Part 1 (1/2)
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 suns.h.i.+ne 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.