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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.