USA > Illinois > History of Fourteenth Illinois cavalry and the brigades to which it belonged > Part 14
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We posted a strong picket to prevent an Indian surprise, and then lay down on the cold, damp ground late at night, having marched 30 miles, besides our busy afternoon work. We had no dinner, and very little for supper, as our hostess, Mrs. Hart, did not invite us to supper.
February 3d. Called early without bugle note. Marched at 8 a. m. without breakfast, south a few miles to the Little Tennessee, where scouts reported that on our proposed route, the built up mountain road, was all broken down, and impassable. We are now compelled to return by the way we came, risking that our forces were able to prevent the enemy from gaining possession of the passes on our road. We passed down the Tennessee river, crossed a deep creek, and then the Tuckaseege river, halt- ing soon after at the dwelling of one Major Sellers, an officer in the Indian Legion. As that legion now had no
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use for him and we had, we kindly took him with us. He was a merchant, and as we did not wish to separate him from all his property, we took with us what we could of flour and corn and other useful articles, including a fine two-horse buggy and harness, which we borrowed to con- vey our wounded men in. We marched 22 miles and camped within 4 miles of our last encampment on our up- ward route. The wounded were well cared for by Surgeon Wilson in houses near our camp. We had some rations, thanks to Major Sellers' unwilling contribution, and we procured some straw for our horses.
February 4th. Reveille 4 a. m. Our Major Sellers left us last night without a pass, and without his buggy and harness and other traps. His conduct was singular. We think there was a pretty big nigger in the fence, as our other friends, the redskins, were quietly there yet. We now hear that Longstreet has possession of our pass, but we hasten on, hoping to find some way out. Eight miles west of Stony Point we leave the mountain path that we came on to conceal our movements. We pass down the valley of the Little Tennessee. Passed through Chestnut Wind, and soon after entered and camped in Chilhowee Valley near the Little Tennessee. Forage and rations scarce; march, 26 miles. Chilhowee is Indian for "fine deer."
February 5th. Reveille 4 a. m. Marched at 8 a. m. down the river and into Cittico Valley ; a very fine country ; crossed Nine Mile creek at "Bess' Merchant Mills," and soon after camped in a fine oak grove near "Wood's Schoolhouse," on the Marysville road ; marched 18 miles.
This ends one of our most important services, one which doubtless equals any other achievement of an equal num- ber of men in any war.
February 6th. Reveille 4 a. m .; raining in the valley, while the mountains are white with snow. Our wounded had been sent on to Knoxville, where Lieutenant Capron died today, as we afterward learned. His loss was deeply felt by comrades and by all who knew him. To the finest military traits he added all the qualities of a gentleman. His body was sent to his friends in Peoria, Illinois. It is a matter of wonder that any of our severely wounded
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could live to cross over on our mountain road. Our pris- oners were also sent to Knoxville.
February 7th. Reveille 4 a. m. In camp.
February 8th. In camp; cold day ; reveille 5 a. m.
February 9th, 5 a. m. The 65th Indiana joined us to- day.
February Ioth. In camp.
February IIth. In camp.
February 12th. March at 9 a. m. with 65th Indiana ; Major Davidson commanding brigade, Major Quigg com- manding 14th Illinois. Marched 10 miles; camped on rough ground ; rations and forage scarce.
February 13th. Reveille at daylight. In camp; little rations.
February 14th. Reveille at daylight. In camp; little rations ; send far for forage.
February 15th. Reveille at daylight; rained all night and all day.
February 16th. Reveille 4 a. m. Marched at 8 a. m .; weather very cold; men suffer much. Halted in Mary- ville, a small town, the county site of Blount county. Marched after dark toward Knoxville, passed through Rockford, crossed Little river and camped in a wood 7 miles from Maryville. We were rear guard of a force of cavalry; we suffered much with cold; marched slowly, halted often. We bivouacked II p. m. ; marched 25 miles.
February 17th. Reveille 5 a. m .; suffered with cold last night. Marched at 7 a. m .; reached river opposite Knoxville I p. m .; marched 12 miles. As Longstreet, at Strawberry Plains, is threatening the reinvestment of Knoxville, the military defenses of Knoxville have been greatly strengthened since the siege.
February 18th. Reveille at 5 a. m. At 7 a. m. the effective men of the brigade marched on scout to Mary- ville, then toward Sevierville and captured a small party of rebels, then returned to camp, 10 p. m .; marched 28 miles ; weather cold.
February 19th. Reveille 5 a. m. In camp ; no forage.
February 20th. Reveille at daylight; marched 8 a. m .; crossed the river and marched on Strawberry Plains road. Major Davidson sick, Major Quigg commanding brigade ; Captain Dent commanding 14th. We were sent to recon-
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noiter Longstreet's forces, who are approaching toward Knoxville. About 8 miles out we came in view of a force of the enemy across the Holston. Two miles farther we saw a strong picket at a barn on an eminence near the road. Colonel Garrard, who commanded the division, came up and our line was formed, a portion mounted, while a por- tion dismounted and advanced as skirmishers. Our object is to draw out the enemy that we may judge of his force. A few companies were sent to the left to open a skirmish. Sergeant Beck, with Company "K," 14th, was ordered to charge upon the barn; this was handsomely done and the enemy driven. A strong force now appeared in line a half mile off; both infantry and cavalry. Several com- panies of rebel infantry were sent to retake the barn. Two other mounted companies of 14th are sent to reinforce Company "K," and they held the barn until our recon- noissance was completed, when our brigade remounted and returned to Knoxville. We passed through, and camped on our old ground near Fort Sanders ; bivouacking about 9 p. m. without rations ; marched 24 miles.
February 23d. Reveille at daylight; foragers sent to Louisville, 15 miles off ; get plenty of forage and rations, having been almost without for several days.
February 24th. Reveille at 3 a. m .; had hard thunder storm last night. Marched at sunrise through Knoxville, and on Strawberry Plains road. We passed General Judah's division and moved on to the river, then turn to the left on Rutledge road, leaving the river to the right and Blaine's crossroads to the left, and camped near Stone's Mills on Richland creek. No forage; little rations;
marched 25 miles.
February 25th. Reveille at daylight ; marched at 9 a. m. up the river and camped in the woods near Messinger's mills on Buffalo creek; poor camp; fare as yesterday. Marched 10 miles.
February 26th. Reveille at daylight. At 10 a. m. Lieutenant Guy sent on scout with a small party of men. They discovered a force of the enemy, who fired upon them. The Lieutenant fell back for reinforcements. Companies "A," "G," "C" and "D," of 14th, under Cap- tain Carrico, sent forward, but the enemy had disappeared. Our party pursued to Rutledge, but could not overtake
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them. They then returned to camp at 10 p. m., having marched 35 miles. A part of Companies "F" and "H," 14th, were sent to Strawberry Plains to act as scouts for the infantry, which was crossing the river at that place and moving toward Morristown.
February 27th. Reveille at daylight. Marched at 9 a. m. toward Knoxville, on main road, then on Rutledge road ; came to the old Scott road. Country heavily tim- bered and not much improved. Passed a dilapidated building where an old lady was intently gazing upon us through her spectacles. She exclaimed : "Well, men ! can you tell me how many have passed here today?" One of the boys promptly answered, 6,000 (there were about 1,600). "Well !". said the old lady, "I never thought there were so many people in the world." We passed the spot where it was said that one of our videttes, with a Henry rifle, had killed a rebel soldier 1,000 yards distant, that is more than a half mile. We camped after night two miles from Knoxville ; marched 25 miles.
Sunday, February 28th. Reveille at daylight ; rain.
February 29th. Reveille at daylight; raining ; march at 7 a. m. toward Powell Valley ; rains hard; roads very slippery. Crossed a high ridge; camped in a nice grove. Forage plenty ; marched 8 miles ; rained all day. Mustered for pay.
March Ist. Reveille at daylight; rain, rain, rain. Marched at 10 a. m. ; roads heavy ; reached Bull Run creek, co swollen by recent rains as to be impassable for trains ; camped in a wood near ; marched 5 miles ; rained hard all day. This morning Major Davidson resumed command of the brigade and Major Quigg of the 14th.
March 2d. Reveille at daylight ; cleared off. Marched at II a. m. ; crossed the creek, yet deep, near Loy's cross- roads, in Big Valley ; roads terrible ; weather beautiful ; camp poor ; marched 12 miles.
March 3d. Reveille at daylight ; weather fine.
March 4th. Reveille at daylight ; march at 8 a. m. to- ward Clinton, 5 miles ; camped in a beautiful grove in "Big Valley" near Wallace's cross roads ; fine springs of water near.
March 5th. Reveille at daylight, rained at night ; rations and forage more plenty.
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Sunday, March 6th. Reveille at daylight ; fine weather. March 7th. Reveille at daylight ; rain.
March 8th. Reveille at 5 a. m. ; rain. March at 7 a. m., reached Knoxville 4 p. m., passed through and camped on our old ground. Passed by a soldiers' cemetery contain- ing 680 graves of our fallen heroes. The graves were tastefully arranged in circles. Marched 23 miles.
March 9th. Reveille at daylight. Marched at II a. m. toward Loudon, passed through Campbell Station and camped two miles beyond in a beautiful grove near a creek ; weather warm and pleasant ; marched 17 miles.
March Ioth. Reveille at daylight; rained all night; marched after sunrise; reached the river at noon; were several hours in crossing on pontoon bridge; camped 3 miles south of Loudon in a grove of pines and oaks about 4 p. m. ; marched 16 miles over muddy roads.
March IIth. Reveille at daylight; thunderstorm last night. Inspection of horses and arms. The horses of the 65th were all condemned, and also all of the 14th, except 75.
March 12th. Reveille at daylight; drew five days' rations last evening ; marched at 8 a. m .; passed through Philadelphia and through Sweetwater Valley and camped in a grove. Lieutenant Colonel Jenkins now joined us and took command of the 14th. The 65th were not with us again. An order from General Granger, in whose com- mand we now were, was read. It prohibited soldiers from foraging, or from buying of citizens, or from entering their premises. Heavy penalties were threatened and promises were made to keep us supplied with full rations. Since leaving Kentucky we have seen little of army rations. We had no trains nor pack horses and were obliged to carry rations and horse feed on the horses we rode. We often lost our cooking utensils. They were very valuable, consisting of a general purpose kettle made out of an oys- ter can with a wire bail attached. This was coffee pot, tea pot, soup pot combined. Our frying pan was one half of a canteen. Sometimes we got flour without anything else, not even salt. This we mixed with water and wound the dough around a stick, which we held near the fire till it baked, and this beat "no bread" vastly much. Sometimes we drew fresh beef without salt or a smidgen of anything
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else, and nothing to cook this in. To give us an appetite we lay down in mud or snow or on three-cornered rails to keep us out of mud ; happy the three or four boys who to- gether had two blankets; one to lie on and one to cover over. Sumptuous feasting times were these for Lincoln's hirelings, weren't they, Mr. Soldier-Hater and his brother Copperhead? For almost seven months we saw no tea, coffee or sugar, but a small part of the time. But this was good enough for Lincoln bummers, who, of course, only enlisted for $13 a month and chance to board at Anderson- ville thrown in. We were often a day and sometimes several days without anything to eat. We had marched this day 13 miles.
Sunday, March 13th. Reveille at daylight; marched before noon to Madisonville, the county site of Monroe county, which for three months now became the head- quarters of our regiment. We camped on the west side of town in a grove. Weather fine ; marched 8 miles.
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CHAPTER IX.
AN ISLAND OF PEACEFUL REST, IN AN OCEAN OF STORMY BILLOWS.
From the middle of March, 1864, for three months the 14th Illinois Cavalry was in clover. With the exception of one attack, which Providence prevented from annihi- lating the regiment, and a few other small scratches, just enough to keep our swords from rusting in their scabbards, we had peace and rest. Indeed we could scarcely realize that we were a constituent part of an army, and in the ' midst of a cruel war. Nestled in quiet, cozy camps, near beautiful streams, or in the valleys and coves of lovely East Tennessee, with mountain views in contrast with the most pleasant plains and valleys, bountifully watered by the purest, cool mountain streams ; the eye gladdened by the most romantic and pleasant views; the ear saluted from morn to dewy eve with the celestial harmony of forest choirs ; with every decoration that the floral kingdom could furnish in this sweet vernal season ; and last, but not least, The a full supply of Uncle Sam's bountiful rations. whole combined was sufficient to completely enervate us and unfit us for stern war. Contrasted with our past six months' experience it was enough to turn our heads. Only one element was lacking to fill the measure of earthly bliss, the presence of loved ones and the enjoyment of social and religious influences and privileges; the first being in a measure compensated by the extreme hospitality and friendliness of the inhabitants ; the loyal from choice, and the disloyal from policy. Nor were we entirely lack- ing in religious privileges, as the rural congregations that gathered for worship in rude church buildings, had at least the element of fervency to recommend them.
We were still in the 23d Army Corps, now commanded by Major General John M. Schofield, and belonged to General George H. Stoneman's cavalry division, nearly all of which went to Sherman's forces in the front quite
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early. Most of the cavalry had been sent to Kentucky to be remounted. Our raid into North Carolina had pre- vented our regiment from a remount, and as our horses needed recruiting up by rest and good care, we were ordered to this new duty to relieve infantry commands that were posted at these points. These infantry forces were then hurried to the front. Our regiment was now divided into detachments of from half a company to two companies at one point, and occupied a line of posts at fords and crossings of rivers, and passes over the mountains, reach- ing from Loudon, on the Tennessee river, to Charleston, on the Hiwassee river. These posts were, on an average, from two miles to five miles apart ; the line in its winding course was 40 miles long, extending through the counties of Monroe, McMinn, and Bradley. Our regiment was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel D. P. Jenkins, with headquarters at Madisonville.
Could we have gathered notes and descriptions of the locations and interesting incidents of each detachment during this service, the record would be a volume of inter- est to all. We have such descriptions from two com- panies, "I" and "C;" to give these without giving similar records of other companies would seem to give too great prominence to the companies of the original authors ; and besides, a full account would increase our volume beyond our present means, so we can give but little of these de- scriptions.
Our last chapter left us at Madisonville, March 13th. From this point detachments were sent off to their various posts at different times. On March 17th the writer's company (I) was sent to guard the mountain pass of the Murphy pike, 16 miles southeast of Madisonville. This was an important road across the mountains. Lieutenant Boeke was detached as ordnance officer at headquarters. About the 25th of March we had a heavy fall of snow on the peach trees that were in full bloom ; a strange blending of stern winter and gentle summer. Our duty at this post was the usual duty, the alternating of vigilant outpost duty, with the lazy quiet of camp life. One little incident, trifling of itself, yet, as we believe, closely interwoven with our chance destiny, occurred while here. The writer was then Orderly Sergeant. One morning in early April the
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captain ordered the writer to take command of the com- pany during his short absence. While out instructing the advanced vidette, a young lady (of uncertain age), Miss Fry, who resided about half way to Madisonville, came out to the vidette and asked to be allowed to pass through to visit a sick relative on the mountains. We asked if she had obtained a pass from Madisonville, as was required. To this the lady replied, with winsome smiles: "You surely would not subject me to the inconvenience of going 8 miles and back for nothing, just to visit a sick relative, would you?" This was, ordinarily speaking, sound logic, embodied in a plea backed by the strongest promptings of gallantry, and the persuasive eloquence of the smiles of beauty. Much against the promptings of a gentler nature, we were obliged to answer: "In these times of cruel war, we are compelled, for the protection of our army, as well. as for our own safety, to do many things contrary to the code of gallantry, and that closely verge upon the code of cruelty. We are under the strictest orders to pass no one through the lines, on any plea, unless they show a genuine pass from our headquarters, and this you must have known before you left home. I am sorry to refuse your appar- ently reasonable request, but as a military man, I must re- fuse it." Just at this time the captain came out to the post and inquired what was the racket. On being informed, he rebuked me for my hard-hearted refusal, and ordered the vidette to pass the lady through. The worst of it was the captain, as well as all our command, well knew that all of this family were notorious rebels, and the evil results of this flagrant disobedience of orders, will be commented upon in connection with an event in our history while on this post. After the fall of snow mentioned, which was 14 inches deep on a level, we had a continued spell of the finest weather.
April 10th, the writer in command of half of Company "I," was sent to occupy a small manufacturing place two miles above the Murphy pike, on a road that led up the valley of Tellico river. The place was called "Tellico Furnace." This small river was a mountain stream, and the road led over the mountains. The position was roman- tic. The river here leaves the mountains and enters the plains. On one side were mountains piled on mountains,
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until they seemed to touch the sky, while in the opposite direction lay spread out to our enchanted view, the verdant peaceful beauty of lovely plains, in strong contrast with the distorted, rugged, martial aspect of the mountains. Before the war the abundant iron ore on adjacent hills was here manufactured into pig iron. The neighbors were all Union people except old Colonel Johnson, who owned the furnace and all adjacent lands. His aged father was said to be a Union man, so indeed did the Colonel pretend to be, but his neighbors said he was a rebel recruiting officer and furnished large supplies in stock and horses to the rebel army. After leaving that post the old Colonel trumped up a claim of $10,000 against our gov- ernment, for the very things that he had furnished to the rebels. He even wrote to me inquiring the amount of wood we had used of his, gathered ourselves from down waste timber on the mountains, not worth a cent to him, but which we paid him for as we used it, as we were under strict orders to pay for everything we received from citi- zens. Of course, I never replied. Our post was 3 miles from Citico, which was the head of our line N. W., and was occupied by Company "E." We had good quarters in the deserted cabins, and plenty of fuel by gathering it from the hills and paying for it. Our duty was light, requiring only a vigilant vidette, on which duty each man alternated.
On May 27th couriers came from Company "E," 3 miles N. W., notifying us that a band of Indians had at- tacked that post, and being repulsed had taken to the mountains. Every available man was sent from Company "I," as well as from all the companies that could be reached. These congregated at Citico, the post that had been attacked ; but so much time had intervened that the Indians could not be found. If each post was left as desti- tute of men and arms as was that at Tellico Furnace, their only safety from an attack from Indians who might be lurking in the mountains adjacent, would have been that, in their extreme weakness they did not offer game enough to attract savages in quest of blood. Cautioned by this danger, we built a rude block house at Tellico, so situated as to well guard the narrow valley. Not long after this. Captain Hagaman, with the remainder of Company "I," removed from the Murphy pike to the post at Tellico,
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where we remained enjoying a quiet camp life with fair rations, until we started for Georgia in June; when Cap- tain Hagaman, who had resigned, left us, and Lieutenant Boeke assumed command, Lieutenant Kilbourne having also returned from leave of absence, caused by his severe wound.
The record of Company "C," is given by Martin West, our former cohistorian. His description' would afford a most interesting account for general publication, but our unfortunate necessity of condensing our work compels us to omit some fine descriptions, that do not re- late to war history. We would be glad to include more of his poetic descriptions and quaint pictures of camp life in this romantic service, but we are compelled greatly to abridge. Company "C" was one of the last companies sent from Madisonville. They first went to Bowman's ford on the Little Tennessee, seven miles from Loudon. Company "H" was then at Riley's ford, 3 miles below ; the 74th Illinois Infantry being at Davis' ford below. Subsequently Company "C" guarded all these fords, Ser- geant (afterward Lieutenant) Beckwith commanded at Bowman's ford, assisted by Corporal De Mule. Corporals Wisner and Breed, and afterward Sergeant Day, com- manded at the ferry. Captain Dent's headquarters were at Davis' ford. Company "H," when relieved from Riley's ford, was sent to Major Davidson near Charleston, the right of our line of posts. The river at our post was the boundary between the counties of Monroe and Blount; the citizens were mostly loyal, respectable and hospitable." Comrade West gives a quaint description of a dance he attended, which so perfectly describes characteristics of mingled hospitality and rural simplicity, that we grieve that our limited space forbids its record, as it does that of many other fine descriptions. We must, however, give one of his beautiful descriptions. He says : "The valley along the river was romantic in the extreme. Although there was no range of mountains, to afford a view of mountains piled on mountains like huge ocean billows, until vision failed to distinguish them from the blue ether above, yet the round, sloping hills on each side of the river covered with the stately pine and majestic oak, spreading their bright green foliage to rustle in the gentle breeze;
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while thousands of beautiful varigated flowers rendered the air balmy with their fragrant perfumes. The clusters of willows along the river's banks, ever bending to gaze upon their counterparts which the sun (Nature's daguer- reon ) placed in the liquid depths below ; or stooping, while fanned by gentle zephyrs, to kiss some cherished spot upon its placid bosom. The large green meadows, covered with a beautiful mossy turf, softer than the gorgeous carpets of a Turkish harem; and the thick, umbrageous groves, act- ing as mediators between the scorching noonday sun and the fevered brow. All these, formed a beautiful blending and harmonious contrast to the lovely murmuring stream and the quiet homesteads resting along its banks."
The duty of Company "C," like that of the other con- panies was light ; consisting of a vigilant guard against the entrance of the enemy through their posts, and a pursuit of such bands as had entered our lines through other passes or fords.
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