FROM THE MOUNTING OF THE REGIMENT TO LEAVING POCAHONTAS.
_Regiment mounted--Scout to Tuscumbia, with its five
engagements--Scout to Florence, with two engagements--Move camp
to Pocahontas--Scout to New Albany, destroying the town--Mud
Creek scout and battle--Scout to Jackson, and battle--Scout to
Ripley--Scout to Trenton, Tenn.--Scout to Grenada--Raid to
Grenada--Commissions and promotions--Battles of Salem, Graham's
Mills and Wyatt's--List of killed and wounded--Incidents._
Our Government, by the beginning of 1863, began to see the necessity of
having a larger mounted force. It was proposed that many of the
Infantry Regiments should be mounted for scouting purposes. Lieut. Col.
Phillips made application to have the 9th Ill. Inft. mounted. He was
told that it could be mounted on mules, but not on horses. He replied
that he would prefer the mules, as they would endure more hard usage
and require less care. Hence, on the 15th of March, 1863, Lieut. Col.
Phillips, commanding Regiment, received orders to mount his command, on
mules, for scouting purposes. The Regiment was all mounted by the 20th
of March.
Col. Mersy was in command of the 2d Brigade, and Lieut. Col. Phillips
of the Regiment. This arrangement still continues, to the present date.
Sergeant George Rhuland, of Company A, was commissioned as 1st
Lieutenant of said company. He ranks from March 20th, 1863, the date of
the receipt of his commission.
The Regiment was paid on the 26th of August, by Major Phelps, for the
months of May and June.
On the 14th of April, the Regiment received orders to be ready to move
by daylight the next morning. The order was afterwards changed to
moving in half an hour. We were soon on the way towards Glendale, where
the rebels had made a dash on a small body of the 64th Ill. Vols. We
reached Glendale a little too late, as Col. Cornyn had driven the enemy
and started in pursuit. The Regiment hastened forward and found him at
Yellow Stone Creek. We were delayed one and a-half hours in crossing
this very muddy stream. Hence, we bivouacked for the night two miles
beyond. Moved forward rapidly, on the 15th, and bivouacked within four
miles of Big Bear Creek, on the opposite bank of which, we were
informed, there was a large body of the enemy. We awaited here, on the
16th, the arrival of the Infantry force from Corinth. All having
arrived, we moved rapidly, early on the morning of the 17th. After
"shelling the woods" for a short time with our rifled pieces, the
following mounted forces, viz: 10th Missouri Cavalry, battalion of the
15th Illinois Cavalry, and the 9th Illinois Mounted Infantry, dashed
rapidly across the creek. Captain Richardson was throwing shell over
our heads at an imaginary force across the creek. As he did not stop
soon enough, a number of his shell flew among our men, but fortunately
no one was hurt. As soon as all the mounted force was over, and one
section of Tamrath's Battery, we moved forward on the Tuscumbia road.
At Dickson's we ran upon the enemy's videttes, driving them back to
"Buzzard Roost" or "Cherokee Bluffs," where they made a stand, and the
place being naturally strong, our shell could not dislodge them.
Consequently, the 9th Ill. Mounted Infantry was dismounted, and
deployed as skirmishers. They advanced rapidly to within one hundred
yards of the bluff, and then the right wing swung around on the left
flank of the enemy, compelling them to leave the bluff very rapidly,
and in great disorder. About 25 of the Rebels were killed, wounded and
captured. Our loss was five slightly wounded, none disabled. The
weather being intensely hot, the horses in the section of battery with
us, became too much exhausted to move further. Their ammunition was
also about exhausted. The two guns were consequently left at this place
to await the arrival of the main force. Lieutenant Krebs, with Co. D,
was left to support the guns, in case of an attack. There were also
seven men of Co. I left here to guard the prisoners.
Immediately after crossing the creek, one company of the 10th Mo., and
one of the 9th Ill., were ordered to move two miles out on our left
flank, and break up a camp of the enemy said to be in that direction.
Lieutenant Patterson, with Co. E of our Regiment, was ordered on that
expedition. This detachment drove the rebels from their camp, toward
their main body on the Tuscumbia road. This body of the enemy, 250
strong, came upon the two guns of Tamrath's Battery that we had left at
Cherokee Bluffs, and before the guns could get to us, they, and all of
Co. D, except three men, and the seven men of Co. I, were captured. We
moved rapidly back, and succeeded in recapturing one of the guns in
"Lundy's Lane."
Col. Cameron, of the 1st Alabama Regiment, (loyal,) was killed here in
the charge. The Rebels fled to the timber on our left, beyond the reach
of our muskets, and too far off for the effective firing of the
"Mountain howitzers."
Col. Cornyn now ordered us to fall back and rejoin the main body, as we
numbered only 1200, all told, while the enemy were not less than 2500
strong. Scarcely, however, had we left "Lundy's Lane," before the enemy
filed out of the timber and formed a line across the open field,
threatening our rear. The advance of the Infantry force being now only
one mile back, we turned about and confronted our foe. The 9th Ill.
Inft. dismounted, and moved around to the left flank of the enemy's
line, while the cavalry charged their front. They broke and fled beyond
a high ridge, and we advanced rapidly and took possession of the ridge.
In the meantime, Col. Bane's Brigade, and Welker's Battery came rapidly
on the field, unobserved and unknown to the Rebels. This Brigade was
immediately posted as follows: The 50th Ill. behind a high grading of
the Railroad and to the left of the open field, on which the Rebels had
formed their line previous to being driven back by our Cavalry; the 7th
Ill. Inft. were moved in the timber, around to the right of the field,
and a little further advanced than the 50th; the 57th Ill. were held in
reserve. The Cavalry received orders to fall back rapidly, and in
apparent confusion, as soon as the enemy should appear on the ridge.
This disposition being made of the forces, the 9th Ill. Inft. fell back
100 yards, to a fence overgrown with bushes, and lay concealed behind
it. The Rebels advanced with loud shouts, and planted a 12-pound
Howitzer on the ridge. Our Cavalry hastily retreated, and the enemy
believing victory certain, dashed gallantly ahead, when the 50th and
7th Ill. Regiments opened on them a deadly fire. About the same time, a
body of the enemy appeared on the left of the Railroad on the ridge.
They were opened upon by the 9th Ill. The contest was not long. In less
than ten minutes, the whole body of the Rebels were in rapid retreat
towards Cane Creek.
The loss of the enemy was, according to their own statement, 17 killed,
50 wounded, and 23 taken prisoners. The 9th Ill. lost 5 wounded and 59
captured (Co. D.) The entire Union loss was 3 killed, 10 wounded, and
75 captured.
Night now coming on, we bivouacked near the battle-field. On the 18th,
after a reconnoisance in front, and finding the enemy in strong
position near Cane Creek, our whole force fell back to Bear Creek, and
went into camp.
On the 19th, Companies E and F were sent, as escort to a train, to
Eastport Landing. The rest of the Regiment, with the whole mounted
force, moved circuitously to "Buzzard Roost," and found the enemy,
under Roddy, occupying the same position as on the 17th at Cherokee
Bluff. Our Regiment was again deployed as skirmishers, in the same
manner as before. After fifteen minutes skirmishing, we drove the enemy
from his position, killing, wounding and capturing 13 of them, and
losing none.
We then returned to camp at Bear Creek, taking with us a drove of
cattle and sheep. On the 20th of April, the 7th Kansas Cavalry joined
us, and on the nest day the Ohio Brigade, Col. Fuller commanding. Our
entire column moved forward on the morning of the 23d, and crossed Cane
Creek without opposition; the Rebels having fallen back to Little Bear
Creek. Here General Dodge offered battle, but they declined, and we
bivouacked for the night. We moved forward again on the 24th, the enemy
continually falling back, not even making a feeble resistance at Little
Bear Creek, although the position was a very strong one.
On nearing the town of Tuscumbia, the enemy, under Forrest, left on the
Decatur road. Col. Cornyn was ordered forward after them, with the 10th
Mo. Cavalry, the 7th Kansas Cavalry, and the 1st Alabama Cavalry.
Lieut. Col. Phillips, with two companies of Cavalry, two companies of
9th Ill. Inft., viz: A and B, and two guns of Tamrath's Battery, was
ordered to move up to Florence, and capture the town. He proceeded to
that place with his command. Arriving on the bank of the river,
opposite the town, and observing a small force of cavalry in Florence,
he called to them to send him over a boat, as he desired to send over a
flag of truce. They replied, telling him to go to that place, where I
suppose but few, if any, desire to go. The Col. did not feel disposed,
at least to obey their orders, and thinking he had that with which he
could enforce obedience to his, he placed his two rifled guns in
position, and made a second demand for a boat. To this he received the
same reply, as before. Immediately he opened upon them with his two
guns, throwing shell into the town. The cavalry on the other side broke
and ran. As they passed up the street, a shell was thrown among them,
killing one horse. In a very short time, white flags were hung out all
over the town. In the meantime, a small raft had been constructed, on
which a flag of truce was sent over, and the Mayor of the town made a
formal surrender. The object of demanding the surrender was, not that
we might hold the place, but that we might ascertain whether the enemy
had any considerable force there. The desired information being gained,
the Col. evacuated it, and returned to the main force again.
The remainder of our Regiment, and the battalion of the 15th Ill.
Cavalry, were ordered to move forward, within supporting distance of
Col. Cornyn. We moved forward until near night, and not being able to
reach him, we returned to Tuscumbia, and bivouacked. At 10 o'clock that
night, we received orders to move out rapidly and join Col. Cornyn, as
he feared the enemy would come upon him, too strong, at daylight, his
forces being very much exhausted. We reached him, beyond Leighton, by
2:30 A. M., on the 25th, and at daylight the whole force returned to
Tuscumbia.
Our Regiment turned over 200 mules to Col. Streight, on the 26th, to
complete the mounting of his force, thus dismounting Companies C, D, E,
G, H and K, of our Regiment.
On the morning of the 27th April, we again moved forward, toward
Decatur, to attract the attention of Forrest, until Col. Streight had
moved entirely around his left flank towards Atlanta. We found the
enemy posted at Town Creek, four miles beyond Leighton. Some picket
skirmishing took place before night. We bivouacked near the Creek.
Early on the morning of the 28th, the Rebels having discovered the
position of the dismounted companies of our Regiment, opened upon us
with schrapnel, compelling us to fall back hurriedly out of their
range. The artillery kept up a constant firing all day, and after noon
a part of the 81st Ohio and the mounted companies of the 9th Ill.,
crossed over, at the Railroad bridge, and drove the enemy from their
position.
Col. Streight having now completely passed the enemy, our entire column
moved on the return march, on the morning of the 29th April. Bivouacked
for the night near Little Bear Creek. Reached Big Bear on the 30th, and
were compelled to remain in camp there until the evening of the 1st of
May, when a bridge having been constructed, we crossed over and
proceeded up the Railroad to our old place of camping, four miles from
Big Bear Creek. From there we proceeded on the main traveled road to
Burnsville, reaching that place sometime after night, and bivouacked.
On the morning of the 2d May, Lieut. Col. Phillips, with the four
mounted companies, viz: A, B, I and F, was ordered to report to Col.
Cornyn, commanding cavalry force, for an expedition to Tupelo. The rest
of the Regiment moved forward, at 10 A. M., and reached Corinth by 2
P. M.
During this trip the Regiment was out from camp 18 days, and had five
engagements with the enemy--two on the 17th of April, one on the 19th,
one on the 27th, and one on the 4th of May. The great object of this
expedition, was to divert the attention of the enemy until Col.
Streight, who was fitting up an expedition for a grand raid into
Georgia, should have time to complete the mounting of his men, and get
well started on his way.
Lieut. Col. Phillips, with the four mounted companies of our Regiment,
having been ordered on an expedition to Tupelo, separated from the
remaining companies at Burnsville, on the 2d of May, and proceeded to
Tupelo. Had a skirmish with the enemy there, and rejoined the Regiment
at camp, May 7th.
Quartermaster Korn died of disease May 6th, 1863. Dr. Guelick and
Captain Hawes were detailed on the 7th of May, the former to Fort
Henry, and the latter to Memphis. Dr. Wm. A. Allen, 2d Assistant
Surgeon, appointed by the Governor of Illinois, reported for duty on
the 12th, and was mustered into the service, to rank from that date.
On the 13th of May, the Regiment moved into the barracks formerly
occupied by the 39th Ohio, one mile south-east from Corinth.
On the 15th of May, Brig. Gen. Thomas, Adjutant General U. S. Army,
addressed the soldiers at Corinth, announcing and advocating the policy
of the Government in regard to freeing and arming the negroes. His
remarks met with a hearty approval by nine-tenths of the soldiers at
the military post of Corinth.
May 26th, our Regiment being again all mounted, we were ordered to
report to Col. Cornyn, commander of Cavalry Brigade, at 10 A. M. Moved
immediately thereafter, on the Corinth and Hamburg road, toward Hamburg
Landing. We reached that place and began to cross the Tennessee River
about dark, the 9th Ill. crossing over first. Our Regiment all got over
by 2 A. M., of the. 27th, and the remainder of the force by noon of the
same day. At 1 P. M., the entire column moved forward on the road
towards Florence, taking the most easterly route. Halted, for rest and
feed, two hours at 1 o'clock, A. M., of the 28th, and then moved
forward again eight miles North-east from Florence. A detachment of the
7th Kansas Cavalry destroyed two large woolen factories, four miles
from the city. We drove in the videttes of the enemy, and when we were
within one hundred yards of the town, they opened on us with a battery
of two guns, throwing schrapnel with great accuracy, compelling us to
move from the road, by the left flank, into the timber, to avoid the
deadly missiles. Col. Cornyn moved his howitzers rapidly forward, and
soon silenced the Rebel guns.
The 9th Ill. was now dismounted and thrown forward as skirmishers. The
1st Battalion, (Cos. A, B and C,) Lieutenant Ruhland commanding, moving
forward in column, as reserve. The opposition of the enemy did not
amount to much, and we soon had possession of the town. Our loss was
two wounded, and two captured. The enemy lost from ten to twelve killed
and wounded, and sixty to eighty captured. After searching the town,
and destroying all the stores of value to the enemy, we began out
return march, taking the most westerly route, so as to destroy three
large cotton mills and two more large woolen mills, all of which we
succeeded in doing without loss to us. At 12 o'clock, midnight, we
bivouacked until morning. The enemy disputed our entire advance from
Florence to the place of bivouack, and then ceased to molest us. We
reached the crossing opposite Hamburg, at 2 A. M., of the 30th May,
when we bivouacked until morning.
During the day the enemy appeared in force in our rear, before we had
even our baggage across, and as Col. Cornyn had moved down to Savannah
to relieve the 10th Ill., Lieut. Col. Phillips assumed command, and
moved out one-half mile from the river and offered battle, when the
Rebels hastily fell back. We succeeded in all getting over by 2 A. M.
of the 31st, without further molestation. In the skirmish the opposite
side of the river, none of our men were hurt. The enemy lost several in
wounded and captured, none are known to have been killed. At 7 A. M.,
the 31st, the entire column moved toward Corinth, and we reached camp
there at 1 P. M.
During this expedition, the Regiment was out six days, and engaged in
two skirmishes with the enemy. The object of the expedition seemed to
be the destruction of public property and stores which would be of
advantage to the enemy.
After leaving Hamburg Landing at 1 P. M., of the 27th May, the boys
were in their saddles, or pack-saddles, as they then were, for about
thirty-six hours almost constantly, except the few hours they were in
Florence searching the houses for arms, and destroying stores that
might be serviceable to the enemy. At 12 o'clock, on the night of the
28th, they halted, until early in the morning, when they were off on
the march again. The result of this raid was 64 prisoners captured,
over 200 negroes brought in, a large number of mules and horses
captured, about $3,000,000 worth of Factory property destroyed.
On the 3d of June, 1863, the Regiment received orders to be ready to
move on the next morning, at 8 o'clock, with camp and garrison
equipage. Moved on the 4th, in accordance with the above order, in a
North-west direction. Passed through Cherwalla, and bivouacked for the
night about ten miles west of it. The Tuscumbia and Hatchie Rivers had
to be bridged, in order to cross the artillery and infantry. The entire
Brigade were moving with us. These streams were bridged, the forces
crossed, and we arrived at Pocahontas by 4 P. M., on the 5th of June,
and bivouacked in the town for the night. On the 7th, the Regiment
moved into camp one-fourth mile north of the town.
On the 8th of June, Lieut. Col. Phillips, with Companies A, B, E, F, G
and I, moved south on a scout, and returned on the 9th, at 1 P. M.,
bringing in a drove of cattle and sheep. The remaining companies of the
Regiment went as an escort to a train of wagons, as far as the bridge
on Tuscumbia Creek.
On the 11th of June, Capt. Kneffner, with Companies A, C, E, H and I,
moved North-west on a scout, and returned in the evening, having
marched 40 miles, bringing in three prisoners.
The Regiment, accompanied by one section of Tamrath's Battery, moved
south on the Ripley road, on the 12th of June, at 1 P. M., and
bivouacked for the night within ten miles of Ripley. Moved forward
early on the morning of the 13th, and took possession of Ripley without
opposition. The town was searched, but nothing of a contraband nature
was found, except a number of negroes, who were confiscated for the use
of the Government. Moved on in the direction of New Albany. At Orizabo,
the flankers on our left encountered a few Rebel soldiers, and after
driving them off, burned the place, as it contained Rebel stores and
was a place of rendezvous for them. While stopping to feed, about four
miles south of Ripley, a family moving to Ripley came along. Their
wagons and carriage were searched, and a Rebel mail was found in the
old lady's carpet-sack. Their horses and mules were all confiscated,
except one old team of mules which they were allowed to keep.
The Regiment then proceeded to New Albany, reaching that place about 4
P. M. Finding the town nearly deserted by citizens, and used as a
general Headquarters for guerrillas, and a supplying point for them, it
was entirely destroyed, after any stores of value that could be carried
away were taken.
We then moved back toward Ripley, on a different route from the one by
which we had entered, going three miles and bivouacking for the night.
At 1 o'clock, A. M., June 14th, Lieutenant Krebs and escort came into
our bivouack from Pocahontas, with orders from Col. Mersy, for us to
return as rapidly as possible to camp at Pocahontas, as the enemy were
planning to capture us. We moved at 2 A. M. Reached Ripley at breakfast
time, and camp at Pocahontas at 8 P. M. At daylight this morning, the
enemy, 1500 strong, reached our last night's bivouack. But fortunately
we were safe out of their reach. It was fortunate for us, for our force
numbered but 300 men with two pieces of artillery.
The Regiment was out three days on this expedition. It captured, and
brought in, about 25 Rebel soldiers, 50 contrabands, and 100 head of
horses and mules. It marched over one hundred miles.
On the 17th of June, the Regiment again, moved southward, at 8 P. M.,
with six days rations. The night was rainy and intensely dark. One
section of Tamrath's Battery was with us, under Lieut. Bruner. Marched
all night in the dark and rain. It was such bad traveling, that we only
moved twelve miles by sunrise of the 18th. Halted and fed at old
"Secession Hopkins'," where the Regiment had already fed four times.
Reached Ripley at 1 P. M., and found no enemy, but were told that 1,500
Rebels were moving around, to get between us and Pocahontas. We moved
back two miles, and halted to feed. Here we were joined by 125 men of
the 5th Ohio Cavalry, Major Smith commanding, and 180 of the 18th
Missouri Mounted Infantry, commanded by Lieut. Col. Sheldon. Our whole
force now numbered a little over 600: 5th Ohio Cavalry 125, 18th
Missouri Mounted Infantry 180, Section of Battery 50, 9th Ill. Mounted
Inft. 275. Total, 630.
Lieut. Col. Phillips, senior officer present, assumed command of the
whole force. We moved back five miles and bivouacked for the night.
Finding no enemy, we moved forward again by daylight of the 19th.
Passed through Ripley at 8 A. M., and New Albany at 2 P. M. Captured
Lieut. Col. McCarly of the 23d Mississippi, below Ripley. Drove in the
videttes of the enemy at New Albany, and moved forward on the Pontotoc
road. When within six miles of the latter place, Lieut. Col. Phillips
having gone as far as his orders permitted him, moved five miles West,
and then moved North towards Rockford. Marched until after midnight of
the 19th, having to cross a terrible swamp, called the Octohatchie. We
bivouacked for the night on a ridge between Octohatchie and Mud Creek.
Moved forward again at 7 A. M., of the 20th, 5th Ohio occupying the
rear, and 18th Missouri the advance. While we were preparing a crossing
of Mud Creek, the enemy, 3,000 strong, under Gen. Ruggles, made a
furious attack upon the rear guard, but were most gallantly met and
checked by the 5th Ohio Cavalry. Six companies of the 9th Ill. Inft.
were dismounted, and deployed as skirmishers. They, and the 5th Ohio
Cavalry, held the enemy in check for two and a-half hours, until the
artillery had crossed the several most wretched fords of Mud Creek. One
of the caissons getting stuck in the mud, we were compelled to leave
one-half of it there, and as it completely blocked up the crossing, we
had to destroy the five baggage wagons that were behind it, to prevent
their falling into the hands of the enemy; everything we could possibly
save, being brought over the ford. We fell back rapidly, and got
possession of Rocky Ford, before the Rebels got around, and succeeded
in crossing before they could molest us.
Our loss in this engagement, was 5 killed and 18 wounded. The loss of
the enemy could not be definitely ascertained, but was not less than
200 in killed, wounded and missing.
The place where this battle was fought, was a dense cane-brake. Men
could not see each other more than a few feet. Our men could hear every
command given by the Rebel officers, but could not see the enemy.
After getting safely out of that terrible bottom, and crossing the
Tallahatchie at Rocky Ford, we moved through Salem, on the 21st, and
reached camp at Pocahontas, at noon of the 22d June. The Regiment was
out six days, during this trip. Had to endure some very hard marching.
Marched almost constantly, day and night.
On the 23d of June, 2d Assistant Surgeon Dr. Allen, was ordered to
report at LaGrange, Tenn., by Surgeon Gay, Medical Director left wing
16th Army Corps, and left for that place on the 24th.
On the 6th of July, Companies A, C, E, F, G, H and I, under the command
of Lieut. Col. Phillips, moved North-west on a scout, and returned on
the 7th at noon, not having found any force of the enemy.
On the 8th of July, the entire Regiment moved Northward, with three
days rations, 35 miles, and returned on the 9th without finding any
force of the enemy. Brought in a number of citizens as prisoners, with
all the horses and mules, of any value, that could be found. Rabid
secessionists followed after, pleading for their animals. Col. Phillips
would tell them that he was a kind-hearted man, had a number of
prisoners, and did not wish to have them walk. Hence, he must have
their horses and mules. He expressed sorrow for the necessity. It is a
question whether that sorrow was very _deep down_, however, as he has
no mercy on Rebels, and takes all the horses and mules from them, that
he can place his hands upon, without much trouble of conscience.
On the 12th of July, the Regiment again moved in a North-west
direction, with five days rations. Joined Col. Hatch's force from
LaGrange, North of Bolivar, and the combined force moved to Jackson,
and on the 13th engaged a Rebel force there, under Forrest, Newsom, and
Biffle. Our Regiment was dismounted as skirmishers. After brisk firing
for one-quarter of an hour, we dislodged them. The cavalry then moved
over the river and took the flank of the skirmish line. The right wing
of our Regiment were recalled from their position on the South side of
the creek, and placed in reserve of the left wing. We then moved
rapidly forward, until within a few hundred yards of their
fortifications, when we made a charge upon their works and drove them
out, by a charge from our skirmish line. We moved forward, thinking
that they had left. But when in the suburbs of the North side of the
town, the Rebel cavalry came charging down on us from the North-east
and East parts of the town. We quickly formed in line facing them, and
went into them with a fierceness that they could not long stand. In
about fifteen minutes they were driven entirely from the field, and we
advanced to their position. We captured a goodly number of horses and
muskets they were compelled to leave. One Rebel Captain was found dead
on the field. A prisoner who was captured, said he was a notorious
guerrilla chieftain, and hated by their own men. Said there would not
be much sorrow for his death. The fighting in all lasted about two and
a-half hours.
We captured about 70 prisoners, 30 of whom were paroled, the remainder
were brought into camp. Our loss was one killed and six wounded. The
enemy's loss in killed and wounded, was about two hundred. The Regiment
returned to camp about 1 P. M., of the 15th, having been out four days.
On the 18th, six companies, under command of Lieut. Col. Phillips,
started on a scout about dark, after a party of guerrillas who had made
a dash upon some of the Home Guards at Middleton, killing and taking
prisoners several of them. They pursued them all night, in the
direction of Bolivar, but could not find them. Returned to camp about
noon the next day.
On the 20th of July, the Regiment moved South, accompanied by two guns
of Tamrath's Battery. At Hopkins we were joined by the 11th Ill.
Cavalry, commanded by Major Kerr. Moved on to within three miles of
Ripley, and bivouacked at the forks of the Nubbin Ridge and
Ruckersville road. Two companies of Cavalry and two companies of
Mounted Infantry were sent towards Ripley to reconnoiter. Discovering
no enemy, they soon returned. On the 21st, the command moved back seven
miles to Ruckersville, and there awaited orders from Corinth. We moved
forward again on the 22d, at 3 A. M. Halted at Ripley two hours.
Captured two prisoners, and then moved back to camp at Pocahontas.
The Regiment moved North-west, at daylight on the 20th of July, with
eight days rations. It joined Col. Hatch's command, North of Bolivar,
at 8:30 P. M., of the same day. After the Regiment was formed, before
marching, a brief prayer was offered by the writer, who was then
present with the Regiment. Bivouacked for the night, ten miles North of
Bolivar. On the 27th, Lieut. Col. Phillips was ordered to the command
of a Brigade, consisting of the 9th Ill. Inft. and 3d Michigan Cavalry,
and Captain G. G. Lowe took command of the Regiment. We joined Col.
Prowitt's command at Lexington, Tenn., on the 28th. Passed through
Clarksville, a Union town, to-day. Had captured a goodly number of
mules and negroes, and about 100 prisoners up to this date. Among the
latter were two Colonels. Passed through Huntingdon on the 29th. A
strong Union town. While stopped here, two daughters of Col. Hawkins of
the 2d West Tennessee Cavalry, (loyal,) paraded the streets, carrying
the stars and stripes. This was cheering to our boys. We lay over most
of the 29th at Macedonia. Moved to Trenton on the 31st. Passed through
a very rough country, and in a poor state of cultivation. From Trenton
we proceeded South, towards Jackson, passing through Jackson on the 1st
of August, and reaching camp at Pocahontas on the 3d of August, about 8
P. M.
The Regiment was out, during this scout, nine days. Did not have any
engagements with the enemy.
On the 6th of August, Companies A, C, D, E, G, H, I and K, under
command of Lieut. Col. Phillips, moved North-west of Bolivar, and
returned on the 7th, without finding any forces of the enemy.
On the 12th of August, at 10 P. M., the Regiment moved South, with six
days rations. Marched all night, and halted at sunrise and fed. At 6
A. M., of the 13th, we were on the march again. Took the road through
Salem, passing that place about 4 P. M., and bivouacking for the night
six miles beyond it. Moved forward again at daylight on the 14th,
crossing the Tallahatchie at Rocky Ford, and bivouacking for the night.
Moved West on the Oxford road, early on the 15th, reaching that place
at noon. Here we joined a Brigade from LaGrange. Lieut. Col. Phillips
assumed command of the Brigade, and moved on six miles beyond Oxford,
on the Coffeeville road, and bivouacked for the night. At daybreak, on
the 16th, moved forward again. We were joined to-day, by a Brigade of
Cavalry from Germantown and Collierville, under the command of Lieut.
Col. M. R. M. Wallace, who being junior officer to Lieut. Col.
Phillips, reported his command to him for orders. Lieut. Col. Phillips
now assumed command of the whole force, consisting of two Brigades.
Lieut. Col. Wallace had command of the 1st Brigade, and Major Coon of
the 2d.
The whole force crossed the Tochamy River on a ferry boat, and reached
Water Valley at 12 M. Here our advance captured a train of seven
six-mule wagons, and a number of prisoners who were guarding the train.
The 1st Brigade was so long delayed in crossing the river, that Major
Coon, who had command of the 2d Brigade, did not leave Water Valley
until 5 P. M. He then moved forward to within two miles of
Coffeeville, and bivouacked for the remainder of the night. It was 2
A. M., of the 17th, when we reached that point.
A heavy storm of rain came on shortly after leaving Water Valley, and
the night became intensely dark. The darkness made it very difficult to
march at all. Often the mules, with their riders, would tumble into the
ditches. The 1st Brigade, commanded by Lieut. Col. Wallace, moved only
one mile from Water Valley, when the darkness became so intense, that
movements were almost impossible. The Brigade was consequently ordered
into bivouack for the night. On the morning of the 17th, Lieut. Col.
Wallace joined the 2d Brigade at Coffeeville. The entire force now
moved forward rapidly towards Grenada, the 11th Ill. Cavalry having the
advance. When ten miles from Coffeeville, six or eight locomotives and
40 or 50 cars were captured, and a guard placed over them. When the
advance were within four miles of Grenada, the Rebels fired the two
large Railroad bridges over the Tallobusha, and before we could reach
them, they were completely destroyed. The 11th Ill. Cavalry was ordered
forward, as rapidly as possible, to prevent the unnecessary destruction
of property; and the entire 2d Brigade moved forward at a brisk trot.
When within one mile of town, the 11th Cavalry were checked by about
300 of the enemy. The 9th Ill. Inft. were dismounted and sent forward
as skirmishers. Soon after, the 2d Iowa and 3d Michigan Cavalry went
into the action. Orders were sent back to Lieut. Col. Wallace to hasten
up his Brigade, and move forward with all possible dispatch. As soon as
the Battery was placed in position, Col. Wallace was ordered to enter
town, with his Brigade, by the lower ford. The enemy not replying to
our Battery, Major Coon was ordered to charge across the ford, with the
2d Iowa Cavalry, and at the same time to ferry over a portion of the
9th Ill. Inft. as a support, in case the enemy pressed him too hard.
This force crossed and took possession of the town, without further
opposition.
The captures which we made, were as follows: 60 locomotives; 450 cars,
of all kinds; considerable stores, and $8,000 in Confederate scrip.
As the enemy had burned the bridges across the Tallobusha, making it
impossible to run off the rolling stock, the cars, locomotives, machine
shops, depots, Commissary and Quartermaster buildings were fired, and
destroyed.
At 7 P. M., reports having come in that the enemy were returning to
attack us in force, our entire Division, except the Picket and Provost
Guard, were ordered to recross the Tallobusha, and bivouack, ready to
fall in at a moment's notice. One hour later, Col. Winslow, commanding
a Brigade of Cavalry, from "Blackwater," entered the town from the
South. He being the ranking officer, now assumed command of the whole
force. His Brigade took possession of the place, and the whole force
bivouacked for the night.
The entire loss of our Division in the fight, was one man killed and
two wounded. The 9th Ill. Inft. had one man wounded.
The 1st Brigade was so far in the rear, at the beginning of the action,
that it was not engaged, except Perkin's Battery of Mountain Howitzers.
The entire forces in Lieut. Col. Phillips' command, during this
expedition, consisted of the following Regiments, viz: 9th Ill. Inft.
(mounted) Captain Kneffner commanding, 300; 2d Iowa Cavalry, Captain
---- commanding, 200; 11th Ill. Cavalry, Major Funk commanding, 150; 3d
Michigan Cavalry, Major Hudson commanding, 200; Total, 2d Brigade,
Major Coon commanding, 850. 9th Ill. Cavalry, ---- ---- commanding,
250; 3d Ill. Cavalry, Major Connor commanding, 200; 4th Ill. Cavalry,
---- ---- commanding, 300; Total, 1st Brigade, Lieut. Col. Wallace
commanding, 750. Total in Division, Lieut. Col. Phillips commanding,
1,600.
The force of the enemy at Grenada, was between 1,500 and 2,500, and was
under command of Col. Slemmer, Gen. Chalmers being, at the time,
absent. Major Leath, Gen. Chalmers' Quartermaster, was captured in
Grenada, and with him the Confederate scrip mentioned above.
During the action, Col. Winslow, with his Brigade, was in bivouack,
within five miles of Grenada, and had he moved on the South rapidly at
that time, we would have captured most of the enemy, and his entire
Quartermaster train of over 100 wagons.
Lieut. Col. Phillips insisted on pursuing and capturing, at least,
their wagon train. But Col. Winslow was in command and not willing.
Lieut. Col. Phillips then requested permission to pursue with his
command, but was refused. Having command, Col. Winslow ordered the
destruction of property to cease. Hence, two locomotives, and about a
dozen cars, were left on the North side of the Tallobusha, for the
Rebels to run down produce from Water Valley and the country North of
them.
The entire command remained in bivouack on the 18th, and moved on the
return march, at 5 A. M., on the 19th, taking the Oakland road.
Bivouacked for the night, just across the Tochamy River. We moved
forward again at 5 A. M., of the 20th. Ferried over the Tallahatchie,
and bivouacked for the night seven miles North of it. Moved again at 5
A. M., on the 21st. Col. Winslow and his command left us to-day, for
Memphis. Fed near Looxahoma. Bivouacked for the night, near Bucksnort.
Moved at the same hour on the 22d. Lieut. Col. Wallace with his
command, turned to the left to-day, for his camp at Collierville. We
passed through Holly Springs about 4 P. M., to-day, and bivouacked
seven miles North-east of town. This is a nice town, on an elevated
situation, with some very fine buildings in it. Guards were placed at
each of the houses. Many ladies made their appearance, as our boys
passed along the street. Some of them looked on smilingly, while others
manifested scornful contempt, in their very looks. But what did our
boys care for their scorn? They only smiled the more. The sight which
the citizens beheld, as our forces passed, was no doubt to them a sore
one. A long train of negroes, men, women and children were accompanying
us. At last $1,000,000 worth of property, as slaves had formerly been
rated, was leaving them. They had long been accustomed to regard these
persons as the great source of their wealth. This war had been
instigated for the purpose of riveting the chains of bondage more
tightly upon these slaves. Many of them, perhaps, had been called upon
to mourn the death of some dear friend, who had been slain in waging
this war. They had thought thus to make more secure this species of
their wealth. But now they were compelled to see it taking to itself
_legs_ and fleeing away.
Our boys arrived in camp at Pocahontas on the 24th of August, after
having been out thirteen days. They left camp with six days rations.
Where did the other seven days rations come from? I suppose none of the
boys can tell! Perhaps, if the smoke-houses and hen-roosts of the
citizens along the way could speak, they might tell. Or, may be, even
the citizens themselves, if any one should take the trouble to travel
along and enquire of them, could tell something about it.
The expedition was certainly a grand success. Some raids, about which
much has been said and written, were of far less importance. It was a
bold dash, of more than one hundred miles, into the midst of the
enemy's country. Our forces met on their own chosen ground, at least an
equal, and it is thought, a greatly superior force of the enemy; drove
them from their position, after a smart skirmish; captured a large
amount of their stores, with about fifty prisoners. About $8,000,000
worth of public property was destroyed. Destroyed because two long
bridges on the Railroad had been burned by the enemy. About 500 head of
horses and mules were captured. And at least 2,000 negroes were brought
in with our forces; thus weakening the hands of our enemies, and
obtaining that, by which to strengthen our own hands. These, as slaves
were formerly valued, were worth at least $2,000,000. The entire Union
loss was only one man killed and two wounded. Had there been a special
correspondent with our forces, it would have been heralded in the
newspapers with a flourish that might have resulted in a _star_ on our
worthy Lieut. Col. Phillips, who commanded the expedition. The
material, at least, was there.
Charles Chevi, 2d Lieutenant of Company C, resigned, and his
resignation was accepted, to take effect August 7th, 1863.
August 26th, the Regiment was paid by Major W. H. Johnston, for the
months of March, April, May and June.
August 29th, Captains Kneffner and Robinson, and Lieuts. Rollmann and
Cowgill, were ordered to report to Col. Alexander, at St. Louis, for
duty in the Invalid Corps.
At the regular periodical muster and inspection, on the 31st of August,
Captain G. G. Lowe acted as Inspecting and Mustering Officer.
September 3d, 1863, 1st Lieutenant George W. Williford, was
commissioned and mustered as Captain of Company F.
September 4th, 1863, Rev. Marion Morrison reported for duty, with
commission as Chaplain of the Regiment. He was mustered in as such, to
date from the 4th.
On the 3d of August, 1863, 105 deserters, mostly from the 128th Ill.
Inft., were assigned to duty in the 9th Ill. Vol. Inft., and were
transferred to the various companies, so as to equalize the strength of
those companies.
On the 6th of August, Lieutenant McClure, commanding detachment of the
128th Ill. Vol., reported his men, in compliance with orders from
Headquarters 16th Army Corps, to the Regiment for duty. The detachment
numbered 103 men, and were assigned, pro rata, to the several
companies. Lieutenant Lenma, Adjutant of the 128th, was assigned to
Company F, and Lieutenant Cooper to Company B, until further orders. In
the order for consolidation, Lieutenant Lenma's name was dropped, (he
having resigned,) and Lieutenant Cooper was transferred from Company B
to Company F.
On the 16th of August, 1863, 1st Lieutenant Krebs received a commission
as Captain of Company D, and Orderly Sergeant H. Weber as 1st
Lieutenant Company D, and both were mustered in from that date.
When the writer reported to the Regiment for duty, on the 4th of
September, as above noticed, the Regiment was in command of Captain G.
G. Lowe, Lieut. Col. Phillips having been summoned to Memphis, as a
witness before a court martial in the case of Lieut. Col. Bowen of the
10th Mo. Cavalry. Lieut. Col. Phillips was detained there for two or
three weeks, and Captain Lowe continued in command of the Regiment,
with credit to himself.
After joining the Regiment, arrangements were made for regular
preaching services on each Sabbath, and prayer-meetings on Sabbath and
Wednesday evenings. I would here say, that we have been able
notwithstanding the great amount of scouting duty the Regiment has had
to perform, to hold our regular services on almost every Sabbath, up to
the present time, except the few weeks I was absent from the Regiment,
on orders, in Illinois. The Regiment had been without a Chaplain for
about 20 months. For several Sabbaths we held our services under the
shades of the trees in front of the Colonel's quarters. Soon, however,
some of the soldiers volunteered their services, and erected a
comfortable chapel, 40 by 24 feet, in which to hold our meetings. We
had occupied this but a few Sabbaths, when we moved from our old camp
at Pocahontas.
During the first three weeks of September, from one to four companies
were out scouting, almost daily. Gen. Chalmers was concentrating a
force South of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, to make a dash upon
that road, and cut off communication between Memphis and Corinth.
On the 27th of September, the Regiment, under command of Lieut. Col.
Phillips, who had rejoined it, moved South toward New Albany. On
arriving within six miles of that place, he found the enemy too strong
for a further safe advance with the force he had, and returned to camp
at Pocahontas on the 29th.
On the 2d of October, the Regiment moved North on a scout. Found and
engaged a small force of the enemy, on Forked Deer River. In this
engagement, Private Peterson, of Co. K, was killed. Finding no more
force of the enemy, the Regiment returned to camp at Pocahontas on the
4th of October.
During the latter part of September and the first week in October,
there was much talk that we would be removed, and take up the march
somewhere. Gen. Sherman's forces from Vicksburg, were constantly
passing towards Corinth, for two or three weeks. It was reported that
they would take the place of the 16th Army Corps in occupying Memphis
and Corinth and the Railroad between them; and that our Corps would
move into an active campaign. Thus we were kept, as soldiers often are,
in suspense from day to day. Not knowing what a day might bring forth.
In the meantime Sherman's forces passed on towards Chattanooga, and we
were still in our old quarters.
As the weather was now becoming too cold for the airy tents, which most
of the Regiment occupied, the boys went to the timber, split boards,
hauled poles, &c., and put themselves up comfortable quarters. Brick
chimneys, left where houses had been burnt through the country, were
torn down and brought into camp, and neat little chimneys built to
their shanties. Thus the boys were preparing for comfortably spending
the winter in their camp.
On the 4th of October, commissions arrived, as follows: 2d Lieut. John
Mallmann, to be Captain of Company B; 2d Sergt. L. Grieser, to be 1st
Lieut. Company B; 1st Lieut. I. Clements, to be Captain Company G; 2d
Lieut. N. G. Perrine, to be 1st Lieut. Company G; 1st Lieut. S. T.
Hughs, to be Captain of Company I; 2d Lieut. Wm. Paden, to be 1st
Lieut. Company I; Com. Sergt. C. A. Spatee, to be Regimental
Quartermaster. Of the above, the following were ordered on duty, in
their new rank, viz: Grieser, Clements, Perrine and Spatee.
On the 6th of October, the Regiment, under command of Lieut. Col.
Phillips, moved South towards Ripley, on the Jonesborough road, and
bivouacked for the night at Ruckersville. Moved forward again at
daylight on the 7th, and reached Ripley at 8:30 A. M., and at 9:30
moved North-west towards Salem. When within five miles of that place,
an advance was sent out, which ascertained that the enemy were in Salem
about 3,000 strong. It was determined by Lieut. Col. Phillips, to
attack them on the morning of the 8th, although his force did not
exceed 400 men. Hence, early in the morning, one company was sent
rapidly forward, and drove in their pickets and developed their forces.
This done and they fell back. Soon after, the Regiment moved forward in
force. Arriving at the town, it was found that Col. McCrillis was there
with his Regiment of cavalry, and that the Rebels had fallen back out
of town. It was soon ascertained, however, that their falling back was
not a retreat, but a pretense, and that they were preparing to attack
us. Hence, the 9th Ill. Inft. was dismounted and deployed as
skirmishers, and the two guns of Tamrath's Battery accompanying the
Regiment, were placed in position, and opened upon the enemy. In a very
short time the enemy made a vigorous effort to drive us, but failed.
After engaging this vastly superior force for three hours, and our
ammunition failing, we fell back on to the Railroad at LaGrange, and
were reinforced. Five of our men were killed and twenty wounded in this
engagement.
After reaching LaGrange, a dispatch was sent into camp, for all the men
in camp fit for duty, to join the Regiment at that place.
Reinforcements were now secured and preparations made for driving the
enemy back, or cutting off his retreat. On the 11th of October, the
Regiment, together with Col. Hatch's mounted force, moved South-west.
Had an engagement with the enemy at Graham's Mills, and another at
Wyatt's, defeating them in both engagements and driving them Southward,
after severe skirmishing.
Our entire mounted force was commanded by Col. Hatch, the Brigade by
Lieut. Col. Phillips, and the Regiment by Captain A. G. Hawes. In these
two last engagements, the 9th Ill. lost one man killed and five
wounded.
The following is a list of the killed and wounded in the various
engagements, since the Regiment was mounted on the 20th of March, 1863.
COMPANY A.--At Jackson, Tenn., _Killed_, Konrad Schaeffer; _Wounded_,
Sergt. Michael Hartweek, Privates Charles Harris and George Heiler.--1
killed and 3 wounded.
COMPANY B.--Cherokee Bluffs, Miss., _Wounded_, Gustar Blank; Mud Creek,
Miss., John Snider; Salem, Miss., James Luston; Wyatt's, Miss.,
_Killed_, William Toliver; _Wounded_, 1st Lieut. Louis Grieser, Private
Wm. Crum. In all, 1 killed and 5 wounded.
COMPANY C.--Mud Creek, Miss., _Killed_, Sergt. Charles Ehrlich, Private
George Valler, _Wounded_, Sergt. Wm. Heser, and Private Eilb Menson;
Jackson, Tenn., Sergt. Engen A. Hauke; Salem, Miss., Corp. Wm.
Striegal, and Private G. M. Smith; Athens, Ala., Samuel Spring. In all,
2 killed and 6 wounded.
COMPANY D.--Salem, Miss., _Killed_, G. W. Hatfield, _Wounded_, Chrst.
Lambe. One killed and one wounded.
COMPANY E.--Mud Creek, Miss., _Wounded_, Charles B. Fleming, Wm. M.
Gery and Ephraim J. Tyler; Salem, Miss., Jas. Stewart and Wm. Mock. In
all, 5 wounded.
COMPANY F.--Salem, Miss., _Killed_, Thos. Ellison.
COMPANY G.--Mud Creek, Miss., Henry Brown and Jonathan Hampton; Salem,
Miss., Wm. Cheneworth and Jas. M. Newton. In all, 4 wounded.
COMPANY H.--Salem, Miss., Francis M. Strickle, Ahiron D. Simons, Benj.
R. Felts; Florence, Ala., Wm. H. Neal. In all, 4 wounded.
COMPANY I.--Mud Creek, Miss., _Wounded_, Lieut. S. T. Hughs, Chas. S.
Patton; Grenada, Miss., S. P. Irwin; Jackson, Tenn., Oliver Hays;
Salem, Miss., _Killed_, E. K. Richards, _Wounded_, Richard Jordon;
Wyatt's, Miss., John Graham; Athens, Ala., M. D. Holcomb. In all, 1
killed and 7 wounded.
COMPANY K.--Montezuma, Tenn., _Killed_, John M. Peterson; Salem, Miss.,
John Q. Martin, _Wounded_, Lieut. Ulen and Peter Hall. In all, 2 killed
and 2 wounded.
A number of incidents of interest, occurred during the period covered
by this chapter.
When on a scout to Tupelo, the boys were feeding near the house of a
citizen. A woman came to Col. Phillips to make complaints that one of
her horses had been taken, and a negro man or two had left her and was
following our forces away. The Col. very politely told her, (for he is
always polite to the ladies, unless they cease to act the lady,) that
he was sorry for her, but that it was his business to keep the Rebels
out of that country, so that they might not molest peaceable citizens
like her. In order to do this, he must have horses to mount his men.
Hence, from military necessity he must take her horse. That more
effectually to accomplish the work of clearing the Rebels out of the
country, the Government had resolved to arm the negroes and make
soldiers of them. Hence, he must take her negroes also. Finding she
could accomplish nothing by her entreaties with the Col., she was
returning to the house, when she saw that they were taking her corn to
feed their animals. Some of the boys were also chasing her chickens,
and they were rapidly decreasing in numbers. She now set up a terrible
lamentation, and commenced praying that God would send the Yankees out
of the country. In the warmth of her petitions, she used the following
forcible language: "O, Lord, if you can't come yourself, just now, do
send General Price with his great army, to drive these miserable
Yankees out of the country." Until this petition was uttered, some of
the boys felt a sympathy for her. But the utterance of it, seemed to
drive away both their sympathy and their gravity. The Col. finally sent
an orderly, telling her to go into the house and finish her prayers.
Another. When on a scout near Ripley, Miss., the Regiment were in camp,
and, as usual, helping themselves to the contents of a corn-crib, that
thereby they might strengthen their mules for the heavy duties laid
upon them. A woman appeared, with the usual cry, that she was a "poor
lone widow, with six orphan children," and requested the Col. to leave
her corn enough to make her bread until she could raise more. The Col.
assured her that they would leave her some corn. In a short time, one
of the girls came out, with the cry, "O, Col., the soldiers are taking
every bit of our corn, and we will all starve." The Col. gave orders to
the Adjutant to have a guard placed at that woman's corn, and instruct
it to see that _some_ of that corn was left. The Adjutant detailed a
guard. In the meantime, it had been ascertained that the family had a
lot of wheat; and although it might be hard for a Southern family to
live without corn bread, still it was supposed that if they had
wheat-bread, they would not _starve_. Hence, as corn to feed upon was
scarce, the Adjutant, in instructing the guard to see that _some_ of
that corn was left, gave him a knowing wink, which he well understood.
_Some_ of the corn was left. But it was simply a little shelled corn in
the bottom of the crib. One of the girls having made a reconnoisance to
the corn-crib, to see how things were getting along there, and made the
discovery that it was all gone, came back running and crying, "Oh,
mother, mother; they have taken every bit of our corn, and now we will
have nothing to eat but wheat-bread. What will we do."
Still another. It was almost a daily, and often an hourly occurrence
for citizens to visit the Col. at his Head Quarters, to endeavor to get
back a horse or mule that had been captured. One day two ladies had
visited him for that purpose. While they were engaged in reasoning the
matter with him, dinner was announced. He invited them to go out and
eat dinner with him. The invitation was accepted. The cook, or Doctor,
or some one, expecting that they would be there for dinner, set a
bottle of liquor on the table. After dinner was over, the Colonel
politely invited them to take a drink. After some little hesitation,
they each took their glass of liquor. The Colonel, always supplied with
cigars, took his cigar-case from his pocket, and reached it to them.
They each took a cigar, lit it at the cook's fire, and sat down and
deliberately smoked it. In the North, to smoke in the presence of
ladies is considered the greatest impoliteness. Not so in the South,
however.
One more. When on the return from the raid to Grenada, Miss., the
Regiment passed through Holly Springs. There was some apprehension that
there might be a disposition on the part of some of the soldiers to
fire the town, owing to treatment received from the citizens on a
former occasion. Hence, a guard was placed at each house, until the
forces should pass through. Surgeon Gulick desiring some water for sick
men, started to go into a yard to get it, but the guard would not allow
him to pass in. He handed his canteen to a colored man in the yard,
requesting him to fill it with water. While he was doing it, a woman
came from the house, much excited. Coming towards the Doctor, she
inquired, "Is there a Mason here?"
_Doctor._--"Why, madame, what do you wish?"
_Mad. M._--"I am the widow of a Mason. I wish to know if there is a
Mason here. I wish protection."
_Doctor._--"Madame, you had better go into the house. You do not need
protection. There is a guard around your house."
During this conversation, a chicken, from some cause ran through the
fence into the street. A soldier started after it, to catch it. The
Doctor's companion seized a long club, and quickly got over the fence
and after the soldier. Unobserved, she came upon him, when about to
catch the chicken, and struck him a heavy blow over the head. This he
did not resist, as it was from a woman. But after the second blow, he
supposed that "forbearance ceased to be a virtue," even if a woman was
involved. The Doctor says he was scared when he saw her seize the club
and climb the fence. He supposed she was coming at him.
Still another. At the same time and place with the last, a lady whose
horse had been taken, came out to Col. Phillips, very pleasant, and
announced herself as a daughter of Gen. Bradshaw; took the Colonel's
horse by the bridle, and told him that she would be servant for him,
and he had to submit to having her lead his horse up to her gate. She
invited him to go in and have something to drink. He could not well
refuse her invitation, even if he had desired to. Once in the house,
she told him that she had both wine and whisky. Said she did not know
how it was with our officers, but theirs all preferred the whisky. The
Colonel told her that he would not be an exception, and so helped
himself to a portion of the whisky.
Another one yet. During the raid on Florence, when the town was being
searched, and contraband goods taken, tobacco and wine were both
regarded as contrabands of war. Considerable quantities of both were
found in the town. Dr. Allen tells of one soldier whom he saw with
three boxes of tobacco on his mule before him. Having more than he
could well carry, and meeting a citizen on the street, proposed to give
him a box. Another, whom he met, had three or four boxes of bottles of
wine on before him. Being rather overburdened, he made a present of one
box to the Doctor, which he accepted, I suppose, as _hospital stores_.
Another on Dr. Gulick. I hope the good natured Doctor will pardon me
for using his name so frequently in this connection. When on the return
march from the raid to Grenada, Miss., as has been stated, there was a
drove of about 2,000 negroes followed the returning column. They were
of all ages, and both sexes. Old grey headed grandfathers and
grandmothers were there. Men and women in the vigor of life were there.
Prattling little boys and little girls were there. Suckling babes were
there also. This great crowd of colored people were there, some of them
pretty well clad, others almost naked. It is described as a sight
sufficient to touch the heart of any one. Mothers were there, traveling
on foot a journey of 75 to 100 miles, carrying their infant children.
Two or three of these mothers, overcome with traveling to keep up with
a mounted force, carrying their children, actually laid them down by
the road side, and pressed on to liberty. "Can a mother forget her
sucking child?" Some of these poor creatures seemed willing to leave
their children behind, rather than be left themselves, hoping,
perhaps, that some "good Samaritan" would care for them. The Doctor,
kind-hearted man, finding one of these little ones, alighted and picked
it up, and as some of the boys passed him, was dandling the child. He
placed it in his ambulance, and when they halted, he found its mother.
All praise to the Doctor for this humane act.
Another fact, closely connected with this rebellion, for the
suppression of which our Regiment has so nobly contended. While in camp
at Pocahontas, the writer took the pains to ascertain some facts with
reference to the education of the citizens. When we had been in camp
about three months, I called at the Provost Marshal's office, and
ascertained that 1,520 citizens had taken the oath of allegiance, that
they might make purchases of coffee, salt, &c. from our Commissary. Of
the above number, just 300 could write their own names. The other 1,220
had to have their names written and make their mark. At another point
where the Regiment was in camp, on the Tennessee River, out of 313 who
took the oath in one day, only 13 could write their own names. The
remaining 300 had to make their mark.
Now, looking at these facts, and if they are anything like an
approximation even, to the state of society in the South, need we any
longer wonder at this rebellion? A few well informed and designing
leaders can go into a community, such as the above facts indicate, and
influence its inhabitants to almost any course of action they may
desire.