Our Battery Part 5

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.

CHAPTER VIII.

AT LOUISVILLE--AND OFF AGAIN.

As before stated, at noon of September 26th, we arrived at Louisville, having marched over two hundred and fifty miles, occupying just twenty-three and a half days. We were nearly all worn out on this long, dreary, and tedious march, and presented a most woful appearance, being dirty, ragged, and well nigh famished. Take it all in all, we had undergone more hardships and real suffering than on any previous occasion, and it was probably one of the most disastrous movements that had taken place since the war had an existence. The boys say it was a "masterly piece of military strategy," and think that a few more such movements will speedily terminate the war.

Our camp was located on a piece of low ground, and in a potato patch near the ca.n.a.l, through which the boats are obliged to pa.s.s when the river is at a low stage, as there is then an insufficiency of water on the falls.

We now had full rations served out, and as far as the matter of eating, were well off. On Sunday the 27th September, we received an addition of forty-seven new members, they having been recruited at Cleveland by Colonel Barnett and others. Two of our men, who had been home on sick leave, rejoined us at the same time.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 30th, we moved camp a short distance, and the same afternoon were paid for four months' services, and also received a lot of new clothing, which rendered the men extremely happy, and many a wistful eye was cast towards the city. But the same night we received that same "eternal" order to be ready to march the following morning. So the men were disappointed in the expectation of getting "shut" of their money.

At an early hour, October 1st, all were ready for a start; and shortly after daylight the battery was in motion. But, on crossing the ca.n.a.l, we came to a halt, and after being delayed an hour, again moved forward. In a short time another halt was ordered, and

We all halt, halt, halted.

In this manner nearly the entire day was consumed, and it was quite late in the afternoon ere we were fairly outside the city.

We now found ourselves on the Bardstown pike, being the same road by which we had entered the city seven months previous. Marched six miles, and at 9 o'clock camped for the night.

October 2d resumed our march at the usual early hour; but owing to the large force accompanying, our progress was slow. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and about eight miles distant from our starting point in the morning, heavy firing was heard some distance ahead, but in a short time it suddenly ceased. After proceeding two miles further we halted, and went into camp for the night. We soon learned, from scouts sent out, that the firing was occasioned by a skirmish between our advance and the rear guard of the enemy, who were slowly retreating before us. There being so many rumors concerning the skirmish, it was impossible to obtain a correct result. However, there was no great damage done on either side. The enemy, as usual, wanted to be "let alone." Considerable rain fell during the night.

Captain Standart and Lieutenant Bennett, who had remained at Louisville on business, joined us the next day, October 3d. The morning was cloudy, with some rain. At 9 o'clock got started. The clouds swept away shortly after, giving place to the genial sun, and the remainder of the day was quite pleasant. At 10 A. M. pa.s.sed through the small town of Mount Washington.

Here was where the skirmish of the day previous had taken place. At 3 o'clock crossed a small stream, called Floyd's Fork. The bridge had been destroyed by the Rebels. We had no difficulty in fording the stream, owing to the low stage of water. This was six miles from Mount Washington, and fourteen miles from Bardstown. Just beyond here our advance cavalry were fired upon by the Rebels, with artillery from a masked battery. A halt was at once ordered, and instant preparation made for action. Two of our guns, under command of Lieutenant Bennett, were moved forward some two miles, and were then fired upon. The pieces were immediately posted on a commanding place near by, and opened on the enemy. A few shots were exchanged, when the firing soon ceased. Scouting parties were now sent out to reconnoiter, but returned without making any discovery of importance.

Nothing more, worthy of notice, occurred during the night.

Having ascertained that the Rebels had retired during the night, at 10 o'clock next morning, October 4th, we again moved forward. It was now evident that the enemy were gradually falling back, but had left a rear guard for the purpose of r.e.t.a.r.ding our march, and to cause us as much trouble as possible, without bringing on a general engagement. About three miles from our last night's camping ground we again crossed Floyd's Fork, and near where the Lexington pike intersects the Bardstown and Louisville road. We here found that the bridge had not been destroyed. About one-half mile beyond we came to where the enemy had thrown up a sort of barricade against a fence, and from which they had, no doubt, intended to give us a surprise, but had thought better of the matter. Another mile, and we came to a public building, called the Barclay House, and located on a high elevation. Here, the night previous, the Rebels had posted their artillery. Our forces were again placed in position, and scouts sent out to ascertain the enemy's whereabouts. In two hours they returned without having made any discovery, and once more we resumed our march. At night camped within eight miles of Bardstown. From people living along the route we traveled, all manner of reports concerning the Rebels were received. By some it was represented that they were at Bardstown, from sixty thousand to eighty thousand strong, and were going to make a stand to offer us battle. But little credence was given to any of these reports; but we were all inclined to believe that a battle was soon to be fought.

The morning of Sunday October 5th, was ushered in clear and pleasant. Had breakfast at daylight, and at 7 o'clock our column was in motion. We moved slowly, and with much caution, halting frequently. Once we laid by for nearly three hours. Shortly before dark we entered Bardstown, and found that the Rebels had, as usual, "skedaddled." We now found that the detention during the day was caused by the arrival of another division of troops, who had come by a different road, and we had to wait for them to pa.s.s on ahead. We were informed by the citizens that the enemy had left but a few hours previous, and that the division above mentioned were in close pursuit. They had taken the direct road to Lebanon and Danville. We pa.s.sed through town, took a road to the left--crossed a small creek, and pitched our tents, one mile beyond the place.

Early next morning, October 6th, again on the move. Our march this day was over a rough and hilly road, and through a thinly settled part of the country. At noon crossed a creek, the name of which we did not learn.

Shortly after this we pa.s.sed through the village of Glenville, and again got on a good road. Marched about eighteen miles this day, and, at 8 o'clock in the evening, camped one mile from Springfield.

October 7th. This morning continued our march, and at 8 o'clock pa.s.sed through Springfield. A large party of Rebels had been driven out of town the day previous, by the advanced division. We proceeded on towards Danville, following the pike for some distance, and then turned off to the left, on a common dirt road. Marched several miles, and at dark came out on the Lebanon and Danville road, six miles from the former place. General Gilbert's division pa.s.sed on ahead. We went on two miles further, and, at a small village, turned off to the right, and proceeding some distance further, came to a creek, and camped. Our object in leaving the main road was to find water. Marched eighteen miles this day.

CHAPTER IX.

BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE.

At 7 o'clock on the morning of October 8th, we resumed our march, returning and taking the Lebanon and Danville pike. A few minutes after reaching the main road, we heard heavy firing some distance in advance. A halt was made, and the order given to transfer all extra baggage from the pieces and caissons to the baggage wagons, and be prepared for action. The report was then prevalent that the enemy were some five miles ahead, and had made a stand, and were already engaging our advance force. A fierce battle was now antic.i.p.ated, and our men were anxious to partic.i.p.ate in it, after the long chase we had given the enemy.

The firing had now become more frequent and distinct, and our men were becoming more and more eager for the conflict. As usual, there were all sorts of rumors regarding the number and position of the enemy. After a halt of one hour we again moved forward, and soon came on the Perryville pike. Proceeding one mile further, we turned off into a field on the left of the road, and took position on a high piece of ground, our division being posted at different points. We held our position until near dark, when we moved forward half a mile, and were then stationed on a hill to the right of the road. The fighting in the meantime had been most desperate, and was chiefly confined to General McCook's division, which maintained its ground in fine order, the men showing great bravery. The battle lasted until dark, when the enemy retired, and, on the following morning, retreated to Harrodsburg. The Union loss was eight hundred and twenty killed, between two thousand and three thousand wounded, and over four hundred missing. Enemy's loss, one thousand and eighty-two killed, and four thousand two hundred and sixty-one wounded. Our Battery took no part in this action, as we were, during the time, out of range. It was the intention, on our part, to renew the battle the next day--the enemy willing--but they wanted to be "let alone," and withdrew from the field.

On the day following the battle, our Battery was kept constantly on the move, charging through woods and cornfields, but no enemy was there. At night we camped near Perryville.

CHAPTER X.

MUCH MARCHING, BUT LITTLE FIGHTING.

The morning of October 10th were again early on the move, and at 9 o'clock pa.s.sed through the town of Perryville, and proceeded on towards Danville.

The buildings, as we pa.s.sed along, presented the appearance of hard usage from the effects of the battle of Wednesday. Nearly every house was more or less riddled by shot and sh.e.l.l. We saw one house that seemed as if it had been the especial target of the gunners, for it was pierced in many places. We continued on for about two miles, when our advance had some little skirmishing with the enemy's rear guard. Our guns were at once drawn up in position on a high hill, having a good command of the country surrounding. We remained here some fifteen or twenty minutes, and then proceeded forward on a double quick. Two miles further, and we came to a halt--all our forces being drawn up in line of battle. More skirmishing took place. About 4 o'clock we bivouacked in an extensive hemp field, four miles from Danville. The boys remarked that we had come here for the express purpose of preparing hemp for the "skedaddlers." That night was cold and stormy. We crawled under the hemp-stacks, and made ourselves as comfortable as the circ.u.mstances would admit.

October 11th. Morning still cold and stormy. We changed the position of our guns, and the horses were kept ready harnessed, and every one at his post. Some firing was heard on our left during the forepart of the day, and, in the afternoon, on our right. We, however, kept our position, and at night again slept under the hemp-stacks. The weather still continued cold, but the storm had ceased.

Weather next morning was clear, but cold. At 9 o'clock some of the enemy came into camp, bearing a flag of truce, but for what purpose we soldiers did not learn. About 10 o'clock we were ordered to move forward. Our march was through woods and fields, we seldom being on a regular traveled road.

At 4 P. M. we came out on the turnpike leading from Danville to Camp d.i.c.k Robinson, and proceeded towards the latter place. The smoke of the enemy's camp-fires could be plainly seen. When within four miles of the camp we were ordered to "about face," and march back. So face about it was, and we were again pa.s.sing over the same ground that we had but just traveled.

"We marched boldly down the road,-- Then marched back again."

After going about three miles, we came out on another pike, which also led to Danville. And now we came to a halt, for the night. Supper was soon over with, and all turned in for a night's repose. Before midnight we were routed out, with orders to harness our teams and march. Soon found ourselves faced towards Danville. The night was clear and the road good, so we went along at a lively pace, and in an hour's time reached the town, and halted in a field just on the outskirts. We were now allowed to remain quietly until morning.

October 13th. The weather being fine, and as we were to remain in camp this day, the men took the opportunity to wash their clothes, it being the first time that they were able to do so since leaving Louisville. During the day we were visited by Colonel Barnett. We had not before seen him since leaving Nashville, in March, a period of eight months. Major Race also accompanied the Colonel. At 4 o'clock we were ordered to move.

On getting into the road we found we were faced towards camp d.i.c.k Robinson. Marched three miles, and camped directly opposite the camping ground of the night previous.

On the following morning, October 14th, again on the move, and going towards Danville, which place we reached about 9 o'clock A. M. We here turned into a field and halted. The entire army seemed in motion. After remaining here some two or three hours we again started, and about noon pa.s.sed through town, and took the road leading to Stanford. Just before dark we turned off the main road, and after going two or three miles through the woods and fields, camped on a high piece of ground, as we supposed, for the night, as it was quite dark. It was reported that a large wagon train of the enemy had pa.s.sed only two or three hours in advance of us. As soon as supper was over those who were not on guard stretched themselves on the ground to seek repose. Suddenly the clear notes of the bugle rang out on the night air. Never was the sound more unwelcome; but its call had to be obeyed. The moon shone brightly, but the air was piercing cold. The prospect of an all night's march was not much relished.

As soon as we got out on the road we struck off on a double quick, and went spinning along towards Crab Orchard. Considerable firing was now heard some distance in advance. At every halt that was made fires were kindled with the rails along the road, and for miles ahead the sky was lighted up by them. There is something very impressive and thrillingly grand about a large army in motion at dead of night. The measured tramp, tramp, of the infantry, the rattle and creaking of artillery, the occasional neigh of a horse, mingled with the peculiar sound which always accompanies a large body--the breathing of thousands of human beings--and all lit up by the camp-fires, presents a weird, spectral scene. The march of death!

Shortly before daylight, and when we were some three or four miles from Crab Orchard, we came to a halt in the middle of the road. Several large fires were built, around which we all gathered. At daylight we got a cup of coffee and some "hard-tack," then away on the road again. An occasional report of a gun could be heard. About 9 o'clock, A. M., we entered the town of Crab Orchard, and were here informed that the rear guard of the enemy had pa.s.sed through only an hour before. The firing which we had heard was caused by a slight skirmish between them and our advance. Several prisoners had been taken.

After a few moment's halt we pushed on through the town, and once more were on the road to Wild Cat, the place where we had fought our first battle, nearly one year previous. The weather was fine, and the roads were in far better condition than when we first traveled them.

Proceeding four miles beyond Crab Orchard, our brigade left the main body, and turned off on a road leading to the left. Just before dark, and after having gone some six or eight miles, we were obliged to turn back, to find a suitable camping ground, as there were several high hills which we could not ascend at night. The road being very narrow, with a thick growth of trees and underbrush on either side, it was fully two hours ere we got fairly turned about. We then went one half a mile, and camped in a cornfield, near a small creek.

October 16th, resumed our march. Nothing worthy of note occurred during the day. About 3 P. M. pa.s.sed through Mount Vernon. Did not make any halt.

At night camped three miles from the crossing of Rock Castle River.

The next morning, early, moved forward, a part of the battery in advance.

Captain Standart acted as a guide, from his previous knowledge of the country. He, with the advance, consisting of some cavalry and the Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, proceeded on some distance beyond Wild Cat, and on the road to London. When three miles beyond the old battle ground, they suddenly encountered quite a force of the enemy, when a brisk skirmish took place. In a short time our forces succeeded in driving the Rebels, killing and wounding several of their number, and taking a few prisoners. Our loss was six or eight killed and wounded. Captain Standart had a very narrow escape, as one of the Thirty sixth Indiana was killed at his side.

Our entire battery, with the rest of the brigade, arrived at the summit of Wild Cat Mountain about 2 P. M. We then camped on the same place we had occupied on the first battle, and our guns were placed in almost the same position that they were in when we hurled death and destruction into the enemy's ranks nearly one year ago. Appearances indicated that we were to have another battle. It would indeed be a singular coincidence should we again fight on the old ground.