Our Battery Part 6

Our battery, being the only company of our present division that had partic.i.p.ated 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 c.u.mberland 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, pa.s.sed 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 pa.s.s 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 pa.s.sed 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 pa.s.sed 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. Pa.s.sed through Somerset at 8 o'clock, and went out on the road to Fis.h.i.+ng 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 pa.s.sed 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 Fis.h.i.+ng 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., pa.s.sed the battle ground of Mill Springs.

Old stories of the battle were told, as we pa.s.sed the familiar places where the conflict had raged. Many a tree bore the marks of cannon ball and sh.e.l.l. 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 n.o.ble 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, pa.s.sing 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. Pa.s.sed 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 pa.s.sed 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.

Sat.u.r.day, 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 pa.s.sed 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., pa.s.sed through Gallatin, without stopping, and took the Lebanon road. At night camped on the banks of c.u.mberland 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 pa.s.s, 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 pa.s.sed 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.