville. + +March 3d. The entire division of General Reynolds passed our camp, going +towards Woodbury. + +March 5th. An election took place for five persons whose names should be +placed on the Roll of Honor, according to published order of General +Rosencrans. The following men were elected, viz: John Boon, Joseph Axford, +Thomas C. Potter, John Snyder, and C. B. Valentine. + +March 6th. Were paid this day for four months' services, being up to +January 1st. The first payment we had received in six months. This put the +men in good spirits again; but they had one difficulty, and that was, they +had no means of getting rid of their money, as the market in this vicinity +was not over-well stocked with what a soldier wants. + +The next day a portion of General Reynold's force--which went towards +Woodbury a few days previous--returned to Murfreesboro. Cannonading was +heard this day--supposed to be in the direction of Franklin. + +The morning following, the order was passed to prepare to march. But, +after getting ready, we stood all day waiting for the word to proceed. +Just at dark were told to unharness horses, as we were not to move for the +present. + +Tuesday, March 10th. All quiet on Cripple creek. Tents were again pitched. +Considerable rain fell during the day. + +Thursday, March 12th. Lieutenant Baldwin went to Nashville this day, to +procure horses. + +Saturday, March 14th. Buchanan Reed, the artist and poet, of Cincinnati, +addressed our brigade this day. Lieutenant Kelley left for home, having +resigned, and his resignation being accepted. Captain Standart returned to +his command. + +Sunday, March 15th.--Eighth week in our present camp. Brigade review +to-day. + +Sunday, March 22d. Ninth week in camp.--Weather delightful. Peach trees in +bloom. Trees leaving out. + +Wednesday, March 25th. Received news to-day that George D. Eldridge--a +member of our company--was dead. He died in hospital, at Nashville. + +Sunday, March 29th. Tenth week in camp. Last night, at 10 o'clock, we had +an alarm. It was caused by our pickets, who fired on a small party of +Rebel cavalry--the cavalrymen having made a dash on them, so the pickets +reported. No one hurt. + +Wednesday, April 1st. At 12 o'clock last night were routed out, with +orders to prepare three days' rations, in haversacks, for a +reconnoissance. Two hours later preparations were completed, when a start +was made. All of our guns were taken, with two train wagons. The forge and +Battery wagons, and all camp equipage, were left in camp. The brigade +divided and took different roads. The object of this movement was to +surprise and capture a force of Rebel cavalry, who were camped between +Woodbury and McMinnville. A part of the third brigade came out to our +camp, on guard duty, during the absence of our brigade. The expedition +returned at night, having dispersed the enemy, killing and wounding a +number. They also captured their entire camp equipage, several wagons, a +lot of horses and mules, and about twenty prisoners. + +The next morning the third brigade of our division passed camp. Part of +the Fifteenth Pennsylvania cavalry were with them. They had no camp +equipage, and carried five days' rations. Were on a reconnoissance, and +going towards Woodbury and McMinnville. + +Saturday, April 4th. Part of our brigade went to Readyville, as guard to +General Hazen's camp. + +Sunday, April 5th. Eleventh week in camp. + +Tuesday, April 7th, were paid to-day up to 1st of March. + +Saturday, April 11th. At roll-call we had orders to draw three days' +rations, and be in readiness to move at daylight next morning. + +Sunday, April 12th. All were ready to move, but no further order was given +in regard to doing so. In the afternoon the First and Second Kentucky +infantry were each presented with a beautiful flag. The weather continued +fine. This was our twelfth week in present camp. + +Monday, April 20th. General Reynold's division passed our camp on another +reconnoissance towards Woodbury and McMinnville. + +Tuesday, April 21st. The men were this day--as well as several days +previous--engaged in clearing up camp--hauling gravel and evergreens. The +ground had been leveled off, and covered with gravel, and arbors and +summer-houses built of evergreens, stables made for the horses, and our +camp otherwise beautified. It now presented a cheerful appearance. From +indications it appeared that we were to remain here for some time to come. +We were favored with fine weather--but little rain having fallen during +the last month. Everything in nature looked beautiful. + +Saturday, April 25th. A teamster belonging to the brigade, while +intoxicated, fell off his mule just in front of our camp. The wagon passed +over him, injuring him so severely that he died the same night. Could not +learn his name, nor to what regiment he belonged. + +Sunday, April 26th. Fourteen weeks this day since our arrival here. +Lieutenant Baldwin started for home, on a short furlough. Lieutenant +Sypher was sent to Cleveland, on recruiting service, on the 22d inst. The +teamster who was killed the day previous was buried this day. + +Tuesday, April 28th. Had orders to hold ourselves ready to move at any +moment. Considerable Rebel cavalry were daily seen hovering around our +lines. Nothing very serious apprehended. + +Thursday, April 30th. Regular two month's muster for pay. Our tents were +also turned over to the Quarter-Master. We were to have what are termed +"shelter" tents, in place of our old ones. The men call them "dog" tents, +and they are rightly named. Although this was the day set apart, by +President Lincoln, as a day of fasting and prayer, everything went on as +usual in camp. The men said that they had done enough fasting. + +Friday, May 1st. All the sick were this day sent to the hospital. + +Sunday, May 3rd. Fifteen weeks this day at Cripple Creek. We were joined +by two companies of the First Tennessee Cavalry. They went into camp on +the flats across the creek. Regular brigade review. + +Monday, May 4th. The One Hundred and Twentieth Illinois Infantry passed +our camp, going towards Murfreesboro. The regiment had been for some time +in the Second brigade of General Palmer's division, but had been reduced +by sickness and desertion, so that it did not then contain over one +hundred and fifty effective men. The weather continued quite warm. + +Tuesday, May 5th. The Twenty-Third Kentucky Infantry passed our camp, on +their way to take the place of the One Hundred and Tenth Illinois. Weather +cloudy, with some rain. + +Friday, May 8th. Lieutenant Baldwin returned from home, bringing numerous +packages for the men, sent by their friends. + +On Sunday, May 11th, J. P. Beers died, at noon. His disease was Typhoid +fever. He hailed from Collamer, a few miles East of Cleveland, Ohio. At 3 +o'clock a grand review of the entire brigade took place, after which the +troops were formed in a hollow square, when Captain Standart was called +out and presented, by General Cruft, on behalf of the officers of the +brigade, with a beautiful flag for our Battery. But great was the +Captain's surprise, when the General presented him with a splendid sword, +as a mark of the respect and high estimation in which the officers of the +brigade held him. General Cruft then made a neat little speech, which was +happily responded to by Captain Standart. + +Colonel Barnett being present, also offered a few remarks, in which he +alluded, in a happy manner, to the good discipline and soldierly bearing +of the men, and congratulated us for the fair name and reputation which +we had gained. + +Colonel Enyart, of the First Kentucky Infantry, was also presented with an +elegantly wrought sword, by the officers and soldiers of his command. + +Immediately after the above ceremony, loud, long, and hearty cheers were +given for General Cruft, Colonel Barnett, Captain Standart, Colonel +Enyart, and the officers of the First Brigade. And now all quietly marched +back to their respective quarters. + +Sunday, May 10th, 1863, will long live in the remembrance of those who +composed Standart's Battery. + +The flag which we received was made of the most costly material. On its +folds, in letters of silver, was inscribed: Presented by the Officers of +First Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-First Army Corps, to Standart's +Ohio Battery. Underneath this were the Words: Wild Cat, Mill Springs, +Chaplin Hills, Stone River. The Captain's sword is heavily mounted with +gold, and is a beautiful piece of workmanship. It cost two hundred +dollars. + +From the above it will be seen that the services which our Battery has +rendered in the Union cause are duly appreciated by those who know our +history best. + +The morning succeeding the above eventful day, the body of J. P. Beers was +sent home. The detachment to which he belonged escorted his remains +outside the lines. + +The day following, the Third brigade of our division arrived, and camped +near us. + +Friday, May 15. A little excitement in camp, caused by a horse-race for +one hundred dollars a side. Our whilom mule-driver says that his steed can +run the "har" clean off them dandified looking "critters." But says he +don't "keer" about betting, as cabbages ain't very plenty just now. + +Sunday, May 17th. On this morning, as General Palmer and Staff were out, +with some of the First Tennessee cavalry, on a reconnoissance, when about +five miles from camp they were suddenly confronted by a large body of +Rebel cavalry, who at once opened fire on them. General Palmer gave the +command for his cavalry to charge, and which order the brave Tennesseeans +were not slow in obeying. With drawn sabres they rushed on the Rebels, +which caused them to give way, when they broke and fled in confusion. The +result was the capture of about twenty prisoners, the same number of +horses, and a few muskets. Two captains were among the prisoners. One or +two of the enemy were killed, and several wounded. Two or three slightly +wounded on our side. The prisoners were soon after brought into camp. +Brigade inspection in the afternoon. Seventeen weeks in camp at Cripple +creek. + +After the above incident nothing aside from the usual daily routine and +an occasional reconnoissance, transpired until Tuesday, June 23d. On this +day we received word that Andy Ives, a member of our company, was dead. He +had been sick for some time, and had been taken to Nashville by his +father. This made twenty-two of our members who had died or been killed +since we first entered the service. This afternoon the entire army in camp +at Cripple Creek was called out to witness the execution of a private, in +the First Kentucky infantry, for desertion. + +At half-past 2 o'clock, P. M., the division marched in regiments to the +parade ground, and were drawn up in the usual manner on such occasions. At +a quarter to 3 o'clock the prisoner made his appearance, following his +coffin, and surrounded by a strong guard. On either side of him was a +chaplain, or spiritual adviser. The drums beat a mournful march, and, +after passing around the various regiments, with head uncovered, the +doomed man was placed behind his coffin. He was then allowed to make a +short address, but little of which could be heard. After he had concluded, +a prayer, in his behalf, was offered by each of the chaplains. The +prisoner then shook hands with them, and with some of the officers. His +eyes were then bandaged--his bosom bared for the fatal shot. The soldiers +detailed for this painful duty took their positions. With a suspense which +was painful to witness, all awaited the final word for the execution. + +Precisely at 3 o'clock the signal was given, and immediately the report +of twelve guns echoed through the valley. * * * All was over. + +On examination it was found that four balls had pierced his heart, and one +had entered his temple. His death was easy and instantaneous. + +Thus ended a sad and painful scene, the like of which we hope never again +to behold. The man's name was Shockman, and he hailed from Cincinnati. He +was about twenty-eight years of age, and unmarried. + +On returning to our quarters, an order was received to issue twelve days' +rations, and be ready to move at a moment's notice. As we had before +received such orders, and nothing came of them, the men were now inclined +to believe--as we had been so long at this camp--that we would here remain +until disbanded. But at dark it became quite evident that a move would be +made on the following morning. Some were pleased at this, but others were +loth to leave a place which had become almost like a home to them. We had +now been here a little over five months--by far the greatest length of +time we had remained in any one camp. But all things must have a +termination, and so did our stay here. + +In the different dates above, have been given the items of interest which +occurred during our stay at Cripple Creek. But little else, aside from the +usual routine of camp life, had taken place. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +DEPARTURE FROM CRIPPLE CREEK. + + +Early on the morning of June 24th all were astir, and busily engaged in +preparing to march. The word was given to be ready at 7 o'clock. The +weather was quite cloudy, and indicated rain. At 8 o'clock it commenced +raining; and shortly after, we were on the move, having bid adieu to +Cripple Creek, which had so long been our home. The rain was now falling +heavily, and so continued through the whole day. + +After crossing the creek, we took a South-east course. The roads in many +places were quite rough, but the country, generally, was level. We passed +through a fine farming section, and the crops mostly looked flourishing, +but somewhat backward, owing to the late spring frosts, which had delayed +planting. + +A march of six or eight miles brought us out on the Murfreesboro and +Bradyville pike, and the roads were now in better condition. General +Wood's Division were here waiting for us to pass. A little further on, we +found the Second Brigade, General Hazen, waiting to join us. Shortly +after, we passed through the small town of Bradyville. About one mile +beyond this, at a creek, a skirmish took place between some of the First +Tennessee Cavalry and a party of Rebel Cavalry. Two of the Tennesseans +were wounded, and, as usual, the enemy "skeedaddled." + +A halt was now made; and, after standing in the rain for an hour, we +finally turned off the road, and camped for the night in a piece of woods. +Thus ended our first day's march from Cripple Creek. + +The next morning was again rainy. Made a move at 6 o'clock, and found the +roads rough and hilly. Had one very steep and bad hill to ascend, and +found it necessary to double our teams; but it was some time ere all the +guns and caissons were well at the top. We marched about five miles, and +then halted for the wagon train to come up. The weather had now partially +cleared. At 5 o'clock, seeing no prospect of the trains arriving that +night, we finally camped. Some firing heard in the distance, on our left. + +Next morning, the train had not reached us, and we could not move without +it, as we were without provisions or forage. Were obliged to send back for +feed for our horses. More rain was falling, and the roads were getting +very heavy. About noon, the wagons arrived; but no further move was made, +and we quietly remained in camp. Heavy firing was heard nearly all day. A +general battle was reported as going on at Beech Grove, about twelve or +fourteen miles distant. General Thomas' Corps was engaged. Rumors were +rife in camp, and several prisoners were brought in. Our camp was located +at Holly Springs, about seventeen miles from Murfreesboro. + +Saturday, June 27th. All hands were up at daylight, and prepared +breakfast. The weather again cloudy. Firing on our right, still heard; but +just before noon, ceased. At 12 o'clock, report came that General Thomas +had defeated the Rebels and driven them, taking a large number of +prisoners, and a lot of plunder. + +At 1 o'clock, we once more got started, but the road was in a horrible +condition; and after plodding slowly along for some six miles, we turned +into a field near a creek and pitched our tents. + +Sunday, June 28th. Morning cloudy. About 9 o'clock it commenced raining, +but we were soon moving. Went two miles, and then prepared to camp; but +the stumps and brush were so thick that it was some time ere we were +enabled to pitch the tents. This was one mile from Manchester, and near a +large creek, called the Barren fork of Duck river. + +In the morning we were again moving, but nothing worthy of note transpired +for several days. + +Saturday, July fourth, eighteen hundred and sixty-three. This is the +eighty-seventh anniversary of our National Independence, and here we are +engaged in civil war. What would our old Revolutionary heroes say, could +they but look in upon us? Ah! little did they dream when they laid down +the sword and gun, that this country would ever again have cause to +maintain her honor by sword-blade and cannon's mouth; yet, this curse has +been entailed upon us, by the vandal hand of the South. And now, to-day we +stand up in a cause just as pure and holy as that for which our fathers +fought in days gone by. We battle for our country as a whole; it _must +not_, it _can not_ be divided. Yes, + + We'll battle for our own true flag, + We'll fight for every star; + In town, on plain, or beetled crag, + Our cause we'll thunder far. + +But, already a light--faint though it be--breaks over our war-tossed +homes, and 'tis slowly but surely expanding. Ere another year be passed, +we hope to see its effulgent rays light up all the dark corners of our +land. That light, is the light of Liberty and Union. + +But to our Battery. + +We were now camped in the woods near Elk river, and there was but little +prospect of our very soon getting out, as it rained almost uninterruptedly +for several days, making our condition far from enviable. Our wagons, +which had been left at Manchester, arrived early in the morning, as also +did the train from Murfreesboro with provisions, which was hailed with +delight. But still we were to be kept on half rations, as we had been for +some time back. + +During the afternoon the writer of this received two boxes of "good +things" from home, and the men all gathered around him with open mouths +and straining eyes. + +There being a little "mountain dew" in one of the boxes, on inspection, it +made some of the men feel in better spirits, and rather more patriotic. + +Thus passed the 4th of July, 1863. + +Tuesday, July 7th. About five o'clock in the afternoon cannonading was +heard in the direction of Tullahoma, and from the regularity of the firing +it was supposed to be occasioned by some good news. In a short time after, +firing was heard much nearer, and evidently in General Thomas's Corps, +which was encamped on the opposite side of Elk river. One half hour later, +the joyful news was received of the capture of Vicksburg, and the entire +Rebel army of that place. The news spread like wild-fire through the camp, +and every one was in high glee. Good news was also received from the army +of the Potomac, which was now under the command of Major-General Meade. + +Wednesday, July 8th. Early this morning received word to prepare for a +move. Some of the batteries in our division fired a salute in honor of the +victory achieved at Vicksburg. About half-past 7, we got started, and +moved towards Manchester. The roads were in a horrible condition, and it +was with difficulty that we were enabled to proceed. We passed through the +town of Hillsboro, and here General Woods's division went into camp while +we pushed forward, and at 4 o'clock in the afternoon reached Manchester, +a small town on the Chattanooga and Nashville railroad, and went into +camp. + +Our tents were pitched on the same ground that we formerly occupied, and +on the following day we commenced clearing up and regulating the place, as +it was evident that we were to remain here for several days. Shades of +evergreens were erected over the tents, and the ground being hard and dry +our situation was quite pleasant. + +On Monday, July 13th, Generals Rosencrans and Crittenden, together with +several other distinguished officers, arrived on the cars. They appeared +to be on a tour of inspection; but after a short stop proceeded to +McMinnville. + +The Pay Master arrived on the following Wednesday, and took up quarters +with Captain Standart. The next day we were paid for four months' +services, being up to July 1st. + +The above comprises about all that occurred while in camp at Elk river, +out of the usual course of camp life. The weather, while here, was quite +hot, and frequent thunder storms ensued. Several prisoners were brought in +at different times, and numerous foraging expeditions were sent out, and +were generally successful, bringing in oats, rye, and hay. Farmers came in +with wagon loads of potatoes, fruit and vegetables, which were readily +bought by the soldiers. A number of men in our Battery built ovens, in +which they baked bread, pies, etc.; and, as a general thing, we lived on +the best the country afforded. + +A few days before we left camp an addition was made to our Battery of +twelve new members, who were enlisted on the Western Reserve, in Ohio. +Orderly Sergeant Thompson, received his commission as Second Lieutenant, +and William Camp was appointed Orderly Sergeant. William Broe, who was +wounded at the battle of Stone river, rejoined us. Captain Standart was +acting as Chief of Artillery for the division, and also sitting on the +Court Martial board. We received a number of fresh horses from Nashville, +together with a lot of new clothing. Several of the members who had been +left in hospital at Murfreesboro, returned to duty. We remained in this +camp just thirty-eight days. + +At 3 o'clock on the morning of Sunday, August 16th, we were all aroused +from a sound sleep, with the order to "turn out," and "get ready to +march." + +This was rather unexpected, and caused considerable surprise, as it was +understood that no movement would be made until Monday. But, "no man +knoweth what a day may bring forth." So move it was, and at 8 o'clock we +were "marching along." About 10 o'clock we crossed Taylor creek, and +headed towards McMinnville; but when we had proceeded some five or six +miles it clouded up suddenly, and soon we were experiencing one of those +thunder storms so peculiar to this region. In a couple of hours the storm +had passed over, and the remainder of the day was quite pleasant. We +reached Viola near sundown, and camped in a large field near the place. + +At daylight all were up and had breakfast, expecting the usual early move. +The morning was foggy, but at 8 o'clock the mist cleared away, and two +hours later we were on the road. + +We now turned off to the right, crossing a small creek; and, as we were +now off the McMinnville pike, our expectations of going to that place +vanished. We were once more nonplussed as to what was really our +destination. As usual, various opinions were expressed. + +It would really be laughable to an outsider to hear the surmises and +"yarns" of the men about this, that and the other. One thing, however, was +quite evident: that from the direction we were taking, we would soon be +among the Cumberland mountains; and it further looked as if we were +heading towards Chattanooga. + +We soon found ourselves on a road over which we had marched nearly a year +previous, and which leads from McMinnville to Altamont. This road is a +succession of twists and turns, being similar to a street in Boston: it +had no apparent beginning, nor ending. + +After a tedious day of it--meeting with some slight accidents--at night we +came near a large Female Seminary, and camped in the woods close by, and +two miles from Collins river. + +Started at 8 o'clock the next morning, and soon thereafter crossed Collins +river. The road was now ascending, being in many places quite steep, and +it was with much difficulty that we were enabled to transport our heavy +guns. The horses were all pretty well used up at the end of the day, and +some of them had given out entirely. + +On Wednesday morning, according to orders of the previous evening, we got +an early start, and at five o'clock were all on the road. The horses were +suffering for want of food, as we had no forage for them, and we were +obliged to send them back on the road for a supply. + +The road now lay through a thinly settled part of the country, and very +rocky and uneven. Water was scarcely to be obtained, and for the want of +which there was much suffering. Frequent halts were found necessary, to +rest both men and horses. At 2 o'clock we had made about fifteen miles; +had now gained the summit, and were about to descend the mountain. We +found this part of the road more heavy than that of the morning. In going +down a steep pitch, the reach of the forge was broken, and a little +further on, two caissons broke down. The men belonging to the detachments, +together with the wagon maker, were left with them to make repairs. The +remainder of the Battery continued on, and at 5 o'clock reached the small +town of Dunlap, which is located in Sequatchie Valley, and one mile from +the foot of the mountain. + +At 10 o'clock on the morning of September 3d, we once more made a move, +and about noon passed through the town of Jasper, making but a short halt. +Five miles beyond the town, we crossed the Sequatchie river, and halted +on its banks long enough to get dinner. At 4 o'clock we again moved +forward, and continued on till about 8 o'clock in the evening, when we +halted in a large field, about one mile from the Tennessee river. + +Our orders were to unharness horses, but to be prepared to cross the river +as soon as the moon rose. Accordingly none ventured to sleep; but we built +large fires, cooked supper, and patiently awaited for the moon's rising. + +At 10 o'clock Miss Luna showed her face, which was the signal to move; and +in a few moments we were on the way to the river. In a short time we +reached its bank, and at once commenced crossing by means of ferry-boats; +but it was daylight ere all were safely crossed, and at Shellmond. + +Shellmond is nothing more than a railroad station, there being only the +depot building to give it the name of a place. It is located on the +Nashville and Chattanooga railroad, twenty-two miles from Chattanooga, and +about sixteen from Stevenson, being on the South bank of Tennessee river. +The place had been occupied by the Rebels a short time previous to our +arrival, but they had been driven out by Union troops. The depot building, +which is of brick, showed rough usage from the effects of cannon balls, +shell and bullets--it being pretty well riddled. + +About one mile from the depot is a large cavern, called the Knick-a-Jack +Cave. Near by, are the salt works, which had been worked by the Rebels, +but which were mostly destroyed by our troops, at the time the Rebels were +driven out. + +We remained in the above camp until the afternoon of September 5th, when, +at 2 o'clock, we were once more on the move. + +During our stay here, a large number of troops arrived from different +points; and it was now plainly evident that our destination was +Chattanooga, or its immediate vicinity, and all were in expectation of +soon being once more engaged in deadly array with the enemy. The weather +was extremely warm and sultry. + +The division to which our Battery was attached, proceeded on the direct +road to Chattanooga. In many places the road was narrow and rocky, and our +progress was necessarily slow. The Tennessee river was frequently in plain +view, and the road ran in close proximity to the railroad. We occasionally +passed places where the Rebels had made a halt, and had hastily erected +breastworks, or slight stockades, no doubt from fear of an attack from our +forces. + +At dark, all were anxiously awaiting for the order to encamp; but in this +were disappointed, for we were still kept on the move. At half-past 9 +o'clock we passed the ruins of the railroad bridge at Falling Waters. This +bridge was formerly a splendid structure, but was now a complete wreck, +having been destroyed by the Rebels. Three miles further, much to our +gratification, we filed into a cornfield and camped for the night. + +All were weary and well nigh worn out by the protracted march; but fires +were soon lighted, and preparations made for supper. + +It so happened that there was--to elegantly describe it--a hog pen near +by, in which were several fine young "porkers," and the men--though +contrary to orders--were determined to make an inspection of the place. +But how to manage the thing, without alarming the guard, was the question. +Finally a plan was arranged: Two of the men were to stand sentry, while +one, with axe in hand, and another with keen, glittering blade, were to +knock on the head, and cut porkers' throats. This done, they would be +thrown out to the sentries, when they would at once drag them off into the +field, where the initiated were to be lying in wait to receive them. But, +alas! how often are poor mortals' calculations vain. Owing to some +blunder, the pigs took the alarm, and beat a hasty retreat into one corner +of the pen, and their outcries soon brought a Major to the scene of +action, who at once arrested all those who were in the vicinity of the +pen, and all of whom were innocent of any crime. But to the guard-house +they were marched, there to dream of pork in all its forms. + +At daylight we were again on the move, and shortly after crossed the +Georgia line, being the first time we had ever been in that State. + +In many places there were evidences of a grand "skedaddle" having been +made by the Rebels. The men now anxiously began to enquire along the road +the distance to Chattanooga, and what about the enemy. To these questions +they received about as intelligent answers as they might expect from a +freshly imported Dutchman's "Nix-cum-erouse," as all we could learn was, +that it was a "right smart distance," and that Bragg had a "heap" of men, +and us Yankees would wish ourselves "done gone." + +At noon, we arrived at Rock Cove mountain, and, on climbing to its summit, +went into camp. + +We remained here undisturbed during the following day, when, at evening +roll-call, we were ordered to prepare to march. A large number of troops +had come in during the day, and it was evident to all that something +important was soon to occur. + +At 1 o'clock on the morning of September 8th, we resumed our march, and +without an incident, at night camped by the road-side. At daybreak the +following morning, again moved forward, and just before noon arrived at +the celebrated Lookout Mountain, and at once commenced its ascent. We were +soon in plain view of Chattanooga; and from the top of this mountain the +prospect of the surrounding country was grand and picturesque in the +extreme. + +Owing to the breaking down of a number of the transportation wagons, it +was late in the day ere we were all safely over. But great was our +surprise, on now finding ourselves faced in a contrary direction to +Chattanooga. Soon, however, we learned that the enemy had evacuated the +town, and were retreating towards Lafayette; so in that direction we +shaped our course. Proceeding five miles further, we camped for the night. + +The next day we continued the march, and now began to have skirmishes with +the enemy's rear-guard, and it was thought that a general engagement would +soon be brought about. + +Shortly before dark, we crossed the small river of Chickamauga, and two +miles further on came to a halt. + +We moved on the next morning, and after proceeding five miles, halted for +dinner. But while we were quietly partaking of our food, a sudden and +unexpected assault was made by a force of the enemy's cavalry, which +resulted in the capture of about fifty men of the First Kentucky Infantry, +of our brigade, and who were on picket guard. So emboldened were the +Rebels by their exploit, that they made a second dash, and into our very +midst. But they met with a sudden check, and were soon put to flight, +leaving several of their number dead and wounded in our hands. For the +remainder of the day we were not disturbed, and lay in camp till the next +morning. + +The next day, at 10 o'clock in the morning, we arrived at the small town +of Graysville. At this place were several mills and factories, which had +been used in manufacturing various articles for the Confederates. These +works were ordered to be destroyed, which was speedily accomplished, and +soon thereafter we were again moving. + +At 2 o'clock P. M., we reached the town of Ringgold. It was near this +place that Colonel Creighton, and Lieutenant-Colonel Crane, of the gallant +Seventh Ohio Infantry, were soon afterwards killed, while charging up the +steeps at the head of their men. + +We were here informed that the enemy's rear guard had been driven from the +town by our advance cavalry. + +Remaining here for the night, early in the morning we moved forward; but +not until we had destroyed the property of the rampant Rebels who resided +in the place. + +Passing through the town, we took a South-easterly course, and soon +crossed Chickamauga river. After proceeding about eight miles, our column +was suddenly brought to a halt, by our scouts coming in contact with the +enemy's rear guard. A lively skirmish now ensued, which resulted to our +advantage, as several of the Rebels were killed and captured. + +After this incident, we continued on our way, and at dark camped near Lee +and Gordon's Mills, which are situated on the Chickamauga river. Troops +were constantly coming in, and there seemed to be a general concentration +of our forces at this point. Something momentous was on the tapis. + +Long ere daylight the following morning, we had made preparations to move, +and were awaiting orders. From various movements going on in camp, it was +apparent that the enemy were meditating mischief, as it was well known +that they were in strong force in our immediate vicinity. About dark we +changed our position by crossing the river. + +At early dawn the next morning all were ready for orders. After waiting +for some hours, word reached us that the enemy were retreating. +Immediately we were pushed forward, and after going a few miles, arrived +at a cross roads, when a halt was ordered. + +It was now ascertained that the enemy were gradually falling back to the +town of Lafayette, and where it was supposed they would concentrate their +force and await an attack. + +At 7 o'clock of the same evening, the clear, ringing notes of the bugle +summoned us to our respective posts, and in less than ten minutes +thereafter we were moving. But instead of going forward, a retrograde +movement was made; or, in other words, we fell back. Here was mystery on +mystery, to us soldiers, and many a sly wink, or ominous shake of the +head, was exchanged. Two days later, however, plainly showed what this +movement meant. All along the road flashed the camp-fires of the Union +army. The night was cold and cheerless, and around the fires groups of +weary, worn-out soldiers were gathered. Many a draft was made on some +Confederate's rail fence, for fuel to keep the fires going. Onward we +slowly moved, sometimes through cornfields and woods. At 8 o'clock we +turned into a large field, and now expected to go into camp. But in this +were disappointed, for an hour later we were again ordered to proceed. +Near midnight we turned into a cornfield, and, after considerable +maneuvering, were ordered to pitch tents. + +At peep-of-day, on the morning of September 18th, the camp was astir. +Breakfast was hurried up, horses fed and watered, and soon we were ready +to move. Orders were frequently given, and as often countermanded. Horses +were harnessed and unharnessed, some half dozen times; but at last we made +a go of it. Every few moments a halt was ordered; and thus it went until +the day was nearly ended, and little progress had been made. + +Shortly before dark we arrived at Gordon's Mills and came to a halt. +Considerable cannonading was now heard on our right, and Madame Rumor, +with her thousand tongues, was busily circulating all manner of reports +throughout the lines. One thing, however, was certain; and that was, +matters must soon come to a focus, which the events of the following day +will fully demonstrate. + +At 8 o'clock, the same evening, our horses were harnessed and hitched to +the guns; but hour after hour went by, and no word to move. Troops were +constantly filing past our Battery. We huddled around the camp-fires and +patiently awaited for orders. At midnight came the word to "forward," and +away we went. But little did we dream of what was in store for us the day +following, and which resulted so disastrously to the Army of the +Cumberland. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA. + + +FIRST DAY. + +At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 19th of September, we passed our former +camping ground near Lee and Gordon's Mills, and about one mile beyond, +came to a halt. The weather was very cold, but fires were not allowed, and +every one was cautioned to remain as quietly as possible--to keep our +stations, and be prepared to obey any orders that might be given. + +Although the men were weary and nigh worn out, yet they cheerfully obeyed, +as all well knew that danger threatened, and it behooved us to be on our +guard. + +It was well that this caution was taken, for at daylight, the booming of +artillery and the rattle of musketry proclaimed that another battle had +commenced. + +The enemy, in part, were stationed in a piece of woods near the banks of +the Chickamauga river, but in a short time they attempted a flank +movement, and the lines of both armies were at once changed. At 9 o'clock +the engagement became general, and the enemy now made several desperate +charges, but were as often repulsed with heavy loss. At 11 o'clock, the +battle raged with great fury, but both sides still maintained their +ground, and frequently a fierce hand to hand conflict ensued. Charge after +charge did the Rebels make in heavy body upon our sturdy lines, and as +often were they driven back. + +Our Battery was exposed to a hot and galling fire, but we maintained our +position through the entire day, the guns belching forth a continuous +sheet of flame. Several of our men were wounded in the engagement, but +none were killed. Lieutenant Baldwin still commanded the Battery, and +here, as well as at Stone river, he displayed great coolness and bravery. + +At dark, hostilities ceased, only to be renewed with greater fierceness on +the following day. + + +SECOND DAY. + +Early in the morning the battle again opened, when both armies for some +time kept up a series of maneuverings, each endeavoring to gain some +advantage in position. The Rebels having greatly superior numbers, were +enabled to extend their lines, so that our army was in imminent danger of +being outflanked; and at one time they had nearly succeeded in cutting off +our communication with Chattanooga. But General Rosencrans had anticipated +this, and had made preparations to check the movement, which was +successfully done, but not without great loss. + +General Bragg, finding himself foiled in this attempt, now ordered a +general assault along the entire line, and soon the battle raged with +increasing fury. + +About this time, a large body of the enemy charged upon our Battery. On, +on they came, with steady front, feeling confident of victory. But our +gallant men wavered not. Nobly did they face their hated foe, and +anxiously watched the countenance of our brave Captain. Soon he gave the +word, and instantly the brazen throats of all our guns spoke out their +thunder, and the enemy went down like grass before the scythe. But onward +came the foe, and at each instant our guns mowed great gaps in their +ranks. Now they were seen to waver--to sway backwards and forwards, and +finally when it seemed as if they must surely accomplish their object, +they fell back in confusion. + +Soon thereafter, a large body of the enemy were massed and thrown forward +on our Brigade. For a time this assault was withstood, but owing to their +superior numbers, the Brigade was finally compelled to give way. + +The ground over which we retired was very rocky, and covered with a heavy +growth of underbrush. Two of our guns had been disabled, by the breaking +of the trails. As the enemy were closely pressing us, we were compelled to +abandon these guns, which fell into their hands. + +During the above charge, several of our Company were wounded and taken +prisoners. + +The retreat now became general, the Union forces slowly retiring towards +Chattanooga. + +Thus, after nearly two days' hard fighting against a greatly superior +force, the Army of the Cumberland were compelled to give up the field. + +The Union loss in this engagement was, two thousand and eight hundred +killed, eleven thousand and five hundred wounded, and five thousand +prisoners. The Rebel loss was, from their own account, twenty thousand +killed, wounded and prisoners. + +Our Battery reached Chattanooga about dark the same night, and early the +following morning the forge and baggage wagons crossed the river. The army +took position in the town and extended their works for several miles along +the river. Skirmishing frequently ensued, and the battles of Lookout +Mountain, Mission Ridge and Chattanooga were fought, when Bragg was +compelled to give up the offensive, and retire, with his whole army, into +Georgia. + + + + +CONCLUSION. + + +During the intervals of these battles, our Company, as well as the entire +Army of the Cumberland, suffered greatly for the want of suitable food. +For many days we were on quarter rations; and, for some time, had but one +biscuit per day. The horses fared still worse; and it often happened that, +for two or three consecutive days, we had nothing wherewith to feed them. +The Rebels had possession of the country in our front, where forage only +could be obtained. They also had command of the Nashville and Chattanooga +Railroad, on the South side of the Tennessee river; so, our supplies were +transported by wagons by the way of Stevenson. + +Finally, it being found impossible to procure provisions for the entire +army, a number of batteries were placed in the Reserve Corps. Our Battery +was of the number. + +On the morning of October 19th, the order was given to send all the horses +belonging to the Reserve to Stevenson, and that the batteries be moved +across the river. This was done, and we went into quarters at Black Oak +Ridge, where we found comfortable log houses which had been erected by +Union troops, who had previously occupied the place. + +We remained in camp at this place, until the battle of Chattanooga, when, +by orders of General Thomas, we were sent to Nashville. Captain Standart +had sent in his resignation, which was accepted, and, on the 12th of +November, he left for home. The command of the Battery now devolved on +Lieutenant Baldwin, he being the senior officer on duty. + +On Sunday evening, December 6th, we arrived at Nashville, and on the +following day went into camp one mile from the city. Five other Batteries +occupied the same quarters--all under the personal command of Colonel +Barnett. We were designated as the First Division of Reserve Artillery. + +Soon after arriving here, Lieutenant Baldwin--much to the gratification of +all the members of the company--received his commission as Captain. + +As we now had neither horses nor guns, we led a very easy life of it. +Whenever the weather was pleasant, we engaged in out door sports--such as +ball playing, pitching quoits, etc. But when, as was often the case, the +weather was stormy, the time was passed in our tents, reading, writing, +and "spinning yarns." + +At last, the subject of re-enlisting was broached; but, at first, this did +not meet with much favor. Finally, on talking over the matter, and on +learning the benefits to be derived from such a course, a few of the men +stepped forward and placed their names on the roll. Soon, others did the +same, and, by the 4th of January, sixty-five of the old, original members +of the company, had re-entered as veterans. + +On the 18th of the same month, the veterans were duly mustered in for +their new term of service; and a few days later received their back pay, +and also their bounty. + +The 3d day of February was a joyful day to us who had re-enlisted; for, on +that day we were given the order to return home for a month's furlough. + +At 3 o'clock, on the morning of the day following the reception of this +order, the bugle was sounded, as a signal for the veterans to form in +line. Never did its notes sound sweeter. The roll was called, and all +responded to their names but one poor fellow, who had been taken sick, and +was in the hospital. The men who had not re-enlisted gave us three rousing +cheers, followed by a "tiger," to which we heartily responded. Soon we +were on the road to the depot with nimble steps and light hearts; for we +were not going to battle, or on one of our long and weary marches. We were +"homeward bound." + +A half hour later, we were speeding it towards our Northern homes. All our +past trials and privations were forgotten. + +At 9 o'clock on the evening of February, 6th, 1864, we arrived at +Cleveland, having been in the service nearly two and a half years. + + + + +APPENDIX. + + +ORIGINAL ROLL OF MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY, + +AUGUST, 1861. + + William E. Standart, _Captain._ + John A. Bennett, _First Lieutenant._ + J. Hale Sypher, " " + Norman A. Baldwin, _Second_ " + Eben P. Sturges, " " + Geo. D. Eldridge, _Quartermaster's Sergeant._ + Thos. J. Thompson, _Ordnance_ " + John J. Kelly, _First_ " + David H. Throup, _Second_ " + John H. Blair, " " + Elisha D. Parker, " " + Henry Moats, " " + William M. Camp, " " + George Wolf, " " + Wm. Lewhellen, " " + Alonzo B. Adams, _Corporal._ + Alonzo Starr, " + Edmond A. Nichols, " + Addison J. Blanchard, " + Silas H. Judson, " + Harvey P. Fenn, " + Joseph G. Lankester, " + Gerhert Schmidt, " + Merwin Blanchard, " + Lewis R. Penfield, " + Barney McNani, " + William T. Quilliams, " + James Willis, _Bugler._ + Charles E. Humm, " + George Luster, _Artificer._ + George Schmehl, " + William C. Hodge, " + John S. Coleman, " + William Naylor, _Wagon Master._ + + +_Privates._ + + Jeremiah Arndt, + John Q. Adams, + Joseph Axford, + Robert F. Andrews, + Joseph Binehurer, + David K. Bailey, + John L. Barnes, + Jerome Boice, + James Baker, + Thomas K. Bayard, + John Boon, + Jacob Bluim, + Charles Bull, + Hugh Chambers, + John G. Courser, + William H. Chapman, + Samuel B. Cole, + Francis Carter, + Newton Crittenden, + William B. Carvey, + Edmond Chapman, + Orlando P. Cutter, + John Dunlap, + Marvin Dodge, + James Disbrow, + Edmond Demilt, + Joseph A. Day, + John David, + John Elliott, + Samuel Earl, + James H. Fast, + Charles E. Fowler, + Louis Fahrion, + Martin P. Findley, + Charles Furst, + Theodore Gott, + John Grant, + Ransom E. Gillett, + Milo H. Gage, + Thomas M. Hunter, + Lewis Hickok, + Percival Holcomb, + Egbert Holcomb, + Byron Hougland, + William R. Hoadley, + Rodman Hart, + Dwight N. Hamlin, + Andrew H. Ives, + John Jackson, + Joshua B. Kerebs, + Lowman Keredzon, + Buchan Kirk, + John Lepper, + William Leary, + Alonzo D. Lee, + Chauncey Lyons, + Charles H. Millis, + A. J. McLaughlin, + George Mason, + Angus McDonald, + James McIlhaney, + John McKinty, + C. C. McIlrath, + Henry McCowan, + Peter Manning, + William McFarland, + Hugh B. Mooney, + William Newcomb, + George Overy, + Edgar M. Peet, + Harlan P. Penfield, + Aldin B. Peet, + Royal E. Pease, + George W. Payson, + John W. Pickersgill, + Thomas C. Potter, + James Rosborough, + Frank G. Recklee, + John Ripperton, + George Reading, + Samuel B. Ruple, + Lyman C. Richmond, + John Renouard, + Martin V. B. Richards, + Stephen D. Renouard, + Alexander Stratton, + Erastus H. Stroup, + John Shukers, + Nicholas Schroh, + Adam Sprinkle, + Francis D. Storey, + William H. Singer, + Walter Starr, + John Snyder, + S. W. Shankland, + William R. Stanfield, + Frank H. Seidel, + James N. Sloan, + Benjamin H. Sarles, + Francillion Tanney, + Lewis M. Tyson, + Henry Tyson, + William Twerrell, + Austin VanHaun, + Cyrus B. Vallentine, + Richard Williams, + Wesley Wilson, + Jacob Wolf, + Alonzo White, + Theodore White, + James Webster, + Arthur West, + George Walters, + Daniel White, + Samuel P. Wilson, + John Wellsted, + Frank M. Yeckley. + + +NAMES OF MEMBERS WHO JOINED THE BATTERY SINCE ITS FIRST ORGANIZATION. + +_Privates._ + + Robert S. Avery, + Charles Abbott, + William Abbott, + David Burnham, + William Broa, + John P. Beers, + John Blanchard, + Orlando D. Cole, + Henry Mace, + Moses Marx, + George Nagle, + H. Olrock, + Fletcher S. Penfield, + Philo A. Penfield, + Henry A. C. Ross, + Charles B. Radder, + Edwin Chester, + Frank Deidirich, + Walter Dalgleish, + William Freeman, + Balthaser Fischer, + Alfred French, + John French, + William Grant, + G. L. Goodyear, + Silas A. Gardner, + Charles G. Guilford, + Robert S. Graham, + William C. Howe, + Thomas J. Holcomb, + Charles L. Hayden, + T. J. Hudson, + James Hathaway, + Augustus B. Hayes, + Samuel T. Hoyt, + Albert Hawkins, + James S. Jennings, + Conrad Koch, + Patrick Kelley, + Henry Long, + William R. Leonard, + Cuyler Morris, + Lester J. Richmond, + A. E. Sheldon, + Leonard G. Starr, + Edward E. Swift, + Levi L. Sawtell, + George Smith, + Bradford Teachout, + John Carroll, + Reason B. Case, + Frederick Flick, + F. E. Freeman, + Thomas J. Gill, + John H. Gause, + Alexander Manary, + Dennis Troy, + J. McDonald, + George Wilson, + Thomas Marx, + Harman H. Alms, + Alfred Burton, + Frank Bowers, + Albert Fahrion, + Fayette Green, + Charles Heller, + Richard Miller, + Eli Wright. + + +LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE BATTERY WHO WERE KILLED IN BATTLE, OR DIED FROM +DISEASE. + + George Wolf, First Sergeant, _Killed in Battle._ + Chauncey Lyons, Private, " " " + Samuel B. Ruple, " " " " + John Elliott, " " " " + T. J. Thompson, 1st Serg't, _from wounds in Battle._ + Thomas C. Potter, Private, " " " " + T. J. Hudson, " " " " " + John David, Corporal, " " " " + G. Wilson, Private, " " " " + John W. Pickersgill, Private, _Killed by Cars._ + A. Starr, Corporal, _Died._ + D. K. Bailey, Private, " + W. C. Hodge, " " + E. Chapman, " " + T. White, " " + H. P. Fenn, Corporal, " + R. Williams, Private, " + F. Tanney, " " + J. P. Wilson, " " + W. B. Carvey, " " + J. Baker, " " + L. Starr, " " + G. Smith, " " + G. D. Eldridge, Quartermaster's Sergeant, " + J. P. Beers, Private, " + A. H. Ives, " " + + + + +Transcriber's Notes: + +Passages in italics are indicated by _underscore_. + +In the phrases "Pittman's X Roads" and "Logan's X Roads," the "X" +is printed horizontally in the original text. + +The following misprints have been corrected: + "mnrched" corrected to "marched" (page 6) + "fromo ur" corrected to "from our" (page 6) + "necesary" corrected to "necessary" (page 6) + "arived" corrected to "arrived" (page 17) + "Tennesse" corrected to "Tennessee" (page 25) + "1852" corrected to "1862" (page 26) + "euemy" corrected to "enemy" (page 28) + "aad" corrected to "and" (page 34) + "of of same month" corrected to "of the same month" (page 36) + "in in" corrected to "in" (page 36) + "detroyed" corrected to "destroyed" (page 42) + "Pensylvania" corrected to "Pennsylvania" (page 44) + "immediotely" corrected to "immediately" (page 46) + "Watrace" corrected to "Wartrace" (page 53) + "reboubt" corrected to "redoubt" (page 59) + "ronnds" corrected to "rounds" (page 61) + "A" corrected to "At" (page 61) + "fidd" corrected to "find" (page 63) + "torough" corrected to "through" (page 66) + "tne" corrected to "the" (page 79) + "bivouaked" corrected to "bivouacked" (page 83) + "withont" corrected to "without" (page 92) + "gathery" corrected to "gather" (page 94) + "caming" corrected to "coming" (page 103) + "Bejamin" corrected to "Benjamin" (page 109) + "Seargeant" corrected to "Sergeant" (page 109) + "A A" corrected to "A" (page 110) + "pased" corrected to "passed" (page 111) + "Jannary" corrected to "January" (page 111) + "occured" corrected to "occurred" (page 127) + "numerour" corrected to "numerous" (page 127) + +Other than the corrections listed above, printer's inconsistencies in +spelling and hyphenation have been retained. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Our Battery, by Orlando P. 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