Part 7 (1/2)
We here received a supply of new clothing, harness, and other equipments; and, on the morning of December 24th, were ordered to have five days'
rations in haversacks, ready to march--but for some cause did not move.
Christmas went by in quiet, but it was only a lull in the war-storm which was soon to break upon us with a fury hard to withstand.
On the morning of the 26th we were ordered to move. All camp equipage and baggage, as well as those who were not fit for active duty, were to be moved into Nashville.
The storm was about to burst.
CHAPTER XI.
SKIRMIs.h.i.+NG PREVIOUS TO THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
At an early hour on the morning of Friday, December 26th, the shrill call of the bugle ringing out on the frosty air, announced that we were about to move.
Soon great activity prevailed in camp, and all were in high spirits at the prospect of an advance; and it was evident to each and every one of us, that unless the rebels should retreat from Murfreesboro, a battle must soon occur.
Nothing so arouses a soldier's spirit as the prospect of a battle--though, in the same anxiously looked for battle, his life may be sacrificed. For human life, at best, but hangs on a thread which even a little blow may snap asunder. But if man dies thus, his life is n.o.bly given on the altar of his country, and that is worth the life of any man.
”_Who_ dies in vain Upon his country's war-fields, and within The shadow of her altars?”
War follows rebellion, and death follows war. Some must die--both the just and the unjust; but in the end, right will _ever_ conquer. And now to our movements.
The morning was cloudy, and in a short time it began to rain.
Nevertheless, all were soon ready to move. After waiting for more than an hour, the command was finally given to ”forward march.”
The army of General Rosencrans had now been divided into three separate divisions, or army corps, and designated as the Right, Left and Center wings. The Right, commanded by General McCook; the Centre, by General Thomas; and the Left, by General Crittenden. To the last named was our Battery attached, General Palmer being still in command of the Division, and General Cruft of the Brigade. Our Corps moved forward on the Murfreesboro road, the other Corps taking different routes. At the time we got fairly started the rain had increased, and the storm was raging furiously; and though all were thoroughly drenched, yet it dampened not the ardor of the brave men, as they were elated at the prospect of soon meeting their deadly enemy in battle array.
Owing to the great number of troops, and having a large wagon train, our progress was quite slow; and further, it was known that our movements would be more or less harra.s.sed by the enemy. Great caution was therefore necessary.
When within two miles of Lavergne--which is a small station on the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad--our advance guard encountered the Rebel pickets. After a short skirmish, the enemy were driven into their camp at Lavergne, where they had one Brigade stationed.
Our Brigade having the advance, we soon came in sight of the enemy, who were drawn up in line ready for battle. Our Battery, and one section of Konkle's Battery, under command of Lieutenant Nathan Newell, were ordered into position, and opened on the Rebels. They immediately returned our fire, when a lively artillery fight commenced, which lasted until dark.
One of our men had his hand badly shattered, by the premature explosion of one of the guns. He has since had his hand amputated. One of the men belonging to Newell's section was instantly killed by the Rebel fire. This was the only loss sustained on our side. The Rebels suffered the loss of a number killed and wounded, and a few taken prisoners.
Early next morning, we were in readiness to renew the attack; but the enemy were not inclined to oppose us, as they commenced a retrograde movement towards Murfreesboro. Our troops at once pressed on them closely, and constant skirmis.h.i.+ng ensued throughout the entire day. At dark, we had succeeded in driving them six miles, to what is called Stewart's Creek. We here rested for the night--the Rebels on the east and we on the west side of the creek.
The following day both armies remained in the same position, and no movement was made on either side. _We_ were awaiting the arrival of General Thomas' troops.
The next morning we moved forward in order of battle. Skirmishers were thrown out on each side of the road, through the woods and fields, and during the day some little fighting took place. We moved to within four miles of Murfreesboro, and camped for the night in a piece of cedar woods.
The following day was pa.s.sed in preparing for the great battle, which was now imminent. Our troops were posted at different points, Batteries placed in position, picket lines established, scouts and skirmishers thrown out, ammunition chests overhauled, and all other necessary preparations made for the coming conflict.
That night our guards were doubled. The Infantry slept on their arms, and Artillerymen at their several posts. No fires were allowed, and the utmost vigilance enjoined on all.
To-morrow would be an eventful day.