Our Battery Part 2

This battle has been given several names; such as, battle near Somerset, battle of Fis.h.i.+ng 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 d.i.c.k 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 fas.h.i.+oned 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 Sat.u.r.day, 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 pa.s.sed through.

It having been found impracticable to go forward into East Tennessee, for various reasons, on Sat.u.r.day, 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., pa.s.sed 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 Was.h.i.+ngton'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 c.u.mberland 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 pa.s.sed, 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 c.u.mberland. 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 c.u.mberland, 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 sh.o.r.e to see the place, but had a pretty good view of it as we pa.s.sed by. There were a large number of Union troops stationed here, who heartily cheered us on pa.s.sing. The stars and stripes were floating over the fort, where erst the hated symbol of secession flung its disgraceful folds.

On Monday morning, we pa.s.sed 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 ash.o.r.e 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, pa.s.sing through several of the princ.i.p.al 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 c.u.mberland 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 sh.e.l.l, were laying around in large quant.i.ty.

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 c.u.mberland 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, pa.s.ses 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 Mitch.e.l.l'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 a.s.sisted 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 rus.h.i.+ng 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.