USA > Illinois > History of Fourteenth Illinois cavalry and the brigades to which it belonged > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30
We expected to rest here at least a short time, but were ordered to provide ourselves rations and ammunition for a raid, having only time to prepare dinner and feed our horses when "Boots and Saddles," "To Horse" and "As- sembly" sounded; when 600 of the 14th and 300 each of the 5th and the 107th, under command of Colonel Felix Graham, of the 5th Indiana, accompanied by one section of the Elgin Battery (12 pounders) formed column and marched for the Cumberland river in Tennessee, on our first military expedition. Glasgow had but recently been captured from the enemy. We continued our march through the night, halting at 10 p. m. to feed. Our trains and guns were much impeded in progress by the darkness and the very bad roads. We were halted many times to permit the trains to close up. We now learned the opera- tion of the "vocal telegraph" used to keep a column closed up in a night's march. The commander from the head of the column starts the inquiry, "Trains all right?" which
I7
FOURTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
is repeated by officers at proper distances along the column, conveying the inquiry to the rear much more rapidly than could a courier mounted on the fleetest horse. After a time comes back the answer conveyed in the same manner : "Trains all up;" when "Forward" is sounded, until the next halt brought a repetition of the same signals. So slow was our progress that it was after sunrise when we reached Tompkinsville, the county seat of Munroe county, Kentucky, 24 miles from Glasgow, and seven miles from the north line of Tennessee. This was a dilapidated vil- lage. We halted within a few miles to feed. Passed the state line about 9 a. m .; soon the country grew rougher until we entered a region verging the mountainous, and thinly settled. Few dwellings of a rude sort, inhabited by a poor class, who cultivated small patches of land. One redeeming quality was the abundance of pure, sweet spring water, a luxury to the weary soldier on the march not often obtainable. For miles our road led down a ravine until the collecting spring outlets made a rivulet, growing soon to be a creek walled in by bluffs on either side ; the passage often difficult, caused by the dipping or inclination of the rocks that formed our roadbed. About 4 p. m. halted about a mile from the village of Celina ; having a range of bluffs to cover us from view of the town. March, 40 miles.
Celina was in outward appearance unimportant, valued only as a depot of supplies from which small river boats carried supplies down the river 75 miles to Nashville; or later by wagons across the mountains. Our present mis- sion was to break up this nest of marauders and cut off this source of rebel supplies. Our column was formed and the order "Prepare to charge," given. The wildest shouts of enthusiasm rang out as the men eagerly prepared for the fray by divesting themselves of everything not absolutely needed in the expected encounter, and forming line eagerly awaiting the order "Forward," "Charge.' After a few moments of impatient waiting came instead a new order, or rather, a request for 300 volunteers to swim the river and charge the town. So eagerly did the men of the 14th respond to this call that the officers were compelled to designate who should remain.
The river was high, the banks steep and muddy, and it was said that rebel sharpshooters occupied old buildings
18
HISTORY OF THE
near the river to pick off our men as they swam the river, without opportunity to return the fire. Our two guns were planted on an elevation and soon booming shells flew thick and fast. A dense column of flame and smoke shoot- ing heavenward, attested the skill of our gunners. The town was on fire. The enemy raised a white flag. They proposed to surrender the town with 600 prisoners. In-
stead of the charging column a small party was sent over in a boat bearing a flag of truce to arrange terms of capitu- lation, but before they reached the opposite shore they were fired upon by those dastardly cowards, who regarded neither the rights of humanity nor the universally acknowl- edged rules of war. It was now too late to make a fur- ther attack, and scouting parties were sent out in various directions.
The first battalion of the 14th, which had been sent up the river to learn whether a rumor that the enemy were crossing to the north side of the river was true, returned about 9 p. m. without having discovered an enemy. Com- mand now bivouacked for the night. April 19th, beauti- ful morning. We were early in line ready to begin the contest. Company "A," under Lieutenant Horace Cap- ron, and Company "I," under Lieutenant Kilbourn, had been sent up the river on double quick 12 miles, to capture a band of the enemy gathering in supplies. When we reached the point indicated we found two boats laden with bacon and corn for down the river, but the party had fled ingloriously. An old Union lady living near informed us that she had frightened the party by telling them that a large party of Yankees had just passed down. She had told them the truth without knowing it. We took posses- sion of the boats and a party under Lieutenant Kilbourn navigated them down the river, while Company "A" and Company "I," under Sergeant Sanford, returned to camp. These boats became useful in transporting our troops over the river ; together they carried 25 men and their horses. Great eagerness prevailed as to who should cross first. Each company of the 14th clamored as to which company should cross first. Colonel Capron ordered the following rotation. First "G," Captain Perkins; "D," Lieutenant Carrico; "K," Captain Sanford ; "H," Captain Lord ; "C," Captain Dent ; "E," Captain Crandel ; one battalion under
I9
FOURTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
Major Quigg was out on an important scout, and Com- panies "A" and "I," though eager to cross, were obliged to be content with another scout after rebels reported to be on north side of the river. A portion of the 5th Indiana was next crossed over. As soon as sufficient had crossed to form line they advanced on the enemy, driving them to the heavily timbered hills, where a sharp skirmish en- sued. Major Davidson commanded our right wing, and Major Tompkins the left wing, the 5th Indiana, under Lieutenant Colonel Butler, occupied the center. Our
lines continually pressed upon the enemy seeking the ad- vantage of a close range for their revolvers and short range carbines. This did not suit the rebs, as they preferred to hold the Yanks at long range with their longer guns, as the Yanks at short range had the advantage in rapidity of loading and firing. In this manner we pressed them back farther and farther until Captain Dent, with his Com- pany "C," was ordered to charge a strong position, but when his brave company was all expectation for a close con- test, they found that the whole line of the enemy was in full retreat for the mountains, where they took refuge in inapproachable cliffs, and mountain gulches.
This was the first engagement for the 14th. Although all fought well, the 14th were the more impetuous ; a fact that was common of our new troops. The 5th had been in engagements before. The roar of battle strife was tan- talizing to the comrades left north of the river to guard our rear from a large force of the enemy said to be com- ing to re-enforce Celina. The casualties on our part did not exceed two killed and four or five wounded as far as we could learn .. The following Colonel Graham reported to Brigadier General Hobson (see part Ist, page 264) : "I arrived at this place (Celina) at 4 p. m. (18th), opened fire upon O. P. Hamilton's camp, driving him and killing seven. I have possession of Celina. Hamilton's camp is entirely destroyed. The rumors are very conflicting ; rebels report 3,000 men back of town. I think 1, 100 will cover the entire number all told. I will move after the rebels today (19th). River not fordable." In Vol. 23d, part Ist, page 264, General Hobson to General Rose- crans says of Colonel Graham, that he destroyed Hamil- ton's camp and killed 7 rebels on 18th and on 19th took
20
HISTORY OF THE
possession of town, killing 30; the rebels in full retreat in disorder ; our force 1,200 but not all engaged. Rebel force 1,200 to 1,500." On page 263 General Wright says : "The expedition to Celina was entirely successful, they destroyed the town ; 100,000 pounds bacon ; 10,000 bushels wheat ; 10,000 bushels corn ; 100 barrels whisky ; 100 bar- rels flour and considerable quantity of sugar, coffee and tea, meats and other stores, and 40 boats used in transport- ing supplies to the rebel army. Rebels report 90 killed, but Colonel Graham thinks the number greater. This re- sult is highly creditable to the troops engaged ; indeed it was a perfect success." General Burnside twice refers to this affair, on page 265, part 2d, and in his general report, page 12. He also there speaks of the constant skirmish- ing of the cavalry, but no decisive results in April except this expedition to Celina. Our notes give the same amount of property destroyed as is given in the foregoing reports. As to the loss of the enemy, we then had no means of ascertaining, but believe the highest estimate given is below the facts. On page 783, Vol. 23, part 2d, General John H. Morgan reports April 22d, 1863: "Re- ceived information from Celina that the enemy had ad- vanced on and shelled that town on 19th instant, partially burning it and causing Major O. P. Hamilton's command to fall back ; the enemy's force being about 1,200 strong." On page. 785 he says: "The enemy between 1,200 and 1,500, crossed the river at Celina on 19th instant, shelled and burned the town together with the churches ; not giv- ing the citizens any warning of their intentions. Major Hamilton had to fall back four or five miles, but being re- inforced by Colonel Johnson's regiment, attacked and drove the enemy back across the river." Hamilton's force was reinforced as Morgan says, but our forces were not driven back across the river as he states ; they retired as we have stated, after they had driven the enemy to the mountains. Our force in all was 1,200, but not near all engaged. What buildings were destroyed was on the 18th, which, like all sudden attacks or surprises, was made without warning. No buildings except their depot of supplies were burned after we took possession on the 19th. We are confident that no church was destroyed for we took pains to learn at the time ; nor do we believe there was a
CAPTAIN ALBERT B. CAPRON, COMPANY A.
21
FOURTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
building in the town worth two hundred dollars ; it was a mere collection of old tumble down shanties valuable to the rebels only as a depot of stolen supplies, and of course the dwellings, humble as they were, were the homes of families, and to be respected as such, which they were. As to the destruction of supplies it was a war necessity, as the longer the rebel armies were supplied and strengthened the greater the loss on both sides, of property as well as of human lives. Then this nest of robbers who had system- atically robbed and plundered and burned the dwellings of Union people, as well as murdered them, were the last to have the right to complain that they were now forced to swallow a small portion of their own medicine. On page 270, Vol. 23, part 2d, is the following from Jules Fassett, assistant inspector general : "Louisville Ky., April 23d, 1863, to Colonel Capron : I heartily congratulate you and your command for their conduct in fighting on the very first of their arrival. I went to the Louisville Journal this morning. A true account will be published. I have sent you four howitzers with implements and ammunition." These afterward figured conspicuously in our history. These guns were first manned by a detail of the 14th, com- manded by Sergeant Phillips. Soon after they were manned by a detachment from Company "I," commanded by Lieutenant Kilbourne, of that company, and when we left Kentucky to cross the mountains Lieutenant H. C. Connelly, of Company "L," 14th, commanded and manned them by a detachment from his company, in whose hands they remained until the spring of 1864, after they had been disabled in severe but efficient service.
Having heard that the enemy were to be heavily rein- forced, a heavy chain guard was placed around our camp at night. Then occurred some incidents which were the source of much merriment in after years after we became veterans in the service. As was common with those new in the service, the true report of expected reinforcements to the enemy set on foot many camp rumors and among them a report that we would be attacked at night by a large force which included a band of Indians. The chain guards completely encircled the camp with the men posted at intervals of about five rods. It was so nearly dark that only the outlines of the next sentinel could be seen as a
22
HISTORY OF THE
shadowy form from each comrade. The brown leaves were on trees and shrubs and their occasional waving in a breeze easily excited fancy in the belief that the enemy was approaching. To add to apprehension the men were told that the Indians were expected to slip through our lines by stealth and murder our sleeping comrades in camp. Of course these instructions were given to the soldiers to arouse vigilance. Each sentinel was instructed if he saw an enemy approaching or slipping through the lines, to fire his carbine when the whole line was ordered to fall back three rods and form a new line. After waiting some time a soldier of Company "I," 14th, saw some shadowy form on his right, slipping to- ward our camp inside of our lines. Somewhat appre- hensive that it was the sentinel on that side and not risk- ing the shooting of a comrade though the strict command was to discharge his gun, he fired at space to the front and seizing his revolver fell back as ordered, to a fence in the rear, about three rods. While falling back an exclamation of fear from his comrade on his right, revealed that, con- trary to strict orders and military discipline through cowardice he had abandoned his post. With a severe re- proof he was told that he ought to be shot. Of course the report of the carbine aroused the whole sentinel line with the apprehension that the enemy were upon us, and fancy easily pictured an approaching enemy in every dimly seen waving bush, and bang, bang, bang was heard at intervals all around the line throughout the night. As the principal cause of this alarm manifested symptoms of insanity and was sent to hospital, where he died, we withhold his name ; and as to the other hero in the "drama," his extreme mod- esty prompts us to withhold also his name, though the honors of that night's fancied battle with the enemy is given where it belongs, to Company "I," of the 14th, as hav- ing begun it by firing the first gun. Comrades of the regi- ment will not be jealous of our honor.
April 20th, pleasant morning. After scouting parties were in, brigade marched at II a. m. toward Tompkins- ville. Halted several miles out, having heard that the enemy had been reinforced and were preparing to cross the river. The guns, with 300 of the 14th, were sent back. They discovered the rebels in strong force just below the
23
FOURTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
town. Upon our approach they retired down the river. We followed several miles and opened upon them with our artillery, when they retired to the hills beyond our reach. We then returned to the command, which resumed its march about 5 p. m. Continued march through the night, making little progress owing to extreme darkness and bad roads. Halted to feed and breakfast two miles from Tompkinsville at 7 a. m. of April 21st; then marched through Tompkinsville and on to Camp Boyle at Glasgow ; where we arrived during a very hard rain, about 9 p. m. Glasgow and Tompkinsville, which had recently been permanently wrested from the enemy, were the most im- portant southern positions held by our forces in southern Kentucky, and absolutely essential to our forces if we would gain and hold the line of the Cumberland; hence Glasgow was made the headquarters of General Judah's division, the third of the 23d Army Corps, now com- manded by Major General George L. Hartsuff. Depart- ment commander, Major General Ambrose E. Burnside. Our brigade, the first, was nominally commanded by Brigadier General Mahlon D. Manson, though on every active expedition it was commanded by Colonel Graham. Our brigade was now composed of 107th Illinois Infantry, Colonel Joseph Kelly commanding; 23d Michigan In- fantry, Colonel Marshall W. Chapin commanding ; 5th In- diana Cavalry, Colonel Felix W. Graham commanding, and the 14th Illinois Cavalry, Colonel Horace Capron com- manding. The artillery now belonging was, the Elgin, Illinois, Battery, 4 howitzers, 24 pounders, and 6 James rifles, 6 pounders, Lieutenant Andrew M. Wood com- manding, and Henshaw's Illinois Battery, 4, 6 pounders and 2 James 6 pounders, Captain Edward C. Henshaw commanding (see appendix to part 2d, page 969). Be- sides this artillery, the 5th Indiana had 2 Rodman guns, and the 14th Illinois had 4 mountain howitzers, 6 pound- ers. The situation in Kentucky is shown by official re- ports. Burnside to Hallack, April 21st (see part 2d, page 265) : "Rebel General Humphrey Marshall in S. E. Ken- tucky with from 1,500 to 4,000. Also about 4,000 cavalry near Monticello. General Marshall reports, April 18th (page 777), that he had moved into Kentucky and had been in 15 counties. In February his total force was
24
HISTORY OF THE
7,667, cavalry and artillery alone, 2,467 (see page 638). On page 773, Part 2d, Vol. 23, is rebel report April 15th, '63, showing Morgan's command at McMinnville with 6,000 or 8,000 cavalry. Wharton's toward Murfreesborough, 2,000 ; Forrest and Vandorn at Columbia, 10,000. Mor- gan's (assorted) command still in southeastern Ken- tucky." This is information from rebel sources. Besides were the commands of Colonel Pegram and Colonel Scott. Burnside well said of this period: "Skirmishing by the cavalry with the enemy was of almost daily occurrence."
Much of our service in Kentucky was the sending out of detachments to scout the country and drive out raiding parties of the enemy ; an important and tedious service, as it was of almost daily occurrence; yet as detachment service was seldom reported, we could gather but few de- tails and thus this important service, except on few occasions, is of necessity omitted from our record. We re- mained in Camp Boyles three days ; receiving meanwhile the four mountain howitzers as before spoken of. We now heard that after we returned from Celina, Hamilton's force marched to Tompkinsville and burned the court- house there, and killed several Union citizens, and com- mitted other depredations (see page 273). Tompkinsville, as well as all of Monroe county, was intensely loyal ; the county having furnished but 30 votes to secession and but 30 recruits to the rebel army ; hence the intense hatred of the rebels toward them. The enemy were reported in force at Celina and a force was ordered to be sent from Glasgow against them.
April 25th, 350 of the 14th Cavalry, 350 of the 5th In- diana Cavalry, and 200 of the 107th Illinois Infantry and the howitzers of the 14th, again under command of Colonel Graham started for Celina ; reached Tompkinsville at sun- down ; camped near. The rebels had fallen back to Celina.
April 26th, marched to within one mile of Celina and camped ; rained hard; sent out scouting parties ; day's march, 16 miles. Burnside says, page 277, April 25th : "I,400 cavalry from Glasgow are moving upon Tompkins- ville, which I will, if possible, move to Burksville." On same page and date Burnside said to General Boyle : "Tell Graham to look out for a move by Morgan in the direction of Glasgow, and to threaten Burksville and Celina from
25
FOURTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
Tompkinsville." So it appears that Burnside intended this move more as a feint to divert Morgan from his in- tended attack on Glasgow.
As the rebel main command at Tompkinsville had fallen back to Celina, it was decided that Graham's main com- mand should proceed there, with a large detachment sent toward Burksville to watch Morgan. On page 279, part 2d, April 26th, Hobson says: "Colonel Graham was at Tompkinsville last night; his scouts near Burksville re- port Pegram with his force near Burksville and Albany. Scouting parties of the 14th were near Gainsburg; cap- tured 16 prisoners from Morgan's and Hamilton's com- mand. Hamilton and Johnson's forces are in the vicinity of Celina. Wheeler and Morgan are reported near Gaines- borough with 6,000 men and batteries. This information is regarded as reliable. Colonel Graham will move his main force to Celina ; will keep sufficient force at that point to pre- vent rebels from crossing theriver. Reconnoitering parties will be kept on roads leading to Burnett's ferry and Gaines- borough. I have instructed him to blockade all places if rebels advance in large force, and if he is compelled to fall back on Glasgow to give me information of his own and rebel movements. It appears that Graham's force at Tompkinsville and Celina will have all it can do to watch Pegram and Morgan." Pegram had 2,000 and Morgan from 1,500 to 3,000, enough surely to keep us busy without the pestering raids of Hamilton and other Cumberland robbers.
April 27th, sent out scouting parties through the day, who have occasional skirmishing across the river.
Afternoon, Companies "I" and "L," of the 14th, with the howitzers, were sent down the river two miles and dis- covered the enemy in force across the river. The order was given "Prepare to fight on foot." This order is obeyed by counting off by fours from right to left, then numbers one, two and three throw their halters to number four, who takes charge of their horses. After one, two and three have dismounted the horses are taken to the safest convenient place, while the dismounted men form a new line, counting off again, and are ready for any move- ment on foot. In this case we marched to the foot of a high ridge which with difficulty we climbed, and formed
26
HISTORY OF THE
line on its summit in the hopes that the altitude would enable our shots to take effect. We were now joined by one company of the 5th and one company of the 107th. The carbine shots fell short, only a few reaching to their position. The guns of the infantry were more effective; between them all after some of the rebels or their horses seemed to be struck, they all scampered back to their favor- ite hills.
We were now in full view of Major Hamilton's dwell- ing, a large frame house standing on an eminence a little below us and about one mile off. As we had no affection to waste on this robber it was deemed that the better way to get rid of pestiferous rats was to destroy their nests. The howitzers were moved down the river to a point opposite this dwelling and a little target practice was instituted until it was found that with our best efforts the shells fell short. We now received orders to return to camp, which we reached about 9 p. m. Remained in camp until midnight awaiting the coming in of other scouts, then marched to- ward Tompkinsville in thick darkness and heavy rains. Marched through heavy forests and over broken roads until 8 a. m. of April 28th, halted and camped a half mile east of the road and a half mile north of the state line ; called this "Camp Hills." This camp lay in a flat valley between two ranges of hills. We had a heavy rain before noon. Our only protection against it was our ponchos and blankets spread upon poles. Having exhausted our coffee our fare was hardtack and sowbelly while it lasted. Experience had not yet taught us that even this fare in plenty was feasting for soldiers in active service. This lesson was well learned afterward. The sudden heavy rain soon brought a flood rolling down this valley in such quantity and so suddenly that before we were aware our belongings that would swim were floating around us, and with difficulty we saved them by hastily saddling our horses, packing our things and mounting and riding through the rising flood to "terra firma" on the hills. We remained quietly encamped until May Ist, when our Sibley tents arrived from Glasgow; but we were now out of rations. Citizens brought in pies and cornbread for sale. The boys declared that the pies were worth more than the cost to half sole their boots with, and the cornbread could
27
FOURTEENTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY.
be used in our howitzers in place of shells. Scouting parties sent out captured a few prisoners.
May 3d in the evening the camp was alarmed and the command called out and formed line awaiting an expected attack, but no enemy appeared. Part 2d, Vol. 23d, page 293, Burnside says: "April 29th : Colonel Graham is at Tompkinsville with outposts at Burnett's ferry, Celina, Burksville and other crossings on the river. He has been skirmishing yesterday and today, with results in his favor. Morgan and Wheeler were at or near Gainesborough." And on same page: "Pegram near at hand. Colonel Graham's movements are very satisfactory ; let him remain in the vicinity of Tompkinsville, but look out that he is not caught." On page 293 is another favorable reference to his command.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.