Our Battery.
by Orlando P. Cutter.
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 a.s.sembled 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 pa.s.sed 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 a.s.signed 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 gra.s.s," 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 n.o.ble 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 pa.s.sed 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 d.i.c.k Robinson, having marched sixteen miles over a good turnpike road, and through what is called "the blue gra.s.s 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.
CHAPTER II.
BATTLE OF WILD CAT.
Early the following morning, in accordance with orders, all were actively engaged in making preparations to march; and, from certain indications, it was evident that we were shortly to be called on to take part in our first battle. It had been reported that the rebels, under Gen. Zollicoffer, were advancing from c.u.mberland Gap to attack the Union force stationed at Camp Wild Cat. The men were all in high spirits at the prospect of soon meeting the enemy in battle array. At an early hour we were on the march, being accompanied by the Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Col. Steedman.
At noon, we pa.s.sed through the pretty little town of Lancaster. The citizens are nearly all Unionists, and they greeted us kindly as we pa.s.sed along. A number of ladies brought out such provisions as they had ready cooked, and gave to us freely. At sundown, we arrived at Crab Orchard, having marched twenty miles during the day. We here camped for the night, it raining heavily at the time.
Next morning, after a hasty breakfast, were again on the tramp. After pa.s.sing Crab Orchard we left the beaten turnpike over which we had for some time been traveling; and now commenced the worst trial we had yet undergone. Over rocks, into ruts, through mud, onward we went; when, about ten o"clock, reports reached us that the enemy had already commenced the attack on the First Kentucky Infantry stationed at Wild Cat, and which was yet some twenty miles distant. We therefore hurried along as speedily as the rough nature of the ground would admit, and, at four o"clock, halted at a small creek and were ordered to feed our horses and prepare supper with all possible dispatch, to be ready for an all night march. Instantly, all was activity. Ammunition chests were overhauled, and things got in readiness for the coming battle.
At dark the word "forward" was given, and away we went over hills, through valleys, and through the interminable mud. Such roads! The one leading to "Jordan" can hardly be more difficult of pa.s.sage. The moon, however, was shining brightly, and all night long we held our toilsome way. No word of complaint, not a murmur was heard, but with a silence only broken by the heavy tread of our horses, and the creaking and rattling of the caissons and gun carriages, we pa.s.sed slowly forward. We were about to engage in our first battle for the country we loved; the country that gave us birth; and that was enough to quicken the blood, to rouse our nerves for the coming conflict.
At daylight we arrived at Rock Castle River, and here made a halt to feed horses and get breakfast. On the opposite side of the river lay Wild Cat Mountain, where we soon expected to meet the foe. Breakfast was soon dispatched, and on crossing the river, which was done by fording, we were met by messengers with orders to hurry forward, as the battle had already begun. Although we had a steep and rugged mountain of some three miles in hight to ascend, and were much fatigued with our last night"s march, the whip and spur were freely applied to our horses, and hurrying along at double quick were soon at the scene of action.
In less than ten minutes after our arrival we were in position, and at once opened on the enemy. They were rather taken by surprise, it being the first intimation they had received that there was any artillery on the ground. The fighting, up to this time, had been done by infantry and cavalry. The Rebels were in a deep ravine, and so thick were the trees we were unable to obtain sight of them from our position, and were only guided by the smoke from their guns.
The Thirty-third Indiana Infantry were posted on a hill directly opposite our battery, while the Seventeenth Ohio and First Kentucky Infantry, together with a part of Woolford"s Cavalry, were stationed away to our right. The Fourteenth Ohio Infantry were drawn up in line to our left. The Rebels were making efforts to drive the Thirty-third Indiana from their position. Every shot from our guns told with good effect, and the battle continued at intervals during the day. About three o"clock in the afternoon the firing became quite brisk, and lasted for half an hour. At this time we rapidly threw sh.e.l.ls into the enemy"s cover, which they did not much relish, for their fire soon perceptibly diminished, and finally ceased. All was now quiet. At dark, one section of our battery, under Lieutenant Sypher, moved over to where the Thirty-third Indiana held position. It being through the woods, and as there was no road, the guns were of necessity dragged by hand; but there were willing hearts and stout hands at the work, and it was speedily and safely effected.
About midnight the enemy endeavored to outflank us, but in this they were foiled; for we opened on them, throwing two or three shot, when they at once fell back to their old position, and all again became quiet.
In the morning, nothing was to be seen or heard of the enemy. They had doubtless come to the sage conclusion,
"That those who fly may fight again, Which he can never do that"s slain,"
and so had quietly decamped. They had been badly whipped, and only wanted to be "let alone." Their force was estimated to be about seven thousand, while ours did not exceed two thousand, and five hundred actively engaged.
The Rebel loss could not have been less than two hundred and fifty killed and wounded. Our loss was four killed and twenty wounded. Twenty-eight of the enemy"s dead were left on the field, and were buried by our soldiers.
Three of their wounded fell into our hands, two of whom died the next day.
Owing to the wild and rugged nature of the country, immediate pursuit was impossible, otherwise we would have "gobbled" the greater part of their force. The ground on which the battle was fought is said to have been the favorite hunting ground of Daniel Boone, the pioneer of Kentucky. It was rather a romantic place for a battle.
CHAPTER III.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN.
We remained at Camp Wild Cat until Thursday, Oct. 24th, and then took up our line of march on the track of the fleeing Rebels. All along the road were evidences of their work of destruction, as, in their retreat, they destroyed bridges, fences, and even houses. Carca.s.ses of horses, cattle and hogs, were strewn along the roadside. In many places they had felled large trees across the road to cover their retreat. We also saw several graves where they had buried their dead.
In the afternoon of the same day, we arrived at what is called Pittman"s X Roads. The Richmond road here intersects the Lexington and c.u.mberland Gap road. The place derives its name from an old settler.
We here pitched our tents upon a pretty knoll. It was quite convenient to wood and water, and was the most pleasant place we had yet occupied.
While here, large reinforcements were received, being an entire brigade, composed of the following regiments, namely: Fourteenth, Seventeenth and Thirty-eighth Ohio; Thirty-third Indiana; First Kentucky; First and Second Tennessee; all Infantry, and a small detachment of Woolford"s Cavalry, with our own and Kinney"s Batteries, of the First Ohio Artillery.
While here, we had several night alarms, but none of them proved of much consequence. In each instance, however, we were promptly prepared for any emergency. A few days later, word came to strike tents and proceed on to London, some three miles distant.
We reached London about noon of the same day, and took our bivouac in a large field on the outskirts of the town. Some of the brigade arrived the night previous, having been pushed forward, from a report that the enemy were advancing on the place. This, however, proved false. But we at once took up good positions, and made preparations to resist any attack.
Detachments were sent out to reconnoiter, but without discovering any signs of the Rebels. They had retired to their old quarters at c.u.mberland Gap.
The country around London is rough and mountainous, and the people are mostly of the poorer cla.s.s. They are generally loyal to the "old flag."
The population of the town is about five hundred. Most of the inhabitants had fled on the approach of the Rebel army, but returned to their homes on our arrival. The buildings are, for the greater part, rickety affairs.