USA > Illinois > History of Fourteenth Illinois cavalry and the brigades to which it belonged > Part 7
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another road a mile off. We soon left the Jonesboro road and marched toward Carter Station, where a brigade of our troops had engaged the enemy that day. We camped in a wood six miles from Jonesboro, and two miles from Johnson Station. We had one fourth of a meal for break- fast, no dinner, no supper ; get corn for our horses in a field near by ; march, 24 miles.
September 22d. Reveille at 3 a. m. ; without breakfast we marched at sunrise back on yesterday's route; recross the Watauga and Holston. Our advance overtook the enemy's pickets, who fell back skirmishing; halted three miles from Blountville, fed and dined; but before com- pleted, "To horse" sounded, and we hear musketry in front. We charged upon the enemy near Blountville, a raking fire is poured from a battery at our charging col- umn, of the 14th, missing the column two or three feet. The remainder of the brigade was in line already engaged. The 14th, which had been rear gard, is now thrown into line to protect our battery. The enemy were strongly posted on the hills and had a number of batteries. The 65th, on our right wing, engaged the enemy fiercely ; on their left the 5th Indiana were fighting near their guns. The Tennesseans on the left were also hotly engaged. Now came an order for the 14th Illinois to charge the enemy mounted, but this order was quickly followed by another for the 14th to dismount and form on the left of the Tennesseans, where the enemy were getting the ad- vantage. The 14th were quickly in position, when the enemy finding themselves balked in that quarter, concen- trated on our right and fiercely charged the 65th, for a time endangering that wing. Now comes an order for the second battalion of the 14th, under Major Quigg, to charge through the town mounted and break the rebel center. Many of the old wooden houses are in flames. set on fire by shells. Led by Major Quigg, the second battalion charge through the burning town, hoping to capture the enemy's batteries. Our line now presses forward vigor- ously and the whole rebel line is soon in full retreat toward Zollicoffer. We pursued them for two miles, then halted, establish a picket and build barricades ; the second bat- talion of the 14th advance picket. Regarding this fight we quote from page 579, serial 51. Itinerary of 23d A.
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C .: "Foster's (our brigade) engaged the enemy, 3,600, and routed them, capturing 70 prisoners and one piece of artillery at Blountville." The main command bivouacked near Blountville. The enemy were known to be in strong force near. We could hear the rumbling of wheels on the Bristol road to Zollicoffer, indicating heavy reinforce- ments sent to the enemy. Our advance, the second bat- talion, was without any rations and had no breakfast nor dinner. Our notes say 25 dead rebels were found and 200 captured. Our loss, 15 killed and 20 wounded. Marched 27 miles. Several young ladies were heard singing Union songs after the fight. On being questioned they said they had always been quiet and careful to avoid offending either side, but that the rebels came that day and murdered their father, and now they could not look upon rebels only with horror. Our force in this fight was about 1,400; little more than one third that of the enemy.
September 23d. Cold last night for the season. Early in the morningCompany "I," of the 14th, under Captain Hagaman, was sent up the Zollicoffer road to reconnoiter. They encountered the rebel pickets, charged upon and drove them until they met three rebel regiments. The remainder of the 14th pressed forward, and now began a lively skirmish, which lasted through the day; the whole brigade being engaged. The country was timbered and each side took shelter behind trees. Our men having short range guns, constantly sought a shorter range. The enemy, with long range guns, preferred a greater distance ; thus they gave back while our men pressed them. At one time they made a longer stand. To illustrate the nature of the fight we relate an incident. A Yank and a reb, each behind his tree, were engaged in "shot about," when Yank's ammunition for his gun gave out; reb, seeing this, advanced upon Yank, calling upon him to surrender ; but Yank, whipping out his Colts revolver, presented it and cried out : "You Reb, if you advance another step I will give you this." Reb had no desire for the gift presented "business end first," so he again treed. Trains were heard all day long on the railroad, indicating that reinforcements were being sent to Zollicoffer. We lis- tened for the booming cannon to tell us that Burnside was engaging the enemy on the other side, but we did not then
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know of his plans, nor that our attack was a mere feint. In the evening couriers brought orders from Burnside, and at twilight we were ordered to build fires with rails ; and then began a forward movement to the rear. The men retired sullenly, muttering imprecations on their officers ; some even calling their commanders cowards. Meanwhile the enemy vigorously shelled our rail fires. No account of the loss this day is given on either side. The enemy followed us, skirmishing with our rear guard. In the afternoon a flag of truce came from the enemy, ask- ing that a major and another rebel officer be permitted to visit their families in Blountville to secure new homes for their families ; alleging that their dwellings were burned. Realizing that these families were among friends, as all were rebels, and not willing that spies, at this time, should be admitted, their request was not granted. We marched on the Jonesboro road ; the night was cold. After crossing the Watauga river, two of our wagons tumbled over a declivity and were lost.
September 24th. About 3 a. m. halted in a wood, posted pickets, procured corn from a field and bivouacked, having had neither breakfast nor supper the previous day. For 48 hours many of the men have had nothing to eat. Reveille at sunrise; beautiful day ; niarch at 7 a. m. to- wards Jonesboro ; passed J. about 5 p. m .; camped in a field a half mile S. W. of town. Water, forage, wood and rations scarce. A few had supper, many had no break- fast, and all were without dinner. Day's march, 25 miles.
September 25th. Reveille at 4 a. m .; night clear and cool ; morning pleasant. March at 5 p. m. through Lees- burg. Afternoon through Rheatown and Greeneville, about sunset, where our Tennessee regiment was left as a garrison and never again with us. Camped late at night four miles beyond ; plenty of feed, but no rations.
September 26th. Reveille at 3 a. m.
Sunday, September 27th. Reveille at 4 a. m .; march at sunrise. Weather beautiful; roads very dusty ; pass New Market; country beautiful ; cross Holston river and camp five miles from Knoxville ; marched 30 miles. For the last two days have had less than half rations.
September 28th. Reveille at sunrise. Many of our horses were broken down, and we turn them over to the
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government corral, to be recruited up, receiving in ex- change other horses previously broken down, but recruited up by good care and rest in the correl. Some of our new horses, as we called them, were not as serviceable as those we exchanged for them; two of them died on the road to our camp. At 10 a. m. brigade marched to Knoxville; passed through and camped in a grove S. W. of Fort Sanders; draw rations; smiths at work shoeing horses. ยท March, 7 miles. Serial 51, page 579, Sept. 28th. Itiner- ary of 23d A. C., says: "Foster's brigade arrived at Knoxville, having marched 228 miles since the 17th in- stant."
September 29th. Reveille at early dawn; smiths busy night and day shoeing horses. We hear rumors of fight- ing at Loudon, 30 miles south of Knoxville. The itinerary of 23d A. C. says: "September 28th cavalry driven in at Loudon." This was Wolford's cavalry falling back from Philadelphia, where they were surprised by a large force of rebels and badly routed, losing their howitzer battery. General Burnside, in a report to President Lincoln, Sep- tember 23d, says: "One of our brigades (ours) had a sharp fight at Blountville in which the enemy were beaten and dispersed." And again : "Our cavalry, under Gen- eral Shackelford (who was now our chief of cavalry ) has been continually in contact with the enemy, driving them all the time." And again: "Colonel Foster has been on the flank. He whipped the enemy very handsomely at Blountville and at Bristol."
September 30th. Reveille at 5 a. m. Under orders to move; rained hard last night and all day.
On October Ist had reveille at 4 a. m .; orders to march at 9 a. m. Fifth Indiana and one company of 14th march toward Loudon. Main command, with horses saddled, remain in camp ready until 6 p. m., then move on road to Loudon; raining hard. The night was darker than a stack of black cats in the shade of a beech tree; Egyptian darkness would have made a shadow in trying to shine through it; a darkness which might be felt, and was, by more than one luckless trooper who, guided only by the sound before him, cut across the corner where the road made a turn to the left, and found himself floundering in the mud and water of a deep ditch, into which his steed
CAPTAIN WM. A. LORD, COMPANY H.
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plunged. Several teams also ditched their wagons. The column became divided and entangled, and halted until it was again untangled, then resumed the march until 2 a. m. of October 2d ; halted, fed and laid down on the wet ground, tentless, wet and hungry. Morning clear and cold ; hungry and wet, marched breakfastless through the small railroad towns "Conard" and "Lenoir" and through the valleys "Glassy" and "Opossum." Reached the Ten- nessee river at Loudon at II a. m. The river here is deep and broad. The destroyed railroad bridge was a grand structure, one fourth of a mile long. We crossed on a pontoon bridge. Marched a mile south of town ; halted to feed and breakfast. This town is surrounded by many hills ; some of them fortified. Near here was the battle- ground where it was said Wolford, with two brigades, de- feated the enemy much stronger than his force. We marched to Philadelphia, five miles below; camped in a bend of the Sweetwater creek. Plenty of good water and forage, but rations scarce. Colonel Capron is now in command of the brigade. Remained in this camp until October 5th, and get plenty of flour, bread, potatoes and meat. It turned cold on the 4th.
October 5th. Reveille at daylight; march at sunset back to Loudon ; cross the river, march 12 miles bevond ; camp near Lenoir Station I a. m. of October 6th ; weather uncomfortably cold. Reveille at daylight ; march at 7 a. m. ; without breakfast or horse feed ; halt at 10 a. m., fed and got breakfast, then march to Knoxville, 18 miles ; arrived at 6 p. m. ; camped on same ground ; marched since previous evening, 36 miles. Get supper, but no horse feed.
October 7th. Reveille at daylight; breakfast, but no horse feed ; marched toward Greeneville at 8 a. m., 12 miles, leave main road, halt and fed poor corn; go into camp. Sam Jones has sent General Ransom, with a strong rebel force to Greeneville. (See serial 53, page 720, and page 725.)
October 8th. Reveille before day; march at sunrise; cross "Flat creek," passed Blain's cross roads, halt to feed ; camp in the evening four miles from Bean Station ; plenty of forage ; rations scarce. March, 26 miles.
October 9th. Reveille before daylight. We hear of
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terrible atrocities committed by inhuman rebels in Greene county ; good men tied to trees and shot as a mark; 300 houses burned ; one peaceable Dunker, opposed to war, they hung up to make him tell where his money was hid- den, and finally shot and horribly mangled him. Another peaceable man in the same neighborhood shot ; all because they would not aid, or sympathize with the rebel cause. Many other atrocities were committed. We marched through Rogersville, where was a female seminary now running. Camped a mile north ; plenty of corn, but little rations. Marched 27 miles.
October 10th. Reveille 4 a. m .; night cold ; march at 8 a. m. back through Rogersville and on the Rheatown road. Fed hay at Williams' Mills, 19 miles from Rogers- ville ; get hasty bite to eat, then mount and march slowly to within one mile of Rheatown, halt until 10 p. m. We were in the rear, or rather the front, of a large force of the enemy that Shackelford, with his cavalry and a body of infantry had badly whipped at Blue Springs, and were now driving them. We remained in the enemy's rear until 2 a. m. of October IIth, when for some unknown reason, which has never been satisfactorily explained, the 5th In- diana alone was left in this position and the rest of the brigade was moved back on the road we came, several miles. General Burnside says in a report (serial 51, page 551) : "Colonel Foster's brigade was sent around to the rear of the enemy with instructions to establish himself in the rear of the enemy at a point near Rheatown, over which he (the enemy) would be obliged to retreat.
It was not desirable to press the enemy until Colonel Foster had time to reach his position." Again: "Colonel Fos- ter met with serious difficulties in the way of rough roads, so that he did not reach the point on the line of retreat to make the necessary preparations to check him." There was great dissatisfaction in the brigade at the failure to even attempt to check the enemy. As to the obstacles re- ferred to they were all fanciful. We did not see them. On the 9th, with ordinary roads, we marched 27 miles ; on the 10th, part of the day marched rapidly and the latter part slowly, and yet reached the ground in the forepart of the night; remained four hours without attempting to fortify, and then with three hours to spare, we moved out
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of their way, leaving one small regiment to meet the enemy. The whole movement is inexplicable and so dif- ferent to the former course of the brigade and its com- mander, that we must pass it unexplained. In the evening Captain Dent, with 40 men, was sent to reconnoiter. He passed through Greeneville, which was occupied and patrolled by the enemy. He passed within half a mile of a large rebel force in camp. About daylight we hear can- nonading, which tells that the spunky 5th have engaged the enemy. Our men held back in the rear were angry that they were not allowed to join the 5th. About 7 p. m. squads of the 5th reach camp and report their regiment all cut to pieces, and their battery and Colonel captured. There were loud imprecations in the brigade, that the 5th should have been left alone where the whole brigade de- sired to be, and should have been. The enemy have passed and now the 14th is ordered forward, but can now do nothing more than attack the retreating enemy to arrest their progress. Major Tompkins, with one battalion and one section of the battery, has the advance. The battery is placed in position and opens on the enemy with effect. A brigade of the enemy move upon our right as if to flank us. A battalion of the 14th is thrown upon that flank and the 65th Indiana is hurried forward on the right. Three hours we hold them in a warm fight. Colonel Cap- ron has fears that they may attempt to turn our left, which is concealed by heavy timber. The writer was sent, with a portion of Company "I," 14th, to picket a road on our left ; was joined soon after by a party under Lieutenants Boren, of "G," and Boeke, of "I," 14th, with orders for all under Lieutenant Boren to reconnoiter the enemy's right (our left) ; the united party numbered 40 men. A cir- cuitous route was taken in order to reach their extreme right, and ascending a high ridge we saw below us a large body of dismounted rebel cavalry, and at the same time dis- covered by the course of the shells from our battery that we were in the rear of their right wing. Without a moment's hesitation our party dashed down among the enemy, de- livering their fire and receiving a volley in return, which killed one horse, but before more injury could be inflicted on us, we were again on the ridge with two captured rebels, who informed us that there were in this body 1,700 cavalry
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holding their right wing; and that they were fearful of being attacked in the rear. This body of the enemy im- mediately mounted and fell back. We had no doubt that they supposed our party, which had attacked them so boldly, were the van guard of a large force in their rear. When we again reached our main command they were in pursuit of the retreating enemy, who made another stand and formed line on high ridges two miles in rear of their first position. Our brigade again pressed forward and engaged them in a lively skirmish, but they soon again re- treated. Some of Shackelford's cavalry was now near, and the enemy moved rapidly toward Blountville. Our loss, except that of the 5th, was small. The 5th lost heav- ily, but did not lose their colonel nor their battery, as re- ported. The loss of the enemy we could not ascertain. General Ransom, who had been holding Greeneville, had effective present 5,885. General Williams was also pres- ent with a force doubtless as great. (See serial 56, page 613.) Prisoners gave their number from 6,000 to 10,000. In serial 53, page 274, is an account of the fight at Blue Springs and subsequent pursuit, and also a reference to our fight at Rheatown (or Henderson Station). We halted six miles from Rheatown and bivouacked; little forage; less rations ; march yesterday and last night, 32 miles ; march today, 10 miles ; pleasant weather.
. October 12th. Reveille at dawn; all day in camp; plenty of forage, but only one fourth rations.
October 13th. Reveille before day; rained last night and this morning. Marched at 10 a. m. on Blountville road; camped at night between Holston and Watauga rivers ; on half rations ; day's march, 20 miles.
October 14th. Reveille at 3 a. m. ; marched before day. One regiment was sent forward last night to get possession of Blountville, but were driven back. Today our advance skirmished with the enemy until we came within three miles of Blountville, where we found the enemy in strong position. Carter's brigade, which had come up, occupied the right and right center. The 14th on the extreme left, with 5th Indiana next and the 65th Indiana on the right. The rebel batteries, of which they had a number, opened fiercely. As soon as our batteries could secure a good posi- tion they poured in a well directed and incessant fire, and
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at the same time our whole line pressed forward, forcing the enemy back. They made another stand in the village, but in an hour they were driven from the town and were in rapid retreat towards Bristol. In this engagement all our troops fought gallantly. We now returned two miles on the Rheatown road and camped, having marched 18 miles. Plenty of corn, but no dinner or supper. We captured about 150 prisoners ; beyond this there was no record of casualties on either side.
October 15th. Reveille at 4 a. m .; marched at sunrise through Blountville and on Bristol road. Companies "K" and "C," of the 14th, advance guard. Skirmished with the enemy to Bristol, then charged upon their main body and drove them from the town. A short distance beyond Bris- tol our advance was ambushed. A heavy volley from them killed Lieutenant Stein's horse (of Company "K"), another horse and one man of the advance was wounded. Company "I," of the 14th, now dismounted and advanced to their support, and the rebels were driven. The whole command followed closely the retreating enemy. Captains Dent, of "C," and Sanford, of "K," conducted the skir- mishing with great credit. At one time their little band was charged upon by a large force and thrown into momentary confusion, from which the skill of their officers soon ex- tricated them, when they rallied and drove the rebels in
confusion. Lieutenant Stein, of Company "K," showed great courage and skill. Sergeants Balderston and Beck- with, of Company "C,".were sent forward to reconnoiter. They discovered a rebel party three times their own num- ber, charged upon, and routed them. Six miles above Bristol the enemy made another stand, loth to relinquish any of "Virginia's sacred soil." Our artillery was planted and our lines formed for a charge, when they broke in confusion and we pursued for a short distance, then re- turned and camped on the battle ground. Day's march, 8 miles. Corn plenty, but short rations.
October 16th. Reveille at 4 a. m .; raining hard, night and day. Called in line at 9 a. m. Rumored that the enemy have been reinforced and intend driving us in turn. We waited their attack until I p. m., but no enemy appeared. Parties sent out destroyed three miles of rail- road track, the railroad bridge, and all the cars and rail-
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road property at Bristol, including the depot and all war supplies. After completing our work the command marched back through Bristol and camped after night in a wood four miles below ; get some horse feed, but have no supper and had no dinner. Marched 10 miles. Captain Sanford, with Company "K," was sent out to get horses and returned with a few. We had been fighting General Ransom's division. Shackelford's report, October 16th, says : "We burned 5 bridges and destroyed railroad above Bristol; burned 28 box cars, 2 passenger cars, 3 loco- motives, 6 gravel cars, and also destroyed the track at Bristol and part of the road below town. We have driven the enemy from East Tennessee." They left regretfully their strong military points and a country of rich supplies. October 14th General Jones reported that the counties of Jefferson and Greene, Cocke and Grainger, East Tennessee, could supply 100,000 barrels of flour, 1,500,000 pounds of pork. He also says to General Ransom (serial 53, page 749) : "Order out the militia." Shackelford in one of his reports says : "We have fought for every inch of ground." Again : "Bristol, October 16th. We drove the enemy IO miles above this place yesterday evening. Our advance still in pursuit, 10 miles up the Abingdon road. The rail- road bridge and block house at Zollicoffer have been de- stroyed. We are destroying cars, locomotives and rail- road tracks here, above and below."
October 17th. Reveille at 4 a. m. ; marched at 9 a. m. The picket on the Bristol road had been fired into, but no other attack was made. Passed through Blountville and on the Zollicoffer road, through heavily timbered, un- settled country. When we reached Zollicoffer we found it to be a very strong position naturally, and it possessed some strong works, which could have resisted a heavy assault from this (Blountville) side. The town was in- significant. The Watauga river ran near, crossed by a dilapidated bridge. Marched a mile, tore up railroad track in many places for several miles. Marched 4 miles ; camped after night; got corn, but no rations; no supper. March, 17 miles.
Sunday, October 18th. Reveille at 4 a. m. ; march at 6.
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Passed through Jonesboro ; camped in a wood three miles southeast of town. Marched 19 miles.
October 19th. Reveille at sunrise. Get fresh beef and mutton without salt and one hardtack per man ; forage scarce.
October 20th. Reveille at daylight. Horses saddled all day, but did not move. No bread; fresh beef without salt our entire fare.
October 2Ist.
Reveille at daylight. Same fare as yes- terday.
October 22d. Reveille at daylight. In camp until 3 p. m. Same fare. Then the effective men of the brigade marched toward Zollicoffer. Rumor of strong force of the enemy near. March 8 miles and camp. Plenty of corn; rations scarce.
October 23d. Very hard wind last night. March 4 miles to Holston river, cross and march to Zollicoffer. The enemy had fallen back to Bristol. Company "I" of 14th sent on scout ; captured a rebel, Colonel Bottles, too badly wounded yesterday in a fight with 8th Tennessee union to be removed ; returned to camp. Whole command countermarched and camped near previous camp ground. On page 688, serial 54, Shackelford speaks of a flag of truce, asking permission for Mrs. Bottles to visit her husband, who is said to be dying. She was admitted through our lines.
October 24th. Reveille at 5 a. m. Heavy drenching rain all last night. This hydropathic treatment does not prove effective in the cure of hunger. Marched to the Jonesboro camp; arrived at II a. m .. Usual starvation fare. Our trains, which were sent to Kentucky for cloth- ing, returned empty. The men are very destitute of cloth- ing, not having drawn any for many months, and when they left Kentucky in August they were ordered to leave everything not needed in that hot weather. Day's march, II miles. We are under orders to move.
Sunday, October 25th. Major Tompkins, with 130 men of the 14th, sent on scout to Elizabethtown, county site of Carter county, 20 miles distant. Rumors of rebel force approaching from that direction. He marched and returned 40 miles, discovering only about 30 rebels, who skedaddled. Weather fair, but hard fare,
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