SKIRMISHING PREVIOUS TO THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
At an early hour on the morning of Friday, December 26th, the shrill call
of the bugle ringing out on the frosty air, announced that we were about
to move.
Soon great activity prevailed in camp, and all were in high spirits at the
prospect of an advance; and it was evident to each and every one of us,
that unless the rebels should retreat from Murfreesboro, a battle must
soon occur.
Nothing so arouses a soldier's spirit as the prospect of a battle--though,
in the same anxiously looked for battle, his life may be sacrificed. For
human life, at best, but hangs on a thread which even a little blow may
snap asunder. But if man dies thus, his life is nobly given on the altar
of his country, and that is worth the life of any man.
"_Who_ dies in vain
Upon his country's war-fields, and within
The shadow of her altars?"
War follows rebellion, and death follows war. Some must die--both the just
and the unjust; but in the end, right will _ever_ conquer. And now to our
movements.
The morning was cloudy, and in a short time it began to rain.
Nevertheless, all were soon ready to move. After waiting for more than an
hour, the command was finally given to "forward march."
The army of General Rosencrans had now been divided into three separate
divisions, or army corps, and designated as the Right, Left and Center
wings. The Right, commanded by General McCook; the Centre, by General
Thomas; and the Left, by General Crittenden. To the last named was our
Battery attached, General Palmer being still in command of the Division,
and General Cruft of the Brigade. Our Corps moved forward on the
Murfreesboro road, the other Corps taking different routes. At the time
we got fairly started the rain had increased, and the storm was raging
furiously; and though all were thoroughly drenched, yet it dampened not
the ardor of the brave men, as they were elated at the prospect of soon
meeting their deadly enemy in battle array.
Owing to the great number of troops, and having a large wagon train, our
progress was quite slow; and further, it was known that our movements
would be more or less harrassed by the enemy. Great caution was therefore
necessary.
When within two miles of Lavergne--which is a small station on the
Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad--our advance guard encountered the
Rebel pickets. After a short skirmish, the enemy were driven into their
camp at Lavergne, where they had one Brigade stationed.
Our Brigade having the advance, we soon came in sight of the enemy, who
were drawn up in line ready for battle. Our Battery, and one section of
Konkle's Battery, under command of Lieutenant Nathan Newell, were ordered
into position, and opened on the Rebels. They immediately returned our
fire, when a lively artillery fight commenced, which lasted until dark.
One of our men had his hand badly shattered, by the premature explosion of
one of the guns. He has since had his hand amputated. One of the men
belonging to Newell's section was instantly killed by the Rebel fire. This
was the only loss sustained on our side. The Rebels suffered the loss of
a number killed and wounded, and a few taken prisoners.
Early next morning, we were in readiness to renew the attack; but the
enemy were not inclined to oppose us, as they commenced a retrograde
movement towards Murfreesboro. Our troops at once pressed on them closely,
and constant skirmishing ensued throughout the entire day. At dark, we had
succeeded in driving them six miles, to what is called Stewart's Creek. We
here rested for the night--the Rebels on the east and we on the west side
of the creek.
The following day both armies remained in the same position, and no
movement was made on either side. _We_ were awaiting the arrival of
General Thomas' troops.
The next morning we moved forward in order of battle. Skirmishers were
thrown out on each side of the road, through the woods and fields, and
during the day some little fighting took place. We moved to within four
miles of Murfreesboro, and camped for the night in a piece of cedar woods.
The following day was passed in preparing for the great battle, which was
now imminent. Our troops were posted at different points, Batteries placed
in position, picket lines established, scouts and skirmishers thrown out,
ammunition chests overhauled, and all other necessary preparations made
for the coming conflict.
That night our guards were doubled. The Infantry slept on their arms, and
Artillerymen at their several posts. No fires were allowed, and the utmost
vigilance enjoined on all.
To-morrow would be an eventful day.