HERE A LITTLE, AND THERE A LITTLE.
As has been stated, it was on the 22d of January, when the battery
returned to Somerset. The next day, we went back to Mill Springs with our
horses, to bring away the guns captured from the enemy.
As it was late in the day, when we arrived at the scene of the engagement,
and the roads being in bad condition, we remained over night. The next
morning, at daylight, started on our return, and reached Somerset at 2
P. M., the distance traveled in both expeditions being sixty-four miles.
We now received orders to march for East Tennessee; but the order was soon
after countermanded, as it was found impossible to proceed, owing to the
horrible condition of the roads. Colonel Barnett had arrived shortly after
the battle, it being the first time we had seen him since leaving Camp
Dick Robinson. He remained with us only a few days.
Not having before said anything about Somerset, we will here describe the
place:--It is one of the early settled towns of Kentucky, and like all the
other mountain towns of this State, it presents rather a sombre and
gloomy appearance. The buildings are mostly built of wood, and are old
fashioned affairs. The business part looks as if it had gone through the
revolutionary war; many of the buildings are fast going to decay. The
population is about one thousand five hundred. Although the inhabitants
profess to be loyal to the old Government, yet many of them are, at heart,
rank secessionists. There is a court-house and jail here, it being the
seat of justice for Pulaski county.
We remained here until the 10th of February, 1862, being a period of just
ten weeks from the day of our first arrival. On Saturday, the 8th of the
same month, Edward C. Chapman, a member of our company, died, and was
buried the next day. His remains were followed to the grave by nearly all
the members of the battery. This was the first burial in the company, the
others, who died, having been sent home, with the exceptions of Hodge and
Bailey, who were left sick at towns we passed through.
It having been found impracticable to go forward into East Tennessee, for
various reasons, on Saturday, February 8th, we were ordered to be prepared
to march on the following Monday.
Monday morning found us ready to move; and, at 8 o'clock, we bade good bye
to Somerset, much to our satisfaction. We marched twelve miles that day,
over the worst kind of a road. In many places the mud was belly deep to
the horses, and they often got stalled. At night, camped in a small valley
near a creek. During the night, a heavy snow storm set in, and, in the
morning, the ground was covered, and more still falling. At 8 o'clock,
were again on the move. The roads were but little better than the day
previous; we were, however, in a more open country. Marched this day about
fourteen miles, and at 4 o'clock struck the turnpike at a small creek,
where there was a mill, and one or two stores. We proceeded one mile
beyond, and camped for the night--the weather cold and stormy.
Next morning, the weather was quite pleasant; and, as soon as breakfast
was over, were again on the road. Lieutenant Bennett was taken sick, and
was left at this place. We now had a good road, and made fair progress. At
4 o'clock, we camped two miles from Danville, the town being in plain
view. The distance made this day, was twenty-four miles.
Danville is one of the most beautiful towns in Kentucky. The streets are
wide and clean, and the place is well laid out. The population is about
five thousand. It contains many fine buildings, both public and private.
Early next morning, as usual, on the move, with fine weather. Lieutenant
Sturges was left sick with typhoid fever at Houstonville, on our way
through. Marched twenty miles this day, and camped in the woods eight
miles from Lebanon. There was a heavy fall of snow during the night, and
the morning was ushered in cold and disagreeable, but we were soon moving,
and arrived at Lebanon about noon, and camped two miles from town on the
Louisville road.
Time, on the above march, four and a half days.
At Lebanon, we received a supply of new clothing, and also our Sibley
tents, which made us more comfortable. At this place, we obtained the news
of the capture of Forts Henry and Donelson. Our horses were shod, and some
of them exchanged for others. Also received a lot of army wagons, with six
mules to each. Had considerable sport in breaking in the mules, many a
laughable incident occurring. One of them, in particular, seemed inclined
to have his own way, in spite of all the driver's efforts to render him
tractable. He would neither go forwards nor backwards; and when Jehu
applied whip and spurs, as an inducement to proceed, he would turn his
head, look his tormentor full in the face, with a most wicked leer, and
then commence such a series of "ground and lofty tumblings," that the
driver was feign to hold on for dear life. Finally, a bright idea seized
the mind of our mounted friend. "Boys," said he, "I'll bet two to one,
that I make this cloven-footed, tobacco-leaf-eared model of a Dutch church
sweat the hide off hisself;" and, leaving his animal tied to a fence, he
entered a grocery, soon returning with an immense cabbage stuck on the
point of his sword. Once more mounting the sagacious beast, Jehu laid his
sword between the animal's ears. The cabbage projecting in full view to
the enraptured gaze of the refractory steed, caused him to elevate his
muzzle for so tempting a morsel, and, in the attempt, he began to move
forward, and soon was going at a speed wonderful to behold. That mule
always went well after that. He was partial to cabbages.
We had orders to move on Tuesday, the 18th of the same month; but, owing
to the rainy weather, did not leave. From preparations being made, it
looked as if we were going to have another long and tedious march. Only
the officers knew our destination. The weather during our stay here, had
been wet and cold.
Theodore White died in hospital on the night of February 18th. His remains
were sent home in charge of his brother, who was quite sick. A large
number of sick were left in hospital at this place, among whom was
Corporal H. P. Fenn, who died shortly after our departure. Lieutenant
Bennett returned on the 20th, having nearly recovered from his sickness.
Friday morning opened bright and clear, and we took our departure from
Lebanon, having been here one week.
At 8 o'clock, were on the way, and, at 11 A. M., passed through the town
of Springfield. Marched twenty-five miles that day, and pitched our tents
in the woods, five miles from Bardstown. The next morning was rainy.
Proceeded to within one mile of the town, and again camped. Kinney's
battery accompanied us. This was the 22d of February, being Washington's
birth-day. At noon, Kinney's battery fired a salute, in honor of the
occasion. The next day, went about four miles beyond Bardstown and again
camped in the woods. A large number of troops were camped near us.
On Monday morning, the 24th, we started for Louisville. Nearly all of
Thomas' Division were with us, making quite a large army. Marched
twenty-six miles this day, and camped for the night near a small village.
The next morning, got an early start, and arrived within three miles of
Louisville. It was now the 25th of February.
We camped in a large field near the city, and the following day were paid
for two months' services, being up to the 1st of January. This was the
second payment we had received.
It was now generally understood, that we were bound up the Cumberland
river; but for what point, was not fully known. General Thomas' Division
kept coming in, regiment after regiment; proceeded directly to the city,
and there embarked aboard the steamers which were chartered for the
purpose. A number of our men went into the city, after being paid.
Louisville is the largest and most important city in Kentucky. It is
situated at the falls of the Ohio river, and contains a population of
seventy thousand, and is the center of a large and growing trade.
On Thursday morning, the 27th of February, we entered the city, and at
once commenced getting the guns, horses, &c., on board the steamer
Westmoreland. It was nearly dark, ere this was completed. At 10 o'clock
the same evening, we cast loose from the levee and were soon steaming down
the broad Ohio. Sixteen boats loaded with troops accompanied us. Colonel
Barnett was on one of them; and there were also two or three more of his
batteries on different boats.
Lieutenant Sypher, who had been absent on a short furlough, joined us at
Louisville.
The late heavy rains had caused quite a freshet in the Ohio river and its
tributaries. Many towns and buildings, which we passed, were almost
submerged, and in some places the river spread out in lake-like expansion.
We frequently met boats, which were returning for troops and supplies,
having discharged their loads. Making but few stops, and only then for the
purpose of "coaling," on Sunday morning, March 2d, we arrived at
Smithland, at the mouth of the Cumberland. We made but a short stay here,
and then went steaming up the river.
It was now well understood, that Nashville was our destination. The
Cumberland, like the Ohio, was at a high stage, and our progress against
the current was but slow. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon, we arrived at
Fort Donelson, and as we made but a short stop, had no opportunity to go
on shore to see the place, but had a pretty good view of it as we passed
by. There were a large number of Union troops stationed here, who heartily
cheered us on passing. The stars and stripes were floating over the fort,
where erst the hated symbol of secession flung its disgraceful folds.
On Monday morning, we passed the city of Clarksville, Tennessee, but made
no landing. A band, on board one of the transports accompanying us, played
several national airs as we steamed along. The place seemed almost
deserted. Occasionally, a group of "wooley heads" could be seen,
displaying their "ivories," and swinging their old hats. Here, as at Fort
Donelson, were a large number of troops, and the good old flag was flying.
The railroad bridge, over the river, had been partially destroyed by fire,
when the Federal gunboats first made their appearance before the city. On
Tuesday morning, March 4th, we arrived at Nashville, having been four days
on the trip.
At Nashville, we found about fifty steamers discharging their loads. All
of them had brought troops and munitions of war. There had already twenty
thousand troops arrived, and more constantly coming. Our guns and caissons
were got ashore at once, the men and horses remaining on board until next
morning, when we disembarked, and took up our line of march for the
camping ground, passing through several of the principal streets. We
proceeded out on the Charlotteville road some three miles from the city,
and pitched our tents on a beautiful spot, near a small creek. Bartlett's
and Kinney's batteries were camped near by. We had dress parade at 4 P. M.
each day. The weather was very changeable, sometimes being cold, with rain
and snow, at other times quite warm and pleasant.
While at this camping ground, a large number of the Company visited what
was called Fort Zollicoffer, or, at least, what was intended for a fort,
or defence, for the protection of Nashville. It is situated on a high
bluff, three miles below the city, on the Cumberland River, and consists
of a slight earthwork. There were several large guns laying half buried in
the mud; only two remaining mounted, the Rebels having hastily attempted
to destroy the works, on the approach of the Union gun-boats. Shot and
shell, were laying around in large quantity.
Remaining at this camp until Sunday, March 16th, we moved our quarters two
miles south of the city, on the Franklin Pike, and near the Tennessee and
Alabama Railroad. We here pitched our tents, on a high ridge between the
railroad and turnpike. Colonel Barnett named it Camp Brownlow, in honor of
that sterling old patriot, Parson Brownlow. There were also camped near
by, several batteries from Kentucky, Wisconsin, and other States. Colonel
Barnett, had the entire command. We were kept under thorough military
discipline. Dress parade every afternoon, drilling and guard mounting.
After remaining here about one week, for some cause or other, we again
moved half a mile to new grounds. While here, a number of the sick were
discharged the service. Those who had been left sick at different points,
and had recovered, here rejoined us. Richard Williams, a member of our
Company, died in the hospital at Nashville on the 15th of March. He was
from Cleveland.
Nashville, the capital of Tennessee, is situated on the Cumberland River,
two hundred and fifty miles from its mouth. It is the terminus of the
Louisville and Nashville Railroad, and is also the centering point of
numerous other Southern roads. It is sometimes known as the City of Rocks;
being built on a high rocky elevation. The population is about twenty-five
thousand, and it is a place of considerable trade. Most of the cotton, and
other products of Middle Tennessee, here find a market. The State House,
is a large and magnificent structure, built entirely of marble, and
situated on a high elevation called Capitol Hill. It is the first object
that attracts the attention of the stranger, on his approach to the city,
as it can be seen from a considerable distance from all quarters of
approach. The glorious old flag, under which our fathers fought in a cause
most holy, now floats from its dome, in place of the late Secesh rag. The
streets are narrow and irregular, not being laid out with any regard to
beauty. There are a large number of fine buildings here, both public and
private. The citizens are, for the most part, strong secessionists. The
appearance of Union soldiers in their streets was not much relished, but
they were obliged to put up with it.
On the 29th of March, we struck tents, and again moved forward, taking
the Franklin road, in company with the Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania, First
Wisconsin, and Thirty-fifth Indiana, all Infantry, and one Regiment of
Pennsylvania Cavalry. We were now in the Seventh Brigade of General Buel's
department, General Negley commanding. A march of twenty miles through
heat and dust, brought us to the pretty little town of Franklin, and at 4
o'clock in the afternoon we camped in a grove one mile from the town.
Nearly all the places of business here were closed, many of the
inhabitants having fled from the wrath of the "barbarous Yankees." We
remained here only two days, and were then again ordered forward.
On Monday morning, April 1st, we left the place. The day was quite warm,
and the roads very dusty, but we marched twenty-five during the day, and
camped in the woods near a creek. The men had now a good opportunity for
bathing, which most of them took advantage of. This place was rather a
rough camping ground, being quite uneven and covered with rocks. The next
morning, had a fine shower, which cooled the atmosphere and settled the
dust. At 8 o'clock were once more moving, and soon forded a creek, the
Rebels having destroyed the bridge. A number of the First Regiment
Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, were actively engaged in rebuilding it.
After proceeding about two miles, were ordered to halt, remaining in the
road for two hours, then moved into a field to our left, and encamped.
Next day, again started, and at noon reached Columbia, having crossed Duck
River. We here camped on a high hill just back of the town.
This was April 3d.
It was about 2 o'clock, when our tents were pitched. The ground was
cleared up, and the place made quite pleasant for camping purposes. It was
surrounded by a heavy growth of trees, which were beginning to leave out.
We also had a commanding view of the town and surrounding country.
Columbia, the county seat of Maury, is situated on Duck River, and is
fifty miles from Nashville. The Tennessee and Alabama Railroad, passes
through it. Population, about three thousand. The streets are wide and
clean. Among the public buildings, is a large Female Seminary, then
closed. A majority of the people are secessionists. Shortly after our
arrival, Dow Tanney, a member of the Company, died. On the 7th of April,
the right section of the Battery, under command of Lieutenant Bennett,
went to Mount Pleasant, fourteen miles from Columbia. A part of our
brigade, also went with them. On the 22d of April, we received another
payment, being up to March 1st. On the night of May 1st, about 11 o'clock,
an order came for one section of the Battery to proceed at once to
Pulaski. At 12 o'clock the centre section, under Lieutenant Baldwin,
started, with four companies of the Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry, one
company First Kentucky, and four companies Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania
Infantry, accompanying.
The reason of this sudden movement, was on account of Morgan's cut-throat
Cavalry being at Pulaski, where they had captured a wagon train of General
Mitchell's division, and had also made an attack on a party of unarmed
Union soldiers, who had just been discharged from hospital, and were on
the way to join their regiments. A number were killed and wounded, and
several taken prisoners. The citizens of Pulaski had assisted Morgan in
this attack, firing on our soldiers from their houses, and had also broken
open the store of a Union man, and carried off all his goods and money.
Our men pushed on as fast as possible, and, when within ten miles of the
town, were met by a number of the troops, who had been captured by the
enemy, and released on parole. They reported Morgan and his gang still at
Pulaski, when they left. Lieutenant Baldwin having the front, gave the
order to forward on double quick. The men were not slow in obeying; and at
2 o'clock went rushing into Pulaski in hot haste, but were a little too
late for the Rebels, as they had taken the alarm and "skedaddled."
The men retaliated on the citizens for their base conduct. They took
possession of the town, and went into the mercantile business. From
soldiers, they were soon turned into merchants, and opened stores on their
own account. Soon all were loaded with watches, jewelry, boots, shoes,
hats, clothing, etc., besides a certain other article which we wouldn't
mention by a jug-full.
They remained here a few days--long enough to regulate matters, and to
give the residents to understand, that they must behave themselves. For
Union boys wont be trifled with.
On the 6th instant, they returned to Columbia, where they safely arrived.
On the evening of the 2d of May we were all aroused by an order to harness
horses, and every man to be at his post with all possible dispatch.
This sudden move rather took us by surprise, and all wondered what was in
the wind.
It would appear that a large number of Morgan's guerillas had been
prowling in the vicinity of Columbia, and it was supposed that they
intended to take advantage of the absence of part of our force, to attack
the place. But it was not long ere we were in readiness to give them a
warm reception. Our remaining two guns were posted on a hill a short
distance from the camp, and the balance of the troops, then here, were
placed in favorable positions. The night passed without any disturbance.
Morgan and his hellish crew
Were afraid to come in view.
But for several nights we maintained a strict watch for the murderous
thieves.
On the morning of the 6th of May, the forge wagon was sent to Mount
Pleasant, to shoe the horses of Lieutenant Bennett's section. Lieut. B.
and his command were camped in a fine grove, near a large creek. The First
Wisconsin and Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, together with some Kentucky
Cavalry, were camped near by.
On the 10th of May, an order came for them to proceed directly to Pulaski;
and at noon they were on the road,--the First Wisconsin going with them.
The left section had, also, an order to go to the same place, and left
immediately, under command of Lieutenants Sypher and Sturges. I will here
state, that Lieutenant Sypher had returned, and joined us at Columbia,
some two weeks previous, having recovered his health. He had been sick
nearly two months, and went home from Houstonville, where we had left him.
A number of our sick, who had been left behind, rejoined us here.
On the 20th of May, Lieutenant Bennett returned to Columbia with the right
section, and immediately proceeded to Kalioke Station, six miles from
Columbia, and on the railroad. On the 21st inst., the left section, under
Lieutenant Sypher, returned, and went into camp at the old place. The
night of June 2d, had another alarm, caused by the firing of our pickets.
The next day, a Union meeting was held at the place; and during the
afternoon had still another alarm, but, like the former, proved without
cause. On the 29th of May, the left section again left Columbia, the
center section now only remaining; and, on the 9th of June, they also left
for Murfreesboro.