MOVING--STILL MOVING.
On arriving at the old quarters, we found the negroes still at work on the
redoubt, which they had nearly completed. The Twenty-third Kentucky were
camped near us. We now supposed that we would be allowed at least a short
respite after our previous three weeks' hard marching; but in this we were
mistaken. And, as the old Scotch proverb runs--
"The best laid plans of men and mice
Oft gang aglee."
At noon of the 28th July, we received orders, (those eternal orders,) to
prepare for a march at 3 o'clock that afternoon. The battery wagon, tents,
and all the extra baggage, were to be left behind. At the appointed hour
all was in readiness, and in a short time we were on the move. We had
proceeded but a short distance when we were ordered back, and the old
by-word came again in play, that we were only going to water our horses.
Back to camp we went. It seemed as if those in command were diverting
themselves at our expense. The next day we were permitted to remain in
quiet. But at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 30th July, we were all
aroused out of a sound sleep with the old oft-repeated order to get ready
to march. Soon all were actively engaged in preparing to move. At
daylight, after drinking a cup of slops--denominated coffee--and devouring
some mouldy hard bread, we patiently awaited the order to march.
It had now commenced raining, and in a short time was pouring down
heavily. No word came to move. And thus we stood, hour after hour, and
received a thorough drenching. Finally, about noon, were ordered to
unharness horses, but to hold ourselves in readiness to move at any
moment. Here was a piece of great military strategy displayed.
Finally, on the morning of August 1st, we succeeded in making a start. At
5 o'clock were on the road leading to McMinnville, over which a part of
our battery had before traveled. The forces with us consisted of the
Eighth and Twenty-first Kentucky and Fifty-first Ohio Infantry, together
with a part of the Fifth Kentucky Cavalry. General Nelson headed the
column. A much larger force had preceded us a few days previous. It was
rumored that there was a large force of the enemy at McMinnville, and the
object of the present expedition was to drive them out. Their number was
variously estimated from five thousand to forty thousand. We marched the
first day as far as Woodbury, a distance of twenty miles, and camped for
the night near one of our old quarters.
Early next morning, as usual, again on the move. Another "cock and bull"
story was going the rounds, but little heed was given it. At 6 P. M. of
the second day, August 2d, we entered McMinnville, but instead of finding
a large Rebel force, we found only the residents. As near as could be
ascertained, there had been some three hundred Rebel Cavalry in the place,
who had said "good-bye" on our approach.
We pitched tents near our former camping ground. The next day, which was
Sunday, we were allowed to rest. It was said that the Rebels, some eight
thousand or ten thousand strong, were camped nine miles distant, on the
Sparta road. Our force numbered about twelve thousand. At dark, that
night, received orders to be ready to march at 4 o'clock the following
morning. We were further ordered not to take any extra clothing--not even
our overcoats, nor cooking utensils, and but one blanket to two men.
From these orders, and what had been reported of the enemy, a fight was
certainly expected. On Monday morning, at the break of day, all were
ready, and soon regiment after regiment fell in line. At 5 o'clock, moved
out on the Sparta road. But for some reason, unknown to us soldiers, our
battery, and the Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, were ordered to remain in
camp.
For the two succeeding days, nothing of consequence transpired. At the end
of this time the expedition returned, having been unable to meet with the
enemy, and therefore but little of importance was effected by this
movement.
On the morning of August 6th, we moved our camp one-half mile out on the
Sparta road. We were now assigned to the Twenty-third Brigade--Colonel
Stanley Mathews, of the Fifty-first Ohio, acting Brigadier General. The
brigade consisted of the Fifty-first Ohio, Eighth and Twenty-first
Kentucky, and Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, together with our battery. On
the 6th instant, being the same day of our removal, seven of our men, with
three six-mule teams, were captured by a party of Secesh Cavalry a few
miles from McMinnville, and on the Chattanooga road. They were, at the
time, out foraging. Thirteen out of fifteen of the Thirty-fifth Indiana,
who went out as guards, were also captured, although they made a strong
resistance. The day previous, Lieutenant Sturges and Sergeant Lewellen
had been out to this place, and had made arrangements to take a lot of
corn on the day following, being the one on which the men were taken
prisoners. The Rebels were either informed by the owners of the grain, or
had got notice of it in some manner, and were lying in wait for our men.
The consequence was, the men were entirely surrounded and taken by
surprise. Those belonging to the battery were without arms, or any means
of defence. It is said that two or three of the Rebels were killed or
wounded, but it lacks confirmation.
The Rebels immediately hurried the men off on double quick, and, after
taking them some twenty-five miles, released them on parole, leaving them
to find their way back to camp on foot. They returned safe on the morning
of the 8th. Shortly after their arrival, they were arrested and put in the
guard house, by order of General Nelson, but for what reason was not known
at the time. Subsequent events went to show that they had purposely
surrendered themselves to the enemy, or had not exercised due caution in
preventing surprise.
On investigation they were all honorably discharged, as none of the
charges could be substantiated; but, on the contrary, it was proven that
they had done all in their power to prevent being taken, and only
surrendered when they became aware that any further resistance was
useless. They were again ordered on duty, as those who had paroled them
had acted without proper authority, and therefore it was null and void.
On Sunday, August 10th, about noon, were ordered to be ready to march at 4
o'clock, but shortly before the appointed time the order was
countermanded. The next morning at daylight, got the order to "forward,"
and were soon in motion. One of the guns was left behind, as there were
not sufficient men to handle it. The Eighth and Twenty-first Kentucky, and
Fifty-first Ohio, with a small detachment of the Fifth Kentucky Cavalry,
and our battery, constituted the force, all under the command of Brigadier
General Jackson. A march of eighteen miles brought us to the town of
Smithville, and about 4 o'clock we camped a short distance beyond the
place. We here found the Thirty-first Indiana and Twenty-third Kentucky
Infantry, and the Second Indiana Cavalry. They all joined us on the march
next day, when we made an early start, and after proceeding six miles
struck on the Lebanon pike. About noon, passed through the small village
of Liberty--a strong Union place. Going two miles further, we turned off
on the road leading to Murfreesboro, and went into camp on the banks of
Clear creek. Remained here until 4 o'clock of the next afternoon, when we
once more formed in line for the march. On getting on the old road, we
were faced towards McMinnville. The Thirty-first Indiana and Twelfth
Kentucky, and Second Indiana Cavalry, remained in camp. Nine o'clock that
morning, we arrived at our old camping ground at Smithville, and remained
there for the night. Resumed marching early in the morning, and at 6 P. M.
reached McMinnville. The day after our arrival at this place, the battery
wagon, tents and baggage, came on from Murfreesboro. Remained here until
Sunday afternoon, August 24th, when we again moved forward. The sick were
sent to Nashville, and a large quantity of provisions and other property
was buried, as there was not sufficient means of transportation. At 3
o'clock the entire force were in motion. None but the officers in command
knew our destination. We crossed the river, and found ourselves on the
road to Altamont, Winchester, and other towns. Marched six miles, and, at
9 o'clock, halted for the night. It being late, and over a mile to where
we could obtain water, and as all were tired and sleepy, we went to bed
supperless--our beds being mother earth. Started early in the morning for
Altamont, without breakfast. Proceeding two miles we came to water, and
now supposed we would have a chance to cook our rations. But no; as soon
as the horses were watered, "forward" was the word, and we must obey. This
command caused much grumbling. Two more weary miles were passed, when we
again halted for a couple of hours; but no water was to be had here, so we
were obliged to content ourselves with some dry, hard bread for breakfast.
We finally got started again, and after going a short distance another
halt was made, caused by the road being blockaded by the wagons. We at
once turned into the woods on our left, and encamped. Remained here until
daylight, and were once more ordered forward. Arrived at McMinnville at 11
A. M., and proceeded to our old camping ground, having been absent two
days, and accomplished nothing. This was on August 26th. With the
exception of an alarm, caused by some of the cavalry firing their guns
just outside the lines, a few days after our return from the above
expedition, nothing of note occurred until September 3rd.
On the morning of September 3d--being just one month from our arrival--we
took our departure from McMinnville. After the usual delay, we were on the
move, and headed for Murfreesboro. For the past month we had been deprived
of all communication with home, and had scarcely seen a paper. As a matter
of course, we knew but little of what was transpiring in regard to the
war. We could not even tell for what purpose we were ordered on, or what
our destination. We marched about twelve miles this day, and then camped
in a large open field. During the morning we passed the place where a
skirmish had taken place between some of our troops and a party of Rebels,
a few days previous. The Union force had succeeded in routing the enemy,
but several of their men were captured. We remained in this camp until the
next morning, and again started. At noon passed through Woodbury, and at
night camped at Readyville, having marched about fifteen miles. The
following morning resumed our march, and reached Murfreesboro at noon.
Considerable delay was caused here, and it was 4 P. M. ere we pitched our
tents, which was done two miles from town, on the Nashville pike, and near
Stone River.
Here, for the first time, we received information that some extraordinary
movement was on foot. Troops, in large bodies, were constantly coming in
from all quarters, and it seemed as if Buel's entire army were about to
concentrate at this point, for the purpose of some grand movement upon the
enemy. The report was that we were about to return to Kentucky. About this
time we received a late paper, and the tenor of its news led us to believe
that such a movement looked reasonable.
The next morning early were on the move towards Nashville. All doubts as
to our course were now removed. Owing to the large body of troops in
advance, our progress was necessarily slow. But we made sixteen miles
during the day, which was September 6th, and at night camped at a small
station on the Nashville and Chattanooga railroad, and fourteen miles from
the former place.
An early start the next morning brought us, at noon, to within five miles
of the city. We here turned off from the main road, and proceeding two
miles, camped near a small creek. But scarcely had our picket ropes been
extended, and horses unharnessed, when we were again commanded to move.
This time proceeded to within a mile of the city, and then pitched our
tents. Were ordered to be in readiness to move at 3 o'clock in the
morning.
It was now evident that Kentucky was our destination. At the appointed
time next morning, we were on the move; and, shortly after daylight,
crossed the Cumberland river by means of the railroad bridge, which had
been planked over for the purpose. We passed through the pleasant little
town of Edgefield, and found ourselves on the road leading to Bowling
Green. When we had gone four miles we halted in a piece of woods, and
remained there two hours, then proceeded on our way, and at night camped
eight miles from Nashville, and near what is called Edgefield Junction.
We remained at the above camping ground two days. On the afternoon of the
2d of September, we had an alarm; and, as the surrounding country was
swarming with Rebels, it stood us well in hand to be on the alert. It took
but a moment's notice to be prepared for action, when scouts were sent out
in all directions. They succeeded in bringing in several prisoners, some
of whom belonged to the Rebel army. But little information could be
obtained from them. The remainder of the day and night passed without
anything further of note transpiring.
Early on the morning of September 11th, we were once more on the move.
About 10 A. M. passed through the small town of Goodsonville, or Edgefield
Station. We here saw evidences of the Rebel's work of destruction. The
place was almost entirely deserted, and every store had been completely
riddled and robbed of its contents. Many of them had been fired, and were
partially consumed.
We made no halt at this place, but continued our march. A few miles
further on passed through another small town, which contained two or three
stores, all of which were closed, and, as at Goodsonville, the inhabitants
had mostly fled. At noon we halted near a large public house, where there
was a fine spring of water. Here we procured dinner, and remained for two
hours.
It appears that there had been a skirmish a short time previous, some two
miles ahead, between our advance and a large body of Rebel Cavalry. A part
of the Ninth Michigan Infantry, one section of Hewitt's Battery, and a
small detachment of cavalry, succeeded in repulsing the enemy, who had one
killed and three wounded, who fell into our hands. On our side, there was
but one wounded.
About 2 o'clock resumed our march, and shortly after passed the spot where
the skirmish had taken place. It was at a crossing of the road. We marched
until 8 o'clock in the evening, and then camped near a small creek, where
there were two or three stores.
September 12th resumed our march. We had skirmishers thrown out on each
side of the road to prevent a surprise. Nothing worthy of note occurred
during the day. Marched sixteen miles, and camped at Mitchellville shortly
before dark. Had a light fall of rain during the night. General Buel
joined us this day.
At daylight, September 13th, continued the march. At 10 A. M. arrived at
Franklin, Kentucky, which place is on the Nashville and Louisville
Railroad. It was reported that a large body of the enemy were hovering
around the town. A halt was ordered, and scouts sent out in all
directions. Each section of our battery went to the outer edge of the town
on picket guard. After remaining one hour, and nothing seen or heard of
the enemy, resumed our march. At 8 o'clock in the evening, camped two and
a half miles from Bowling Green. Distance made this day, twenty-five
miles.
Early the morning succeeding proceeded on the march, but went into camp
one mile from Bowling Green. While here we suffered for the want of
wholesome water--the only spring of good water being two miles from camp.
We were obliged to use water for cooking purposes from a pond that was
stagnant. Were kept on half rations, as we had been since leaving
McMinnville. In place of hard bread, flour was distributed.
Were ordered to move on September 15th, but, after getting ready, the
order was countermanded.
September 16th, again ordered to move, and at 5 o'clock were ready, but
waited two or three hours for the word to proceed. Finally started and
went one mile, when we bivouacked on side of the road for the night, it
being impossible to proceed further, owing to the immense wagon train.
At daylight next morning again started, and passed through the town of
Bowling Green, and shortly after forded Barren River, then halted long
enough for breakfast. About an hour before dark we left the turnpike, and
turned off to the right, through a piece of woods. It now commenced
raining quite hard, and the night was very dark. Our progress was but
slow, and it was 10 o'clock ere we halted for the night. The rain was
still falling heavily, and the air was quite chilly. Large fires was soon
built, around which we all gathered to enjoy the genial warmth. Water was
not readily obtained, and we lay down supperless. Tired and hungry, wet
and cold, we were soon asleep.
The next morning, September 18th, opened cold and cloudy, but soon cleared
up. And now, for the first time since leaving McMinnville, we had three
days' full rations served out. Having found a mudhole, from which we could
obtain water, all were soon busy in cooking their food, and for a time the
camp was quite lively--the men once more wore cheerful faces, and our
former hard fare was forgotten. Hardly, however, had we prepared our meal,
when the order was given to move, and the grub went down our throats on a
double quick. There was considerable "jawing" about that time. In a few
minutes, we were once more on the road. We started at noon, and for the
greater part of the way the road lay through a woody and sparsely
populated country. At dark we came in sight of camp fires, burning
brightly, evidently but a short distance ahead. But, for some reason, we
were delayed for hours on the road, and it was midnight ere we arrived at
the place. Here was presented one of the most beautiful sights ever
witnessed. Spread out in a large open space, extending over many acres of
ground, were the camp-fires of an army of fifty thousand men. The fires
were built in rows a few feet apart, each mess having its own fire. The
men could be seen flitting about from point to point, some cooking, some
carrying wood and water, some sleeping, others smoking or eating.
Occasionally the strains of a flute were wafted sweetly to the ear, borne
on the night breeze. Then came the full manly chorus of some patriotic
song, from one of the messes. Away in the distance we heard the sweet and
touching words of "Rock me to sleep, mother," sung by some brave but
warm-hearted soldier-boy, as he thought of his dear home far away. Would
that kind mother ever again fold her darling boy to her warm heart?
Mayhap, even the morning's sun might shine on his lifeless form. The
vicissitudes of war are great.
At a distance, the camp resembled a large and populous city by gaslight,
and it was truly a magnificent spectacle. Our battery was soon joined with
them, and most of us being wearied by the days' labors, lay down for a
little sleep, as our orders were to move at daylight. We were informed
that the place near which we were encamped was called Prout's Knob, from a
small mountain, which reared its rugged head just outside the line of the
encampment.
Were routed out before day next morning, September 19th, to prepare
breakfast. At daybreak, were ready to move. General Smith now took the
command of our division in place of General Ammon.
Owing to the large number of troops, it was nearly 7 o'clock before we got
started. After proceeding four miles we halted in the road, and were kept
there until 4 o'clock in the afternoon. During the day signal flags were
kept flying, the meaning of which only those in command knew. At 4 o'clock
we moved forward, and pitched tents in a field near the road, most of the
infantry and other troops going further on.
Remained in camp during the day of September 20th, engaged in cooking
three days' rations. While here heard of the fight at Mumfordsville, and
defeat of our troops. All kinds of stories were at once set afloat, and,
like those at a ladies' tea-party, were not much entitled to
consideration. It was generally supposed that we were on the eve of a
great battle.
At daylight, September 21st, were again ordered to move, and were soon on
the road. But before we had gone one mile came to a halt. We turned aside
into a piece of woods, where we remained till 5 o'clock in the afternoon,
when we once more proceeded forward, and it was long past midnight ere we
encamped, which was done near a small creek. Distance traveled, ten miles.
One o'clock, September 22d, took the road, and after going some four miles
came to where the enemy had been camped the night previous. It was
reported that they had left in two divisions, and that some of our advance
cavalry had a skirmish with them, and caused the enemy to retreat. We went
about one mile further and were then ordered to "about face," it having
been ascertained that we were on the wrong road. Going back two miles we
turned to the left, and in a short time pitched tents on the banks of
Green River, opposite Mumfordsville, and near an old fort which had been
erected the previous winter.
September 23d, again early on the march. At sunrise crossed Green River,
and passed through Mumfordsville. At noon, halted near the railroad.
Remained one hour, and once more under way. At 9 o'clock in the evening
reached Camp Nevins, and pitched our tents near a creek. Marched this day
twenty miles.
Early on the following morning moved forward. Passed through Elizabethtown
without stopping. Went thirteen miles beyond, and camped for the night. We
were now on a good macadamized road. As heretofore, water was scarce.
September 25th, resumed our march, and at noon arrived at West Point,
situated on the Ohio, at the mouth of Salt River, and distant from
Louisville twenty-two miles.
For the first time in a year we once more beheld a free State. After
remaining a few hours, once more made a move. Crossed Salt River, and were
now on the direct road to Louisville. Two miles from West Point we
encamped.
Started before daylight, September 26th, and at noon reached Louisville.