Part 5 (2/2)

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 skirmis.h.i.+ng 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 skirmis.h.i.+ng 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.

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