USA > Illinois > History of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois volunteer Infantry, Vol. I > Part 40
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Company B.
KILLED. - John Washburn.
--
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MAP OF THE Battlefield of Nashville. Doc. 15 - 1601. 1864.
EDGEFIELD
River
Cumberland
NASHVILLE
Deindea
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Tiveley
RICH
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NOLENSVILLE
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EXPLANATIONS
PI
B.R.
Otter
Scale of Miles.
449
NASHVILLE.
1864]
WOUNDED .- Corporal John McCusker, left aukle ; Orskine Ferrand, hand ; Joel Grove, left hand.
Company C.
KILLED OR MORTALLY WOUNDED. - Corporal Henry HI. Cutler ; Cor- pural Norris Hamilton.
Company F.
MORTALLY WOUNDED .- Sergeant Michael Sullivan, Francis S. Bailey. Company G.
WOUNDED .-- First Sergeant John W. Swanbrough, left hand. Company H.
WoUNDED .- Sergeant II. S. Vandervoort, shoulder ; R. L. Root, neck.
Company K. MORTALLY WOUNDED .- William Kimball.
29
450
HISTORY OF THE MOTH REGIMENT, ILL .. V. I
CHAPTER XXVI.
The Pursuit of Hood - The Pontoon Train Missent A Halt at Frank lin - Condition of Affairs in the Village -. A Stern Chase - Delas at Rutherford's Creek and Duck River - Last Volley at the Liens - Mloundering in the Mud- How Christinas passed -- Waiting to; Rations - Forward Again -- The Enemy Icapes Across the Tour . see - Results Achieved in the Campaign -- General Thomas' ( 69 gratulatory Order.
SATURDAY. December 17, the troops were carly on the road and pursuing the flying enemy. All were in the best of spirits, notwithstanding that the rain continued. Wounded men were found in several houses about Brentwood, and menu- erous stragglers were picked up, most of them in a pitiable condition for want of shoes and clothing, and all professing to believe their cause now hopeless. Doubtless their punish- ment at Franklin, and their utter defeat at Nashville, mat the outlook gloomy, and dreading the long march back to the Tennessee River and the possibility of other battles, the stragglers concluded to leave the service. The road was strewn with camp equipage for many miles. The cavalry in advance soon overtook the enemy's rear guard, and had a lively fight, capturing about four hundred prisoners and three stands of colors at Hollow Tree Gap. At Franklin there was another skirmish, but the cacmy was soon in retreat. The NINETY-SixTH reached the north bank of the Harpeth River shortly after noon. The cavalry was able to ford the stream and press on toward Spring Hill, but the water was too deep and cold for the infantry, and they were ordered to bivouac. By a mistaken order the pontoon train took the Murfreesboro pike, and had to be recalled, so that nearly a day was lost in the pursuit. The troops that crossed the river found a terri ble condition of things in Franklin. All of the public build- ings and many private residences had been turned into la .. pitals, and two or three thousand wounded were to be cared
451
CHASING HOOD SOUTHWARD.
18641
for, although the resources at command were of the most lim- ited character. The Federal wounded from the Franklin fight were quite numerous, but all were given such attention as was possible, regardless of the color of their uniforms, and many were removed to Nashville within a few days.
Sunday, December 18, a bridge having been laid during the night, the intantry again set out for the front. The approaches to the bridge were terribly inuddy, and as a con- sequence the column was badly strung out. The Nisgry- Sixru was near the rear of the Division, and as soon as the bridge was crossed was obliged to make an exceedingly rapid march. The roads were soaked with rain, and the pike, cut through by the trains and troops that had passed over it, was in a terrible condition. Through the town, although march- ing almost at a double quick. the soldiers noted many marks of the recent battle. On the plain just outside the village the graves covered several aeres, and the unburied carcasses of the horses killed in the engagement were very munerous. many of them lying close to the breastworks.
With occasional brief halts for rest, the column made its way southward over the familiar ground, many giving out because of the bad roads and the rapidity of the march. The recruits suffered most. but all were greatly fatigued. when a hah was made for the night in a muddy cornfield, about three miles south of Spring Hill. . The Sixteenth and Twenty-third Corps followed, but were kept a day's march or more in the rear. During the night the camp was fairly inundated by the terrible storm.
Monday. December 19, the troops again moved out in the rain and mud, but only made about two miles, halting near Rutherford's Creek, where that day and a part of Tuesday were ocenpied in constructing a bridge ; the troops succeeding iu crossing Tuesday afternoon, marching to Duck River and camping behind their old works. The rains, which had been almost incessant, now gave way to a snow storm. followed by extreme cold weather. Much delay was experienced in bridging Duck River, and it was not until late in the evening of Thursday, December 22, that the Regiment reached the
452
HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. 1.
south bank of the stream, and, after a march of two mil. s. went into camp a short distance south of Columbia.
Friday, December 23, Gen. Whittaker took leave of the Brigade and started northward on a leave of absence, Col. Moore, of the 115th Ilinois. succeeding to the command. During the stay at Nashville, a fund was raised among th ... officers and men of the Regiment, amounting to one hundred . and ten dollars, and an elegant gold-headed cane was pur. chased for presentation to Gen. Whittaker. There was a delay in having the proper inscription made, and the formna! presentation did not occur until Christinas Day, when Colo- nel Smith met the General in a hotel at Nashville, and after a brief address handed him the testimonial, - as complete a surprise, perhaps, as the General ever experienced.
From Duck River south the chase was as vigorously pushed as the weather and roads would permit. The cav. alry were compelled to take the pike. so deep was the mud upon the dirt road and in the fields. They pressed forward as rapidly as possible, but Gen. Hood had organized a strong rear guard of his best forces, and could readily delay the advance, for any movement in the fields was exceedingly difficult. The infantry did not break eamp until noon, and within a few miles came in range of the enemy's artillery. The Rebels had halted, and were stubbornly resisting the advance, when the Nisury-Sixru and the 115th Illinois were deployed, and pushed gallantly forward in line-of-battk. The enemy stood their ground for a time, and the firing became spirited on either side. The men of the Regime !! never faltered for an instant, Unt swept across the open fields and up the ridge, killing a Rebel captain and capturing five prisoners, when the opposing line gave way and fled precipi- tately through the woods in their rear. Here were fired t !.. last shots at the onemy by the Regiment as an organization. The pursuit was continued until dark, the Regiment beirs kept in line until a guard detail could be organized. when it was relieved and went into bivouac for the night. Next day the march was resumed at noon, and was without incident.
453
CIMISTMAS ON THE MARCH.
1864]
Lyunville was passed and a halt made two or three miles south of the diminutive village, after dark.
Sunday, December 25, the Regiment left camp at eight o'clock. The enemy was pressed back rapidly through Pulaski. Here the Corps left the pike and marched south- westerly over terrible roads. By a quick movement on the part of the advance, the bridge over Richland Creek was secured and the troops thus saved from a long delay. The cavalry made a vigorous fight, and were once driven back with the loss of one piece of artillery, but quickly rallied and succeeded in capturing a few wagons and a considerable mim- ber of prisoners. The afternoon was rainy, and the roads were bottomless. Five or six miles southwest of Pulaski a halt was made, about nine o'clock at night, the Regiment going into camp on a hill-side, where the ground was so sloping and the stones so mimerous that it was almost impossible to sleep. The Christmas had been strangely passed. Instead of the holiday fcast there had been a posi- tive shortage of food. The rations issued three days before were meagre at best, and active campaigning, then, as always, made the men extremely hungry. A few had absolutely nothing left, and were dependent upon the generosity of their comrades, who had been so prudent as to save a hard tack or two. The country had been stripped of every article of food for miles on either side of the road, and it being impossible for the army to proceed, the pursuit was practically aban- doned at this point, although the cavalry followed the enemy to the Tennessee River.
Monday, December 26, the infantry lay idly in camp, awaiting the arrival of the supply train. A cornfield, which had been carefully harvested, was visited by hundreds of sol- diers, and every nubbin secured. An ear of respectable size was regarded as a valuable prize, even though it might have been trodden in the ground, or besmeared with mud. for it could be washed and made " clean enough for a soldier." This corn was parched in the universal frying-pan or skillet, and served to partially appease the hunger which had taken possession of every man. The wagons did not arrive until
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
after dark, and the early hours of the night were occupied in issuing, dividing and consuming rations. The recruits had looked pretty doleful during the day, but cheered up as the coffee-pots began to boil and the pork to sputter over the ruddy camp fires, their happiness being increased by the arrival of a large mail.
Tuesday, December 27, the march was resumed at day light, over the terrible roads, and in a pitiless rainstorm. The country was broken and timbered. At three o'clock r. M. the colmmis halted and went into camp, a mile south of Sugar Creek.
Wednesday, December 28, the command left camp at teu o'clock and halted at five, in the neighborhood of Lexington. where it was ascertained that the Rebels had succeeded in crossing the river. The Corps remained at Lexington until Saturday, December 31, when it marched nearly to Elk river. a distance of fourteen miles. This long delay -- from Wed- nesday until Saturday -was necessary in order that rations might be brought up. the deeper streams made passable by the construction of bridges, and plans for the future partially perfected. The country was scoured for forage and consider- able amounts secured.
The twenty-seventh saw the last organized force of the army under Gen. Hood cross the Tennessee river in discom- fiture. With pleasant weather and better roads it is probable that the Federal Army would have captured or dispersed the greater part of them, but considering the conditions the pur- suit had been as vigorous and as fruitful in results as could have been reasonably expected .* Exclusive of stragglers who voluntarily left the command, Gen. Hood's Army had lost. in their final invasion of Tennessee, more than thirteen thousand men by capture alone, including seven general officers, sixteen
. Major Sanders, of the Confederate Army, writing of this campaign in the Southern Brouns, of September. 1855, said: " General Wood, commanding the Fourth Corps, pur sued the rear-guard with idoittable resolution and untiring energy. He was incited to make hi- wonderful infantry march to Pulaski by the indications of demoralization. distress, and the hopele -: condition of the retreating army that abounded all along ihn line of Hood's retreat. . * * * Ilis troops responded to the demands mia le of their endirabre, shl achieved for themselves a reputation that will live forever in the ts: 1. lary annals of their country."
455
CONGRATULATORY ORDER.
1864]
colonels and nearly one thousand officers of lower grade. Seventy stands of colors, seventy two pieces of artillery and many wagons and other valuable material had been captured. There were also many deserters, and it is safe to conclude that fully one-half of the entire force that marched so hopefully northward in November were never again in line after their rear guard crossed the Tennessee at Bainbridge. The Union losses during the same period numbered about ten thousand, very many of whom were slightly wounded and soon returned to their commands.
Gen. Thomas announced, in General Orders, the termina- tion and results of the campaign, as follows :
PULASKI, December 29, 1-04.
SOLDIERS :-- The major-general commanding announces to you that the rear guard of the Gying and dispirited enemy was driven acros - the Tennessee river, on the night of the Rith instant. The impassable state of the roads, and consequent impossibility to supply the army, compels a closing of the campaign for the present.
Although short. it has been brilliant in its achievements, and unsurpassed in its results by any other of this war, and is one of which all who participated therein may be ju-tly proud. That veteran army which, though driven from position to position. opposed a stubborn resistance to mouth enperior numbers during the whole of the At- lanta campaign, taking advantage of the absence of the largest portion of the army which. had been opposed to it in Gerigia, invaied Tennessee, buoyant with hope, expecting Nashville, Murfreesboro, and the whole of Tenues-ce and Kentucky to fall into its power, an easy prey, and scarcely fixing a limit to its conquests. After having received, ut Franklin, the most terrible check that army bas received during this war, and later, at Murfreesboro, in its attempt to capture that place. it was finally attacked at Nashville, and, although your forces were inferior to it in numbers, was hurled back from the cov. eted prize, on which it had been permitted to look from a distance, and Enally sent flying. dismayed and digordered. whence it carte, impelled by the in-tiLet of self-preservation. and thinking only of how it could relieve itself for short intervals from your persistent and harrassing pursait, by burning the bridges over the swollen streams, as it passed them, until, finally, it had placed the bios I waters of the Tennessee river between you and its chartered. diminished and discomfited columns, leaving its artillery and battle dags in your victorious hands -lasting trophies of your noble daring, and lasting monu- ments of the enemy's disgrace and defes :.
You have diminished the forces of the Rebel army since it cro- sed the Tennessee river to invade the State, at the least estimate, fifteen thousand men, among whom were killed, wounded. And captured eighteen general officers.
Your captures from the enemy, as far as reported,* amount to sixty-eight pieces of artillery, ten thousand prisoners. as many stand of small aring - several thousand of which have been gathered in and the remainder strew the route of the enemy's retreat - and between thirty and forty flags, besides compelling him to destroy much ammunition and abandon many wagons : and, nule -- he is med, he must forever abandon all hope of bringing Tennessee again within the lines of the accursed rebellion.
A short time will now be given yon to prepare to continue the work so nobly begun. By Command of Major-General Thomas.
W. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant General.
* Subsequent reports materially increased the number of prisoners. cannons and flag ..
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
Subsequently the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America passed the following :
Resolved, That the thanks of Congress are due and are hereby tendered to Mint : General George H. Thomas, and the officers and soldiers under his command, for thep skill and dauntlace courage, by which the Rebel army under General Hood was siprialy defeated und driven from the State of Tennessee.
Similar resolutions were adopted by Congress ou but two or three occasion - daring the war.
457
THE MARCH TO HUNTSVILLE.
1865]
CHAPTER XXVII.
New Year's Day Celebrated -The March to Huntsville -- Going into Winter Quarters -The Army Dispersed . - Incidents of the Stay at Huntsville - How Brick and Lumber were Obtained Drill and Dress Parades Resumed - Changes and Promotions -- Bollenbach's Capture and Escape - Music in Comp -- A Sermon that was not En- joyed - Winter Amusements -- The Division Reviewed -- Rumors of a Movement.
NEW YEAR'S Day, 1865, found the army jubilant over the announcement of the result of the campaign, as detailed in the preceding chapter, and at daylight the men of the Iron Bri- gade began firing off their guns by way of introduction to the welcome anniversary, increasing the noise by cheering and shouting. The officers, apparently, did not approve of these demonstrations, and ordered them discontinued, but with only partial success, until the long column filed out upon the road. Once out of camp, the men were required to halt and "lav around " until afternoon, when they crossed the fields for a couple of miles, and halted for the night, remaining in camp during Monday, in order that a bridge might be constructed across Elk River.
Tuesday, January 3, the troops began crossing the river at eleven o'clock, and marched until four, halting at Athens. Next day the column started at daylight, and marched seven- teen miles, camping seven miles from Huntsville.
Thursday, January 5, the march was resumed at daylight, and at nine o'clock the troops passed through the pretty vil- lage of Huntsville. Their camp was located about a mile from town, and the Regiment was not obliged to change its quarters until March 13 .- being much the longest continuous stay in any one camp during its term of service.
When the Fourth Corps started in pursuit of Gen. Hood, on the morning following the close of the battle of Nashville, Gen. Steedman marched a portion of his command to Mur- freesboro, going thence to Stevenson by rail ; gathering up
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL .. V. I.
such forces as he could at the latter place and marching to Decatur, hoping to intercept the enemy at the Tennessee River. In this he was disappointed, but pushing forward with his mounted forces, he captured many prisoners, des troyed a large number of wagons, and returned safely with his command.
The Twenty-third Corps, which had followed the Fourth · Corps as far as Pulaski, directed its course to Clifton. Ten- nessee, where it embarked on transports, and was conveyed to the army then operating with Gen. Sherman, going by was of Washington, and thence to North Carolina. Portions of the " Provisional Division " were also sent to Gen. Sherman, and Gen. A. J. Smith's command was sent to Eastport, Mis- sis ippi, and thence to the gulf. The cavalry was dispersed to various points, the greater portion being again gathered in a few weeks for extended raids through Mississippi and Ala- bama, including in their work the capture of Jeff Davis. The Fourth Corps was, therefore, alone in that region, but the enemy had been so thoroughly whipped that the com- mand was not seriously molested at any time. Portions of the Corps were camped at Athens, Decatur, and other point- near by.
Upon the arrival of the First Division in Huntsville, a requisition was made for clothing and other necessary articles. The long march had worn out the shoes of the men, and one hundred and fifty pairs were required to meet the immediate needs of the Regiment. Four hundred pairs of socks, and other articles in proportion, were also needed. Provisions were scarce for some time, and for a week or more only hal rations were issued, but in time the railroad bridges were rebuilt and the trains soon began to run ; thereafter suppli: - were abundant. The first work was to lay out a camp and construct cabins for winter quarters. Abandoned houses and barns were torn down, the lumber being conveyed to camp on the shoulders of the men or by wagons. Usually four soldiers would nite and put up a "shebang " about eight by ten feet in size. The walls would be three or four feet in height, with boards for such part of the roof as was not cuy-
459
1865]
IN WINTER QUARTERS AT HUNTSVILLE.
ered by the shelter tents. The weather being cold, fire-places were a necessity. but material for their construction was at first by no means abundant. A large unfinished brick build- ing. intended for a college, stood in sight, a half inile or so from the camp. This was eyed by the men for a day or two ; then some one devised a battering ram. and knocked out a few bricks from one corner. Instantly the building was doomed. for the entire Division flocked to the scene and began to knock out brick. An officer finally took charge of this work, to prevent accidents, and soon the walls toppled over with a great crash. Everyone was after the brick, car- rying them in blankets or on boards, and in a day or two hardly a piece the size of a biscuit remained. Mortar was made by wetting up the native soil, and in a short time excel- lent fire-places were constructed, those who were short of brick extending the tops of their chimneys with barrels or boxes procured from the Quarter-Master. Doors were impro- vised, bunks built and seats and tables made. The little houses were warm and comfortable, and presented a home- like appearance. The grounds were nicely cleaned. ditches dug. and an air of comfort prevailed in a very few days.
Water had to be carried quite a distance, and wood soon became so scarce that details of men with teams had to be sent ont daily to supply the needs of the camp. After a time dress parade was resumed, and later the men were required to drill once or twice daily. Major Hicks having been detailed as Judge Advocate General on general court martial. the com- mand of the Regiment devolved upon Captain Rowan for a time. Captain Pollock being absent, siek, at Pulaski, for a few weeks. Subsequently Captain Pollock came up and took com- mand. A number of men were permitted to visit home dur- ing the winter.
Saturday, February 4, a man of the 51st Ohio had his head shaved and was drummed about camp with a placard on his back bearing the word "skulker." Washington's birth- day was observed by an artillery salute. A review of the Division was ordered for the afternoon, and the troops were
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL .. V. I.
forming when a rain storm sent them back to camp at a double. quick.
The Huntsrill. Union was issued at the village, under charge of the military, Sergeant Berg and John Connor, of Company A, working a week or more at their old trade ats compositors. A few reernits joined the Regiment, bringing two Companies up to the minimum number and permitting of some promotions. First Sergeant Franklin W. Pierce, of Company F. and First Sergeant John Long, of Company 1. were commissioned and mustered as Second Lieutenants.
Occasionally foraging and sconting expeditions were sent into the country, and not unfrequently Rebels were seen. February 1, a small mounted party went ont several miles. when some Rebels gave chase and captured Gustavus Bollen- bach, of Company B, whose mule gave out, or refused to run with sufficient speed to carry its rider into camp. "Gus" was taken into the mountains, where were a squad of strag- glers from Hood's army, but was able to make his escape in the night, after about a fortnight of alternate starving and freezing. His return to camp was heartily cheered, for he was always a favorite, and few believed that he had escaped the banging promised by the Rebels to men who should indulge in foraging. Charles Sammons, of Company C, who had fallen out on the march southward from Nashville, and concluded to rest for a few days at a private house, was also captured by some strolling cavalry and threatened with hang- ing. His extremo vonth probably saved him, for after a pro- longed discussion of his ease the Rebels permitted him to sign a lead-pencil parole and then turned him loose. He soon made his way to camp and was afterward cautious about leav- ing the command.
A glee club was organized, and many were the rehearsals. most of the songs being of a patriotic nature or relating to home. Religious services were held in town, and every Sab bath morning and evening a long procession filed out of camp and visited the various churches. On one occasion they re- turned greatly incensed, a local pastor having preached a ser- mon entirely too pro-slavery to receive the endorsement of
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LAST DAYS AT HUNTSVILLE.
1865]
Union soldiers. They refrained from any disturbance of the service, but did not again honor the preacher with their pres- ence.
Horse racing was one of the amusements indulged in, almost every pleasant day secing a running race. Adjutant Blodgett's saddle horse was one of the favorites. Dr. Evans lost his favorite saddle mare from sickness, an animal that he had ridden for two years or more. Dinner parties were fre- quently given by the officers, and the men imitated their example to sneh extent as their limited quarters would permit.
The old members of the Regiment enjoyed excellent health. as a rule, but there was considerable sickness among the recruits. However, the deaths that winter were mainly among the veterans. Nelson Huson, of Company B, a member of the band, was left at Columbia, on the march southward. and died in hospital at that place January 4. James Telford, of Company F. died at Washington, D. C. Samuel Wilcox, of Company H, died at Huntsville, Jan. 28. William N. Bates. a recruit of Company K, died at Huntsville, February 16. William Saulsbury, of Company A, died at Chicago, Jan. 9.
March 5. there was an imposing review of the Division. and immediately following it came rumors of a movement.
The news from the East was of the most encouraging char- acter during the last days of the long stay at Huntsville, and the troops were in the highest spirits. All were in doubt as to where they were to be sent, but knew that the long period of idleness must soon come to an end, and the Fourth Corps bear its part in bringing the Rebellion to a close.
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL .. V. I.
CHAPTER XXVII.
.Leaving Winter Quarters - By Rail to East Tennessee -- A Glimpse of Parson Brownlow -Arrival at Strawberry Plains - Russelville. Visiting Sebool -- Dancing Parties -Scouting Experiences -- C':p tain Sizemore and his Methods -- Glad News from the East - Rich: mond is Taken -- Lee and his Army Surrender -- How the New- wa Received - The Celebration at Shields' Mills - A. Huch on the Camp -- The Appalling News of Lincoln's Assassination - Its Effect of the Soldiers.
EARLY in March it was determined to move the Fourth Corps into East Tennessee, and place it in position where it could readily march forward toward Richmond, the Rebel capital. from the West. In pursuance of this plan, the NINETY-SIXTH abandoned its winter quarters at Huntsville, on Monday, March 18, marched to the village, and at dark boarded the freight cars. From forty to fifty men were placed in each car. Captain Polloek continued to command the Regiment, Major Hicks being detained a few days, in order that he might complete his duties with the court-mar- tial. Col. Moore commanded the Brigade. Whitesides was passed at daylight next morning, and Chattanooga reached at seven o'clock. After a delay of an hour or two at the latter place, the train moved forward, passing Cleveland and Lou- don. The men were crowded. and many rode on top of the cars until driven inside by a cold rainstorin. At Concord the train came to a halt, which lasted almost twenty-four hours. The road was in a wretched condition, and several accident- occurred ; fortunately none to the train bearing the NINETY- SIXTH.
Knoxville was reached Wednesday evening, March 15. After a two hours' delay at the depot .- during which the men had a glimpse of that sturdy old Unionist, Parson Brownlow. and other notables, who called upon Gen. Thomas, the latter having come by a special train, -- the command was ordered forward. At eight o'clock that evening the train made a tina!
-
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EAST TENNESSEE.
1865|
halt at. Strawberry Plains, twenty miles east of Knoxville, the men clambering from the cars and making themselves as comfortable as possible on the bleak, wind-swept field, where was their temporary camp.
All along the route through East Tennessee the loyalty of the people was manifest by the waving of hats and handker- chiefs at every village and hamlet, the people of every age and color, and of either sex, manifesting a pleasure not often shown at the presence of Union soldiers in other portions of the South.
That first night in camp at Strawberry Plains was a most cheerless one. There was little or no fuel at hand, and when. after a long search for poles, the tents were put np. the wind blew them down again, so that by daylight all were thor- oughly soaked by the cold rainstorm that prevailed for more than thirty hours. The command remained at Strawberry Plains until Saturday, March 25, changing its camp-ground on the 17th to a former battlefield. On the 25th it marched thirteen miles along the railroad. passing New Market, whither the Third Division had preceded it, and camping at Mossy Creek.
Sunday, March 26, the command marched twenty miles to Russelville. Next morning the other regiments of the Brigade went forward to Bull's Gap, the NINETY-SIXTH remaining to guard a milroad bridge. The camp was on a beautiful slope. just at the outskirts of the village, and the fortnight's halt in that pretty and loyal town a pleasant epi- sode in the Regiment's history. The farmers brought many articles of produce to the camp, selling them at prices regarded as low at that time, although butter was fifty cents a pound, eggs twenty-five cents a dozen, chickens a half dol- lar each, and other articles in proportion. Many arranged with families to cook for them, and enjoyed the luxury of sitting in bonghten chairs, at tables spread with linen, and eating their meals from carthen plates. The citizens were glad of the opportunity to take boarders. especially as the boarders furnished the provisions and paid good prices for the work.
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