Part 9 (2/2)

Colonel Barnett being present, also offered a few remarks, in which he alluded, in a happy manner, to the good discipline and soldierly bearing of the men, and congratulated us for the fair name and reputation which we had gained.

Colonel Enyart, of the First Kentucky Infantry, was also presented with an elegantly wrought sword, by the officers and soldiers of his command.

Immediately after the above ceremony, loud, long, and hearty cheers were given for General Cruft, Colonel Barnett, Captain Standart, Colonel Enyart, and the officers of the First Brigade. And now all quietly marched back to their respective quarters.

Sunday, May 10th, 1863, will long live in the remembrance of those who composed Standart's Battery.

The flag which we received was made of the most costly material. On its folds, in letters of silver, was inscribed: Presented by the Officers of First Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-First Army Corps, to Standart's Ohio Battery. Underneath this were the Words: Wild Cat, Mill Springs, Chaplin Hills, Stone River. The Captain's sword is heavily mounted with gold, and is a beautiful piece of workmans.h.i.+p. It cost two hundred dollars.

From the above it will be seen that the services which our Battery has rendered in the Union cause are duly appreciated by those who know our history best.

The morning succeeding the above eventful day, the body of J. P. Beers was sent home. The detachment to which he belonged escorted his remains outside the lines.

The day following, the Third brigade of our division arrived, and camped near us.

Friday, May 15. A little excitement in camp, caused by a horse-race for one hundred dollars a side. Our whilom mule-driver says that his steed can run the ”har” clean off them dandified looking ”critters.” But says he don't ”keer” about betting, as cabbages ain't very plenty just now.

Sunday, May 17th. On this morning, as General Palmer and Staff were out, with some of the First Tennessee cavalry, on a reconnoissance, when about five miles from camp they were suddenly confronted by a large body of Rebel cavalry, who at once opened fire on them. General Palmer gave the command for his cavalry to charge, and which order the brave Tennesseeans were not slow in obeying. With drawn sabres they rushed on the Rebels, which caused them to give way, when they broke and fled in confusion. The result was the capture of about twenty prisoners, the same number of horses, and a few muskets. Two captains were among the prisoners. One or two of the enemy were killed, and several wounded. Two or three slightly wounded on our side. The prisoners were soon after brought into camp.

Brigade inspection in the afternoon. Seventeen weeks in camp at Cripple creek.

After the above incident nothing aside from the usual daily routine and an occasional reconnoissance, transpired until Tuesday, June 23d. On this day we received word that Andy Ives, a member of our company, was dead. He had been sick for some time, and had been taken to Nashville by his father. This made twenty-two of our members who had died or been killed since we first entered the service. This afternoon the entire army in camp at Cripple Creek was called out to witness the execution of a private, in the First Kentucky infantry, for desertion.

At half-past 2 o'clock, P. M., the division marched in regiments to the parade ground, and were drawn up in the usual manner on such occasions. At a quarter to 3 o'clock the prisoner made his appearance, following his coffin, and surrounded by a strong guard. On either side of him was a chaplain, or spiritual adviser. The drums beat a mournful march, and, after pa.s.sing around the various regiments, with head uncovered, the doomed man was placed behind his coffin. He was then allowed to make a short address, but little of which could be heard. After he had concluded, a prayer, in his behalf, was offered by each of the chaplains. The prisoner then shook hands with them, and with some of the officers. His eyes were then bandaged--his bosom bared for the fatal shot. The soldiers detailed for this painful duty took their positions. With a suspense which was painful to witness, all awaited the final word for the execution.

Precisely at 3 o'clock the signal was given, and immediately the report of twelve guns echoed through the valley. * * * All was over.

On examination it was found that four b.a.l.l.s had pierced his heart, and one had entered his temple. His death was easy and instantaneous.

Thus ended a sad and painful scene, the like of which we hope never again to behold. The man's name was Shockman, and he hailed from Cincinnati. He was about twenty-eight years of age, and unmarried.

On returning to our quarters, an order was received to issue twelve days'

rations, and be ready to move at a moment's notice. As we had before received such orders, and nothing came of them, the men were now inclined to believe--as we had been so long at this camp--that we would here remain until disbanded. But at dark it became quite evident that a move would be made on the following morning. Some were pleased at this, but others were loth to leave a place which had become almost like a home to them. We had now been here a little over five months--by far the greatest length of time we had remained in any one camp. But all things must have a termination, and so did our stay here.

In the different dates above, have been given the items of interest which occurred during our stay at Cripple Creek. But little else, aside from the usual routine of camp life, had taken place.

CHAPTER XIV.

DEPARTURE FROM CRIPPLE CREEK.

Early on the morning of June 24th all were astir, and busily engaged in preparing to march. The word was given to be ready at 7 o'clock. The weather was quite cloudy, and indicated rain. At 8 o'clock it commenced raining; and shortly after, we were on the move, having bid adieu to Cripple Creek, which had so long been our home. The rain was now falling heavily, and so continued through the whole day.

After crossing the creek, we took a South-east course. The roads in many places were quite rough, but the country, generally, was level. We pa.s.sed through a fine farming section, and the crops mostly looked flouris.h.i.+ng, but somewhat backward, owing to the late spring frosts, which had delayed planting.

A march of six or eight miles brought us out on the Murfreesboro and Bradyville pike, and the roads were now in better condition. General Wood's Division were here waiting for us to pa.s.s. A little further on, we found the Second Brigade, General Hazen, waiting to join us. Shortly after, we pa.s.sed through the small town of Bradyville. About one mile beyond this, at a creek, a skirmish took place between some of the First Tennessee Cavalry and a party of Rebel Cavalry. Two of the Tennesseans were wounded, and, as usual, the enemy ”skeedaddled.”

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