Part 4 (2/2)
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 c.u.mberland river by means of the railroad bridge, which had been planked over for the purpose. We pa.s.sed 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 pa.s.sed without anything further of note transpiring.
Early on the morning of September 11th, we were once more on the move.
About 10 A. M. pa.s.sed 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 pa.s.sed 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 pa.s.sed 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 Mitch.e.l.lville 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 pa.s.sed 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 spa.r.s.ely 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 s.p.a.ce, 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 s.h.i.+ne 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 k.n.o.b, 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 ent.i.tled 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 pa.s.sed 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. Pa.s.sed 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.
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