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HIvSTORY

OF THE

Fifty-Eighth Regiment

INDIANA VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

ITS ORGANIZATION, CAMPAIGNS AND BATTLES

FROM 1861 TO 1S65.

FROM THE MANUSCRIPT PREPARED BY THE LATE

CHAPLAIN JOHN J. HIGHT,

DURING HIS SERVICE WITH THE REGIMENT IN THE FIELD.

COMPILED BY HIS FRIEND AND COMRADE,

GILBERT R. STORMONT,

[formerly CORPORAL CO, b]

PAST DEPARTMENT COMMANDER INDIANA G. A. R. EDITOR PRINCETON

(IND.) CLARION.

ILLUSTRATED

WITH

MAPS OF CAMPAIGNS AND MARCHES, AND PORTRAITS OF A

NUMBER OF OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN

OF THE REGIMENT.

PRINXPrrON :

PRESS OF THE CLARION.

\ ^\ I I /■ / y-l./^/'_

Entered according to act of Congress, in the jear 1S95,

By gilbert R. STORMONT,

in tiie office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

fe
i

TO THE COMRADES

OF THE

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT,

LIVING AND DEAD, WHOSE STRENGTH OF PATRIOTISM AND

VALOR IN BATTLE HAS NEVER BEEN SURPASSED

TO THE MEMORY OF HIM WHO SO FAITHFULLY
RECORDED AND SO CAREFULLY PRE-
SERVED THE EVENTS HERE NAR-
RATED, THIS VOLUME
IS RESPECTFULLY
DEDICATED.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I. PAGE

Preliminan' Events of iS6i — How the News of tlie Firing on Fort
Sumter Aroused the Loval People — Enthusiastic Response to the
Call of Governor Morton — Companies and Regiments in Southern
Indiana — The ^Sth Indiana Regiment in Camp Gibson 21

CHAPTER II.

On the Way to the Front — First Experience in Camp — On the March
to Bardstown — Brigade Organization — Flag Presentation — Through
Kentucky — Tennessee — At Nashville 33

CHAPTER III.

Personal Experiences — How a Local Methodist Preacher Became an
Army Chaplain — Difficulties and Discouragments in Getting Started
— Observations by the Way — Arrival at Nashville — At the Regi-
mental Camp — A Cold and Cheerless Reception — An Unfavorable
Impression of Camp Diet and Arrangements for Sleeping 42

CHAPTER IV.

Forward Movement — On the Way to Savannah — Some of the Officers
in Command — Baggage and Equipments — Through Franklin —
Columbia — Some Fine Plantations — Grapevine News — Incidents of
the March — Weary and Sick Soldiers — Burial by the Wa^'side —
Sound of Battle — Hurrying to the F'ront — Pittsburg Landing 4S

CHAPTER V.

On the Battlefield of Shiloh — First Impressions of Pittsburg Landing —
Visible Eftects of the Great Battle — Distress, Misery and Mud
Everywhere — Rumors of a Renewal of the Engagement — Marching
to the Front over the Battle Ground — Evidences of the Dreadful
Carnage — Resting on Arms, Waiting for the Enemy — Review of
the Two Days' Battle and the Events Preceding — Some Critical
Comments on the Conduct of Commanding Officers 60

CHAPTER VI.

Shiloh to Corinth — Camping Among the Dead — Uncomfortable Qiiart-
ers — Moving Toward the Enemj-, by Slow Degrees — General Hal-
leck as a Commander — Corinth Evacuated — Halleck Outwitted by
Beauregard 7^

6 CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VII.

From Corinth to McMinnville— Getting out of Malarial Swamps into
a Healthful Country— Incidents of the March Through Alahama—
Tuscumhia— Mooresville— Hot Roast at Iluntsville— Forced March
to Shelbyville — Enjoying Life at Decherd — Up the Cumberland
Mountains and Back Again— Watching the Movements of Bragg—
A Brush with Forest 75

CHAPTER VIII.

Retreat from McMinnville to Louisville --Through Murfreesboro —
Nashville — Bowling Green— Fight at Mumfordsville— Rapid March-
ing After Bragg — Arrival at Louisville — Tired, Ragged, Dusty and
Discouraged ^9

CHAPTER IX.

Louisville to Nashville— Driving Bragg from Bardstown— Following
him Through Springfield— Long and Dusty Marches— Water
Scarce— Battle of Perryville— Dilatory Movements— Blundering —
Bragg, with his Booty, Escapes — Turning Toward Nashville — An
October Snowstorm — Columbia — Glasgow — Silver Springs — Look-
ing after Morgan — Again at Nashville 9S

CHAPTER X.

Stone River Campaign — Preliminarr Events — Official Changes — Mov-
ing on to Murfreesboro— Sharp Fighting at Lavergne — Driving the
Rebels Across Stewart's Creek— Opening of the Stone River Battle
—Panic on the Right— The ^Sth Holds the Key Point— Engage-
ment on the Left — Incidents of the Several Days" Battle — Casualties. loS

CHAPTER XI.

In Camp at Murfreesboro — Reorganization of the Army — Drill, Picket
Duty and Foraging — Enjoying Camp Life — A Military Execution
— Close Call for a 5Sth Deserter — Appeal of the Officers Prevails —
Pardoned by the President — Plans for a Regimental Monument
Perfected i::S

CHAPTER XII.

Advancing on TuUahoma — Marching Through Mud anil Rain — Climb-
ing the Mountain — Demonstration of Cannon County People —
Tullahoma Evacuated — In Camp at Hillsboro — Killed by an Over-
Zealous Guard — Excitement and Indignation in the 5Sth — Military
Funerals — Religious Services in Camp — Celebrating the Fall of
Vicksburg and Victory at Gettysburg — Numerous Events of Inter-
est Detailed 146

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIII.

On to Chattanooga — Crossing Cumberland Mountains — Sequatchie
Valley — A Fertile Spot — False Alarm — Fruitless Expedition — Bob
White, the Union Spy — Crossing the Tennessee — Nickajack Ca%'e
— First View of Lookout Mountain — Reconnoisance — Chattanooga
Evacuated — Wood's Division Occupies the Town 167

CHAPTER XIV.

Chickamauga — Movements and Position of the Armv--Crittenden's
Corps Moves after Bragg — Stubborn Opposition — Discovery of
Rebel Plans — Critical Condition of Rosecrans' Army — Concentra-
tion at Lee and Gordon's Mills — Opening of the Battle — Fifty -
eighth in the Fight — Charging the Enemy — Noble Lives Sacrificed
— A Night on the Battlefield — Changing Position — Battle of the
20th — Break in the Lines — Confusion and Disaster — The Rebels
Checked — Rosecrans' Army Saved 175

CHAPTER XV.

Siege of Chattanooga — Falling Back from Rossville — Evidences of
Demoralization— Preparations for Defence — Chattanooga will be
Held — Reorganization — Getting in Position — Rebel Demonstrations
from Missionary Ridge and Lookout Mountain — Short of Rations —
A Battle at Night .. 197

CHAPTER XVI.

Battle of Missionary Ridge — Record of Events Preceding that Engage-
ment— Hooker's Battle Above the Clouds — The Star Spangled
Banner Waves over Lookout Mountain — Sherman's Success on the
Left — Cheering Prospect for the Union Army — Army of the Cum-
berland Advances ^ — -Magnificent Pageant — Charging the Rebel
Rifle Pits — Onward and L'pward, Without Orders — Crest of the
Ridge Gained — Bragg's Forces Routed — The Victory is Complete —
Casualties of the Fifty -eighth ... 211

CHAPTER XVII.

Knoxville Campaign — An Unpropitious Beginning of a Tour into East
Tennessee — Condition of the Tourists — Incidents of the March —
Siege of Knoxville Raised — Longstreet Still Hovers About — March-
ing Without Sense — A Foolish Panic — More Foolishness — Suffer-
ing from Cold and Himger — The \'eteran Qiiestion — Re-enlistment
as a Regiment — Return to Chattanooga 22S

8 • CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XVIir.

Cliattanooga and Vicinity — Wonderful Changes tliat have Taken Place
and are in Progress — A Strong Military Post — Preparations for
Another Campaign — National Cenietery--A Visit to Lookout
Mountain — Relics of the Recent Battle — The Re enlistment (Ques-
tion Settled — The Regiment Finally gets Started Homeward — Inci-
dents of the Journey . 250

CHAPTER XIX.

Indianapolis to Chattanooga — Furlough Ended — Returning to the Front
— Louisville to Nashville by Rail — "Hooting it" to Chattanooga —
Incidents by the Way — Familiar Camping Places Revisited —
Arrival at Chattanooga — Preparing for an Active Campaign —
Drilling — Fatigue Duty — The Pontoon Service 267

CHAPTER XX.

Beginning of the Atlanta Campaign — Chattanooga to Resaca — Inci-
dents Preliminary to the Move — Breaking Stone — Organization of
Regimental Christian Commission — Racket with Colored Troops —
Small-pox — Pontoon Train Starts for the f>ont — Over Familiar
(i round — Chickamauga Battlefield — Sound of Battle on the Left —
Hurrving the Pontoons to the Front — Battle of Resaca — Flight at
Lav's Ferry — Crossing the Oostanaula — Resaca Abandoned by the
Rebels — Sherman's Army in Full Pursuit iSS

CHAPTER XXI.

Progress of the Atlanta Campaign — From the Oostanaula to the Chat-
tahoochee— Crossing the Etowah — Johnson's Position at AUa-
toona Flanked — About Burnt Hickory — Skirmishing all Along the
Line — Repairing Bridges — Pontoons at Etowah Station — Incidents
of the Forward Movement — Ackworth — Pine Mountain — Kenesaw
— Marietta — Fronting Rebel Ritle Pits Across Chattahoochee 301

CHAPTER XXII.

Along the Chattahoochee — Moving up the River — Surprising the Enemy
at Phillips' Ferry — Bridging the Stream at Several Points — Driv-
ing the Rebels Back — Some Severe Fighting — Night Expedition to
Sandtown — Change of Rebel Commanders — Progress of the War,
East and West — A Sick Chaplain — Leave of Absence ._ 339

CHAPTER XXIII.

On Furlough— A Chapter Pertaining to Personal Matters — Delays and
Discomforts of Travel by Rail — At Chattanooga — At Nashville —
At Louisville — At Home — How the Time was Spent — What I Saw
and Heard — How I Got Back to my Regiment 351

CONTENTS. 9

CHAPTER XXIV. PAfjE

An Expedition to Sandtown — Crossing Kiipatrick's Cavalr}- — A Raid
to the Rear of Atlanta — Stirring up the Enemy — Following our
Cavalry — A Critical Situation — Preparation for Defence — The
Rebels do not Come — March to Jonesboro — Atlanta Evacuated —
Campaign Ended — Back to Chattahoochee — Our Regimental Camp
— Other Matters of Importance ^C>2

CHAPTER XXV.

In Camp on the Chattahoochee — Some Exciting Incidents to Vary the
Monotony — Desertion of Shaw, Fullerton and Pierson — Capture of
our Mules — Exciting but Fruitless Chase — Communications with
the North Severed — New Recruits — Watch Presentation — Non-
Veterans Return Home — Preparations to Join Sherman in his
March to Sa\annah — Leaving our Pleasant Camp 3S2

CHAPTER XXVI.

From Atlanta to the Sea — Moving Out from Chattahoochee — Burning
our Q^iarters — Destruction of Atlanta — A Gorgeous Spectacle at
Night — Pathetic Scenes — The Grand Army Moves Out in Three
Cohmins — The Pontoniers Divided — A Historic Battlefield — Mil-
ledgeville — Bridging the Oconee — Buffalo Creek — Sandersville —
Ogeechee — Rocky Comfort — Refugees — Heartless Conduct of Gen-
eral Jeft". C. Davis at Buck Head Creek — Also at Ebeneezer —
Plenty of Variety and Excitement to Suit Everybody 406

CHAPTER XXVII.

"And so We Made a Thoroughfare — For Freedom and llcr Tiain —
Sixty Miles of Latitude — Three Hundred to the Main — Treason
Fled Before us — For Resistance was in Vain — \V'hile we were
Marching Through Georgia — Closing in Around Savannah — News
from our Fleet — The City Evacuated — Occupying the Place — Some-
thing of its History — Places of Interest Visited and Described 431

CHAPTER X.XVHI.

Leaving Savannah--Marching Through Georgia Qjiicksands — Stuck in
the Mud — At Sister's Ferry — Torpedoes — Preparation for Crossing
the River — Difficulties in the Way — A Flooded Country — Pontoons
and Perseverance Never Fail — Into South Carolina — No Leniency
for that Rebellious State — Incidents of the March 460

CHAPTER XXIX.

10 CONTENTS.

the 14th Corps — A Roast for General Davis — Crossing the Cataw-
ha — Disaster to the Pontoon Bridge — The Boy that Stood on the
Bridge — In North Carolina — Favelteville — Events Crowding upon
Events 4S0

CHAPTER XXX.

At Goldsboro — Close of a Campaign Full of Exciting Events^Some
Severe Fighting — In Communication with Home and Friends Once
More — Preparing for the Final Campaign — News of the Fall of
Richmond — Lee's Surrender — Great Rejoicing — Moving on Toward
Johnson's Army — Now for a Completion of the Work of Crushing
the Rebellion 506

CHAPTER XXXI.

Closing Events of the War — ^Johnston's Surrender — Peace Declared —
On our Homeward Journey — Raleigh — Richmond — Bull Run —
Alexandria — Washington — The Great Military Review — Farewell
to the Pontoon Train — On to Louisville — Impatiently Waiting the
Order to Go Home — At the Dedication of the Regimental Monu-
ment— Mustered Out — Home Again 526

CHAPTER XXXII.

From Chickamauga to Richmond — How Sergeant W. B. Crawford was
Compelled to Make the Journey — Some of the Experiences of a
Prisoner of War — Taunts and Jeers by the Way — Thieving Propen-
sities of the Captors--Likewise their Inhumanity — Their Utter In-
difference to the wants of the Prisoners — Sickness, Hunger and
Starvation — Incidents in Pemberton Prison — At Danville — Tunnel-
ing— In Hospital — Exchanged — Under the Stars and Stripes Once
More — An Entry Into the Better Land 541

APPENDIX.

One of Sherman's Bummers 55S

The Army Poet ^f>2

Chaplain Hight's Report to Conference ._ 564

Biographical Sketches —

Dr. Andrew Lewis ,- 567

General George P. Buell... 56S

Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Moore 571

Lieutenant-Colonel James T. Embree .. 572

Colonel H. M. Carr _ 573

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Park _. 574

ILLUSTRATIONS.

PAGE

John J. I light Frontispiece

Gilbert R. Stormont 14

President Lincoln 23

Dr. Andrew Lewis 26

Mrs. Ophelia Hanks Mowry 36

Mrs. Irene Kirkman Coolidge 3S

Mrs. John J. IIight_ 43

Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Moore 52

Captain C. C. Whiting 58

Dr. W. W. Blair 63

General George P. Buell 76

Captain J. M. Smith So

Dr. J. R. Adams 85

Andrew Gudgel 96

Dr. W. R. McMahan 109

John M. Stormont 125

Monument of Fifty-eighth Indi-
ana Regiment . 143

Captain Charles II. Bruce 190

Captain William E. Chappell 2oy

General P. II. Sheridan .. .. 214

Valentine E. Ilobbs 221

Monroe Key 232

Isaiah S. Hay 245

James C. Knox 275

PACJE

Map of the Atlanta Campaign 303

Captain IIenr^• Torrence 311

Gilbert Armstrong 337

Qiiincy A.Harper 354

George W. Gasaway 360

Destroying a Railroad 365

S. F. Utley. 386

Thos. J. Haddock 399

Map of Marches through Georgia
and the Carolinas 429

Dr. S. E. Holtzman 462

Rev. Wiley Knowles 47S

Rev. Abner M. Bryant 510

John W. Emmerson 515

R. M. Munford 518

Captain William Davis 519

Henry Hudson Phillips z^22

Captain J. E. Voorhees 527

Andrew McMaster 530

Lieutenant Zack Jones 532

George W. Shopbell 535

Joseph N.Davis 53S

Rev. William B. Crawford 543

W. J. Redburn.. 559

STATEMENT.

DURING his army service, Chaplain Hight kept a daily
journal of events, writing down, in detail and with
precision, everything of interest that transpired in the
Regiment, and such incidents connected with the army
as came under his personal observation. These notes
were made day by day as the events occurred, or at least
while the events were fresh in his memory. The manu-
script was carefully preserved and from time to time, as
opportunity offered, the completed sheets were sent to his
home. Thus, at the close of the war there had accumu-
lated nearly two thousand pages of this manuscript. It
was the writer's intention to revise and arrange this for pub-
lication, but on account of other duties more pressing this
purpose was postponed from time to time. The collection
of manuscript, however, was carefully preserved among his
papers, waiting for a leisure time in the busy life of the
author, when he could carry out his purpose of preparing
this history for publication. That leisure time never came.
In the midst of the activities of life he was stricken down
by the hand of disease, and his life work was soon ended.
The work he had laid out concerning the publication of the
book must be done by others, if done at all.

At a meeting of the 58th Indiana Regimental Association,
held in Princeton, in December, 1892, the matter of taking
up and completing the work contemplated by Chaplain Might
was presented. Mrs. Hight was present at this meeting and
offered to donate to the Association the manuscript of her
late husband, provided a way could be found to publish the
book. She also offered whatever assistance she might be
able to contribute towards this undertaking;. The unani-
mous expression of all tlie members of the Regiment was

STATEMENT. 13

in favor of publishing the book, and a commiltce was
appointed to devise ways and means for the accomplishment
of this desire. This committee was composed of Mrs. Mary
M. Hight, G. R. Stormont and Dr. W. R.'McMahan.

After due consideration the committee reported in favor
of raising a guarantee fund, by voluntary subscriptions, by
which an amount might be secured to pay the expense of
publishing the book. This plan was approved at a meeting
of the Executive Committee of the Regimental Association,
and steps were at once taken to secure the required number
of subscriptions to the proposed guarantee fund. For one
cause and another the project was delayed, so it was some
months before the committee was able to announce that the
guarantee fund had reached an amount sufficient to justify
undertaking the work. At this time the publishing com-
mittee was increased by the addition of the "other members
of the Regimental Executive Committee.

In April, 1894, this committee entered into a contract with
Gil. R. Stormont, publisher of the Princeton Chxrion, to
revise and arrange the manuscript, and to publish the same
in a substantial book, in accordance with the specifications
submitted. Within a short time after this the work was
begun by the compiler and publisher, and has been pushed
to completion as fast as possible under the circumstances.
As to the arrangement and mechanical execution of the
work, the book itself is submitted in evidence. The Com-
mittee believes that it is a work that does honor to the
memory of Chaplain Hight and to the Regiment to which

he w^as so earnestly devoted.

Mrs. Mary M. Hight,
Dr. W. R. McMahan,
Gil. R. Stormont,
Capt. C. C. Whiting,
Dr. W. W. Blair,
R. M. Munford,
John M. Stormo.xt,

Publishing Committee,

PREFACE.

IN the catalogue of books pertaining to the war this
volume will occupy a somewhat unique place. Unlike
other histories of the war period, it is not made up
from memory of events long after they have transpired, but
is a record written day by day, while the events were fresh
in the writer's mind. The book does not make any pre-
tensions to accurate description of the general move-
ments of the army ; all this has been done, and sufficiently
done, in other publications.

This is a simple story of what was done by one Regiment
— a very small part of the grand army — in the work of
crushing the rebellion. It is a plain recital of the minor
incidents in the daily life of one of the Regiments that was
but an insignificant part of that mighty host, beneath whose
tread a continent was rocked more than a quarter of a cen-
turv ago. It is a record of the personal experiences and
observations of one individual who, as a part of one of the
minor organizations of this grand army, shared the priva-
tions and dangers common to all. It is a pen picture of a
soldier's life in camp, on the march and on the battlefield.
It is the drawing aside of the veil that hides scenes of
the past, and disclosing to view, in a most realistic manner,
events that were so familiar to those who participated in
them, a generation ago.

In the arrangement of Cluiplain 1 light's manuscript for
publication the compiler has endeavored to preserve the gen-
eral features of the text, and carry out the design of the
author, so far as this was known from personal expressions

GILBERT R. STORMONT,

COMPILER AND PIBLISHRR.

PREFACE. 15

frequently made before his death, and from expressions
found in the manuscript itself. Only such changes were
made as seemed to be necessary to conform to this general
design. The greater part of the writing was done by
the author under circumstances that were not con-
ducive to the most careful thouo-ht. Often the facil-
ities for writing were of the crudest sort ; and yet a
very remarkable feature of this most remarkable col-
lection of manuscript, is that it was so well written
and was kept in such excellent condition. In the
earlier months of the Re<;iment's service the historv was
written in skeleton, and man}^ important facts were either
omitted or were presented in a fragmentary shape. To fill
out such omitted portions the compiler had to rely on his
own private diary, which he fortunately found, covering that
period, aided by his memory of those events. But for
the most part the manuscript of Chaplain Hight was com-
plete, and the editor's talent was most largely exercised in
condensing and eliminating, in order to bring the matter
within the compass of a book of reasonable size. Chaplain
Hight had a style of writing peculiarly his own, and the
reader will have little difficulty in distinguishing it from any
other. He was very much disposed to speak plainly, and
was not sparing in his criticism of men and measures that
fell short of his ideal standard. He was thoroughly demo-
cratic in his ideas and had an utter detestation of snobs and
the snobbish ways, so commonly manifested among officers
in the army.

Chaplain Hight was a Christian and a patriot. His faith
in his countr}^ was as unwavering as his faith in his God.
He never entertained a doubt as to the final result of the war,
because he believed that the cause for which the Union army
contended was right, and that the God of right and justice
was on our side. His expectation was tluit the curse of
slavery would be abolished and the Union would be more
firml}^ established, as the result of the war, and it was his
privilege to live to see the full fruition of his dearest hope.

16 PREFACE.

In the preparation of this volume, the writer acknowl-
edo-es his indebtedness to a number of persons for favors
extended and valuable assistance rendered. Among these
special mention is made of Rev. David B. Flo3^d, of New-
ville. Pa., author of "The History of the 75th Indiana." In
addition to many useful suggestions, cheerfully given by him,
he kindlv permitted the use of some of the cuts which had
appeared in his book. These are the cuts which appear in
this volume on pages 303, 365 and 429. Acknowledgement
is also due Rev. J. H. Ketchum, of Mt. Vernon, Indiana, for
the Introduction which he so kindly furnished. For such
matter as appears in this work, in foot notes, as extracts
from various authors, due credit is given in connection
there witli.

And now, the task assigned me having been completed,
this volume is submitted as m}^ best conception of what was
reqviired. There has been no small amount of labor and
responsibility involved in the work. But there has also been
much of pleasure in living again, as it seemed, in the old
times and participating again in the stirring scenes of arm}'-
life. Such experience will doubtless come to many who read
these pages. To many, there will come memories that will
awaken sorrow and start the tears afresh, but when the mind
reverts to the present, we may all rejoice in the fact that
peace and joy have spread their silver wings over the deso-
lations and bereavements of the past, and that we now have,
as a result of the sulTerings endured and sacrifices made, a
regenerated republic — a free and \inited people, with one
country and one flag.

GILBERT R. STORMONT.

Princeton, Ind., August, 1895.

INTRODUCTION.

TWK chapters contained in this \()hnne are trraphic pen-
pictures of arm}- life, hv the hite Dr. John J. Higlit,
whih^ Chaplain of the gallant 58th Indiana Regiment. Tiie
places, the persons, the scenes and the incidents iierein
described are true pictures, drawn bv a close observer of
men and affairs, and reads like a tale of romance. To the
man}' friends of the deceased author this book will be a rare
souvenir of priceless value. How it will be prized, espec-
ially by tlie surviving members of his old Regiment. As
the battle scared veteran, now nearing his end, peruses its
pagt\s what memories of the past will crowd his mind.
What visions of bv-gone vears now rise before him. He
lives his armv life over again. He hears the shout of battle,
liie roar of cannon, the rattle of musketr^' and the clash of
arms. Amid the wounded and tiie dving that lie here and
tliere on the field of carnage and death there bends a majestic
form, doing all in his power to alleviate their sufferings and
cheer up their feinting hearts. Who is he? Why, that is
the faithful Chaplain, loved and respected b}'- every man in
the Regiment.

Many a mother, as she reads in this book a touching ref-
erence to her sick soldier boy, and how tenderly he was
cared for by this good man, will thank God in her heart,
and bless the name of John J. Hight.

This book will alike be interesting to the members of the
Indiana Conference, with whom Dr. Hight was associated
for a third of a century, and the people of the respective
charges he served as pastor. In every sentence and para-
graph will stand out in bold relief some characteristic of
Chaplain Hight; "How that sounds like John," will be
said time and again bv those who knew iiim intimately.

1» IXTRODKTFOX.

Tlie new generation will also read this book, not only ior
the valuable information it contains, but the vein of humor
and occasional flashes of wit running through every chapter.

But to the cultured wife and daughter, who still live to
mourn the loss of a faithful husband and affectionate father,
this book will be an invaluable treasure, and ever remind
them of one of the purest lives that ever lived.

After awhile it may be asked. Who was Chaplain Might?
What State in the Union produced such a man ? WHiere did
he come from ? and What was the secret of his success in
life? The men of the Grand Army of the Republic are
rapidly passing away. Few are left. Tiie great majorily
who battled under the flag of our country for its life, are
sleeping their last sleep. The time is not far distant in the
future when the last living comrade of tiiese dead will cross
the dark river, to join the great armies gone before. Tiie
early associates of Chaplain Hight, in the ministry, are just
as rapidly passing away. Of those who constituted the
Indiana Conterence when he entered, only a handful
remains. Soon the gates will open and tlie last one pass
out into the unseen.

For the benefit of those who are to come hereafter — the
children's children — of the surviving veterans, and thous-
ands of others, the following brief sketch of the life, char-
acter and work of Chaplain Hight is herein inserted by one
who was the friend and companion of his youth :

Born in Bloomington, Ind., December 4, 1834, and died
in Cincinnati, Ohio, December 18, 1886.

Graduated in the Indiana State University with credit to
himself and that institution, August 4, 1854.

United with the M. E. Church in his native town, Novem-
ber 20, 1853, and entered the traveling connection in the
Indiana Conference November 15, 1854.

His flelds of labor were diversified. Two years were
spent in circuit work ; eleven in station work ; three as
Chaplain in the Union army ; one as Centennary agent in the
interest of our denominational schools: four in district work

INTRODrCTION. 19

as Presiding Elder, and eleven as associate editor of the
West cm Christian Advocate.

Thus, for nearly a third of a century Chaplain I light was
prominently before the public. With tongue and pen, bv
precept and example, with tears and entreaties, he labored
to exalt the race and make the world better. He had all the
instincts and elements of the true reformer, and it was his
soul's delii/ht to battle for the rio-ht. And now that we no
longer see his manly form among the children of men, nor
hear his voice in trumpet tones rallying the hosts of right-
eousness to greater conquests, we cannot make him dead ;

"There are no dead."
It is true, many of them are gone ; singly the}' came, singly
they depart. When their work was done they lay down to
sleep : but never one hath died.

Chaplain Hight had great hope in the future for his coun-
tr^•. He believed the bitterness engendered by sectional
strife woidd ere long die out, and the flag he loved wave in
the sunsiiine of peace and prosperity throughout the length
and breadth of our vast domain. Then

•'Some sweet bird of the South,
Would build in everv cannon's mouth
Till the only sound from its rusty throat
Would be a wren's or a blue bird's note."

To-day, if Chaplain Hight could whisper in mortal ear
across the great gulf betwixt this and the life beyond, he
would say to his friends that still linger on the shores of
time,

"So live that when the Mighty Caravan,
Which halts one night time in the vale of death,
Shall strike its white tents for the morning march
Thou shalt mount onward to the eternal hills;
Thy foot unwearied and thj strength renewed
I.ike the strong eagle's, for the upward flight."

J. H. KETCHAM.

Mt. Vernon, Ind.

CHAPTER I.

Preliminary En'knts of i86i — How tiik News of the
Firing on Fort Sumter Aroused the Loyal Peo-
ple— Enthusiastic Response to the Call of Gov.
Morton — Companip:s and Regiments in Southern
Indiana — The 58T11 Indiana R]<:<;iment in Camp
Gibson.

N no part of the country did the fall of Fort Sumter kin-
dle in the hearts of the people a greater degree of patri-
otic ardor than was manifested in the First Congressional
District of Indiana, a section of the country known as the
"Pocket." The people of this section were largely de-
scendants of a long line of hunters, tVontiersmen, early set-
tlers, soldiers, Indian fighters and adventurers. They were
full by nature of a spirit of patriotism, excitement and
adventure, and having been taught from early infanc}' to
resent every affront, and especially, ever\ insult to the Na-
tional flag and the National Union, it was not unnatural that
they should be aroused by the shock that electrified the
Nation when the news flasiied across the country that the
old flag had been fired upon. In no part of the Union was
there manifested a greater indignation at the insult — nowhere
was there shown a more eager determination to resent the
dishonor that had been placed upon our National banner.
They sprang to arms at their country's call like the High-
landers of Scotland, among whom wen- found many of their
ancestors, when summoned by the "blue banner and bloody
cross."

22 CHAI'LAIN HKiHTS HISTORY OF THK

One can never forget the excitement and enthusiasm of

those days of 1861. On the impulse of the moment men

offered themselves in almost countless numbers. Many of

the men who were first to offer their services as volunteers

were not received by the authorities, for tlie mapnitude of

the impending struggle against the rebellion was not then

fully understood by the Government. Among those who

were more fully cognizant of the seriousness of the work

that was before us and the necessity of gi'appling with the

rebellious power that had been raised against the Govern^

ment with a strong force and with earnestness, was Governor

O. P. Morton, of Indiana. On the morning of the 15th of

April, 1 86 1, immediately after the news of the tiring upon

Sumter had been received, the Governor sent the following

message to President Lincoln :

To Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States:

On behalf of the State of Indiana, I tender to you, for the defense of tlie

Nation, and to uphold the autJiority of the Government, ten thousand men.

(Si,^med) O. P. MORTON.

Governor of Itidiana.
>

The same da}' the President issued his proclamation call-
ing for seventy-iive thousand volunteers from the several
States in the Union, for the suppression of the rebellion.
Under this call Indiana's quota was only si.x Regiments of
infantr}^ comprising in officers and men less than 5,000,
who were to serve for a period of three months, unless
sooner discharged. On the i6th of April, Governor Morton
issued a proclamation, briefly reciting the acts of the rebellion
which was threatening the destruction of the Union, and
calling upon the loyal men of Indiana to organize them-
selves into military Companies sufficient to make six Regi-
ments for muster into service of the United States. The
response to this call was a manifestation of patriotism that
was phenomenal, and left no doubt in the mind of any as to
the earnestness and devotion of Indiana to the cause of the
Union. In less than a week more than 12,000 men had
tendered their services to Governor Morton. As this was
nearly three times as many as Indiana's quota required, the

FIFTY-KKtHTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

contest between Companies to secure acceptance became
quite spirited. In many cases the}^ went to Indianapolis
without orders and Company officers made a personal en-
treat}' of the Governor for muster into the United States
service. But the Governor had to decline all enlistinents
beyond the number called for. Finding it impossible, how-
ever, to restrain the tide of volunteering within the limits of
the three months' call, and being impressed with the neces-
sity and importance of immediately placing an overwhelm-
ing force in active service, he tendered the Secretary of
War six additional Regiments, withovit conditions as to the

term of service, with the assur-
ance that they would be ready in
six days if accepted. Communi-
cation with Washington was cut
oft' and there was some delay in
getting a response to this ofter.
But in the meantime the Gov-
ernor determined to put the six
additional Regiments in camp
and under discipline at once,
and to hold them subject to the
demand of the Government.
This determination of the Gov-
ernor to anticipate a second call
of the President for volunteers
was received with jnuch satisfaction by the thousands of loyal
and patriotic young men who had tendered their services
and had failed to get in under the quota of the first call.
Moreover, this action of the Governor had a good eflect in
allaying the fear and feeling of danger that was entertained
by the people living in the counties bordering on the Ohio
River, on account of the threatened invasion of rebel bands
from Kentucky. Public confidence was further encouraged
by prompt measures set on foot b}- the Governor to procure
arms and equipments for the state troops and by the organi-
zation in manv counties of Home Guards, who were armed

PRESIDKNT LINCOLN.

24 CHAPLAIN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THK

tor the time being with the old-fashioned squirrel rifles and
such other weapons as could be gathered up in the neigh-
borhood. In a large number of cases the Home Guards
were not armed with anything in the shape of a weajion
more deadh^ nor dangerous than a broom stick. But the
results obtained by their organization and drill were none
the less advantageous, notwithstanding their meagre and
ineffective equipments. The drill in compan}- evolutions
and in the manual of arms by these Home Guards proved to
be highly beneticial to them in a few months when an op-
portunity was afforded members of these organizations to
enlist in the United States service, an opportunity of which
many availed themselves. Thus it was that Southern In-
diana, especially, was so earh^ organized for military service
and was enabled to respond so promptly with well drilled
Companies as the}^ were called for trom time to time for
service as soldiers in the army of the Union.

The Governor had called an extra session of the Legis-
lature to meet April 24th. In his special message to that
body assembled he reviewed the history of the secession
movement, and set forth the part already performed by the
State in compliance with the President's call. He then
said :

"In view of all the facts it becomes the imperative duty of Indiana to make
suitable preparations for the contest bv providing ample supplies of men and
money to insure the protection of the State and the general government in
the prosecution of the war to a speedy and successful termination. I, there-
fore, recommend that one million dollars be appropriated for the purchase of
arms and munitions of war, and for the organization of such portion of the
militia as may be deemed necessary for the emergency; that a militia system
be devised and enacted, looking chiefly to volunteers, which shall insure the
greatest protection to the State and unitv and efficiency of the force to be
emplo3'ed. That a law be enacted defining and punishing treason against
the State. * * * * That suitable provision be made by the issue of
bonds, or otherwise, for raising the money herein recommended to be appro-
priated; and that all necessary and proper legislation be had to protect the
business, property and citizens of the State under the circumstances in
which they are placed."

The legislature promptly and with great unanimity en-
acted laws in liarmony with the recommendation made by

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REtJIMENT. 25

Governor Morton, and the State was placed on a military
footing, with proper and efficient militia laws, a condition ot
affairs in which Indiana had been sadly deficient prior to
this time.

Under the first call several Companies were raised in
Southern Indiana, but none were accepted. Among these
was a company raised in Princeton and vicinity by Captain
J. G. Vail. This Company- was filled within a tew days
at'ter the firing on Fort Sumter and was the first enlistment
in Gibson covmty of volunteers for the United States service.
It was mustered into the three years' service under a later
call, for it was soon discovered that the rebellion was of
orreater magnitude than was commonly believed at the be-
ginning of hostilities. The President's second call for 300,-
000 volunteers to serve for three years or during the war,
was the official confirmation of the worst fears of man}- who
had from the first regarded the condition of affiiirs with the
greatest apprehensions. The flippant talk of making a
breakfast spell of suppressing the rebellion was not indulged
in after the battle of Bull Run and President Lincoln's call
for three years service. These two events had the effect to
arouse the patriotic people of the countr}^ to the fact that the
war on hand was one of serious and terrible earnestness.
While the opportunities afforded for enlistment under the
second call was greatly enlarged the seriousness of this step
was also more apparent. But still this did not discourage
the ardor of the young men whose patriotic indignation had
been aroused by the dishonor placed upon their country's
flag. The volunteering went on and from all walks and
conditions of life the youth and flower of the land came
forward to offer themselves in defense of the Union. Com-
panies and Regiments were formed in various parts of In-
diana and after a few days drilling they were sent to the
front to join other troops that were in active service.

During the first six months of the contest there were four
full Regiments organized in the first congressional district,
besides a number of Companies and fragments of Companies

26 CHAPLATX RIGHT'S HISTORl OF THE

attached to various other Regiments organized in other parts
of the State. These regiments were the 24th, by Col. Alvin
P. Hovey, organized at Vincennes, in July ; the 25th, by
Col. James C. Veach, at Evansville ; the First Cavalry, by
Col. Baker, at the same time and place ; the 42d, by Col.
Jones, also organized at Evansville in the month of Sep-
tember.

It was in the latter part of September, 186 1, that a petition
was sent to Governor Morton by some of the citizens of
Princeton, asking permission to raise another Regiment from
the First District and requesting that it be organized at
Princeton. This request was promptlv granted and the
number assigned to the Regiment to be organized was tiie
58th Indiana. Dr. Andrew Lewis, one of the most enter-
prising and most patriotic citizens of Princeton, and one who
had a ver^^ extensive acquaintance in the surrounding-
counties, was largely instrumental in ol:)taining the consent
of Governor Morton tor the organization of this Regiment
at this place. At the request of the Governor, Dr. Lewis
accepted the position of Colonel of the Regiment. H. M.
Carr, of Crawfordsville, who had served in the nth Indiana
as Captain, during the three months' service, and had
re-enlisted in the three years' ser\nce in that Regiment, was
commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel. After the organization
was complete Dr. Lewis resigned, on account of not being
able to arrange his private business so that he could go with
the Regiment to the field, and Lieutenant-Colonel Carr was
promoted to the Colonelcy. The roster of tield officers was
completed by the appointment of George P. Buell, of Law-
renceburg, Lieutenant-Colonel ; James T. Embree, of
Princeton, Major. The following staff' officers were
appointed : J. Lee Yaryan, of Richmond, Adjutant ; Samuel
Sterne, of Princeton, Qiiartermaster ; Dr. W. W. Blair, of
Princeton, Surgeon; Dr. J. R. Adams, of Petersburg,
Assistant Surgeon ; Joseph Grant, of Utica, Sergeant-Major ;
Henry Torrence, Xenia, Ohio, Qiiartermaster Sergeant ;
John G. Beiim, Princeton, Commissarv Sergeant; James

DR. ANDREW LEWIS.

For Biographical Sketch see page 567.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 27

Hadlock, Hospital Steward. The appointment of Chaplain
was not made for several months alter the Regiment was
orp-anized. The rendezvous of the Regiment was in tiie
Gibson count}^ fair grounds and was known as Camp Gibson .
The following are the Company organizations :

Compan}'- A was recruited from Gibson and Pike counties,
largely, and had first gone into camp at Evansville with the
expectation of becoming a part of the ^id Indiana, which
was then forming at that place. Finding that Regiment
full, the Company was ordered to Princt^ton and thus
became the first Company of the 58th Indiana, and one ot
the first to enter Camp Gibson. The Company was officered
as follows: Captain Thomas G. Brown, of Gentry ville ;
First Lieutenant William Davis, Francisco ; Second Lieu-
tenant John Moke, Princeton.

Company B was almost all from Gibson county. In its
original organization this was, perhaps, the most exclusivel}'
Gibson county Company that was in the service. It went
into Camp Gibson October 21, 1861, with its full maximum
strength, and of this number ninet3'-seven were enlisted in
Gibson county. Many in this Company had, previous to
enlistment, been members of Home Guard Companies, and
had acquired quite a good deal of knowledge of military
tactics. The consequence was that the Company soon
became very proficient in drill and it easily maintained this
distinction throughout the service. The officers of Company
B were Captain Joseph Moore, Francisco ; First Lieutenant
Simon D. Ewing, Francisco ; Second Lieutenant Bedford
Reavis, Princeton.

Company C was also recruited in Gibson county ver}-
largely, though there were a good many from Pike and
Dubois counties. It was among the first Companies in
Camp Gibson, having enlisted in the early part of October,
1 86 1. The officers were Captain William A. Downey,
Patoka ; First Lieutenant Ephraim E. Woods, Patoka ;
Second Lieutenant Joseph D. Fisher, Patoka.

Company D only had a total of eighty-five when the Regi-

28 CHAPLAIN HKtHT'S HISTORY OF THE

ment left for the field, and these were about equally enlisted
from Gibson and Pike counties. The officers were Captain
Marston G. Hargrove, Oakland City ; First Lieutenant
James C. Knox, Ladoga ; Second Lieutenant George Whit-
man, Oakland City.

Company E was mostly from Dubois, Pike and Martin
counties, with several from Daviess, Vanderburg and Knox.
As it appears on the roster of the Regiment, E Company is
the onl}' one in the 58th that shows no enlistment from Gib-
son county. It was a splendid Compan}' just the same and
was well officered when it entered camp and became a part
of the 58th. The Captain was Daniel J. Banta, Jasper;
First Lieutenant Asbur}^ H. Alexander, Jasper; Second
Lieutenant Jacob E. Voorhees, Terre Haute.

Company F was mostl}^ from Spencer county, although
Gibson furnished a goodly number of the original enlist-
ments of that Company. The officers were Captain Joseph
H. Crow, Gentry ville ; First Lieutenant William Overlin,
Eureka; Second Lieutenant Daniel L. Cain, Rockport.

Company G was very much like Company B in one
respect, that is, that it was nearly all made up from one
county. G Company was distinctively^ a Pike county or-
ganization and it came into camp with the maximum
strength. It was the oldest Company in the Regiment,
having enlisted in the latter part of August with the expec-
tation of becoming a part of another Regimental organiza-
tion. ]>ut they were disappointed in this and, after being
shifted about from one camp to another, they were finally
ordered to Camp Gibson. The officers were Captain Wil-
liam H. Donahey, Petersburg; First Lieutenant Samuel H.
Spillman ; Second Lieutenant George Labaree, Petersburg.

Company H was a Daviess county Company, It was not
full when the Regiment left for the front, but afterwards
received some recruits and became an efficient company,
ready for every duty. The officers were Captain James Dale,
Washington ; First Lieutenant Green McDonald, Washing-
ton ; Second Lieutenant John S. Canfield, Washington.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

Company I was another of the companies that was almost
wholly made up in Pike county. Its officers were Captain
Jackson M. Kinman, Petersburg; First Lieutenant Wm. E.
Chappel, Petersburg ; Second Lieutenant Lemuel R. Har-
grove, Petersburg.

Compan\- K was only partly organized when the Regi-
ment left Camp Gibson. The organization was afterwards
completed by the addition of some new recruits and b}^ an
equalization of some of the larger companies, transferring
the surplus men in each to Company K. The officers of
this company were Captain Walter B. Carr, Crawfordsville ;
First Lieutenant Charles H. Bruce, Ladoga; Second Lieu-
tenant James M. Smith, Ladoga.

In this connection the followinsf statement will be of in-
terest. It shows the number of officers and men in the
Regiment and the county from which the}- enlisted at the
time of its departure from Camp Gibson :

ORIGINAL ENLISTMENT.

Gibson

I
II

3
17
38
20

3
99

n
3
n

D
c
cr

'r.

5
2

r>'

12
I

a
3'

3
0

<
P
3
Q.
rt
■-1

at!

I
I

1-3
0
p_

Field and StaC.

Company A

Company B

Company C

Company D_. ..

Company E

Company F

Company G

Company H

Company I

Company K__ _

6
73
97
66

24
3

7
I

7
4

I
I
5
5

4
23

n
103

105
104

85
88

lOI

105

Total...

347

273

891

By the loth of November the Companies had all taken up
their abode in camp and the men had become more or less
familiar with camp duties. Temporary barracks had been

:j() CHAl'LAIN IIIUIITS HISTORY OF TIIK

constructed b}- utilizing the exhibition sheds and cattle and
horse stalls on the fair ground, making quite comfortable
quarters for the boys who were learning the art of soldier-
ing. Still, this mode of life was a great change from that to
which many of the new soldiers had been accustomed and
the effect of the change soon began to show in the increased
number requiring medical treatment. The camp hospital
was soon tilled with the sick, many of them suffering witli
the measles. There was one death in camp, and there was
just enough of a glimpse of the solemn realities of a soldier's
life in the field to cause those who were capable of such a
tiling to think seriously of the business before them. But
such things did not disturb many, none, in fact, to such an
extent that they desired to back out of their agreement to
serve for "three years or during the war." So it was
when the mustering officer came, on the 12th of Nova^mber,
there was found no one in camp with an inclination to step
out of the ranks. There was rather a disposition to make
the best presentation possible and to evade such questions
of the mustering officer as might cause their rejection.

The Regiment remained in Camp Gibson about six weeks.
The time being industriously employed in company and
"squad drills" much to the dislike of many of the boys,
when the novelty of the thing wore ofT. P>ut. \vhik> this
daily drill was tiresome and monotonous to the privates,
it was very pleasing to the newly fledged corporals, ser-
geants and company oflicers, as it afforded them an oppor-
tunity to exercise thtnr authority in training the raw rcxruit.
After the companies had been sufficiently drilled so that
the men could "stand up in two rows and march out end-
ways," a regimental dress parade was attempted. Joe
Grant, who had seen service, and had an ambition to see
more, made himself quite efficient as the acting adjutant of
the Regiment on such occasions. Joe was very conspicuous
among the undisciplined officers and men in those early days
of the R(>giment. On dress parade he iiad the admiration of
all the ladies and was the object of envv of all the new officers

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA RKGIMKNT. 31

who had not yet caught on to the tactics. After a few
weeks Colonel Carr came to camp, and he had such a fine
manly presence and was possessed of svich a strong com-
manding voice that he at once obtained the favor and re-
spect of the members of the Regiment. He was a well
drilled officer himself and on takincr command of the Recri-
ment he instituted a more thorough discipline in camp duties.
He organized a special school of instruction for the line
officers and it was not long until the effect of it was shown
in compan}^ drill. A regimental band had been organized
by this time and with their services dress parade became
quite an attraction to the people of town and country who
were daily visitors to camp, bringing with them, usually,
man}^ delicacies not found on the soldiers' bill of fare.
These were gala days for the boys, but the}^ were not to last.
Indeed, the boys did not want them to last. They had en-
listed to put down the rebellion, they said, and they wanted
to get to the front where they could be about their business.
They had plenty to eat, good warm clothes, comfortable
quarters, an opportunity to see their friends often, but there
was one longing desire that was not satisfied while enjoying
these luxuries in Camp Gibson. The thing that the}- wanted
to hear, and as time wore along became more impatient
about, was marching orders. But the long delayed orders
came at last. On Wednesday night, December ii, just
before time for turning into bunks, the order came for the
Regiment to prepare three days' rations and be ready to move
to Louisville the following Friday. On the reception of
this news there went up such a shout from that camp as had
never before been heard in these parts. Everybody was de-
lighted although every one could but know that the contem-
plated move was but the beginning of days of trial, privation
and sutTering, and to man}' the end would be death. But
war is a serious business and these men had counted the cost
before enlisting.

That night, and the day and night following there was hur-
rying to and fro and everything was bustle and confusion in

32 CHAPLAIN HIGHT^S HISTORY.

camp. Strict orders had been given as to furloughs and the
guards were doubled to prevent soldiers from jumping the
fence and taking "French leave" on the night before de-
parture. It was of no avail, however, as the soldiers went
over the fence like a drove of sheep. Not content with this
in many places the};- tore down whole sections of fence ; they
captured the guard and burned the guard house, and in fact
took possession of the camp for the time being. They were
going to leave and proposed to celebrate the event in their
own way. Next morning the sober second thought came to
some who had been specially hilarious the night before, and
the}' were affected in a different way. When wives, mothers,
fathers, sisters, and sweethearts came into camp to witness
their departure and bid them good bye, when the actual
parting came, then there was an end to rioting and rowdy-
ism. Then it seemed to dawn upon many for the first time
that this going away was an affair that called for sober
thought rather than for jovous hilaritv and reckless dissipa-
tion.

On Frida}^ morning, December 13, the Regiment was
drawn up in line all accoutered and equipped readv to move.
As the Regiment stood in line waiting for orders to march.
Rev. John McMaster and Rev. J. E. Jenkins, representing
the Gibson County Bible Society, passed down the line witli
baskets filled with small pocket testaments and presented
each member of the Regiment with a copy. This incident
made a deep impression upon all and the testaments were
highly prized by the recipients. The Regiment moved out
of camp to the railroad depot and after a long wait there the
train that was to carry us to Evansville finall}' came and
we got aboard.

There was a large crowd of people present to see us off,
and amid the cheers and tears and lamentations of the multi-
tude of waiting friends, with the waving of handkerchiefs
and flags, and other demonstrations the train pulled out.

CHAPTER II.

On the Way to the Front — First Experience in Camp
— Ox THE March to Bardstown — Brigade Organ-
ization— Flag Presentation — Through Ken-
tucky— Tennessee — At Nashville.

ARRIVING at Evansville, the Regiment landed on the
commons outside of the city and marched down Main
street to the river. There we embarked on the steamer
Baltic^ and after a few hours were on our way up the Ohio
river, destined for Louisville.

The Baltic was a very large boat and was provided with
luxurious accommodations, but these were not available, or
were insufficient for that emergency. The men had to sleep
on the cabin floor or out on deck as best they could, all the
comfortable sleeping space being overcrowded. But the
boat ride was a novel experience to many, and they enjoyed
it, notwithstanding the discomforts. Sometime during
Saturday night the boat landed at Portland, below Louis-
ville, and early on Sunday morning the Regiment began to
disembark. It was nearly noon when everything was in
readiness and the Regiment started on its first march. It
was about four miles at that time from the place of landing
to Louisville, proper, and the Regiment was required to
march that distance and thence about two miles to a commons
south of the city to a camping place. Here we drew tents,
of the bell pattern, and spent our first night trying to sleep
on the cold ground inside of a tent. Here also we had
our first experience with the army "hard tack." While

r{4 CHAPLAIN JIKIHT'S HISTORY OF THE

here the equipments of the Regiment were completed and on-
the 19th of December we started on our hrst march to Bards-
town, Ky., a distance of about forty miles. There was a
good turnpike all the way which was not so good for tender
feet. Most of the boys were shod in store boots with thin
soles, and there was a general complaint of blistered feet
after the first day's march. The broad, thick soled shoe
supplied by their Uncle Sam was much in favor with the
boys after their experience on that fort}^ mile march. We
arrived at Bardstown, December 21st, tired, weary and
footsore, and not very much enraptured with arm}- life, so
far as we had seen it. But this was but the beginning of
our sorrows. Marching through town to the most uninvit-
ing spot that could be found a few miles beyond, the Regi-
ment went into camp on a hillside in a cedar forest. An-
other kind of tent was issued to us here. It was called
the Sibley tent. We had never seen anything like it, and
had no idea how to put one of them up. It was a puzzle to
master a Sibley tent to any one who had not travelled with a
circus. But some genius in the Regiment did iind a solution,
and others profited by his discovery, so in time the tents
were up and camp established once more. Then it began
to rain and continued for several days. All about the camp
the soil was converted into nasty mud of various degrees of
consistency. By this time there were a few members of the
58th who would have been willing to exchange places with
some patriotic citizen who had a good roof over his head
and a comfortable bed in which to sleep. It had not occurred
to man}^ of them until now that a soldier's life was of this
sort. It was about this time that an order was given one
night for the RegimcMit to be ready to march early the fol-
lowing morning. When reveille was sounded next morning
a stalwart private arose and peeped out of his tent. He
found it was very dark and still raining. He turned back
and remarkcnl to his comrades, "Surely we are not going to
break camj-) and march this morning while it is raining this
wa}^" lie had lived on a farm and had learned enough

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 85

during his life to come in out of the rain, hut he found that
morning, and in his after experience, that military- tactics
had very little regard for the weather. The Regiment
marched that morning — December 29th — to another camp-
ing ground, about five miles south of Bardstown, on the
Bowling Green pike. This was also a muddy place, but it
was in an open freld and it was more suitable for a camp.
During the month of December the Regiment traveled three
hundred and seven miles — twenty-seven by rail, two hundred
by steamer and eighty on foot.

The object of moving the Regiment to this camp was two-
fold, first because it was here afforded a more eligible site for a
]")roperly alligned regimental camp, and second that it might
be in proximity to other Regiments with which it was to be
brigaded. Hitherto the 58th had not been associated with
an}'- other Regiment. Now it was to take a place as part
of a little army that was being organized in the vicinity of
Bardstown under the command of Brigadier General T. J.
Wood. At this new camp there soon arrived the other
Regiments with which the 58th was to be brigaded. These
were the 24th Kentucky, 40th Indiana and the 57th Indiana.
Col. H. M. Carr, of the 58th, was assigned to the command
of the Brigade, with General Wood commander of the divis-
ion, headquarters in Bardstown. General Wood was a
regular army officer and a very strict disciplinarian. He
found an opportunit}^ here for the exercise of all his talents
in this direction, in the development of these raw recruits into
an army of disciplined soldiers. But it was done, although
the process was often ver}- distasteful to the raw material
from which the disciplined soldier was being developed.

It was in this camp that the 58th received their stand of
colors which had been procured by some of the patriotic
ladies of Gibson county. It was the purpose to have pre-
sented the colors before the Regiment left Camp Gibson, but
circumstances were such that this could not be done. So,
on the 14th day of January, 1862, a committee of three ladies
from Gibson county brought the colors to Louisville where

H(i

THAI'LAIN HUiHT'S HISTOKY OF THE

they were met by a delegation from the Regiment. The
ladies composing this delegation were Misses Ophelia Hanks,
Artemesia Hanks and Mollie Sumners. Miss Ophelia
Hanks* made the presentation address and delivered the col-
ors to Lieut. -Col. George P. Buell and Major J. T. Embree
in the Louisville hotel. Following are the addresses made
on that occasion :

PRESENTATION ADDRESS BY MISS HANKS,

Lieutenant- Colonel:

I have the honor of presenting to you, the officers and soldiers of the 58th
Regiment of Indiana Vokinteers, this beautiful stand of colors — the free gift
of the patriotic ladies of Gibson county, of our beloved state of Indiana.
First, is this

"Flag of the heart's hope and home,
By angel hands to valor given."
Inspired by the glorious associations that cluster
around this emblem of our united nationality, I
doubt not that the officers and soldiers composing
your gallant Regiment will nerve themselves for the
conflict and bear it in triumph over every battle
field.

The second is your Regimental banner. Upon
its blue field we have inscribed the American
luigle, the symbol of American liberty and great-
ness. This is a fitting emblem for an Indiana Regi-
ment, for in the Indiana soldier is concentrated all
that is truly great and heroic, and may we hope that
whilst the sight of this beautiful flag may stimulate 30U to deeds of valor,
that you will not forget that true greatness is alwaj's associated with mag-
nanimity. Therefore, if the fortune of war should place in your hands the
common foe, show to him that you are not only "great, but good" — be mag-
nanimous, be merciful. Indiana is justly proud of her citizen soldiers.
Their names are thus far associated with every hotly contested battle, and
the donors of these beautiful colors cherish the hope that when your Regi-
ment, under your leadership, shall be called upon to engage in deadly conflict
with the enemy, that new lustre will be added to the already bright sheen of
Indiana's valor.

Colonel, trusting that this unhappy strife tnay soon end in an honorable
peace, and that not one star shall be displaced from our national galaxv,
and that every stripe may remain unmarred. I bid you fiuewell. and may
Heaven's choicest blessing attend you.

* Now Mrs. James S. Mowry, Princeton, Ind. She is the only one of
this committee living at the time this is published.

MRS. Ol'llIiLlA ll.\XKS
MOWRV.

FIFTY-EItiHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. ;57

RESPONSE BY LIEUT.-COL. BUELL.

Ladies of »iy Native State:

In company with Major Embree, I stand here as the representative of
Col. Carr and the sSth Indiana Regiment. Though I do not feel capable of
occupving the position. I feel complimented and am happy to be the recip-
ient of those colors in person. The demonstration of the ladies of Gibson
county is truly most gratifying and encouraging to every member of our
Regiment.

As a token of vour true patriotism and high regard for the cause in
which vour fathers and brothers have enlisted, you have presented us with
the banners under which we a»e to march. Ladies, we will take these tiags,
and whilst we thank you from our inmost hearts, we will bear them most
nobly; as we enter upon the battle field beneath them we shall call God to
witness that our motto shall be one thousand deaths rather than defeat. We
do not say this boastingly — we feel it; our hearts and souls are enveloped in
flames of passionate love and pride for this sacred ensign. There is within
man a hidden passion, which, when aroused, he knows no conquerer; there
is a period in the career of nations when their patriots are all brave. With
us that passion is aroused — with Indiana that time has come; fifty thousand
of her sons are already in the field. Indiana needs no encomiums! let others
behold and judge for themselves.

My friends, these colors may meet the reverse of fortune — they mav fall;
if so. our hope and prayers shall be that we fall with them. We are a Regi-
ment of brothers, defending a mother's cause; there is not one of us can look
at this emblem of his country for a moment but his e>'es will kindle and his
heart will throb with the noblest emotion of man. Think of it and then ask,
"shall we carry them safely through?" Ah. thou stainless shroud of Wash-
ington forsaken.? And that by Indianians.' Never! Never! I can assure
you we can appreciate the feelings that has prompted you to show this last
act of kindness to many of us. We have all left behind us our happy homes.
By yielding to their country's call, our mothers, wives and sisters have
already cast an eternal gloom over their domestic firesides. Before me are
sisters who would weep days and weeks over the death bed or grave of a
dear friend, but who have this day, without a summons or tear, marched
forward, bearing in the right hand their country's baimer and leading with
the left a father or brother to the sacrifice. Is not this love of country.?
Is not this deep, undying patriotism.? History may relate deeds of
valor, nations may boast of their oft'spring, but none now can be
more proud than Indiana shall be of her daughters, and Indianians of their
sisters.

Sisters, we bid you adieu. We are brothers and soldiers; our lot is
perilous. Throughout the hills and vales' of Kentucky many of us may soon
rest beneath the sod, and when such shall be our fate, the boon we shall ask
will be one tear for the soldier, one sigh for the brother. Once more, in
behalf of the 5Sth Regiment, expressive of the heartfelt feelings of each and
every member. I thank vou most sincerely. Farewell.

Hii CHAPLAIN HKIHT'S HISTORY OF THE

The ladies afterward accompanied the delegation to the
regimental camp at Bardstown, where the colors were for-
mally presented to the Regiment at dress parade. Among
th^ ladies who accompanied the committee from Princeton
was Miss Irene Kirkman, who sang "The Star Spangled
Banner" and other patriotic songs on that
occasion. Miss Kirkman 's singing and
the presence of these ladies brought new
life and patriotic ardor to the soldiers
camped upon that'bleak, cold field. Their
visit was a bricfht event in our cheerless
army lifp.

In the latter part of Januarv the Brigade
MK^. iKKNK KIRKMAN g^^j.^g^ ou SL march" towards Lebanon,

of Princeton, I nd. wliitlier General Wood, the Division

commander, had already moved his headquarters. It
was the intention to concentrate the army under command
of General George H. Thomas, then near Mill Springs,
confronted by a large rebel force under General ZollicolTer.
But the rebel general concluded not to wait for this concen-
tration. He attacked the Union force in great fury, expect-
ing to rout them before reinforcements could arrive. But
his plan miscarried. His own army was routed, and he
himself was killed. When the 58th reached Lebanon the
news of the Union victory at Mill Springs made it unneces-
sary for them to move any further in that direction.

The body of General Zollicofler in an ambulance passed
by the 58th camp, soon after our arrix-al in Lebanon. The
remains were being taken to the dead general's late home in
Nashville for interment.

The Regiment remained in the vicinity of Lebanon for
several weeks. The hard marching and exposure to the in-
clement weather began to tell on the boys. The hos-
pitals were filled with sick', and many deaths occurred.
About the middle of February marching orders were again
received. The objective point now was Bowling Green,
then a rebel stronghold, under command of General Buckner.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REUIMENT. 39

The march from Lebanon to Mumfordsville was by rail.
The Regiment was loaded in box cars like cattle, onl}^ each
car was made to contain more men than is the usual capacit}-
for cattle. It was not the most comfortable condition of
things that the soldiers enjoyed in that night ride from Leb-
anon to Green River, but it was better than "hoofing it."

At Mumfordsville the Reo-iment halted while the rest of
the Brigade came up. At this place the 58th was paid off,
receiving pay for the first three months' service. A large
part of the money received here was gold and silver and it
was the last mone}'' of that kind we saw during the service.
But the new "greenbacks" were a very acceptable substitute.
We waited here for a few days while the rest of the army,
then under command of General D. C. Buell, was concen-
trating. While halting here the battle of Fort Donelson was
fought, resulting in a great victory for the Union forces
under General Grant. Immediately after this the rebels
evacuated Bowling Green, retreating through Nashville
towards the Tennessee river. This left the country clear in
front of General Buell's army and he pressed forward after
the retreating rebels.

The 58th moved forward with the rest of the army through
Bowling Green on toward Nashville, making some very
hard marches bv the wa}^ One of the most severe, and as
it proved the most unnecessary march, that the Regiment
made during all its service, was on the day preceding their
arrival at Edgefield Junction, near Nashville. It was about
noon of that day that the Brigade Commander received an
order from General Wood to camp at Edgefield Junction,
ten miles from Nashville. As usual with militar}^ orders it
was enclosed in a large envelope, directed to the Brigade
Commander. On the back of the envelope, for the guid-
ance of the orderly who carried the orders, was written
"make five miles an hour." As the orderly was mounted
this would not be a very extraordinary speed. But the
Commander of the Brigade construed the direction to apply
to his men who were afoot, which would make a pretty

4-0 CHAl'LALN IUCtHT'S HISTUKV OF THE

livel}- gait, especially for men who were already foot sore
and weary from their long march. But the Colonel was
disposed to obey orders as he understood them, and his
understanding was that the Regiment under his command
was to move towards the designated camping ground,
which was lifteen miles away, at the rate of live miles an
hour, and so the order was giyen for a forced march for that
distance. The order was executed with very indifferent
success. For a short time the belief that there was some
serious emergency ahead inspired the men to strain every
nerve to reach the emergency' on time. But after a few
miles of exertion physical strength and enthusiasm were
about exhausted. In spite of strict orders the men were
dropping out of the ranks by the score and falling by the
roadside utterly worn out. After a while the Colonel was
convinced of the physical impossibility of carrying out his
construction of the order, and he was compelled to adopt a
more moderate gait. A part of the Brigade reached the
camp in proper shape and in ample time ; the larger part
came in by details during- the next twenty-four hours.
When the foolish blunder of the Commander was fully un-
derstood there were some deep dyed imprecations bestowed
upon him b}' officers and men.

This was a ver}^ beautiful camping place, situated in a fine
forest covered with blue grass. There was a disposition to
forgive and forget some of the privations and inconveniences
of the past, in view of the present surroundings. At this
place the regimental band left. They iiad followed the
Regiment, or rather had gone in front of it, from Camp
Gibson, but there had been some uncertainty on the part of
the government as to whether bands were really needed in
the army. At any rate they had not yet received any official
standing, and there was nothing for the bands to do but to
return home.

On tlie 13th of March the Regiment marched again to-
ward Nashville. They found that many other Regiments had
preceded them, the rebels having evacuated the place with-

FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA REtilMENT. 41

out any attempt at defense. The rebels had destroyed the
fine suspension bridt^e across the Cumberland river before
leaving, which seemed a very foolish and wanton destruction
of their own property. It could not hinder the advancement
ol the Union army to an}- great extent, as the stream was nar-
row and a temporary bridge was easily constructed.

The 58th Regiment, and the Brigade of which it was a
part, marched through the city and went into camp on the
Nolensville pike about two miles south of the city, where they
remained for about two weeks. While here some changes
were made in the Brigade organization. The 58th Indiana
and the 15th Indiana exchanged places, which placed the 58th
in a Brigade composed of the 26th Ohio, 13th Michigan, 17th
Indiana and the 8th Indiana Battery. A few days afterward
the 3d Kentucky was substituted for the 13th Michigan. The
Brigade thus constituted was designated as the 15th Brigade,
and was commanded by Colonel Hascall, of the 17th Indi-
ana. The Division to which it belonged was known as the
6th Division, commanded by Brigadier General T. J. Wood.

Rev. John J. Hight, the recently appointed Chaplain,
joined the Regiment at this camp. The story of our Regi-
mental affairs will be suspended at this point while the new
Chaplain relates a little of his personal experience and
explains how he became connected with the Regiment.

CHAPTER III.

Personal Experiences — How a Local Methodist
Preacher Became an Army Chaplain — Difficul-
ties AND Discouragements in Getting Started —
Observations by the Way — Arrival at Nashville
— At the Regimentai> Camp — A Cold and Cheer-
less Reception — An Unfavorable Impression of
Camp Diet and Arrangements for Sleeping.

IT might be interesting to the readers to know how I came
to tind a place as Chaplain in the army. Whether the
reader is interested or not, the process of my evolution from
an itinerant Methodist preacher to an army Chaplain is an in-
teresting event in my history, and I will ask the indulgence
of such readers as may not be interested while I relate it
briefl}^.

From my earliest recollection I had cherished a desire to
see more of the country than comes within the range of
vision of an ordinary itinerant preacher, but the proverbial
poverty that pertains to my class was always an obstacle in
the way of my ambition. When the war broke out and
volunteers were wanted to put down the rebellion it seemed
to me my opportunity had come. Here was a chance to
travel at the expense of the government and at the same
time perform the duty of a patriot. I was at once filled
with a desire to go and do my part as my forefathers had
done in their day. l>ut it did not seem consistent for a
preacher to enter the fighting department of the arm}-. The
weapons of our warfare are not carnal, vou know. Besides,
I was not a very combative man by nature, but was rather

FTP'TY-EIUHTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

inclined to timidit}' of disposition. But when it was an-
novinced that the volunteer Regiments were to have Chap-
lains it occurred to me that this would be more in the line of
my disposition and in harmon}' with my profession. And
when the suggestion was made to me b}- some of my friends
that I ought to seek a position as arm}^ Chaplain I fullv
made up my mind to do so. When Thomas Johnson was
recruiting a Company for what was afterward the 24th In-
diana, I told him that T would be glad to go with them as
Chaplain. He seemed to be heartily in favor of the idea,
so I was not at all surprised to hear from him by a telegram
a few days after reaching the rendezvous of the Regiment
at \ incennes. He wired, "It is all right, come on." This
was on Saturday, and I very foolishly took the lirst train for
Vincennes. But when I arrived at the camp I was surprised
to find a number of other applicants for the place. I
found that there were a number of preachers who were as

patriotic as myself, so I gave it
up. I went into the city and
preached on Sabbath for my Meth-
odist Brother, Stallard. On Mon-
day I returned home with regrets
that I had ever started on the trip.
A short time after this my friend.
Dr. Pennington, urged me to write
to Colonel Baker, with whom I
was acquainted, and who was or-
ganizing the First Indiana Cavalry
at Evansville. I did so but never received any reply. I
have always passed Colonel Baker since as though I was not
acquainted with him. Have said I would not vote for him
if he is ever a candidate for office, but may reconsider that.
During the remainder of the summer of 1861 I made no
further effort to go to war, feeling very much discouraged in
my efforts thus far. About the ist of October I left Prince-
ton and took charge of Simpson Chapel, Greencastle. Soon
after this the 58th was organized. Colonel Andrew Lewis,

MRS. JOHN J. IIIGHT.

4.J- CHAl'LALN HK^HTS HISTORY OK THE

the Commander of the Regiment, urged me to put in appli-
cation for Chaplaincy of this Regiment, which I did. Here
the matter ended so far as I was concerned. I heard a short
time after this that the Regiment had gone to the front and
hearing nothing more about my application I presumed that
they were either supplied with a Chaplain or else did not
desire one. The matter had almost passed from my mind
until one day in the following March I was surprised to re-
ceive a letter, postmarked Bowling Green, K3^, containing
a brief announcement of m}^ election as Chaplain of the
58th Indiana. The appointment, signed bv Lieut. -Colonel
George P. Buell, commanding the Regiment, was enclosed.
This was ver}^ gratifying so far as it went, but I was now so
situated that I could not so readily get the consent of m}^
mind to accept the appointment. This was just after the fall
of Fort Donelson and it was the expectation of many that
the war would soon be over. I was influenced b^' this opin-
ion and questioned whether the war would last long enough
to justify me in going. We all had better information on
this point later on.

However, after much debating I made up mv mind to ac-
cept the appointment. I decided I would go to the army
even if it was for a short time. I resolved to break oft' mv
pleasant associations at Greencastle and see what I could do
for the spiritual welfare of the soldiers. Immediately I be-
gan preparations to join my Regiment. I went to New
Albany, March i6th, where I ordered a Chaplain's uniform
and purchased other necessary equipments. I labored undiM-
the impression that it was very important that mv arrival at
the seat of war should not be di'layed and so I emploved
two tailors to make my suit. I purchased a big valise and
tilled it full of clothing, besides had several good sized
bundles of blankets, etc. It was the custom of officers to
be thus provided at that time, but the custom changed some-
what when the arm}^ got down to business. Finallv, mv
preparations were completed and dressed in my militarv suit
T crossed over to Louisville. I tramped around that citv for

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 45

some time seeking transportation and information of various
kinds. After much labor I procured the former but found a
very limited supply of the latter. At the time I ascribed
this to the surliness of the officials, but I have since dis-
covered that they did not know anything and simply masked
their ignorance under the cover of ill-manners.

By this time the 58th had gone with the rest of the army
from Bowling Green to Nashville. The railroad was not yet
opened so I took passage on a boat for Nashville. My trip
vs^as without much incident worthy of note. I did not make
the acquaintance of many of the passengers. I remember a
Lieut. -Colonel Wheat, a big man of some Kentucky Regi-
ment. Even at that early period of the war he was dissatisfied
because he was not promoted to a Colonel. I never heard of
him afterward, and presume he did all his lighting early in
the struggle. I remember also that Colonel Whittaker was
one of our passengers. He was a famous Kentuckian and a
fighter. He soon became a Brigadier and got his name in
the newspapers.

At Fort Donelson we were permitted to land and view the
scene of the recent battle. This was about a month after the
battle and the evidences of the conflict were plainly visible.
It was m}' first sight of a real battle field and it made a deep
impression.

It was Sunday morning, March 23, when we came in
sight of Nashville. The boat landed at the foot of Broad-
way. On inquiry I learned that my Regiment was camped
about three miles south of the cit}^ and I engaged a carriage
to take me out. Arriving at the picket post I learned that I
was minus one essential thing — a pass. I explained as
best I could and the officer, seeing my greenness and that
my intentions were good, permitted me to pass. Soon I was
at the gate of the woods pasture in which the 58th was
encamped. In a few minutes I was with the Regiment with
whose fortunes I was destined to be associated for some time.

It was a cold raw March day and the surroundings were
to me everything else but cheerful. It was a new experience

46 CHAPLAIN HKtHT'S HISTOKY OF THE

and I felt the embarrasment of the situation greatly. As I
entered the camp the tirst man to meet me and extend the
hand of greeting was Lieutenant Wm. Davis. He was fol-
lowed by several old acquaintances. Some, however, while
they seemed glad to see me, yet had a distrust of my abilit}^
to till the place of Chaplain. I could not blame them, since
I was filled with the same distrust of m^-selt. Colonel H.
M. Carr, who was then in command of the Regiment,
greeted me in a cordial sort of. way, but it was plain that, in
the person of the new Chaplain, he had a regimental equip-
ment that he was at a loss to know what to do with. He
said to me afterwards that mv coming rather took him b}"
surprise, that he was not expecting me and therefore was
unprepared to properly receive me. I think, however, his
action was due to a feeling of general distrust of army
Chaplains that was then so prevalent in the arm v. This
feeling was shared by nearlv all the officers, especialh'. on
account of the alleged dereliction of some Chaplains. But
I think there was less real cause for it than manv imagined,
which opinion I hope to establish before I complete this
history.

I did not preach on this, the first Sabbath of my presence
with the Regiment, but contented mvself in visiting friends
in camp and getting mvself settled. Bv the invitation of
Major J. T. Embree I spread my cot in his tent. Dr. W.
W. Blair very kindly invited me to mess with him for the
present, both of which invitations I gladl}'" accepted. The
fare was crackers, bacon and coffee. I did not relish this
very much but the Doctor told me I "would come down to
it," and he was right. My first niglit in camp was not
passed in sleep. It was too cold and niv new cot was not
the sort of bed I had been accustomed to. I was cold
underneath and on each side, notwithstanding the two heavy
blankets that were on top. It was a miserable niglit, but it
came to an end at last. During the week, with the assist-
ance of some friends I procured a tent and fixed up verv
comfortable quarters.

FIFTY-EKIHTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

We had several sick in the hospital at Nashville and in
camp. I visited these and extended mv acquaintance by
visiting through the Regiment as opportunity offered, and
in a few days began to feel more at home. I found many
men whom I had met in other days, and received from
them assurance of sympathy and co-operation in m^• work
for the spiritual interests of the Regiment.

And now, as I am here and established as a part of the
equipment of the 58th, I may as well drop this narration of
my personal experiences and give more attention to the
movements and incidents pertaining to the Regiment with
which mv lot has been cast.

CHAPTER IV.

Forward Movement — Ox the Way to Savannah —
Some of the Officers in Command — Baggage and
Equipments — Through Franklin — Columbia —
Some Fine Plantations — Grapevine News — Inci-
dents OF the March — Weary and Sick Soldiers —
Burial by the Wayside — Sound of Battle — Hur-
rying TO the Front — Pittsburg Landing.

DURING the latter part of March active preparations
were being made for a forward movement. Our men
were provided with new clothing and new equipments. The
winter was now over and heaw clothing would not be
needed, so the soldier relieved himself of this incumbrance
by sending his surplus clothing home by express. The
hard marching of the previous winter had told severely on
the men and at this time there were manv in our Regiment
who were unfit for duty. These had to be sent to the general
hospital. This was the last we saw of many of them.
Some of them were discharged, others died. Among those
who answered the last roll call at this place was Lieutenant
Wm. Overlin, a bright, promising young officer of Company
F. Another was Elias Bigham, private of Company A.
These, with the others, who were called to give up their
lives before they had mingled in "battle's deadly array,"
were none the less martyrs to liberty's cause because of their
early sacrifice. Many of the brightest and bravest perished
before we reached the noontide of our campaign.

Early on Saturday morning, March 29th, our tents were
struck and thc^ Sixth Division began its forward movement,

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 49

the five other Divisions of General BuelFs army having
preceded us. While the Regiments of our Brigade and
Division are slowly forming in column, preparing to move
out toward Nashville, we will improve the opportunity to give
a few sketches of some of our officers. Mention has already
been made of General T. J. Wood, Commander of the
Division, and we will have occasion to mention him again.
Colonel Milo S. Hascall, of the 17th Indiana, commanding
our Brigade, is, in personal appearance, tall and slender, with
shoulders slightly inclined to be stooped. His voice is
shrill, his eye restless and piercing. He is quick in temper
and often hast}^ in speech. But withal he is a talented and
thoroughly trained military man. He is a thorough disci-
plinarian and a terror to evil doers. He was promoted to
Brigadier General a short time after taking command of our
Brigade.

Colonel E. T. Fyfte, of the 26th Ohio, is a man past the
meridian of life but he has a heart as young as any boy in
the army. He has seen a good deal of militar}^ service and
is a very popular and competent commander. He has a
remarkably plain and unostentatious manner and always has
a word of encouragement and sympathy for his soldiers.

Colonel Thomas E. Bramlette, of the 3d Kentucky, has a
tall commanding form and the manner of an accomplished
gentleman. He is possessed of a brilliant mind and is
among the most prominent and influential of the Union men
of Kentucky. This was evidenced by the fact that he was
called from the field to serve as governor of his state within
a year from this time.

Colonel Henry M. Carr, of our own Regiment, in ability
and personal appearance, compares favorably with any of
the officers. He is a young man of more than ordinary
personal attractions. He is warm in his friendship and
pleasant and sociable in his demeanor. His form is tall and
erect and his voice is strong and clear.

But now the bugle is sounding "fall in," and soon the
order is given to move forward. The entire Division is

50 CHAPLAIN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THE

moving, the 15th Brigade in tiie rear. We march into
Nashville and then out the Franklin pike, moving steadily
along until we had made the distance of 13 miles and
went into camp. The men were weary enough by this time
and were anxious to halt. It was a late hour when all the
wagon train reached camp. This train was composed of
ammunition supply and headquarter wagons, and thirteen
wagons to each Regiment. The Regimental wagons were
loaded with two wall tents and five Sibley tents for each
Company, making seventv large tents for the ten Companies
Then the iield and staff officers, commissioned and non-
commissioned, each had a tent. Then there were the hos-
pital, commissarv and cook tents. More than this each
officer had a cot and some had huge trunks and some had
stoves, to say nothing of the mess boxes, tables, chairs and
man}^ other articles. The wagons were simplv loaded down
with superfluous baggage and camp equipments and this
immense train had to move slowly.

On the morning of our second day's march we were called
early and soon were on the wav. The day was bright and
pleasant ; our journev was through a fme agricultural coun-
try. It was the Sabbath and we made a distance of 13 miles
to-day. The roadsides were lined with negroes in their best
attire eagerly watching the "Yankees" pass. The large
plantations on either side of the road were uninjured bv the
troops that had gone before us, as it was strictlv against
orders to molest any private propert}^ We found nearlv all
the people, white and black, at home. This was especially
the case at Franklin, through which we passed on the morn-
ing of the 31st. We went through this town with colors
flying, lines dressed, and with a great show of pom]-). We
had an idea then that the rebellion was to be put down by
this sort of display and by kindly protecting the property
and chattels of the rebels. We passed General Thomas'
Division at this place and marched 15 miles bevond.

Four o'clock Tuesday morning, April ist, found our
Division again in motion. We crossed Duck river on a pon-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 51

toon bridge and passed on through Cokimbia, a town some-
what old and dihipidated. After a ten mile march we
camped. During the 14 mile march of the next day we
passed through Mt. Pleasant. We also passed over some of
the most charming country during these two days that we
had yet seen. Perhaps the loveliest spot along the entire
route was near the residence of the rebel General Pillow, and
that of another rebel, General Polk, just across the pike.
In trout of each of these residences is a large and magnifi-
cent park. A neat little church is near. Our army care-
fully guarded these residences and surroundings, although
their owners had left them to fight against our country.
The 200 negro slaves of General Polk were not molested.
Thev were left to cultivate the fields and raise supplies for
the rebel army and the rebel women and children at home.

Thus far the rank and file of the army had no definite
idea of where we were going. The general supposition
was that we would strike the Tennesse river about Florence,
unite with Grant and move on south in pursuit of the fleeing
rebels. It was the fear of many of us that it would be im-
possible to overtake them and get them to stand for an en-
gagement, and that the war would end without us being
permitted to smell gunpowder. But our fears and theories
were both groundless. We were not going to Florence,
and the rebels were not fleeing, at least not in the hither-
ward direction as we thought.

Our mail communications were now severed and we did
not have access to newspapers, but let no one imagine that
an army is destitute of news because mail communication is
cut ofl'. Under such circumstances there is more news than
when papers are received daily. We heard very much of
that sort of news about this time. It was reported, for in-
stance, that a rebel fleet had come up from Memphis and
destroyed all our gunboats, and was now moving on Louis-
ville and Cincinnati. This report was said to have come
directly from headquarters and was sincerely believed by
many. Some supposed that we would be compelled to fall

52 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

back to the Ohio river as our supplies would be cut oft\
This is only a sample of the absurd stories started and cir-
culated. They were called "■grapevine dispatches," and

LIEUTENANT-COLONEL JOSEPH MOORE*

however improbable and absurd they might be tliere was
always some one to believe in them.

* After leaving the army, Lieutenant-Colonel Moore removed to Mis-
souri, where he engaged in mercantile business for several years. Then he
returned to Indianapolis and established a claim and pension agency, which
he conducted quite successfully for about twenty years. He died at his home
in that city, May 7, 1894, aged 65 years, from the eftects of disease contracted
in the service.

FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 58

The next da3^ Thursday, April 2, we marched fourteen
miles. We were now headed in the direction of
Savannah, on the Tennessee river. This much in regard to
our destination was now apparent. The day was warm, the
roads were dusty, many of the men were pale and weak
from the effects of the march. They had not yet become
hardened to this service, nor had they yet learned discretion
in the matter of their equipments for a march. Some of
the loads which the pale, sickl}^ men were tr^dng to carry
were enough to kill a horse. Not only were their knapsacks
tilled to the fullest capacity with extra clothing, but many of
them were lugging along trophies of various kinds, such as
rebel bowie knives, canister-shot, and other things. They
had the impression that the war would soon be over and
they wanted something in the way of a souvenir to take
home with them.

But the useless equipments of the men was not the only
item in the wa}^ of foolish indiscretion that contributed to
their weary and fatigued condition. A large part was due
to absurdities practiced by the commanding officers in camp
and on the march. For instance, reveille would be sounded
long before daylight each morning, and the tents would be
struck before the proper time. The men were compelled to
eat a hurried breakfast and get into line. Then they would
have to "dress up" to the right, and move about here and
there until time for the column to move out on the day's
march. By that time the men would be already weary and
ready to lie down. This kind of exercise was known by
the privates as "knapsack drill," and was heartil}^ detested
by them. Then, on the march there were many foolish and
absurd practices that added to the weariness and vexation
of the troops. It was the custom for the Regimental Com-
mander to ride pompously on his horse at the head of his
Regiment while the men on foot crowded on his horse's
heels like a herd of cattle. When a bridge or other obstruc-
tion was to be crossed the men invariably ran after getting
over until they regained their place at the heels of the

54. CHAPLAIN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THP^

Colonel's horse. On such occasions the newly fledged
officers would cry out, "double quick," "close up," close
up," and the men would attempt to obey the orders. Noth-
ing was gained by such orders. It only served to weary
the men.

In those days the greatest man of rank was the officer of
the guard. He wore a blood red sash and a bloodier ex-
pression in his countenance. He was in command of a
detail of men with guns and bayonets who marched in the
rear of the Regiment with orders to keep all the men in
ranks and especially to permit no one to fall back without a
surgeon's certificate. This officer of the guard was expected
to execute all the disagreeable orders of the General or
Colonel, when those officers desired to escape the odium of
such orders themselves. And he was expected to execute
these orders without mercy or discretion. No one was
really murdered but there was much threatening and swear-
ing that it would be done. When a poor fellow fell by the
wayside thoroughly exhausted, the guard would pounce upon
him, and, with a threatening flourish of bayonet, order him
to his Company, while the officer of the guard would em-
phasize and embellish the order with such choice impreca-
tions as he might have in stock. Sometimes the surgeon
would excuse the worn out soldier, which gave him the
privilege of riding in the ambulance. But, if that vehicle
is already full, which was generall}^ the case, the soldier
might rest by the wayside and come on at his leisure, or, if
he was too far gone, he might die in the fence corner. It
was an actual fact that some did thus die on this march and
were found and buried by succeeding Regiments. But this
was soldiering ; it was

"From f^rave to gay, from lively' to severe."

April 4th our Brigade, except the 17th Indiana and 26th
Ohio, remained in camp. These two Regiments went out
in the direction of Lawrenceburg after some rebel cavalry.
They succeeded in capturing some bacon, but the cavalry-
men were too fleet for them.

FIFTY-EKjHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 55

Just at this time the poHcy in reference to negro slaves
was undergoing a change in the army.

It had been customary to use the soldiers to send fugitive
slaves to their rebel masters. But Congress had recently
added to the articles of war a prohibition of this. This new
article was exceedingly distasteful to many of the higher
officers, who were in bondage, body and soul, to the negro
drivers. They could not now use military force to send
back runaway negroes. But all officers and men were pro-
hibited from interfering with these old Lagrees. They might
often be seen prowling about our camps, or moving amongst
our columns, hunting for their missing chattels. By our
protection of rebels and rebel property we were doing as
much to uphold rebellion as we were doing to put it down
by fighting. The rebels could have successfully withstood
us for ten generations had this policy been maintained.

On the 5th the march was continued through a country of
medium fertility. We had rain yesterday and to-day. The
dust has been succeeded by mud. We marched seventeen
miles. About this time I saw for the first time a soldier
buried. He had died in a camp from which the troops had
moved. The surgeon in charge sent out, as our column was
passing, for a detail of men and a Chaplain. I went and
found Chaplain Gunn, of the 3d Kentucky, there. A rude
box was made and the poor fellow placed in it. He was
borne to a spot just by the roadside where a grave had been
dug. While a martial band played a dirge his remains were
lowered. Chaplain Gunn made a few remarks and offered
up a prayer. The grave was filled and we passed on. We
knew not his name or histor}^. Bvit doubtless, to some one
far away, this was the saddest event of the whole war.

Sunday morning, the 6th of April, we marched at 5
o'clock. Our way lay through the hills. The country was
barren and the people poor. But for the first time since
leaving Nashville we saw evidences of genuine loyalty.
The people hung out the star spangled banner and
greeted us with cheers. Some of them had come many

56 CHAPLAIN HIUHT'iS HISTOKY OK THE

miles to hail the soldiers of the Union. The love of liberty
like Christianity flourishes most amongst the poor. The
people soon began to report to us that they could hear
cannonading. By going away from the column I could
distinctly note the sound. Some were unbelieving at first.
But the reports grew more and more distinct until they
could be heard above the noise of the marching arm}^.
These were the first notes of genuine war that ever saluted
the ears of the men of the 58th Indiana. Deeper, louder
grew the muttering sounds of battle from the plains far away
beyond the Tennessee. Thev were in strange contrast with
the quiet of that lovel}^ Sabbath dav, and told too plainh^ that
our countr}^ once peaceful and united, was now distracted b}^
civil war. The country people unaccustomed to such sights
and sounds came forth from their homes amongst the hills
and sat b}^ the wayside, watching the endless column filing
by and listening to the sound of distant battle. The pace
was quickened. Men pressed forward with eagerness.
Notwithstanding our great distance from the battle rumors
soon began to fly amongst us. They came more rapidly
than if borne by winged Mercury. When, afterwards, we
ascertained the exact facts of the battle we found that many
of these rumors were tme. By what means did the}^ come?
We were nearly fift}?^ miles from the battlefield. No courier
had yet reached us. There were no electric wires. But the
front of Buell's army was even now reaching the Tennessee,
at Savannah, and formed a grand telegraphic line of human
minds forty miles long ! Back through this living line,
over hills, valleys and streams, came the news of battle dis-
torted and exaggerated, but with a vein of truth running
through it all. By this means we learned that the rebels
had made the attack. "They will be defeated because they
began the battle on Sabbath," is the sentiment boldh' avowed
by imndreds of soldiers. The memorv of Bull Run was
yet fresh in the minds of all. A deep and correct convic-
tion prevailed that the commands of God could not be trifled
with. It was an almost universal sentiment in the armv at

FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA RE^TMENT. 57

that time that that General who commenced a battle on Sab-
bath was sure of defeat. Another source of confidence was
the fact that Buell's arm}' would begin to reach Grant at
least by this evening. He certainly could hold out until
this should happen.

Our Brigade was the rear of the army except Thomas'
Division. Under the stimulant of exciting events men
became animated. Their minds were filled with bus}-
thoughts. There was more than ordinary hilarity and con-
versation in the ranks. The onl}^ fear expressed was that
the battle would be over before we got there. Some were
even dispirited bv this thought. All put forward their best
energies. Though the way was rough we made twenty
miles or more before night came upon us. We went into
camp. Occasional guns were fired during the night, and a
heavy rain fell.

Monday morning, April 7, the column moved forward at
3 o'clock. The events of this day were similar to those of
yesterday. The country was rougher and the roads very
bad. Great numbers of people flocked to the roadside.
Our ears were early saluted b}^ the sound of the battle
renewed. The cannonading came with startling distinct-
ness. We could now begin to distinguish between the dis-
charge of single guns and entire batteries. We learn that
our men are sore pressed and we receive orders to quicken
our pace. The way in front is blocked up b}^ the trains of
preceding Divisions. The road is so bad that they cannot
move rapidly. We soon began to pass them. Some of
these wagons were moving along the road and some were
across it. Some were on the right and some were on the
left. Some were moving out of the way and some were
stuck deep in the mud. Some were hung against trees and
some were broken down. Some were parked and others
tr^nng to park. There were guards with tliiMii and a few
skulkers, who had no relish for "that noise." Our own
trains had been left far in the rear by this time. It was now
past noon. The order came to draw ten days' rations from

CHAPLAIN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THE

any train we came to and press on. The men were not pre-
pared to take care of so many rations. The officers had no
way at all to take this supply along. The lives almost of
men and officers were bound up in the baggage trains. So
many wagons are only a nuisance. We drew bacon, hard
bread, coffee and sugar from General Thomas' supply train,
and then hurried on.

Our entire march from Nashville, with the exception of
one day, might be called a forced march. Many a noble
soldier whose strength had been exhausted by the winter

campaign, crushed almost
to the earth by his heavy
load, and wearied almost
to death by the long
march, had his sunken
eye rekindled and his
pallid countenance reani-
mated b}^ the guns that
called to the field of
battle. There was many
a sore conflict that day
between the weakness of
the flesh and the willing-
ness of the spirit. Many
a one said to himself:
"I must sink down here
for I can go no farther I"
Then the thought woidd
come rushing into his
mind : "Shall I fail just when my coimtry needs me? Shall I
sink down now when reproaches may be cast on my courage?'
Stung by this thought lie collects all his little remaining

C. WIIITINC;, CAPTAIN CO.

* Served as orderly of Company A from organization. Was Adjutant
of the Regiment from June, 1862, to June, 1864. After the close of the war
he engaged in farming near Francisco. Was Treasurer of Gibson county from
1S69 to 1S71. Is now County Assessor and resides in Princeton. Me is
President of the sSth Indiana Regimental Association and a member of this
Publishinii Committee.

PIFTY-EieHTH INDIANA RJ]GIMENT. 59

strength and moves on. They who spend their lives amid
the pursuits of peace can never comprehend the dire con-
flict which beset the soldier's pathway. But he is repaid if
he but hears of victory in a dying hour, or living, sees the
principles for which he fought triumphant ! About 4 p. m.
the sound of battle died away. Rumors flew thick and fast.
Amongst these the prevailing ones were "Beauregard is
killed, or wounded, and the rebels are defeated." Johnson
was not named in connection with the rebels. It was dark
when we reached Savannah after a march of twenty-five
miles. All the houses in town were full of wounded. We
remained but a short time here and then went on board of
the steamer yohu y. Rowc. The night was rain}^. Many
of the men were exposed to the weather and got no rest.
When the morning of the 8th dawned we found that our
steamer had gone eight miles up the river, and was lying at
Pittsburg Landing. We had passed over one hundred and
fifty miles since leaving Nashville and were now ready to
confront the enemy on the battlefield.

CHAPTER V.

On the Battlefield of Shiloh — First Impressions of
Pittsburg Landing — Visible Effects of the
Great Battle — Distress, Misery and Mud Every-
where— Rumors of a Renewal of the Engagement
— Marching to the Front over the Battle
Ground — Evidences of the Dreadful Carnage —
Resting on Arms, Waiting for the Enemy —
Review of the Two Days' Battle and the Events
Preceding — Some Critical Comments on the Con-
duct OF Commanding Officers.

THE morning of April 8th dawned gloomv after a night
of rain. The sky was overcast b}' clouds and these
were sifting a misting shower upon the earth. Only a few
feet above the water there was a level bottom, about one
hundred feet up and down the stream and about fifty feet
wide. Rising all around this were graduall}' sloping sides
to the hight of about seventy-tive feet. Thus was formed a
semi-amphitheater in the bluffs which here compose the
river bank. This is Pittsburg Landing. The little bottom
and the hillsides was a sea of mud, deep and almost impass-
able. Just at the river's brink there were some sacks of
forage and a few wet slippery planks. There were not
many persons about the Landing at this early hour. There
were a few wounded awaiting the next boat down the river.
On the forage sacks were several dead officers wrapped in
their blankets. Their faces were covered but their boots
were exposed. The rain had fallen upon these dead, so
completelv saturating their blankets and boots, that they

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. »il

could not have looked more dreary had they been buried in
the waters of the Tennessee. Our eyes could not penetrate
over the bluff. No news came from the army. There was
no sound save the tramping of men on the decks, the dash-
ing of the waters against the hulls and an occasional reveille
from the unseen camps. The voice of conversation was
low. An expression of suspense and profound gloom sat
alike upon the face of nature and the countenances of the
untried soldiers. All minds were filled with wonder as to
what the day would bring forth. There was a general
expectation of battle. But many who had long coveted an
engagement, like the old man in the fable who prayed for
death, began now to beg to be excused. Wearied from long
marching, sleepless nights and exposure, they thought that
thev would prefer the battle should come at some future
time, when the sun shines brightly and they are more happily
circumstanced. Of nothing in all the world ma}' it more
truly be said than of a battle :

"Distance lends enchantmerit to the view."
We are not left long to our observations and reflections
here. The gang plank is thrown out and we are marched
on shore. Plunging amidst the mud, we climb the slippery-
hillside and pause upon the undulating plain that spreads
far and wide from the summit. The guns were stacked and
a short time given for breakfast. A few acres had been
cleared here, and there had been several inferior houses.
One of these buildings — a log hut with two rooms — was
still standing full of wounded and completely surrounded by
dead. The scenes about us beggared all efforts at descrip-
tion. The mud was everywhere deep. The country was
covered with wagons, caissons, ambulances, rations and
ammunition, tents and hospitals, men on foot and horse,
mingled in an interminable manner. Here and there might
be seen a dead horse, but most of the men who had tallen
near here were collected about the hospitals. Some had
already been buried. Near us stood a siege gun, black and
grim, facing to the front. A feeble effort had been made

(i2 CHAPLAIN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THE

to throw up a little defensive work in tront of it, but not
enough to protect the gunners. This was about the only
effort at tield works on the battlefield. Everybody we met
had a great deal to sav about the battle. They gave many
details, and had much to tell about the good behavior of
their own Regiment, Brigade, or Division, and about the
cowardice of others. Meanwhile the sharp discharge of
musketry came from the front. This was by us supposed to
be a renewal of the battle, and was so reported by those com-
ing from that way. We did not know at that time that the
participants in a battle always have many exaggerated
tales for new comers. But upon this occasion the expec-
tation of renewed battle was general. One man, hatless
and excited, came b}^ saying that he was just from the front
and that the battle was commencing in great fury.

By this time all things were in readiness. The men
unslung their knapsacks and moved rapidly to the front.
We had gone but a short distance until we began to see our
dead, lying just where they fell, showing how alarmingly
near our men had been driven to the river bank. It was
but a short distance farther until we began to come upon the
rebel dead, plainl}^ distinguishable by their dress. In an
open field, through which we passed, there were great num-
bers of men and horses sleeping their last sleep. On enter-
ing the woods we found the timber wonderfully torn by
musket and cannon shots. Limbs had been severed from
the trees and many bushes had been cut in two. Tiie evi-
dences of the dreadful carnage multiplied at each succeed-
ing step. But blue coats disappear and gray and brown
increase. We see many more rebels than of our own men.
Some were sadly torn by cannon shots but most were struck
by rifle balls. In several places they lav in heaps. But no
time was given to us to tarry by the way. We move on, out
through the camps captured by the rebels on Sunda}- but
lost to them on Monday. We continue our march beyond
the camp of General Prentiss and the point where the battle
first began. Our Brigade here took position on a low ridge

FIFTY-EIWHTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

fronting toward the enemy. The men lay upon their arms
during the remainder of the day. The enemy not appear-
ing, and there being no orders to advance, the line was
slightly changed and we went into camp.

Several days were here spent, giving ample time for
wandering about the battlefield and making observation.

The ground presents a succession of hollows and ridges
but these are not deep nor high. There are but few points
where the ground is sufficiently rolling to hide a man when
standing. Indeed one would come near the truth to call the
battletield a plain. The soil is barren and uninviting to the

,.^ husbandman. In wet

weather in some places it
is impassable and in all
mir3% but the sun soon
dries it to a hard pave-
ment. Here and there
might be found a log
house surrounded by a
few cleared acres. But
the native forest, chief!}'
of oak, cover the battle-
field for miles. By this
time the wounded had
all been gathered into
hospital camps, or gath-
ered into the little homes of the poor farmers inhabiting
these parts. Our own dead lay near the Landing, or had
been buried. But everywhere might be seen the lifeless
remains of the horses slain in battle. The number of these
excited our wonder and awakened our sympathies in behalf
of the noblest of the brute creation — man's friend in peace
and his guiltless fellow sufferer in battle.

DR. W. \V. BL.MU.*

* Surgeon from the organization of the Regiment. Medical Director of
General T. J. Wood's Division from August 9, 1862, during the remainder of
his service in the armv. Since the war Dr. Blair has been continuously
engaged in the practice of his profession at his home in Princeton. He is
Treasurer of the 58th Indiana Regimental Association and a member of this
Puhlishinij Coinmittee.

H4. CHAPLAlxN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THP]

Everywhere we came upon the rebel dead. Two of these
hiy several days in our camp before means were procured
for their burial. There were collections of dead about the
hospitals where they had perished of their wounds. They
were strewn through the woods and in the little fields.
Here lies one who was endeavoring to screen himself behind
a log, and here are several fallen by the same tree. One
wore upon his breast a plate of iron but a grape shot had
torn its way through and plowed its furrow of death into his
very vitals. Some have their heads torn off or body rent
to fragments by cannon balls, and others untouched by any
projectile were slain by the falling branches of the forest.
But the rifle ball had been the busiest messenger of death,
and left by far the most victims on the field of slaughter.
Some had expired seemingly without a struggle while others
had plowed and beat the earth in their d3'ing agony. Some
had crawled about as we could trace them by their blood, in
search of help or a sup of water, but found no relief until
death kindly put an end to their suffering. The dead were
clad in all styles of dress, generally some kind of brown or
gray roughly made, with an e3^e to military appearance.
But many were clothed in citizen apparel, generally without
much regard to comfort or fashion.

"On tlie battle ground, at the break of day,

Two lifeless soldiers lav;
One face looked pitiful with ^'earning pain,

As one who prajs in vain;
The other wore a look divinely blest,

And from the pulseless breast.
The picture of a lady and a child

Looked up to him and smiled!"

He must be a monster, indeed, who could cherish enmilN'
amid such scenes as these. The light of many a Soutliern
houseliold lies extinguished. The heir of wealth and honor
lies side b}- side bv the child of penur^'. Love's young
dreams are here forgotten, for the gallant lover sleeps a
dreamless sleep. Bright anticipations- of future happiness
here went down amid the battle's storm. O, how many

FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. H5

fond hopes of parents, of sisters and of lovers were blasted
on these dreadful battle days ! The revolving earth rolls
onward in its course, busy events crowd each other on the
stage of action, and times and seasons change, but the heart
wounds received by some when the news of death's sad
work came from Shiloh shall never be healed, and tears shall
spring an everlasting fountain in the sorrowing soul.

Some reflections on the battle of Shiloh, part of which
occurred at this time and part came up as the result of after
experience, may not be out of place here. When the smoke
of battle has passed away it is the privilege of the humblest
soldier to criticise the proudest General, and his criticisms
are to be measured not b}^ his rank but by their worth.
There were some officers in the army who desired their men
not to think but look upon their superiors as the embodi-
ment of wisdom, incapable of error. But there are few
Americans who are willing to sink themselves to the level of
the thoughtless herds, which have often followed the military
chiefs of the Old World.

One question which agitated the public mind just after
this engagement, was whether or not General Grant was
drvmk when the battle began. This was generally believed at
the time, both in the army and out of it. But after the tan-
ner bov became Lieutenant-General it was stoutly denied
from many quarters. A gentleman of intelligence and truth
who came up from Savannah on the same boat, says that he
was not intoxicated. But being at the time lame, had to be
helped on his horse, when he plunged away through the
quicksand where his staff did not dare to ride. Hence, per-
haps, the origin of the story. But, if it is true that there was
no drunkenness on the part of the commanding General,
there certainly was mismanagement somewhere. The
camps were arranged about Pittsburg Landing with but
little order. There was no provision made for an attack.
No works were constructed. No batteries were planted.
No obstructions were placed to entangle the enemy in his
advance. The roads from Corinth, over which the enemy

H() CHAPLAIN HWHT'« HISTUKY OF THE

advanced, are usually terrible at this season of the year.
He must have approached cautiously and our commanders
were either ignorant of his coming, or at least made no
preparations for it, and kept the matter to themselves.
General Grant was absent when the battle began. Our
pickets were svnprised and quickly driven in. The men in
some of the Regiments did not have time to form, but were
killed or captured in their camps, or driven in confusion
towards the rear. Amongst these troops there was not the
slightest prevailing rumor of probable battle. There was no
standing in line of battle, as we did afterwards when the
enemy was known not to be near. Our men rallied as well
as they could and those troops, not assaulted by the enemy's
first charge, formed and all fought bravely. But such was
the want of preparations on our part that our men were
driven from many of their camps and almost to the river.
If our men had been posted in a regular line of battle,
behind substantial works, with a connected line of pickets
thrown out in front, and, had a sharp lookout been kept up,
the}^ never would have been moved. But this lesson was
not learned until later in the war. There are some things
which may be learned at West Point — other things are
learned from the school of experience.

General Lewis Wallace was at Crump's Landing, onl}^ a
few miles down the river, when the battle began, but owing
to a mistake in the roads he did not reach the battlefield
until the first day's fight was over. General Buell cannot
be justly criticised for delay. He could not certainly be
expected to know that the rebels would be there on that
particular Sunday morning, when the officers on the ground
knew nothing about it. The march from Nashville was as
rajfid as raw troops could possibly have made. If it had
not been for the dr}^ weather during most of the march, it
would not have been completed in time to have taken any
part in the engagement. In the light of later events of the
war, it seems strange to us that our army made no fortifica-
tion even after being driven all day.

FIFTY-EmHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. »)7

But it is universally and justly conceded that the arrange-
ments of our troops for Monday's fight were splendid. All
the movements are said to have been executed in the same
manner. The enemy were steadily driven back from the
river — back through the camps captured on the day before ;
back beyond the first point of attack. They lost the field,
the dead and many of the wounded. But why were our
people so easil}' satisfied? It was a golden moment such as
is seldom given to an army. The copious rains fallen since
the commencement of the battle had rendered the roads so
horrible that the enemy were two weeks in getting back to
Corinth. They were encumbered with trains, guns and
wounded. We might at least have pressed them a few days.
Certain it is that manv guns and prisoners might have been
captured. Perhaps we might have gone straight forward,
changing our base in a few days to Hamburg Landing,
where the soil is more firm and from whence the roads to
Corinth are better. The enemy's cavalry, which left the
main army at this time, and soon learned to relish daring
raids, might have been detained south of the Tennessee.
The army, that afterward proudly bade Halleck a French
adieu at Corinth, might have been partially crushed before
the siege of Corinth began. So, Shiloh was left to be
finished at Perry ville, at Stone River, at Chickamauga and
at Mission Ridge,

The part performed b}' the rebels in this contest was in
some respects marvelous for its brilliancy of conception and
execution, but sad mistakes dimmed the glory of their
deeds. The plan was worthy of the master mind that
devised it. General Albert Sydney Johnston had done well
in conducting the war in the West. But the rebels at home
were not satisfied. Their clamors reached and stung the
gallant leader. He determined to dazzle them by a move-
ment of Napoleonic brilliancy. In wonder they behold him
flying, as if in dismay, from Nashville, through Murfrees-
boro, not stopping even at Huntsville ; but at once seeks the
south side of the Tennessee. From thence the railroads

68 CHAPLAIN HieHT'S HISTORY OF THE

soon transport his troops to Corinth. Here he unites his
forces with those of Beauregard. Immediately he moves
forward to defeat Grant before the coming of Buell. All
this was grand, and in striking contrast to the usual dull and
snail-like movements of our own Generals in those days.
But Johnson committed a great error when he attacked our
army on Sunday. One greater than Johnson or Grant has
said: "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy!"
There certainh' had been enough of disastrous Sabbath
fighting previous to that time to have taught him a lesson.
It he only could have fallen upon our men on Saturday
there would have been no Buell near to have played the part
of Blucher, and Beauregard's horse might have been watered
from the Tennessee. The same genius that made such rapid
movements might have precipitated the contest one day
earlier. Another error was the filling- of the canteens of
his soldiers with whisky. Experience has shown that men
need all the sense they have in battle. Drunken officers and
soldiers never do so well as sober men. Even when men
are without a stimulant the}- often become wild and excited in
battle. Coolness, calm thought, and a consciousness of
the dangers and* demands of the hour will give men confi-
dence in one another and in their officers ; will produce
harmony in the movements and precision in firing, and add
solidarit}^ to the army. The wild huzza of the drunken
charge is soon stilled by the leaden hail delivered by sober
men. Then all confidence is gone and the intoxicated men
become ungovernable. The officers are not fit to command,
nor could they if the})- were. The surprise of our men at
Shiloh enabled the rebels to fight wildlv and successfully all
day. But when night came, and the excitement and whisky
were spent, the rebel soldiers went down in their feelings as
far below a proper level as they had been above it during
the day. We might be surprised the}'^ did not entrench on
Sunday night, especially in view of the coming of Buell, if
it were not for their drunkenness. Men who have been
excitedlv intoxicated all dav but little think that men so

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. «i9

brave as they imagine themselves to be, need fortitications.
Most of them sunk down in drunken stupor where night
overtook them. Others, not having yet exhausted their sup-
ply of whisky, spent the night in carousal over the supposed
victor}'. One company was fovmd dead on the morrow,
having been hurled into eternit}^ b}- an exploding shell while
playing a game of cards. Such was the excitement of the
rebels on Sunday that they neglected to take any steps to
secure the camps they captured. They supposed that they
could attend to this at their leisure. But when Monday
morning dawned their gallant leader was dead, their artifi-
cial stimulants were gone, and they had not sober courage
to meet their foe. They are driven in hot haste through
these camps which they cannot pause even to burn, and
victory yields to sad defeat.

All in all, the battle of Shiloh was more like some opiatic
fever dream than sober history. There were yells and
charges and roar of musketry and cannonading. The trees
were torn as well in their highest branches as about their
bases. Some were reckless of life beyond all reason, fight-
ing with open wounds until death ensued by bleeding.
Meanwhile some with disheveled hair and distorted counten-
ance fled in terror to the rear. Men who survived the con-
test look back in wonder on the occurrences of those event-
ful days. By the official reports, one thousand seven hun-
dred and thirty-nine federals and one thousand seven hun-
dred and twenty-eight rebels were killed dead upon the
field — being eleven more of our men than the enemy. The
result shows the fight w^ell matched and the total — three
thousand four hundred and sixty-seven — proves the deadli-
ness of the contest. No more were reported than actually
fell. No doubt both of the reports fall short of the truth.
The number who died of their wounds w^ould swell the loss
to about three thousand on each side. On our part 7,882
were reported wounded and 4,044 missing. Many of these
missing will never be heard of until the revelation of the
great day. Our loss is officially stated at 13,665. I am con-

70 CHAPLAIN HKtHTS HISTORY.

fident, from what I saw and heard, that this is none too large.
Fifteen thousand would be nearer the truth. The enemy
lost as many. Thus thiitv thousand men were placed hors
de combat at Shiloh.

The country people who built the plain little log chapel
and called it Shiloh. a prophetic name of the Messiah, but
little thought of the deadlv strife to come, and how their
little house of worship would be made famous in all coming
time. The battle was well called Shiloh. and. it seems, we
are indebted to the rebel General Beauregard for the appli-
cation of this name to this battle. Our people began to call
it Pittsburg Landing, but when he sent in his request to be
permitted to bur\' his dead he dated it "On the Field of
Shiloh." This name was immediately taken up by General
Buell and soon preyailed oyer Pittsburg Landing. Shiloh
means '"The Gathering.'* L'p to that time there had been
no such gathering on the continent. It was a gathering of
men and of arms. The words of Jacob were certainly ful-
filled of this Shiloh. as of old : "Unto him shall the crather-
ing of the people be."" It was the most deadly battle that
had then been fought in America. More Americans are said
to haye fallen in it than in all the Reyolutionary war.

CHAPTER VI,

Shiloh to Corinth — Camping Among the Dead — Un-
comfortable Quarters — Moving Toward the
Enemy, by Slow Degrees — General Halleck as a
Commander — Corinth Evacuated — Halleck Out-
witted BY Beauregard.

WE remained in this camp for about ten days without
tents or baggage. Our teams had not been able to
reach us, owing to the effectual blockade of the single mudd}-
road bevond the Tennessee. In the meantime our men con-
stnicted temporar}^ shelter from the rain, which fell almost
every day, by using bark which they peeled from trees. It
was not the most cosy and comfortable quarters that one
could imagine, but it was the best to be had.

While in this ver}- undesirable situation we were visited
by Judge Elisha Embree and Rev. John McMaster, two
sterling, patriotic citizens of Princeton, each of whom had
a son in the Regiment. Rev. McMaster remained in camp
over Sabbath and preached for us, this being the first
preaching service the 58th had enjoyed since my connection
with it, and for some time before that. The Regiment had
been required to march or perform some other dut}' almost
ever}' Sabbath. Up to this time, it seemed to me, I had
been able to do but little good as Chaplain. I was in bad
health and was greatly discouraged, but I was not yet will-
ing to give it up.

In addition to our other discomforts and cheerless sur-
roundings here, we were located on ground that had been
the scene of some of the hardest fighting and there were

72 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

dead bodies of men and horses all about us for several days.
A stor}^ is told of one of our men that he lay down beside one
to sleep one night and became highly offended because his
silent companion would not divide blankets. Why did we
not bury them? Well, I hardly know, unless it was because
we had no spades or other tools with which to dig a grave.
Burying parties were at work but it was a big undertaking
and it was several days before the work was completed.

The weather continued damp and cold and the men were
suffering from privation and hunger. All the rations had to
be carried on their backs from Pittsburg Landing, a distance
of four miles. There were several cases of severe illness
here and their only shelter from the rain was such as could be
made from the bark of trees. Among those who were
severely sick was Private Emmerson, of Company F,
and the news had got home that he was dead. In a day or
two after the sutler of the 8th Indiana Battery, who had
been home on a visit, arrived in camp bringing with him a
fine metallic coffin. When he came to the Regiment to
inquire after the corpse he was astonished to learn that it
was not ready. Comrade Emmerson is the only living man
in the 58th who had so fine a coffin sent to him. He lived
to serve his time out.

During the remainder of April we had some pretty tough
experiences in soldiering. The country was the most deso-
late and forsaken we had ever seen ; the rains continued and
the mud was very deep and very nasty. Sickness increased
and many deaths occurred. The 58th lost some noble men
in this wilderness campaign. We moved camp every few
days, often going but a few miles, but never staying at one
place long enough to get fixed up, even if the facilities for
fixing had been at hand.

During the month of May we continued our cautious
advance toward Corinth, where the rebels were now in
force, strongly fortified. Our position was in General
Buell's arm}^ in the center. Grant's army was on the right
and General Pope, who had come up after the capture of

FIFTY-EWHTH INDIANA REUIMENT. 73

Island No. lo, with the arm}- of the Mississippi, was on our
left. Major General Ilalleck was the commander of this
entire force. It was an immense army and was capable of
great things if it had been properl}^ managed. As it was it
seemed to be cumbersome and unwieldy. Somehow
the several Divisions seemed to be getting in each other
way. Sometimes we thought ourselves in the front and
near the rebels. Pickets would be thrown out ; strict orders
would be given about making tires or noise of any kind, lest
the enemy should discover our position. Later we would
discover that a whole Division of our own troops were in
tront of us with blazing lires and stirring music.

On the 1 8th of May, however, we did get near enough to
the enem}-^ to hear balls whistle and shells burst. liere we
threw up our hrst entrenchments. We were now about
three miles from Corinth and the rebels were plenty enough
between us and that town. From this time until the 30th of
May there was more or less skirmishing in our front every
day, but no serious casualties occurred in the 58th.

On the morning of May 30th the 58th was out on picket.
About daylight the drowsy sentinels were arroused by a
loud and continuous explosion. Looking in the direction of
Corinth we discovered huge columns of smoke rising over
the town and above the intervening tree tops. Soon the
news came that the rebels had evacuated the place. This
was as much of a surprise to General Halleck as it was to
the private in the rear rank. Although we had been for two
months within twenty miles of the enem3^ it appears that
our commanding General had never been able to compre-
hend his movements. And now, after all this delay and
extreme caution on the part of the Commander of this army
of over 100,000 men, the wily foe had escaped. Just when
General Halleck thought he was read}^ to close in on Beaure-
gard, that shrewd Commander deliberately walked out of
the trap. There was great strategy displayed in this Corinth
campaign — but it was all on the part of General Beauregard.

As soon as the discoverv was made that the rebels were

7+ CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY.

evacuating, General Nelson and General McCook hastened
forward with troops from their respective Divisions and
occupied the town. They followed the retreating rebels a
short distance beyond, but they had too much of a start of
our forces, and nothing of importance was accomplished.
So, the fruits of our victorv were the peaceable possession
of a town of insignificant proportions, and such things
thereunto appertaining as the rebels did not care to take
away with them.

Saturday morning, May 31st. our Brigade went into
Corinth, and remained during the da v. We spent a good
deal of the time looking around this late rebel stronghold.
We found a great amount of camp equippage which, oiu"
friends, the enemy, had left, but which thev had rendered
useless. There was also a great quantit\- of provision left
but they had attempted to destrov this in various wavs.
They had destroyed manv of the houses in the town and
left it in a very forlorn and ruined condition. There
were numerous forts and formidable works of defense
around the place, but the seige guns and lighter field pieces
had been removed while our army was innocently waiting.

In their retreat from Corinth the rebel army was broken
into detachments, part going toward Okolona, Miss., and
part toward Memphis. Probably the largest part of what
had been Beauregard's grand army at Corinth, was the force
under General Bragg that headed eastward toward Chatta-
nooga. In consequence of this movement of the rebels, our
army had to suffer similar disintegration. The arni\- of {he
Ohio, which was the designation of that force commanded
by General D. C. Buell, and of whicli the 58th was a part,
was directed to look after General T?ragg, and we immedi-
ately turned our attention in that direction. Bragg, how-
ever, had every advantage of his competitor, antl it was not
long after the evacuation of Corinth until his arm^• was
safely established in Chattanooga, and read\- for offensive
operations. What these were will be fulh* developed as we
proceed with oiu" stouy.

CHAPTER VII.

FuoM Corinth to McMinnville — Getting out op' Ma-
larial Swamps into a Healthful Country — Inci-
dents OP' the March through Alabama — Tuscumkia
— Moorp:sville — Hot Roast at Huntsvile —
Forcp:d March to Shelby ville — Enjoying Life at
Dp:cherd — Up thp: Cumberland Mountains and
Back Again — Watchin<; the Movements of Bragg
— A Brush with Forest.

MONDAY morning, June 2d, General Wood's Division,
of which the 58th was a part, began its march towards
the East. We camped for a few days at Bear Creek, near
luka, having passed through Farmington, en route. We
then continued our march eastward, along the line of the
Memphis and Chattanooga railroad, until we reached Tus-
cumbia, where we again went into camp on the 9th of June.
Our camping place here was on the count}^ fair ground, one
of the most beautiful locations for a camp we had yet found.
The ground was encompassed by a broad stream of clear,
cold water, running out of a bluff of rocks. It was one of
the tinest springs in the world and this clear water was
healthful and refreshing to the boys who had been living for
tlie last three months in the swamps from Pittsburg Landing
to Corinth, and drinking of the sickly miserable water which
was the only kind to be had in that country. The 15th
Brigade was now in the advance of Buell's army and was,
to a large extent, isolated from any large body of troops.
This was a new experience to us and an advantage in many
ways. It afforded an opportunity for enjoving this splendid

7r. CHAPLAliN HIUHT'S HISTORY OF THE

country which had not yet been disturbed by either army.
It was like entering the confines of a new world when we
left the barren wastes of the country about Corinth and the
crowded presence of a large army, and were permitted to
breathe the pure air, drink the fine water and enjo}^ the
scenery of the tine plantations of northern Alabama. The
effect of this change of atmosphere, diet and scenery, was
soon manifested in the improved condition of the soldiers.
Man}^ of those w^ho had been barelv able to keep up with
their Compan}^ during the long campaign through the Mis-
sissippi swamps, speedily regained their wonted health and
vigor under the influences of this invigorating Alabama
climate. During the three weeks' stav in the tair i^i'ound
at Tuscumbia there w^as a wonderful recuperation of the
men of our Regiment, and when we again started on the
march the 58th was in a better condition plwsically than it
had ever been. Thousrh not so strono- in numbers as when
it left Camp Gibson, it was better able to withstand the hard-
ships of a soldier's life, because the men who were with the
Regiment now were thoroughly seasoned to these hardships.
While the 58th w;as in camp at this place several incidents
occurred affecting the organization of the Regiment. One
of these w^as the resignation of Colonel Carr and tiie pro-
motion of Lieutenant-Colonel George P. Buell to the
vacancy. Captain Brown, of Company A, and Lieutenant
Knox, of Company D, also resigned and left the Regiment
at this place. First Lieutenant William Davis was promoted
to the Captaincy of Company A, and Sergeant Charles C.
Whiting, was made First Lieutenant of same Companv : 2d
Lieutenant George Whitman, of Compan^' D, was promoted
to the vacancy made bv the resignation of Lieutenant Knox.
■ Previous to this time several other changes occurred
which we will note : Captain Joseph Crow, Company F, left
us while the Regiment was in Kentuckv, March 21, 1862.
Lieutenant Daniel L. Cain was promoted to tlie vacancv.
Second Lieutenant Joseph D. Fisher resigned April 19th,
1862, while {hv Regiment was on the Corinth campaign, and

GENERAL GEORGE P. BUELL.

For Biographical Sketch see page 568.

KIFTY-EKiliTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 77

First Sergeant Augustus Milburn was promoted to the
vacancy. Captain David J. Banta, of Company E, resigned
May 30th, 1862, and ist Lieutenant A. H. Alexander was
promoted to the vacancy. Lieutenant Samuel H. Spillman,
Company G, resigned March 23d, 1862. Sergeant Major
Joseph Grant was promoted to the vacancy. Second Lieu-
tenant George Labarree, of tiie same Company, resigned
March 4th, 1862, and Sergeant Sasser Sullivan was pro-
moted to the vacancy. Captain W. B. Carr, of Company
K. left the Regiment May 1st, 1862, and his place was tilled
by the promotion of Lieutenant Charles H. l^ruce.

The old regimental band retiunied to us while we were in
camj") at Tuscumbia. Mention has alread^' been made ot
the iiand's departure wliile we were in camp at Edgefield.
1 1 seems tiiat the Government had reconsidered its determin-
ation not to muster regimental bands, and so it came about
tiiat the 58th band was returned. The leader of the band
was James Patterson and there were some very good musi-
cians among them. There were some in the organization,
iiowever, who had not even a speaking acquaintance with a
musical sound. But our band was tully up to the average
regimental bands of those times, and its music served
lo enli\'en things in camp and on the march — particu-
larh- when the Colonel would spy some women ahead
of tlie column waiting to see us pass. By experience and
intuition, whenever the band struck up on our march, the
boys always knew that there were women ahead, and they
would give their ragged and dusty blouses a sudden jerk,
shift their belt and cartridge boxes, and otherwise adjust
themselves so as to make as tine an appearance as possible
for the coming female review. When the reviewing party
wns scrutinized it was often found to be composed of the
most homely female specimens the country could produce ;
and that is saying a great deal, for the productions in this
line in some of the country through which we passed were
truly marvelous. Instead of finding a bevy of beautiful
damsels of the sunny south in these groups there was often

7J5 CIIAI'LAKN lll(illT-S illST01.'V OK THE

a motlev collection of long, lank women, with sallow count-
enances and hollow eves, indicating a habit of snutT eating
and a daily diet of clay. But the band played on, while the
bovs would indulge in words pertaining to the Colonel and
his display that would require dashes and exclamation
points if produced in print.

I have mentioned some of the events that occurred at
Tuscumbia camp affecting the official roster of the Regi-
ment, but T will omit some things in this line that might be
mentioned. It will serve the purpose of this record just as
well if the short comings and indiscretions of some of the
officers and men, who afterward proved themselves true and
brave soldiers, should be covered bv the broad mantle of
charity.

The 58th was not idle while in camp at tiiis place, al-
though there was a good deal of resting done. There was
a resumption of Company and battallion drill, an exercise
that had been in suspense, for obvious reasons, for many
months. While there was no large rebel force in the vicin-
ity, there were manv bands of guerillas prowling around
the country. Many of the members of these bands were
good loyal citizens during the da\' time, but after dark the^'
were individually and collectively hostile to the "Yankee
invaders," as they regarded us, and they were ready tf)
engage in any scheme that would work damage to the Union
arm}'. One of their favorite pastimes was the burning of
cotton and the destruction of railroad bridges. Almost
every night the light from burning cotton gins could be
seen. The particular object in this wanton destruction of
their own property was somewhat of a myster\' to us. We
could only surmise that it was Ix^cause of the fear that this
cotton would fall into the hands of the Union forces and
would strengthen their cause. The foolish idea that "Cot-
ton was King," and that it was the controlling commercial
product of the world, was prevalent in that section in these
(laws. There was a large explosion of this idea later on.

An effort was made to apprehend these marauders and

FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA RE(iIiVIENT. 79

stop thfir depredations and to some extent it was successful.
Several scouting parties were sent out tVom the Regiment
and Brigade and some captures were made. Company B,
of the 58th, and Company K, of the 17th, were detailed to
go to Cain Creek, about ten miles distant, to guard the
railroad bridge and to keep an, eve on things in that section.
This detachment was on dutv there about two weeks when
they were relieved by a Company of cavalry and orders
were given the Companies to rejoin the Brigade, which then
had orders to march.

About the ist of July the L5th Brigade broke camp and
lett this pleasant situation, taking up its march eastward.
This was not at all agreeable to the soldiers, but they did not
think it worth while to make a formal protest to General
Buell, who was in command. The soldiers had learned by
this time that their pleasure and convenience was not always
consulted bv the General in command. They had learned
that they had the privilege of grumbling all they wanted to
and might complain of the hardships and unpleasantness
of their situation to their hearts' content. There was no
objection to that — just so they obeyed orders.

Following the line of railroad — which, by the way, was
biMng operated now by the army between Corinth and
Decatur — we soon found ourselves in Decatur. Here we
remained in camp a few days waiting for the completion of
arrangements for crossing the Tennessee river. We spent
the 4th of July here. As part of the exercises of this day
we were reviewed by Brigadier-General Wood and Briga-
dier-General Hascall. There was also some attention triven
to dress parade and the promulgation of some general orders
pertinent to the occasion. The members of the 58th
indulged their patriotic ardor by taking a good rest, which
was really about the most sensible form their patriotism
could take. It was a relaxation they ver^- much needed,
after the several davs' marching through the hot sun that
had preceded and was to follow this camping place.

On Julv 5th we crossed the Tennessee river, using some

CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S HISTORY OF THE

old flat bottom barges for the purpose, the rebels having
destroyed the railroad bridge here. The river was shallow
and the men used long poles to push the boats across. It
was about ii o'clock p. m., July 5th, when the 58th had all
crossed, and they went into camp a short distance beyond
the riv.er. Next day we resupied our march to Mooresville,
six miles from Decatur, where we again went into camp for
a few davs. We left here about the loth dav of July and
marched to Huntsville, through which we passed on one

ot the hottest da}'s we had
ever experienced. To

make the matter worse the
Regiment was haltetl just
beft)re reaching the town
and the men were ordered
to put on their blouses — it
was their custom to discard
blouses and extra clothing
on these hot marches. But
the Colonel commanding
was going to make a grand
show of iiis Regiment
now. ITunts\-ille was a line
town, inhabited by reiininl,
wealthy people, and it
woidd never do lor us to
march through the cit\' in
our shirt sleeves and otherwise slovcMily attire. So the order
vvas given to have the men put on their coats and adjust their
equipments preparatory to a grand march through the city.
llw boys were not averse to participating in this kintl of
a jiarade under ordinary circumstances, but just now {be
condition was not particular!}' pleasing. But the Colonel

I. M. SMITH, CAI'TAIN CO. 15.

♦At the organization of the Re<,Mnient was Second Lieutenant of Co. K.
Was promoted to First Lieutenant of that Company June Ji, 1S62. Trans-
ferred and promoted to Captain of Co. B, December 30, 1S62, and continued
as such until April. 1865. Since the war he has been en<;a',^ed principall\ in
farming and stock raisini< near Newman. Ills., where he still resides.

FIFTY-EmHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 81

has commanded and the}- had no choice in the matter. The
Companies were divided into phitoons, and with guns at
"right shoulder shift," bayonets fixed, the cohimn started,
headed by the Colonel and his staff' mounted in front. The
regimental band was making its best efforts in the way of
music, the tired foot soldiers were doing their best to pre-
sent a martial appearance, while Old Sol, from his place,
high in the heavens, was doing his best to make a general
roast ot the entire aggregation. His efforts were the most
nearly a success. The lines were kept in pretty good shape
tor a short time, but before we were through the business
part of the citv, men began to fall out bv the dozens and
hunt tor a shade. They were utterlv exhausted. Some of
them came a few hours later to the Regiment, when W went
into bivouac a couple of miles out of town, but many others
were turned into the hospital, and not a few never were with
the Regiment again.

We went into camp in a beautiful grove just outside of
town and the wearv soldiers were soon stretching themselves
upon the grass enio\'ing a much needed rest. We prepared
dinner and it was the general belief that the Regiment
was to remain in camp here, for awhile at least. All were
delighted at the prospect of camping in such a pleasant
place. Here was a rich agricultural country with ffne roads,
ffne springs of water, with a fine town the center of it all.
Who would not be delighted to live in such a locality? It
was not strange that the 58th Regiment should rejoice in a
chance to rest in such a place after the several months of
almost continuous marching. We also found much satis-
faction in the prospect of remaining here, from the fact that
the 42d Indiana was stationed at Huntsville. As two
Companies of this Regiment had been raised in Gibson
count V, our boys found many old acquaintances and friends
with whom they expected to exchange visits, and have a
real good time.

But, alas, our pleasant anticipations were of short dura-
tion. Soon after going into bivouac the orders came to be

82 CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S HISTOKY OK THE

ready to march at 4 o'clock the same afternoon. Our orders
for a sudden departure from here was on account of news
of Forrest's raid in Tennessee. He had made an attack on
a force of ovir men at Murfreesboro, under General Critten-
der, capturing the entire force. Forrest was expected to
continue depredations in that section and the advance troops
of General Buell's army were ordered to move on to
Shelbyville with all possible speed. So it was that our
stop at Huntsville was cut short. At five o'clock in the
afternoon of the same dav of our arrival, we were
moving out on the turnpike towards Shelbvville. We
marched until 1 1 o'clock that night before stopping to camp.
Next morning we resumed our march at an earh- hour.
We crossed the state line during the day and reached Fav-
ettsville, Lincoln county, Tennessee, that night. There
was a pretty strong Union sentiment in this count\' and as
our Regiment was the first Union soldiers that had passed
through that section, we were an object of much interest to
these loval people. They met us with every demonstration
of joy. But there was also a large secession element here
that looked upon us with hatred and bitterness. There
was a very bitter feeling in this part of Tennessee between
the citizens. In many sections there was open war. Guer-
rilla fighting was common. As we passed through tliere
was no organized rebel armv near us, but the country was
full of rebel guerrillas and bush-wliackers, and woe to the
straggler who fell into tlieir hands. Some of our
Regiment who had relatives and friends in tliis section
and who took occasion to visit them during our march
through, could a tale unfold as to tlie danger of such a ven-
ture.

In the afternoon of the fourth day after leaving Huntsville
we arrived at Shelbyville. This was the most loyal town
we had struck since leaving Indiana. As we entered the
town we were enthusiastically cheered by the citizens of all
ages and sexes who lined the streets. From the court house
there floated the stars and stripes, and from many of the

KIFTV-KKiHTH INDIANA RPXtIMKNT. 83

houses the same emblem of Unionism and loyahy, was dis-
pla3^ed. A large number of young men of this place
enlisted in the Union army, and many gave their lives in
the defense of the flag of their country-.

Our stop here was not long. A large number of the
Regiment had dropped out on the way hither and we waited
a day or. two for them to catch up. Then we went on to
Decherd, a little station on the Nashville &, Chattanooira
railroad, arriving there about the 23d of July. Here we
went into camp and made preparations to stav awhile, and
we actually did stay for three weeks. The greater part of
General Wood's division was concentrated about Decherd.
Our purpose, so far as we could understand it, was^to guard
the railroad and to watch the movements of the rebels who
were now^ concentrated at Chattanooga. But it was not the
business of the common soldier to bother about plans and
purposes. That was the concern of the officer in command.
Tlie rank and tile might discuss these matters, and form
tlieories, and evolve military movements, developing strategy
of the highest order, but they did not allow such discussion
and such mental exercise to interfere in any way with their
ease and enjoyment — not after they had the experience of
real soldiers. The 58th had such experience by this time.
We did not care what the General was planning to do or
what would be our next move. Our chief concern was to
get plenty to eat and secure a cool comfortable place to
sleep. There were very strict orders against foraging, but
the boys did not care for the orders. If they could evade
the pickets and escape the patrol that was frequently sent
out to gather up the foragers, they would have the best the
land afforded. And the crop of potatoes, corn, chickens,
etc., was prett}' good around Decherd about this time, as
many of the 58th boys can testify. In the event that a for-
ager should fall into the hands of a too zealous squad of the
patrol, or if the picket guard should be obstinate and refuse
to "look the other way," just when the forager was trying
to sneak into camp with his load, — should he be captured

84 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OK THE

and be marched in "disgrace" to the General's headquarters,
he was sure to receive a very severe reprimand. Sometimes
he was sentenced to "carry a rail," sometimes he was
called to undergo some more severe punishment, but more
often he was sent to his Colonel or his Captain, who would
be instructed to inflict such punishment as the crime might
deserve. Inmost cases this mode of punishment . was the
severest of all to the unfortunate foracfer. He would have
to "divide" with the Colonel, or the Captain, one or both,
too often both. Then he would be sent to liis mess to feast
on what was left, promising, meanwhile, that he wouW
never be guilty of foraging again, or, if he should ever in-
dulge in such practice, that he would be more careful about
being caught. Thus the time passed. We had an abund-
ance of garden vegetables, roasting ears, peaches and all
kinds of fruit. The country was well supplied with these
products, but it was rather barren in that respect after our
three weeks' stay. It must not be understood here that the
soldiers confiscated all this without compensating the own-
ers. As a rule the produce was bought and paid for. Tlie
soldier who had money would alwavs exchange it for some-
thing to eat, and he was not alwavs particular about the
price.

During our stay here a detail was made from tlie Regi-
ment to go to Indiana on a recruiting service. Of this
detail Major J. T. Embree, and Captain Joseph Moore, of
Company B, were a part. It was while we were in this
camp that Hugh Shaw, of Company I, became involved in
a quarrel with Major Foster, of the 3d Ohio cavalrv, and
knocked him down. Shaw was afterward court martialed
and sentenced to be shot, but owing to some defect in the
proceedings the order was never executed.

Dr. W. W. Blair, our Regimental Surgeon, was appointed
Medical Director of Wood's Division, August Qth, while we
were at Camp Decherd. He entered upon his duties at
General Wood's headquarters and his place in the Regiment
was filled bv Dr. J. R. Adams. Dr. Samuel E. Holtzman,

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KKCIIMENT.

of Bloomington, Indiana, who came to the Regiment in
April, as an additional assistant Surgeon, by order of Gov-
ernor Morton, had remained as such until this time. In the
transfer of Dr. Blair to Division headquarters, Dr. Holtzman
became regular assistant Surgeon.

August 14th we left our pleasant camp at Decherd and
moved in the direction of Manchester. We stopped near
this town for a dav or two then moved on toward McMinn-
ville, camping at a point on the railroad about twelve miles

trom that place. Our
Regiment was assigned
the duty of repairing the
railroad from Tullahoma
to McMinnville. Com-
pany B was detached on
special duty to guard a
bridge about four miles
from the Regimental
camp. The Company re-
mained here about two
weeks and were then re-
lieved by Company F,
54th Ohio. Company B
was ordered to report to
their Regiment, which was
then under orders to join
the Brigade, stationed six
miles from McMinnville. Before arriving, however, the
Brigade had moved, the entire Division being under march-
ing orders and on the road across the Cumberland mountains
toward Chattanooga. So the 58th only halted at the recent
camping grounds of the Brigade long enough to draw rations
and eat dinner. Then we moved on after our command.

J. R. ADAMS.

* Started out as Assistant Surgeon and discharged the duties of Regi-
mental Surgeon after the appointment of Dr. Blair as Medical Director.
Was promoted to Surgeon of the 15th Indiana in August, 1863, and continued
as such during the remainder of his army service. Since the war he has heen
practicing his profession in Petersburg, Incl., where he still resides.

8H CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

We reached their camping place at the foot of the mountains
about sundown and rested for the night, feasting ourselves
on the excellent potatoes, roasting ears, etc., which were
plentiful hereabout.

Early next morning we began climbing the mountain, the
men pulling the wagons and artillery up the steep places in
the winding road by long ropes attached to the vehicles.
It required all the strength of men and mules to draw the
artillery and wagons up the mountain, but it was linallv
accomplished. About ii o'clock we were on the summit
and halted here for two or three hours, then moved on to
within two miles of Altamont. General Wood sent a squad
of cavalry ahead and the\' came back reporting water and
forage scarce. On the strength of this intbrmation we were
ordered to countermarch to the place from whence we
started in the morning. This was a trying ordeal tor the
boys who had nearly exhausted themselves in the arduous
work of the morning. They were not only tired but were
half famished with thirst ; and no water nearer than the foot
of the mountain, seven miles down the roughest road ovt'r
which we had ever traveled. But such inconveniences and
discouragements are part of a soldier's life and it is the part
of a soldier to endure them with as much complacencv as the
circumstances will admit. So we turned about and started
for the foot of the mountain. Sometime after dark we
reached our camping place of the night before and tbund
water to quench our thirst and something to satist\' our hun-
ger. Then we found a convenient spot of ground tor a bed
and were soon in a condition of forgetfulness of tlie jiast
and of indifference as to the present.

Next morning we resumed our march and stopped again
at the former Brigade camping ground, six miles from
McMinnville. We cleaned oft' a nice place for camping,
and, after the usual manner, moved next day. Stopped
within two miles of McMinnville where we remained for
some time. Our condition now seemed to be one of sus-
pense and uncertainty. There appeared to be a great deal

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA RF:UIMENT. 87

of uncertainty on the part ot' our Commanders as to whether
Bragg's army was contemplating an advance on our position
at McMinnville, or whether they were going to some other
place. It was pretty evident to those in a position to know
that the rebel army was unusually active and that some
important move was contemplated. Forrest's cavalry was
ver}' much in evidence in our vicinitv. On the 30th he
made an attack on a stockade erected and defended by the
54th Ohio Company, that had taken the place of Company
B, of the 58th, a few days before. Forrest's forces were
repulsed with considerable loss. The news of this affair
was brought to our camp by a courier, who was hatless,
coatless and very much demoralized. He insisted that the
rebels were coming in great force. Of course this created
considerable excitement in camp. The "long roll" was
sounded and our troops were soon in line ready for action.
But they did not come. In fact, Forrest was just now try-
ing to avoid any large body of troops, as he was in some-
thing of a close place and was seeking a way to get out of
it. It was about two o'clock p. m. of that same day that
General Wood received word that Forrest's command was
crossing the railroad about two miles from our camp, and
was making his way toward Woodbury. The information
was that his forces expected to cross the Murfreesboro road at
a poiht eight miles to our rear. Immediateh^ General Wood
ordered three Regiments of our Brigade, viz : — the 26th
Ohio, 58th Indiana, 17th Indiana, and the 8th Indiana Bat-
tery, all under the command of Colonel Fyffe, — to start on
the "double quick," to intercept the rebels at the point indi-
cated. After a hot march we came upon the enemy about
dark, just as he was turning into the road upon which our Bri-
gade was marching, when our skirmishers opened tire.
The battery took position and opened up, while the whole
Brigade in line of battle advanced. But Forrest's command
did not stay to see the fight. They were taken by surprise
and fled in great confusion, leaving on the field arms, horses,
mules, equipments, and the only wagon they had. They

8« CHAPLAIN HKtHT'S HISTORY.

took to the woods, scattering in even^ direction, seeming!}^
every man for himself. Of course it was useless for us to
pursue them. It was now after dark and they were mounted,
and the}' could easily keep out of the way of our soldiers on
foot. So we returned to camp.

Next morning the 58th Regiment was ordered to return
to the scene of the last night's skirmish on a reconnoiter-
ing tour. We found a great many relics of the stampede
ol the night before in the shape of guns, and accouterments,
articles of clothing, etc., but nothing of much value.
It was learned that several of Forrest's men were wounded
in the skirmish but they had all been taken away. As it
appeared to us now our hast}^ return to camp last night was
a blunder. In the lirst place the march was an unnecessary
hardship on the men, and in the second place we missed an
opportunity to secure the fruits of our bloodless victory.
Many of the stampeded rebels, as it was learned, were hid-
ing in the woods in the near vicinity during the night, ex-
pecting to be captured in the morning. What a surprise
it must have been to them that the "Yankees" were not about
next morning. This being the case, there was nothing for
the lingering "Johnnies" to do but to deliberately take up
their journe^^ toward their command. It was about noon of
that day when the 58th arrived and it was expecting too
much of the discomfitted "Johnnies" to wait on us until that
hour — especially when there was some uncertainty about our
coming. We gathered what booty there was to be found
and returned to camp in the evening.

CHAPTER VIII.

Retreat from McjMinnville to Louisville — Through

iVIURFREEISBORO NaSHVILLE BoWLING GrEEN

Fight at Mumfordsville — Rapid Marching after
Bragg — Arrival at Louisville — Tired, Ragged,
Dusty and Discouraged.

WHILE it may not have appeared to the common soldier
that our movements for the past six months have
been controlled by anything that Bragg has been doing, or
attempting to do, yet it will soon appear plain enough to
any one, that his movements have a very distinct controlling
influence on our own. One of the things discovered by our
trip to the top of the mountains was that Bragg' s whole
army was on the move.*

It has been noted that Bragg had concentrated the arm}-
under his command at Chattanooga. During the summer

* The following dispatch to General Buell from General Thomas, who
was in command of the Union forces at McMinnville, throws soine light on
that mountain march and the reason for turning back:

HEADQJ.TARTERS FiRST DIVISION, ARMY OF OlIIO, }

Altamont, Tenn., August 25th, 5 p. m. f
A/a/or- Genera/ Buclh Decherd:

The enemy no nearer than Dunlap. It is reported there is one Brigade
there, and one at Pikeville. This I learn here, and which confirms the
report of Major Loughlin, First Ohio Cavalry.

Water scarce — only one spring here: and not forage enough in the
neighborhood to last for one day. The road up the mountain is almost
impassable. General W'ood has been from six o'clock till now, and has not
succeeded in getting his artillery up the road. I deem it next to impossible
to march a large army across the mountains by Altamont, on account of
scarcity of water and forage, and the extreme difficulty of passing over the
road. I will therefore return to McMinnville and await further orders. As
I mentioned in one of my dispatches. I regard McMinnville as the most
important for occupation of anv. The occupation of McMinn\'ille, Sparta,
and Murfreesboro will, in my opinion, secure the Nashville and Chattanooga
railroad. I have sent out Smith to put in operation a system of couriers, by
which, I believe, we can get reliable information.

Very respectfully,

GEORGE H. THOMAS,

Major- General U. S. V.

90 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

he does not seem to have been very active, at least his activ-
ities have not been troublesome to our army, as we were
several miles away, with high mountains and a broad river
between us. It was about the 22d of August when Buell
tirst learned definite!}' that the rebel chietlain was crossing
the Tennessee river, but there was some doubt, it seems, as
to what his intentions were. It was now pretty evident
from all the circumstances that he wanted to get into Ken-
tucky, but there was uncertainty as to what route he would
take. This uncertainty remained until August 27th, when
General Thomas captured a dispatch to the rebel General,
Van Dorn,* which revealed Bragg' s whole plans. But the
information came too late to enable Buell to checkmate the
move. Bragg had simply outwitted Buell and had the start
of our army. On the 30th of August, Buell gave orders for
the army to concentrate at Murfreesboro with all possible
dispatch. This was the beginning of the great race to
Louisville.

It was the 3d of September that General Wood's division
started on that famous retreat. This was a move of which
very little can be said to the credit of our military leaders.
It was a forced march from beginning to finish. The
weather was hot, the roads were dusty and for the greater
part of the distance there was a great scarcity of water.

* IIeADQLI ARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 2, /

Chattanooga, Tenn., August 27th, 1862. \"
Major-dcneriil Earl Van Dorn, Commandins^ District of the Mississippi,
Jack-son , Miss.
General: We move from here immediately, later hv some davs than
expected; but in time, we hope, tor a suc-cessful campaign. Buell has cer-
tainly fallen back from the Memphis and Charleston railroad, and will
probabl>- not make a stand this side of Nashville, if there. He is now forti-
fying that place.

General E. K. Smith, reinforced by two Brigades from this army has
turned Cumberland Gap. and is now marching on Lexington, Kentuck^■.
General Morgan (Yankee) is thus cut oft' from all supplies. General
Humphrey Marshall is to enter Eastern Kentucky from Western Virginia.
W^e shall thus have Buell pretty well disposed of.

Shennan and Rosecrans we leave to vou and Price, satisfied voii can
dispose of them, and we confidently hope to meet you upon the Ohio.
Respectfullv, vour obedient servant.

BRAXTON BRAGG,
M. M. KiMMKi.. General Comma7iding.

FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 91

Our destination, as we thought, was Murfreesboro. And so
it was, but we did not stop there. We found on reaching
that place that other troops were ahead of us. A great
army was passing through here in hurried haste, all headed
in the direction of Nashville, and all the Government stores
in Murtreesboro were being sent to that place. What did it
mean ? Some of the more sanguine thought it meant that
the war was over and we were going home. But there were
not many who shared in this belief. It was too plainly evi-
dent that there was something serious involved in our hur-
ried movement to the rear.

Tired, dusty and foot-sore we arrived at Nashville, finding
the army increasing in numbers as we moved toward that
place. Camping here for one night we resumed our march
toward Gallatin. This was oft' the line of march on which
the main army was passing, and the roads were less block-
aded and our progress less interrupted. Between Gallatin
and Bowling Green the 58th marched a day and night,
covering a distance of over forty miles. On arrival at
Bowling Green we went into camp for a few days, enjoying
the first rest that we had had since leaving McMinnville.

By this time we knew something more definitely as to the
reason of our retrograde movement. We all realized now
that there was a hurried race between Buell and Bragg for
the Ohio river, with the chances in favor of Bragg winning.
The two armies were moving part of the time on parallel
roads, often only a few miles apart. While we were resting
at Bowling Green, Bragg's army gained the advance and
swuno- his forces airainst Mumfordsville, where there was a
Brigade or more of Union troops, under the temporary com-
mand of Colonel J. T. Wilder. After a sharp fight the
Union troops were forced to surrender. About 4,000 men
and 4,000 small arms, and a large amount of army stores,
was our loss here. This occurred on the 17th of September.
Buell's advance did not reach the place until the 21st. In
the meantime all our captured prisoners had been paroled by
Bragg. The main part of Bragg's army had swung oft'

92 CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S HISTOKY UF THE

to the right from the direct road to Louisville. A strong
force had been left at Mumfordsville, however, to resist our
advance. Our Brigade was in the advance of BuelFs army
as we approached Mumfordsville. Being apprised of the
rebel force at that place we moved forward with extreme
caution. When within about four miles of the place we en-
countered the rebel cavalry. Deploying into line of battle,
our Brigade moved on through helds and woods, driving
the rebels back. Thev did not offer much resistance until
the}^ reached the main force which was posted across the
river from Mumfordsville. Here they showed such a deter-
mination to resist our further progress that preparation was
made to give them the best we had in the wav of tight.
Two Companies of the 58th Indiana were sent forward as
skirmishers, with the entire Regiment as reserve. Behind
this were the other Regiments of the Brigade in line of
battle, supporting the 8th Indiana Battery posted on a higii
knoll commanding the crossing at the river. Detachments
of the 3d Ohio cavalr}^ were on either flank. It was not
long until the skirmishers had opened up communication
with the rebels across the river, and there was quite a lively
interchange of shots for a while. Several times the rebels
attempted to drive back our skirmishers but were not suc-
cessful. We held our ground while the batteries from both
sides thundered, and the solid shot and exploding shells tore
up the ground and made our situation anything but pleasant.
Tiring of this after a time, we made a charge across the
river, which was shallow enough at that time to wade, and
drove the rebels from their position. We found that the
force was not strong, only a few cavalry left behind to
impede our progress while Bragg' s main army could gain
time. Although no serious casualt}^ resulted from this
engagement it served to show the soldierly qualities of the
men of our Regiment and their courage under fire. Every
man was in his place ready for duty and did his duty
unflinchinglv.

Among those who were captured and paroled at Mum-

FIFTY-EKjHTH INDIANA EECilMKNT. 93

fordsville were a number of recruits and returning convales-
cents of the 17th Indiana. They had got thus far on their
way with Colonel Wilder when Bragg' s advance struck the
place and gobbled them up.

Next morning after our little brush with the rebels we
resumed our march toward Louisville. Bragg was now in
our advance, but at Elizabethtown he turned to the right,
taking the route leading through Bardstown. It was vet
uncertain wiiether he would reach Louisville ahead of us, and
we were pushed forward with all possible speed. We passed
rapidly on to Elizabethtown where we arrived at 3 p. m. of
the same day. We went into bivouac for a short time, but
about dark we again took up our line of march and kept
going until ii p.m., when we went into camp for the night.
Early next morning we started without having an opportun-
ity to get anything to eat. About 2 o'clock p. m. we arrived
at West Point on the Ohio river, nineteen miles below
Louisville. General Buell here took steamboat passage for
Louisville, and we went into bivouac until 10 o'clock next
morning. At that hour we started again but did not make
very rapid progress. Late in the afternoon of September
25th, we went into camp in a meadow, situated on the river
bank, with the pleasant prospect of a good night's rest.
But our anticipations were not realized. About 9 o'clock
word came to "fall in" and move on to Louisville, about
ten miles distant. It seems there was great fear that the
rebels would strike that place with its garrison of new troops
before our arrival. Hence the order for us to proceed at
once. We were now in advance of Buell's entire arm\-
and it was, therefore, important that we should move on.

At 3 o'clock on the morning of the 26th of September,
the Brigade to which the 58th belonged entered Louisville.
It was as dirty and ragged a crowd of tourists as had ever
been there. The}' were also tired, foot-sore, and very much
disgusted and discouraged. Here we were again at the
same place from which we started about nine months ago,
with a strong and defiant rebel army within a few miles of

94 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

us. It indeed was discouraging, for it seemed that all our
arduous work had been for naught. No wonder many of
our soldiers took advantage of our proximity to Indiana to
take a "French furlough" here, and visited their homes.
Under all the circumstances it is eas}- to understand how
many of those who thus absented themselves without leave,
were persuaded, bv some of their rebel-svmpathizing friends,
to remain at home, and thus to cause themselves to be marked
as deserters. It is a fact that there were more cases of deser-
tion during the retreat of our armv, and while we were at
Louisville, than at any other time. Perhaps more than dur-
ing the entire three 3"ears' service. As soon as we struck
the Ohio river, at the mouth of Salt river, there was a long-
ing desire to cross over into "God's Country," as our sol-
diers called Indiana. The homes of manv of our Regiment
were only a few miles distant, and it was not unnatural that
some of them should avail themselves of this opportunity to
visit their friends. At Louisville there was a great pressure
upon the commanding officers for fvu'loughs. A few were
granted but it was out of the question to grant all requests
of this kind. It would have simply amounted to a tempor-
ary disbanding of the army and giving up the cit}- to the
rebels. However, those who were very anxious to go home
did not stand on the formality of a furlough ; thev simply
went, both officers and men. It was a risky thing to do, but
most of them were fortunate enough to get back to their Regi-
ments in time to avoid any serious consequences to themselves.
As has been stated, we arrived in Louisville at 3 o'clock
on the morning of September 26tli, in the advance of Buell's
armv. It was a cold frosty niijfht, the men were all thinly
clad and sulTered from cold. We halted on a vacant lot on
Broad street, near the center of the city. There were several
old frame buildings near at hand, and it was not long until
this combustible material was doing patriotic service in
warming the tired soldiers, and boiling coffee for their refresh-
ment. It was cause of great astonishment to the Louisvill-
ians, this invasion of their z\\\ at that hour of the night, and

FIFTY-ERIHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 95

this appropriation of their property, without leave or license.
But our ragged and fatigued veterans were not in the most
amiable mood just then, and were not inclined to stand on
ceremony.

Our entry into I^ouisville at this time and in this fashion,
also occasioned something of a surprise to the Regiments of
new troops which were guarding the city. Some of these
new troops thought the rebels were coming sure, and the
"long roll" was sounded in several camps, calling the sol-
diers into line of battle to resist the invasion. Their alarm
is not to be wondered at, taking ever^^thing into consider-
ation. For several days the city had been in a state of fever-
ish excitement on account of the approach of the rebel army.
For some time after leaving Mum fords ville, as we have
stated, Bragg's army was ahead of Buell, and there was
a probability that Bragg would reach Louisville first. He
could easily have done so, but for some reason he chose to
switch off' to Bardstown. Then, another reason why the
fresh troops might be excused for being alarmed at our visit
on that cool September night, was because our general
appearance was very much like what they would imagine
the rebels to be. We were ragged and dusty, and only a
few of our men had a coat or blouse of any kind. In the
matter of appearance of our attire we might easily be mis-
taken for a rebel army, or an army of beggars.

Next day we were moved to an open space outside of the
city, not very far from the place we first camped on Ken-
tucky soil. We had a chance to rest here for a few days,
but we had no change of clothes and no opportunity^ to draw
new clothes. Our knapsacks and extra clothing had been
left with the wagon train at Bowling Green. We could
wash and make a more presentable appearance, however,
and this we did. It is remarkable what a change can be
effected, even on a ragged soldier, with a little soap and
water, and an inclination to use them.

While in this camp we were visited b}' many friends from
home and also by Indiana's great war Governor, Oliver P.

H()

CHAPLAIN KlUHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Morion. This was Governor Morton's third visit to the
58th since we left home and we were always glad to see
him. His visit at this time was especially cheering. As he
walked through our camp he spoke words of cheer to the
men, assuring them of his constant concern for their welfare.
He told us that we would be paid otf here and new clothing,^
blankets, etc., would be issued. This was the arrangement
made through the influence of Governor Morton, but it did
not. turn out that way, as we shall see presently.

A large number of new
Regiments were added to
our armv here. These
Regiments iiad been or-
ganized under President
Ivincoln\s call of Julv i,
1862. /\s a rale they
were composed of more
mature men than those
who enlisted under the
first call in 1861. Tlw
first (Milistments were
largelv voting men and
bovs, those of 1862 were
generally older men,
manv of them with wives
and cliildren at liome.
Tliis characteristic in tlie
composition of the new
Regiments indicates the
growtii of sentiment as to the seriousness ot the struggle.
It might be charged that there is a little of the love of
adventure and a desire for glory, mingled with the patriotic
ardor of the \()ung man, without domestic afliliations, who
enlists in tlie army to tight his country's battles. But this

* Was mustered in as Sergeant of Company A in Camp Gibson, and
served his full term of enlistment with his Company. After his discharge
from the army he returned to his farm near Oakland City. Indiana, where he
has continued to reside.

.\NDRKW Gl DGRL, SKRGK.\NT CO. A.*

FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA KKUIMENT. 97

cannot be said of the man who will leave a wife and children.
Pure and genuine patriotivsm is unquestionably the motive
that prompts such sacrifice.

These new Regiments were all well equipped, and in their
bright new tiniforms they presented a great contrast to the
veterans of Buell's army. We found many of our triends
among the new recruits, particularly in the 8oth Indiana, a
Regiment that had been organized in Camp Gibson, the first
camp of the 58th.

Some important changes in the organization of the army
took place while we were at Louisville, which it will be well
to note here : On the 29th of September, General Wm.
Nelson, one of our most efiicient Division commanders, was
killed at the Gait house by General Jefierson C. Davis, the
result of a personal quarrel. This unfortunate event cast a
gloom over the army for a time, but there were too many
other exciting events transpiring tor this to obtain more
than a passing notice, except among the immediate friends
and associates of the parties. On the same day of this
occurrence a general order was issued re-organizing the atmy
into three grand divisions, to be known as the First, Second
and Third Corps. They w^ere also called the Right Wing,
Center and Left Wing. The First Corps, or Right Wing, was
assigned to the command of Major-General A. D. McCook ;
the Second Corps, or Left Wing, w^as commanded by Major-
General Thomas L. Crittenden ; the Third Corps, or Center,
was commanded by Major-General C. C. Gilbert. Major-
General George H. Thomas was second in command under
General Buell. In this organization the 58th was assigned to
the First Brigade, First Division, Third Army Corps, or Left
W^ing. Our Brigade was still commanded by General Has-
call, and composed of the same Regiments as formerly, wnth
the addition of the looth Illinois.

CHAPTER IX.

Louisvii.LE TO Nashville — Driving Bragg from Bards-
town — Following Him Through Springfield —
Long and Dusty Marches — Water Scarce — Bat-
tle OF Perryville — Dilatory Movements — Blun-
dering— Bragg, with his Booty, Escapes — Turning
Toward Nashville — An October Snowstorm —
Columbia — Glascow — Sil\'er Springs — Lookincj
AFTER Morgan — Again at Nashville.

THERE was great disappointment when the orders came
to march, after we had been in Louisville less than four
days. We had expected to get our pav and clothing while
here, but our hopes were blasted. On the ist day of
October we started again on our march in the direction of
Bardstown. The part of the rebel army under Bragg was
now concentrated at this place. Another large force was at
Frankfort under General Kirby Smith. It was the purpose
of General Buell to prevent these two armies from uniting,
and he, therefore, sent a large portion of his army to Frank-
fort to interest the rebels at that place while another part was
dealing with Bragg at Bardstown.

The first night alter leaving Louisville the 58th camjied
on the same ground that they occupied on tiieir other trip
this wav, the previous December. Starting from there earlv
next morning we soon found that our progress was disputed
by the rebels. A continual skirmish was kept up between
our advance and the rebel cavalrv all that da\', but we kept
driving them back. It was evident that Bragg was not
going to give us the right of way if he could avoid it.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REtflMENT. 99

The third evening after we left Louisville we were \nsited
by the paymaster and received our pay, the first we had
received for four months. It was very inconvenient to take
care of money situated as we then were, as there was little
opportunitv for sending it home. Several attempted to do
so and never heard of the remittance afterward. Others car-
ried their money with them on the march and lost it in one
way or another.

In the march the following day the 15th Brigade was
assigned to the advance of the army. We were skirmishing
with the rebels all dav. Turning to the left of the main
pike we moved along until, about the middle of the afternoon,
we had reached a point a mile and a half from Bardstown,
where we halted. It was important to know just what force
of rebels were in our front, so the 58th Indiana, 26th Ohio
and two sections of the 8th Indiana Battery, were sent for-
ward as a reconnoitering partv. A portion of the 3d Ohio
Cavalry was sent in advance of this party. We had pro-
ceeded but a short distance when the report of sharp firing
of carbines in our front was evidence that our cavalry had
found the rebels. The two Regiments of infantry were
hurriedly thrown into line of battle on each side of the road.
While this movement was being executed the cavalry came
flying back at a furious rate, which was their habit in emer-
gencies of this kind. This sudden retrograde movement of
the cavalry caused a good deal of excitement and confusion
among the infantry, and prevented their formation into line
for a time. Soon the artillery was in position and fired a
few shots in the direction from which the cavalry fled.
Skirmishers were thrown forward and the whole line
advanced. The rebels were soon found, but the}- did not
make a verv strong resistance. We found they were only
the rear guard of Bragg' s retreating army, and they readily
moved on when we charged upon them. As we entered the
town on one road we could see the rebels making their exit
in great haste on another. Bragg's main force had been
gone several hours. We marched into town and went into

100 CHAl'LAlxN HKtHT'S HISTORY OF THE

bivouac for the night. The 58th occupied the court house
and served as provost guards that night. Next morning the
other part of our army came up and passed on to the front,
going in the direction of Springfield. About 10 o'clock
General Wood's Division started on the march, leaving the
17th Indiana at Bardstown as provost guards. We camped
that night on Beach Fork of Salt river, near the village of
Lynchburg.

Started late next morning, struck the Springfield pike
and followed it to tliat place. The rebels had been
driven from here by our advance several hours before
our arrival. We camped again in th(^ fair ground, same
place as on our tormer visit last winter. We remained iiere
the next day and the next night, waiting tor orders. The
roads were now literally blockaded with troops and wagons,
so that it was difficult to get started and tedious marching
after we did start. About noon of the second day we left
our Springfield camp. We moved out on the Lebanon pike
for a short distance then turned off to the left toward Dan-
ville road. The march of that al'ternoon and the greater
part of the night was 'one long to be remembered by those
who participated in it. The road was very rough and very
dusty. There was not a drop of water to be liad tor man
or beast. About 11 o'clock tiiat night we reached the place
where it had been designed to camp, only to find that no
water could be had, so we had to go on. We turned off tiie
road at Hayesville and went along a narrow by-road, follow-
ing a dry creek bottom for about six or eight miles. It was
move a little piece, then stop, then move on again. This
jogging march continued all night, and many a worn out
soldier fell b\' the wayside utterly (\\hausted, notwitiistantl-
ing the stringent orders from the commanding General, read
tlie previous evening, in regard to stragglers.

About }, o'clock in the morning the welcome word came
thai wati'r was found and we were going into cam]-). Our
camping i->laci' was on Rolling Fork of Salt river, and we
found an abundant supph' of water with which to quench

FIFTY-EKjHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 101

our thirst. After getting a drink tlie men piled down in
every conceivable shape and were soon sound asleep.

The sun had risen some time before our camp was astir
next morning, and then we were only partially rested tVom
the fatiguing march of the dav before. This morning,
October 8, we learned that the enemv were in full force at
Perr^'vilIe, eight miles from us, and that there was a strong
probabilitv of a battle that dav. Colonel Fyffe, command-
injjf our Briofade, visited each Retriment of his command, as
they were drawn up in line preparatory to starting on the
march. He made a brief address to each, urging the men
to be courageous and faithful in the discharge of the trying
duty to which thev were likely to be calk'd that day. He
reminded them of the high honors alreadv achieved by the
soldiers of their respective states and charged them with the
duty of maintaining that high standard. Colonel Fyffe was
answered with cheer upon cheer, indicating that the men of
the old 15th Brigade, composed of soldiers from Indiana,
Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky, were ready for any duty, and in
the battle which was though.t to be impending, the\- would
not be found wanting-.

To our surprise we did not start at once towards Perr^--
ville, where the enem}^ was reported to be, but la^' at this
camp until 12 o'clock, waiting orders from General Buell.
Then, after starting we did not move rapidly, but made
several long halts by the way. We did not reach the battle-
tield until near sundown. The battle had been rasrincr since
noon, with only McCook's Corps to withstand Bragg's entire
army. It was an unequal contest but our men showed great
valor and held their ground. To the private soldier it
seemed a great bhmder that the rest of BuelFs armv was
not brought into'this battle. There were thousands of troops
within easy reach, enough to have crushed Bragg.

We were thrown into line of battle about sundown. The
battle was still raging tiercely off to our left, but thei-e was
nothing but skirmish hring in our front. Soon after dark
tlK> battle ceased, and there was comparative quiet during

102 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

the night. We slept on our arms in line of battle waiting-
lor an attack. Early next morning we discovered tliat the
enemy had taken advantage of the darkness to slip awav.
Their dead and wounded were left on the field in great num-
bers, showing that tlieir loss was severe, as was also our own.

The Perryville battle seems to have been a mistake all
around. It is said that Bragg made the attack thinking it
was only a small force that he had to contend with. He
had no idea that the greater part of Buell's armv was within
easv reach. On the other side it was claimed that McCook
undertook to make a reconnoissance and went too far, bring-
ing on a general engagement. It is claimed tliat Buell had
no information of the battle until after it had been raging-
tor some time. The conduct of the commanding General
in this battle was severely criticised, and there were a great
man\' tlieories as to what might liave been the result it
thincfs had been ordered ditlerentlv. I am inclined to a<rree
with the critics in this regard. I cannot get m^^sell to
believe otherwise than that, in the battle of Perryville, a ser-
ious lack of generalship was manifested. It was a useless
slaughter of men without any substantial benefit. The mis-
take was not only in failing to press our advantages, by
brintrino- all our available force durino- the battle, but also in
the same neglect of opportunity after the battle. Had Buell
followed up the retreating rebels the next morning, even,
with the troops tluit had not been engaged in the previous
day's conflict, he would most certainly have greatly worsted,
if not entirely destroyed I)ragg\s army. But tlie golden
opportunity was neglected and Bragg continued his retreat
without serious interruption.

Next morning we lay on the battlefield waiting orders to
follow after the retreatino- rebels. The order did not come
until about i o'clock that day, when we moved through
Perryville and a short distance beyond tlie town, where we
went into camp. The next morning we made an early start,
taking the direction of Danville, whither it was said the
rebels were retreatinfr. Aliout five or six miles from Perry-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 1(>:!

\ille we turned to tlie rio-ht and marched aljoul se\"en miles,
when we went into camp in a beautiful walnut grove. We
were in the tamous blue grass region now and found many
line groves covered with this wonderful product of Kentucky
soil. This is also the center of the richest agricultural sec-
tion of the state and there are evidences of luxury and
wealth on everv side. What a pit}' that this beautiful scen-
er\' should be marred b\' the red hand of war. What a pity
that a people who had such happy and comfortal'jle homes,
and prosperous surroundings, should rise in rebellion against
the government that had protected them, and thus invite the
carnage and devastation of contending armies.

Earlv next morning our pickets were attacked b}' Morgan's
cavalrv. Thev were driven in and were closely followed
bv the rebels who evidently expected to find our troops
unprepared. But thev were mistaken. Part of the 58th
had just returned from picket duty, on another part of the
line, and w'as engaged making coi^'ee and preparing break-
fast, when the rapid firing of our picket outpost indicated
that there was trouble on hand. Coffee and cookinij- uten-
sils were quickly abandoned. Even before the order to
"fall in" was given our boys were getting their guns. In
less than three minutes the line was t'ormed and readv for
the charo-ino; column of cavalrv. In the meantime our bat-
terv was taking position and soon opened out on our earlv
morning visitors. This seemed to surprise them as the^-
immediately turned and fled. It was learned afterward, that
this attack was intended as a ruse to draw us on to a ]")lace
where thev had some masked batteries in position to mow
our columns down.

After this sudden outbreak nothing else occurred during
the dav to disturb the sei'enity of our camp. That night
the entire Regiment went out on picket. Reports came in
that evening that the rebels were in large force a short dis-
tance from our camp and there was strong probability of an
attack earlv next morning. This report, of course, was
calculated to make us vi<rilaut. But later in the niifht our

cavalry returned trom a reconnoisance and reported that the
rebels, instead ot' contemplating an attack, were still on tlie
retreat. They were then over on the other side of Ken-
tuckv river.

Orders were given to march next morning at 6 o'clock.
Our entire Division was to go on a reconnoitering expedi-
tion to find out what Bragg was up to. We took the direc-
tion in which the rebels had been seen and marched nearlv
all day. We did not follow the excellent turnpike roads,
with which that section of covmtrv abounds, but took an
angling course through the fields. We traveled throtigh
some ot the tinest cornfields, and lields of other agricultural
products, that we had ever seen. Little regard was paid to
fine farms and stibstantial fences in otir march that dav.
We were after the rebels and had no time to follow rounda-
bout roads, nor to look after damaged crops and fences.

About 3 o'clock our skirmishers came upon the rebel
pickets and after a sharp fight drove them in. We discov-
ered the enemy in strong force at Camp Dick Robinson,
across Kentucky river. The}^ were reported to be abotit
30,000 strong. As this camp was onlv abotit a mile and a
iialf from where we were, it was thought prudent not to
crowd them any closer with our small force. So we fell
back a mile or so and went into bivouac for the nigiit.
Next morning we moved toward Danville and camped
within two miles of that city abotit 12 o'clock. There was
expectation of a battle at Camp Dick Robinson, as it was
thought the rebels would make a stand there, sure. So we
were making our preparations to encompass Bragg and take
in his whole army. Even the privates in our army could
easily see how this thinir could be done. But aijain our
plans failed, because Bragg was so unreasonable and so im-
patient as not to wait for their full development. About 12
o'clock, of the night before Buell's armv was going to capt-
ure Bragg's army, news came that Bragg was taking his
leave. The entire rebel force in Kentuck}- was in full
retreat, making their wav throtigh the rugged mountain

PIl'TV-EIOHTIt IKDIANA REGIMENT. I05

country of Eastern Kentucky into Tennessee. \\ ith his
tbrty mile train ot" wagons, loaded \yith plunder and supplies
captured in Kentucky, Bragg \yas going back to the region
from whence he started in the latter part of x^ugust. It was
plain to us now that his giving battle at Perry yille, and his
threatening maneuyers since, were simply for the purpose of
delaying the advance of Buell's army, while his immense
train of plunder was making its way out of the State, by
way of Cumberland Gap.

On receipt of information of Bragg's movements we were
ordered to i^et readv to follow. About i o'clock that nicrht
we were roused up and soon were on the road. At the
dead hour of night we marched through Danville, taking the
road to Stanford. Before long we were on to the rebels
and engaged in a sharp skirmish with them. We drove
them from the town and camped near them that night.
Next da}' we had another heavy skirmish at Crab Orchard,
and captured about twenty prisoners. This was the last
exchange of shots we had with any of 15ragg's army during
this campaign. He had been following us, or we had
been following him, for about two months, during which
time we had traveled over 500 miles, but the result of this
arduous campaign was anything but satisfactory. We had
the mortification now of knowing that Bragg was making
good his escape with all his spoils.

We proceeded on in the direction of Mt. \"ernon, but
stopped within two miles of the town. Starting again next
da\^ we got within four miles of Wild Cat and camped at
that place several days. This was our furthest advance in
that direction. When we moved again it was a retracing of
our steps. We passed through Crab Orchard and Stanford,
and then turned to the left, taking the Lebanon pike. It
was understood now that our orders were to go to Columbia,
Kentucky. There was nothing of interest that transpired
on this march. The country through which we passed was
rough and hilly ; the roads for the most part were narrow
and unimproved, consequently our progress was slow. At

106 CHAPLAIN HUiHT'S HISTORY OF THK

the end ot tour chn's we arrived at Columbia in the midst ot*
a heavy snow storm. This was ihc 25tli ot' October and the
weather was nnusuallv cold. \\\^ were vet without tents
and had only a scanty supph- of blankets and clothing, so
that we were illv prepared to stand such weather. How-
ever, we had learned a jjfood deal about soldierincj bv this
time, and evervone knew how to adapt himself to the cir-
cumstances. In lieu of blankets that night we made use of
some adjoining hav stacks. With a bunch of hav to lie on
and another bunch for covering, and with the various other
devices for temporary shelter adopted, we managed to pass
a very comfortable night, despite the tact that snow contin-
ued to tall all tliat nipfht. Next mornino- the earh' riser,
in looking over the place wiiere the 58th went into camp the
previous night, would have discovered a great number of
snow covered mounds, the scene resembling very much a
populous country' cemetery. Later on there was a resurrec-
tion and a transformation of scenery, when our soldiers begun
to wake up and crawl out from under their covering of
snow.

We remained here for several days and during this time
w'e were made glad by the arrival of our wagon train, bring-
ing our tents and knapsacks. We had parted company with
these at Bowling Green. It was like old times when we got
our tents up and camp was arranged in regular shape again.

With our tents and wagons also came about ninety new
recruits, and several returning convalescents lor t!ie 58th.
These recruits had been enlisted in Indiana by the recruiting
party that left us at Decherd, under command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Embree and Captain (now Major) Moore. This
made (juite an addition to tlie somewhat depleted I'anks ol
the 58th, and with our change of clothes we began to look
more like a Regiment.

The same day that our baggage arrived we were ordered
to march, and accordingly started next uT^rning for Glasgow.
We occupied three days in getting to that place. After
Btavini: at Glasgow about a week we moved on toward

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. KiT

(lallatin, Tenn. We passed through Scottsville, Kentucky,
campino- there the second night after starting. We lay here
one day \yaiting orders. After two more da^^s' marching we
camped near the Cumberland river, on the pike leading from
Gallatin to Lebanon. Here we remained about two days.
In the meanwhile the 17th Indiana was sent as an escort for
a wagon train going to Mitchelsyille after rations, the Louis-
yille and Nashville railroad not being in operation further
than that place.

Starting again we forded the Cumberland river and struck
the Lebanon and Nashville pike and marched toward the
latter place. Our next camping place, lor a considerable
time^ was at a place known as Silver Spring, twenty miles
from Nashville. While here our old friend, John Morgan,
was hovering about our outposts, occasionally gathering up
a few of our pickets and straggling soldiers. This kind
of business became so bold that it was feared there was
a large force of rebels in the vicinity. In order to ascertain
the facts General Wood's Division was ordered to make
a reconnoisance toward Lebanon. We tound some rebel
cavalry near Lebanon and chased them through the town.
As they were mounted and we were afoot, they did not have
much trouble in keeping out of our reach. We learned that
Bragg's army was now concentrating at Murtreesboro and
some reported that he was preparing to move on to Nash-
ville with a large force. We were inclined to make a move
ot that kind ourselves, and about November loth we broke.'
camp at Silver Spring and started again in tliat direction,
following the main pike. On the way we passed the
"Hermitage," tlie home of General Andrew Jackson.
Qiiite a number of our boys availed themselves of the
opportunity to visit this noted place. We camped 'for about
a week at Stone river and then moved on to Nasiiville,
arriving there November 26th, and went into camp near the
Nashvalle and Chattanooga railroad, about three miles from
the city.

CHAPTER X.

Stone Ri\er [Campaign — Preliminary E\'ents — Ofei-
ciAE Changes — Moving on to Murfreesboro —
Sharp Fight at Lwerc^ne — Driving the Rebels
Across Stewart's Creek — Opening of the Stone
River Battle — Panic on the Right — The 58th
Holds the Key Point — Engagement on the Left
— Incidents of the Several Days' Battle —
Casualties.

DURINCj ihe jTi'ogress of the march Irom Pen"v\'ilk' to
this phice there had been a change in the commander of
onr armv. October 30th General Buell was relieved bv
general order from the war department and Major-General
W. S. Rosecrans appointed to sncceed liini. The army was
now designated the '•'14th Army Corps, Department of the
Cnmberland," and was composed of all the troops that had
been under the command of General Buell. The sub-divis-
ions of this army were now designated as tiie Right Wing,
commanded by General McCook, Left Wing by (jeneral
Crittenden, Center bv General Thomas. The 5Sth remained
as before in Ilascall's Brij^ade of Woods Division, Lel\
Wing, n^ht' 17th Indiana was hvvv dc>tached fi-om our Bri-
gade and afterwards became a part of a mounted infantry
Brigade, commanded by Colonel J. T. Wilder.

As this cani]^ James M. Smith, Lieutenant in L'ompanv
K, was transtered to Company B and promoted Captain,
there were also several promotions in otiier Companies and
there was a general readjustment of afTairs all around. It

FII'TY-KKJIITII INDIANA RK(ilMKNT

IOI»

was soon e\-ulcnt that a more thorouj^li orifani/ation and a
stricter military discipline was lo be enforced nnder our new
commander. Soon after our arrival in this camp we had
our first i;'eneral review hv General Rosecrans. He rode
down tlie line, followed In' his stafT, and inspired contidence
in the soldiers by his fine military appearance and e\'ident
determination to accomplish something- worthy of the great
armv under him. We spent considerable time here drilling
preparatory to an actiye campaign. Our clothing and camp
equipage were looked after and we were soon able to pre-
sent a respectai")le ap-
pearance in this r(>gard.
Moreover, we wcrt^ al-
lowed full rations, a hix-
ur\- of which we had
been depri\-ed for mauA'
months.

x\t last (.>\-er\-thing was
ready and the time to
advance against l^ragg's
army at Murfreesboro
had comc\ December
26th, just one month
from tht' tinn' of our
arrival in this cam]i, u e
started on oui' marcli to
Murtreesboro. A\'e left all our tents, caniji equipage and
wagons at Nashvilk\ excejit that c^ach Regiment was
allowed one wagon to haul oflicers' bedding, cooking uten-
sils and th(^ extra rations that t'ould not be carried by tin-
men in their hayersacks.

l)U . \\ . R. M MAIIAX, I.IKir. CO. K.*

* Was mustered in at Cainp Ciibson as Ser<rcant in Company K. June 2,
1863. was comiiiissioiicd Secniui Lieutenant, and serxed as such until A|)!-il,
I, 1N65. ui\en he was made First Lieutenant and was nnistered out with the
Retjimcnt. Alter returning- iVom tin- arm\ he took up tlu' studv of medicine
and soon entered u|ir)n tlie practiic ot' iiis prol'eshion. in which he lias achieved
honor and success. lie is Imated at lluntin<jhur<>-. Ind., heiiii; one ol" the
progressive and enter]irisinL; citizens of that place. Dr. McMahan is N'ice-
President of the Reii;iinenial .Xs.-ociation and an active member of this I'uh-
iishin^ C'onunitlee.

I 10

CIIAPLAIX HKiHT'S UlSTOh'V OK TIIK

W c moved out on the Murtreesboro pike and il was not
lonj^ until our advance came upon the rebel pickets. A
lively skirmish began and continued all dav, but our forces
kept driving the rebels back. A few hours alter we started
it besfan to rain and continued the balance of the da^■. The
hitherto dust\- pike v/as converted into a slopp^■ sea of mud,
making our ]")rogress somewhat tedious and disagreeable.
Hv nicrht we had reached Lavergne, a little village iust half
v.av between Nashville and Murfreesboro. We bivouacked
in the vicinity for the night, while the rebels still occupied
the town. The 58th was thrown forward as an advance line
and Companies A, B, D and F were deplo3^ed in front of the
Regiment as skirmishers, occupying a position in a cedar
forest, about a hundred yards from the rebel line. It
was a position of danger and responsibility, and extreme
caution and vigilance was necessary, A cold rain fell the
greater part of the night, and, a.s we were not permitted to
have tires, we were ver}' uncomtbrtable. We expected the
rebels to make an attack at daylight and were wide awake,
in line of battle waiting for them. But morning dawned
and the enemy did not appear.

About ten o'clock we were relieved trom picket duty and
preparations were made to advance on the rebels, who still
occupied the town. The}^ made their pr(\sence known by
tiring a few shots from a battery posted in our front. At
eleven o'clock our lines began to move, our Brigade being
in advance, in the Ibllowing order : Fitty-eighth Indiana on
the right, 26th Oliio on the left. The 3d Kentucky was the
right and the looth Illinois the left of the second or reserve
lini'. with the 8th Indiana Battery in the center. With Com-
jianies A and B as skirmishers, the line emerged trom the
woods and moved across the open iit^ld that lay between us
and the town. To our surprise there was no resistance ol-
h'vcd until we were half way across this lield. We began
to think the rebels had lied. But when our skirmish line
had advanced within about one iumdred yards of the town
we formed a dillerent opinion. A few stray balls w hizzetl

FIFTV-KKiHTll IXlilAXA JfFJi Hi KXT. Ill

past our ears. This was the prehide to a murderous volley
poured from the ranks of the waiting rebels. They were
posted behind tenees, houses, trees, etc., and were hid tVom
view. Oar skirmishers lay down and thus escaped much
serious injurv from this vollev. We returned their fire and
kept things prettv lix'eh- for awhile. Xothing was acconi-
]")lished b\' this, however, and after awhile our skirmish line
was ordered to tix bavonets and charge, which they did in
tine stvle. This movement invited a shower of balls from
the rebels. Five men of the 58th were wounded in this
charge, one or two seriously. We gained our point, how-
ever, driving the rebels from the town and starting them in
lull retreat towards Murfreesboro. A short distance beyond
Lavergne the skirmishers were relieved bv Companies iVom
the 3d Kentuckv and looth Illinois.

From this on during the dav our advance was steady but
not without considerable skirmishing at times. The country
^^•as broken and rockv, and in manv places covered with a
ihick growth of cedar. This afforded the rear L^uard of the
retreating rebels mauN' hiding places iVom which to fire on
our advancing skirmishers. i)V the middle of the aftiMMioou
the rain again began to come down in torrents, and con-
tinued until near night. We were drenched to the skin but
we kept right on, crowding close after the retreating rebels.
About five o'clock we reached Stewart's Creek, about six
miles from Murfreesboro. The rebels were in strong force
on the opposite side of this creek, with several batteries
posted on a ridge a few hundred ^'ards distant. As we
came within range, these batteries opened tire and the rebel
infantry along the creek joined in with a shower of lead.
In the meantime, the detachment of cavalrv we had been
fighting all da\' attempted to escape across the bridge, which
had been tired bv the rebel skirmishers on the other side.
Our advance line of skirmishers, composed of two Com-
panies of the 3d Kentucky, seeing the bridge on fire, charged
down ii]-)on the rebels and saved the bridge. In a few min-
utes the i\'l")el ca\alr\- came leariu''' down to cross the bridjfe

Ill' (IIAI'LAIN IIKillT'S IIIS'IOI.'V OK TIIK

onh' to lind the\' were too late. The\' ran into a Compan\'
ot'tlie looth Illinois skirmishers who c|uicklv took them in.
Twentv-live prisoners, with their horses and equipments,
were captured here. It was now dark, and as the force
across tiie creek seemetl to be too strong for us to move, we
went into camp in an old cotton field near hv. \\v had
been marching and fighting for two days witliout a nigiits
rest and we were all ready to take a rest.

The next dny was Sunda\'. The clouds had passed awa\'
and there had been quite a sharp freeze during the night.
We remained in camp all da\' waiting for the other part ot
the armv to get into position. The right wing under (xen-
eral McCook. and the center under General Thomas, had
been meeting with strong opposition and their progress was
not as rapid as ours had been during the past two days.

Pick(>t tiring in our trout was continiious all da^' Sundax .
and occasionally there was an exchange of compliments by
the batteries on each side of the creek. Everything indi-
cated that we would have a general engagement here to-
morrow.

Monday morning- everything was in readiness for an ad-
vance. After firing a few shells over into the rebel camp
our column began to cross the creek. Skirmishers were
deployed and began ascending the hill tollowed by the in-
f;uitr\' and artilkny. The rebels did not stay to se*> it.
Tlie\- immediately turned toward Murtreesboro. The coun-
trv was mostly open from here on and our progress was
more rapid than it had been among the cedars and rocks
between Lavergne and Stewart's Creek. It was about the
middle of the at'ternoon w^hen we reached Stone River, about
two miles from MurtVet^sboro. We found the rebels in
strong force here and our further progress was checked.
That they were prepared to giye us battle at this place ad-
mitted of no doubt. It was our business to get ready to
meet them, and to this end the army of General Rosecrans
was placed in position as fast as they arrived Monday even-
ing. The v'^th turned to the left of the pike into a corn

FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 1 1 ;i

liekl. Harker\s Brigade was still skirmishino- with tlic robi'ls
in our tront. We bivouacked in front of a large frame house
belonging to a man named Collins, our line facing Stone
River.

Soon after dark the order came to "fall in/' "We must
go into Murfreesboro to-nigiit,' was the order. Accord-
ingly our line was formed. Marker's Brigade in front, and
started lor the crossing of Stone River. The night was
terribly dark and the air was damp and chilh'. Ilarker's
Brigade had got across Stone River and our Brigade was
about to follow, when the enemv on the other side opened
fire. It was toimd that a force of rebels under I>reck-
inridge, 4,500 strong, was waiting tor us on tlie other
side, and we abandoned our undertaking. Harker recrossed
with his Brigade and we all returned to our camp. For
some unexplained reason tiie batteries of the rebels, posted
within 200 yards on an opposite hill, were silent while all
ihis maneuvering of ours was g(nng on.

On Tuesda}' morning our Regiment was observed h\ the
enemy across the river. A heav^• Mre of artiller\' was o]:)ened
by them on Collins' house, causing us to change our jiosi-
tion a little to the right. l"he rebel guns were soon silenced
by tlie loth Indiana ])atter\-. All dnx there was cannonad-
ing on our right where McCook was getting into position.
At lour o'clock the 5Sth was sent out on picket, being ]iosted
along tlie bank ot Stone River, near Widow MurtVees
iu)use, coveriniT a crossing- known as Murfree's lord. Din-
ing the night some of our men were sent across the ri\-er on
a scouting expedition. The\' came back reporting that
some mysterious movements were going on among the
rebels. A large force of their infantr\' and artiller-\- a]")]X'are(l
to be movin(r towards our riofht.

With this excejition e\'ervthing witli us and in our iVont
was exceedingly quiet. Away otfto tlie right, however, we
could hear the noise of moving artillerv and wagons, and
occasionally some picket tiring. The sound of axes wielded
by the Pioneer Corjis broke tlie stillness ol'tlie night. "i'he\-

in- ( IIAI'LAIN IIICiHT'S IIISTOKY OF THK

were cuuinu; out roads throui^h the cedar forest to enable
the artiller}^, ambulances and ammunition wagons, to get
through. jVIcCook and Thomas were getting into position
ready for the battle that now^ seemed inevitable.

The plan of attack by General Rosecrans was for McCook
to open the engagement bv assaulting the rebel forces under
Hardee in his tVont. Thomas was to attack the forces under
Polk in his front or assist McCook, as the exigenc^' of the
case might require. This movement of our riglit and center
was intended as a strateo^etic means of drawin"' the attention
of the enemy in that direction, while Crittenden was moving
against the rebel right under Breckinridge. It w'as our bus-
iness, as a part of the left wang, to furiously assault the
rebels in our front and drive them back on the town and
thus gain the rear of Bragg's army. This was a. fine strate-
getic scheme, and would have no doubt worked successfully
had not Bragg decided upon a plan of battle for his side that
was very similar to ours, and put his plan into ojieration fu'st.

Wednesday morning, December 31st, opened bright and
clear. About sunrise our ears were <£reeted with the sounds
of heavv musketrv and artillery tiring on our right. It was
evident the ball had opened. By this time Van Cleve's Di-
vision, of Crittenden's command, was in motion, crossing
Stone River at Murfree's ford. The 58th w'as ordered back
to join the Division, W'hich was to follow Van Cle\e.
Ilarker's Brigade was in the advance of Wood's Division,
and was nearly all across the river when our movement was
arrested by news of disaster on the right. A tierce battU-
had been raging there for aliout two hours, and ti-om ihe
sound it was evidently getting nearer. Could it be jjossible
that our lines were giving w'a\'? This c|uesli()n was soon
iinswered to our mortitication and sorrow in the atlirnialix'e.
Inlying couriers brought the news that the right of our army
was broken and was being driven back. Orderlies were
soon speeding across the held carrying orders from head-
(juarters to the xarious subordinate commands. lC\erylhing
indicated that the condition of thin<rs was (.'.\ceedini'"l\' crii-

FIFTV-KKiHTH IXIHAXA KE(JIMEXT. 11 :>

ical. Tlic field in the rear of our line, where all was quiet a
short time betbre, was suddenly turned into a scene of wild-
est confusion. Shot and shell tVom the rebel batteries were
plowino- up the ijfroimd all around us, and wagons, teams,
ambulances, etc., were flying- about seeking places of safety.
The usual complement of camp followers were panic stricken
and were making iVantic efforts to get out of reach of the
enemy's shells.

Our orders for crossing the river were countermanded, and
we were turned face about and sent to the support of the
right and center. Harker's Brigade w^as the tirst to get in-
to action. Our Brigade w'as moyed back into the open held
and changed front several times. Meanwdiile the conflict
increased in fury and the victorious enemy was graduall}'
crowding oiu" troops back. We cotdd not see them, lor the
battle was still hid by the cedar tbrest. But we could hear
the defiant "rebel yell" as they charged upon our retreating
columns. The stragglers and w^junded were hurrying past
us to the rear. Their accotnit of the disaster in the woods
was exaggerated, no doubt, but it was certainly very dis-
lieartening. The men in our ranks were becoming uneasy
and demoralized on account of the confusion, and because
of our chang-incr front so many times. By this time we were
almost entirely surrounded and the rebel shells were coming
from every direction. A torce of Wheeler's Cavalry had
o-ot in our rear, destrovinjif a wafjon train and a larije amount
of supplies. Our hospital at Collins house was also captured
and a number of the 58th who were there were taken pris-
oners. Among this number was Dr. Holtzman, Assistant
Surgeon, and R. M. Tvluntbrd, Hospital Steward. Our sit-
uation just at this time was serious indeed. Unless some-
thing could be done soon to check the rebel hosts our cause
was lost, we would either be captiu'ed or be made to turn
back to Nashville in a humilating retreat.

Although the 58th had been under fire for two hours or
more there had not been a gun fired by the Regiment up to
this time. I?ut our opportimitv was at hand. The sun was

1 Hi

( IIAI'LAIN HKiHT'S TUSTOl.'Y OF TH K

about at meridian and \'ictorv and defeat were hansfinj'- in
the balance when our Reij^iment was ordered to take a posi-
tion in line across the raih"oad to relieve the 3d Kentuck\',
that liad jirevioush' Ix-en sent tVoni our Brigade and had ex-
hausted their suppi\' ot amnumition.* Amid the deafening
roar ot" battle, witli sixt\' roimds of cartridges, eacli, the 58th
went l:)ravelv into the fight. Passing through a skirt of tim-
bei" we came to the railroad embankment where tlie line was
halted. This embankment served as an excellent line ol"
breastworks and we began to think ourselves fortunate in
getting a chance at tiie rebels iVom behind this iortihcation.
But our telicit\' was ol sh(M-t duration. The c-omtuanding
General thought our line was not in the right ])osition to do
the most effective service and he directed Col. liuell to mo\e
across the railroad and take a position bet\^'een that and tlie
Pike. There had been a lull in the storm tor a few minutes
but about the time our Regiment was to execute this order the
shower of leaden hail was increased. It took nerve to climb
that embankment in the tace ot this, but the men of the 58th
did it. They quickly took the position assigned them, the
k'll of the Regiment resting on the railroad, the riglit
cxli-nding out at an angle ol about torlN-fixx' degri'es.
L'omjianv A, on thi- right, was thus pUu'ed near a corn cnh

* Kxlract tV<ini ri.'pf)rt of (icncral Ilascall, in command ol" Wood's
l)i\ision :

"I now rcliexL'ii llu' 3d Kentiu-kv F^cLfimcnt. who wlml- nrail\- anniliilatcd
and out ot" annnuiiition, witli the ^8th Indiana rei;iniont ot"m\- hrij^adf, com-
manded l)v Colonel (ieorye I'. I'uell; and this i)eini( a nuicii laiLier Reij-
iment than the 3d Kentiiekx. tilled up the entire space trom \\ liere the riu:ht
ot' the 3d Kentiick\' resteil to the raih-oad. I then tlirew forward the
rii(lit ol" tiie fith Oliio Rei^iment. ol C'oloiul (irose's Ijiitjade. which was on
liie rii^ht of tlie j6th Oiiio, so that its line ot' hattle was more nearh piTpen-
diciilar to the railroaii, and so its i'ux- would sweep the front of tlie j6th Ohio
and siSth Indiana, and supported the 6tii Ohio with ICstep's hatterv on a little
I'lnim-nce to its rii(ht, and hrou'^ht up the 97th Ohio (Colonel Lane) from
Wai^rier's lJri<rade, to still further streiiL^tiien the riLfht. Tliis disposition
heiiiL;' made. I gallo])ed a little to the rear, and found (ieneral Rosecrans. and
called his attention to the importance of the position I was holdini^, and the
necessity ol' kecpini^ it snpporteii. llerotleto the Ironl with me, approxcd
the disposition I hat! maiie. spoke a lew words ot" cncouranemi'iit to the nu'n.
cautioning them to hold their lire till the t-iiem\ l;()I well up. aiul had no
sooner ii'tired than theencm\- enu'rs^ed l"r:>m the woods aiul o\er the liill,
and were mo\in;4 ujion us aj^ain in splendid s1\le arul in immense t"i>rce.

FTFTV-i:i(;HTH INDIANA I^ECUMKNT. 117

owned bv a man named Jerald. This corn cril) was ratiu-r
a fatal shelter because the enemy directed their lire more
uenerally to that building. Company B, on the left wing,
was slightly protected by a few scattering trees.

The rebels had now advanced to the edi^e of a thick woods
in our tront, not more than one hundred yards distant across
an open tield. The\' were sheltered behind trees, from
which they poured a galling tire of musketry. From Cow-
an's brick house, otTto our left, they opened a heavy fire of
grape and canister. From 1,he hills beyond Stone River
I^reckinridge's batteries poured in a destructive fire. But
the 58th held its position amid all this murderous lire. The
men were lying Hat on the ground and were loading and lir-
ing at will. Twice the enemy left the woods in our front
and started on a charge across the open tield, but thcN- could
not stand against the shower of lead thai \\ as jioured into
their ranks. Alter a time tiiere was almost a cessation of
tiring and we were beginning to breathe easier. But still we
were apprehensive that this was onh' the lull before the
storm, and our apprehensions were well founded. The tr\'-
ing ordeal was yet to come. While we were watchin<r the
movements ot the enenn- in the woods, immediateh- in our
Iront. there was a strong lorce ot rebels quieth- moving up
tlirougli the open held on our lett dank. I^irt ot' Wagn(.>r's
Brigade, which had been in reserve, was sent on double
quick to meet them and strengthen our left. The moxi' was
made none to soon. With a demoniacal yell that might
raise the dead, the rebel lines emerged tVom the woods in our
front and advanced upon us. At the same time they were
coming in solid phalanx along the pike on our let't. On tlu'\-
came in steady column, notwithstanding the murderous lire
tVom our ranks. We could see their men falling like leaves,
but the broken ranks were tilled and they held their ground
with a heroism worthy of a better cause. At last the\- iiad
to yield, but the}' retired in good order, leaying their dead on
tlie tield. Seyeral of their men, however, were satistied
with their experience tluis far and deserted the ranks at this

lir, CHAPLAIN HKUIT'S HISTOI.'Y OK TIIK

iuncture. When the tiring was hottest they fell upon the
ground, ancl when the rebel force fell back these men skipped
across to our lines and surrendered. One of these deserters
came to our Regiment carrying an old blanket, that had once
been white, as a flag of truce. It was probably cowardice
more than lovaltv to the Union that prompted these men to
come over to our lines at this time.

The rebels had failed aufain to move our lines but it was
not certain that thev would give it up yet. Indeed there
v^^ere indications that they would come again with stronger
force. We were ready for them. Just at this time General
Rosecrans came up to the 58th, mounted and alone, the
nearest man to the cnem}^ on horseback. Taking position
about the center of the Regiment he called ''attention." He
said : 'T want you to let them come up in about forty yards
of vou, then lix bavonets, give them a vollev of lead and
and charore them with a veil. If vou will do this vou will
gain the battle."

As he ceased to speak the enemv advanced in stronger
force than ever. Thev seemed to be tive columns deep.
They marched up in good order with lines dressed and col-
ors flving. The commands of the rebel officers could be dis-
distinctly heard. Thev came up within seventy-live
yards and began tiring as thev advanced. Our men
reserved their tire until the rebels came within litU'
\ards when tlu'\- oj-)ened out. Tlie rebels lav tlown
and thus escaped serious results Irom our vollev.
In a tow moments the\' were ordered to rise and
'•charge that brass batterv," referring to the 8th Indiana
Batter\- of our Brigade, which was posted in our rear and to
the right. The\' started on this mission atliM" poiu'ing a vol-
k'\' into our ranks. Thev did not acUance hir until the\'
were compelled to hall. At this time they were getting two
pieces of artiller\- in position on our lelt to rake our line.
This movemcMit was quickl\- discovered and our men poured
a (U-adh' \'olle\' into them while our batteries gave them
double charges ot' gra]:)e and canister. The horses at the

FIFTV-EKiHTir INDIANA lJK(ilMKNT. 110

two guns above named were instantly killed, and tli',> guns
did not fire a shot. Thus thwarted in every attempt to break
our line the enenu- retired in great confusion Irom this
charge. This was the liigh tide of that da\\s battle antl it
was the fortune of the 58th to hold the key point against th','
repeated charges of the flower of Bragg's army. Bragg iv\-
egraplied Jeff Davis at the close of the tiglit that day that he
liad 1)een successtul in breakincr the lines of Rosecrans'
arm\- at everv point except at the "Round Forest/' — the
position held bv our Regiment and other Regiments of
Woods' Division. Because of their failure to carry this point
Braggs' forces were prevented from achieving a complete
victorv in that day's battle. "^

About liall-past three o'clock the 58th was relieved and
moved back a short distance to the rear to replenish their
cartridge boxes, having used up their sixty rounds during
the four hours' engagement. A short time after this the
musketr^' tiring practicallv ceased, but the artillery tiring
continued until alter dark, and at intervals through the
ni<rht. Niu-ht closed in on the tield of blood and carnaore,
and a cold and bitter night it was. The held was covered
with wounded and d^'ing, many of them l}'ing between tlie
lines. We could hear their moans of distress and piteous

* Extract from General Polk's (Confederate) report:

■■'rile eiiem\' was now dri\en from the field at all points occupied hv him
in the mornini^, aloni^ his whole front line from his right to the extreme left,
and was pressed hack imtil our line occupied a position at right angles to
that which we held at the opening of the battle. After passing the Xaslnille
and M tirfreesboro turnpike, his flight was covered by large bodies of fresh
troops and numerous batteries of artillerw and tiie adxance otour cxhauNti-d
cohnnns was checked.

■■His extreme left alone held its position. This occupied apiece of groimd
well chosen antl defentied, the river lieing on the one hand and a deep rail-
road cut on the other. It was held b\- a strong force of artiller\- and
intantrv, well supported b\ a reserve, lom'posed ot' I5rigadier-( ieneral NVood's
Division.

■•Mv last reserve having been exhausted, the Brigades of Major-General
llrcckinridge's Division, and a small Brigade of General J. K.. Jackson's
]iosted to guard our right ttank, were the only troops left that had not been
engaged. Four of these were ordered to report to me. They came in detach-
ments of two Brigades each, the first arri\ing near two hours after Donel-
son's attack, and the other about an hour after the first. The commanders
of these detachments, the first composed of the Brigades of Generals Adams
and Jackson, the seconti under CJeneral Breckinridge in person, consisting of

ll>()

CHAI'LAIX UKrHT'S HISTOKY OK THK

calls for iVitnuls and for lu'lp, hut we could nol render
an\' assistance. Such experience is horrihle and heartrend-
ing, but such is war.

There was much sutferino- that niglit also to the soldiers
wli ) had passed through the battle unhurt. We were with-
out blankets and could not be permitted to have lires, and
weri' also short on rations, as the most of our supplies had
been captured and destro\'ed b\' the rebels during tlie da\-.
The 58th was on the iVont line again that night. We weri'
in tlvj edgj of the little belt of timber across the railroad
from where we had done our tighting tluring the tla\'.
Nothing occurred to disturb the condition of things during
the niijfht ; both sides were tired enoucfh to rest on their
arms and remain quiet. About four o'clock in the morning
we were relieved and moved back to the rear.

Xew Year morning, 186^-;, was a bright and Ix'autiful
beginning tor another ^•ear. The sun rose in majestic
splendor, shedding its light upon all arountl. I'pon this
lield ot battle the light revealed a scene ot' lion'or. It was
covered with dead and dN'ing and with wrecks, and witli all
the e\ idences ot a tremendous sanguinar\ contlict ot braxi-
men. It also n'\-ealed great armies ot" men in battle lint."
waiting to renew the c-onllict. And the waiting was not
long. Soon alter sunrise there was a rapid increase in the

llu' IJiii^acii's f)!' (ieneral Preston and Colonol I'alnu'i. hail poinliHl out to
tlifin the particular object to i)e aicoinplished. to- w it, to dri\ e the eneniN's
lel't, and especialh' to dislodije him tVoni iiis position in tiie Round Forest.
L' nt'ortunateh the opjiortune moment tor jiuttini;; in tliese detaihments had
passed.

'"CouKl the\' ha\e heen thrown u]Min the eni'm\'s lell inimediattiv alter
Chalmers' and l)oneNon'> assaults, in (juiik suiie->^ion, the extraordinarv
sirenijtli of his position would has'e avaik'd him nothiuij;. That jioint would
]ia\e heen carried, and his left heen liriven hack on his panic-stricken rii;hl,
would have conipleled his confusion and insured an utter rout. It was, how-
ever, otherwise, and the time lost between Donelson's attack and the coniin<i;
up ot" these detachments in succession, enabled the enemv to recover his self-
possession, to mass a number of heavy batteries, and concentrate a strou'j;
infanti'v force on the position, and thrts make a successt\il attack ver\- dilfi-
cull Nevertheless the Driytades ot" Adiuiis and Jackson assailed the enemy's
liiu' with enerL(\ . an.i alter a severe contest were compelled to tall hack.
Tliev well' promptly rallied In (Jeneral l?reckinrid<j;e. who. having pressed
hi-« other Hrii^ades, reachei,! the ground at the moment, but asthcv wei'c much
cut up tiiey were not required to riiuw the attack. "

FN •TV-KKiH'I'll INDIANA IMMMMKNT. 121

skirmish tirino- aci\)ss in the cedars, in front of' where the
heaviest ho-hting had occurred AcstercUn'. It was evident
the rebels were again massino- their forces at that point and
were i^oing' to tr\- oiu" Hnes aj^ain. Soon we could hear ihi^ir
\ell, which the\' o"a\'e ]")reparator\' to a char^-e. But we
were read\' tor them this mornino-. A squad ot our cav-
alr^■ was thrown out in front to draw them on to somi>
masked batteries which we had in p()siti(>n. Tht.- ruse was
successful. On tluw i"ame \ellino; like savaif*^'^ alter otu"
retreatinir cavalrv. It was rare fun to see them nm. the\-
no doubt were thinkini^;. but the fun was not so rare when,
alter the rebels had emero-ed trom the woods, three of oin"
liatteries opened u]i on thiMii with chmble charo-es ot Li;rape
and canister. The enem\- was literalh' mown down b\- tliis
murderous Hre, and wert' onh- too o-lad to return a^'ain to the
shelter of the timber, leaving; their dead and woimded
In'hind.

This fierce onset, which at fu'st appeared to foreshadow a
rvMiewal of the general engagement, was probablv onh' in-
tended bv tiie rebels as a feeler to see wdiether Rosecrans'
army was still there or w^hether it was on the retreat to
Nashville. At any rate, the rebels were satisfied with the
information gained bv this earlv morning sortie. With the
exception of skirmish firing, whicli contintied all da\',
amounting at times almost to a regular engagement, nothing
ol importance occurred during Thursdav. The 58lh re-
mained in the same position tluw h(,dd in the morning, a
short distance in the rear of the front line, near the turn-
pike. At night we built fires and prepared coflee. We
were told that we would be permitted to rest that night.
This was welcome news, as we had been in front for the
past forty-eight hours without a chance for sleep or rest.
The boys were soon fixed in as comfortable beds as the
circumstances wotild allow, and were sleeping in utter dis-
regard of all about them. But it would have been contrar\-
to all military rule for tliis kind of enjovment to last, so far as
the 58tli had experience with tliis rule. About eiglit o'clock

121' CIlAri-AIX IlKiliT'S lllSTOlfY OK TIIM

we \v(N'o arousod. bv an ordorh', from our dreams. A\'e wore
told to pack knapsacks and f^et in readiness to march imme-
diately and without any noise. This was an exceedingly
disagreeable order, but there was a general beliet' that it was
necessary and it was a soldier's dutv to obey without grum-
bling. We were soon in line and moved out alter oiu" com-
mander, not yet knowing whither we were going. Alter a
little march we knew what it w^as all for — we were to relieve
the Pioneer Brigade, who were on f)utpost duty on the right
ot the Murfreesboro pike. Our coming was a great gratifi-
cation to them, as thev had been in the front forty-eight
hours. We were, however, not in any better condition in
that regard. A line of skirmishers was advanced and the
rest of the Regiment lay dovv^i upon their arms for th(^
remainder of the night.

January 2. — Shortly at"ter dawn of day our skirmishers
and the rebel sharpshooters became engaged in a sharp
fight, which for a time indicated a general engagement, but
they soon quieted down again. A short time after sunrise
this morning occurred an artiller^^ duel that was unequaled
by anything in that line heretofore. The enemy had repeat-
edly been makinp- some demonstrations in our front since
daylight. They had been Hring random shots from a com-
manding position immediately in front of Loomis' Ixittery,
posted on tin* left of the turnpike, and Mstep's 8th Indiana
Battery on the right of the pike and to the left of the 58tli.
These shots were responded to b}- our Batteries w hich also
tired vigorously at the hiding places of the rebcd sliarpshool-
ers, who were very annoying. Suddenly tlie small skirl ot
woods, about 400 yards in our front, was enveloped in a
dense clone! of smoke, and the air was tilled with deadly
missiles, hurled from the rebel batteries, which had lieen
massed there during tlie preceding night. It was now
apparent that they had been deco>-ing a fire iVom our bat-
teries until the^• got the range, and then they opened tire
with a territic \-olle\-. ^Fhe elfecl uj")on our batteries was
terribk'. Tlie ginis from Loomis' and Estep's batteries

FIFTV-KKiliTH IXIMANA h'Kii I M KNT. 12.'5

roplit'cl vijj^orouslv to the murderous \•()lle^', but thrir position
was too much exposed and they had to retire. Tliey moviul
back behind the crest ot" a little knoll with considerable loss.
Estep lost one man, killed, and several wounded, also the
killing and disabling of nearly one-half of his horses, so tliat
he was compelled lo lea\'e man\- of iiis guns on the lield.
These were subsequenth- taken oil" b\- th'> men, [\r: 58th
assistintjf in the work.

Loomis also sustained a heavy loss, but was successtal in
retirino- with his n-uns. Otlier batteries were sent to their
support, and Loomis again took a position in the rear of the
58th, who were lying down. A simultaneous volley was
sent from three batteries behind us. For about half an hour
the exchange of shot between the contending artillery passed
over our Regiment, making the very earth shake and quiver.
Likewise the boys of the 58th, who were hugging the earth
for dear life. The screaming and roaring of shot and shell
was terrible. To add to this horror a rammer from one of
the guns behind us was sent hurling toward the rebels, but
it broke in twain and one piece landed on either flank of our
Regiment. It was a very uncomfortable situation to be in,
but it did not last lono-. The work of our batteries soon
eftectually silenced the rebels and they ceased firing. One
man of the 58th was wounded by a shell during this engage-
ment.

Picket firing was kept up during tin' f,)renoon. the sharp-
shooters of the enemy being especially bold at times. Tliey
woidd advance in tull view of our lines, and were several
times repulsed and driven back. One old building in our
front was occupied by the enemy's sharpshooters who
were very troublesome. The^• were expert marksmen and
they sent their shots dangerously close to the head of every
man in sij^ht. Loomis sent one of his Parrett ijuns forward
and trained it upon the old house. The first shot exploded
a shell in the house and the rebel sharpshoot^^rs troubled us
no more from that place. Tint there were several posted in
trees along their tront and they were in good positions to

12-1. CHAIM-AIX lIKillT'S IllSTOl.'V OF TllK

]-)ick oil' our men. The h{)\s of our RogimiMit soon lound
that it was exceedinglv dangerous to raise a head, and spent
the day lying flat upon the cold damp ground.

'i'hus events continued until about three o'clock in the
atiernoon. when it became evident from the increasing heav\'
skirmishing o\'er on oiu^ left that the enem^■ were contem-
plating an assaidt upon our lett wing. About tour o" clock
\nn Cleves Division, which was in jiosition across Stone
River to our left, was suddenh- and furiously attacked b\'
Breckinridge. vSo tierce was the assault that oiu" troops
were driven back to the river. Other troops were sent
li'om the center to suppcnn \ an Cleve. and as soon as
they could get across the river the n'bel advance was
checked. Our artiller\- posted on this side of the rivc>r
aho aided in the work and assisted in dri\ing the I'ebels
back.

While the Ixittle was still raging, \\'o<)d"s Dixision (now
under command of General Hascall. on account of the dis-
abling of (xeneral Wood in ihv tirst da\"s battle,) was ordertnl
to cross the river. TUv 5<St!i was relieved tVom the position
we held on tlie tVont Hue, across the pike, and joined the
liriifade, now in command of Colonel I->uell. Lieutenant-
Colonel iMidiree was now in command ot' the Reginu'nt.
W^e crossed the river and took )")osition in line on the lell,
relieving troops that had sustained severe loss in the fight.
By this time it was (|uite dark and the tiring soon after
ceased. Again the 58th was placed on the trout line which
we held that night.

Saturday, January 3. — T'his morning we had one box
of crackers for the Regiment. Colonel Endiree passt'd along
the line telling tiie bo\'s that this was all that could be liad,
but begged them to bear up and be coiu-ageous tor awhile
longer, when xictorv and jilentx' ot i^alions would be ours.
Allliough the bo\s WH're well idgii worn out with tatigiu-
and hunger, \c\ tlu'\- ri'spondinl to this appeal with c!i(H>rs,
iiidicating that tlu'\- could be relied on to sta\' with the light
until the linish.

fifty-ei(;htii india.na in:(iiMKXT.

12;

This morning- some ot" our skirmishers discovered an old lo<^
house, about mid\va\- between the lines, in which there was
stored a (|uantitv of tVesh meat. Our appetite was so whet-
ted b\- this discover\- that, without any orders, we charged on
the house and held the rebels at bay while we supplied our-
selves. Bullets were whistlino- about oiu^ ears in a \ ery
livelv fashion while we were on this expedition, but we did
not mind a little thing like that, when there was a chance ol
getting all the tresh salted pork we could carry otY. It was
an interesting sight to sei' the boys, each with a sidt> ot
bacon oi- a ham on his bayonet, skipping across the open
held while the rebel bullets were cutting on all sides. But
•5,-,^ we obtained J^lent^' of pork to eat with

our crackers, notwithstanding.

The da^' passed without anything
more serious than skirmish fighting.
It rained nearh' all (Ia\-. and at night
the river was running last, tiu-eatening
to become unfordable. It was teared
b\- General Crittenden, that the rebels
might take advantage of the isolated
]iosition of the left wing and attack us
that night, in which case we would be
in a critical situation. So we were aroused abovit twelve
o'clock and began recrossing Stone River. We had to
wade the swift running stream vip to our waists and were in
great danger of losing our footing and going down stream.
About two o'clock a. m. we arrived at a position near Gen«-
eral Rosecrans' headquarters, about a mile in rear of our
tVont line. We were thoroughh- wet and covered with
mud. but we were now where we could build tires and were
not long in availing ourselves of the privilege of drving oiu"
clothes and warming our thoroughlv chilled bodies.

JOIIX M. SToRMOXT,

Company B.

* Mustered in at Camp Gibson; re-enlisted in 1S64 and served until the
close ot" the war, beinij mustered out July 21, 1865. as Corporal. Since the
war his principal avocation has been farming, in which he has been success-
ful. He is now living on his farm near Princeton, Indiana, and i-- an active
member <>f \\\\^ P\ihlisliinir C'omniittre.

126

CHAPLAIX HIGHT'S HTSTOKY OF THE

Sunday. Jamakv 4. — It was a bright ; i:n that shed its
ravs upon the field ot Stone River this morning, but the sun was
an hour or more on its way betore the 58th was conscious of
its appearance and movements. P^vervthing was strangclv
quiet along our tront this Sabbath morning, and we wondered
at it. The explanation soon came. The rebels had evacu-
ated Murlreesboro last night and l^ragg's arm\- was now in
tuU retreat. The reception ot^ this news was the signal tor
hearty cheers and the wildest demonstrations ot" jov bv our
men. After a long struggle the victorv was ours. It was a
day of rejoicing all over the loyal part of the country because
of this victorv of Rosecrans' armv.

But the rejoicing was tinged with sorrow, on accovml of
the noble lives that had been sacrificed to gain this victorA.
The casualties of the 5Sth in this battle are as follows:

LIST OF KILLED ANJ) WOUXDEl).

COMPAXr A.

Kii-LEi) — Serircant William McGarv. rri\atos: Elias Skclton. Joscpli
Reavis, Alfred H. Enclicott. Alfred Traftser, James B. Drvsdale, Georj^e
Hurclifield.

WouNi)r;r) — Lieutenant and Regimental Adjutant, (."lias. C. Wiiitiuij;:
Corporal Abner M. Bryant. Privates: Joseph N. Davis, George Willis.
Wylie Knowles, Jesse Knovvlcs, John Crow, Moses C. Witherspoon. S\l-
vester Minnis, Stephen \'. \\\\\ . William '1". \\'ithersji()()n. Henr\- Beek.
Cieorge Iluteliinson.

COM PAS )' B.

Kii.LKi) — Pri\ate Joim \'an\\'a.;i;ner.
• Wounded — Corporal R. M. Lueas. Privates: Knocii Lowe. Robert
Parker, John M. .Stormont, R. D. Smith, John R. Sprowl, John Ilediicks,
John Baldwin, James Coehran, Green B. Yeagtr. W. L. Sprowl. P.. A.
fyowrv, Daniel Rea\is (at Lavergne), Jesse \\'a!ki'r. James \\'. Curry,
(taken prisoner and died in prison).

CUM I' AX )' C.

Kri.i.i'.i) — Privates: James Hall, ilenry Trusty. Sebeiii Roberls, Rolurt
Chew. CJeorge W. Ah is. David II oak.

WorxDED — Captain W. A, Dow nc\ , Orderlv Sergeant P. N. Spain;
Corporals John Johnson, Simpson Dve, Lzekiel lladloek. Privates: llai-
rison 'I'. Wright. Albert R. Woods, J, (;. Crosi.r, John V. I'liillips

FIFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA RECJIMENT. ll'7

COMPANl' D.

Killed — Private: Henry Curl, Abraham Jones.

Wounded — Captain (ieorge Whitman; Sergeant;^ N\'. A. Muiiford,
Willis M. Coleman. David J. Davis, D. C. Barrett. Privates: Thomas
Duncan, Leander Christmas, Johnson Wheeler, James Anderson, Daniel
\'an Winkle. James Cunningham, Alexander II. Cockrum, John Xorrick.

COMPANY E.

Killed — Lieutenant P'rancis B. Blackford.

W(nxnED — Captain A. II. Alexander, Orderly Sergeant John P. Nor-
man. Privates: Elijah A. Black, Zach. Pierce, Sam'l Hunt, Harbin Hughes.

COM PAX r F.

Killed — Private Henry McCoy.

Wounded — Orderly Sergeant Lycurgus C. Mason; Sergeants Hugh J.
P>arnelt, Isaac A. Hopkins; Corporal John W. Emmerson. Privates: John
Brownlee, Leander Cle\cland, William T. Sanders, John Richardson, Rob-
ert R. Honeycut.

COMPANY G.

Killed — Private Noah Miller.

Wounded — Sergeant Robert J. Brown. Privates: Henry Brenton,
John A. Borders, Perry Amos, Milton Holder. Harrison Whaley.

COMPANY //.

Killed — Corporal John II. Groves. Privates: Joseph L. Newman.
Andrew Cunningham.

Wounded — Corporal James Woods, Lieutenant William Adams. Pri-
vate ^^'illiam Kendall.

COMPANY I.

Killed — Corporals .Mexander W. McDonald. George W. Ent. l'ri\ate
Franklin Twitty.

Wounded — Corporals Cieorge Van, George W. Martin, VanBuren
Mead; Sergeant W. L. Shower. Privates: Josiah Miley, W. Doads, Lewis
Stallings, Joab Mead, Samuel E. Blair, Francis M. Smith, Geo. Williamson.

COMPANY K.
Killed — Privates: Alfred Goodman, Alfred Noe.

Wounded — Color Sergeant Jesse B. Miller; Sergeants Jolm ^V. Pace.
George W. Wilder. Privates: William Young, James Bohanan.

TO TA L CA S UA L TIES.

Total etfecti\c force, officers and men, of the Regiment engaged in the
battle. 410.

Killed and ;uortally wounded. ._ 27

Wounded and discharged .. i ;;

Other wounded 7.1

Prisoners. G

Total ..i>j

CHAPTER XI

Ix Camp at Miki-reksboro — Rkor(;axiza'itc>n of the
.\raiv — Drill, Picket Dltv and Fora(;in(; — Exjov-
ixG Camp Life — A Military Executiox — Closj^
Call for a 58T11 Deserter — Aim^eal of 'imie Offi-
cers Pre\'Ails — Pardoxp:]) uv the Pkesioexp —
Plans for a Ri:(;imextal ?*1oximi:xt Pickfixtei).

1 V 1 in<!" 1

• AA'. jaiurarv 5th, we entered MiirtVet\sli()r(). tiiul-
it lull of wounded. We also found some ol our
men, who had been taken jirisoners durini;" tln> fii"st da\"s tijL;"hl
and had been paroled h\ the rebels. A\'e jiassiMl ihi'ono-h the
town and took up our old position on the letl. Dt'tails \\(^re
sent out over the battletield to bur\- the death 'I'he PioncHM-
Bricrade was set to work to n^jiair llu> railroad brido'e aeross
Stone Ri\er, so that supplies mio-ht l-)e brouij^ht iVom \ash-
\-i11e. It was ascertained that Bra^'g's arm\- had n-tired to
Talhih tail and Shelbvville, but th > road> w.M'e bid. and th.^
ditlieult\- of (^-etlinj;- supplies made it imjiracticable tor our
arm\- to follow them. 80 we settled down to t-amp lit'e.and
bciran recruit in<»- oiu" depletcnl ranks.

In obedience to orders from the Wdv De]-)artmvMU . a i^en-
eral reorganization of the arm\' took place at this time.
What was formerlv kntnvn as the "Lith Army Corjis" was
chan<^ed to "The Department of the CumbtM"laml,"' or was
more oHMieralh' calUnl the Army of the Cumln'rland. The
three irrand divisions of lliis armv, luMH>totori> desiofnated as
the Ri<fht Winof, Center and Left A\'in(j;-, weri> now desiir-
nated as the 20th Corps, 14th Corjis, and 21st Corjis, com-

FrFTV-KKiirni IXDIAW IJKCilMKX'l'. IL",)

niaiuled respectiveh' b\' (jcnerals IVIcCook, Thoma.s aiul
Crittenden. The se\-eral l)i\isions and Brigades in each
Coi'jis were also numbered ditlerenth', the number beginning
at one in each case. According to this new arrangement
the I)i\ isions and JJrigades in the 2ist Corps, commandeil
bN- (General Critli-'nden, were numl>ered as lollows:

I'^irst I)i\ision ( tormerh' Olh) commanded b\- Cieneral
Wood.

Second Division (lormerh- _}.th) commanded 1")\- General
Palmer.

'I'hird Di\ision (t'ormei-h- 5th) commanded b\- (ieneral
\'an Clex'e.

Th'.' Brigades ol ilie First Dixision were numbered as t'ol-
lows :

First lirigade. (lormerlv 15th) in whicii was the 5Sth,
commanded b\- Ct)lonel F\-tle (vice Ilascall.)

Second Brigade (lormerlv 2 1st), commanded h\ General
\\ agner.

Third I>rigade ( lormcM'h' 20th. commanded b\- General
Cjrartield), commanded b\- Colonel Ilarker.

Rosecrans" arnu' took position in tVont ot the town, with
the right ;nul left wings thrown considerably to the rear,
almost completing the torm of a semi-circle. General
McCook occupied the position near the Shelbxville and
Salem pikes : General Thomas tVonting eastward tow ;ird
McMinnville and Tullaboma ; General Crittenden took a posi-
tion near the Liberty pike facing ea>t. The left of General
Wooers Division rested on tlie Lebanon pike. General \'an
Cleve being on the left of the jiike, connecting with Woods
lefi. Our Brigade (the First) was on the left of Wood's
Division, and was tiieret'ore located near the Lebanon \V\kv.
Pickets were thrown well to the tVont, with strong i-a\alr\-
videttes on the pike. A line of breastworks was tin-own up
along the entire Ironl, so tliat we might be in a condition to
resist an attack, ot which tiiere was some apjirehension.

Alter we were settled down in our regular camp, where
everything was kept clean and healthful, we began to

180

CHAIM.AIN 1II(;HT'S HiSTOia OK Till-:

take on new lite. Those ot our Regiment who had been
sick or convalescent rapidly improved. The spirits of the
men became more bouyant than ever. With the opening of
spring the improvement of the men became still more
marked. The camp was full of life. There was a great
deal of jov and hilarity prevalent, and much amusement
indulged in. But it was not all frivolity and profitless pas-
time that occupied the men of the 58th. Many of them
emploved the time in learning to read and write, having been
denied these educational advantages at home. Strange as it
mav seem, there was a large number of men in all Regi-
ments who could not write their own letters, nor read those
receiv^ed from loved ones at home. Until the^' became sol-
diers and were separated from home and friends, these men
had not known the need of this acquirement. Now they
knew the lack of an education, to their sorrow. So it was
that when an opportiinil\' was aflbrded them at this camp, to
learn to write and read writing, nearly all availed themselves
of it. Instruction was given regiilarh^ bv the Chaplain
and a number of members of the Regiment, who had the
ability to do so. The consequence was, that when the Regi-
ment left that camp there was scarcelv an\- who could not
write and read his own letters.

We spent a great deal of time drilling while here. We
also had some foraging to do. This was no small business,
either. It was necessarv to go manv miles alter forage, and
then there was danger of a conflict with the numerous bands
ot rebel cavalrv that were hoverin<if arountl in tlie vicinit\' ot'
our outposts. It thus became necessarv to send a strong
guard with these toraging trains. The First Division went
out, on the first of March, on an expedition of this kind,
which required three da\'s. We brought in a long train of
wagons loaded with corn, ha\'. tbdder. bacon, jiolatot's. etc..
as the result of oiu" tri]-).

As the season advanced tiie sun became liot, and as the
camps were all in the open fields, it was quite unpleasant.
So the order was given to erect temjiorarx- sheds, covered

FlFTV-KKiHTll INDIANA IJKlilMKNT. 1 .! 1

with (.-echu" brush, as a sh<,'kcr tVom the sun. 'I^liis was clone,
and we soon had very comfortable quarters.

It has been noted in tliese pages that a great man}^ desei-
tions occurred while the arm}- of General Buell was in Ken-
tucky. The 58th had several cases of this kind. President
Lincoln, by proclamation, offered amnestv to all deserters
who would return to their commands before the Hrst of April.
A very large number accepted this ofler. and the arm\- was
increased considerabh- b\' their \'oluntar\- reliuMi to dut\'.
The good feeling and spirit of the army was also much
affected by this leniency manifested bv the Commander-in-
Chief.

\h\i tiiere were many deserters wlio did not return luider
this proclamation. Several of these were arrested and sent
to their commands, to be tried by court martial, and most of
them were subject to severe penalty. A soldier belonging
to the 9th Kentucky, of Van CIe\e's Division, was executed
near our camp, June sixteenth.

I went to see this execution, as did man\- others iVom our
Regiment. The attendance of the Division, to which the
prisoner belcjnged, was compulsor\'. It was drawn up in
the form of three sick^s of a hollow square, on the left of the
turnpike, beyond Spence's house, with a large number ot"
spectators, on foot and mounted, assembled behind the
troops. The affair was a most pitifid and sickening-
sight, and one wiiicli it was hard to banish from mv mind.
The sight of one military execution is enough to satisf\- the
ctiriosity of any one who has not a heart of stone. Let me
attempt to describe this one :

The prisoner leaning on the arm of an officer, preceded
by an armed escort, a silver band and his coffin, and fol-
lowed by the squad of executioners and Chaplain, soon
made his appearance. Turning the right flank, inside of the
hollow square, he was conducted around the inside with
funeral music. Arriving about the center of the open side
his coffin was placed on the ground. His sentence was read
to him. His Company came in and bade him farewell. A

1:}L> CllAlM.AIN HKiMT'S HISTOIJV OF I'lii;

linn' was spent in pra\(.T — the j')ris()ner kneelinj^' oxer his
eoHhi. lie was then seated on it ; one took a w hite hand-
kerchief and phiced it over his eves. He manifested no
agitation. The ceremonies were ver^' solemn. Many
turned their eyes down the pike, li()):)ini^ some messenger
would come, bringing a pardon, but none came. Ma}' w'e
hope that a message of pardon from a better land, came
in answer to his praver. The pall bearers and all left the
prisoner sitting on his coffin. Tlie signal was given. One
gun tired. It seemed to have missed him. Then two tired.
He fell over his coffin. Tlien they all tired, irregularly.
The tiring was most shocking ; all should ha\'e tired at once.
The poor fellow died without a struggle. The Division
marched past him. He was then placed in his cotTm. A
hole was dug. Wher(> he died, he was buried. l^hiis
pavssed one himian b(.>ing troni earthlv st-enes. His crime
wa.s desertion.

"^rhree citizens were hung not tar tVom our camp hv order
of (leneral Rosecrans. Thev were guilt\' of the murder ol
an old citizen near the town, some time prior to oiu" coming.
Several of otu* Regiment went to see the exectition, which
was in an open tield in lull view ot the camps.

The ^Sth had se\-eral tard\' deserters who were court mar-
tialed here, and subjected to variotis kinds ot punishment,
but onlv one who was sentenced to be shot. Richard Hem-
bree, of Companx' K. was that untortunale one. His sen-
tence was read to liim about ii o'clock, Sunda}', June 21 :
the execution was to take jilace between twelve and three
o'clock, Monda\'. Tiie aniu)uncement ol this sentence
created great consternation among oflicers and men.

It is safe to sav that no event occurred during our entire
service tip to this time, that stirred the sympathies and teel-
ings of the men so nuu'h as did this announcement, thai
came so suddenlv and unexpectedly. Becatise ol this teel-
iniT, and the imivei'sal interest that the incident e.xcited at
the time, is a suflicient justitication for giving the full details
here.

fifty-ki(;htii Indiana iJE(iniKNT. i.!:;

Following- is ;i c )]')V of the oOicial dociinu'iU lluU was
handed lo Adjutanl C C. Whiting by an orderly iVoin
Division Ileadqnarters, about ten o'cdock ot the day men-
tioned :

lIlCAUcy^ ARTKRS DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND. /

Ml RFREESBORo, Tenn., June gth, 1863. )
General Orders /
No. 137. \

I. At a general court martial, which con\ened at MiirtVeesboro, Tenn..
on the first day of May. 1S63, pursuant to Special Orders No. 38, from head-
quarters 1st Division, 21st Armv Corps, Department of the Cumberland, and
of which Lieutenant-Colonel R. C. Brown. 46th Rejriment O. \". 1.. i^ jires-
ident, was arraigned and tried.

1st, Richard llembreo, a private of Company E, s^th Rcgimenl huii.ma
\'olunteer Int'antr\-, on the tbilow iiig charge and specification:
Charge, desertion.

Specification. — In this, that private Richani llenihrec, of Company \i,
5Sth Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, licing duly enlisted in the serv-
ice of the l.'nited States, did desert the service of the L'nited States. Ids said
Company and Regiment then and there being in constant expectation of bat-
tle; all this near Perryville, K\-., on or about the seventh day ot" Octolxr,
iS6j. And the said Richard llembreo did remain absent until tlie eleventh
dav of Mav, 1S63, when he was dulv arrested and brought to his Reginu'iU.

To which charge and specification the accused plead as. follows:

'i'o the specification, guilty: to the charge, guilty.

Findings of the court. — Of the specification, ginJtv ; of the charge, guiltv.

Sentence. — Ami the court do therefore sentence liim, Private Richard
llembree, of Companv 1',, ^Sth Regiment Iniliana X'olunteer Intantrv, to l)e
shot to death, at such time and jilace as the commanding Cieneral mav
.direct, tvvo-third> ot' tjie members of the coiut concurring therein.

II. The proceedings of the court in the case ol' Private Riihard ilem-
biee. Company K, 58th Regiment Indiana \'olunteei- I nfant ry. was a|iproveti.
The sentence will be carried into execution under tlie direction of the Com-
mander of the Division in which his Regiment is serving, on Mondav, the
22d day of June, 1S63, between the hours of twelve m. and three p. m.

I>v command of MajorCieneral Rosecrans.

C. (iODDARD.
Officiai,: Assistant .\djutant (ieneral.

A. THRALL.

Assistant Adjutant (ieneral.

Adjutant Whiting, after having intbrmed Cok)nel Buell
and Lieutenant-Colonel Embree of the contents of this order,
proceeded to the Regimental guard house, where llembree

l.il (IIAIM-AIN HKiHT'S IIISTOI.'V OK THK

was contiiK'd, and read to iho jirisoner the court's sentenee
and order tor his execution, and made a detail of guards to
con\e\- him to Division headc^uarters. When the order was
read to him. Hembree was astounded, and utterly unable to
comprehend the tuU meaning of the terrible fate that was
awaiting him. It was some time before he could fully real-
ize his situation. Adjutant Whiting told him that Colonels
Buell and Embree were going to intercede for him with
General Rosecrans, and that everything possible would be
don2 to save his life. With this assurance, Hembree became
somewhat more reconciled and soon announced his readiness
to go with the guard to Division headquarters.

In the meantime Colonels Buell and Embree had set about
getting a reprieve for the prisoner, or at least a commutation
of his sentence. They w^ent together to General Rosecrans"
headquarters, but as he was at church did not liave an oppor-
tunitv of seeing him. An appointment was made, however,
throucfh General Tames A. Gartield, Chief of Statf, bv w4iich
thev were to meet the commanding General at three p. m.
At the appointed hour they returned and presented their
case. General Rosecrans heard them, but did not evince
much sympathy with their plea, in fact, he rather discouraged
liie hope of anv change of the decree of the court. Failing
to get trom General Rosecrans any assurance that he would
revoke the order, Buell and Embree returned to the Regi-
ment. Colonel Buell was disposed to abandon the case as
hopeless, but Colonel Embree was not willing yet to give it
up. By profession he was an attorney, and his experience as
an advocate gave him a strong ad\ antage in a pleading of
ihis kind. He resolved to bring all his skill as a lawyer and
liis power as an advocate to bear, in an effort to save the life
of this man. He again repaired to General Rosecrans'
headquarters, and, through the intercession of General Gar-
lield, a ]x>rsonal friend of Colonel Embree, secured another
audience with the commanding General. This interview
lasted about an hour, during which Colonel Embree pressed
his suit with all the ardor of which he was capable. Rose-

FlFTY-KKiH 111 INDIANA KE(i 1 M KN'i'. i:!:>

crans listened willi nit)re interest than at tirst. and e\en com-
plimented Colonel Embree on his ability as a lawyer, and
especially uj-)on liis earnestness in pleadino- this ca^■e. He
tin ally said :

"Colonel Embree, you <,a) back to your Regiment, o-ft up
a paper embodying all that you plead on behalf ot' this pris-
oner, and haye the same signed by all the officers of your
Regiment. Bring this paper to me, and I will see what can
be done."

With this encouraging hope to inspire him. Colonel
Embree returned to the Regiment and at once prepared his
appeal. By this time it was after dark, and before the appeal
could be written up and put in shape for signatures most of
the officers had retired. However, Adjutant Whiting took
the paper and visited each of the officers, whose names
were desired, at their quarters, arousing them and secur-
ing their signatures. At an early hour Monday morn-
ing the work was completed. With a confident heart.
Colonel Embree started, after an early breakfast, with the
appeal to General Rosecrans' headquarters.

Although there was a belief among the officers and men
of the 58th that the execution would be postponed, at least.
yet there w^as no positive assurance of this. So, the forent)on
of Monday was passed in anxious suspense, waiting to hear
what action General Rosecrans would take. The condition
of mind of the poor convicted prisoner was, of course, more
miserable than that of his comrades, during these long hours
of suspense. As Regimental Chaplain, it was my duty to
visit him and otier him such spiritual advice as I could. I
I'ound him at Division headquarters, in charge ol the pro\ osi
guard, soon after his removal to that place. The officer in
charge was very kind to him and to me, extending all the
privileges that w^as possible under the circumstances. At
my first visit I told Hembree that we would do all we could
for him, but urged him to examine his preparation tor death.
He cont'essed that he was not ready for eternity, and seemed
to be deeply sensible of his condition. At a late hour in the

I.'.t; CHAFLAIX RIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE

evening I called again, prayed with him and pointed him to
the Savior as well as I could, then left him to spend a mis-
erable night of anxietv. At ten o'clock J\londay morning I
called again. Hembrec now professed a belief in the ]-)ardon
of his sins and a readiness to meet death. lie was still
unconscious as to his fate, but was now seemingU- resigned
io meet whatev^er might be awaiting him.

At one o'clock p. m. the otlicers of the Regiment were
called together to hear the result of their petition. General
Wood disapproved of the commutation of the sentence, but
apprv>ved of the plea tor an extension of the time.

General Critteiulen did not commit liimself stronijh- either
way, but talked rather more favorablv for the prisoner.

General Rosecrans argued against the petition, but admit-
tetl sexeral points well taken. Incidentallv, he gave the
petitioners a jtist rebuke for going into battle unprepared lor
(K'atli. He. however, conchided to grant a reprieve luilil
the will ot the President could be known.

(ieneral WOod notified Ilembree of the decision, and of
coursi* we were all greatK' relitwed. We know that Pi'esi-
di'nl Lincoln has a tender lieart, aiul the jirobabilitv is that
Ilendiree will be pardoned.

The lollowing is a coj)\' ot the otlicial documents in this
case, including the appeal ol the Regimental otlicers, the
several <.'ndorsements ot the commanding Cienerals, tlu'
o;")inion ot ftidgt.'- Advocate Holt, and the final endorsment
of a lull ]:)ardon, b\' President Lincoln: ■'■

*•" These papers were not found witli Chaplain lli<^lit's manuscript, but a
copy was recently obtained iVom the ^^'ar Department. 'IMiey are f^iven a
]>lace in the body ot" this work, rather than in toot notes or in an appendix.
i)ecause it seoned more appropriate in order to till out tiie complete histors'
ot' this incident in our Reij;imental history, an incident tliat made so deep an
impression in tlie memory ot" every one with the Regiment at the time. In
this connection, it may be stated, that this Richard Ilembree lived to ser\ e
hi.s term of enlistmeiU. and is siill li\in'.i at the time thi- is published, —
TG. R. S,

F I FT Y-E Kill r li INDIA N A i; F( i I .M F X T . 1 •! 7

J.y APPEAL f\ BEHALF OF RICH API) 1/ EMI! PEE.

Lami' Fii TV-EKJit rii Indiana X'ci.i n i i.kks. .
FiK^r Bkicadi:. First 1)i\ ision, 'I'wf.ntv-iiks r Ai<m"i Cokts, •

juno J 1st, 1S63. \

C. (ioddarcL Liciitonnil - C oloinl ami A.^sislaiit A(/ / ii/n n I -< r ciicrd/. Di'fa rf ■

nioit of the (' II mbrrla 11(1 :

Sir: 'J'hc un^^l.•l•^i^■IU•^i. commissioned otlu-crs ot'llu'^Slh RcLiinu'iit Indi-
an;i \'olun toiTs. desire re>-)>eet'ull \- to tender this, ihcir ;ippe;il in liehait ol
Kiehani Ilemhiee. prixate otCompanv E of saiii Regiment, who. liv (ien-
eiMl Orders No. 137. is sentenced to he sliot to deatli hetween tlie houfs of
twelve 111. and three p. m. on to-inonow. the 2.1a instant.

We would respecttidlv represent that the prisoner, at the time lie ahsented
himself from his Regiment, did not do so tor the purpose ot' deseitini; the
service, hut, on the contrarx. -vvas taken sii-k on the tenth chi\ ct ()c!ol>tr.
i86j. and was unahle to niarcli with his Company; he fell iiack. on the
mai'ch. was oxertaken h\- the wa^on train, and heinu; unahle to carry hi- liun
and accoutrements, jilaced them in a wa^on and undertook 'o keep up with
the train (no one hein<r allowed to riile on the \\ aL^ons In this his strengtli
failed him. and he was compelled to stop hv the wayside. He lemained at a
house near the road until the iith of Octoher. when the army had passed on
before him, and he wa- in a land of strani;ers; we mi'j;ht sa\- a l.ind ol' ene-
mies. It was then that tlu' thou'^ht ot'ijjoini; home lirst oci'urred to him, and
under the circumstances he imlortimateh' \ iehied and I'ommittcd. techiiic-
all\ . the crime ol' desertion.

It will he noticed that tiie specilication states tliat Ilemhree descried on
the 7th, which was the tia\- pi-c\ious to the battle ofChajilin lliils. wlien hat-
tic was momentarilv exjiected. This was a mistake, as he tlid not fall behind
his Rej^iment until the lotli of Octoher. and did not desert until the iith,
when, if we remember correctlv. there was no apprehension of an immediate
cn<jay;ement »

Ilemhree is a man of little, wc mii^ht sa\' of no information ru- cducalion.
trustiiii^ anci confiding in his disposition, remembering the high estimation
in which human lite is regarded in times of peace w hen there is no jiuhlic
danger. 1 !<- ]-)lead giiilt\- to the I'liarges and specifications, thus preventing
investigation and production of testimony, or evidence of the tacts in mitiga-
tion, which we know have been in like cases of such vital importance to the
prisoner.

Had his plea been "not guilt\ ." we are confident that his sentence would
not lia\ e been so terrible.

At the time Richard llcmbrec is charged with haxing deserted, it will be
remembered that th.e army, then under command of (ieneral IJuell. was, ,ind
for a long time had been, dailv weakening bv desertion. Almost whole Reg-
iments had deserted at Louis\ille, and officers high in command, wearing the
insignia of office and authority, had set before privates the example of deser-
tion. The law then was the same that it is to-day: yet none had been seri-
ously punished — hardly punished at all. When brought to their Regiments,
they were returned to duty almost without censure.

138

CHAI'LAIX MIGHT'S HlSTOh'V OK THK

Is it strant;e tliat an ignorant man. tired, tbot-soit' and sick. aUinc in an
oncinv's c()unlr\- 'c()ni]iaratively), thinkinjf of iiis wile and little ones at
home, ^hou!d he intluenced hv such examples.'

It nia\' be answered that it had been published and declared that the pen-
alty for desertion was death! Ves; that is true. Vet desertion had for
months taken place dav by day, and this penalty, nor any other serious
penalty, had not at that time been exacted in all the armies of the Union.

If the Government had allowed the law to become unenforced and inop-
erative, thereby deceiving soldiers in the army us to the penalties to be
inflicted, ought not the Government to suffer at least a large part of the
injurious consequences of such a course.-^ We res|)eelfull\- think it shouki.

The question then to be solved is: Has the law been \indieated, so tar
as this portion of the army is concerned.' Is it necessary that another
example should be made.'

Iti this we know we have no right to judge, as it is peculiarly within the
province of the commanding General. Yet we would respectfully state that
but a few days ago our Regiment, or the greater part of it, did witness the
execution of a pri\ate of the 3d Division, 21st Army Corps, for the crime of
desertion. >\nd the same execution was also witnessed by large numbers of
men of other Regiments of this Division.

^^'e belie-.e no further example is necessary to \indicate the law in this
Regiment, in fact desertions have long ago ceased in this Regiment. If
further example be necessary for the benefit of other Regiments, we humbly
and respectfully .ask that they may be allowed to furnish the victim, as there
is no doubt they have cases equally or more worth v than that of Ilembree.

.\gain. we would respeett'ully state that Ilembree resides in Dubois
county. Indiana, a county which, out of a vote ot about sixteen hundred
voters, easts eleven hundretl majority against the administration, tlius leav-
ing but about two hundred and fifty friends of the administration (or Gov-
eriunent. as they call it) within the county. This large number of men who
oppose the Government are earnest in the work, and numy of them have
been engaged, if report is true, in writing letters to the soldiers of this Regi-
ment, telling them th.at they are engaged in a wicked and luihoh' enterprise,
politically and morally; th;it the curse of (Jod and man rests upon them; that
all their frieiuls at home entertain these opinions, and ad\ ising tlu'in to liesert
the service; tliat such an act will be accounted honorable and no penalty
infiicted; that the people (the sovereign people) will protect them.

Is it strange that such things sliould have elTect upon ignorant men, when
desertion was common and the Government failed to vindicate itself and the
law?

Again. we would respectfully state that previous to the time he was taken
sick, and in that unfortunate hour deserted the service. Hembree was a good
and faithful soldier, and we ha\e no tloubt would slill hv such.

lie has a wife and live little children. They love him. lie lo\es them.
'I'hey look to him for sujiport. for the_\' are \erv pnnr. W'e grant that in
strict law tiiese are no reasons in jiis liehalf. yet we think tliat in milit;iry as
well as civil law, nirrey nia\- prnperh' oftrn ^<m--oii juslirc.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGDIENT. 189

Lastly. \ve would respectfully state that the order tor this execution was
received at nine and a half o'clock a. m. of this day. Ilemhree dies to-mor-
row! How ^hort the timel It is said, "Life is given to prepare for death."'
Ilembree, like us, has not prepared. How terriblel

It may be said we have not so lon^' a time when we go into l)attle. PjhI
who goes into battle to die.' None; we all hope and believe we will live
\'ears beyond that hour. Hence few prepare for deaih. Wcr^: i-^ certain
death, and no adequate time for preparation.

We would therefore respectfully, earnestly and hiunbly request, that
Richard Hembree be not executed; that some milder pimishment be substi-
tuted, and if this request can not, in the opinion of the commanding Cien-
eral, be consistently granted, that he at least be granted a few more davs of
life.

JAMES T. EMBREE, Lieut. -Col. Commanding Regiment.

JOSEPH MOORE. Major

CHARLES C. WHITIXG, Adjutant.

NATHAN E\'ANS, Captain.

WILLIAM DAVIS, Captain.

WILLIAM A. DOWNEY, Captain.

J. M. SMITH, Captain.

DANIEL L. CAIN. Captain.

CHARLES H. BRUCE, Captain.

CJREEN McDonald, Captain.

GEORGE WHITMAN. Captain.

ZACHARIAH JONES, First Lieutenanl.

WILLIAM E. CHAPPELL, Captain.

WILLIAM ADAMS, Second Lieutenant.

J. G. BEHM. Second Lieutenant.

C;E0RGE W. HILL. Second Lieutenant.

HENRY TORRENCE, Second Lieutenant.

AUGUSTUS MILBURN. First Lieutenant.

WOODFORD TOWSEV, First Lieutenant

D. M. HADLOCK, Second Lieutenant.

J. R. .VDAMS. Assistant Surgeon.

RICH.VRD A. WOOD, Second Lieutenant.

(AJ^'INCY A. HARPER, First Lieutenant.

HUGH J. BARNETT, Second Lieutenant.

JAMES D. FOSTER, First Lieutenant.

JACOB DAVIS, Second Lieutenant.

LYCURGUS C. MASON, First Lieutenant.

JOHN J. HIGHT, Chaplain.

(iEORCiE RAFFAN. First Lieutenant and R. (^^ M.

H K.\Dqi ARTKKS FlRST IJRK.AOr. ^

June 22, 1863. \
Hoping tile prayer ot' tin-. jH'tition be granted. I appro\e and respectfullv
forward. (iEO. P. BUELL.

Coloi ■?] ySth Indiana. C'dminanlin" Brigade.

110 CIIAI'I.AIN IIKillT'S IllSTOIfV OF THK

1 1 lAixy; AK iKKs 1'"m^si' 1)i\isu)X. '1"\\ i:x i\- I- iRsi Akmv Cokps. )
M rKFRi:i:si!()Ki>. Ti-.N v.. luno jj. iSCi-j. )
1 approve this application so fai" as ihc uranliiii;' tlio respite ol" a tew cia\s
to the prisoner goes, but I cannot approve the ajipiication lor a remission
ot" iiis sentence. The man was al>sent from his Regiment more tlian seven
months and did not retain until he was arrested, showing a fixed determina-
tion to desert the service; and this, too, after the President's proclamation
tor tile return of deserters: and after, too. an ollicer had been sent from this
armv to tlu' .State of Indiana to aid deserters to retui-n and av.-iil themselves
of tlie inimunitv granted in the ])i-oclamation. Justice to the intiividual is
I'lten mere v to the man \ .

TllO.S. J. WOOD.
Brii/adier-C jeneral X'olun leers, Comniandin"'.

11 1: Ancy. ARTERs Tvv kxtv-First .Xr-mv Cori>s. )

June 2 2. iS('T,- \
Respectt'nllv forwanied. I recommend that further lime be given in this
case. The prisoner plead guiltv and was conv icled. An ignorant man mav
have debarred himself from manv extenuating circumstances; mav have
thonght it a trivial oflence and refused to put in anv defeni-e; and mav . at
tlie same time, have had testimonv to mitigate the peiiahv of death.

r. L. CRn-lKNDKX.

M aior-( jeneral.

1 1 EAIXJJ AK ri l<s DKl'ART.MEN'r Of nil ClM I! i: R 1. \ N O . /

M IRFR liKsiioRo, lune j;;, i ^''•v \

Res|iectl"ull V lorwardeii to the .\diutanlCieneral of the armv tor the
action ot'the President.

\Vhate\er mav have been llembree"s temptation to leave on tlie loth of
October, his not returning in obedience to the President's proclamation
shows him a deserter.

It is better for the service that a snUicient number of executions should
take place in each Corps to show that the law will wo.v/ probably be enforced,
instead of giving the impression as each case occurs, and pravers for man\
prevail, that most iirobahly the criminal will not be punished.

The iietitioners sav thev go into battle knowing thev iMsk Hie and vet do
not prcjiare for ileath. It is doubtless unwise in them, but each tieserter acts
on this jirinciple when he deserts, not believing he will lie punisheil

We must show bv examples that this is wrong.

The grounds which clain) mercv most stronglv are. tli it llie prisoner has
a wife and five ciiildren, and that he comes from a mii^hborhood where
lovalty is at a discount, and has usually behaved well.

For these reason'- he will be rtprieveti until the pleasure of the Piesident
lan be kTiown.

\V. S. ROSECRAN.S,

Ma ioi- ( ieneral ^'ominandinir.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA IIEGIMENT. Ul

Adjutant- General's Office, /
Washington, July 9, 1S63. \
Respectfully referred to the Judge Advocate General.

By order SAM'L BRECK,

Assistant Adiutant-General.

JiDGE Advocate General's Office, /
July 15th. 1863. S

Case of Richard Ilembree. private, Company E, 5Sth Indiana Volunteers.

llembree is under sentence of death for desertion. On the 21st of June,
1863, an order was received at the camp of his Regiment — the sSth Indiana —
for the execution of his sentence the next day. A petition, which appears to
hear the signatures of all the commissioned officers of the Regiment, was
immediately forwarded to the commanding General, praying a respite and
mitigation of sentence.

This petition sets forth that there are extenuating circumstances in the
case of Hembree which would, in the opinion of the petitioners, if they had
been presented to the consideration of the court martial, have induced a more
lenient sentence than that pronounced against him. But being a very igno-
rant man, though he had been a good and dutiful soldier, and not appreci-
ating the gravity of his offense, which had thitherto been committed almost
with impunity by large numbers of men within his own observation, who
had been allowed to return imjiunished to their Regiments, he pleaded guilty,
and so precluded himself from the benelit of the e\idence in hi^ fa\or.

The petition sets forth that on the loth of October, 1S62, being on march
with his Company, Hembree was taken sick and fell back. Being overtaken
by the wagon train, and being unable to carry his gun and accoutrements, he
was allowed to place them in a wag'jn. That he then undertook to keep up
with the train, but his strength failing him, he was forced to lie by at a house
by the roadside. That up to this time no thought of deserting had entered
into his intentions, but the armv ha\ing by the iith passed beyond his reach,
and he, being in a land of strangers — if not of enemies — yielded, unhappily,
to his strong inclination to go home to see his family — a wife and five smalN
children — to whom he is represented as being very much attached. Mis
home is in a county of sixteen hundred voters, which lately gave a majority
of ele\en hundred votes against the administration. The influence brought
to bear upon this stolid, ignorant man, in that disloyal cotnmunity, is sup-
posed to have been of the most pernicious kind. lie did not return to his
Regiment until arrested and carried back, after an absence of several months,
during which the President's proclamation of immunity to such deserters as
returned to their duty had been published in Indiana, and an officer had been
sent there to aid deserters in a\ailing themselves of it. It does not appear
whether or not Hembree had any knowledge of either of these facts.

General Crittenden recommends that execution be delayed, and thinks
that by pleading guilty the prisoner mny have debarred himself of the ben-
cDts of manv extenuating circumstances,

\V2 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

General Rosecrans for\vards tlie case for the action of the President. He
thinks that whatever may have been Ilenibree's temptation to leave on the
loth of October, his failure to return, in obedience to the President's procla-
mation, shows him to be a deserter. That it is better for the service that a
surticient number of executions should take place in each Corps to show that
the law will most probabh' be entbrced. instead ot" lea\ ing the imjircssion. as
each case occurs, and ]-)rayers for merc\' jircvail. that most probably the
(•riminal will not be punished.

General Rosecrans is further of the opinion that the grounds which
claim mercv most strongly in the case are, that the prisoner has a wife and
live children, and that he comes from a neighborhood where loyalty is at a
discount, but has. nevertheless, generally behaved ^\ell.

It is proper to state that it appears from the specification of the charge
against the prisoner, confessed by his plea, that his arrest occurred on the
1 ith of May. 1863.

I have the hon,>r to lie,

'S'our obedient ser\ant.

J. HOLT.
To the President. Ju'lg*-' Advocate General.

Pardon.

.\. LINCOLN.
July iS, 1S63.

, .\mono' othi^r important L'\ent.s j-)erUiininLi," to the Regiment
here, was the ori^inatino- a phm tor erecting" a Regimental
Monument.

The ]">hin was to seciu'e tlie fnnd that was (hie tiie Regi-
ment on accoiHit of commutation aUowed by the (io\ernment
for unused rations, with the addition of liberal subscriptions
from the ofllcers. and with this fund erect a monument.
This plan was made known to the Regiment, and was heart-
ilv endorsed b\- all. Accordingly a monumental organiza-
tion was perfected, of which Lieutenant-Colonel Kmbree
was made president and Major Joseph .Moore secretary. It

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA RECHMENT,

li'S

MONUMENT OF THE FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMEN

AT PRIN-CETOX. IXDIAXA.

DEDrCATED JULY 4, 1865.

U4. (IIAPLAIX H1(;HT"S HISTOK'V OK TilK

was stipulated that the cost ot the monument should not
exceed $5,000, and that no subscription should be solicited
outside of the members of the Regiment, as it was intended
to be a monument of the Regiment and erected by the Reg-
iment. It was determined by the voice of the Regiment
that the monument should be erected in the court house
; quare in Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana, where the
Regiment was organized. A local committee was appointed,
consisting of Andrew Lewis, Joseph Devin, William Kurtz
and John Kell, to carry into effect the wishes of the Regi-
ment. This committee advertised for plans, with probable
cost of erection. In answer, the committee received a num-
ber of designs, with cost. The design of C. Rule and Cole-
man, of Cincinnati, Ohio, was adopted as the choice of the
Regiment, as the one most appropriate for the purposes
intended.

The design of monument adopted was an elegant marble
shaft, about thirty-three feet in height. On the north side,
crossed swords, flag and wreath. On the east side, a small
sliield resting on bunches of oak and myrlle crossed.
Underneath, a large wreath encircling the Vvords : "Erected
by the survivors of the Fifty-eighth Regiment Indiana Vol-
unteers, to the memor}^ of their deceased comrades." On
the south side is a knapsack supporting crossed muskets and
flags, and a soldier's cap. On the west side is the coat of
arms of the state of Indiana. On the several sides are the
following inscriptions: On the south, "Stone Ri\-er;" west,
"Lavergnef' north, "Mission Ridge;" east, "Chicka-
mauga" and "Honor the Flag." The names of all of the
members of the Regiment known to be dead at the dale of
erection of the monument were to be inscribed on its several
faces. An American eagle, made of the tinest Italian marble,
surmounts the shaft, holding the national ensign in his beak
and talons.

The resident committee was notified of the choice of the
Regiment, and it closed a contract with the above named
firm, stipulating that the monument should be completed by

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REOIMENT. 14.5

the time the Regiment returned from the tield at the expira-
tion of its term of service.*

While in this camp, the order was given to turn over our
Sihlev tents and adopt the sheher tents in their stead.
These were pieces of canvas about four feet square, one
piece to be carried by each man. By fastening two together
and stretching over a small pole, a shelter was provided for
two men. When put up, they very much resembled a dog
kennel, and the outtit was very appropriately named ''Pup
Tents'" by the boys. There was a general howl of indigna-
tion when this new order was introduced. The imprecations
that were heaped upon the man who brought this miserable
travestv on a tent into existence were emphatic. But exper-
ience changed their opinion. The shelter tent proved to be
of the ({reatest service after its merits became fullv known.

Altogether, our stay in Murfreesboro was the most pleas-
ant experience in our soldier life. Our camps were all in
strict military order, and wxre kept clean. Our daily duties,
while sometimes arduous, were not unpleasant. Under the
strict discipline and regular drill maintained here, the army
was greatly improved. In the matter of clothing and equip-
ments, it never presented as tine an appearance as it did on
dailv dress parade at MurtVeesboro.

"■•■ This monument \vas formallv and appropriately dedicated on the 4th
dav of Julw 1S6;, while the Regiment was yet in camp at Louisville. Ken-
tucky, awaiting orders for final discharge, which had been expected to take
place prior to the above date. Many of the officers and enlisted men of the
Regiment recei\ed furloughs and were present at the dedication, as well as
large numbers of citizens, and soldiers of other Regiments. Addresses were
delivered l)y Dr. Andrew Lewis, Rev. John Mc Master. D. D., Chaplain
John ]. I light, and others, and the monument was accepted in behalf of the
Regiment bv the members thereof who were present. It was the first mon-
ument erected in the state in honor of soldiers of the war of the Rebellion,
and is probabU' the onlv Regimental mommient, in any state, erected In-
fands provided b\- its members exclusiveh', and the only one dedicated before
the Regiment was discharged from the service. In the manner of its con-
ception, as well as in the manner of its construction, the ^Sth Indiana Regi-
mental Monument, which stands in the court house square at Princeton, is
certainlv unique.

CHAPTER XII.

Advancinc; on Tullahoima — Marching Through Mud
AND Rain — Climbing tuk Mountain — Demonstra-
tion OF Cannon County People — Tullahoma E\'ac-
UATED — In Camp at IIillsboro — Kii>led by an
Over-Zealous Guard — Excitement and Indigna-
tion in the 58TH — Military Funerals — Religious
Services in Camp — Celebrating the Fall op'
vicksburg and victory at gettysburg numer-
OUS Events of Interest Detailed.

TUESDAY, June 23, orders were issued to the various
Brigades and Regiments to prepare for marching next
morning, earlv, with three days' rations in the haversacks
and live in the wagons to accompany' each Regiment.
Althoupfh simihu- orders had been issued several times betbre,
during our stay here, vet there were many indications now
that tliis order was not to be countermanded. It was to be
a move sure enough.

Wednesday, June 24, we broke up our pheasant camp and
started on the march at seven o'clock. It was a great sight
to see this grand army move out. With wagons, artillery,
cavalry, officers and men, in almost endless lines, the column
moved on various roads leading toward the enemy, ^rhe
air was rent with cheers and with music of Ixuids, as tliis
ijreat host, with banners ilvino-, marched forth airain to
battle.

Van Cleve's Division, of oiu" Corps, was lett in tlie fortitica-
tions at Murfreesboro. We moved out on the Bradyville
pike. Palmer's Division was in the ad\ance of Wood.

FIFTV-KKiHTH INDIANA KKlilMENT. 11-7

About nine o'clock it beijjan to rain and soon the dust\' pike
was converted into a thorou<^htare of thin mud. There are
rebels in front of our column but thev are in small force and
are not makino- much opposition. Over on the right, on the
Manchester pike, where General Thomas' Corps is moving,
we can hear hea\ y cannonading, indicating that the rebels
are contesting his advance in strong force.

About two p. m. we went into camp near Donnelson
Church, having marched twelve miles. The 58th jiut up
their shelter tents for the tirst time, in a low, wet meadow.
It was still raining and we found our "pup tents" quite a
protection. Palmers' Division passed on to Bradvville and
went into camp. Companies A and V went out on picket.
They were stationed at a house and had a much more pleas-
ant position than those who remained in camp.

At seven o'clock next morning we were again on the
marcii. The rain was now coming down in torrents.
About ten o'clock we passed through Bradvville, a miser-
able, dilapidated town, that seemed the worse for having
been the camp of a strong force of rebel cavalr\'. Here the
turnpike ended and we had to take the dirt road, which was
now almost impassable. I saw two male citizens at this
town, the tirst we had seen since leaving Murfreesboro.
Neither were able bodied. I also had a conversation with a
native woman. She had not been about much. Said she
had been "at the foot of the Hollow, Gillev's Gap, but never
at the top," and had lived here all her lil'e. She was one of
those people who thougiit it very wrong for "vou uns" to
come down here to fight ''we uns."

We could only make tour miles to-dav on account of Pal-
mer's Division being in oiu" advance and in our wav. At
five p. m. we went into camp in Gillev's Gap, b\' some
called Brush Gap. At the time of going into camp the rain
had ceased and the sun was shining.

We remained in camp all next da^• wailing for Palmer's
Division to clear the wav. Thev were ascendinp- the first
steep shelf of the Cumberland Mountains, and progress was

UH CHArLALX HKJHT'S HISTOKY OF THE

slow. Rain fell in occasional showers all day. Cannonad-
ing and musketry heard on our right, in the direction of
Hoover's Gap.

Saturday morning, June 27, we were preparing to move.
Our Bricrade was sent in advance of Division to work on
road. With great difficulty our Division got up the steep
and rugged hill. We went four miles and camped at a place
called Dug Spring. This was in Cannon county. The
land was barren and the country sparsely settled. When
we went into camp great numbers of women and children
came from the surrounding brushes to see the soldiers. The
men had all gone to war, either as volunteers or conscripts.
The women had never seen a brass horn or heard a band
play. It was with rapturous delight that they listened to the
music of our Regimental band. One damsel declared, when
she heard "Dixie," that she would stay witli the band
always, if they would play that tune for her. The band
changed the tune. Another expressed it as her opinion,
that "you all are the smartest men that ever came to Cannon
county." We all felt very much flattered, and the band
almost blowed their eyes out in their efforts to show their
appreciation of this compliment. Our band was made up of
raw material, detailed from the various companies, while we
were at Murtreesboro, and they had not received many com-
pliments on their playing up to this time, lience, their high
appreciation of the musical taste of these Cannon county
women. Likewise, our Adjutant was affected b}- this
demonstration. lie is a man of great sobriety and decorum,
usually, liut on this occasion he tlirew decorum to the winds,
and mounting a stump, hat in hand, called for three cheers
for the band, and three times three for the women of Cannon
county. The boys responded to this call in a manner that
made the hills ring. They loaded the Cannon county chil-
dren down with crackers and such other nicknacks as sol-
diers have. Uncle Johnn\' Everett, our teamster, gave one
of the little boys a mule colt which he led off as proudly as
Alexander rode Beaucephalus. I dare say the visit of the

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. UO

Yankee soldiers to Dug Spring will linger in the traditions
of Cannon county tor a thousand years.

On Sunday, June 28, we marched nine miles, camping
near Manchester ; still raining, roads very bad. On Monday
morning we started again on our journey, l:)ut turned back
and went into camp, remaining there all day. Tuesday
morning we started at liye o'clock and went to Manchester
and camped on the banks of Duck river, north of the town,
until next morning. General \"an Cleye's Division, which
had been left at Murfreesboro, came up this evening bring-
ing a large supply train tbr the 21st Corps. They also
brought a big mail.

July 1st the ist Division was ordered to march at eleyen
o'clock in light order, towards Tullahoma. The ist Brigade
was detached as rear guard for the train, and was conse-
quently detained in Manchester until late in the afternoon.
About two o'clock p. m., while still lying here, news came
tliat the rebels had evacuated Tullahoma and that General
Brannan's Division, of the 14th Corps, was in the town.
We were to bring up all the train and follow the Division,
which was moving towards Hillsboro. It was eleven o'clock
that night when we got into camp, about one mile from
Hillsboro. The roads were very bad and we had to wait on
tlie slow progress of the wagon train.

For the next day or two we marched back and forth be-
tween Hillsboro and Pelham, This maneuverin<r, I believe,
was for the purpose of discovering the course of the enemy.
It was found that Bragg' s entire army had escaped across
the Cumberland Mountains towards Chattanooga, iVom
whence he started a year ago in a mad race to Kentucky.

General Rosecrans' Army was now placed in position as
follows :

General Thomas' 14th Corps was posted at Tullaliorna
and Decherd. General McCook's 20th Corps at the latter
place and Winchester. General Crittenden, 21st Corps,
was disposed of with Wood's Division, composed of Hark-
er's and Buell's Brigades, at Hillsboro, and Wagner's

i:,(i ( HATLAIN HI(;HT"S MISTOl.'Y OF THK

lirigade ;il l\'lluim, to watch the main passage over the
mountains from Manchester to Chattanooga. General
Rosecrans' headquarters were at Tullahoma, to which
phice raih-oad communication was opened by the 4th ot
July.

The 58th spent the 4th of July resting. We were short
of rations, but the country abounded in fruit and vegetables
of all kinds and the boys did not sutler for something to eat.
Som? of the commanding officers were very severe in their
denunciation of foraging and were always ready to piuiish
foragers, but they were always willing to accept a part ot
the proceeds of a foraging expedition.

We were in camp in a low flat place beside a little water
course, Sundav night, July 6th. On that night a tremend-
ous rain fell. Hooding all the country. In a few hours the
little stream had become a raging torrent, overflowing its
banks and flooding our camp. Man}^ of our men sustained
the loss of their shoes and other articles lying around loose.
It was a great time we had that niglit hunting a dry spot of
ground on which to rest.

At one o'clock Mondav we moved to a much better camp-
ing ground.

Wednesday, Julv 8th, I was awakened by the tiring of
cannon in our camp. I was confident it was on accoinit of
some good news and immediately got tip to learn what it
was. I soon learned it was on account of the surrender
of \'icksburg and the victory over Lee's army at Gettysburg.
This was certainlv good enough news for one da\' and
it was verv natin-al that we should all feel happy over it.

This forenoon we moved again for a change, going back
to llillsboro, a march of eight miles. This makes the Iburth
time we have traveled this road within the past few days.
Moved camp several times in the next few days, and finally
got settled down very comfortably near a big spring.

Sr.NDAV, JiL\' 12. — I ]-)reached in the camp of the looth
Illinois at io:,^o a. m. In the evening Chaplain Crews, of
that Regiment, preached for me in the camp of the 58th.

FlFTY-KKillTH INDIANA IJKii I .M KNT. 1 M

His sermon was u <;rand one and he had a hiro;e and alten-
live audience. The same cannot be said of my audience in
his Regiment in tlie forenoon, whatever might be said of the
sermon. There is a great deal more unconcern manifested
in regard to religious matters in the looth Illinois than there
is in the 58th Indiana.

At tive o'clock Monday afternoon I went to attend the
funeral of John Lawson, of the 3d Kentvicky, on detached
duty in the 8th Indiana Battery. He was a native of east
Tennessee, but removed to Clinton county, Kentucky,
wliere he enlisted on the nth of August, 1861; leaving
behind him a wife and several small children, surrounded
by people who were hostile to the Union army. He was a
good moral man, a taithful soldier and a true patriot. His
death occurred this morning. At the funeral the procession
was formed as follows :

Captain and Senior First Lieutenatit.

Caison, vqion which cofHn was placed, attended hy jiall bearers.

One section of battery.

Band of 58th Indiana.

Chaplain and Surgeon.

Commissioned officers of battery.

Non-commissioned officers and men.

We marched out to solemn music to the little cemetery,
but before reaching there a heav^' shower of rain began to
fall w^hich cut short the intended ceremonies.

Richard Hembree came up from Murfreesboro to-day,
July 14th. He does not know anything about the deter-
mination of the President in his case, but as he was told to
report to his company he lias good reason to believe that the
kindness of President Lincoln's heart has saved his life.
Hembree is a happy man. Who would not he imder sim-
ilar circumstances.

We now have full rations and little work to do and arc
enjoying camp life exceedingly. It is evident that w^e have
gained a greater victory over Bragg at Tullahoma than it'
we had fought him, as thousands of his men are deserting
him since his army left middle Tennessee. Fifteen came

i:)2 CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S HISTORY OF THE

into our camp to-dav. They represent the rebel army as
greatly demoralized since Bragg has passed over the moun-
tains and beyond the Tennesse river. General Forrest is on
this side gathering up deserters.

General Rosecrans has gone to McMinnville. I believe
we should advance immediately on Chattanooga, but it is
probably impracticable to do so, on account of our transpor-
tation tacilities. If we only had a road through Cumberland
(xap we could make out better.

b^-iday, July 17, I joined a forage train that was going out
into the country. This train was made up from our Regi-
ment and the looth Illinois, wdth Lieutenant Wood in com-
mand of our escort. Lieutenant L. C. Mason, my mess-
male, was in the company. The first house I called at was
a Mr. Tucker's, two miles from our lines. He is a minister
in the M. E. church, South, and a Union man. We next
passed his son-in-law, Mr. Charles, who is also a Union
man. Was shot at a number of times by conscripting offi-
cers. Here we contracted for some chickens and potatoes,
and passed on. In one respect, a great change has come
over the people of this country since we were here a year
ago. Nearly every secessionist is now convinced of the
hopelessness of the Confederate cause, and they desire the
speedy triumph of the Union arms, as the only hope for
peace. Many are boldly coming out in favor of the Union.
We are everywhere treated kindly b}' both Union and seces-
sion people. They have been severely treated b\' both
armit's. The rebels took the men between eighteen and
forty-iive and t'orced ihem into the army. They stole their
horses and corn, and did as they jileased generally. I'he
Union arm\- is now foraging olT oi them hea\ih'. To-da\'
we cut green oats in the field, with which to teed our horses.
Many petty acts of depredation, such as stealing chickens,
potatoes, etc., have been committed by our straggling sol-
diers. Some were born thieves, and would follow the busi-
ness in civil life, if it were not for their fear of the state
prison.

FIFTY-P:IGHTH IXDIAXA UEGIMEXT. 153

This forage train went about ten miles in the direction ot
McMinnville. In company with Lieutenant Mason, Com-
missary-Sergeant Farmer, and the commissary-sergeant of
the looth Illinois, and our negro servant, Abe, I went off on
a blind road about a mile or two and called on Mr. Cun-
ningham. His wife prepared a very excellent dinner for us,
for which I paid a dollar lor myself and Mason, and
expressed many thanks. As we returned, we called on Mr.
Charles for our chickens and potatoes. It was near dark
when we reached camp. I had to ride hard, as my com-
panions were on borrowed horses.

We are daily recei\-ing the most cheering news tVom all
parts of the country. Gold is falling and the spirits of the
people are rising.

Sunday, July 19. — I went out early this morning to pre-
pare to preach. Attended church in the looth Illinois at
10:30. Chaplain Crews preached an able sermon, but the
attendance was very poor. I thought what a pity, that a
man with ruch talent as Chaplain Crews has should meet
with such poor encouragement. I do not think it is on
account of any personal dislike on the part ot the men, but
they simply do not want to hear preaching.

At two p. m. I preached in my own Regiment; subject,
"The Leper and Sinner — Their Disease and Doom,'' Lev.
14 : 46. After sermon, we proceeded to Pond Spring creek,
just above the Hillsboro road, for the observance of the ordi-
nance of baptism. A large congregation assembled on
either bank. I announced, and the congregation sang :

"Wlicn I surve\' the wondrous cross.
On whicli tlie l^rincc of Glor\' died."

After the usual formula. Corporal Harrison Wheeler, of
Company D, was baptized by sprinkling. Private William
Duncan, of Company B, was immersed. Thus the two
modes were exhibited side by side, and the congregation
had the opportunity of judging which looked the better, or
was the most preferable. Most likely their p:econceived
notions would govern their decision, however.

I.")}. CMAl'LAIX HK;HT"S HISTORY OF THE

Monday, Julv 20. — Compan^' F, under command of Caj")-
tain Cain, were detailed to go to Manchester as an escort to
a train of sixty-five wagons after supplies.

A most deplorable event occurred in the atlernoon ol
July 20th, in the shooting of Wilbur F. Jaquess, private,
of Company B. He was shot b\' a provost guard named
George Cropp, private of Company A, 64th Ohio, who was
on duty at the residence of Warren Wait, a citizen living
near our camp, who claimed to be a l^nion man. Young
Jaquess, in company with Jasper Ileiz. John D. Leonard and
Thomas M. Harper, all of Company 13, had gone out on a
foraging expedition on their own account that afternoon.
These were all good soldiers, but were not disposed to live
on short rations, as long as there was plenty to eat in the
country around. Their special mission that afternoon was
af.er blackberries, but as the^- were returning with their
buckets they discovered a sheep. They killed it and took
it to the woods near by to dress it. According to their state-
ments, it was not near the house, and they did not know
there was a guard at the place. Jaquess saw the guard com-
ing fir- 1 and informed his comrades. He suggested the pro-
priety of getting their traps and getting away from there.
Acting on that suggestion, they started ofT in a run, Heiz
being in the lead. The guard gave the order to halt twice.
Harper halted, but the others did not hear, or did not heed
the order, and kept on. Jaquess, being in the rear, looked
back, and as he did so, the guard fired, the ball taking effect
in a vital part, inflicting a fatal wound. His comrades saw
him fall, and immediately ran to him. Poor Jaquess gave a
groan, and immediately expired. I'he guard (Wd not
advance, but immediately turned and ran back to the liouse.
He was probably about one hundred \ ards tVom the party
when he lirecl the latal shot. It was luck^- that the
guard did not come within reach of the comrades of
Jaquess, as they would have certainly made short work of
him, could they iiave laid their hands on him. Although
they were tor the moment dazed at the horrible deed that

FIFTV-EKiHTH INI)L\NA EPXtIMEXT. 155

had been committed, yet the three comrades recovered their
thoughts quickly, and at once set about caring tor their dead
companion. Thev had two coffee ^acks witli them, and
with these made a stretcher and brought the ]")ody ot' their
dead comrade into camp, ^^^hen the news of what had been
done reached camp, there was great excitement in the 58th
Regiment. So great was the indignation, that tliere was
not a little wild talk ot' taking arms and wreaking vengeance
on the murderous provost guard and the Regiment to which
lie belonged.

In consequence ot' this teeling, it was deemed necesiary.
bv the commanding General, to place the 58th Regiment, and
cspeciall}^ Companv B, imder surveillance, for tear oi" an out-
break. This was not known to us at the time, but was
learned at'terward. But it was hardly necessary to take this
precaution, so far as the Regiment was concerned, as there
was no general movement contemplated against the offend-
ing guard or his Regiment. There was, however, a party
of officers and men organized to go out after the guard that
night. This party wiis led by one of the comrades wlio was
with Jaquess, but owing to the darkness and a contusion ot
roads, they could not find the place, and had to return with-
out their man. Under all the circumstances, it is probably
just as well that it turned out this way. Wreaking venge-
ance on this man would have caused more trouble to those
eno-atred in it, and would not have restored lite to poor
Jaquess.'*^

The body wa ^ placed in the hospital tent to await prepar;-.-
tions tor burial. A plain coffin was made, a much better
one than is commonly made in camp. Ili^ gravi' was dug
in the village cemetery, near camp, and at two p. m.. July

* It was verv natural that the three comrades of Jaquess should harbor
resentment a^^ainst the man who had killed him. and it was not unnatural
that thev should determine to take his lite in return. With this purpose in
view, two of these comrades watched for Cropp as his Re,<;iinent passed over
the Cumberland mountains, a few days after this. But they did not find
their man. and so his life was spared. ^Vhat became of this man afterward.
we have no information,

156 CHAPLAIX MIGHT'S HI8T0KY OF THE

2 1st. the tuneral took place. Following was the order of
procession and exercises :

Captain Smith and Lieutenant Foster.

Ambulance bearing coffin, attended by six pall bearers.

Regimental band.

Chaplain.

Escort.

Soldiers ot' Company U and others.

Officers of Regiment.

At tiie grave there was appropriate services by the Chap-
lain, and music by the band. The escort fired a salute, the
grave w^as filled, the benediction was pronounced, wdien all
that we could do for the dead comrade was done. The col-
umn returned to camp, band in front.

The case of yoinig Jaquess is indeed a sad one. He was
a brave, faithtul soldier, who had been with the Regiment
from the start, and had his courage tested in severe battles.
He was a native of Posey county and was related to a most
excellent and distinguished familv. The circumstances of
his death were most distressing. He fell a victim to a spirit
ot recklessness that w'as very prevalent in the army, yet such
risks as he assumed were taken everv dav b}' the most
orderlv and well disciplined soldiers. It was a common
occurrence for soldiers to run tVom a provost guard to avoid
arrest, when out foraging. It was onlv when a provost
guard was over zealous in the discharge of his dutv, or was
a brainless brute — as seems to have been the character of this
man Cropp, that he wotild shoot to kill under stich circum-
stances. Of course, according to strict military discipline,
the guard did his duty and could not be charged with any-
thing more than lack of common sense. This defect is not
considered a crime under our army regulations, otherwise,
a great manv officers of high rank would not be able to pass
muster.

Our train bringing our extra baggage came up to-day,
Julv 2 2d. But few things w^ere lost or damaged. The train
was in charge of an excellent officer. Lieutenant George
Raffin, now Regimental C^iarterniaster,

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEtllMENT. 157

Sergeant Farmer relates to me an exciting occurrence that
happened to our foragers to-day, which was very amusing,
since no one was hurt. The foragers were out some eight
miles on the McMinnville road. Farmer and Sutler Whit-
man had gone off the road a piece after their dinners. As
they were returning to the train the-s- suddenly discovered in
the road before them a companv of butternuts. They were
mounted on the usual jaded horses and wore old clothes and
were armed with shot guns, etc. When thev saw Farmer
and Whitman the butternut partv stopped and formed "in
two rows of war." The two would have fled but they were
too near, and the butternuts were between them and the
train. So they made the best of a bad bargain and went up
to them. Then thev discovered that the butternuts were a
band of scouts, about flfteen strong, sent out from an Ohio
Regiment. About tiie time this mutual recognition occurred,
negro Bill, from our Regiment, came out from a house carry-
ing a bag of apples. Whom should he see up the road but
a band of rebel cavalr\-. (flicker than thought tiie bag of
apples fell ofl" his shoulder and a negro might iiave been
seen runninor- for dear life for the train. The scouts saw
him and thought thev espied a rebel. Without stopping to
make any inquiries of Farmer or Whitman thev started in
full and thoughtless charge after the supposed rebel. Farmer
and \\'hitman followed as fast as their horses would take
them until the^• saw that thev would soon be on the train
guards. Thev. having the fear of Uncle Sam's rifles before
them, halted, and got as manv of the scouts to halt as pos-
sible, but the leadino- ones dashed on. Nej^ro Bill let't everv
liorseman behind: he ran, veiling "secesh,'' at ever\- jump.
The Lieutenant commanding the guard discovered tiiem in
tull charge. lie commanded his men to "fall in.'' Eight
trusty Union rifles were leveled at the charging butternuts.
The leader ol the scouts saw his danger and threw uj") botli
hands and cried out, "don't shoot I don't shoot I we are
friends." That cry saved his life, for the Lieutenant had a
rille aimed at liis head. There was quite a heart^• laugh on

l.-)!! CHAPLAIX HKIHT'S HISTORY (»F THK

all sides at the amusing blunders. But. seriously, men ot
no more discretion than these scouts, had better be kept in
camp. In plain English, they were a gang of fools.

Sunday, July 26. — We occupied our new benches for the
fn-st time at our church services to-day. These benches
were constructed by myself and several volunteer assistants
from the 58th, last Friday. Chaplain Crews preached an
excellent sermon to a good audience at 10:30 a. m. 1
preached a poor sermon to a small but attentive audience at
two p. m. I baptized two persons — Isaac Turpin and Sam-
uel G. Conrad. In the evening, while my own congrega-
tion were holding an excellent prayer meeting in our Regi-
mental chapel, I, in company with Captains Downey and
Chappel, and Lieutenants Barnett, Davis and Milburn, and
our Regimental band, went to the 3d Kentucky. The band
gave us several sacred pieces, after which I conducted the
service, preaching to a good audience. There seems to be
more than a usual degree of interest manifested in spiritvuxl
things by members of our Regiment, for which I thank God
and take courage.

Monday, July 27, was pay-day in our Regiment. It
took about ^40,000 to pay us off. There was a stirring tinn-
all (hu', paying debts and settling claims, long past due.
The sutler came in for a good share. It is astonishing to
me to see how foolishh' the men will spend their hard earned
wages. My sutler's bill for the past four months was just
eightv cents. The following sums were sent honn' by the
various companies :

Field and Staff. $---3" ""

Conipan\- A — 2.52S 00

Company H.._ .- 3'0^'7 O"

Company C_. --- .:.... 662 00

Company D.__ 455""

Company E.. - --

Companv F . ''33- "'*

Company G.. i.oCio 00

Company H... - - i.ono 00

Company I... i.:;''\5 ""

Companv K H55 •>()

FIFTY-KIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 150

In the afternoon William Witherspoon, of Company A,
was taken with a series of severe convulsions. He was
wounded in the charge of his company on Lavergne,
December 27, 1862, having been struck on the top of the
head b^' a ball. P\m- a long time he has been well and
hearty, but I have no doubt his present affliction is a result
of the injurv received in that battle.

At two p. m. I began a school for the instruction of the
negroes and had a large number in attendance. I am using
the "Bible Reader," published by the American Sunday
School Union. Man}^ remarks, not ver}' complimentary to
me, as those who make them suppose, ai*e made about me
on account of this school. I feel it one of the proudest
honors of mv life thus to receive the contempt of the vulgar
because I am the instructor of the oppressed and the poor.
In everv wav I am bevond the reach of the malice and
prejudice of the dirtv crowd of negro haters. T have
enough monev, character and friends to live far above
them. I pitv the people who are so blinded by prejudice,
and will gladly do all T can to elevate and educate them ;
but I fear some of them will never get the caste removed
tVom their minds. It is just such people as these that
iiave been disgracing New York b}' the recent riots.
A better dav will come when all this bigotry will pass
away and men v,ill wonder at it as we do now at canni-
balism.

Our Regiment was sent out to repair the road to Man-
chester, Tuesdav. On account of the great amount of haul-
ing the road was full of chuck holes and almost impassable
in places.

Thursday, July 30. — Captain Charles II. Bruce, of
Companv K, took $2,694 ^^ Tullahoma and expressed it
home for men in our Regiment. lie also took $1 ,100 of the
Regimental monument t'und to send off. At a meeting of
the commissioned officers this morning it was determined to
leave the site and plan of the monument to Colonel Embree
and tiie local committee in Princeton. A spot suggested is

1()() (HAPI.AIN HJUHT'S HISTOIJV (►F THK

on the ground belonging to Dr. A. Lewis, across the street

from Monroe Barton's.

A moonlight pra3^er meeting in camp. — Let me attempt a

pen picture of one: At sunset Corporal Redman sang,

"When I Can Read M3' Title." The straggling worshipers

come one by one. Each takes his seat, near or far, pra^•ing

or prayerless. The ^•olume of voice swells as the song

proceeds :

"Not as the flving come.

In silence or in fear;
They shook the depths of the desert's glooin
With their hvmns of loftv cheer."

The hymn ceases. The minister arises, urges all to feel
at liberty knd to lead in praver or exhortation. He an-
nounces the old penitential psalm of Watts,

"Show pit\' Lord, Oil Lord forgixe," etc.

After this is sung all bow in prayer. The memory of the
loved ones far away comes up before the soldier as he
fervently prays that all the blessings thev ask for him ma^•
fall in multiplied showers upon them. What a time ''for
memory and for tears.'' The white-washed cottage, the
tidy wife, the children who have ceased to

"Run to lisp their sire's return,

Or climb his knee, the envied kiss to share,"

come thronging through his throbbing heart. Ihinn after

h\'mn and prayer after prayer are offered up to (jod. until

the hour for dismissing comes.

What holy influences linger around the soldier's praver

meeting. Wiio can measure the good then and there accom-

, ]")lished. How man\' a brave but erring soldier at siu'h a

meeting has been led by the Blessed Spirit to reform his life.

How many a sinking Peter has been upheld b^• a Savior's

haiul. How many mature christians have realized in siuh

an hour, "That the path of the just is as \\\c shining light.

that shinetii more and more unto the perfect daA.""

It is nine o'clock. I retire to my cot. It is a sini]-»le. but

ingenious strticliu'e. It is about six feet in length b\- two

feet and eight inches in width. 1'here are three bars of iron

FTFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 1(51

ucross it, which fold in the middle. Layino- it upon one

edge it shuts up. The six legs can then be folded up.

Then the whole has a joint in the middle, so that all falls

into a bundle a yard long, and a very few inches in width

and breadth. A convenient cot is this of mine. I purchased

it in the citv of New Albany in the spring of 1862, for five

dollars. I have had it with me in all my campaigns, save

when I was compelled to leave it behind. Many a sweet

night's repose have I had resting on it. It has two faults —

it is too short, and then that miserable bar across the middle.

Yes. this very nio-ht it made me dream of a broken le^^;.

I seldom permit myself to use my bed lor meditation, as

beds are made to sleep on. But to-nigiit I wish that my

tViends could see the situation. At the other side of the tent

lies John Patterson, a refugee Tennessee boy — our cook and

steward. Between the cots stands an excellent desk, made

of a cracker box. Three stools, fixed as stout as four stakes

under each could make them, are provided for the comfort

of the inmates or visitors. From pole to pole above my

head is a line with my clothing. It is astonishing how much

comfort, neatness, and even luxury, can be crowded into a

little wall tent. Oh ! ye housekeepers that pine away in

your cottage for w^ant of room, come and see how happy the

soldier lives in his tent. Come and learn that

"Man wants but little here below,
Nor wants that little long."

But hark I what sweet, unearthly music is that winch falls

upon mv ear? Listen I as plaintive voices chant,

"I have a mothei" over jonder,
Safe in the Promised Land."

It is the contrabands singing. The toils of the dav are past
and thev have come to sing their troubles away. Did you
ever notice that negroes always sing sad and melancholy ?
Thus, Aunt Jennie sings in her tent to-night, surrounded bv
every shade known to human faces. But, listen I it is not
all singing — they have a school. Aunt Jennie, imitating the
Chaplain, is teaching them to read. What! negroes learn-

IC.l' CUVrLAlN HKiHT'S UlSTOli'V OF THK

ing to read, in violation of tlie laws of Tennessee? What
presumption. J)ut is not knowledge for them? Have the^'
not minds, given them by their Creator? Are they not to be
cultivated and fitted for a land of endless life and endless
beauty? As the rolling sun gilds with glorv the rough
mountain crags, so let knowledge shine upon these, and
make them better.

Oh, the wild, glorious, roving life of a bold soldier bov I
With all thy faults, I love thee still. How pleasant the
sweet consciousness that God gives to him that he tights in a
good cause. His soul is unfettered by the trammels of civ-
ilized life. Does he desire to worship? Where he is is his
church. Does he wish for sleep? He savs, with Tecum-
seh, ''The earth is my mother ; I will repose on her bosom."
No pent up Utica contracts his powers ; he travels far and
near, seeing manv lands. He sails on the ocean, steams on
the river, rattles on the cars, trudges on the mud road, and
climbs the bold mountains. He bares his breast to the
storm and savs: "I'hou art m\- brother." The gentle rains
fall upon his brow, and he welcomes them as a mother's
kiss. He would not exchange the cooling draught of water
from the sparkling lountain for all the drinks of the most
fashionable saloon. His fare is rough, but then his appetite
is good, and he has not sickened over dainties. He lives a
life of toil, btit his muscles are strong and his heart is brave.
He exists amid dangers, but he heeds them not, for the
smiles of the fair, the prayers of the good, and the hopes of
the oppressed cheer him on. When he stands in battle, his
soul sinks not in tear, for above him is the tiag of the iVee,
and beneath the soil he would lie, rather than vield to
tyrants. The cannon's deadlv roar, the crash of arms, the
shout of the charge are his music. If victory comes, his
soul is filled with indescribable jov. If he falls, full well he
knows,

"Whetlier on the scaftold liigli,

Or in the battle's van,
The noblest place for man to liii.'

Is where he dies for man."

FIFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. lO.}

It" he perish, true hearted comrades will diu- his orave.
"No useless coffin will enclose his form ; he will lav like a
warrior, taking his rest, with his martial cloak around him."
Why need he dread death ? Is not the grave the common
receptacle of the young, the beautiful, the beloved? Let
not the brave then fear to die. His memory shall be cher-
ished bv those who love him. The mighty deeds in which
he bore an humble part shall live in the traditions of a thou-
sand generations — but, hush, n^v wandering thoughts I
Stillness reigns in camp ; 'tis time for sleep. Good night.

Friday, July 31. — Most of this dav I have spent in writ-
ing. I am fearful of foreign intervention in our national
affairs. We are hated by the tyrants of the old world, and
now, when the rebellion seems about to be overthrown, thev
are afraid that free government will succeed. For a time
thev were willing to leave us alone, hoping we would devour
each other. But now, being satisfied that the Southern
aristocrac}" will be overthrown and the Union established,
they seem determined to prevent so desirable a result. I
tremble at the prospect. My only hope is that God will
uphold the cause of liberty. The whole world may be
engaged in the contest before it is ended. "The Lord
reigns, let the earth rejoice."

Sunday, August 2. — The Regimental inspection at nine
o'clock. At ten o'clock we had church services, conducted
by Chaplain Crews. A large congregation was present. I
preached at the same place at 2 : 30 p. m., and at Ilillsboro
at 4 p. m. At the first services a few negroes were present,
A man belonging to the 58th had started to church, but when
he saw the negroes he refused to go, lest he should equalize
himself with "niggers." He said he "would not go ten
steps to hear Hight preach, because he was a nigger lover."
This same man went to the four o'clock meeting, in Hills-
boro, however, walking three-fourths of a mile through the
hot sun, when, great was his astonishment to see Hight get
up to preach. But he staid through the sermon, notwith-
standing his boast. How extremely ridiculous many people

\(U CHAPLAIN llI(iHT"S HISTOIfV OF THK

make themselves on account ot" the netrroes. T always bear
with such, and pity tliem, for I know how easily ignorant
men are led astray by caste.

In the evening we had a most solemn. time, in the observ-
ance of the sacrament of the I^ord's Supper. Almost half of
the congreg-ation were communicants. At the close, three
of the 58th and two of the looth Illinois came forward for
church membership. The three were Lieutenant J. G.
Behm, whom I had known in Indiana as keeper of the Gib-
son countv poor house ; Benjamin Lilley, who was for a long
time cook at headquarters, and Lewis Beck, whose wife
latel}' made a profession of religion at her home in Indiana.
There is a deep religious feeling in the Regiment. May
God continue to send his Holy Spirit down upon us.

Tuesday, August 4. — The Regiment went to Murfrees-
boro to-day, leaving in camp Surgeon Adams, Ciiaplain
Ilight, Captains Whitman, Cain and Evans, Lieutenants
Snvder, Voorhees and Chappell. one non-commissioned
officer from each Compan\', Commissar\'-Sergeant Farmer,
the band, and most of the servants. The Regiment went as
a jjuard for two hundred wagons from our Division after
rations. I am under the impression that about next Monday
we will commence crossing the mountains, with twentv-tive
days' rations.

Colonel George P. Buell returned to-day iVom an eight
days' furlough. I learn that he has tendered his resignation.
If it should be accepted, we will lose a good officer. For
while I have not always been able to commend his conduct,
yet it must be said that Colonel Buell has been loyal to his
Regiment. He is not without fault, but he has man\" excel-
lent traits of character. He is, unlike so many other officers,
free from intoxication, and has always tried to suppress it
among those under his command. He always tries to main-
tain a high standard of discipline in the Regiment.

Thursday, August 6, was observed as a National Thanks-
giving by order of President Lincoln, in commemoration of
our recent victories. We had appropriate services in our

FlFTY-EKiHTH IM>IANA EfXilMEXT. lO:.

Recriment, but the attendance was not lar^e, on account ot'
tlie absence of the trreater part ol' our Reii-iment at Murtrees-
boro, and the heav\' details tor duty from the other Regi-
ments of the Brigade. Chaplain Crews preached a good
sermon on national affairs.

At two p. m. mv contraband school met. Some are mak-
ing great progress, some are getting along slowly. While
my class was reciting, a great number of soldiers gathered
around, as thev do more or less every day. They are all
disappointed ; those who hate negroes disagreeably so, at the
progress made bv mv pupils. The superior system ot
instruction, perhaps, lias something to do witli their rapid
progress, but more largely is it to be attributed to their
intense eagerness to learn. Chaplain Crews and Rev. Mr.
Pearson, of the Tennessee M. E. Conference, made some
encouraging remarks to the school. 1 think young Pearson
is getting his eyes open to the iniquity of slavery. 1 am
determined to prepare a few of the slaves tor freedom.

I had an introduction this afternoon to Chaplain Thomp-
son, of the 64th Ohio. He came only a few days ago, and
called to see me, in company with Lieutenant-Colonel
Brown, of that Regiment. He is a solid, hne looking man,
and belongs to the United Presb^'terian church.

The Regiment returned from Murfreesboro, Friday,
August 7, with their wagons loaded. They brought twenty-
five days' rations tor the Division, and had a very pleasant
trip.

In the afternoon of Saturday, August 8, I attended a
Union meeting in the Tucker neighborhood. Many soldiers
were present. Speeches were made by Lieutenant-Colonel
Young, Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer, Lieutenant J. L. Yar-
yan and others. The people were very green about the
transaction of business in a meeting of this kind. Only one
motion was put, and that was by Lieutenant Yaryan.

Monday, August 10. — Great preparation is being made
for marching. Colonel Buell has withdrawn his resigna-
tion, and has determined to stay with the Regiment. Quite

166 CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S UISTOIJV OF THK

a number of general orders trom Division headquarters were
read, on dress parade this evening, promulgating decisions
ot" a court martial in ret'erence to several men in our Regi-
ment.

Wednesda\' 1 rode out into the countrv with Dr.
McGavan, of tlie 26th Ohio. We went out on the Decherd
road and stopped for a few moments at the house of a citi-
zen named Lans, who proved to be a miserable old fool and
secessionist. He said: "I never meddle with politics or
scripter nor swar any.'' He wished he was "sot down in
P'rance or somewhar," that he could be free. I was vexed
at the Doctor for exchanging a few words with such an
unpatriotic ignoramus. We went on and took dinner at the
Widow Call's, who lived between the Decherd and Win-
chester roads. It was a splendid dinner we had. On our
return, we called on an old lady by the name of Smith, who
was very sick. Her husband told me she was a "night
rider." I supposed he meant that she was subject to "night
mare," and was prepared to ofl'er my sympathy. But when
it was explained that "night rider" was the Tennessee des-
ignation for "midwife," I had to apologize for my igno-
rance.

Thursday, Aucjust 13. — I sent to Joseph Patterson,
treasurer, if 120. 75, the amount of our Regiment's contribu-
tion to the fund of the U. S. Christian Commission. We
liad a terrible rain storm this afternoon. Several -trees were
l)lown down in camp, but tortunateh- none of our Regiment
were hurt. Colonel Embree returned from a twenty days"
furlough, bringing man^• letters and packages for the boys.

CHAPTER XIII.

O.N TO Chattaxoo(;a — Crossinc; Cumberland Moun-
tains— Sequatchie Vallp:y — A Fertile Spot —
False Alarm — Fruitless Expe:dition — Bob Whitp:,
the Union Spy — Crossing the Tp:nnessee — Nicka-
jACK Cave — First View of Lookout Mountain —
Reconnoisance — Chattanooga E\'Acuated — Wood's
Dix'isioN Occupies iiii; T{)^^•N.

UNEXPECTEDLY, the contemplated march began Sun-
day, August 1 6. We were not expecting to start
before Monday, but the orders came to break camp, and all
our arrangements tbr preaching services were cancelled.
The distance marched to-dav was only eight miles, but part
of the distance was so verv hot and dustv that some of the
men were prostrated. During the afternoon a refreshing
shower of rain fell, and made things more pleasant. Our
Brigade went into camp at the foot of the mountain ; Wag-
ner's Brigade, which was in our ad\ance, ascended the
mountain during the dav and night.

Monday morning we began climbing the moimlain. Om*
wagons were never so heavilv loaded. We had thirt\' days'
rations in them, besides necessary baggage, equipments, etc.
One-half the load of each wagon was left at the foot of the
mountain. At first the rise is very gradual, but as w^e
approach the summit tiie road is very steep. The teams to
the artillery and heavy wagons were doubled. Then there
were long ropes attached to the tongues of vehicles, and all
the men that could la}' hold of the ropes assisted the teams

108 CHAPLAIX HIGHT'S HISTORY OF TIIK

in piillino- tlieir loads up the steep places. All dd\ , and tlie
<;reater part of the night, was occupied in getting the two
l^rigades, with their wagons and artillery, up the movmtain.
But it was tinallv accomplished, without accident or mishap
of an^' kind. At a late hour, men and horses went to rest
on the mountain top. There were rattlesnakes in great
abundance all around, but we were too tired to be disturbed
bv them. A great number of these reptiles were killed by
our soldiers, as thev moved about the place of bivouac with
imnecessarv freedom and familiarity.

On the 1 8th we marched seven miles, camping at Tracy
CilA'. Next dav we made a most remarkable march ot
twenty-eight miles, camping at the foot of the mountain, at
a place called Thurman, in Sequatchie Valley. It was a
long, hard march, but the weather w^as very pleasant for an
August dav. The Regiment was halted on tiie mountain
side to build tires to light the way for the trains to come
down. I5ut it was afterward decided to leave them on the
mountain until to-morrow ; so we passed on down to the val-
ley and went into camp sometime after dark, in Widow
Thurman 's potato patcii.

Secjuatchie Valle\' is a very lertile spot, anj is a great
tVuit coimtrv, as we observed when we awoke next morning.
We discovered that our camping place was in a sweet potato
patch, w^ith a large peach orchard near by. Within easy
distance there was a patch of fine roasting ears, and all about
were gardens and fields, containing vegetables and fruits in
ii'reat abundance. The sight was verv satisfvin<r to a sol-
dier with a well developed appetite. Although the orders
against foraging that were in force on the other side of the
mountain had not been suspended, yet, somehow, the iVuils
and vegetables of Sequatchie Valley were gradually and con-
tinuallv disapjiearing during our stay, and when we moved
on, the fields and orcliards hatl a \'ery desolate and l:>arren
look .

Xext dav after our arrival in the valkw, we were alarmed
h\ tlie report that 4,000 rel^els were coming. We got into

FIFTV-EKrHTH INDIANA IJECJIMKNT. 169

line in the best shape we could, and awaited the approach of
the foe with fear and tremblinij;. There w'ere some braver
than the others — as there always is — who said, "Let 'em
come." But these brave persons were as much relieved as
the rest of us were, when it was discovered that it was a false
alarm. It is a great deal more pleasant to lie around in the
shade and cat peaches than to be skipping about in tlie hot
sun dodafinp- rebel cannon balls and listenino- to the music of
their muskets.

To-dav a call was made ibr volunteers to go on an expe-
dition to a point on the Tennessee River, be^■ond Walden's
Ridge, to capture a steamboat, which was reported to be
stuck at that place. Four hundred men were wanted, one
hundred from each of the four Regiments, with Colonel
Buell in command. Tlie 58th easil\- turnished its one liun-
dred volunteers, and about the middle of the afternoon the
expedition set out. Thev marched over Walden's Ridge,
following blind roads and bv-paths, lead h\ a native guide.
About four o'clock next morning the^' came in sight of the
Tennessee River. But the steamboat was not there, and so
thev had their march of eighteen or twentv miles lor noth-
ing. There was nothing for them to do but return to camp,
which thev did, reaching there about eight p. m. Although
this expedition was fruitless, vet it demonstrated the pluck
and nerve of those who enlisted in it. It showed wliat
might be expected of men who would voluntarilv enlist in an
expedition involving so much hardship and possible danger.
On this trip the party passed the houses of man\' Union peo-
ple, wlu:) were greatlv delighted to see the ]lo^'s in blue.
One of the notetl characters who was seen on this mountain
expedition was Bob White, a well known I'nion sjiv. His
wife stavs at home, but Bob has not slept in his lu)use for
eight months. The rebels luive made e\'erN- elfort to arrest
him, but without success. lie goes into their lines when he
pleases, and does manv daring things.

Sunday, August 23. — Chaplain Crews prc:iched under
the shade of a chestnut tree in camp at ten a. m, on the text ;

170 ( IIAPLAIX HKiHT'S HiSTOlfV OK THK

*'What must I do to be saved?" It was a good sermon, a
great deal better than the one I preached at two p. m. at the
same place. At 5:30 p. m., Chaplain Crews preached at
Division headquarters. This is the first event of the kind
in this Divison since our connection with it. There is a
great change in General Wood, so far as spiritual matters
are concerned, and I hope he will vet become a sincere
Christian man. The services were held in the shadow of
the mountain, and I thought, how pleasant it is thus to wor-
ship Him, who was God, "before the mountains were
brought forth."

We remained in this camp until September ist, enjoving
life as only soldiers thus situated can. At seven o'clock
that morning we again took up our march, moving down
the valley. The road was verv dustv, and marching dis-
agreeable, but we made twcntv miles, nevertheless. We
camped about a mile from Jasper. Marion count^'. It is to
be noted that this is the tirst time we have had anv dust on
our marches for ten months. Hitherto our marches have
usually been attended with rain and mud.

Wp:dnesday, September 2. — Marched at six p. ni., and
crossed Sequatchie River alter dusk. Came to the Ten-
nessee opposite Shellmound. Our wagons were sent by
way of Bridgeport. During the night our Brigade crossed
the river, using some old flat-bottomed barges for that
purpose. Barker's Brigade followed ours. Camped near
Nickajack Cave. The rebels had extensive saltpeter works
here.

During Thursda\- and h"rida\-. while our command resttnl
in this vicinity, nian\' of the bovs availed themselves of the
opportunity to visit the cave and inspect its many curiosities.
Some of them found, by actual experience, that the rebel
saltpeter of the cave was loo much for tiie tabric contained
in Yankee trousers. There were some inviting places to sit
down and r(\st, but those who indulged in such a rest found,
on rising, that tiieir jiantaloons were not in a condition to
pass inspection, esjiecialh' from the rear rank.

FIFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA HECUMENT. 171

This cave was said to have been a great retreat for Indians
in the olden time. Some specimens of Indian crockery
were still found there. Shellmound is so called on account
of being a great collection of shells. This is also said to
have been the work of Indians, but tor wliat purpose I am
unable to learn.

Near the cave lives an old negro catcher and his blood-
hounds. He is ignorant, ugly and poor. He has never
been in the cave, a few feet Irom his door. He tells me he
can catch a "nigger anywhar.'' I never begrudge the Devil
such men.

About noon, Saturday, September 5th, we moved from
Shellmound toward Chattanooga. We passed between
Raccoon Mountain and the River, the road, for the greater
part of the time, followed along the bank of the river.
Then we turned off to the right, marching up a valley, and
passing bv where an immense bridge liad spanned a deep
ravine from tiie hinfh hills on either side. This bridge had
been completely destroyed bv our iViends tiie enemy. After
marching about ten miles we went into camp in a narrow
vallev by the side of a runnino- stream. By orders ot Gen-
eral Wood, no sounding of bugle or drum was permitted
here, as we were getting pretty close to the rebels. It was
our purpose, it seems, to tind out all we could as to what
thev were doing, and how man\' ot them were doing it ; and
to keep them in ignorance, as much as possible, as to our own
doings. Wood's Division was in the advance. Generals
Palmer's and Van Cleve's Divisions were following us.

Si'NDAY, Sei'TKMber 6. — About eight a. m. we resumed
our march, but the ambulances and baggage wagons were
left behind. If the rebels had been disposed to dispute our
advance the country was well adapted for such purpose.
But we saw no enemy during the morning. We crossed a
ridge, passed througli the little village of Whiteside, and
then hied into Lookout Valley.

In the village I saw a pretty little girl, nculh- dressed,
reading the Testament. She had a hue. intelligent face.

171' ( HAl'LALX HI(iHT"S HISTOKV OF THE

and seemed unconscious of the war watrini*- around. This
sight carried my mind back to those Sabbath scenes in which
I liad lound so much jov and satisfaction in other days.
Oh, when shall those peaceful Sabbath davs return again?
May He, who holds the destiny of nations in His hands,
iiasten the iuippv time.

From Whiteside I caught m\ tirst glimpse of Lookout
Mountain. It stood out in majestic grandeur across the
valley and seemed to be an impassable barrier to our army.
Further up the valley we could see the point where the
mountain peak towered high above all the s^urrounding
bights. It was a grand sight that nature afforded, but we
are not out looking at beautiful scenery this afternoon.
There is more serious business at hand. As we moved on
into IvOokout Valley our advance found the enemy. The
sound of musketry disturbed the quiet of the Sabbath after-
noon. But it was only the rebel outposts and they quickh'
ii^ave way.

About sundown we went into bivouac in line of battle at
Wauhatchie Station, having marched about eight miles
to-dav. The 58th held a position immediately on the left of
the station house, on a hill in the woods. In plain view was
the t'amous Lookout Point. Here \\as a rebel signal station.
We could see their signal flag busih' at work, telegraphing
all our movements. More than this, the ladies ot Sunimer-
ville, a resort on the mountains, came in their white dresses
and sat on the rocks looking at the ^'ankees. The^' re-
mained there until dark, expecting no doubt to see a battle.
I have not yet got near enough to an^■ ol these women to
ask them how the\' liked the looks of the Yankees.

About ten p. m. I was awakened hv an order to c^\'aciuitt>.
(rathering up all m\- traps and saddling nn" h()rs(.\ I moved
olfwitli the Regiment. '^Pht.' enemy, hearing thi' rattle ot
the artillery, beat the long roll and fell into line. 'l^heN' evi-
dently expected an attack. i^>iit we went the other wa\'
until we regained our position at the jilace where we entered
Lookout \'allr\-. Hei'e we finished our nights repose.

FIFTV-KKillTIl IMUANA IJKiilMEXT. 17:!

It is rumored in camp that there has been a little difterence
between Crittenden and Wood in ret'erence to the move-
ments of this day. It is said that Wood during- the after-
noon reported sharp skirmishing. He stated that his ''mili-
tary knowledge" taught him that his position in the evening
was a bad one, and asked permission to fall back. Critten-
den, after reflecting on the "sharp skirmishing," that
resulted in no casualties, and underscoring military knozvl-
cdgt\ gave Wood permission to fall back. This was very
unkind in Crittenden. He should remember that he holds
his position Irom the fact that he belongs to one of the first
families of the Blue Grass region, of Kentucky. Wood is

an old officer who has served his country long and well.
He was on the ground. Crittenden ought not to have
indulged in any petulence. Besides all this, W^ood \vas
right, according to Napoleon. "'Think often in reference
to your position," said the Emperor. "Ask yourself what
you would do in case of an assavilt upon an}^ part of your
forces. If you cannot answer the question, your position is
a bad one; chancre it immediately." In our front was a
large camp of rebels. Beyond the mountain, which the
enemy held, they had another camp. From this latter
they might pass in the night to our rear, and cut us off"
fVom our main army. It was therefore proper for us to
fall back to such a position that we would have them in
our front if they came down from the mountain. Wood
was right.

During Monda^" we remained in camp, waiting develop-
ments. On Tuesday Ilarker's Brigade made a retonnoi-
sance up Lookout Valley and had a sharp little brush with
the enemy, losing; one man. killed.

Wednesdav, September 9. — We have orders in our
Brigade to be ready to move on short notice. The intention
is to make another reconnoissance toward Lookout Valley.*

* To elicit the truth. General Rosccrans directed General Thomas to
send Colonel Atkins, of the y^d Illinois, to make a reconnoissance toward
Chattanooija 011 the mountain road earlv on the 9th, and instructed General

171- (JIAI'LAIX IlKiHT'S HlSTOh'V (»K THK

But before we start, word comes that the rebels are evacuat-
ing Chattanooga, so we move at once in tliat direction.
There is a grreat rush n(jw to jret to the front. There was
not so much of a desire to rush that wa\- awhile ago. Now
that the dog is dead, evervbodv wants to get in at the burial.
Infantry, artillery, and especial!}' the cavalry, are all in hot
haste to get there first.

About ten o'clock a. m. we entered the town, the few
straggling rebel calvarv clearing out as we approached.
We found a few inhabitants, only. Most of them had gone
out to the countrv to avoid the shells which had been fired
into the town from Wagner's batteries across the river.
These citizens returned after our occupancy of the town and
showed a desire to make terms of peace.

Chattanooga is admirably adapted for a militarv depot,
and is a situation easily defended. In the tov/n there are
numerous hospitals and large and commodious store houses.
Soon after arriving I took occasion to ride about the town.
War is sadlv written on ever^'thing and there is a desolate
and dilapidated appearance about the streets and iiouses.

We camped for the night on a high hill near the banks of
the river. Many of our bo^'s availed themselves of the
opportunity of taking a bath in the river. I slept that night
on a new door which I found at the planing mill near our
camp. Bv the wav, I have never yet found the soft side ol
a board.

Crittenden to send a Brigade up an almost impracticable path, called the
N'ickajack Trace, to Siimmertown, a hamlet on the mountain, to reconnoiter
the tront'of the mountain, and to hold the main portions of his Corps in
readiness to support the troops on reconnoissance, to prevent a sortie of the
enemv o\er the nose of Lookout, or to enter Chattanooga should the enemy
evacuate or make feel)le resistance. — [ I'm/ Horiu's History of llic Army of
tlir C limber hi ml .

CHAPTER XIV.

Cmc'KAMAU(;A Mo\'EMENTS AND POSITION OF THE ArMV

— Crittenden's Corps Moves after Bragg — Stub-
born Opposition — Discovery of Rebel Plans —
Critical Condition of Rosecrans' Army — Concf;n-

TRATING AT LeE & GoRDON's MiLLS OpEXING OF

the Battle — Fifty-eighth in the Fight — Charg-
ing THE Enemy — Noble Lives Sacrificed — A Night
ON THE Battlefield — Changing Position — Battle
OF the 20TH — Break in the Lines — Confusion and
Disaster — The Rebels Checked — Rose;crans'
Army Saved.

IN order to more fully understand the situation and the
events that are to tbllow, it will be necessary to take a
general view of the armv under General Rosecrans. The
movements of Crittenden's Corps have already been
sufficient! V explained, so we will turn attention to the other
two Corps of the army.

General Thomas crossed the Tennessee at four different
points — Caperton's Ferrv, Bridgeport, mouth of Battle
Creek, and Shellmound — and crossing Sand Mountain on
converging roads, united in Wills or Lookout Valley, in the
vicinity of Trenton.

General McCook's 20th Corps crossed the river larthor
south and marched over some verv rough roads, crossing
Sand Mountain to Vallev Head, at the foot of Lookout
Mountain.

All these movements, including- those of Crittenden's
Corps, previously mentioned, were completed by the 6th of
September. The armv of General Rosecrans at that time
lay along the western base of Lookout Mountain, tVom
W'auhatchie. the position held b\' (reneral Wood's Division.

I 70 CHAI'LAIN Jll(iHT"S HlSTOl.'V OF I'MK

to X'alle}' Head — McCook's position — a point thirty-tive
miles distant. The plan for crossing the river and advanc-
ing on the rebel stronghold in Chattanooga had thus far
been successtul. and the commanding General had reason to
congratulate himself. But the enemv was ye{ in Chatta-
nooga, the objective point of the campaign. To dislodge
him it would be necessary, either to carrv the point of Look-
out Mountain, where there is only a narrow passage between
it and the river, or, to cross the mountain through the gaps
further south and threaten Bragg's line of communication.
.\s the tbrmer scheme seemed to be imjiracticable the plan
of crossing the mountain tarther south was adopted.
Accordingly, General Thomas and General McCook were
ordered to move their commands across the mountain —
Thomas to cross bv Frick's, Cooper's and Steven's gaps,
and occupy the head of WcLemore's Cove. McCook was
to move across the mountain into Broomtown \alley, and to
support the cavalry in a reconnoissance against Lafayette
and Rome.

These movements were all remarkably successful, and
resulted in forcing Bragg out of Chattanooga. It was a
great victory, and there was great rejoicing in its accom-
jilishment with so little sacrifice. There was a general belief
among soldiers of Rosecrans' army, that Bragg's army was
now in full retreat through Georgia. This opinion was
siiared by the people generally, but we all found lu)\v badly
we were mistaken a few da\s later. We soon learned,
that while Bragg was in Chattanooga he was a less formi-
dable foe than when he had thrown his army against Rose-
crans', scattered as it \vas among the mountains, tor a
distance of nearly t'orU- miles. Bragg was quick to see his
advantage, and by his rapid moNcments toward Rome, led
Rosecrans to believe, at first, that his em-my was in full
retreat, far southward. ( General Rosecrans soon discovered
his error, however, and then it was that his own situation
became alarming. With his three corps scattered as they
were, neither detachment bring within supporting distance

FIFTV-KKrHTH INDIANA l.'K(iLAIKNT. 177

of the other, hedt^ed in bv impassable mountains, it did not
require much military knowledge to understand how easy it
would be for Bragg" to crush each detachment in detail.
This was Bragg"s purpose, and, except for a tardiness and
a blunder on the part of his own officers, it would most
likely haye been accomplished.*

The foregoing will suffice for an account of the general
moyements of the army, and we may now resume the thread
of our story in regard to the moyements of our own K.egi-
ment, and the part of the army with which it was more
immediately connected.

Thursday, September io. — It was in the nature of a
surprise to most of us when the orders came to march this
morning. About ten o'clock we moved out on the road to

* In the effort to defeat Rosecrans in detail, Bragg's first combination was
direct against Tliomas; and this fact doubtless saved Crittenden's Corps,
which was in air and in no state of preparation to resist the attack of an
equal force, much less a great army. McCook's Corps was at the same time
in complete insulation at Alpine, and not far from Bragg's army. Thus far
the mo\ements of the three columns met the expectations and wishes of the
rebel comniander. Crittenden had diverged to the east on the Ringgold
road; McCook had advanced far from support, and Thomas had moved
directlv toward his armv. His army now comprised about fifty thousand
men. He had been joined by two Divisions from Mississippi, and his own
estimate placed his infantry at thirty -five thousand men; and almost into the
midst of this vast armv Xegley had penetrated. As soon as his head of
column had appeared at McLemore's Cove. General Bragg had given orders
for a movement in great force against him. At midnight on the 9th, he
gave orders to General Hindman to adxance with his Division to Davi^"
Cross roads, in Xegley's front, to co-operate with Cleburne's Division and a
force of cavalry from Hill's corps. Cleburne being sick and Dug and Cat-
lett's Gap being heavily obstructed. CJeneral Hill failed in his part of the
combination; but Hindman advanced and was at Morgan's three or four
miles from Negley. earlv in the afternoon of the loth. To prevent a mis-
carriage of the movement altogether, at eight a. m. General Bragg ordered
Buckner with his Corps to join Hindman at NIorgan's three miles from
Davis' Cross-roads, and verv near to Negley. Bragg was very urgent in
regard to the movement, as he had inferred that the three advancing columns
were moving for concentration near his position. To assure success by giv-
ing strong support to the forces already in Xegley's front, he directed (ien-
eral Polk to send a Division of his Corps to Andei'son's. to cover Hindman
during his operations. Fortunately for Xegley and the army there was
delay. Hindman propo-ed a change of plan, and in waiting for instructions
the dav passed awav. General Bragg refused to modify his orders, and at
midnight repeated them with emphasis. Xegley. as has been seen, was still
unsupported and in ignorance of the elaborate combination which had been
formed to overwhelm and cajiture him, for in addition to the foiu" Di\isions
at Morgan's and Anderson's. Walker's corps was ordered to support Cle-
burne at Dug Gap. — [I'a// Home's History of flic Army of the Cinii-
berhxtid .

17!; CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S HISTORY OF THK

Lafayette, passing through Rossville and turning off toward
Ringgold. Palmer's and Van Cleve's Divisions are in our
advance. Wagner's Brigade, of Wood's Division, was left
in Chattanooga as provost guards. We marched about ten
miles, camping at night near a new bridge across Chicka-
mauga Creek. The rebel cavalry, in large numbers, are
near us. This evening they made an attack, dashing into
camp and capturing about sixty-tive men belonging to Gen-
eral Palmer's Corps. Our Brigade was called into line to
resist an attack, but the rebels did not follow it up.

Friday, September ii. — ChickcDiiauga ! Name destined
to live in historv forever I It is said that the Indian word
means "The River of Death." How little did we dream
on this loveh' Friday morning that this name, perhaps con-
ferred because of some dark Indian tragedies, was soon to
be rendered sadly appropriate I How little did the hundreds
who bathed themselves in its waters think that it would
drink the blood of many of them.

Harker's Brigade moved across tlie country to see what
the cavahy meant, which hung about us. Buell's Brigade,
under the direction of General Wood, moved about two
miles farther towards Ringgold. Here we remained until
near night. The rebel cavalry still prowled about our lines.
At one time they assaulted our train, but were repulsed.
An hour by sun we fell in, and marched across the country
to the right. We marched for a mile or two along the south
side of a range of hills. We then crossed over the ridge,
and soon came again to the Chickamauga. The bridge was
torn up. A few moments' work repaired it. We were here
a mile or two higher up the creek than where we camped
the preceding night. We found extensive signs of the rebel
cavalry camps of the preceding night. After crossing the
bridge there were two roads — one leading to Lafayette and
the other to Chattanooga. We took the latter. We con-
tined to advance on ti)is road until we defiled into tiie main
Chattanooga and Lafayette road. The Brigade then faced
boldlv south and marched in the trail of Harker. He had

FTFTV-EHrHTH INDIANA J.'ECilMKNT. 17'.)

l^een drivini^ the enemy all day. They were in superior
numbers, and drove verv stubbornly. But by presenting
almost his entire Brigade in a line of skirmishers he suc-
ceeded in impressing them with the idea that his force was
large. About eleven p. m. we arrived at "Lee and Gordon's
Mills," on the Chickamauga River. Tt seemed to me that
we marched eight miles.

Here we met wonderful, and I have no doubt true, tales
of the proximity of the rebels. Bragg, A. P. Hill and Polk
had been here the preceding night. The w^hole rebel army
was so near that we could see their camp lires and hear their
drums.

The followincr day we lay about in the sun all day.
Palmer and Van Cleve came up in the course of the after-
noon and camped beyond the Chickamauga.

On Sunday we took up a strong position in line of battle.
An attack seems to have been anticipated. In the evening
I preached a sermon from Micah iv : 1-4, to a large congre-
gation. There was good attention.

From Monday to Thursday we maintained the same posi-
tion. Palmer and Van Cleve moved to our right, driving
the rebels from Crawlish Springs. There was some little
skirmishing.

Friday, September 18. — This morning I was busily
engaged in fixing my tent when orders came to "fall in."
The Regiment was ordered into position about eleven or
twelve o'clock. The right wing went into an open iield
near the bank of the mill pond. The left wing took up a
position in the edge of the timber as flankers. The enemy
was reported to be approaching in force. A private of the
8th Indiana Battery, by climbing a tree, got a sight of the
enemy. ^ Not thinking him reliable Sergeant Alvis was
sent up. He saw the enemy come up in force, and on
double quick, and pass to the left. A number of shots were
fired by the 8th Indiana Ijattery and the 6th Ohio. Van
Cleve's Division passed from Crawfish Springs to our left.
The enemy continued to move to the left. They crossed

ij!(> cHAiM.AiN iii(iiri'"s iiisroin of tiik

the Chickamaiiga where we had crossed it ihe preceding
Friday. Thev vigoroiisly engaged Minty s and Wilder's
Brigades of cavah-\', dri\ing tliem back. Near chirk I went
to our Division tield hospital, about one-halt" mile trom
Crawtish Springs. While on the wdy niv ears were saluted
bv keen and continuous musketry, Ibllowed by loud cheer-
ing on our left. I do not know the cause.

At the hospital ot the ist and 3d Brigades I found near
fifty of Wilder's and Minty's men wounded. Among them
was Lieutenant Drury. Chief of Ordnance on Colonel
\\'ilder"s statf. His foot had been almost torn otf by a shot,
yet he did not dismount. After hunting up Colonel Wilder
and reporting to him his condition he rode back to the
ambulance. When I saw him iiis leg had been amputated,
lie was resting comfortabh'.

Saturday, Septembkk 19. — Last night was very cold,
I did not rest well, partly on that account, but more on
account of my mistriyings lor to-da\'. 1 have been about
too much not to know that we are on the eve of a battle.
I know also that to us will not necessarily be the victory,
because it is us. 1 have eyer\' reason to anticipate a most
terrible assault. All nigiit our troops have been passing from
right to left. Brannan's Division, and all of General
Thomas' Corps changed their position. There was but little
lighting early in the daw 1 rode down to the Regiment. I
foimd them h'ing in the same position. About twelve I
returned to the hospital. On the way I met General Rose-
crans, in full gallop, at the head of McCook's Corps.
Instantly I saw that he had accepted battle. I told them at
the hospital that in thirt^■ minutes the}' might listen for the
rattle of musketry. It came. McCook's Corps continued
to pass. The hospital was uncovered by these movements.
All things were loaded uj") and moved toward ihr tiring. I
went with the hospital department.

At 2 : 30 p. m. orders came to the 58th Indiana in their
position, one-halt mile to liie right of Lee antl ( Gordon's
Mills, to call in ]")ickcts and skirmishers. ]")ix'j')aralor\- to going

KIFTV-KI(;HTH INDIANA KKii 1 M KN'I'. l»j

to the battle, two miles and a halt to their lett. A part came
in, and the rest were almost in, when the order was counter-
manded. They were sent out a^ain. In a tew minutes
thev were again ordered in. Before thev reached the Reg-
iment, it liad moved oti' to the scene ot^ action. It went on
double quick. The Regiment took position to the let't ot"
the road on which we had come on our march to Lee and
Gordon's ^Nlills.

In their rear were some rail breastworks. In front, on the
left, a dw^elling and a stable, a paling garden fence, and
other obstructions. The caissons of tw^o batteries were before
them, and still in acKance of these the guns of the 8th Indi-
ana Batter\' in action.

The Regiment was ordered to lie down. Then thev
were ordered to fix bayonets. By this time, Davis' men in
front were falling back in confusion. The caissons of the
two Batteries and two guns came running and turned, pell
mell, through our Regimental lines. Several of our men
were injured. Our line was sadlv broken. The order was
given to charge. The Regiment pressed forward as best
the}^ could. But the line could not be maintained, on
account of the house, the fence, the stable, and the endless
confusion of the hour.

But, notwithstanding these obstructions, and the general
confusion that reigned about them, the ist Brigade went into
the charge with a vim and vigor that would have accom-
plished victor}', if such a thing was possible. But it was
simply not within the range of possibilities. The men
pressed forward as best they could, closing up the line after
the obstructions had been passed. Across the road, into an
open field they went. The right of the 58th was in the open
space, the left Companies advancing in a little skirt of
timber. For a few minutes, all was comparativelv quiet in
front of our lines. Then the storm bursted. The rebels had
pressed the Regiments back on our left flank and upon our
right, and now turned with redoubled fury upon our Brigade.
Companies B, G and K. on the left of the Regiment, had

1»L> CHAPLAIN llKiHT'S UlSTOlfV OF THK

advanced to within a few yards of the enemy, lying upon
the ground, before they were discovered. Then the rebels
raised up and poured a deadly volley into our ranks. The
fire was returned, and tor a few minutes the air was so tilled
with smoke that it was impossible to see anyone at a distance
of a few feet. The firing was at short range, and the
destruction was terrible. Poinding that they were in a trap
and without support, our men withdrew in considerable
haste and with some contusion, leaving several killed and
wounded on the grounds. The right of the Regiment, being
in the open field, did not get in such close quarters with the
rebels, and consequently did not suffer so much. When Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Embree saw the extremelv hazardous situation
in which the Regiment was placed, he ordered a retreat.
This order w'as heard and obeved bv the right wing of the
Regiment, but the Companies of the left wing did not get
the order until it was too late to extricate themselves from
the deadlv ambuscade in the woods.

Within a verv short time, the scattered fragments of the
Regiment came together on a new line, which was formed
behind the house, where they had first formed. Here thev
assisted in repelling a charge of the enemy, and followed
them, driving them beyond the road again. In a short time
the rebels rallied, and drove us back to our former position.
Several charges and counter-charges were made across this
field during the afternoon, but without an\- jiermanent
advantaofe to either side. At the edtje of the woods, a little
distance beyond the house, was a hastilv erected breastwork,
made from fence rails. This was the rallying point for our
Brigade, and from here there was poured a destructive fire
into the ranks of the enemy as they came within range.

Colonel Buell, commanding the Brigade, having had two
horses shot luider him up to this time, mounted the tem-
porar\- breastworks and with hat in hand urged his men to
stand their ground. Tlie contest was short. The enem\-,
although greatly outnumbering our little torce at tliis point,
could not w ithstaiul the galling tin* that was jioured into their

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA I{F(il.MKNT. l!i:i

ranks at short range. After two or three well directed vol-
leys the rebels turned and fied. Colonel Buell then called
to his Regiment to follow him in a charge after the retreat-
ing enemy. With a wild cheer they leaped over the rail
barricade and started. Other Regiments on that part of tlie
line joined in the charge, and the enemy was driven back to
the w^oods beyond the tield, where we had our first engage-
ment of the afternoon ; thus all the ground lost was recov-
ered.

This was about the last of the lighting that evening except
skirmish tiring, which at times became almost equal to a
general engagement. Three and sometimes lour Companies
of the 58th were required for skirmish duty, while the Regi-
ment was lying in line of battle waiting developments of the
enemy.

About seven o'clock the two opposing armies rested in
battle array, each in a condition of watchtulness, but neither
with a disposition to continue the tight during the night. It
was very certain that Rosecrans' army had all they wanted
for that day, and it was equally certain that Bragg' s army
was not spoiling for any more tight. Each army was will-
ing to wait until next day before renewing the conflict. So
we remain resting on our arms during the night. And a
terrible night it was ; very cool, and no fires could be per-
mitted. All around were the dead and dying. The cries
and moans of the wounded are most distressing. The most
horrible features of a battle are the experiences of the living
soldier on the field the night after the battle.

This has been a da^• of sad experience for the 58th Indi-
ana. Their losses in killed and wounded have been terrible.
Let us go back over the events of the day, and note some of
the casualties in our Regiment :

Among the mortally wounded was Captain Charles II.
Bruce, of Compan^' K, who was as gentle a spirit and as
true a patriot as ever fell in Liberty's cause. He tell in the
first charge, and died nt'xt dav at the field hospital, while
tlie battle still ra^ed all around liim. We left him on oin*

liM. CIIAI'LAIX IlKillT'S IIISTOHV OF TMK

retreat, with his head at the root of a tree and his blanket
wrapped around him. Captain Bruce was only twenty-two
vears ot age, and was a tine. looking officer, and a courteous
gentleman in every respect. lie served through the three
months' service as bugler in the iith Indiana. Was com-
missioned 1st Lieutenant in Company K, 58th Indiana, in
November, 1861, and a few months afterw^ard w^as promoted
to the captaincy. He served for some time as Chief of Ord-
nance, on General HascalFs staf^\

Of Captain Bruce's Company of twenty-three non-com-
missioned officers and men, three were killed on this same
charge. They were Corporal J. C. Reneer, and Privates
Alex Knox and Matthew^ Swan.

In Company G, Corporal Thomas Dedman, and Privates
Obediah Wyatt and William Rock were killed.

Company B suffered severely' in this first charge. Pri-
vates B. A. Low^ry, Robert L. Wallace, Ham Woods, W. E.
Thompson, James W. Cochran, were killed outright, and
Corporal Samuel K. Carnahan, John R. Sprowl, and Lieu-
tenant James D. Foster were mortally wounded. A number
of others were severely wounded in this Company, and
several were taken prisoners in this first charge. The loss
in Company B was thirty, out ot sixtN'-one officers and men
w^ho went into the fight on this ciiarge.

Among the killed at other times, during the afternoon,
were James A. Broiles, of K ; Kzekiel Boren, of A ; W illiam
Robinson, of D. Mortally wounded, Lindsey Holder, of C.

William Robinson was perfectly conscious that he would
not live, and made several simple requests of his comrades, as
to messages to friends, etc. He was taken to the field
hospital but told them not to put him in the tent, as that was
needed for those w'ho might live. He only asked to be
placed in an easy position and given some water. The poor
fellow dii'd during the night.

Robinson was a great big, large hearted fellow^ somew-hat
rougii in his manner, but withal of a gentle disposition. I
remember that he once cann' to m^' gate, whili' I was jiastor

FIFTV-KKiHTlI IXIUANA I.'FJMMKNT. l!!.-)

of the M. E. Church, at Princeton, and gave me live dolUirs
towards repairing the church. This was as much as the
leading members could be persuaded to give. In giving his
life for his country he showed himself a better man than
many whose professions are much more loud.

Of Company E, Sergeant Gilbert Armstrong, a famous
sharpshooter, who sported a Henry rifle, was severely
wounded in tiie shoulder. The history of this man is full of
thrilling interest. lie was in the Mexican war. He was a
Western steamboatman in the meantime. His rill- was a
present from his tellow soldiers. AMien lu- was wounded
he gave his rifle to Lieutenant H.J. Barnett, of C()mpan\' V.

I must not omit to drop a tear to the memory* of "Grant,''
a celebrated flghting cock, belonging to the old sharp-
shooter. He had long rode in the ambulance to the exclu-
sion of weary men's knapsacks and the annoyance of the
sick. He was a great terror to my mare, wiio always
passed him on double quick. He was appropriately lel't on
the battlefield. When he could be seen no more he was
heard to crow. Poor rooster, I tear — nay, hope — he was
eaten by some hungr\' soldiers on that fatal frosty night.

I was on the field at a late hour of the night, gathering up
the wounded. I conducted a train of ambulances to the field
and back to the hospital after all the wounded were in.

We had one hospital tent up. It was full of suflering
men. Lieutenant Drury. who had been hauled about all
day in the ambulance with one leg ofl', lay (juietly in one
corner. Captain Bruce was about midway on the same
side, fully conscious that his end was near. Captain Davis
was opposite, seemingh- the worst wounded man in the lent.
On every side were men suffering untold agony. Outside
of the tent and near the corner were Robinson and Carna-
han. Poor Carnahan was mortally wounded in the abdomen.
He could not understand wh^' he was not put in the tent,
and why his wounds were not dressed. The tent might be
of use to some — not to him. His sulferings w ere great. He
did not die until next da\- near noon.

HU; ( IIAI'L.MX MKiHT'S IIISTOIJV OF TIIK

There was a row ot' rail tires in tin- front and rear of the
tents, tor the ni^ht was extremely eold tor September.
About these lay, or huddled, the sutlering victims of blooch'
Chickamanga. Of course amid such scenes there was but
little sleep or rest.

Such is a feeble account of the doings of mv own Regi-
ment on this noted day. May we never see such a dav
again.

Sunday, September 20. — By request of Doctor Blair, I
started earlv with our Rejjimental ambulance, driven bv
John Everett, to hunt up our wounded in the various hos-
pitals. We first visited Van Cleve's and Palmer's. At the
former we ftfund several of our men and took them to our
own hospital. We then went to Reynolds and Davis. By
this time the battle was already raging. I had hoped that
tiie quiet of the Sabbath would not be broken.

When I arrived at our hospital, I made out a list of the
killed, wounded and missing, as far as I could gain the nec-
essary information.

Soon wounded men from our Brigade began to arrive.
All reported that our men were being driven. None of the
58th were brought in.

Two pieces of artillery, which were at the brick house,
near Crawfish Springs, were taken to the left. The cavalr\'
went out and retvu'ned. About eleven a. ni. the cayalr\-
formed immediately in front of tiie hospital, thus indicating
that Gordon's Mills had been abandoned by our infantry.
It was plain that the cjav was lost, utterly and irretrievabh-
lost. What must I do? If I remain with the wounded, and
tall into rebel hands, I can not hope for proper treatment,
for the rebels utterly despise Yankee preachers. As for
leaving, I could not think of doing so without orders, unless
I went to the Regiment, and they were driven I knew not
where. So I saddled my horse, and "w'aited for something
to turn uji." I suppose that it was about twelve m. when
Doctor Phelps, of (jeneral Crittenden's stafl', rode u)") and
ordered tlial (•\er\- man and thiuLr. that could be, should he

FIFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA IfKCilMKNT. 187

moved towards Chattanoojjra h\ tho hill road. It was ]-)ilirul
to leave our brave and suffering men in the hands ot' rebels.

"You are not going to leave us, are \ou? ' asked the
silent and suffering Captain Davis, of Compan\' A.

"Can \()u not get an ambulance and take us?" said Ser-
geant Keeler, of Company- B, meaning himself and the old
sharpshooter, Gilbert Armstrong.

I went to see, but never returned to communicate the neg-
ative. I never expected to see either of them again. All
w^ho could walk w^ere sent forward. The wasfons were
loaded up and the train started. Doctors Holtzman and
Downe^•, Steward Burch, Anthonv Lindsey and John A.
Baldwin remained to care for our wounded. The cavalry
left our front and took up the vallev, parallel to the hill road
and next Lookout Mountain.

It was a motlev train and crowd that moved along the
hill road between Crawtish Springs and Missionar^' Ridge.
There were M. D.'s in abundance. There were musicians
carrviuL!" drums and saxehorns, with tlie usual red rao- to tell
the tale of their devotions to the w'ounded. There w^ere
parsons, with straight coats and sad faces. Of negroes there
were everv shade and size, but the accustomed sfrin was
gone I The order w-as "Close up I Close up I" Vn\\ the
long train moved slow, like

"That iiimimerablc caravan tlial moves
To the pale reahns, where each
Shall take his chamlier in the silent halls of death."

Inhere was no haste and no confusion. You might hear
almost anvthing 'S'ou pleased. All kinds of tales were float-
ing along the line. It was said at first that we were "going
up here to a vallev, where water was plentv. " But we
continued on our winding wav until we reached Chatta-
nooga. It must have been midnight when the remains of
our hospital sought rest on the ground near the Brown hos-
pitals.

liut let us retiuMi lo the records ol" the 5(Sih Ivegiment for
the dav.

iJli; CHAIM.UN HKillT'S IIISTOHY OK THK

During Saturday niyht the pickets were twice driven in
and several shots \\'ere tired by and at the Regiment. But
no casualties on our side.

At two o'clock a. m. the Regiment moved to a new posi-
tion about a mile and a half to the left. Here thev took a
place in tlie reserve, and before the dawning of the day the
weary soldiers prepared some coffee and partook of a frugal
meal, the tirst they had enjoved for nearly twenty-four
hours. There had begun to be a feeling that there would
be no fighting to-day, but this idea was soon dissipated.
Even before all had finished their coffee, orders came to
move. The Regiment formed in line and advanced a few
hundred 3'ards tow^ards the front. By this time the sun was
well up and the atmosphere w^as more pleasant. No sound
of a renewal of the battle yet, but it was not long after they
got into position until the sounds came echoing over the
hills from the left, telling that "the battle was on once
more."

The intention was to issue rations to the Regiment here,
and the work had partly begun, w^hen orders came to move
on up to the line ot battle in our tVont. In the meantime,
details were made from each Compan\^ to draw the rations
and follow on after the Regiment. This they attempted to
do, but failed on account of a disaster that fell upon that
part of our lines shortly alter. As it turned out the rations
were lost and some of the detail were captured. But this is
anticipating.

In obedience to ordt^rs, (jeneral W Oods I)i\ision moxiul
up and took j^osition in line of batlU\ filling a phun^ thai had
been occupied bv (xeneral Negle\"s Division. A teniporar\'
breastwork of rails and logs had been constructed ah)ng the
edge of a woods, overlooking a field and a woods beyond.
We took a position behind this rude detence and threw out
a line of skirmishers. It was not long until they developed
the enem\-. lie was across in the opposite woods in large
numbers. Vov some time heavy liring betwecMi oui" skir-
mishers and the rebt'l line was ke]")t up. but no achanee was

FJFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA HEGIMENT. 189

made. Away to the left, General Thomas' Corps was seri-
ousl}' engaged, as was evident from the roar of artiller}'^ and
mvisketry. News came that Thomas was heavily pressed,
and all available troops were sent to his assistance. Still
evervthing was comparatively quiet in our front. But our
time was coming. After an hour or so of desultory skir-
mish firing. General Wood ordered the Brigade to follow the
Division in a movement to close up on Reynolds. This
move was in obedience to a written order from General
Rosecrans, but it was given by the commanding General
under a misapprehension of the facts. It was a serious mis-
take, as we shall see.*

Lieutenant Zack Jones, of Colonel Buell's statT, was sent
to the officer in command of our skirmishers with an order
to have them retire to the line of battle, and rejoin the Regi-
ment, which was then on the move. The skirmishers were
accordingly called in and started after the Regiment. But
this movement was observed by the enemy and they quickly

* Following is a copy of the order to General Wood:

Headqlarters Department of the Cumberland, )

September 20, 10:45 a. m. \
Brii^adicr-Gcucral Wood, Command hig Difisiou :

The General commanding directs that you close up on Reynolds as fast
as possible, and support him. Respectfully, etc.,

FRANK S. BOND,
Major and Aid de Camp.

Concerning this movement, V'ati Homes History of the Army of the
Cumberland, \o\. i, page 347, says:

Regarding this order as too explicit in requirement, and too imperati\ e in
tone to warrant any discretion as to obedience. General Wood withdrew his
Division with promptness. Mis left was aligned with Brannan's right, and
he saw no wav to close upon Reynolds but to withdraw from line and pass
to the left, in the rear of Brannan. Having advised General McCook that
tiiis change would be made. General Wood moved his Di\ision rajiidly from
line. Brannan was not out of line, Reynolds was not under pressure, and
W^ood moved from line at the \ery moment of the enemy's attack. General
Davis threw his reser\e Brigade toward the wide vacant space, but the
heavy columns of the enemy were soon upon it, and Davis' two small Brig-
ades were speedily enveloped. His troops resisted bravely, but assaulted in
front, flank, and rear, they were lifted from position and hurled in fragments
toward Missionary Ridge. The attack and issue were too sudden for Lai-
boldt to move to his assistance, and the latter was quickly routed. Buell's
Brigade, of Wood's Division, the last to leave position, was severed as it
retired, and Brannan's was struck in flank.

100

CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOKV OF THE

took advantage of it. There was a gap in the line lett bv
Wood's Division moving out. When the skirmishers
reached the line the enemy was close after them. The few
scattering men attempted to hold back the great mass of
rebels that pressed onto them, but it was useless. Our lines
were broken, and the divisions on either side of tiie gap were
struck in the liank, and thrown into confusion. Imme-
diately the broken columns were thrown into a state border-
ing on a panic. In the rear of our lines there was an open

field, with a gradual slope
to the center and a grad-
ual ascent to a piece of
timber on tlie opposite
side. Across this field
our broken columns were
fiving, in utter demorali-
zation. There were men,
horses without riders,
sections of artillerv, and
the various other appoint-
ments of an arm\-, all
rusiiing in a contused and
indiscriminate race for a
place of safety. In the
meantime the rebels had
advanced their lines to
the ridge where we had
been, and liad turned
uj")on us the guns which
they had captured. vShot and shell, and cannister,
screamed and shrieked over the flving fugitives, making a
scene, and causing sounds in which ihc ver\- demons of the
infernal regions might well find delight. But it was a sad
and sorrowful sight for loval, union loving people. So far
as one could see who was in the midst ot it, the rout involved
the whole of General Rosecrans' magnificent army, and it

* Killed near ^'iIK'_varcl house. Se|>t. 19, 186^. I'or sketch see page 1S3.

C AI'TAIN CIIAS. 71. nRl^CE, CO. K .*

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA «E(iIMENT. 1 !i 1

seemed our cause was lost. It was not a question of the
sacrifice of one life or many lives at such a time, but was
whether there was any sacrifice sufficient to stay the impend-
ing ruin.

But, Ibrtunately, things were not as bad as they appeared.
Things seldom are. Certainly they might have been worse
in this instance. The rebels might have followed on after
our broken and demoralized troops, instead of stopping on
the ridge, and contenting themselves with throwing shells
after them. Shells make a terrible noise and are somewhat
frightful, but thev are not dangerous, in proportion to
their size and sound. They serve a useful purpose, in
more thoroughly scaring a body of demoralized troops,
but a scared soldier is apt to be more useful than a dead one.

"He who fights and runs a\va_\'.
May live to fight another day.""

It was that wa^' in this case. The most of these were
ready to tight again, and much harder, and much more
effectively, this same day. By the time the}- reached the
edofc of the woods, on the other side of the field, the dis-
ordered troops had, in a measure, recovered from their
panic. As broken Regiments and Brigades found each
other, and regained their position in line, their old con-
fidence returned, and they were again read}' to meet the
enemy.

For a time the 58th was separated from the other Regi-
ments of the Brigade, but there was never a time when the
organization was not in a condition for service, and under
proper discipline. There were individuals and parts of Com-
panies, who were for a time separated from the Regiment,
but in the main, it ma^' truthfully be said, the organization of
the 58th was intact during the day. After being caught in
the whirlwind that sent the great mass of our troops back
across that field, the 58th rallied on the opposite hill, and
took a position in the new line of battle that was there
formed. Here they held the rebels at bay and stopped their
mad progress in that direction.

192 CHArLALN EIGHT'S HiSTOia OF THE

The Regiment had some sharp engagements during the
time thev were on this part of the held. In one of these
Lieutenant Hugh J. Barnett, of Company F, was mortally
wounded. He was leading a detachment of the Regiment
in a charge when he fell. Poor Barnett lay where he fell
for five davs before death relieved him of his suffering, as
we afterward learned. At the time he was sliot he had
the Henry rifle, belonging to Gilbert Armstrong, wlio was
wounded yesterday. The rebels took the gun and all his
clothing and valuables, but did not render any assistance to
the wounded man. They did not even bur^' him after he
was dead, but left the body to decay above ground. There
is but one place where such heartlessness as tliis can be
properly rewarded .

Lieutenant Barnett was one of our best and bravest men.
He was full of life and fun, and did much to drive away the
despondency and gloom of a soldier's life. He was
known b^' every man in the Regiment and was well liked
by all. He was a moral, upright christian man, and active
in religious work in the Regiment.

Later in the afternoon, the 58th was tbrmed in a low piece
of ground, about a half mile from their former position.
They were ordered to ad\'ance in a line supporting a battery.
At this time there appeared in their front at least a Brigade
of men, dressed in dark clotliing, and with battle flags some-
what like ours. Thev came up in good order, bayonets
fixed, and guns at "right shoulder shift." A discussion
arose among our officers as to who these troops were,
whether friends or foes. Colonel Embree and another Col-
onel contended that they were enemies. Some of the
line officers and men thought they were friends ; but the
former opinion was correct, as was soon demonstrated.
The^■ proved to be a jiortion ot J^ongstreet's Corps, whicli
liad just arrived from \'irginia. Our men were not accus-
tomed to seeing their enemies in any otlier dress than the reg-
ulation butternut. 15ut the troojis under discussion soon con-
vinced everyone of their truf character by pomnng a Nolley

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 11);)

into our ranks. Many of our men were wounded b\- this
volle3% and two or three killed. Our men returned the tire
in a vigorous manner, but the enemy continued to press tor-
ward. Soon another force came up on our right flank, and
the position became untenable. The Regiment fell back
and rallied again on the colors, on a hill Rome\vhat to tlie
left and rear of our former position. In this movement a
part of the Regiment became separated iVom tlie others, and
on account of the confusion of the hour the detachments
could not be gotten together for some time. However, b\'
this time the contest on that part of the tield had become a
kind of a free fight, and there was no difficulty in a soldier,
who was so inclined, finding a situation w-here he could get
all the fighting he could attend to. It was a fact, that some
of the best and most effective fighting that was done that
afternoon, was by detached bodies of troops that liad
been separated from their commands. Some of the 58th
officers and men, that were thus cut off, did excellent service
in this w^ay. To these men, wuth others, who were tiius
engaged, is due a full share of the credit of saving tlie arm^'
from a greater disaster.

The Regiment rallied again and took position in a line
further to the left, on Snodgrass Hill. Here the remnants
of Wood's Division, and the detachments of the left wing,
joined the forces of General Thomas, and here, under tlie
command of that intrepid soldier, the rebel advance was
checked. It was between one and two o'clock when the
58th Regiment got into this position. At that time the right
wing was thoroughly routed. General Rosecrans was
caught in the whirlwind and borne back into Chattanooga,
as was also Crittenden and McCook. Such of the broken
Divisions as could do so, found their wav to join the left,
which was still being held by Thomas. Upon this position
assault after assault was made, but our lines could not be
broken. Some of the severest fighting of the two days' bat-
tle was done here, but the losses were heaviest with the
enemy.

194 CHAPLAIN HKIHT'S HISTOEY OF THE

About lour o'clock, the ammunition of our Regiment was
exhausted. Colonel Buell started back with the Regiment
to hunt ammunition to replenish the cartridge boxes. He
was met by General Branham, who informed him there was
no ammunition to be had. Colonel Buell was ordered to
hold the hill at all hazards — even at the point of the bayonet.
By searching among the cartridge boxes of the dead, enough
ammunition was found to make about one round per man in
our Regiment. The guns were loaded, and the men waited
for the next attack ot the rebels. They were now read}' for
desperate work. They did not have long to wait. Soon
the enemy appeared in massed columns. They marched
boldly up the hillside, until they were within thirty yards of
our men. Not a gun had yet been tired by either side. A
demand was made by an officer in our Regiment Ibr the
rebels to surrender. A like demand came iVom the rebel
side, with the threat that if we did not surrender the}^ would
fire on us. At this, our men opened lire on them, pouring
their last round into the rebel ranks. This voile v did fear-
ful execution. The rebels retreated in great haste, leaving
many of their dead and wounded on the ground.

This about ended the lighting for the dav, so far as our
Regiment was concerned. By this time it was nearly dark,
and both sides were ready to quit, for, in reality, both sides
had had enough of fighting. The 58th was moved back a
short distance to the rear, awd then, under cover of the dark-
ness, the remnants of the Brigade was marched, througii
fields and woods, to their new position in the line, on the left
of Rossville. Here the men had an opportunity for a few
hours' rest and sleep.

During the night the entire army was concentrated at this
point, and were in good shape to give the rebels a warm
welcome next morning. But they did not come. All da\'
Monday we waited their approach, but only a small force of
cavalry showed an inclination to make us a visit. From
this fact, it was plainly evident that Bragg's arm\- liad no
disposition to renew the conflict.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 111.)

During Moncki}' night Rosecrans' army was moved back
into Chattanooga. The 58th was left as a part of a strong-
line of skirmishers to cover this movement. It was fully
expected, b}' our officers, that this rear guard would be gob-
bled up by the rebels in the morning. General Wood
expressed surprise when Major Moore, in command of the
58th skirmishers, reported to him in Chattanooga next morn-
ing. Wood said he did not expect to see us.

Tlius it was that the 58th Indiana was among the tirst
Regiments on the held of Chickamauga, and one of the last
to leave it. Early in the engagement it was put into the
thickest of the hght and it remained there until the finish.
With its last round of ammunition, it assisted in repelling the
last charge of the enemy on Snodgrass Hill ; and it had the
proud satisfaction of being numbered with the troops, under
the command of George H, Thomas, ''the Rock of Chicka-
mauga," that saved the "Armv of the Cumberland," on this
Sunday afternoon.

Ovu" losses in the two davs' battle were as follows :

Enlisted
Officers Men Total

Killed 2 14 iC)

Wounded 5 116 121

Missing 1 24 2-:,

Captured 279

Total 10 161 171

The greater part of these losses occurred Saturday after-
noon, in the Regiment's tirst engagement, near the Vineyard
house. The captured officers were the two surgeons left
with the wounded at the hospital when the army fell back
on Sunday. Some of the enlisted men were captured at
that time and others were captured on anotlier part of the
field.

Mention has been made of tiie killing of Lieutenant James
D. Foster, of Company B, in the first engagement of the
Regiment on Saturday afternoon. As a matter of fact, it
was not known certainly as to his fate Ibr some days after-
ward. No one saw him fall, or knew certainlv tliat he was

100 CHAPLAIN HKrHT'S HISTORY OF THE

killed. For a time there was a lingering hope that he might
turn up among the wounded and missing. But he was
never seen or heard of afterward, and it is evident that he
died unknown, and hlls an unknown grave somewhere on the
field of Chickamauga, if, indeed, his bodv was honored witli
sepulture at all.

Lieutenant Foster was a most genial man, and a ver\- pop-
ular officer. He was always cheerful, and usually of a very
quiet demeanor. His home was in Fort Branch, Indiana,
and he was among the tirst citizens of his town to tender his
services, and his lite, it need be, in sustaining the Govern-
ment. Through his influence, many of the boys and young
men of his acquaintance were induced to enter the arm v.
He alwa3^s had a kindly, watchful oversight of these boys,
and thev are indebted to him tor much good counsel and
advice. He was an earnest Christian man, as well as a
brave and unselfish patriot. With him, to know a dutv,
either to his fellow man, his countrv or his God, was to do
that duty, so far as he was able. The loss of such a man as
Lieutenant James D. Foster to our Regiment was irrepa-
rable. But to him what a wondrous change I From the
horrid scenes of Chickamauga's bloody battlefield, to the
realms of bliss and everlasting peace, on Heaven's bright
shore.

— oOe«

CHAPTER XV.

Seige of Chattanooga — Falling Back from Rossville
— Evidences of Demoralization — Preparations
FOR Defence — Chattanooga will be Held — Re-
organization— Getting in Position — Rebel Dem-
strations from missionary ridge and lookout
Mountain — Short of Rations — A Battle at
Night.

ENTION has been made of the movements of the hos-
pital, and of the fact that I came with this department
of the army into Chattanooga, Sundav night. On Monday
I started out to see and learn what I could as to the situa-
tion. I found that great crowds of men, some slightly
w'ounded, and some stragglers, were on the streets, all mov-
ing toward the river. At the river I saw the pontoon bridge,
at the time, crowded with rebel prisoners crossing over. I
confess I was surprised at their number. Tow^ard noon
I went out to hunt the Regiment, then near Rossville. I
found them in a very good positi i and seemingly able to
hold it against the enemy, who w in force just beyond, and
making their presence known bv eavv cannonading.

Returning to quarters in Cha looga that night, I went
to rest, the tirst I had enjoved f several da vs.

Next morning I was surprisf o hear that the 58th was
in town. This information ^ discouraging to me, as it
seemed to signify the abando nt of our strong position on
Missionary Ridge. My v fears were confirmed on

going down town. Rose* ' entire armv was in and

iy« CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTOBY OF THK

alioiit Chattanooga. From what I could see there was an
effort being made to cross the river. I knew we could not
all get over on the one pontoon bridge. Soon I came upon
the 58th. Thev were just moving to the front and left, and
I went with tiiem. I supposed, as Wood's Division was on
prov'ost dutv in Chattanooga, that we were, probably, taking
a position to cover the retreat of Rosecrans' army across the
river, and we would have to take our chances to get
over after all the other troops had crossed. It was a gloomy
outlook, but all the signs tended to contirm it. The orders
were to move every wagon and all the wounded over the
river. The streets were crowded with a moving mass
headed toward the bridge. It seemed everybody wanted to
get over first : on the theory that all were going, and the
rebels would get the hindmost. If, at this particular juncture,
the rebels had thrown a few shells in town, I am sure there
would have been a panic, and, probably, some of the panic
stricken w^ould have plunged headlong into the river.

But, fortunatel}^, the rebel shells did not come ; and, more-
over, mv conceptions as to the meaning of the movements
of the army were not well founded. Rosecrans' army was
not going to abandon Chattanooga, just yet, but was getting
in position to stay there, indefinitely. While our hospitals
were being established across the river the fighting portion
of the arm}' was intrenching. They had, temporarily, laid
aside the gun for the pick and the shovel. There were two
uniinished forts, started bv Bragg's arm\- before tiieir evac-
uation. These were to be immediately completed and occu-
pied bv our men. Between these torts a formidable line of
rifle pits were being rapidly constructed. Every one who
could handle a tool, or move dirt, was at it this day and
night. This is an emergency in wliicii a soldier will work.

All day Tuesdav, the 22d, I^ragg's army was expected to
make its appearance on Missionary Ridge, but it came not.
The hours pass, the work in the rifle pits goes bravely on.
By night the preparation for defence had so far progressed
that Bragg would have tound trouble in abundance if he had

FIFTY-inCiHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. lit!)

tried to come in. More than this, the spirit of our army was
revived and the men were impressed wath a determination to
stay .

On the morning of the 23d General Rosecrans rode around
tlie lines and examined the works. He said to tiie men :
"We did not come here to hght the whole Southern confed-
eracy, but now, if they want to, let them come on. We are
readv for them." "Old Rosey," as the boys called him,
was received evervwhere with great enthusiasm.

During the week following this the 58th shifted its posi-
tion several times, and finally was posted in line to the right
of Fort Wood. Tlie rebel army was posted along Mission-
ary Ridge and across the valley to Lookout Mountain, com-
pletelv encircling the town. The two armies are in plain
view of each other, and occasionally some shot and shell are
exchanged. But no serious damage w'as done on either
side. Our picket lines were close to the enemy and at first
picket firing was freely indulged in. Soon this became
monotonous and annoying, without accompanying benefit,
and, by mutual consent, a truce was declared. The blue and
the grav maintained a condition of friendly intercourse,
often meeting between the lines to exchange coffee and
tobacco, etc.

Sunday, October 4. — This was a very blustery day.
Bad for out-door preaching, but it was either that or noth-
ing. Our preaching services have been interrupted for some
time, for sufficient reason. To-da}', Rev. Thompson, Chap-
lain of the 64th Ohio, preached in our camp, on "Thou
Shalt Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself," Some, whose
logical abilities are rather poor, thought he advocated
"nigger equality." But he simply advocated the principle
of dealing justly, even wuth the lowlv negroes, and his argu-
ment was good.

In the evening I preached on tlie propriety of improving
the lessons constantlv presented to the soldier. We thus
imitate Jesus, who drew lessons of morality from every
object that was presented to him. There are many helps to

200 CHAPLAIN HTGHT'S HISTOKV OF THE

Christianity in the experience of the soldier. From the
change ot dress of the citizen to the uniform of the soldier
he should learn to have his "garments washed and made
white in the blood of the Lamb."' When he becomes a sol-
dier, he must give up the rights of a citizen, and submit to
be governed bv the military authorities. So, in becoming a
Christian one must bring his will into subjection to God.
In entering the army, we must be instructed in military tac-
tics and experience. So if vou would be a Christian, vou
must be a disciple.

An armv must exercise constant watchfulness. So must
the Christian. An armv must have an uninterrupted base of
supplies, and draw thence subsistence for man and beast.
The Christian must draw his supplies of grace, day by day,
tVom God. He can not live without his spiritual rations.
Courafjc must be a characteristic of both soldier and CIums-
tian.

The soldier must be read\' to march at a moment's notice.
He must not be encumbered with useless baggage. So must
the Christian be readv for death. The presence of death
among us ought to impress on our minds, "Be ye also
ready . ' '

A long train of ambulances started this morning, with
wounded, for Bridgeport. The authorities seem to antici-
pate some danger, for thev are moving the wounded back,
without regard to lite or limb. l^oor Captain Davis was
sent off; I know not whv. I am at raid that it will kill him.
All the wounded of our Regiment, on this side of the river,
except Chew, Steward, Lockwood, Lounsdale, Rosebor-
ougli, Grav and Singleton, were taken off on this train. We
have about twentv wounded on the other side of tlie Tennes-
see River, at the Held hospital.

Monday, Octohkk 5. — The dull monotonv of the siege
of Chattanooga was broken at about eleven a. m. by a rebel
shell bursting on the picket line in front of Fort Negley.
The pickets maintained their position, but llie stragglers
retreated in (food order. Another shell fell nc^ar the lort.

FlFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA HIXilMENT. 201

Another reached General Rosecrans' headquarters. One
bursted just in front of our Regiment. Bv this time they
came plentifully along the whole line. Our guns responded
slowly, and at long intervals, as if to say, "The Yankees are
still here, but are not anxious for a ti<rht." By this time the
side of Lookout began to speak in sullen tones of rebel
wrath. (lun alter gun opened. The mountain poured in
its broadsides like a man-ot-war. This continued until dark,
and at intervals through the night.

From the 6th to 12th nothing occurred to disturb the
monotony of our camp. Of course, the rebels continued to
remind us that their artillery was in good working order, by
throwiup- an occasional shell in our direction, but we w^ere
not disturbed b^' little pleasantries of that kind. The tiling
that distressed us most was the lack of rations.

On the nipfht of Tuesday, October i^, we were somew^hat
disturbed by our Sergeant-Major, who came around and
informed us that the Regiment would have to move out ot
its present camp before daylight next morning. I inquired
as to the reason for this, and was informed that we were to
exchange positions with Hazen's Brigade. The 21st Army
Corps has been dissolved, and the Regiments in our Brigade
are to be added to those of the 2d Brigade, under command
of General Wagner, in General Sheridan's Division. Otli-
ciallv, we are to be known as the Second Bri<i[-ade, Second
l^ivision. Fourth Corps. We were to move and take our
position in the new^ command.

But the rain has been fallino- all niirht, and still comes in
torrents. Indeed, it does not promise to be a very tine day
lor a move. If we had good tents, it would not be so bad.
But we have every kind of a miserable old shelter that could
be constructed of the rude materials at our disjiosal. Time
wore on, and day came, and still we did not move. Hopes
were freely indulged that there would be no move to-day.
But shorth^ after day the order came to "strike tent.'' So
we began to roll up, and pile up, and tumble up our traps.
Great heaps of lumber were collected about Regimental

202 CHAl'LAIX 1II(;HT"S 11IST(>KV OF THK

headquarters. Five wagons were sent to move us. These
were loaded uj"). 15 v this time the order came to remain
where w^e were until further orders. And so we did remain.
It continued to rain. We sat about decaying camp tires,
made sad attempts at wit, and spun most miserable tales, to
keep our spirits up. When the bugle sounded the dinner
call, w'e were ordered to unload the w^agons and pitch tents.
And such a hammering and banging I The men worked
away lively in the rain, that thev might have a little com-
fort.

Such moves as this are very disgusting. The move was
evidently deferred on account of the weather. But the Gen-
eral did not make the discovery until the tents were all
dow^n. Then the men must be \ei\ standing a half dav in the
rain, while the question is being discussed whether it would
not be better to move, since things had gone thus far.
Some of our officers must be like Indians — sleep on every
proposition before deciding.

Wednesday, Octoher 14. — It has been raining all da\-
and all night. Men very hungrv, tor thev onh' have two-
third rations. Manv horses and mules dying through starv-
ation. Railroad in rear torn up. Reinforcements coming.

Thursday, October 15. — We had a terrible storm of
wind and rain last night. Mv tent is just upon the edge of
a deep cut in the railway. I w'as very fearful it would go
over. The rain continued until near night.

There has been much cheering in the armv, to-day, over
the defeat of \ allandingham in Ohio.

Friday, Ocioi'.er 16. — The men lor some weeks have
been on two-thirds rations. Now the ordi'r is lull rations ol
bread, and half rations of other things. Tlie\- are to get no
meat except beef. If one will bear in mind that the cattle
are about starved, he may see at once what a miserable kind
of food their flesh must be. The men have sutl'ered much
hunger n>centh-. Oiu" horses are now getting ten ears ot
corn each dav. The ears are ver\- small, compared with
corn in the North. Man^• horses and mules liave died of

FIFTV-KKiHTH INDIANA KKCiDIKNT. 203

starvation. We are now in a state of siege. Our supplies
have not all been cut off. I hope General Hooker will suc-
ceed in opening up communication and raising the siege.

I called, in mv visits, first, on George H. Singleton, of
Company H, at General Hospital No. 3, room 39. This
hospital was formerly the Crutchlield House. It is a largt\
roomy structure, reaching from street to street. Singleton's
wound is through the calf of the right leg. He is doing
well. He is able to go home. I next called on William
(Tra^', of Company F, at General Hospital No. 2. His left
leg is off. He is suffering greatly. In Hospital No. i.
Ward H, I found Joel L. Evans, of Compan^^ (j, and Rose-
borough, of B. Evans is wounded in the abdomen, but the
cavity was not penetrated. He seems to be resting comfort-
ably. Roseborough looks pale, but is recovering. There
were several men dying in this ward. An old gray headed
man, of the 4th Kentucky, whose leg was amputated, had
died since I was here last.

I called on John G. Lounsdale, of Compan^• B, in Ward
"L."' His wovind, which was a very dangerous shot
throup'h tiie neck, is healino- finely. Lounsdale looks like a

cry r^ -

youtli of seventeen. It was on the first charge of the sStii
Indiana that he was wounded. He was iroino- forward witii-
out anticipating any danger, though men were falling all
around. Suddenly he was shot, before he had fired a sincrle
round. His first impression was that he was killed. He
tried to move, but could not. He was then more confident
than ever that lie was killed. "It came to my mind, ' said
he, ''to get up ; but then I tiiought I was dead, and I might
as well lie still. There was no use getting up, if I were
dead I" After a little time, he succeeded in raising his
head. He discovered his companions just ahead of him.

Gilbert R, Stormont, who was by his side when he was
shot, carried him from the field to an ambulance. W'hen
the Regiment tell back he was placed in our Regimental
hospital tent. He remained there until our second and last
train of ambulances were sent through the rebel lines. He

204- CHArLALN HlOH'fS HISTOKY OF THE

was then brought up and placed in Wood's Division hos-
pital ; he was afterward moved to his present place. I think
he will soon be well.

In Ward "M" I called on Richard Steward, of Companv
K, and Lockwood, of Company B. Both of these soldiers
are restless and impatient. Steward is severely wounded —
jiainfallv so. Lockwood is shot through the side. lie
seems to be getting worse. He is even threatened \\ ith con-
sumption. He is very homesick.

In Ward "O'' I called on Joe Chew, of Company C. His
foot was penetrated by a ball and some of the bones fractured.
The ball and some pieces of bones have been recently
removed. The surgeon now hopes to save his foot. Chew
is a very reckless young man. These are all the wounded
men v.e have in Chattanooga.

In returning home I passed through the lines of the 14th
Corps. Their works are very strong, considering that there
is nothing in the nature of the ground to render their position
a good one.

By the way, our position here is a poor one. Lookout
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, held by the enemy, com-
mands every inch we hold, including the bridges across the
Tennessee.

TuESDAV, October 20. — We again had orders to move
camp betbre daylight. We were ready, accordingly, and
about seven a. m. we moved. After all oiu' Generals did
not know where we were going. Up to yesterday they
designed placing us on the hill on the extreme right. But
General Sheridan was ordered toward the left. At first our
little piece of a Brigade moved toward the Catholic Chinx'h.
We lav b\- the Baptist church for a good whiU', until (General
Sheridan and Wagner lixed the place of encampment.
We then took our place on Signal Hill. This is a splendid
place, in the very heart of the fortress of Chattanooga.

Wednesday evening I attended services at the Baptist
Church, near our camp. These ser\ices are conducted by
the I'. J>. Cliristian Commission. Rev. Mr. Hiofh. from

FIFTY-EKIHTH INDIANA KIXIIMENT. -JOT)

"away down East," was praying when I entered. He has
quite a Yankee aftVctation in his speech, so that at times it is
difficult to understand him. He has long hair — falling upon
the collar of his coat. After prayer, about one hour was spent
in talking on religion, by the men present. One fellow said
that one day, when he was plowing, "a still small voice"
came to him and told him that he was not prepared to die.
He felt bad about one year. One night he had pleasant
dreams. Next morning he felt all right. I suppose he must
be a Hardshell Baptist. I believe thev can dream away sin.
Most of the speaking was in good taste.

Lieutenant-Colonel Embree, having resigned, left the
Regiment Saturday morning for his home. He made a short
farewell address to the Regiment before leaving, stating,
that on account of the recent death of his father and also his
wife, it was necessary for him to leave the arm}', to look after
business requiring his attention at home, tie regretted very
much that he had to leave the Regiment, with whom he had
been so long associated. He complimented the men on
tiieir discipline and their bravery, tested on many occasions,
and invoked the blessings ot Heaven to rest upon them.
He expressed the hope, that when they returned to their
homes, they mig-ht find their domestic circles unbroken.
Colonel Embree has the respect and good will of every man
in the Regiment, and we are sorry to have him leave us.

Sunday, October 25. — General Palmer's Division
moved across and down the Tennessee. The 58th and 57th
Indiana, and 26th and 97th Ohio, and perhaps some other
Regiments, moved out to take the place made vacant on the
line. This leaves our camp very thinly inhabited.

I was awakened at five minutes before one o'clock, on the
morning of the 27th, dreaming of cannon, and with the
sound of heavy cannonading in my ears. Pulling on my
boots, I stepped to the door of my shanty. Beyond Look-
out Mountain, there was heavy cannonading and musketry.
I soon retired to bed, as the night was cold. But the sound
ot l:)attle continued, and I again arose, and listened until

206 CHATLAIX HKiHT'S HISTOIfY OF THE

about thrre a. m. I then fell asleeji. I am ii^norant of tlio
cause of this li(rhtinir. We have had a thousand rumors
to-dav, but notliin<r dehnite. When the papers come from
the North, we will know all al:)out it.

Skjnal IIili., October 30. — The rain has been fallinir all
da\'. The Regiment is still in Fon Palmer. 1 s]-)ent the
morniniT in mv tent, readin<^ and writini;". In the afternoon
I visited my hospital. There had been three deaths since my
visit on last Sundav. I found tlie men happy and cheertul.

I tind it a great cross to talk to men in company about
religion. Tt is also a cross for me to hold religious services
in a hospital. Still here is a most inviting field. (jreat
and lasting good can be done.

The evening hung a little heavih^ on my hands, as I had
reading to do, and no candles. I therefore gave mvself to
meditation, chiefly on the text, "lie shall give his angels
charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall
bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a
stone." I am of'ten annoyed, when trying to think, bv idle
people talking to me. So it was to-night. Many can not
see how a man can be busv, unless he is doing physical toil.
Heing unable to tliink themselves, they do not know that
others can. Mind work is exceedingly rare amongst men.
The men in front ask me if I am not lonesome in camp. If
I had nothing to do, I would be. I alwavs expect to have
both companv and emplovment as long as I have reason. I
have, somewhere, read of one who was asked why he talked
to himself, and he replied, "I like to talk with a gentleman."
So I sav, when wrapped up in my own tlioughts, I love to
keep conipan\- with a gentleman. I have no thought of
lieing lonesome, while Parson Higlit and tlie Cha]")hiin are
along. We can talk, read and reason together.

vSrxoA^', X()\'i-:mhi>:r i. — I went out to mv Regiment, in
front ot" l•^)^l Pahnt'r, and jireached at nine a. m. from
Psalm I. 1-4. I wore m\' hat during preaching, a tiling I
am seldom compelled to do. The iieat of' the sun r(U|uired
il lo-da\-.

FIFTV-KKiHTH IXDIAXA IfKUIMEXT. "iOT

General Hooker has come up the river on this bank to
Lookout Valley. Here he defeated the rebels, in the battle
I heard a few nights since, and opened communication with
Hazen's Brigade, which affected a landing on the south
bank, and laid a pontoon across the river on last Tuesday
morning. Thus, b}' crossing at Shellmound, Battle Creek,
or Bridgeport, and coming up the left bank of the river to
Lookout Valley, then recrossing to the right bank and cross-
ing at Chattanooga, we have a better route than over Wal-
den's Ridge. Bv the way, the rebels keep booming away
from the top of Lookout. I infer that they are determined
to break this new line. We have a few little steamers that
liegan running to a point six miles below here last night.
This tills us with hope for rations tor the future. If our
efforts to open this line had tailed during tiie past week, this
Sabbath day would have seen Chattanooga in rebel hands,
and the Yankees in full retreat.

No rations, exxept a little poor beef, were issued to the
men this day, until after night. Thev then received about
one-half of a cracker each. Poor fellows I They suffer
greatlv, and many of them are very weak. Most of them
bear up nobly. A few talk and act childish,

Monday, November 2. — The bridge across the Tennes-
see was cut yesterday afternoon, and is not yet repaired.
No rations, except beef, were issued vmtil near night. I
fmd m^•self weak this afternoon for want of food.

The rebels are digging rifle pits in sight of Fort Negley.
Our cannons tire at them, without accomplishing anything.

Three shots from Lookout came thundering into the very
lieart of Chattanooga this afternoon. Thev can not reach
us.

An attack seems to liave been anticipated at night. Tiie
men were under arms.

We had an excellent sermon, and a poor meeting, at the
Baptist church, with white men for a congregation and
negroes for mourners. Things were prettv well mixed up.
e\'en more than I care about, and all niv friends know what

208 ( HAT'LAIN EIGHT'S HISTOKV OF THE

a great Aliolitionist I am. T despise caste, and believe in lov-
ing all men, and yet I doubt the propriety of that tamiliarit^•
that breeds contempt. The negroes ought to have religion,
and I am in lor holding a meeting for them. \\ hen we get
to heaven, languages, conditions, and color, and all things
else that do and must separate men, shall disappear. Amen.

Lieutenant William Adams, of Company H, having had
his resignation accepted, left us on yesterday. Shorth- after
I came to the Regiment, he was made Sergeant-Major. At
Stone River, he fought as Lieutenant, but was not commis-
sioned until afterward. He was wounded in the heel in that
engagement, and enjoyed a furlough. At the battle of
Chickamauga he was sick, but, nevertheless, did his whole
duty on the field. He then went to Nashville, and spent
some weeks in the hospital. He procured the acceptance of
his resignation by obtaining an endorsement from the Regi-
mental commander.

Thursday, November 5. — Lieutenants Mason and Wood
took a detail of forty men, with four da^^s' rations, and went
as guards for a forage train.

Captain George AVhitman has resigned, and left lor home
about twelve m. to-day.

T am truly sorry to -see the Captain go. We have lost a
good soldier. I liear that his wife li(.\s at death's door. It
is this that leads liim homeward.

We have had luit little cannonading. Most of it was done
by the rebc>ls. It w^as Fort Lookout liring at Moccasin.

in one ot my strolls about Chattanooga, T turned aside
and stood on Cameron Hill, the place where our ReginuMit
bivouacked thi' night after our tirst entr\- into Chattanooga,
Septemiier 9th. How changed the scene now, as compared
to that of two months ago I Then this place was a 'grove of
forest trees. Now' every tree has been cut down. Then
summer cowmxhI all with green. Now natiu'e seemed dead,
and the trees lealless. Then a few forts without guns con-
stituted tiie stronghold : now bristling ramparts in every val-
ley, and grim torts on everA' hill, t'orni a grand fortress. A

FTFTY-EIGHTH IXDTAXA Ur.GTMENT.

lM»'.»

CAPTAIN WILLIAM E. CIIAPPEL

Was nuistercci in as l-"irst Lieutenant of Company I, Decenildt'r 16, 1S61,
and continued as such until April 6, 1S63, when he was promoted to the
Captaincv of tlie Compan\-. 1 le lonnnanded the Compan\- the remainder
of the time and was mustered out with tlic Regiment. After leaving the
arinj he returned to his occupation of farming, in which he has heen quite
successful. He is now living on his farm near Algiers, Pike comity, Indiana.
Captain Chappel is one of the most active members of the 5Sth Indian.i
Regimental Association, and is in hearl\- s_\-m])athy with everv movement
that tends to perpetuate the deeds of that Regiment. lie was the first to
tender material aid for the publication of this work.

210 (iiAPLAix iii(iii'i'"s iiis'roh'v OF tin:

few straggling inhabitants, and a few hundreds of Yankee
troops, were all the living beings then in view. Now there
are teeming thousands of soldier}^ There are some houses
less, but a million tents more. Away yonder, where one
could then see naught but the green forest of Missionarv
Ridge, now can be viewed the white tents of the rebels.
And old Lookout, which then was in our hands, now reflects
the rays of the setting sun, and thunders from its storm-
beaten crags and rockv summit, on the Yankee hosts
below, ^till winds the Tennessee in its wonted channel,
though swollen by recent rains. Awav to mv right is tJie
smoke of Hooker's encampments. What changes will
another two months bring?

Saturday, November 7. — Our men at Fort Palmer were
relieved by Hazen's Brigade. General Wagner has been
relieved of the command of the post.

Sunday, November 8. — This is a chillv dav. Four
Companies, B, G, K and E, were ordered to move their
tents. This makes fine Sundav work.

Colonel Buckner, of the 79th Illinois Volunteers, preached
a short sermon, at three p. m., to my Regiment.

The Regiment was paid for four months' service, on the
13th. A recruiting party, detailed from each Company,
started north. This party was in command of Captain Cain.
with Captain W. E. Chappel next in command.

-^CS^M-X^^

CHAPTER XVI,

Battle of Missionary Ridge — Record of Events Pre-
ceding THAT Engagement — Hooker's Battee
Above the Clouds — The Star Spangled Banner
Waves o\'er Lookout Mountain — SHER^L\N's Suc-
cess ON the Left — Cheering Prospp:ct for the
Union Army — Army of the Cumbp:rland Advances
— Magnificent Pageant — Chargin(; the Rebel
Rifle Pits — Onward and Upward, Without Or-
ders— Crest of 'jhe Riijge Gained — Bra(J(;'s
Forces Routed — The Victory is Complete — Casu-
alties OF the FlF'l"Y-ia(JHTH.

SHARP musketry and cunnonacling, seeminu-lv across tlu'
river to our left, awakened me earh' Tuesdav morning,
November i 7. Those better acquainted with the river said it
was on the river. From the best information 1 could obtain,
it was the rebels shelling the camp of the 125th Illinois.
The Chaplain was killed. I thought at hrst tliat our men
were trying to cross to the south bank for the purpose of
flanking the rebels. This is m\' plan tor raising the siege of
Ciiattanooga. In the afternoon, I walked througii General
Hospital No. 4. This is in the building formerlv occuj^ieil
by General Wood's Division hospital. It is now tixed uji
very comfortably. In it have been placed most of the
wounded ones who are still unable to bear the transportation
north. Most of them are sorely injured, and manv must die.
They have now been Iving for sixty davs, and are still
unable to ride in the ambulance. Tlie carrying on stretchers
killed some. I found a number of mv old Ward *'0 '
friends.

Wednesday, November 18. — Signal Hill, Chattanooga.
The 58th went on picket ; I remained in camp. We had one
of the heaviest fon-s I ever saw. It was so thick at ten a.

212 ("HAPLATX HKiHT'S HTSTOEY OF THE

m. that an object could not be seen a few Awards off. At
twelve m., Cameron Hill could not be seen. When the fotr
passed, a hazv atmosphere of Indian summer prevented us
from seeing objects very distinctly. The 57th Indiana
worked on the trenches near mv tent ; thev labored faith-
full v. I was requested, last night, to call on a wounded
man in the hospital. I did so this afternoon, according to
promise. Thev were just laving him out as I arrived at his
cot. If the Savior was as slow to come to his relief as I
was, his soul is lost.

Thursday, November 19. — Rumors thicken of a battle.
I am expecting one every da}'.

Saturday, Novenber 21. — The whole army had orders
to march this morning, with eighty rounds of ammimition.
It is generally thought we will go up the river and attack
the rebel right. Sherman is passing up that way on the
other side of the river. Order to march countermanded.
Rations are exceedingly scarce ; relief must come soon, or
we will be starved out.

Sunday, No\'ember 22. — In the afternoon, I preached
before the 125th Ohio. The congregation was large, and
the hour favorable. Fort Wood was thundering at the rebels
while I spoke. There was considerable cannonading b\' us
to-dav. The rebels make but little replv.

Monday, November 23. — Time wore awav as usual until
about twelve m., when we were ordered to "fall in." The
Regiment moved from Signal Hill, prepared for a battle.
In the rear of General Wood's headquarters we joined the
remainder of the Brigade. The Brigade was led by Gen-
eral Wagner, assisted bv Colonel Wood, of the 15th Indi-
ana. We moved out by our old camp, leaving Fort Palmer
on the left. Between Fort W\)od and Fort Palmer was the
I ith Corps, commanded bv Howard. "^J'heA- make a tine
appearance. Just as we came up, they were moving as sol-
diers do when thev pass before a commanding General, at a
magnificent review. Being well dressed, and many of them
sturdv Germans, thev presented a grand sight.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 218

Looking to our right, as we crossed the raih^oad, there
mijiht be seen the arand army, movinpf in h)n<>' columns, or
falling into line in camp. It was the grandest pageant I had
ever witnessed, and I spoke to many officers and men about
this grand sight. Thev all declared they had never seen its
equal. Advancing in tront of Fort Palmer, our Brigade
Ibrmed in line on the hill, where the National Cemetery has
since been located. The array of battle was advancing as
far as sight could reach. Our lines were in the shape of a
•'\'," our Brigade being at the point. The marshalling of
the hosts grew in increasing splendor. Away to tiie Ten-
nessee on the right and left were the long lines of moving
men. There was a solemn realit}^ about this array. Here
was no empty display — there was no shouting rabble.
There was no swellinp; strains of music to create artificial
feeling — the stillness of death reigned throughout the long
lines. Naught was heard save the heavy tramp of armed
men, ami the clear, shrill voice of command. Every order
was obeyed with promptness and precision. The movement
of an army on the eve of a battle is always solemn and
impressive, but the grandeur of this afternoon's display was,
perhaps, never surpassed on earth. It was a lovely day.
The sun shone in glory, as is his wont in autumn time.
Qiiiet beauty reigned through forest, and over valley and
mountain. Amid scenes such as these, and on this lovely
autumnal afternoon, the glory and pride of America came
forth to battle. Walden's Ridge, Sand and Lookout
Mountain, and Missionary Ridge, looked quietly down on the
scene and were glad, for they knew they would soon be
freed from the traitor's unhallowed tread.

Just before us are the rebel pickets. They are walking
their beats uneasih'. But little time passes until, just upon
our left, the tront line of sentinels of Wood's Division are
reinforced by their reserves. These form' a line of skir-
mishers, and no sooner was the line formed than the order
was given to "trail arms," and advance on the "double
quick." I am pretty confident that the first gun was fircnl

1 1.

CHArLATX HIOHT'S HTSTORV OF TIIK

bv the rebels, an hundred yards to the left of an open field,
in which there was on old lime kiln. But the ""Yankees''
had the second pop. "Bang — bang — bang," with increas-
ing rapidity, was heard along the advancing lines. "Lie
down," commanded Colonel Moore. The order was read-
ily obeyed, but we were not in the range of the guns, and
all were soon up and looking. The rebels gave way rap-
idh'. Wood's men pressed them sharply. The musketry
increased to a roar, in the woods towards Orchard Knob.

,„™™,T,„M.^.. At this time Carl

wSchurz' magnificent
Division of Germans
wheeled away, accom-
panied by the whole of
the I ith Corps, and
t(jok position to the letl
of Wood's men, and
extended the* line of
battle. Sheridan ad-
vanced to keep his
lines connected with
Wood. Of Wagner's
Brigade, the 57th Indi-
ana acted as skirmish-
ers, easily driving the
rebels. Soon Wood's
men gained the summit
o{ Bald Knob — the grand object of the magnificent charge.
A wild cheer of victory rose from our brave men as they
paused on the crest of the hill, in full view of Missionary'
Ridge. Musketry ceased, except some occasional guns.
The ax and tiie s]:)ade were soon busih' engaged, securing
what we had gained. I'he rebels continued a heav\- lire ot
artillery from the Ridge, at Bald Knob, until afier dark, but
little injury was done by them. Qiute a number ot men
were wounded and some killed by the musketry. All these
were of Woods Division, excejit loiu" troni the ^olh Indiana.

FIFTY-ErCillTll INDIANA IfKOlMKXT. iM :>

A large number of prisoners were captured, includino- almost
an entire Florida Regiment. Thus glorious was fought and
won the battle of Chattanooga Valley. Amongst the great
battles of the war it is not to be named, but it stands high in
the catalogue of minor contests. It has a sublimitN' not
attached to many greater battles. It was well planned and
daringly executed. Ev^ery patriot's heart in the valley beats
high with exultation to-night, but terrors disturb the rebels'
broken slumber. After dark I return to camp. None of
the 58th were hurt, but they remained on the field.

TiTESDAv, November 24. — I rose long before dav, antici-
pating a renewal of the contest at dawn. Dav dawned as I
was riding out to the lield. It was cloudy and rainy, occa-
sionally breaking up a little. When I arrived at the front I
found the lines in the same place, but the sSth had moved a
short distance to the left. \"erv respectable works had been
constructed during the night. Early in the morning we
bepfan to hear iirintr over in Lookout Valley. Hooker was
evidently paving his compliments to the rebel left. The
musketry continued to increase, and by noon it attracted
general attention in the center. A large company collected
in the rear of the line of battle, at a place where Lookout
could be seen. The troops were in the woods. Unfortun-
ately there was clouds and fog on this day. A battle was
evidently raging on the mountain just before our eyes, and
it the day had been clear a grand sight would have been
opened before us. As it was, we could only catch a glimpse
of the combatants as the clouds would part. Hooker fought
above the clouds to-da}'^, but unfortunately we were below
them. At one time I saw a long line of our men, led by an
officer mounted on a white horse ; others saw the rebels run
into a house on the mountain side, and rescue several flags
which they had hanging there. Men of excellent imagina-
tion could see a great deal. At times cannonading from
batteries on Moccasin Point is terrible. It slackened up
considerabU^ as our men turned the mountain brow, as it
was then difficult to pfet the ranjie of tlic rebels without

21(; CHAPLATX MIGHT'S HTSTOUY OF THE

wounding our own men. The musketry was chiefly from
iho skirmish line ; sometimes it would increase to a roar as
the line of battle became engaged.

We had but little flghting on the center, but tiiere were
m.i:iy cheers given by our men, waiting there, for Hooker's
success. I was slow to believe that our own men were get-
ting the mountain, as there are always so many unreliable
tales afloat in time of battle. Somebody is always whipping
the enemy in flank or rear. But for once these tales were
true. The battery near us let oft' occasionalh' at the rebel
camps.

Ai":er dark I returned to camp, the troops remaining in
the field. The firing still continued on Lookout Mountain.
In Chattanooga there were rumors of great success on the
part of Hooker; a man ^^•ho came tVom the valley to-day
says he saw a Brigade of rebels who had been captured on
the mountain. The rain and clouds are gone, the air is
clear and sharp. Whatever doubts I may have had of Gen-
eral Hooker's success, I can be unbeliever no longer : there
around the brow of Lookout are the Yankee camp fires I
The rebels never make fires like our men. We came from
the Xortli and our men are industrious, and have no scruples
about the wood. The rebels are laz^•. There is no mistak-
ing that long line of bright tires. It was never then- during
the rebel reign. And look, away oft' on the left, on the far-
ihi'r end of Missionary Ridge, those are tlie Yankee camp
fires I Yes, Sherman is there ; he has crossed the Tennessee
and is taking position for the fight. This has been a day of
splendid success,- to-morrow we expect war in earnest.

Wednesday, November 25. — I did not get off so early as
on yesterday. As I go out, an occasional gun could be
heard on our lett, but they were a long way oft' and some
distance apart. The firing continued to increase. The
most remarkable feature of the forenoon was the continual
stream of rebel troops passing on the summit of the ridge to
our left. Our batteries occasionally paid their respects to
them, Init with little eftect. We coidd distincth- see infanlrv,

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KE(il3IENT. 217

cavalrv and artillery. At one time we might see a rebel
General accompanied by his stat]\ It was a loyely day, and
objects were distinctly yisible at a long distance. Early in
the at'ternoon our skirmish line became slightly engaged.
We were then in the second line of battle. General Wood's
Diyision being in front, the flanks oyerlapping tor a short
distance. Besides the response from tiie rebel riflemen, the
guns on the ridge flred seyeral shots, some of which came
so close that we all took to the ditches. I sat yery con-
tentedh' on some leayes in a trench, just between the 58th
Indiana and the 26th Ohio, but this cannonading vyas not
yery dangerous. About 2 p. m. our lines adyance. Wood's
men withdrew to the left to giye the others room. The line
of battle in our rear moyed forward and occupied the
trenches. The moyements proyoked quite a liyely little tir-
ing from the rebel guns on the ridge. I tarried where I was
until this tiring lulled a little, when I rode oyer the brow of
the hill, and stopped at a line of rifle pits which had been dug
for our skirmishers. The 58th was just a little in advance,
lying flat on the ground. The rear line of battle now^
advanced and lay down just in the rear of the front. The
15th Indiana was behind the 58th. Wood's men continued
to move oft' towards the left. My impression at this moment
was that w^e were relieving some of Wood's men, for the pur-
pose of sending them to the support of our left under Gen-
eral Sherman. While these thoughts were in my mind, the
regular battery, wdiich had been with us in the former line,
came dashing up and took a position in the open space, lo
the left of the 58th and the 15th, which was outside of the
works. I distinctly heard the order given them to respond
lively if the rebels opened on them, but the rebels were very
silent.

It began to be w^hispered around that an advance was to
be made. Dr. Adams came up and shared my pit. At
length I heard some one in my rear give an order to an Aide
de Camp, at a little distance, to tell some one to advance and
take the works at the foot of the ridire. I did not distinctly

218 CILVrLAlX JIU.JIT'S lllSTOKV OF THE

hear all the words, but caught part of them, and inferred that
there was hot work ahead. Major White, of the 15th, rode
up and down the line of that Regiment, telling them to stand
tirm, if the first line gave way, to pass tiles to the rear and let
them go, but not to go with them. General Wagner had
called his Retrimental commanders a few minutes before and
gave them some instructions. Colonel Wood, of the 15th,
seems to have misunderstood the order, which was to take
the works at the foot of the ridge. He understood it was to
take the ridge. Accordingly he came to Colonel Moore and
told him that the order would be soon issued to take the
ridge. Said he, "Have 3'our men hx bavonets and move
slowh- to the top of the ridge." But Cjcnerals Grant and
Thomas desiijned to take nothini>- but the foot, and neither
dreamed of the army moving right on from Piedmont to
Altamont.* At length the signal gun was hred from
Orchard Knob, and long lines of men rose tVom the grass
and began to advance. In a few moments the 58th received
orders to hx ba'S'onets. At this time the front line of Wag-
ner's Brigade was composed of the looth Illinois, 58th Indi-
ana and 26th Ohio. The 57th was on the skirmish line, the
15th Indiana, 97th Ohio and 40th Indiana were in reserve.

* Lieutenant-Colonel J. S. Fullerton, Gentral Granger's Chief ol" Staff,
in an artiele in the Cc?i/in-v ]\'<ir Book, reterring to the nio\enient at this
point, sa\s:

"The order of the commanding General had now been fully and most suc-
cessfully carried out. But it did not go far enough to satisfy these brave
men, who thought the time had come to finish the battle of Chickamauga.
There was a halt of but a few minutes to take breath and to reft)rm lines;
then, with a sudden impulse, all started up the side of the Ridge. Not a com-
manding ollicer had given the order to ad\ance. The men who carried the
muskets had taken the matter into their own hands, had moved of their own
accord. Officers, catching their spirit, first followed, then led. There was
no thought of protecting Hanks, though the enemy's line could be seen
stretching beyond on either side; there was no thought of support or reserves.
As soon as this movement was seen from Orchard Knob, Grant cpiickly
turned to 'Jliomas. who stood by his side, and I heard him angrily sa\-:
'Thomas, who ordered those men up the Ridge.'' Thomas replied, in his
u-ual slow, quiet manner: 'I don't know: I did not." Then addressing Gen-
eral (jordon (iranger, he said: 'Did you order them up. Granger." 'No,'
said Granger; 'the\' started up without ordei's. When those fellows get
started, all hell can't stop them.' General Grant said something to the effect
ihat somebody would sutler if it did not turn out well, and then turning
art unil. stoically watched the Kiilge. He ga\e no further oixiers."

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA I.'EGIMKNT. 210

When bayonets were tixed, there was manifested on the jiart
of nearly all a disposition to go double quick.

Following is a diagram of the formation of A\'agner's
Brigade for this charge :

A dia(;r,\m.

Adv.Tnce Skirmish Line — two Companies ;;7th Indiana.

Reserve Skirmish Line — eight Companies 57tli huiian.i.

riRSr I. INK Ol- liATTLK.

loolh Illinois. :;yih Indiana. j6th Ohio.

SECOND LINE OF RATTLE.

97th Ohio. 15th Indiana. 4t)th Indiana.

There was a little belt of woods to pass. Here the men
were checked again and again, but their impetuosity knew
no bound. Thev continued to advance, faster and faster ;
already their shouts tilled the woods and fields. The rebels
are aroused by the charge, and from many points on the line
the shots and shells were flying. Two batteries especially
played on Wagner's Brigade ; one of these was in front of
and a little to the right of Orchard Knob, and the other
was at Bragg's headquarters. Twenty or twcnt^'-tiye guns
were firing at our Brigade, as fast as the ingenuity of the
gunners would permit, and some of these shots came
disagreeably near to where I was standing. The regular
battery spoken of above did the most rajiid tiring that I
ever witnessed. It made the lieavens ring. Orchard
Knob was not silent. .\nd Fort ^\ Ood spo.vC above the
Ixittle's loud roar.

220 (HArLATX lIKiHT'S HISTOKY OF THE

Every hill, house and battlement, in Chattanooga was
occupied by anxious spectators. Generals Grant and
Thomas and other commanders were in Fort Wood, and
every spectator and participant felt the mightv consequences
that hung upon the events of the moment. A terrible defeat
might overwhelm our army, or a victorv crown it with glory.

What various and conflicting emotions tilled the breasts of
the charging columns. Some were tilled with terror, and
some knew no fear. Some thoutrht that the hovir of their
death had come, and others had presentiment that they would
live for other struggles. Visions of home and friends came
before some, while others were buvSy calculating the chances
ot life and death. Some were watching the enemv on the
ridge, and some were hunting for stumps and trees. Manv
were tilled with a wild enthusiasm, that raised them above all
surrounding objects. Some lost all consciousness of what
was transpiring, and when all was over could recite scarcely
a single detail of the charge.

The Regiment emerged from the woods, in plain view of
the enemy at the base of the ridge. As they advanced, the
speed of the men increased. The line was prettv well main-
tained until it came to a little water course. Here it was
broken, but still it swept on. Tiie 571)1 Indiana took the
works and fell into the front line as it came up. Their line
was but poorly defended, as the rebels had to reinforce their
right during the day. The men were now in range of the
rifles at the top of the ridge, and a terrible hail of lead was
poured down upon them. The artillerv dealt out grape and
cannister, which seemed to "come in shovelfuls," as Lieuten-
ant Milburn expressed it.

Mere it was designed to stop, but Colonel Wood had said
"Take all before you," so over the works the men went as
contcnipluously as Remus is said to lia\'e jvuiiped ox'er the
'. lis of Romulus, and, alas for some, equally as fatal. A
blaze of tire now burst from the Union columns. Greek had
met (jreek and the tug of war had come. Wagner's Brig-
ade was the lirst ol'all to adxance lic\-ond the vvhv] works.

FIFTY-EHJHTH INDIANA KPXIIMENT. 221

It was but a moment's work to pass the rebel camps. An
enfilading fire was poured upon our columns trom right and
lefi:, and it was here that many ot' our brave men tell. The
troops on the right and lett of us, seeing Wagner's men
advancing, also went torward, and thus the whole line was
moved. The taking of Missionary Ridge, therefore, was
inaugurated not so much bv the genius of commanders, or
the bravery of soldiers, as bv mistake. It was fortunate for
us that this mistake was committed, as it would have been
very disastrous to have remained long at the foot of the
ridge. So what was commenced by mistake was completed
most gloriouslv by courage. When the line had reached
one-third, or perhaps one-half wav up the ridge, the men
were ordered to fall back to the works. By whom the order
was given, or for what purpose, I can not tell, but it was
attended with both good and bad results.
It greatly exposed our Brigade, by caus-
ing them to pass three times over the
same ground, and bv placing them
behind works that were not a protection.
They were also much longer under fire
than they would have been. But, on
the other hand, our Brigade was on an
exceedingly rough piece of ground, and
VALENTINE E. HOBBs * immediately in front of a very strong
Company E. positlou , SO thcrc would have been a

ver}^ great slaughter if the charge had been continued.
The falling back drew the rebel fire on us, and this gave the
other troops an opportunitv to advance, which they did, and
thus flanked the rebels and weakened their line on our
front.

While our troops are resting, I will speak a little of other
things. I maintained my position where it was at the
beginning of the charge. It was at first designed to make

* Was born May 16, 1S42. Enlisted in Company E, s^th Indiana, in
1861. W^ent with the Regiment from Camp Gibson to Lebanon, Ky., where
he was taken sick, and died in the liospital at that place, February 16, 186;.

222 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

that a place for the collection of our wounded, but there was
a road a little to the right, leading to Chattanooga, and the
wounded were principally collected along that way. A. R.
Redman, severely wounded in the elbow, came to w^here I
was, under the care of Jacob Gudgel. Some others came
that w^av, but I did not remain long here. Most of the cas-
ualties of the 58th occurred in this part of the tight. Private
William Riley Blythe, of Company A, was severely
wounded and died in a few moments. Private Blackard, of
Company B, was shot dead. Sergeant Howard remained
on the hillside when the Regiment went back. A few
moments after thev were gone he rose up, trom where he was
Iving behind a tree, and remarked to Ed. Carson, who was
near, "The Regiment has gone, we had better go too."
Just then he w^as pierced by a ball that passed entirely
through him. He spoke of being shot and asked to be car-
ried off. Tiiese were his last words, as his eyes were imme-
diately closed in death. He did not even have the consola-
tion of Wolfe, who died content because the enemy fled.
Howard was a pleasant and intelligent soldier, and w^as w-ell
liked in the Regiment. At the time of his death he w^as act-
ing as Lieutenant, though he had not yet been commis-
sioned. As he lav on the tield during the night, his sword,
jacket and boots w-ere stolen from his body, by some of the
ghouls that infest the battlefield.

Hut to return. Night, best loved of all seasons by a
defeated arm\-, drew near. The sun's departing glories
rested on a rich halo, on hill and mountain top. Never can
I forget the grand sight which greeted my eyes at that
moment. To mv left, long lines of men in blue were going
up, and uj") the ridge, and over them the stars and stripes
waved gloriously. In front rebel cannon thundered death
into their ranks, but unshaken they pressed forward. Higher
and \-et higher the brave troopers rose, until the star spangled
banner was planted on the mountain top. At that point the
guns were a moment silent, then the smoke of an explosion
was seen, the thunder sound was again heard, but the balls

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 223

went the other way. The rebel guns were turned on them.
By this time the battle was gathering in more terrible earn-
estness than at any former period. Away to the left the
contest was very sharp, and I was exercised by fear of a
failure. Our own Brigade by this time, was climbing the
mountain side, I could distinctly see them working their
way up, and could see that the rebels were running for dear
life. General Bragg cleared out from his headquarters in
great haste. One or two of his staff were captured, and
Lieutenant Wood captured a brazen scabbard belonging to
one of them. The 58th passed up just west of the wagon
road, leading to Bragg's headquarters. Company A crossed
the road. After our Brigade reached the top it passed on
after the fl^ang foe.

But my duties are with the wounded. I gave such aid as
I could. At the breastworks I saw poor Robert Redman,
the faithful and highly esteemed Orderly, of Company F.
He had been pierced by a grape shot through the back of
the head while the troops were lying there. He was mov-
ing and struggling about, though he was entirely uncon-
scious. Great credit is due John T. Miller, of the band, for
staying by him and attending to him through the night.
The rebel huts at the foot of the hill were tilled with our
wounded. I passed by Floward and others of our dead. I
went on up the road to Bragg's headquarters and found the
first Brigade of our Division there. I rode on to my Regi-
ment and found them still moving when I came to them.
After remaining with the Regiment for a short time I started
on my return to the scene of recent battle.

The way was strewn with cast off articles of the fleeing
rebels. A person could pick up anything from a siege gun
to a lousy shirt. I contented m3\self with a wooden stirrup
which, however, proved of no value when I examined it in
camp. I saw some parties of thieves prowling among the
dead. I am in favor of leaving a detail of good men on such
occasions to shoot down these cowardly scoundrels, who
remain behind to rob the honored dead.

224 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Around in the vicinity of the top of the ridge, the most of
those wounded were of the 40th Indiana and the 97th Oliio.
There were quite a number of rebel wounded and dead along
iho way. Haskins, a half blind and entirely worthless
genius, who ran off in the earl}' part of the charge, took two
of the loose rebels to the provost marshal, in Chattanooga,
and obtained a receipt lor them.

The scene of suffering at the foot of the ridge, in the old
camp, was terrible. In every direction could be seen fires
which had been kindled, and about them was collected the
wounded, trying to keep warm. The night was cold and
many perished from sutTering and exposure. Among those
whom I saw here was Irvin Lowe, of Company G. He said
to me that he would die if nothing was done for him. I
could do nothing to afford the poor fellow relief and he died
next da}'.

It must have been midnight when 1 reached mv quarters.
My horse and mj-self were worn down. It seemed as if the
experience of a month had been crowded into a day.

After a few hours rest in camp I arose and made prepara-
tions to return to the Regiment at the front. My horse was
stiff from over-riding, yesterday, and I had to walk a good
part of the way, leading him. On the way out over the
battlefield I passed many dead and wounded soldiers, who
liad not yet been gathered up by the ambulance corps. In
addition to their wounds, the suffering of the wounded from
the cold last night must have been terrible.

The Regiment had advanced a mile or so from where I
liad lel't it last night. The men were in good spirits,
although short of rations, lliev had some corn to parch
and some meal with which to make "Johnnv cakes." One
solitary rooster had been heard to crow at a neighboring farm
house in the early morning. It was his last crow. The
bovs who had driven Bragg's arm^' from his entrenchments,
on Mission Ridge, were not in a humor to be crowed over.

After I had partaken of a frugal breakfast I set about mak-
ing a list of the killed and wounded.

1^'IFTY-EldHTH INDIANA EECHMENT. 225

I then returned to the foot of the ridge to assist in burying
the dead, I found that John Whittelsey, of Company B,
had ah-eady made a very neat coffin for his brother-in-law,
W. R. Blythe. He was engaged in making other coffins
for Sergeant Henry C. Howard and Jasper Blackard. Ser-
geant Gudgel, in charge of a detail, had gone to Chat-
tanooga to have the graves dug. There had, previous to
this battle, been a nice burial spot for our dead selected by
order of the Government. It had been laid offb}^ engineers
of the army. So complete were the arrangements that, even
if there were not monuments to mark the resting places of
our dead, their graves could be easily found by measure-
ment.

Sergeant Gudgel procured an order for graves numbered
i6, 18 and 19, and, just at dusk, we committed to earth our
three comrades. A short prayer was offered up to the
Great Author of Life, the graves were filled, and we turned
again to other duties. But there are other hearts that will
not so lightly turn from the contemplation of these dead.
Perhaps, in each of these soldier's graves, is buried all the
world to some fond and loving heart. May He that "beholds
the sparrow's fall," and who "tempers the wind to the shorn
lamb," bind up these broken hearts.

By the time we had completed our sad duty to the dead
our Brigade came in from the front. Some rousing cheers
w^ere given when the boys reached their old camp.
Companv F brought in Orderlv Redman, who was still
living, though unconscious. He was taken to the hos-
pital.

To-night, orders were received to march, in the morning,
with four days' rations and sixty rounds of ammunition.
This was a bitter dose for men as tired as ours, and as des-
titute of camp equipage.

Friday, November 27. — The order for marching this
morning is countermanded for the present. It is rumored
that we are to go to Knoxville, to the relief of Burnside,
now besieged by Longstreet.

220 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

I went early this morning to look after our wounded. In
the brick hospital, on Main street, I saw Lieutenant Zack
Jones, w^ho is severely wounded in the foot. Captain Gard-
ner, formerly of Colonel BuelFs stat^', is in an adjoining
room, with his leg amputated. I saw several of our soldiers
in the lower ward. I then went to Sheridan's Division hos-
pital. Here I found Lieutenant Gus Milburn, who had
received a terrible wound in the face. Isaiah Hay, of Com-
pany A ; C. J. Mvers, and several others of our men, were
in this hospital.

George Taylor, of Company A, was in an adjoining
church, severe!}' wounded in the leg. I saw a brutal sur-
geon, wath a cigar in his mouth, trying to ascertain if Tay-
lor's leg was broken. I was strongly tempted to lay aside
whatever of religious scruples migiit be in the way, and
whatever of military discipline that would restrain, and
knock that scoundrel of a surgeon down, then and there.
But I did not do it, and am sorry that I did not, after think-
ing it over. Surely, hell is too good for a man who would
treat a suffering soldier as that surgeon did Taylor.

Robert Redman, of Company F, died to-day. Irwin
Lowe, Company G, died last night. Both were brave, good
soldiers, and their death, from wounds received in battle,
adds two more names to the roll of patriot heroes.

Following is a complete list of the killed and wounded in
the battle of Mission Ridge :

LIST OF KILLED AND WOUNDED.

COMPANY A.

KrLLED — Private William R. Blythe.

WoiXDED — Sergeant Jason H. Crow; Corporals A. R. Redman, George
W. Tajlor and Isaiah Hay. Privates: George Willis, George W. Loomis,
Daniel Dejarnett, James S. Bljthe, George W. Richardson and Harrison
Dossett.

COM PANT B.

Killed — Private Jasper Blackard.

Wounded — Captain James M.Smith. Privates: John Hedrick, Frank-
lin Durham, Robert W. Morgan.

FIFTY-P:I(IHTH IXDIAXA EEGIMENT. 22 7

COMPANY C.

Wounded — F'irst Lieutenant Augustus iNIilburn; Sergeants Monroe Key
and James S. Kitterman; Corporals Daniel Harrison, Ezekiel Hadlock and
Asa Watts. Privates: Emery Burnett and Albert Shreves.

COMPANl' D.

WoLiNDED — Sergeant Charles C. Montgomer\-. Privates: Adam C ].
Myers and Mattjiew Swan.

COMPANl' E.

Wou.VDED — F'irst Lieutenant George W. Hill, Sergeant A. Mouser, Cor-
poral J. W. Holder. Privates: A. O. Adams, Y. M. Boyles, J. C. Corn and
Newton Cavender.

COMPANY F.

Killed — Orderly Sergeant Robert A. Redman.

Wounded — Corporal Alfred H. Medcalf. Privates: Edwin B. Hanes,
James O. Jones, Martin Small and Otto Wielhelmas.

• COMPANY G.

Killed — Private Irwin Lowe

Wounded — Sergeant Henry Beck, Corporal James Elder. Privates:
Perry Amos and William R. F^owler.

COMPANY II.

Wounded — Captain Green C. McDonald, First Lieutenant Zachariah
Jones, Orderly Sergeant Peter Honey, Corporal George A. Vierling. Pri-
vates: Wm. R. Engler, James H. Saulter, James A. Smith, Thomas Moore
and Joseph Fregans.

COMPAN Y I.

Wounded — Privates: Wm. H. Doades, Daniel P. Hawkins, Alvin S.
Pride, Thos. J. Kinnman, John Nelson, James Jones, Henry C. Wyatt and
Josiah Wiley.

COMPANY K.

Killed — First Sergeant Henry C. Howard.

Wounded — Privates: Council B. Wilder, Wm. Smith and John Corr.

RECAPITULA TION.

Killed 5

Wounded 6i

CHAPTER XVII

KxoxviLLE Campaign — An Unpropitious Beginning of
A Tour into East Tennessee — Condition of the
Tourists — Incidents of the March — Siege of
Knoxville Raised — Longstreet Stile Hovers
About — Marching Without Sense — A Foolish
Panic — More Foolishness — Suffering from Cold
and Hunger — The Veteran Question — Re-enlist-
ment as a Regiment — Return to Chattanooga.

ABOUT noon, Saturday, November 28, orders came to
"tall in," and our contemplated march towards Knox-
ville was begun. We wait until the lirst Brigade of our
Division, under the command of Colonel Sherman, of the
88th Illinois, passes. The Regiments look small, but as there
are twice the number in a Brigade as formerlv thev present
a strong force, as a whole. We started on alter the tirst
Brigade. We did not take along much baggage, in fact did
not have much to take. Very few of the officers or men had
a change of clothing. One of the most necessary things —
the shelter tent — was left behind, which was a great mistake.
We have a man in the state prison at Nashville because he
refused to take his shelter tent on picket. Now a whole
Division is started for Knoxville, more than a hundred miles,
in mid-winter, without their tents. These tents will not
weigh more than a pound or two, and yet they are a great
protection from rain and cold. Is it not strange that oiu^
commanders are so thoughtless?

We marched very slowly, as there were obstructions in the
way. We did not cross Missionary Ridge, but kept near
the river. Our Division (Slieridan's) was followed bv that
of General Wood.

FIFTY-EUiHTIl INDIANA IJEUIMENT. 221)

Just after dark we passed through a wide swamp, where
the boys had to wade through mud and water. It was an
unpleasant introduction to a long winter campaign, but the
boys plunged in, and, with loud cheers and shouts, seemed
disposed to make the best of it. We camped for the night
just beyond this swamp, having marched seven miles to-dav.

Sunday, November 29. — We had to hurry our breakfast
this morning, in order to take our place near the head of the
column. We came to the banks of the Chickamauga, where
we found the remains of General Sherman's camps, and the
rifle pits constructed by him.

There was a pontoon over Chickamauga, laid during tlie
recent operations, for the purpose of sending our cavalrv to
the enemy's rear. It was protected bv an earthwork tor
ridemen on the Chattanooga side. The banks of this creek
were very steep at this point. The ground was almost a
quick sand. The little feet of the mules sank deep in the
mire. It was almost impossible to get the wagons across.
General Wagner stood swearing on the thither shore. He
called Heaven's severest penalties on mules, drivers and
wagons. His language was enough to "make the cheek of
darkness pale." It is shameful to have such an example set
before the soldiers.

We soon debouched into the open country. The roads
improved. The column moved briskly forward. About
twelve m. we passed through the village of Harrison. It
never had been much of a town ; even in its palmiest da vs.
The houses were poorly' planned, and worse constructed.
Now, desolation was everywhere apparent. Here and
there '"cheap cash store," or some other trite sign was let-
tered on empt}' houses. At one corner stood a delunct inn,
labeled, "The Alhambra ;" as empty, but not as romantic, as
the original. A few woebegone specimens of humanitN'
hung about the fences, or peered through the doors. Such
is Harrison, the county seat of Hamilton county.

We went but a short distance beyond Harrison, as the
bridge over Bear Creek was destroyed. It was torn up by

230 CHAPLATX HTGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

our retreating Ciivalr^', when they returned from their expe-
dition, spoken of above. Men were detailed to repair this
bridge.

After traveling eleven miles we went into camp, not far
from the Tennessee, where the wind from the river had full
sweep. We hastily collected rails and leaves. Lieutenant
Mason, with his Company, was detailed for picket. As 1
am messing with him, I concluded to go on picket also.
We passed over a hill into a pleasant vallev. We rested
well on a bed of leaves. We were called in next morning
before day.

Early in the afternoon of Mondav we approached the
Hiawassee River, and camped for an hour in the woods.
Near dark we went down to the river bank. Here we found
the steamer Paiiit Rock, which had come up loaded with
rations and towing barges for transporting troops over the
Hiawassee. The 58th was soon passed over. 1 left mv
horse in charge of Sergeant C. C. Montgomery and went
over with the Regiment. We stopped amongst the weeds,
rails being scarce.

Rations were issued to tlie Regiments at night, as it was
expected that we would march earlv in the morning. Gen-
eral Granger had informed the troops that we were to go on
a forced march to relieve General Burnside, now besieged
at Knoxville. I went to draw rations for mv mess. I had
to wait until the troops were all supplied. Then I could not
get near for the crowd of officers and negroes. The weather
was intensely cold. Few nights of more intense suffering
have fallen to my lot. It was one a. m. when I succeeded
in getting my rations. If I could have spent the remainder
of the nigiit pleasantly I might have almost forgotten the
early part of the night. But the longest and coolest nights
have an end. Morning was exceedingly welcome.

Tuesday, December i. — It was noon before all our trans-
portation was over and we were permitted to resume our
march. We passed through Georgetown. There was more
signs of life here than at Harrison. Here and there a flag

FIFTY-PHGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. L>;U

was hung out — a genuine star spangled banner. Some of
the people seemed glad to see us. One small boy declared
that we looked like "meetintj folks." Our men were very
uncouth, but were nice and genteel, as compared with the
rebels, whose lank and ragged lorms had tVequented these
parts of late.

We marched thirteen miles and it was alter dark long
before the march was completed. At last we turned into a
dark woods. Soon a thousand fires illuminated the scene,
and we were made warm and comfortable.

We camped Wednesday evening, after a twent\'-tiye mile
march, on a rich farm. It was old Tom Prigmore's, The
boys went in heavy on straw, hay, oats, rails, chickens,
et id omne genus. Alas ! for old Tom Prigmore.

W^e came to the railroad next day. Here we began to see
signs of war. Fences were laid down, or entirely destroyed.
We soon came to a village called Philadelphia. In the
center was a fine spring, bubbling up amongst the rocks.
The people seemed poor. Desolation reigned supreme. A
few weeks since, Colonel Woolford had been surprised here
by some of Longstreet's forces. The result was of course
disastrous to our arms.

We supposed up to this time that we were to go to Lou-
don. But we left it and turned towards Morgantown.
After marching twenty miles we camped on the farm of
William Fowler. Near us, on the right, was Sherman's
army. Thus lar I had been disappointed in East Ten-
nessee. It was better than I anticipated. Instead of small
valleys, as I had anticipated, it was one great valle}'. The
soil is generally good. Springs of fine water and mill
seats abound. I never saw such a country for water power
in my life.

We remained in camp Friday, December 4th. The
rations drawn at the Hiawassee river were out, and, as we
could get no more supplies by the regular channel, it became
necessary to obtain them from the country. So the mills in
the neig-hborhood were started.

("HAPLAIX HKIHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Saturday, December 5. — We left camp at seven a. m.
We marched to the Little Tennessee, at a point opposite
Morgantown. We took a very circuitous route to reach this
river. Cause, unknown. The Little Tennessee is a mag-
nificent stream ; clear, swift and fordable, for horses. A
trestle bridge had been made over the stream. Over this,
the arm}' was passed, except the horses, which waded.
After crossing the river, we struck out through a range of
hills. A few poor people lived here.

We came to the most
magnilicent pine forest I
ever saw. It was grand
beyond description. The
Heaven above is com-
plete! v shut out. The
road runs like an aisle ot
some grand cathedral,
and the columns a long
train of worshipers.
Sounds echo as in a cav-
ern. From this we de-
bouched into an open
countrv. We came to a
broad dirt road, leading
to Maryville. On this
liio-hwaN' twilitrht came
upon us. Just at this
hour we moved into a
wood on the lelt of the
road. A large barn furnished an abundance of hav and
straw. We were soon prepared to rest well at night. But
rations were entirelv wantin<r.

M()XR<JK Ki:^', I.IEL TKXANT CO. C.

* Was mustered in at Camp Gibson as Sergeant of Company C; was
promoted to 2d Lieutenant ot" that Company, October i, 1S64, and was with
the Regiment until its muster out. Since leaving the army, Lieutenant Key
has made his home in (jihson county. He was elected ShcritV ot' the countv
in 188S, and re-elected in 1890, serving tour years altogether. He then
retired to his farm near Patoka, where he now resides.

f!fTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EE(;niK.\T. 233

Sunday, December 6. — We early resumed the march.
We passed through Maryville ; a nice town, before war's
accursed touch blighted it. To the right lay Sherman's
army. We camped about two miles in advance.

We here learned that Longstreet had raised the siege of
Knoxville. It was said by General Wacrner that the cam-
paign was ended. It was generally belieyed that we would
now return to our camps at Chattanooga.

Monday, December 7. — We received orders to go on to
Knoxville. This was very acceptable to me as I had a
strong desire to see the capital of East Tennessee. We soon
came to Little River. I went up to a ford above Knoxville,
while the footmen crossed below the town. The road con-
tinued to grow worse. Mud holes were very frequent. The
-country increased in roughness as we approached Knoxville.
Thus far on the way from Chattanooga the land had more
than met m}' highest expectations. Now I was disappointed,
as I had always heard that the country about Knoxville was
almost a second Eden. I found it a barren waste. Night
overtook us amid tiie rugged hills, damp valleys, and innum-
erable mud holes. Weariness, such as sinks into the utmost
soul, came upon us all. Delusive fires awakened false hopes
of camp. Knoxville is left to the sinister. Still the march
continues. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." At
last we come to the "desired haven." The 26th Ohio have
nothing but officers. The remaining Regiments were very
slim. We had marched twenty miles.

Tuesday, December 8. — Lieutenant-Colonel Moore re-
ceived orders to take his Regiment to McNutt's Mill, on
Boyd's Creek, and run that and any other mills in the neigh-
borhood. We marched at seven a. m. We tound the
country rough. But after eight or ten miles journey we
came to the valley of the French Broad. Before us rose the
mountains, some miles away, but tiie fertile valley spread out
at oiH" very feet. In this country our men had been per-
mitted to torage, even during the siege of Knoxville. The
country was not entirely exhausted.

284- CHAPLAIX HKiHT'S HISTORY OF THE

On the \va\' up we met a torage train fl^'ing in great speed
for Knoxville. In one place they left all of one wagon save
the tongue, and in another might be seen the bed and hind
wheels. They were sadly demoralized by a report of the
capturing of two companies of Home Guards at Sevierville,
this morninfj.

We learned that McNutt's Mill was a verv poor al^air.
Hence it was determined to go to Brabson's Mill, on the
French Broad.

We passed a number of Home Guards, with their guns
and forty rounds. Almost everybody seems to be for the
Union,

It was dark when we camped on the hill overlooking the
mill and river. A large quantitv of flour was found in the
sacks, and one Chambers' meat house vielded the shorten-
ing. So the 58th Indiana had plentv for once.

Our wagons were sent out for corn and wheat, except two,
which were loaded with flour and dispatched to the troops.
Brabson's Mill was started. Great plentv was found in the
coimtry. We had pork, meal, flour, sorgo, chickens, green
apples, etc. All this was very acceptable to hungry men.
As I was exceedingly tired I gave myself up to rest.

The Regiment meets with great success in collecting
rations for the troops, Companv A was sent to run McNutt's
Mill. It is said to be owned by a good Union woman,
whose husband was a rebel. Nearh- all the people here are
tor the Union. Most of the men are armed with govern-
ment muskets. It was suggested that we have public ser-
vices on Sabbath mornino-, and that the citizens be invited
to attend. Tin- annovnicement was accordingly made, but
our anticipations are all blasted by the arrival of a coiu'ier,
ordering the Regiment to rejoin the Brigade at Kingston.
We are to march in the morning.

Fkidav, Dkckmber II. — Wo took a late start, everybody
carrying all the rations possible. It seemed impossible for
either men or oflicers to be satisfied. Tvvery one acted as if
rations were never to be drawn as^ain, and life to end with

FIFTY-EKJHTH IXI>IANA KE(iIMEXT. 2^^,

the present supply. Mr. Chamber's ox-wagon was pressed
in to help transport our goods.

We marched slowly, and camped, alter dark, about tour
miles iVom Knoxyille. We stopped in a poor place, too
rough for comfortable sleeping, and destitute of water.

Saturday, December 12. — We met the ist Brigade of
our Diyision coming out to relieye us. From them we
learned that the orders for our Corps to go to Chattanooga
were countermanded. This vyas one of the first acts ot
GLQ.neral Foster in taking command.

In the afternoon, our Brigade crossed the Holston on thr
pontoons and marched through Knoxyille. There were
great crowds of men, women and children — especially the
two latter classes. Negroes, especially little negroes,
abounded. The Brigade made a good appearance, consid-
ering their rags and dirt. The boys are genuine "bare-
footed democracy" now.

Knoxyille is situated, like old Rome, on hills. I^ike Jeru-
salem, there are mountains 'round about her. Away to the
south might be seen the ranges of North Carolina and Geor-
gia. To the northeast there are seyeral peaks, which I sup-
pose to be the Clinch mountains. Knoxyille, for many
years, has been the center of fashion and intelligence for East
Tennesse. The houses neyer were as stylish as those in
more northern climes, but were large and substantial. This
must haye been a fine little city in days gone by. But war
has made its desolating marks. When our men first came
to this city they were exceedingly desirous to protect and
preserye the city. But when besieged by Longstreet, many
fine houses had to be torn down to make way for the defen-
siye works, or to get them out of the range of our guns, or
to preyent them trom being a protection to the enemy's
sharpshooters. Fences were destroyed, and the fine
country laid w^aste for miles. This last was done by the
enemy.

We marched out of the city between the East Tennessee
Uniyersitv and Fort Sanders. The former stood on a hill

2:5<5 CHAI'LAIX HKiHT'S HISTOID (►F THH

on the left, and consisted of five buildings, built after the
ideas of some old countrymen. The central building is of
the same order as the old-style court houses of Tennessee,
Kentucky and Indiana, It is square, and has a nameless
thing, intended for a cupola, on top. The other buildings
were of a later date, and on slighth' imj^roved models. So
much for peace and learning.

Over the way stood Fort Sanders, untinisiied, but with a
history already written in blood, I did not have time to visit
it to-day.

As we passed our lines of entrenchments, there were evi-
dences of the late conflict. Our men had lived, and some of
them died, in the trenches. They had tires to protect them
from the intensely cold weather. There w^ere some ingeni-
ously contrived flues in the sides of the ditches. Wires were
stretched in front of the works. A number of houses were
fixed up as forts for riflemen. We found the advance works
of the enemy within ours, siiowing that thev had driven our
men.

We stopped amid the filth of an old rebel camp. The
weather was raw% and rain was threatening. Some old
houses were torn down to make shelters for the men. At
night the rain fell, but most of the men were protected.
There is mucii dissatistaction amongst the men because we
are detained in this department,

Sunday, December 13. — This is a raw, rain\' day.
Many went over to see Fort Sanders. I designed having
church in the morning, but all things were adverse. So I
went, in company with several oflicers, to see Fort Sanders.
We first went into the woods and fields where the enemy
massed and formed tiieir forces lor the deadh- charge.
How many a brave man's heart was filled with sad misgiv-
ings, on that fatal night, as he took his place in the line I
IIpw many fond memories crowded upon the throbbing
brain I Home, and all its lo\-ed scenes and inmates, come
before the mind as Heaven's richest blessings, perhaps never
more to be enioved.

FIFTV-EKiHTH INDIANA J{E(t1MKNT. 2;}7

With many, these painful tears were realized. For here
on the hillside are the graves of man\' of these poor fellows.
Their bodies are scarcely hid. Indeed, here is one man
with his h\g toe sticking out of the grave I The profane and
thoughtless deliver themselves of many jokes at iiis expense
— "jokes," as they suppose, but blasphemies in truth. "At
his expense," as they imagine, but really at their own.
Judas tliought tliirtv pieces of silver the price ot Jesus. It
was the price of his own soul.

But, to return, here is another with his face exposed I
The rebels seem to care little about bvu^ying their dead, and
nothing about their enemies. Farther up towards the fort
are seen remnants of clothing, old hats and pools of blood.
In the ditch itself these indications of the deadly strife are
numerous. We went into the fort. Here we learned some
items of the deadly conflict. These belong to history.

At two p.m. we had meeting at the quarters of Companies
A and F. The attendance was very poor. I preached
about Satan, and gave him no good name.

Monday, December 14. — The weather is becoming raw
and w'intry. We are tentless, and poorly clad. Some of
the men are barefooted. Some have no blankets. But tew
have overcoats. Some are in their shirt sleeves. There is
not, in all probabilitv, a sound pair of socks in the Regi-
ment. The men clamor for Chattanooga.

General Wagner has obtained permission to quarter his
Brigade in the East Tennessee University, in Knoxville. He
told Colonel Moore that on yesterday, he walked the floor,
chewed tobacco, and swore all day, on account of the condi-
tion of his men. Well, we marched in to occupy our zc/n-
ter quarters — as we supposed. The buildings were very
much crowded. A part of the 40th Indiana occupied the
third story of the eastern wing,- and tlie 58th were to have
the remainder of the building. But many of the rooms are
occupied by the sick and hospital attendants. These can not
be moved at once. Hence, many of the men can not be
quartered in the house to-night. The soldiers clamor tor

238 CHAPLAIN HTGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

"the woods, the woods." So long have we lived in the for-
ests that the men are almost wild. As for the field and staff,
they are to stop in a private house. Colonel Neff, of the
40th, and Colonel Moore, of the 58th, had succeeded in
thrusting themselves into a house. The owner thereof is a
good Union man — so he says. But he is kind enough to
take his carpet off the floor, carry away the mattress from the
bed, remove the table and chairs, and furnish no wood.
To-night I will have the pleasure of sleeping on his dirty
floor. This is better than I am accustomed to. But, some-
how, I have contracted a kind of contempt lor this kind of
a "Union" man, from ^^■hich I fear I will never recover.
He says he attended the East Tennessee Universitv six
years. But I am certain of one thing — he iias not learned
the first and simplest lessons of good manners.

About noon, Tuesday, December 15, rumors began to
thicken of marching. I believe them, for it is in exact
keeping with our destin}-. The 58th Indiana are certainlv
"pilgrims and strangers here below." Soon the orders
came. Hurried, but incomplete preparations were made.
All sorts of orders were given and countermanded. Things
generally were mixed. Many men were left because the}^
were sick, or shoeless. Finally, near night, we were put on
board of the cars. I sent my horse in care of a servant bv
the dirt road. I took mv place in a crowded car. Tiie
locomotive could scarcely move the train. About eight p. m.
we were put oft', opposite Strawberry Plains, about seven-
teen miles from Knoxville. On one side of the track we
found rails. We made a fire and soon had supper. As the
night was cold and bedding scarce, we removed the fire
and laid down on the hot earth. It is an excellent plan.
Try it some night when you are destitute of sufiicient
bedding.

Wednesday, December 16. — We did not march early,
but we marched. Instead of crossing the river, as I thought
we would, we went up the river. I went trudging along,
with mv two woolen, and c^ne trum, blankets. It is a hard

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEGDIENT. 239

thing to soldier on foot. The boys seemed to enjoy my
walk more than I did. They laughed heartily to see me
sweajt and hear me blow. But, for my own part, I did not
see the joke. We soon overtook our train, which had
come through during the night, and I mounted my horse
gladly.

We did not advance farther than the bridge on the Knox-
ville road, when we met a wagon train on the way back to
Knoxville. As we passed along this train I noticed an
unusual number of men. I soon became convinced that
they were stragglers. Somebody was evidently scared in
front. Rumors of lighting began to prevail. Longstreet
had been heavily reinforced. He was advancing and driv-
ing our men. So the stragglers said. We went about four
or five miles from the Plains and went into camp. The
stream of wagons, stragglers and natives continued to flow
by us all day. There must have been two thousand of these
miserable skulkers, chiefly cavalry. It did our boys great
good to tantalize them.

"Hurry up, hurry up !" our men would say, "we will tr}'
and hold them back until you get to a safe place." "Give
way and let the cavalrv pass to the rear."

When the facts all came to light, it turned out that there
had been a cavalry fight at Bean's Station, and our men had
run off", leaving a train of coffee, sugar and great coats in
rebel hands.

The Regiment remained in this vicinity for several weeks,
duriuij which time there was a monotonous scarcitv of
rations and wearing apparel. But we varied the monotony
of this daily lack by an almost dailv moving of our camping
place. This kept the boys busy fixing up and tearing down
their rude huts, and served to make them forget their other
troubles. It also served to show a lack of decision and good
judgment on the part of our commanders.

Christmas day was spent in camp, about five miles above
Strawberry Point, on the banks of the Holston river; we
had just moved here the day before.

240 CHArLAIX IIKiHT'S IIISTOIIV OF THE

Tuesday, December 26. — The 26lh Ohio has re-enlisted
as veterans, and Lieutenant-Colonel Young has gone to
Chattanooga to complete the arrangements. A few even-
ings since, General Wagner called the Regiments into line
and explainecl to them the veteran cjuestion. There are
quite a number of men in tiie 58th who are anxious to
re-enlist. In mv opinion this veteran movement is all
wrong. I think it would be better for the Government to
enforce the draft and bring new men into the service. Let
the Government save its big bounties.

Thursday, December 31. — Another vear has passed
away ; 1863 is gone. This, to me, has been one of the most
eventful years of mv life. It opened on the dead and
wounded of the hrst dav's tight at Stone River. Next dav
was Friday's deadly fight. At Murfreesboro we had com-
parative quite and good times generally. Chickamauga and
Mission Ridge are great events in 1863. My health has
been good all year. For this I am very thankful, as I was
sick much of last vear. God has wonderlulh' blessed me
in every respect. Thanks to the Great Giver of every good
and perfect blessing.

Dr. Samuel E. Holtzman, Assistant Surgeon of the 58th,
reached the Regiment Fridav, the 8th. He was captured
at the Wood's Division Hospital, near Crawfish Springs, on
September 20tii, 1863. He remained there thirteen days, in
charge of our wounded. Li compan\- with the other Sur-
geons he was sent to Ringgold and jiul on the cars. He
was taken to Riciimond and put in the lamous Libby prison,
where he remained until Novemlier 24th. With the other
Surgeons he was released and sent Xorlh. He visited
Washington, New York, and various other cities of minor
importance. He returned with less flesh tlian wlien he went
awa}'.

WED^■^:sDA^^ JAXUAK^■ 13. — I'hree men. who were
wounded at Chickamauga, came up to-day. Thc-y are
George Cjasawa\', of D: IL>mbre(\ ol" ]•>, and Rock, ol (i.
They came with a supph' train from Chattanooga.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA l{K(iIMENT. lUl

The following m^n were mustered in to-dav as veterans,

for three years, from January i, 1864 :

Company B — ^J. N. Endicott, W. A. Duncan, Nathan Bigham.
Company C — Lewis Field.

Company D — Larkin Montgomery, James M. Cunningham, Albert
Brewster, Adolphus A. Floor.

Company II — John W. Vierling.
Company' I — Robert Lemmon.
Company K — Wm. II. Young.

This is one-third of the unconditional veterans of the 58th.
The remainder are to go home in two future installments.
These are ordered to hold themselves in readiness to go
home at a moment's warning. This is the iirst time I ever
heard that order given in the arm^'.

Lieutenants Samuel Sterne and Wood Tousev have been
commissioned Captains. Both will make splendid officers.
Captain W. A. Downey, recently acting as assistant surgeon,
now on his way trom Libby Prison, having been captured
with the hospital at Chickamauga, has been recommended
for Major of tlie Regiment, zvcf Moore, promoted to Lieu-
tenant-Colonel.

Thursday, January 14 — This forenoon the long expected
train came up, twenty-two da^-s from Chattanooga. One
wagon caine for the 58th, containing a few knapsacks and
shelter tents for the men, bedding for officers, and a miser-
able lot of old trash for Regimental headquarters. Just as
the train was coming in orders came to prepare the coinmand
to move over the river. The wagons forded the stream.
All the Regiments were transported over in two little flats.
Our Regiment did not go. About sixtv men came up for
the 58th from Chattanooga.

Friday, January 15. — The Veterans, spoken of da\'
before yesterday, started for home this morning.

We moved at daylight. The morning was chilly and
damp. We passed over the Holston and camped on the
other bank. After remaining there until about noon we
marched through the hills over a glassy road. We crossed
the railroad about four miles from Strawberr\' Plains. A

242 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

short distance from here we went into camp in a woods to
the right of the main road. Dr. Holtzman and myself put
up a tent, which had been assigned to us. So I slept under
a wall tent for the tirst time since we left Hillsboro, in
August .

Saturday, January i6. — We marched early, towards
Berry's Mountain. The roads were very slick. The horses
were so poor and foot sore that they could scarcely stand,
We crossed Beny's Mountain, about live miles to the right
of Mossy Creek Station. This mountain is about as high as
Missionary Ridge. The road is good and free from rocks.
From the top the mountains of North Carolina could be seen,
rising in grandeur before us. The descent was very gradual.
Just at dark we entered Dandridge, twenty miles from Straw-
berry Plains. As we drew near w^e heard the sound of light-
ing before us. Harker's Brigade had gone into camp and
then went to the front. We remained on a hillside during
the night. Things looked like a battle. There is a great
deficiency in ammunition and rations. W^e are in a mis-
erable condition for fighting. And if we were to fight there
must be immense suffering; amontrst the w^ounded. We
have but few surgeons, and they are utterly destitute of
supplies.

Sunday, January 17. — This morning opened warm and
pleasant. I took a walk through the town. In better days
this must have been one of the pleasantest nooks in all nature.
Few streams are more lovely than the French Broad. It is
clear and pure. The current is fast. Northeast of the town,
about ten miles, rises the mountains of North Carolina.
They rise before the beholder like an enchanted view. The
hills and valleys about Dandridge are fine. I noticed a lew
good churches and school houses.

Returning from a visit to the 2d Indiana Cavalry, I met
one Regiment of cavalry going out. There was increased
firing all along the line. My Brigade was falling in as I
reached camp. They were formed on an adjacent hill.
The firing increased to a roar all around the lines. There

FIFTY-EiaHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 24.3

was great confusion amongst the troops. They were mov-
ing here and there. Evidently there was a sad need of a
Genc7-al: One of our wagons had been placed in the Holston
for a bridge. The other could not hold the baggage. We
moved ot^', leaving the baggage to come up under charge of
thirty men, detailed, and tiftv stragglers. We thought that
we were going over the French Broad to take a position still
farther to the right. But we went out on the same road we
had come in on. We went silently, wonderingly along.
Sad surmises and idle rumors were told in whispers, but
complaints were loud and ol'ten sworn out.

It was a long and weary tramp over the hills and moun-
tains. Night was made for rest, for sleep, and ill betides
the man who uses it lor other purposes. It is very weari-
some to march at night. Instead of stopping when we had
crossed Berrv's Mountain, we kept on until we were within
three miles of Strawberrv Plains. Here, we stopped, just at
the dawn of day, in an old corn held.

Next dav we crossed the Holston at the Plains, on the
railroad bridge, which had been iinely planked. We went
out a mile and stopped in the woods for dinner — it proved
for a longer time. Towards night the wagons came up.
Some of the tents had been thrown out.

Tuesday, January 19. — We remained all dav in camp.
Rumors came thick and fast of Hardee moving on our line
of communications, of Longstreet crossing the French Broad,
of our retreating to Knoxville, cannon went down on the
cars. The sick were sent oft\ Rails were hauled and piled
on the bridge.

Bob Skelton came in this evening. He was detailed on
Sunday, during the fighting, to go beyond the French
Broad and run a mill. Two men went with him. He
crossed over two branches of the stream, and was overtaken
by night on an island. Here he learned that the mill was in
the possession of the rebels. Harker and his bridge was
gone. A negro took them back over the river. Here the}--
were informed that the Yankees were srone. He was

244 THAPLATX HTGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

warned by a negro woman to tiy. He heard the clanking
of rebel swords. A path too narrow lor horsemen had been
pointed out along the banks of the French Broad. This
was followed until within six miles of Strawberry Plains.
They then came across the countr\'.

Wednesday, January 20. — About the middle of the after-
noon, as I lay asleep, I was aroused by the blowing of the
assembly in an adjoining Regiment. We were soon on the
way, taking the railroad track, towards Knoxyille. I was a
little exercised by the absence of my horse, which had been
sent out foraging, but I was more exercised by the retreat.
I was satisfied that to the front miorht be I'ound yictory,
honor, safety and abundance.

We went to the twelfth mile j-»ost from Knoxyille, and
then turned off to the right. We unexpectedly stopped. It
seemed a tine position for a battle as far as I could see. I
was in hope it meant fight, but it didn't. We were not
hunting a fight, it seems.

Thursday, January 21. — Reveille at 4:30 a. m.
Alarched at six a. m. Troops took the railroad, and trains
the dirt road, to Knoxyille. I arrived there in advance of
tht-' column. We passed tlirough the cit^^ crossed the river
on the pontoon, and stopped near our old camp, two miles
on the Sevierville road. Rumor says we go there to-mor-
row. "Rumor" tells many tales. We hear but little that is
reliable, hence "rumors" abound. It is said that there has
been fighting to-day at Maryville ! It is said that Richmond
is taken ! Tliere is no end to tin* thousand idle tales that
iloat through the camps. And no tale is without its believ-
ers. I believe that if I uere to declare myself commis-
sioned from Heaven to declare a new (jospel tliere would
be some believers.

h'kiDAY, January 22. — It had been so long since we had
been permitted to send out any mail, that I determined to
take tiie letters to Knoxyille this morning, though we march.
All was in readiness to march when the orders were coun-
ti'rmanded. I determiiu'd to </() to tlie citv, an\ho\v. I

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA IJEGIMENT.

245

accordingly armed myself with a pass from Brigade head-
quarters, and rode towards the pontoon. The road was very
bad. I arrived in town before sunrise. The business houses
were not yet opened. Went to a blacksmith shop and
engaged the shoeing of my horse at $3.00 — such is an index
of Knoxville prices I I then called at the office of the U. S,
Christian Commission. There were two men in the rear
room. One, with red hair and few words, wore a gown.
The other, who did the talking, had the dress and appear-
ance of one of those itinerant good people, who till the
agencies of our various benevolent enterprises. The stock

of reading matter con-
sisted of about one thou-
sand Testaments, a tew
papers, and some tracts.
I took a few lor my Regi-
ment.

On Jay street the crowd
began to gatiier. The
old places of business
were occupied by a set of
Jews and other miserable
swindlers from the North.
I purchased one pair ot
— ^ suspenders tor $ 1 .50, and

ISAIAH s. iiAv." ^^^rQ knives and two forks

for the same money. There was a far greater abundance
than w'hen we passed through here going to the front. I^ut
prices were just as ruinous to the bu}'ers. No man can trade
on that street without falling amongst thieves. I remained
but a short time, and made no further purchases than those
named above.

* Was imistcred in with the Regiment, and was with it in all its marches
and hattles until Missionary Ridge, at which place he was severely wounded
and was not able for further active service. Returning home after his term
of enlistment, he entered the ministrv in the General Baptist denomination,
in which he holds a prominent and influential place. He has served three
terins, successivelv, in the State Legislature, representing Warrick countv,
where he still resides.

246 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Saturday, January 23. — Orders came early this morning
to march at eight. We again crossed the Knoxville pon-
toon. Two Regiments of Wood's Division went down the
left bank of the Holston, while Hazen's Brigade and our
Division were to go down the right. It afforded us all great
delight, as we tiled to the left in Knoxville, and turned
towards our own glorious Armv of the Cumberland, and
away from the Armv of the Ohio. And now whv was
this?

1. Foster's army is without a glorious history, such as
Mill Spring, Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, Missionary
Ridge, etc., have made for our own armv^

2. It is insignificant in numbers.

3. The material is xevy poor. Tiie cavalrv are cow-
ardlv, and worth but little.

4. The organization of the Army of the Ohio is very
lame. The 9th Corps is about as large as our Brigade.

5. They have been stealing our supplies as they passed
Knoxville.

6. They are poorly officered. Generals, especiallv, are
wanting.

We were all glad, tVom General Granger to Sambo. We
felt like men going home.

Though Longstreet was threatening Knoxville in the front,
I noticed no disposition to occupy the works on our part.
Fort Sanders was being completed, but the work went leis-
urely on. The Yankees were laying the foundation of a
new and substantial bridge over the Holston. I hope many
may come into these parts from the North, and that the
farmers may be encouraged to cultivate their fields during
the coming season. The land is too lovc-lv to long remain
desolate.

In our march, we got on the wrong road. A bv-path led
us to Hascal's Mills, ten miles from Knoxville. We camped
on a fine stream, long before niglit. It would have been a
pleasant place if there had not been camping here before.
It is always more pleasant to stop in a new, clean place.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 247

Sunday, January 24. — Reveille at 4 : 30 a. m. Marched
at six. Marker's Brigade was in advance and Sherman's in
the rear. The latter took the Kingston road, while the
remainder of the Division continued on towards Loudon.
We camped at the twent\'-tirst mile post from Knoxville,
eightv-ninth from Dalton, Georgia. Weather changing.
The spring birds are singing. I never saw such pleasant
weather in Januarv. We camped long before night.

Monday, January 25. — We marched at day break, and
reached Loudon early in the forenoon. We camped above
and opposite the town, near Mr. Blair's. We did not go
into winter quarters, for we were informed that we were to
cross the river. Harker's Brigade is crossing.

Great numbers of the people of this part of Tennessee are
going to the free States. They will make good citizens.
The counter-current of population will set in from the
North. Thrifty farmers and ingenious mechanics will pour
into these parts, and the land will be glad tor their com-
ing. Tennessee is a great State, and a glorious destinv
awaits it.

This is, without mistake, a spring day. It is such weather
as we have in Indiana in the month of Mav. A farmer is
plowing near camp. ,

Tuesday, January 26, — All orders in reference to cross-
ing the river were countermanded, and again our Generals
are purposeless. Time has proven the consummate folly of
our retreat from Dandridge. Longstreet never left his win-
ter quarters on the railroad above there. Whether, then,
our retreat was caused by fright, or a desire to " draw- out "
the enemy, it was a failure. I am very certain that it did
not pay to throw awa}^ tents, tarpaulins and baggage ;
'destroy rations and forage ; boots, shoes and saddles ; burn
pork and caissons ; march the men almost to death and get
some captured ; tear up the fine bridge over the Holston at
the Plains ; permit the capture of four hundred beef cattle
and a small wagon train ; fill the land with panic ; shake the
confidence of the communitv in our abilitv to hold E)ast

lUI; ("HAl'LATX HKJHT'S HISTOTJY OF THE

Tennessee ; \'ielcl to the enem}- the most fertile portion of
this valley filled with rations and forage ; and above all incur
the disgrace of running when there is none to pursue. T
want no more of this Potomac strategy.

Thursday, January 28. — In compan}'- with Dr. Holtz-
man, I visited Loudon. We crossed in an old craft, which
was by no means safe. The town never was a fine village.
Now it is almost in ruins. Rut few of the inhabitants
remain. Generals Granger and Sheridan have their head-
quarters here. We went up on a high hill north of town.
Loudon, like all the towns in East Tennessee, is in a hollow.
There are man^■ tine hills about the place, making it a good
militarv position.

In the afternoon the Brigade changed camp. We went
about half a mile farther up the river. The men began
immediately to erect winter quarters.

The followinp; veterans started home this eveninp- :

Company D — William Davis.

Company I — John Muhr, John Xoc. Samuel E. 131air, Isaiah Dearing,
Hugh Shaw.

Company C — Henry C. Hill, Jonas Rohinson, Ezekiel S. Hadlock, Ahra-
ham Cole, Charles K. Eullerton, William H. llickrod, James T. McRey-
nolds, Albert Shrieves, John Simpson.

Company H — ^^[ames A. Smith, Cieorgc A. \'icrling.

Company F — James O. Jones.

Company K — James B. Gra^-, Thomas W. Gritlith.

Company (i — \\Mlliam F. Thomas. John B. Mitchell, Henderson Shoafi'.

Company 15 — Robeit Lucas, Simon F. Utley.

Tliis makes thirtv-six, in all, who have gone. Tiie 57th
Indiana went as a Regiment.

Having had all night to studv over a proposition sent ])y
Colonel Buell, on the authoriU' of General Thomas, the 58th
was called into line at nine o'clock, Friday morning, Janu-
ary 29, to decide whether they would re-enlist as a Regi-
ment in tlie veteran service. Tiie proposition was that tlie
Regiment should be mustered as engineers and mechanics.
Major Downey made a speech to the Regiment, explaining
the proposition, after which a vote was taken. At first a
do/en was lacking to complete the riH|uired number — three-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEfUMEXT. 249

fourths — to take the Regiment as an organization. But soon
thev came in, and it is announced that the 58th Indiana
would re-enHst. There was much excitement and hilarit}-
over this event.

Late in the afternoon orders came for our Regiment to go
over the river, draw rations and prepare to march to Chatta-
nooga in the morning.

Well, we got started on our return to Cliattanooga about ,
the middle of the forenoon, January 30. We were accom-
panied bv the 51st Indiana, of our Brigade, who have also
re-enlisted. The 40th Indiana and 15th Indiana are to come
on later. It was raining when we started, but the boys were
turning homeward and did not mind the rain.

Passing through Philadelphia, we turned up Sweetwater
Valley, then on through Athens, camping th'^ second day
near Riceville. The men were very tired when they arrived
here, as they had made a Sabbath dav's march of twent}?^
miles. Monday night we came to a point in the vicinity of
Cleveland and rested for the nio-ht. Another day's march
broup-ht us near the scene of our old battles. On Wednes-
day, February 3d, we reached the top of Missionary Ridge,
and Chattanooga Valley was opened out before us. It was
a grand sight. There was old Lookout Mountain, Walden's
Ridfje foi'minpf the backo-round, with Orchard Knob, Fort
Wood, Fort Palmer, and many other familiar objects in the
foreground of the magnificent picture. And here we are in
our old quarters, which we left last November to go on a ter-
rible cold winter's campaign. Here we found the veterans
of our Regiment who had preceded us on their wa^' home-
ward. Here, also, we found some of our comrades who
had been in hospitals, on account of wounds received at
Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge. So we had a kind of
Regimental reunion, and it was a very pleasant experience,
alter so many months of separation and hardship.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Chattanooga and Vicinity — Wondenful Changes that
HAVE Taken Place and are in Progress — A
Stron(; Military Post — Preparations for An-
other Campaign — National Cemetery — A \^isit
TO Lookout Mountain — Relics of the Recent
Battle — The Re-enlistment Question Settled —
The Regiment Finally Gets Started Homeward
— Incidents of the Journey.

WHILE the Regiment is waiting here I will improve the
time by making some visits about Chattanooga, and
taking note of such things as seem to be ot' interest, noting
especiall}', the changes that have taken place since our army
came into complete possession of the place, and since our
hurried departure for Knoxville three months ago.

One of the first places visited, ver}^ naturallv, was the post-
office. Here I marked a decided change for the better.
Stamps are sold, and, I believe, letters are mailed. The
mail comes and goes every day.

Going down to the wharf, I observed that it was not so
crowded as during the siege. The artery to the heart of
Chattanooga does not run across the river as formerly. No
long lines of sluggish mule teams are seen wending their
way over the pontoon. Tiie brisk locomotive sweeps around
the face of old Lookout, bearing all that the army needs.
But other scenes no less important are enacted at the wharf.
A little steamer was upon the ways. Thus Uncle Sam is
introducing industry and commerce into these parts. But
look I What are those pens of wood being constructed in the

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDLOA KEGIMENT. 251

river for? They are the piers for a bridge. Chattanooga,
in all her years of peace and prosperity, never could boast
of this. Thanks to the Yankees ; they are doing some good
in this country ; even the vile rebels must admit that.

Passino; to the other end of Main street we come to the
railroad station. Here is an express office, doing an immense
business, greatly to the accommodation of the armies and their
own protit. The freight depot is full of rations. The mag-
niticent passenger depot, unsurpassed b}' any I have seen in
the United States, and whose tin roof had been torn off by
the rebels to make canteens, is now being tilled. Other
houses in the neighborhood are also being tilled. Great
preparations are making for the coming campaign. Exten-
sive sheds for horses were pointed out, and I saw a large lot
of mules.

In the church vard, near the depot, the dead soldiers were
being removed to the new cemetery near Fort Palmer. The
stench created was very offensive. Having no desire for
such sights, I did not draw near. It is verv praiseworthy
in the authorities, that they are collecting the remains ot our
worthy dead, and giving them honorable graves.

Thus far, I had never seen a colored soldier. This after-
noon my eves were gratified by the sight of four companies
of the 14th United States Colored Infantry. They are new
troops. They are fast becoming proficient in drill and I am
convinced they will make good soldiers. Thev will be
more willing to submit to discipline than white men. They
will take a great pride in military matters. Having been
accustomed to scant food and clothing and severe field toils,
they can better "endure hardness, as become good soldiers,"
than many ^^oung men of my own race, who have been
reared in luxurv. As for courage it is a mere thing of cul-
ture. We are all natural cowards. We must learn to be
brave. The negro can learn as well as any one, this lesson.
The fields on which his valor has been tried, during this war,
are proof suflicient of his bravery. There are other fields
where his heroism is vet to be seen, and where the persecut-

■J.')!' CHAPI.AIX HKiHT'S HISTOHY OF THE

iiiii" iiii(l dominant race will be convinced that he is worthy
oftreedom. Worthy of freedom — aye, possibly, men may
begin to inquire in that day. Are nt^t these colored soldiers
better qualitied for citizenship, than those trifling white men
who have opposed the war and embarassed the Government?
Are not these colored men more entitled to vote under a con-
stitution, and in a Union which their valor sustained, than
the secret or open traitors with while skins? Let me write it
down here, to-dav, that the time will soon be here, w^hen all
men will be equal in rights, without distinction of color.
Men may sav what the}' please, but "the v.orld moves," as
said Gallileo of old.

The fortitications have been changed in many respects, to
suit, as I suppose, the idea of some new engineer. The
shovel is still busy, and scarp and counter-scarp, and para-
pet, and all these things, are slowly approaching perfection.
These Yankee rats must intend to remain here, from the wa}'
the}' burrow into the earth.

The Christian Commission should have been named imme-
diately after the post office. A little meeting was in progress
when we called. I was called on and spoke a few words.
After meeting I had a few moments of pleasant conversation.
The shelves were w-ell filled with good reading matter.
Long may the Christian Commission flourish.

This being Sunday I attended the 10:30 services at the
Baptist Church. Chaplain \^an Home preached. lie is
tall and slender, has a black beard, intermingled witli a little
gray. He shaves his upper lip. He dresses very neatly in
plain Chaplain's uniform, which is far more appropriate for
a clergyman than blue and brass. He wears a pleasant
smile while speaking. His sermon was very good. At two
)•). m. I preached to a small congregation in the open air. I
then attended the three o'clock services at the church.
Chajilain Ross, of the 13th Ohio, K'd the serxices. He is a
plain and solid man. He belongs to the United Presby-
terian Church. In the beginning he gave, out a Psalm for
the congregation to sing. In view of the \eterans going

j^IFTY-EIGHTH INDIAXA EEGIMEXT. 253

home he announced as his text, "Go Home to th}^ Friends
and Tell Them how Great Thinsfs the Lord hath Done for
thee." Mark v:iq.

Amongst the spots which will be visited by pilgrims at
Chattanooga, with deep emotion, the National Cemetery wlli
be hrst sought. I remember well the hill when occupied by
our own and the enemy's pickets. The farther side was a
deep wood then. The side next the railroad had been
cleared awav. It was here that Wagner's Brigade was
formed on Monday, November 23, 1863, preparatory to the
tirst advance on Missionary Ridge. Here the first gun was
fired, on Monday afternoon. On this hill, and in its rear,
was the finest pageant I ever witnessed. Before this, it was
often under the thunder of our own and the enemy's guns.
The iiill is about half way between Chattanooga and Mis-
sionary Ridge, and between Lookout Mountain and Tunnel
Hill. Seventy acres have been set apart. The grounds are
being surrounded by a rough stone wall. The material tor
this is abundant on the ground. This wall is to be protected
by an osage orange hedge on either side. A small portion
of the stone fence is done. There are some hedges near,
which it is designed to transplant. The fence runs circu-
larly, or rather irregularly. Just inside of it a main avenue
is in process of construction. This is to pass entirely around,
next the wall, except on the side next P'ort Wood. Here it
is turned away iVom the fence by a large ledge of rock.
The portion of the grounds thus cut oft' is set apart for the
negro soldiers. Two of them lay there this afternoon in
their coflins, the first fruits of a might}" host of colored war-
riors who will be buried here. They were from the 14th U.
S. Colored Infantry.

There are to be main avenues leading up towards the
crown of the hill. A circle including about one acre is
reserved on top for some kind of a monument. Chaplain
\'an Home, who is in charge of the work, proposes a pyra-
mid, eighty feet square at the base, and eighty feet high. I
am not impressed witli the propriety of such a monument.

'2ol CHArLAlX HIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE

I see no need ot beincj in a liurr\' about monuments. Years
hence the people will seek opportunities to erect monuments
to the noble men who have died in these parts.

Besides those engaged in breaking stone and making the
fences, there were two squads of grav^e diggers and one of
stump removers. The stumps are being torn up and hauled
away from the grounds. One set of grave diggers were
burying the dead which are known, and tlie other the
unknown. All the dead which have been buried within the
lines since, our occupancy of Chattanooga, are to be removed
to this cemetery. Also the dead who fell in the severe bat-
tles in this neighborhood are all to be removed to these
grounds.

It will take all of the present summer to put things in any-
thing like shape. I am glad to see a disposition on the part
of the authorities to provide a decent resting place for our
gallant dead. Rcquicscat ui face.

Tuesday, February 9. — This day the uncertaintv hang-
ing over our going home has passed away. General George
II. Thomas writes a letter to Colonel George P. Buell that
he designs to place the 58th in the engineers department, -
when it returns as a veteran volunteer Regiment.

Wednesday, February 10. — Doctor Holtzman having
obtained a pass from the I^rovost Marshal General, we
started early on horseback to visit Lookout Mountain. We
passed over Chattanooga Creek, at the same point that we
crossed wiien we first entered last September. A new bridge
had been erected since then. We passed over, showing oin*
pass, and stood on what was rebel territory during the siege.
We soon came to the rebel works, whicli are interior in every
respect to those they confront. When we came to Lookout
we went up the wagon road, on the eastern side. The whole
of the lower parts of the mountain has the appearance of
having fallen from'the rocky bights above. The stones,
both large and small, were evidently torn from the rocky
palisades which form the mountain summit. The road
passes a mile or two back bejbre it reaches the lop. It is

FIFTY-EIGHTH IXDIAXA IJEGIMENT. 255

exceedingly difficult to get to the top of the mountain. At
several points there are ladders. On the western slope there
are not so many rocks. There were guards near the top,
but they did not halt us. On top of the mountain we found
a number of nice houses, called Summertown. This was a
famous resort of the chivalry in the olden time. Troops
were encamped on the mountain. Here is a splendid place
for a general field hospital, or convalescent camp. I regret
that we did not have time to go back southward on the
mountain. After arriving at the top, we passed along the
eastern edge, going northward. At several points we made
lengthy pauses, and "viewed the landscape o'er." There
was, standing just upon the verge of the precipice, an old
warehouse, which I remember to have seen from Gordon's
Mill, seventeen miles awa}^ just before the battle of Chicka-
mauga. We could see the fields of Chickamauga, Mission-
ary Ridge and Tunnel Hill. But the day was too gloomy
to permit us to see distinctly at any great distance. Chatta-
nooga looked contemptible at our feet, ■ I held m}' hand at
full arm's length and hid all tlie Yankee forts, camps and
' field works, as they were during the siege. The cars seemed
to travel almost at a snail's pace. If the works of man thus
look to the eyes of a mortal from a mountain top, how insig-
nificant must they appear to Him, who stands in the highest
heavens, and beholdeth all things at a glance ! Man build-
ing his famous works is as the mouse burrowing in the
earth.

We came to the spot where the rebels had planted a three-
gun siege battery, bearing on Chattanooga. I call distinctly
to mind the time when we used to see the smoke of the
explosion, and then hear the sullen report, as Lookout hurled
her iron words at us from this point. Farther on, we came
to Point Lookout. There are several ledges of rock pro-
jecting from the point of the mountain. The soil is gone.
Here a magnificent panorama rises on onfe's sight. Turning
towards Chattanooga, we see ourselves as others saw us.
On this point the rebels looked down from day to day on the

iT)!) CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE

hateful Yankees. They could see the hurry on the streets,
the congregation gathering at the church, the working par-
ties digging on the forts, the drill and dress parade. Cam-
eron Hill, Moccasin Pointy Forts Wood, Negley, and all the
rest, could be seen from day to day. When these were com-
pared with the long lines of rebel works across Chattanooga
Valle}^ Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain and A^allev,
and Sand Mountains, all of which the rebels at one time
held, an earnest traitor could but think that the "Yanks"
were trapped at last. But the lion arose irom his lair, and
bade his tormentors away.

But let us pass from the past to the present. That long
Ridge on our right was named Missionary, because in early
times it was the home of the missionaries to the Indians.
Orchard Knob, a little hill that rises between the Ridge and
Chattanooga, is so called because it presented to tlie occu-
pants of Chattanooga, at the time of the siege, the appear-
ance of an orchard. Nearer to us, on another hill, is the
new National Cemetery. Over the way from tlie cemetery
is Fort Palmer, named in honor of General Palmer, whose
Division occupied these works. We could see our own lit-
tle camp on Signal Hill, so named because it was occupied
formerly by a signal station. Cameron Hill receives its
name from an English artist who dwelt on it before the war.
Rev. Mr. Smith, of tlie Christian Commission, tells me that
he was in Nashville at the time of the siege, and spoke in a
public meeting about having been on Cameron Hill, at Chat-
tanooga, a few days before. After the meeting he was
accosted b}' a gentleman and lady, who proved to be Mr.
and Mrs. Cameron.

"Can you tell me, Mr. Smith," inquired the huh', "about-
those trees of mine? What has become of them. ^""

"What trees? Do you mean those magnificent forest
trees? Well, they were all felled by order of the engin-
eers, to make way. for the works."

"I am glad," said Mrs. Cameron, "lliat neither the ax of
(he relii'l oi" \hc vandal ha^ laid them low I "

J'IFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 257

Moccasin Point is made by the bend of the river. It
resembles a moccasin in shape, and at certain seasons of the
year presents some of the variegated colors with which the
Indians are accustomed to adorn their moccasins. Walden's
Ridfje, which forms the northwestern ijatewav to these
regions, rises before our eyes like a huge wall of stone —
and such it is in fact. Away to the northwest there is a
gorge in the mountains, through which the Tennessee makes
its exit. On this side is the Sand Mountain, so named from
the sand stone, I suppose. It abounds in Lookout, and I
suppose does there. The rock in Lookout is a beautiful,
milk-colored sand stone, occasionally variegated with brown
and red. It makes a tine finish for a road paved with lime-
stone. It tills the rugged crevices in a short time, and looks
like a nice white carpet. Colonel Buell, with his Pioneer
Brigade, has made a thirtv-foot road around the nose of the
mountain, part of which has this tinish. Nearer than Sand
Mountain is Lookout Vallev, immediately to our left, and a
range of hills farther on along the river side. On these hills
the brave men of Hazen's Brigade landed, after floating by
Lookout, surprised and captured the rebel pickets, and laid
a bridge over the Tennessee. Just there, where the railroad
passes between two hills, is a part of the battle ground ot
Wauhatchie. The roar of this battle was distinctly heard b}'
us at Chattanooga, one night in last November. Up this val-
ley can be seen the very hill and the woods occupied by our
Division, on the Sunday before entering Chattanooga. And
these are the very rocks on which the women and children
of Summertown stood, on that lovely afternoon, looking at
the Yankees.

Every spot near is fraught with interest, and the distance
is filled with grandeur. It is said that from this point one
can see Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, North Car-
olina, Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi and Alabama.

We found a rugged pathway lor our horses down the
western slope. When we reached Hooker's battletield, of
November 24, we turned our horses to the left. Here were

2:)}{ CHAPLAIX MIGHT'S HTSTOEY OF THE

the old rebel camps and the rough stone walls thrown up b\'
them. At the turning point of the mountain is a little grave-
yard, where a number of our brave men are buried. No-
vember 26, is the honorable date of their deaths. A
little farther on we met Major General Hooker, whom I had
never seen before. He is a tine looking man. Here are
the ruins of the white house which we used to see from
Chattanooga. I took a drink from the hydrant and called
to mind the column of men, led by a man on a grey
horse, in the battle of Lookout Mountain. It was here
that Hooker "fought above the clouds." From Lookout
Point it seems almost on the same level as the country
around.

We rode down the mountain and arrived at home before
supper time. I was verv tired. There are other items of
interest about Lookout which I would like to see.

Near the headquarters of General Thomas there is a large
brown bear, in a cage. It was at Knoxville when we were
there. It is large and well trained. At the command of
his keeper he showed how he killed men, how he rolled
down the mountain, how he lay doW'U to take his rest, etc.
He came from the Rocky Mountains.

I walked by some of the guns captured at Missionary
Ridge, near the headquarters. There are forty-nine pieces.
In the front row there are twenty-seven guns. Of these,
about four or live are of Union brand. These are twelve
pound Howitzers, captured from us b}- the rebels, and recap-
tured at Mission Ridge. The remainder were rebel make.
They were from New Orleans, Mobile, Atlanta and Macon.
The workmanship of the carriages is very rough. There
are two large, roughly finished, rifle iron guns, wiiich were
captured at Chickamauga Station.

In the afternoon of Sunday, February 14th, two hundred
of the 58th Indiana were mustered in for three years, to date
from Januarv 24th, at Loudon, Tennessee. We have a
number of recruits who desired to re-enlist, but were not per-
mitted. As their names were called the men answered

FIT^TV-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 2y.)

"here," stepped two paces to the iVont, moved off to the
right and formed in single line. Bringing their arms to a
"support," thev took, a company at a time, this oath :

'"All and each of \ou do j^olemnlv swear that \ on will hear true allegiance
to the United States oi" America, and that ^-ou will serve theni honesth' and
faithfully against all their enemies or opposers, whatsoever, and observe and
obev the orders of the President of the United States, and the orders of the
ofHcers appointed over yon, according to the Rules and Articles for the gov-
ernment of the armies of the United States, so help you God."

Were I an artist, I wound jiaint "The \^eterans Taking
the Oath/'

At night, to almost the entire Regiment, I preached. The
text is, "Go Home to th}' Friends, and Tell Them how
Great Things the Lord Hath Done for Thee." Mark 5 :ig.
Introduction: The circumstances connected with the text ;
the text chosen hecause appropriate to the veterans.

I. The great things done for you by the Lord.

1. T//C I /lings done yor you in common zvitJi all nicn.
(a) The earth created for you. (a) Man made moral and
intellectual. (c) Man given dominion over the earth, the
beasts, birds and fishes. (d) The gift of the Son ; (e) the
Holy Ghost ; (f) the Church ; (g) the Bible, and the (h) ,
means of grace.

2. T/ie thi)igs done for you in common -with all soldiers
present. (a) Your life has been preserved amid contagious
and camp diseases, in dangers by march and battle. The
battles of Stone River, Chickamauo'a and Mission Ridn'e
commented on. (b) A deeper interest has been awakened
in your physical well-being than in any other army. (c) A
deeper interest is felt in your spiritual welfare than ever was
manifested in behalf of any other army.

3. T/ie special favors s/io-wn. (a) Some have been con-
victed of sin. (b) Some have become better men without
being converted. The army is not as demoralizing as is
generally supposed. (c) Many of you have been converted,
joined the church, and received holy baptism. (d) Many
of you who were professors when you entered the army have
been enabled to maintain your integrity.

260 CHAPLAIX RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

A. The great things done inid being done in prospect.
(a) The destruction of sectionalism ; (b) sectarianism, and
(c) slavery ; the six pounder iron gun, (d) Our nation is
being qualitied to spread liberty and religion amongst the
people of the world.

II. Telling the great things done for you at
HOME. (i) That they may be stirred up in behalf of the
Christian Commission, and (2) the Chaplains. (3) Speak
of your conduct. (4) During your veteran term maintain
your integrity.

Sergeant A. M. Bryant delivered an exiiortation after the
sermon.

Monday, February 15. — There has been a clap of thun-
der from the clear sky I When Major Downey reported at
the proper office for transportation for his two hundred men,
as the Veteran 58th Indiana Volunteers, he was informed
that he did not have men enough to maintain the Regimental
organization ! We lacked sixty men I We have been run-
ning along blindh'. We did not know what number we had
to have three-fourths ol^ We presumed it was of those pres-
ent and eligible to go. But now, after the men are sworn
in, it turns out that we must have three-fourths of all present
or absent, except prisoners of war or absent sick. The men
who are now sworn in understood that they were going as a
Regiment. Most of them are unwilling to go any other
way. Besides this. General Thomas has promised to put the
Regiment into the engineers' department, when tiic}^ return
from home as a veteran Regiment. But this promise can
not be of any advantage to our two hundred veterans, if the
Regiment does not remain organized. Tiius our men are
badly deceived, if we are not permitted to go North. Great
figuring is going on at Regimental headquarters. The num-
bers are being placed this way and that, to see if we have
not three-fourths. Oiu" commanders liave received the
answer to the sum, but they are not competent to work it
out. They seem disposed to " force " the figures a little. I
do not mean that the}^ are disposed to do any wrong, but a

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 26 1

refreshing has come upon the minds of some. Perhaps
amongst hands a sufficient number may be " recollected,"
who were incorrectly reported, to make all right. I under-
stand that some of the captin-ed have been reported as absent
bv authority. By changing this and some other items, all
mav vet come right. Commissioned faces are long to-night,
and non-commissioned are filled with sad misgivings.

Wednesday, February 17. — The great agony about
retaining the Regimental organization passed away.
Colonel Buell this morning obtained a promise that we
should go.

Thursday, February 18. — When I was at the river bank
this morning I noticed a new, portable, circular saw mill.
They were putting it up to work for the United States. But
far more interesting than this was a little side-wheel steamer
now used in transporting stone down the river to fill the
wooden piers of the new bridge. It can not be more thdn
forty-five feet long and twent3'-eight teet wide. It is a curi-
osity.

We hear rumors of heavy rebel forces at Sevierville. If
this be trvie, there will be warm work in these parts. Rvimor
says that we are being detained here on this account.

Friday, February 19. — While thinking on the text:
"Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free
course and be glorified," it occurred to me to make it and
the additional words, "even as it is with you ; and that we
may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men ; for
all men have not faith," the foundation of a discourse at
home. The people there need stirring up, that they may
better appreciate the wants of the army. Oh ! that every
Regiment had a Chaplain, and all these Chaplains were
delivered from "unreasonable and wicked men," that the
word of the Lord might be glorified in the salvation of man\'
soldiers. If 1 go home, may God make me instrumental in
making many to see the wants of the army.

In my wanderings one afternoon I came to a shop, which
proved to be the 4th Corps wagon shop. Here was a great

^62 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THP.

multitude ot' our broken down ambulances and wagons.
A detail of soldiers were repairing them. Worn out
timbers and irons are replaced by new, and then the
entire work is repainted. Some of these wagons are
better than new. The men who do this work obtain no
extra wages.

Tuesday, February 23. — Afcer dinner T started on a
walk with Dr. Iloltzman. Seeing a crowd of men collected
at the place where our Missionary Ridge dead were buried,
we went there. It turned out that a company' of men were
taking up William Riley Blythe, of Company A, for the
purpose of sending him home. Mr. Logan McCrary, of
Fort Branch, had come out tor him. They were just closing
down the metalic coffin, as we came up. I did not see the
corpse, but understand that it presented a horrible sight. In
view of human decay, I often call to mind the expression of
Scripture, "this yile body." What is more disgusting than
a rotten human body? And yet this is what we must all
come to. Should we not strive to live so that "this vile
body may be changed like unto His glorious body, accord-
ing to the working, whereby He is able to subdue all things
unto Himself."

We passed on next to Fort Wood. There were some
camps which were neat and clean. I hope the day may
come when we will have tents and a camp. Our last was at
Hillsboro, Tennessee, last summer. A glance at the outside
of Fort Wood showed that there had been quite an improve-
ment since the last battle.

As we stepped upon the drawbridge we were halted by
the sentinel, who called, in most approved style, for "Cor-
poral of the guard." The Corporal needed no calling, for
he was standing by the guard. But this is military. The
Corporal stepped sprightly forward, saluted us, and informed
us that if we were commissioned oflicers we might walk in,
which we did. The inside of the fort is but little changed.
A magazine is being constructed. The same six large guns
are there.

FIFTY-EKfHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 2(53

From here we continue our walk to Fort Negley. This
was the first time I had been in this fort since the morning-
after we entered Chattanooga. It was September lo, 1863,
as we were going out after Bragg, that I went into this rebel
work, then called Star Fort.

In reading, in the March number of the Continental , an
article tVom Mr. Staunton on "The Treasury Report, and
Mr. Secretary Chase," I was impressed with another glori-
ous result of this war, a National currency. The Govern-
ment issues, and the National banks have all the advantages
and none of the disadvantages of the old National bank.
The miserable flood of " shin plasters," for such we may
call the bills of the innumerable banks formerly in circula-
tion, will be stopped. The new National bank is a savings
bank for the people. And after all that is said about patri-
otism, there will be nothing more binding than the five-
twenty bonds. We have long needed more nationality. I
am a lover of liberty, but not of State or local license. We
need a strong National Government. We can have this and
more freedom than we have ever had. I will prove this so
that the reader must admit it. We can have such a Govern-
ment, and make four millions of slaves free. Will not this
increase freedom ? We can have this kind of a Government,
and remove all those laws and lawlessness that has restrained
a free press in the South, and often in the North. Will not
this increase freedom? We can have a strong National
Government, and dispense with that interference with free
speech, which has prevailed alarmingly throughout the land.
Will not this increase freedom? We can have a strong cen-
tral power, and yet make it no crime to teach a negro, or for
one to be taught. Will not this increase freedom? And so
one might go on at great and truthful length. But time does
not permit.

Friday, Fb:bruary 26. — Every man and officer going to
Main street to-day is arrested. For a long time no passes
have been required. General Steadman, having lately been
placed in command of the post, has determined to show all

l'(U CHAPLAIN HICtHT'S HISTORY OF THE

mankind that "/am running this machine."' These fooHsli
orders prevail, occasionally, but only for a few da\'s at a
time.

About nine p. m., Saturday, February 27, it became a set-
tled tact that we were to start home to-night. Transporta-
tion was obtained for two hundred and eighty men and four
horses. In reference to each horse, a certificate had to be
made that it had been purchased at a distance from the seat
of war, had neyer been the property of the United States,
and was actually owned by the possessor. Most of the
horses with the Regiment had been " picked up" — I use a
mild expression — and could not be taken North. Many of
our officers in the army are too stingy to buy horses.

We lelt our camp equipage and mess chests behind. I
rode my horse to the depot and carried m\ chair in my
hand.

Our embarkation was poorly managed. Some of the
men, and all of the baggage and horses, were placed on the
wrong train. Officers and men were crowded in one pro-
miscuous mass. Some of the cars were overflowing, and
others almost empty. I seated myself in my chair in a car
principally occupied by Company F and Lieutenant-Colonel
Moore, Captain Tousey, Lieutenants Mason, Behm and
Torrence and Doctor Holtzman. Unlike an omnilnis. there
was no " room for just one more."

It was a great sleep we had tliis night ; T found neither
ease nor ri\st. I fell asleep a number of times but a sudden
jerk would bring me to consciousness. I tell a time or two
on the men lying about m\- chair.

We stopped before day. When it, was light we tbund
ourselves at Stevenson, Alabama, switched ofl'. We lay
here until about ten a. m. We then moved oft' at a slow
rate, awaiting on tiie convenience of all passing trains, as we
were behind time.

All of Monday night we were on the road. It was rainy
and cold, and as many of the men were on top of the cars
there was much suflering. Bob Lemon, of Company I, a

FIFTY-EIGHTH I^I)IA^A EEGIMEXT. 265

gallant young boy, who was Orderly to General Wood, and
the only one of his staff' or escort that remained with him at
Chickamauga, performed a rare somnambulistic feat. He
was missing when we reached Nasliville and it was supposed
that he had been brushed off the train, and perhaps killed.
But he came up on the next train. He reported that, having
laid down to sleep, the lirst thing that he was conscious of,
was standing in a stream of water up to his waist. It proved
to be Duck river. He had risen in his sleep and jumped off
the train, clearing the bridge, and plunging headlong in the
river. He met with an exceedinglv cold reception.

About daylight we reached Nashville and were quartered
in a Baptist Church. Here we remained until two p. m.,
when we marched to the Louisville depot and took another
train for that citv. We traveled all nisfht and until the
middle of the following afternoon before we reached Louis-
ville. The paymaster visited us the next day and the men
were made happy. Much of the money, however, was
spent foolishly, and much of the iaappiness was of a kind
that is^^rovved by sorrow and remorse.

Thursday, March 3, we crossed the Ohio River and once
more the 58th Indiana was on Hoosier soil. Another all
night by rail brought us to Indianapolis. At eleven o'clock
of the 4th, the 58th Indiana and 57th Indiana were honored
with a reception. We fell into line at the Market house. A
big fat man, Blake by name, took charge of us, and marched
us down to Little's hotel and then to the Soldiers' Home,
where a good dinner was provided for the soldiers. The
dinner was greath' enjo^■ed — not so the marching and parade.
Then the big fat man in charge had the band pla^' us a tune.

'T reckon," said he to Major Downey, "that you do not
hear much good music out in the bush."

The old man did not know how we were t(n-mented witli
just such music as this.

After this the Regiments were marched down Washing-
ton street to the State House, where a num'jer of addresses
were (jfiven. by Governor Morton and otiiers.

2(H) CHAPLAIN HIGHTS HISTORY OF TlIK

Next day, Saturday, March 5th, furloughs were made out
and the most of the men departed for their homes. And so,
for the next thirty days the 58th Regiment, as an organiza-
tion, is obliterated.

While I cannot follow the history of the Regiment during
this time, I can say for myself that I visited my old friends
in ditierent places and spent the time very pleasantly. I
rode to Martinsville on my horse, preaching there on Sab-
bath. Then I proceeded to Bloomington, mv old home ;
remaining there among relatives until March i6th, when I
went to Greencastle. The following week I went to Prince-
ton, and spent several da3's among friends here and at Evans-
ville.

Sabbath, March 27th, I preached in Princeton, in the
M. E. Church, on "Pilgrims' Life in the Armv." The
congregation was large and attentive. In the afternoon of
the same day I preached at Hight Chapel, and again in
Princeton in the evening.

Returning to Greencastle on Mondav, I spent a few days
there, then went to Bloomington. The time of expiration
ot our furlough was near at hand and I was busy making
preparations to return to Indianapolis, where the Regiment
was to re-assemble.

Here ends the record of my first term of service in the
army, and the beginning of the second. I am very thank-
ful to Almighty God that my life and health have been pre-
served. I return to the tield with a determination to be
more devoted to my work. With my past experience I can
certainly be more successful. May God bless our soldiers,
give victor}^ to our armies and peace to the land. Amen.

CHAPTER XIX.

Indianapolis to Chattanooga — Furlough Endp:d — Re-
turning TO THE Front — Louisville to Nashville
BY Rail — ''Hoofing It" to Chattanooga — Inci-
dents BY the Way — Familiar Camping Places Re-
visited— Arrival at Chattanooga — Preparing
for an Active Campaign — Drillinc; — Fatigue
Duty— The Pontoon Service.

ON the morning of April 7th, at nine o'clock, Dr. Iloltz-
man and mvself turned the heads of our horses north,
and Bloomington was lost to our view. I felt no special
pangs on leaving home. I have a proper regard for my par-
ents, brothers and sisters. But vears have fled since I flrst
left home. I have become cosmopolitan. The attachments
of early days have to some extent been severed, but not for-
gotten. For near ten years I have been a wanderer on the
face of the earth. I have traveled much in mv own land.
I have been amongst the good and bad, the high and low.
I have gazed upon many of the grand scenes of art and
nature. I have been present in the din of battle. This
varied experience has so wrought upon me that I have but
few of those local feelings which manv have. I am not
unmindful of relatives or friends, nor forgetful of the scenes
and circumstances of other years. But I hurry on, hoping
to meet the loved and lost in Heaven.

I wish that I could return to the home work. It is exceed-
ingly pleasant to go around amongst the people and enjo}-
good meetings, and social intercourse with good people.

268 CHAPLATX HIGHT'S HISTOHY OF THE

But tlie wants of the soldiers call me in another direction.
Something must be done to save the arm}- tVom demoraliza-
tion. I am, therefore, content to remain a Chaplain. May
God help me to be more efficient in the future than I have
been in the past.

We rode at a brisk walk, noticing some military positions.
One, especially, attracted my notice. It was the range of
hills composing the south bank of Bean Blossom Creek.
This, from the road, seemed an excellent position to defend
against an army advancing from the North. In case of a
defeat, there are suitable positions all the way to Blooming-
ton to check the enem3^ wdiile the trains are moving to the
rear. But I trust these lands will never be used for this piu"-
pose, but rather for grain and fruit.

It was two p. m. when we reached Martinsville. We tar-
ried an hour, to receive entertainment for man and beast,
and then we resumed our ride. After passing out of
the immediate vicinity of the town, we crossed a barren
range of hills. But we soon came to the fertile bottom lands
bordering on White River. We rode along until near sun-
down before we began seeking lodging. We were not sat-
isfied with most of the houses, and were rejected at two. I
told the Doctor that I w as desirous of stopping with a man
who w'as a Methodist and an Abolitionist. Just at dark,
when we had gone near thirty miles, and were too weary to
ride farther, w'e came to a nice farm lu)use by the roadside.
We hallooed at the paterfamilias, who sat at the door, and
were welcomed to a night's lodging. He proved to be an
Abolitionist and a Methodist. His name is Alrich. Af'ter
sup|")er, and a little conversation, we had prayers and retired
to bed. Sleep was sweet, after the wxnuy day's ride.

We settled our bills and took an early start from Farmer
Aldrich's. Passing by a mile or two of loveW land, we
came to the neat village of Waverly. I called a moment at
Brother Whithed's. He w^as formerly Chaplain of the 27th
Indiana, and expects to return soon to that Regiment. I
used to h'-ar tluit he acted very disgracetullv in the army.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGDIENT. 209

But the strong desire expressed by the officers and men, to

have him return to the Regiment, shows that these tales

were not true. It used to be common to lie about Chaplains,

and is by no means rare now. But

"Error wounded writhes in pain
And dies amongst her worshipers."'

A cold rain began to fall soon after we left Wayerly. We
were yery chilly by the time we reached Indianapolis. This
led us to reflect dolorously on our exposed condition as sol-
diers. For a time we even enyied the comfortable farmers
by the roadside. Our horses, haying never been far from
home, acted very foolish as we entered the city. The}^ will
see worse sights than any here, if they and their owners live.

As soon as we had put our horses in the stable, we went
out on Washington street to learn about our Regiment, for,
as it was to meet in the city A^esterda}', we did not know but
that we had come too late. We soon met one of the bo3^s,
who informed us that the Regiment, or the most of it, was
at Camp Carrington. We, therefore, took a room at the
Little House, and made oursetves as comfortable as one can
at an Indianapolis hotel. We soon met most of the ofiicers,
who were generally stopping at the Oriental. It was a mis-
erable concern, and indeed, not very reputable. The cit}^
has not a single good hotel.

In the afternoon of the next day I walked with Dr. Holtz-

man to the cemetery. Since my visit, some years ago, it has

been enlarged and improved. We noticed the graves of

James Whitcomb, Austin W. Norris, and other leading men

of Indiana. M}^ attention was especially arrested by a very

strange inscription :

"ALICE.

to clriou.s eyes, her age and ihrth

axd station, are not given;
Content to be unknown on earth.

An angel known in Heaven."

This is as beautiful as any epitaph I have met. It is retir-
ing, modest, loveh' and pious, like her whose grave it marks.
This is the resting place of Alice McDonald, daughter of

270 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Judge McDonald. She was the cherished friend of my wife
in their girlhood. Often they wandered to school together.
Thev mutually enjo3'ed the blooming flowers and listened
with rapture to the songs of the birds. They were sweet
children, as I well remember, and when they approached
womanhood they gave themselves to religion. Gifted, edu-
cated and highly accomplished ; their adorations must have
been peculiarly acceptable to their Maker. For a season
thev separated, keeping love alive by a pleasant correspond-
ence. But thev met again. Mary died at New Albany and
Alice at Indianapolis.

Like twin sisters they now walk hand in hand, amid the
happy scenes of Heaven. Though the sunshine of earth
fell softly upon their heads in childhood, and all nature was
full of music and beauty to them — though teachers and pas-
tors encouraged and praised them, and all who knew them
gave them words of pleasantness and love — yet the happy
hours of earth cannot compare with those of Heaven. Here,
thev had been "children in the woods f ' the}' had hung their
swings to the branches of the giant beech, they had gathered
the acorns as they fell from the oak, and plucked the wild
flowers which adorned the shaded aisles of the forest. But
more enchanting scenery now surrounds them ; sweeter
flowers exhale an aroma about them. Dear girls I we will
not think of you as dead and in the silent tomb, but as living,
with the angels, in the Paradise of God. Too pure and too
good for the earth, the Good Shepherd has taken you to
himself. Happy will those be who meet you in that 15etter
Land.

It is the Sabbath da}'. I would like to have services witli
my Regiment. Ikit I am discouraged from attempting it
because of the confusion of the camp. The hubbub kicked
up by new recruits, is unlike anything we meet in the lield.
They are verN- poor hearers and poorer heediM-s of the word.
Time and "war's magniflcently stern array" will teach
them sense. Somewhat like the evil genius of Brutus, I will
say to them : "At Chattanooga, there I "

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 271

All who desired, had an opportunity of attending services
in the city.

I went to Wesley Chapel, on the Circle, Rev. vS. T. Gil-
lett, pastor. A brother from the Northwest Conference,
now in session at Knightstown, preached. The sermon was
good. At the close I went forward and spoke to the preach-
ers, and went home with Brother Gillett. I enjoyed myself
srreatlv until Sabbath Scliool time. I met sister Gillett and
her daughter-in-law, formerh^ Miss Hettie Conner, an old
friend. Brother Gillett's son, Omer, was present, now
almost grown to manhood. Miss Kate Jaquess, one of my
Evansville Sunday School children, was also present.

At two p. m. I attended the Sabbath School at Wesley.
The basement room was well filled and everything passed
off pleasantly. They use an excellent little book of appro-
priate lessons and hymns for opening and closing the school.
The lessons are read, alternately, in verses by the superin-
tendent and children. This work is published by the Meth-
odist Book Concern. I delivered a short address to the
children. It did me great good to be present once more in
a Sabbath School.

In the evening I attended services in the sarne church.
Of late years a melodeon has been used here, improving the
music but injuring the harmony of the church. It sounds
good to me. But I am told it shocks the feelings of man}^
of our old fashioned people. A good looking stranger
preached a poor sermon. I wish I could have preached. I
felt like pleading the cause of the soldiers before the congre-
gation. I could not have done worse than the brother in
the pulpit, had I made an entire failure.

Tuesday, April 12. — We leave the city to-day. We
crowded the horses, baggage and guards in one car, and the
Regiment in a freight train. It is disgraceful to the state of
Indiana, and an insult to soldiers, to transport them like hogs.
The Regiment left at eight p. m. I left at nine p. m., on the
express. But I was no better off than those on the freight
train. I literally "roosted" until reaching Seymour, I have

272 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOBY OF THP:

(lone many things in my time, but this was my first attempt
at "roosting." It was a success, but very tiresome to tlic
"rooster."

A number of men on board were drunk. Wliat a shame
that the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquor is not
prohibited by law.

In company with Lieutenant-Colonel Moore and Dr.
Iloltzman, I reached Jeffersonville before day and in advance
of the troops. We wandered along the streets until we
reached a hotel. We went in and slept until day. We then
found we were stopping at the American House. We took
breakfast, paid our bills, and walked to the depot. We
were just in time to meet the Regiment. They had been
traveling all night and were very cold and tired.

We immediatelv crossed the Ohio. On the Louisville
side of the river we awaited long in a cold, raw wind.
Finally, we were marched to the Soldiers' Home — a name
given, I suppose, ironicallv. Here the non-commissioned
ofilcers and men were left. The horses were taken to a Gov-
ernment stable. The officers went to the Louisville Hotel,
one of the linest houses I ever stopped at.

The people of Louisville care nothing for the soldiers or
anything thev possess, except their money. The onh' reason
whv thev are more friendly now, than when we were th^re
in the fall of 1862, is because the bo3's have some money
now. There should be a good anti-slavery paper started
here. The Louisville yourual is a vile sheet.

Thursday, April 14. — We expected to leave Louisville
at three p. m., but there was no room for us on the cars.
The 23d Kentucky went. The 58th returned to their quar-
ters and the ofliciM-s to the Louisville Hotel.

Friday, Ai'kil 15. — The Regiment, under command
of Captain Green McDonald, got on tiie Nashville train
at eight a. m. But it was tiie 40th Indiana's time, and the
58th got oft' again.

At three p. m. we tried the cars again. This time it was
a success. Our horses, after remaining twenty-four hours

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. I'T.J

on the train, began their journey. The men and officers
were furnished much better accommodations than on the
Jefferson ville train. We moved Hveh^ along the track. I
expected a slow move. But the train ran on good time all
the afternoon and night. We were not supplied with water.
I suffered a little from thirst. But not as I otten did during
the famous retreat of General Buell. How much more com-
fortable the present trip than thai. We then spent several
weeks on the tiresome march. Now a single night suffices
for the journey. We were then often hungr}^, and manv
were utterlv prostrated by the hardships of the way.

The larmers by the wayside seemed determined to go on
with their work as if there was no war on hand. The peo-
ple of Kentuck}^ are intensely pro-slavery. They love
slavery better than the National Government. I am im-
pressed that the judgment of God will yet overtake them.
Slavery is a sin against man — against God. It is one of the
most vile of all crimes. It is not only a sin itself, but hin-
ders all virtue and breeds all vice. It opposes religion,
education and virtue. It is the ifreat crime of America.
We can not be successful until it is utterly overthrown.
Many wrongs have been, and still are, heaped upon the
negro race. We must change our course and repent before
God, and make restitution, before we can hope for complete
success. We must conquer ourselves before we can con-
quer others. Of all the States, Kentucky seems the slowest
to learn.

Saturday, April i6. — We reached Nashville before day,
but remained on the cars until light. The men were then
placed in the Zollicoffer Barracks, This is, perhaps, the
largest building in Nashville. It was commenced before
the war, but not completed. It was designed as a hotel.
The Government took possession of it, added some floors,
stairs, etc., and turned it into barracks. It was formerh-
used for the continement of rebel prisoners, but is now used
for our own men. It will conveniently and comfortabh'
accommodate a laro-e number of men — several thousand. I

274. CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

learn that an Eastern company has purchased it, and intends
refitting it for a hotel this present season.

The horses were placed in a Government stable. The
officers stopped at the Sewanee House. There is no better
house than this in Nashville, and I assure the reader that it
is not good enough for stray dogs to board at. The cooking
is poor and the bill of fare light. Everything about the
tavern stinks. The traveler experiences great relief- — when
he leaves. The landlord contributes his share to this, by
relieving his guests of three dollars a da}^ for tormenting
them.

A change has come over Nashville since we were camped
here last. I remember the citv distinctlv when I first reached
it. It was on a Sabbath day, in the spring of 1862. It was
soon after the loyal army had taken possession. There was
a great clattering of army wagons about the street. The
citizens were very quiet and idle. They were standing
about the streets as spectators. The military and the civil
did not mix. They seemed to be strangers to each other.
All the fences and out-buildings were intact. There were
no fortifications. The ruins of the destroyed bridges were
fresh. Everything wore the air of "waiting for something
to turn up," save the Yankees, who wore blue and went
bustling about town.

I came again. It was from the South. The Federal army
was on the retreat. A deep, unexpressed feeling pervaded
the community. The loyal secretly feared evacuation, and
the rebels fondly hoped for it.

I came again. Bragg had been driven from Kentucky.
The patriotic army again had faced the South. An air of
destitution reigned around the city. But little could be pur-
chased, and that only at extravagant prices.

Since that time a great change lias come, as I stated above.
The streets are full of people and wagons. Thousands of
shops have been opened. A great many buildings have
been erected, and many others are going up. These are
generally built of ruin brick. They are put up hastily and

FIFTY-EIGHTH IXDIAXA REGIMENT.

rented at enormous prices. Though the fences in the
suburbs, and many of the smaller buildings', are destro3^ed,
yet an air of thrift prevails the community. A feverish state
of speculation is abroad in the city. Everybody seems in a
hurrv. Manv of the vile old rebels have sunk into insicrnifi-
cance, and many of the young ones have been killed.
Enterprising men, and not a few land sharks and Jews, have
come in from the North. Nashville has become a live and
growing city. May the chivahy never rule it again. Ma}'
the cause of slavery be entirely removed. Under the cher-
ishing influence of free
labor Nashville will become
a great and thrifty city.

I attended services at the
Second Presbyterian
Church, Sabbath morning.
The building had recently
been refitted on the inside.
The organ and choir made
good music. The minister,
I believe, is named Allen.
He is a loyal man, formerly
a resident of Shelbyville.
He preached an able ser-
mon. It was on secret
• prayer. Such sermons can
but be a blessing to those that hear. I went home,
refreshed and strengthened.

Some progress is being made toward reorganizing the
church in Nashville. But the progress is slow. So wedded

LIEUTENANT JAMES C. KNOX.

* Was mustered in as First Lieutenant of Company D, November 2r)th,
1861. Resigned June 17th, 1S62. Enlisted in the Fourth Indiana Cavah-\-,
and was appointed First Lieutenant of Company L February 15th, 1863, and
was promoted to Captain, March ist, 1S65. Since the war he has been
engaged, principally, in the mercantile business, part of the time as travel-
ing salesman. lie is now engaged in the hardware business at Ladoga,
Indiana. He is in prosperous circumstances, and has a warm spot in his
heart for his old comrades of the 5Sth Indiana, his first associates in the army
service.

i>7(; CHAPLAIX HIOHT'S HTSTOin" OF THE

had the church become to slavery, that Christianity was
much diluted. •In the reorganization, the old materials will
mostly be laid aside, being unfit ibr the temple of the Lord.
A young Methodist preacher, by the name of Cramer, a
brother-in-law of General Grant, is retitting two of the Meth-
odist Churches. The Nashville Methodists are great trait-
ors. Unless some better stock is imported, there will not be
salt enough to save the Methodist Church here. There are
thousands of loyal Methodists in Tennessee, but they are
principally in the eastern part of the State. A few loyal
preachers are now collecting these stray sheep into the fold.
At Cleveland, and other places, the good work goes on
encouragingly.

Monday, April i8. — We had orders to begin our march
from Nashville at six a. m. But we could not comply, as
all the preparations were to be made. Two horses were
drawn and shod. One of them was a very nice sorrel,
which fell to the lot of Qiiartermaster Raftan. The other
was a very clumsy grey, which Adjutant Whiting was to
ride. A wagon and six mules were drawn. Three days'
rations were issued to the men. The wagon was loaded
with three mess chests — two for the line, and one for the tield
and staff — three new wall tents, drawn at Indianapolis, the
officers' bedding, six axes, and as many hatchets, and three
days' forage. We left Zollicoffer Barracks at twelve m.

It is one hundred and fifty-one miles to Chattanooga. It
is a shame to make the men walk tiiis distance along a rail-
road. They have already walked eighty miles, from Lou-
don to Chattanooga, that they might re-enlist. It is cruel to
add one hundred and fifty-one miles more. It is true the
trains are crowded wit^ army supplies. But all the men
going to the front can be easily transported. There are so
many trains each day, that, by putting only a few on each,
all can easily be forwarded. It was ditlerent once, when
great numbers of veterans were returning to the field. But
the rush is now over. However, the 58th has traveled this
road often, and can do so again.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA RECJIMENT. 277

We moved out on the Murfreesboro pike. I remember
well the day we last marched over this road ; aye, and the
first time, too.

It was a hot September day, 1862. We had encamped
the previous night on Stewart's Creek. By daAdight we
were upon the pike, with leaning t'orms towards Nashville,
It was about twenty-five miles to the city, but we had but
half the day for the trip. The air was dry. Water was
very scarce. No rest was given to the men. It was on, on !
The cedars were white with lime dust from the pike. The
sun shone with an Auofust fierceness. But no time must be
lost. We reached Nashville by one o'clock. We were
with Buell's arm^'. There seemed to be neither begin-
ning nor ending to the stream of soldiers pouring into
Nashville.

A change comes over the spirit of my dream. It is
December 26, 1862, The army of Rosecrans begins to
advance on Bragg at Murfreesboro. McCook, with the 20th
Army Corps, is on the right ; Thomas, with the 14th, is in
the center; and Crittenden, with the 21st, is on the lelt.
The 58th is with Crittenden. We advance on the Murfrees-
boro pike. Another Division is in front. The rain is fall-
ing. The sound of cannon is heard in front, and far to the
right. It was a day long to be remembered.

There are not so many fences now as then, but there are
more than some months since. A number have been built,
and some have been larming without much fencing.

It is spring to-day ; it was winter then ; everything is now
more cheerful. The world then seemed to stand in sus-
pense and listen. Now men seem to be looking forward.
A few rebels are still sullen, still hoping for the coming of
the Southern braves. But most of the people seem content
with the new order of things.

We passed the insane asylum, still looking quiet and
beautiful. Here is the place where General Rosecrans
passed us, smoking his cigar, December 26, 1863. "Every-
thing ends in 'nigger' these days," said one. "No matter

27» CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

how it begins, it ends in 'nigger.' " Rosccrans' staff' was
dashing by, and he pointed to it lor a verification of his say-
ing. The escort was long, and threatened to terminate with
white men. But finally the end came. It was negroes.
They dash by, giving unconscious verification to the saying
of the wag. The fence that we sat on when laughing at
this occurrence is gone.

Early in the afternoon we went into camp, on a little
grassy plot by the roadside. There was a frame church on
the left hand of the pike. Our new horses were hitched up
to the bushes. The wagon was unloaded. Being without
servants, the officers did their own cooking. I am messing
with the field and staff', plus Lieutenant J. G. Behm. Major
Downey and Lieutenant Behm acted as cooks for the even-
ing. Such hilarity I had not seen for some time. Men
jumped about like boys. " Home again," was the expres-
sion which fell from every one. We soon had supper, of
baker's bread, ham and coffee. This was better than at the
hotel Sewanee, for there they had neither. Night came on,
and I lay down in the tent to sleep. I soon knew no more
of this dav.

Tuesday, April 19. — The morning was lovelv. We
rose, breakfasted, and started at our leisure. We soon
reached the spot where Lavergne once was. It was here, on
the 27th day of December, 1862, that the blood of the 58th
Indiana was first shed in battle. I remember the bivouac in
the woods the preceding night, how we waited for the fog to
rise next morning ; how the 26th Ohio charged on the left of
the pike, and the 58th on the right, at twelve m. Here
young Reavis, of Company B, was severely wounded, and
afterwards discharged. William Witherspoon was injured
on the head, which finally resulted in spasms. Several
others were wounded. But the 58111 never quailed.

The town is now destroved. There is a fort, and a garri-
son of two Regiments. We stopped for dinner at Stewart's
Creek. We camped before night, on the north bank of
Stone River. The old battlefield is mostly under cultiva-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 27^

tion. A company has five or six hundred acres in cotton,.
They hire their laborers at an average price of eight dollars
per month and board. The negroes are industrious and con-
tented. They like the system much better than slaver v.
They are fed on plain, substantial diet. Many of the plant-
ers in these parts are paying their laborers. Mr. Wallace, a
rebel, is hiring his own former slaves. He savs he prefers
it to the old plan. INIany of the Southerners declare that
they never will pay the negroes. Some of them fondlv hope
that the happy days of lordship over negroes will return.
"We will get the power over the negroes again," they say.
Vain delusion. Misfortune is sure to overtake all who resist
the new order of things. Those planters who are employing
hands and cultivatintj their lands will make lari>-e sums of
money. Several hundred dollars' worth of cotton can be
raised on an acre.

I saw the place where the 58th stood at the battle of Stone
River. The graves of our men are there. The little skirt
of timber is still standing, the trees being covered with bul-
let marks. A monument is being erected by Hazen's Brig-
ade, to the memory of their comrades who fell in this battle
and at Shiloh. It is of blue limestone — a very substantial
material.

Nearly all the men had purchased boots at home. These
are made after the usual style of home — smaller than the
feet. Consequenth', many had sore leet by this time.
Hence, a number of army shoes were drawn at Murfrees-
boro. These shoes are made large, with broad toes, and
are excellent for marching. Whatever the United States
does is generally well done.

We drew three daj^s' rations arid forage at Murfreesboro.
We then continued our march, on the Shelbyville pike. We
soon entered what was to me a new region of countrv. We
found a good pike, and a fine country. A number of farm-
ers had come from the North, and were occupying some of
the deserted plantations. We camped for the night at a lit-
tle spring, about a mile from Fosterville. The 23d Ken-

'2iU) CHAPLAIX HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

lucky was just ahead of us all dav. Thev went several
miles farther than we did.

Thursday, April 21. — We early resumed the march.
T'he town of Fosterville is entirely destroyed. Instead of
turning- to the left and traveling along the main railroad, we
continued on the Shelby ville pike. This is the road trav-
eled by all the troops marching through to Chattanooga.

We had gone but a little way when I met two women
dressed in black, sitting on their horses at the end of a lane.
One of them told me thijit she was John Patterson's mother,
and wished him to go home with her. John was along with
the Regiment. He had enlisted, but had not been mustered.
Major Downey sent him with his mother. He had been
constantly sa3'ing that his mother was dead. He is the same
boy who used to attend to mv horse. He went North with
Captain Chappel last fall.

In the afternoon we reached Shelbyville. The Regiment
had been here once belbre, in the summer of 1862, when I
was sick, in the Huntsvillc iiospital. This was once a lovelv
town. It lies amongst the hills and cedars, near the bank of
Duck River. But war has laid its glory low. The court
house and many other buildings are entirely destroyed.
This is the most loyal town in Middle Tennessee.

We found the road exceedingly rough as we turned
towards Tullahoma. We had no pike. We wound about
amongst the hills. We met some cavalry. Among them
was a part of the 3d Ohio, who used to be in our Division.
They were moving to tiie rear — as was their usual habit
when with us. They knew not what the}' were going to the
rear for this time, however.

We ascended to the table land, but the hill was less steep
than on an\' of the roads north of here, which I have trav-
eled. We entered upon the same barrens, which are every-
where to be lound along the outer rim of these table lands.
The forests are of scrubby oaks. We camped, after march-
ing about fifteen miles, at a distance of three miles from
Tullahoma. It took until about twelve m. to draw four

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEOLAIENT. 281

days" rations and forage. We were then marched ten miles,
by two canteens of whisky, to Elk River. We were there
by 2 : 30 p. m. The men were marclied ver^' last, and
hardly given any rest. Our commanders were hunting tor
Estell Springs, but thev were not on this road. We
encamped for the night in an orchard. Many of the officers
and men scattered about the country, whither they pleased.
The Regiment is greatly demoralized. It is almost impos-
sible to accomplish any moral reformation amongst men
without discipline.

Sunday, April 24. — The morning is damp and cold.
The Colonel designs marching no farther than Decherd —
five miles. As our tents are pitched, the rain is falling, and
it is Sabbath, I can see no necessity of marchinp; at all.

We moved from the camp, under command of Major
Downey. He did not know the road, and made no inquiries
until he was far off the track. We blundered along through
the woods until near noon, traveling about ten miles to reach
Decherd. ^^\^ stopped nearly on the fame spot that our
Regiment occupied in 1862. There has been a great change
here since then. The hiah fence built by General Wood, to
check the advance of rebel cavalr}-, has been burned.
Indeed, most of the lencing in these parts has shared the
same fate. Dead mules and horses may be seen by hun-
dreds. No effort has been made to bury them. The stench
is very oppressive in camp. Otherwise, our camp is very
pleasant. We have a little shade and plenty of cold water.
The leaves are putting out very fast. The weather has gen-
erally been very pleasant since we left Nashville. We have
had some showers, mostly at night. The grass is growing
finely. Already we can turn our new horses loose about
camp. They will graze without straying away. It is aston-
ishing how soon a horse will learn to stay about camp.
They will associate with men in the army as they do with
horses at home.

At two p. m. I preached to a large congregation. My
subject was "Christian Joy.'" I took occasion to point out

282 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

the imliappines.s of the ungodly. I can not believe that our
meeting was altogether useless. Mav God bless the services
ot' this afternoon. We labor amid the jeers of many. At
Decherd we overtook the 23d Kentucky, the 44th Illinois,
the 65th Ohio, and 57th Indiana. All these Regiments are
here, keeping the holy Sabbath. The blessings of the Lord
will abide upon these Regimental commanders, if they keep
all the otiier commandments.

Monday, April 25. — We drew two days' rations this
morning. The men having not entirely recovered from sore
feet, and not having urgent orders, the Colonel wisely con-
cluded to rest to-day. This rest was very acceptable to me,
though I am not so wearied as one who has carried his knap-
sack, and walked.

There are several sick men in the Regiment. George
W. Anderson, of Company F, and James R. Fowler, of
Compan}' K, are the worst oH'. x\ number of sorefooted
men have been sent ofTon the cars.

Tuesday, April 26. — I took the letters into town this
morning. Qiiartermaster Raffan being sick, rode^in with
me and remained. He is ver-\' ill.

The Regiment began their march at the same time ; I soon
overtook them. We now began to travel amongst the moun-
tain scenery, which renders East Tennessee tamous. We
came to Cowan, which seemed in a mountain cove. We
soon began the ascent of the mountains. Tlie road was
exceedingly rough, but the mountain is not as high as at
Pelham or Altamont. 2\s we gain the summit the
spires of Winchester, and all the valley, lav at our feet.
We soon begin to descend. The road passes over
the tunnel. Here on our left is a guard over an air
hole in the tunnel. We pass a long train of baggage,
belonging to the 19th Michigan. They have every kind
of old trash.

We stopped by a gushing mountain stream for dinner.
Here in these wilds, where there is little else, are to be
f)und the finest springs of cold water.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEOIMEXT. 283

The march is resumed after an hour's rest. The roads
are exceeding rugged. We passed up and down narrow
mountain roads. We camped a mile in advance of Tan-
talon, on Coe Creek.

Next da}' we continued the march along the creek.
There were some little farms in the valley and mountains on
either side. The valley widened. We soon came to the
residence of a rich man, owning over twenty thousand acres
of land. He had planted over seven hundred acres of corn
last year, all of which the Yankees gathered for him. I
suppose this man's name is Anderson, as he resides bv
Anderson Station. Near this station w"e passed the spot
where the 20th Connecticut camped last night.

We camped about two miles from Stevenson, Alabama.
We stopped amid many unburied, stinking mules. It is now
almost impossible to find a camping place where there are
not dead mules.

We soon reached Stevenson, next morning. Some of the
same old houses were there which I saw in 1862. The
Alabama House, then, was now a Soldiers' Home. x\ large
number of cabins have been erected, chiefly for contrabands.
Some field works have been constructed. We paused long
enough to draw three days' rations. We then resumed our
w'ear}^ march. The dirt road led us through the .vallev in
almost every direction. And there was not onh' the road
we traveled with our horses, but many, others, winding
about in almost ever}^ direction. The footmen traveled on
the railroad — not on the cars.

In my riding I fell in company with the Chaplain of the
20th Connecticut. He appeared to be a man of medium size,
both in body and mind. He has been in the field since last
September. I have no doubt that he is an earnest, faith-
ful and successful laborer.

We came up with his Regiment. Thev belonged to the
1 2th Arm}' Corps, but now constitute a part of the new 20th
Corps, under General Hooker. The men wore very neat
clothing for soldiers. Instead of hats like our men, thev

2a t CHAPLATX HTGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

wore caps. These iire not so comfortable, but much neater,
than hats. The knapsacks of these Eastern bovs are more
neatly packed than ours. The bhmkets are placed upon the
knapsack in a very nice roll. The men keep to their places
better than Western men. It is no use to deny that they
are better soldiers than Western men, so tar as discipline,
order and neatness are concerned. Thev make better
ijfuards and, indeed, are superior on any kind of detached
duty, which requires what is called "style." All honor to
them for this. But in one respect our Western men are
superior to the Eastern. We are better lighters. This has
been demonstrated by the whole historj^ of the war. There
is no occasion, there lore, for any jealousy between Eastern
and Western troops. I have often been pained during this
marcli at our men for making contemptible reproaches at
the Eastern troops. They generally are better bred than
our men, and do not retort to the same extent. This bel-
lowing of one body of soldiers at another is all wrong, and
siiould not be permitted by the officers.

We camped in sight of Bridgeport. Again we had the
perfume of dead mules.

After supper, in company with Lieutenant R. A.
Woods, I took a walk about Bridgeport. We passed
through t4ie boatyard. The Goyernment has seyen steamers
in progress of construction. One of these has made a suc-
cessful trip to Chattanooga. I am no judge of such matters,
but the work seemed to be going bravely ahead. The
steamers seemed to be substantial and good. We returned
to camp with the impression that Uncle Sam was a thor-
ough-going old gentleman. The noble forts which protect
the bridge and boatyard, only confirmed us in our opinion.

We were detained some time Eriday morning in Bridge-
port, drawing forage and getting the mules shod. We
passed along the railway to our old acquaintance, Shell-
mound. We saw the familiar face of Nickajack Cave, but
had not time to call. There were many empty huts here,
indioatiuL'- tliat the irarrison had mostly ijone to the front.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 28.>

We went by without stopping, until we came to the largt^
spring that flows from Raccoon Mountain, just abov-e the
Station, tiere we dined.

The road from this point, for some distance, lias been
recently improved. There was great need of this, for the
road was exceedingly rough last September, when General
Crittenden's Corps passed this way. Our way lay along a
romantic route. At one place the road lay just above the
waters of the Tennessee, while towering palisades of solid
limestone rose for several hundred feet above our heads.
There was no cessation to the stench of dead horses and
mules. They tell the severity of last autumn's campaign on
our army.

We jogged along, making most excellent headway. In
due time we came to the grand trestlework over Running
Water. It was a ruin when I saw it last, bv moonlight, in
September, 1863. Now, it was a grand sight to see the
cars passing over the bridge, more than an hundred feet high.

In oiu" march of April 30th, nothing of special incident
occurred. W^e followed the route the Regiment took in its
iirst advance on Chattanooga ; passing the camps of many of
the Regiments belonging to the 20th Corps. These camps,
as a rule, were ver}- neatly and tastily arranged, and had
furnished a very comfortable abiding place for the soldiers
during the winter.

Now we came to the point where the road turns around
the base of Lookout Mountain. This road has been
greatly improved since we last traveled over it, thanks to
Colonel George P. Buell and his Pioneer Brigade. The
wagon road is above the railroad ; sometimes we seemed to
hang just over the river. The Tennessee makes a beautiful
bend here. When within a few miles of the mountain, the
river turns south and hastens to do homage, by kissing the
foot of Lookout, Having performed this act of devotion,
she turns again to the northwest, and, passing through the
Little and Big Sucks, the Frying Pan, and Skillet, (which
unclassic names represent the gorges in the mountains,) bids

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CHAPTER XX.

Beginning of the Atlanta Campaign — Chattanooga
TO Resaca — Incidents Preliminary to the Mo\'e
— Breaking Stone — Organization of a Regimental
Christian Commission — Racket with Colored
Troops — Small-pox — Pontoon Train Starts for
the Front — Over Familiar Ground — Chickamauga
Battlefield — Sound of Battle on the Left —
Hurrying the Pontoons to the Front — Bat-
tle OF Resaca — Fight at Lay's Ferry — Crossing

THE OOSTANAULA ReSACA ABANDONED BY THE REB-
ELS— Sherman's Army in Full Pursuit.

TIlERl'v are many rumors in camp now about a forward
movement. It is probable some of them are true. It
is certain that there is a great stir of preparation going on.
General Sherman is now in command of all the troops in
this department, and he is concentrating all the available
troops from other sections. For several days troops have
been passing through Chattanooga, going to the front.
Generals Schotield and Howard have come from East Ten-
nessee with the 23d and 4th Corps. General Hooker, with
the 20th Corps, has moved up from Lookout Valley. Gen-
eral Thomas, with the 14th Corps, has been in position
towards Dalton for some time. With General Sherman in
command of this grand arm^' we will be able to accomplish
something ; and it will not be manv davs until the work will
begin. This armv has never been equaled, in size,
equipments or valor, by any in the West. I have every
confidence in our Generals, and have greater confidence^ in
the Lord. I belie v^e that He will give us the victory ; not
so much because we deserve it, as a reward for our fait li ful-
ness and trust in Ilim. liut liecause il will be loi" His own

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

LM51)

((lorv. It is ;i matter of deep regret that tliere is so much
wickedness in our army, especially among those in high
command. It is greatly to be deplored that there is so little
recognition of God, in the control of our arm\', and in national
affairs. But I hope that He will hear and answer tlie jirayers
of the faithful few.

Tuesday, May 3. — I went early this morning to yisit
Private William Bennett, who is very sick of pneumonia, at
general field hospital. I spoke to the surgeon about having
prayers in the tent. He gave his consent, but hesitated, and
looked around, as if he thought it might hurt something in
the room.

The following table exhibits the full strength of our
Regiment at the present time :

CoMPANIKS.

Field and Staff.

Company A

Company B.._

Company C

Company D

Company E ._ .

Company F

Company G

Compony H.. .

Company I

Company K

Total.

33
20

33
32
32
27
37
23

7
7

339 70 409

54
44
43
36
34
43
42
34
44

S
29
14
33
20

7
II

178

C'3
73
61
69

54
64

51
47
64

1 2 t^qq

I called on Chaplain Whitehead, of the 15th Indiana.
His Regiment has but forty-one more da3's to serve. Many
of the officers and men, of the three years' Regiments, will
feel badly after they are mustered out of the service, this
summer. I am oflad I am not one of them.

290 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Wednesday, May 4. — General Thomas went to the front
to-day. Evidences of a pending battle thicken. A number
of troops came from the rear, on the cars.

Our brass band, after a long interim of lazy-do-nothing-
ness, is waking up and is now playing a few tunes.

Thursday, May k. — We had a meetinsf this evenina^ and
took preliminary steps toward the reorganization of our
Regimental Christian Association. We meet again next
Monday evening.

For two or three days the Army of the Tennessee, under
command of General McPherson, has been passing through
town, going to join the army under General Sherman, in
front of Dalton. News from the East is to the effect that
the Armv of the Potomac is advancinuf. With Grant in
command in the East, and Sherman in the AVest, we will
have some effective work.

The 58th has been furnishing a daily detail of two hun-
dred men, to break stone for macadamizing the streets of
Chattanooga. This is necessary and useful labor, no doubt,
but, to my mind, is a little below the dignity of a soldier.
This is the wa}^ the bo3^s regard it, too, and express a'desire
to adandon their job of stone breaking and go to the front.
They say they can break stone at home, or in the peniten-
tiary. But we will see enough of the front soon, if I
do not miss my guess. The pontoons are all loaded,
ready to move at a moment's notice, and we will go witli
them.

Saturday, May 7. — Qiiite a difficulty occurred to-day on
the river bank, between some white and negro soldiers.
The whites began the row, but the colored troops came out
first best. Hugh Shaw, of our Regiment, seems to have
been the leader, and there were several others of the Regi-
ment engaged in the fracas. Shaw was badly handled and
lost his gun. Six companies of the 14th United States Col-
ored Infantry appeared on the ground to maintain order.
In the meantime, the offending fools had been arrested and
were put on fatigue dut\'. The day is gone, forever gone,

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 291

when colored soldiens in the United States Army can be
insulted with impunity.

Sunday, May 8. — Attended morning services at the Post
Chapel. Rev. Mr. Kincade, of the Christian Commission,
preached a good sermon, thirty minutes long, on Naaman.
There was a man in the congregation who responded too
often, too loud, and in the wrong place. Responding is a
good thing, but can be overdone, and wronglv done. He
said "Amen" to the triumph of the devil. He had entirely
too much steam for the amount of brains he possessed.

I preached in our Regiment at two p. m. to a large and
attentive congregation. There is an evident increase in
spirituality in the Regiment. This must be in answer to the
prayers of the people at home.

At 6:30 p. m., Monday, May loth, we met in front of
our Regiment and perfected the organization of a Regi-
mental Christian Association. Following is the constitution :

CONSTITUTION OF THE CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF
THE FIFTT-EIGHTH INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.

PREAMBLE.

We, the undersigned members of the 58th Indiana Volunteers, professing
to be followers of Christ, who commanded us not to forget the assembling of
ourselves together, and believe it a duty which we owe to each other to meet
for prayer, advice, and instruction, that we may grow in grace and the
knowledge of the truth, do, for the purpose of obtaining concert of action
among ourselves, and building each other up in the faith, establish and agree
to be governed bv the following constitution:

Article i. The Society shall be known as the Christian Association of
the 5Sth Indiana Volunteers.

Article 2. Its officers shall consist of a Moderator, Clerk, and an Exec-
utive Committee of three, who shall be elected at the first meetings in Jan-
uary, April, July, and October.

Article 3. The Moderator shall open each meeting with prayer, and
preside while the Association is in session.

Article 4. The Clerk shall keep a book in which shall be recorded the
names and address of each member of the Association, with the church of
which he is a member. He shall also keep a record of the proceedings of
each official meeting of the Association, which shall be held at least once a
month.

Article 5. It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee to look
after the welfare of the Society, and if any of the members should be found
acting unbecoming a christian, to report the same to the Society.

292 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Article 6. Any person may become a member of this Association by
renouncing his sins, confessing his faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and
obedience to His commandments.

Article 7. It will be expected that every member evince his conver-
sion to God by attending our meetings, taking a part therein, and by an
upright and holy life. Such persons shall be entitled to a certificate of mem-
bership signed by the Moderator and Clerk.

Article S. The death, discharge or removal of an\- member, shall be
entered upon the Clerk's book.

Article 9. The Association may have a meeting at any time the Mod-
erator and Executive Committee deem it expedient.

Article 10. The Scripture shall be the only rule of faith and practice.

Article ii. This Constitution may be changed or other articles
added, by a vote of a majority of the members, at any meeting of the
Association.

Article 1.2. Any person who is a faithful member of the society and
does not hold a membership with any church at home, may, at his own
request, be recommended by the Society to the church of his choice, for
membership.

The followintr officers were elected : Patterson W. Wal-
lace, Moderator; Henry W. Bryant, Clerk; Captain U. L.
Cain, Lieutenant Jacob Davis, William Clem, Executive
Committee.

It was ordered that any persons desiring to join, hand in
their names, residence and church to the Chaplain. The
question of erectini^ an arbor Ibr public worship was dis-
cussed, and deferred on account of the uncertainty of the
continuance of our present camp. Appropriate resolutions
were passed in reference to the death of Jesse T. Alexander.

Larkin Montgomery has been sick for some days and the
surgeons determined to send him to the Brigade hospital.
When the ambulance came this afternoon, I followed Dr.
Iloltzman over to the quarters of Company D, to see Mont-
gomery put in the ambulance. When I looked in the Doc-
tor was making an examination of the patient. lie has the
small-po.x. I spoke a few words and came away. The pest
ambulance was sent for. Before it came, and whilt^ 1 was
writing in the tent, in company witli Drs. Iloltzman and
Patten, in came George W. Johnson, saying:

"Doctor, I have come to see what this breakino- out on
me is?"

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMEXT. i'0.{

The Doctor made an examination and discovered that lie,
also, has the small-pox. An hour or two afterwards both
are sent to the small-pox hospital. This disease has been
spread all through this country by Longstreet's men. They
scattered it through East Tennessee. Our men have caught
it and scattered it through the North.

Companies C and G, under Major Downey, are ordered
to go to Ringgold, Ga., in the morning and repair roads.
Thev take two wagons and an ambulance. No tents or mess
chests can go. Dr. Patten will accompany them. The
Regiment is to be paid to-night.

I turned over about three hundred Testaments to the U.S.
Christian Commission. Five hundred were sent out with us
by the Gibson County (Indiana) Bible Societ}', for our
Regiment. It took only about two hundred to supply our
men. Many of our soldiers still have the same Testaments
which they brought with them from Camp Gibson, wlien
they first entered the service. Others have supplied them-
selves or been recently supplied.

The Regiment left camp at about six a. m., May 12th, and
marched to the depot. We have three wagons, and carr\'
ten days' rations and forage. We take no tents, mess boxes
or valises. A large number of men are left behind. Charley
Fullerton, the large, lazy and trifling leader of the band, is
unnecessarily excused by the Surgeon. The Colonel then
excused all the band. This cuts us off from music.

It was about eight a. m. when we left the railroad depot
and started on the Rossville road. First was Colonel Buell
and staff. Then came Colonel Moore and six Companies
of the 58th. Then came the Pontoon train, with several
companies of Ponton iers scattered along. Company B, of
our Regiment, was about midway, and Company F formed
a rear guard.

The Pontoon train was very long. At first I could not
believe that there was any pontoon about it, as I saw nothing
that had any semblance of a boat. I saw nothing but trestles
and boards, as it appeared to me. But then there were two

294 CHAPLAIN HIGHT\S HISTORY OF THE

wagons loaded with oars, and what did they want oars for
if they had no boats? We, who were not posted, had consid-
erable discussion about this matter, as is usual with ignorant
p'^ople. After awhile I learn that the boats were to be made
of canvass and were nicely rolled away. The trestles I saw
were the frames on which the canvass was stretched.

All the old fencing which was standing when last I trav-
eled this Rossville road (September 21, 1863,) is now gone.
We rested a few moments at Rossville, and moved on
through the gap on the road to Lee and Gordon's Mill.
The trees in the gap were well marked with rifle balls, made
on the day last named.

We moved on through the woods rendered famous bv the
battle of Chickamauga. Different spots call up various
reminiscences to the men, and there were constant recita-
tions of tragic events along the line. Especial interest was
taken in instructing the recruits in the historv of certain roads,
hills and fields. These listened with attention, and gazed
wiii marvel on the well scarred trees. In some places the
timber was very much torn. A cut fifteen feet long from
some of these might be quite an attraction at a fashionable
Sanitary Fair, but might not make a good argument for
enlisting. I rode off to the left of the road and saw where
tiie breastworks had been, where the 58th stood on Sunday
morning of the battle. These have been destroved by fire.
1 saw the old fields through which the enemy advanced later
in the day to meet our men. And, in the distance, was the
hill on which the 58th fought all day Sunday. I rode
through the woods where tiie rebels, bv the aid of our bad
movements, broke our lines. But in no place were the
graves so numerous as where the 58th charged on Saturday
afternoon. The little woods was full of them. Here a
number of our men were killed and others lost. We could
not identify any graves, as strangers had buried them. But
the men, in many cases, could point to the very stumps and
trees which sheltered them. Captain Cain saw tlie bones of
poor Zeke Boren, just wiiere he died, behind the rail breast-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGDIENT. 295

works. There was a strong smell of decaying bodies in
these woods and fields.

We bivouacked just before reaching the mill. We lay
about two hours resting and eating. I did not go to Craw-
fish Springs, as it was too far from the command.

The march is resumed and the Chickamaufja is crossed,
just below the mill-dam. The mill is running for the citi-
zens, but they have little to be ground.

After we had left the mill a mile in the rear, we came vipon
ground which the 58th had never trod before. The fences
were nearly all standing, and the people were making some
efforts to farm. One farmer and his famil}^ met us at the
gate with buttermilk, and many smiles, professing Unionism.
I have no doubt that there are many Union people in North-
ern Georgia, but it requires a more extensive acquaintance
than a single trip along the road to distinguish them.

We bivouacked for the night at Rock Spring, eighteen
miles from Chattanooga. We had heard distant cannonad-
ing during the after part of the day, in the direction of Dal-
ton. We heard nothing definite from the battle. Strong
pickets were put out around our camp, and every precau-
tion taken to prevent a surprise.

Friday, May 13. — We were up at three o'clock, and an
hour later we marched out on the Lafayette road. We were
all out on the road before day. There were but few indica-
tions of an army on this road. We met a few couriers, and
heard heavy cannonading early in the day. Lafayette is a
small village, now nearly deserted. There are a few good
houses. The scenery about is very tine. To the left is Pea
Vine Ridge, and to the right Pigeon Mountains. Catoosa
Creek flows by the town.

We turned to the left and went through a pass in Pea
Vine Ridge. Passing on, we bivouacked for dinner at the
foot of Taylor's Ridge. This ridge is a mountain. It
required several hours for the long train to reach the svim-
mit. Here were rifle marks upon the trees. Indeed, from
this time we saw on every side the evidences of war. We

290 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

soon came upon the cavalry videttes of the grand armv. It
was not long after, passing through some gap, that we came
to the cavalry and wagon trains. Colonel Wilder was at a
little cross-roads, Bivilla bv name. As there was a demand
toi- the pontoon in front, Colonel Buell hurried on. After
marching twenty-five miles more, we camped, about ten
p. m., in Snake Creek Valley. This was a very hard day's
march. It is wonderful that we succeeded in marching so
many miles over such roads, and with such a long train.

Saturday, May 14. — At 12:30 a. m. the camp was
aroused, and, in midnight gloom, the march was resumed.
Our progress was slow, owing to the roughness of the wav
and the darkness of the night. As day dawned on us, we
came upon large trains parked in the mouth of Snake Creek
^"alley. Here was a good position and heavy entrench-
ments. We turned out into a little field in Sugar Valley, by
the roadside, about seven o'clock, for breakfast. There was
cannonading in front, and an occasional shot from a skir-
misher.

After an hour's rest, we were hurried oft' to lay a pontoon
bridge over Oostanaula River. We were ordered to Lay's
Ferry, but the Colonel, having no guide, went on the Cal-
houn Ferry road. Several hours were spent, and our weary
soldiers still more exliausted, in wandering about the dense
torests. At last we paused, a mile from Lay's Ferrv. The
pontoons were hastilv put together. The 58th and Ponton-
iers were supported b}' a Division ot the i6th Armv Corps.

Soon the storm of deadly battle was heard on the plains of
Oostanaula, far to our left. The battle raged northeast of us.
It continued far into the night. It was impossible to tell the
result Irom the sound. No coiu^iers bring us any informa-
tion.

In the afternoon the 5(Sth took the boats and put them \n
the mouth of Snake Creek. Soon after, they were floated
down into the Oostanaula. About four hundred of General
Dodge's men were ferried over by the Pontoniers. A
charge was made up the other bank. One flag and tliirty

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EE(.1MENT. L>!I7

prisoners were captured. The rebels were driven from the
bank. It was a man in the 66th Indiana who captured the
flag. It had been deserted by the enemy. He swam over
and took it. He has been promised a lurlough to carry it to
Governor Morton.

After we had hiid down and fallen asleep, we were
ordered up to move. It was about nine o'clock. The pon-
toons were taken from the river. This order awakenetl
considerable misgiving with main' of us. We feared that
the battle of the afternoon had gonc» against the left, and we
were to move back a little wa\\ But soon the order came to
"unhitch, unharness, and go to bed." I suppose that the
order for moving was a mistake, originating tVom an order
to take up the pontoons.

In the flght this at'ternoon the rebels poured in the shells
very lively into our ranks. One would have torn oft' Cap-
tain James M. Smith's legs, had he not moved them in time.
Alonzo Stewart, of Compan^' B, was severelv wounded in
the hip by a fragment of shell. I was in exact range of the
battery, but sought shelter behind the large pines and oaks.
One Pontonier was killed, and Ave or six wounded.

Sunday, May 15. — The men were ordered to lay a bridge
at the ferrv. It was completed bv noon. But little opposi-
tion was made bv the enem^'. Our men tired on the rebels,
but they made no replv. The battle was not resumed verv
heavily on the leit. There was skirmishing and some can-
nonading. We all remembered the Sunday's fight at Chick-
mauga, and expected something of a repetition, but we were
happily mistaken.

In the afternoon a severe skirmish occurrc^d beyond the
ferr^■. Our skirmishers moved out and met a stroncr resist-
ance. Our men were driven to their works, hut rallied and
charged on the rebels. They were repulsed, and left their
dead and severely wounded on the field. A\'(' must havt> had
about fifty men killed and wounded in this afiV;n-.

After this firing had ceased, I rode down 10 \hv ferr\-.
Our men were busy as bees, laving a second pontoon. ]")lant-

2'.»» CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THF-:

ino- o-uns, and throwing up earthworks. This is a verv tine
point for crossing an army. The river bends on the right
and left of the ferry, coming from and going to the enemy.
This saves the ferry from being flanked, while our men hold
this bank. Ju-;t below, Snake Creek empties into Oostan-
aula. This aflbrds a flne cover for launching pontoons.
Just over the ferrv, the countrv is level, and part of it
cleared. On this side tlie ground rises. Here our guns are
placed, commanding the other side. On this bank of the
river the ground swells just at the water's brink, aftbrding a
natural protection for infantry. Hence, although the 58th
was on the ground this afternoon, participating in the fight,
not a man was injured. I sat for a time on the bank, watch-
ing with interest the progress of the work. War involves
every species of labor. Every kind of talent is called into
requisition. E/ery art and science must be practiced. It
taxes man to the utmost. Not onlv does it demand his time,
his industry', his talent, his acquirements, his propert}^, but
his life.

Yes, for here are the fruits of war, crossing on the stretch-
ers over the bridge — wounded and dead men. It is no won-
der that Wellington said to his staff', "Gentlemen, ours is a
damnable profession."

Passing over the bridge, I viewed the works which are
being constructed for holding the ferrv. Another and
stronger charge of the enemv is anticijiatcd tliis afternoon.
But it is not made, and could not have been successful.

Many stragglers are passing out even beyond the skir-
mishers. They are bringing in meal, flour, meat, etc., from
a rich rebel's house, just 3'onder in the edge of the woods.
An ofllcer passes with some Greek and Latin works, which
tell of the classic taste of the now fleeing Southerners.

Monday, May 16. — About eiglit o'clock orders were
issued for marching, with our surplus pontoon, to Resaca,
eight or ten miles to the left. Companies A and K were
left at Lay's Ferry in charge of the two bridges constructed
yesterday. By the time the train began to collect at the

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDTA>'A EE(UMENT. 290

cross-roads, a mile from the ferrv, the troops and trains
from the left were rushing for the river. A new move was
evidently on foot. The battle last night was the enemy's
last struggle on the north bank of the Oostanaula. Ris posi-
tions are this morninof evacuated. General Sherman is
making a new disposition of his army to meet the enemy's
new movements. Such an occasion is always one of

"Hurrying to and fro,"

as described bv Bvron. We lay nearlv an hour at the cro.'^s-
roads, awaiting the arrival of the remainder of our train from
the ferrv. We then moved to the left. The roads were
crowded with wagons, going the other wav. These were
turned hastil}^ out of the way to let the Pontoon train pa'^s,
as we have the right of way over everything else. We also
met some troops of the i6th Corps coming the same way.
These were also turned out of the road. We passed the
spot where the men killed at Lav's Ferrv were being buried.

We passed General Logan sitting on his horse by the
roadside. It was m}' first sight of him. His complexion is
dark, and he wears a heavy, villainous mustache. Now, that
I have seen the man, I honor him the more for standing firm
by the Union, although it was in opposition to his political
faith. It is a wonderful triumph over the old man within and
the mean man without. General Logan's record during this
war is one that any man might well be proud of. His troops
— the 15th Corps — were waiting by the roaddde to go to
Lay's Ferry and cross. The woods and fields are tuU of them.
The 15th and i6th Corps are under General McPherson.

We now came upon the hosts of General Palmer — the I4lh
Corps. The guns were stacked and the l^a^•onets gleamed
brightly in the morning sun. The men were lively. Several
bands were discoursing good music. The tide of battle was
now turned the other way. Men were rushing towards
Resaca. It was with great difiiculty that the Pontoon train
w^as forced through. Colonel Buell displayed great energy
and some tact, in clearing the way and hurrying forward the
train.

.300 (HAT'LAIX HTGHT'S HISTOUY OF THE

A great change for the better has been wrought in Colonel
Buell. lie has gained wisdom by his experience in the
arniv. He had faults, but he was free from one prevailing
fault, among manv army officers — he did not drink whisky.
His swearing was only to the extent of saying, "dod dern
it," which was a very mild expression, compared with some
used bv many officers. But Colonel Buell is now popular
with the Generals and witii his men. He is an excellent
Pioneer commander. He pushes his work through

rapidly.

We soon began to pass the tbrtitications used by our men
in the recent battles. Here are two graves in an orchard on
the right. We pass a valle}^ where the trees are marked
with cannon and rifle shots. We came to the strong line of
entrenchments, just in front of Resaca, evacuated by the
rebels this morning. The main battlefield is farther to the
left. After resting a few moments at the entrenchments we
moved through Resaca to the river bank. A large quantity
of meal and salt, and some tents, and a few dismounted can-
non, were captured at the depot. Tiiis is a strong position
and difficult to be flanked. There is only one weakness about
the position. It is the hill from which our men had com-
mand of the railroad bridge. The 36th Georgia was cap-
tured here this morning, destroying bridges. The pontoons
were destroyed, except a few boats, and they were
sunk. A weak wagon bridge, though fired, was saved, and
the army was crossing on it. Five men passed over this
bridge, when our army first entered the place, and cut the
railroad trestles on the other side. This saved a long trestle
work.

No sooner did we reach the bank than the men went
busily to work, putting together the pontoons. It was
twelve m. when the labor began. By the middle of the
afternoon the troops and wagons were crossing on it. In
thr meantime a bridge had been constructed on the ruins of
the raih-oad bridge, just at the water's edge. Two brigades
ot' Stanle\"s l)ivisi(m went over there.

CHAPTER XXI.

Progress of the Atlanta Campaign — From the Oos-

tanaula to the chattahoochee crossing the

Etowah — Johnson's Position at A l l a t o o n a
Flanked — About Burnt Hickory — Skirmishing
ALL Along the Line — Repairing Bridges — Pon-
toons AT Etowah Station — Incidents of the For-
ward Movement — Acworth — Pine Mountain —
Kenesaw — Marietta — Fronting Rebel Rifle Pits
Across Chattahoochee.

GREAT activity characterizes every movement of the
army, now. Pontoons are laid and the troops are
rapidh^ passing over. The telegraph repairing corps is
keeping up with the advancing arm^^. A train of cars came
up, almost before the smoke of battle cleared away, bringing
timbers, already framed, for the repair of the railroad bridge.
An occasional gun tells of the presence of the enemy in ovu"
front.

The most of the trains, and all of the troops, designed to
cross the river at this point, having passed, by noon of the
1 8th, we moved over the battalion and began taking up the
bridge. This being completed by the middle of the after-
noon, and a company of Pontoniers having been detailed to
construct a permanent pontoon, we move on. A few miles
out we came to Calhoun, almost entirely deserted. There
were some rail works runnino- throujrh the suburbs of the
village. The rebels made a stand here last night. Calhoun
has been a pleasant town, betore the war. There is a monu-
ment to one General Nelson, of whom, perhaps, I am to
blame for never liaving heard. I suppose him to have been

302 CHAPLAIX HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

a "cornstalk GeneraF' of the old State militia times — "the
better days of the republic,'' as croakers imagine.

Here we overtook Company K and one of the bridges
recently laid at Lay's P'erry. A mile from Calhoun we
stopped for supper at Bailey's Mills, on Oothcaloga Creek.
After an hour's rest we moved on, designing to go ten miles
to Adairsville. The moon shone brightly and the night was
lovelv. But an officer never gains anything by marching
his troops at night, when there is no emergency. We have
not gained an inch by night marching since leaving Chatta-
nooga. Long before reaching Adairsville we all lay down,
exhausted, bv the roadside, and went soundly to sleep.

Near Adairsville, next morning, we passed, a point where
there were more bullet marks than I ever saw, in so small a
compass. On the left, a little strip of medium sized oaks
were scarred in innumerable places. On the right, there is
the hull of an old shop, pierced through many thousand
times. Just beyond, on the left, there is a plank fence, the
narrow boards of which are perfectly riddled. The ruins of
a fine Georgia mansion are smoking, a few steps farther on.
Two lines of temporary field works are still standing. The
Loyalists occupied one and the rebels the other. The com-
batants have passed on, and these marks and desolations,
and a few soldiers' graves, are left to tell the tale to the pass-
ing Pontoniers. Here the 4th Corps is said to have fought,
and some of Hooker's men did noble execution.

We soon came to Adairsville — desolate, like all the towns
we come to. The citizens imagine that it is patriotic to
leave their homes and entwine their destiny about the pillars
of the Southern Confederacy. Many of them will be
crushed beneath the ruins, when this house, founded on the
sand, falls.

After an hour's rest, we move a sliort distance trom the
village and bivouacked in a dirty woods, by the side of a
sluggish creek. It was a fine day for sleep, and in its soft
embraces, the soldier, that day, forgot his toils and battle
scenes. A gentle breeze, soft as a mother's lullaby, fanned

FIFTY-EHiHTH INDIANA HEiilMENT.

:m\

|R -NGGOLD I V C

MAP OF THE
ATLANTA CAMPAIGN.

:}04 ("HAl'LAIX HKiHT'S UISTCUfY OF THE

his wcarv boch'. Many dreamed of home, but awoke
toward nightfall, to find themselvCvS soldiers, in the sunny
South, Thus glides the soldier's life. The night is often
his day and the day is often his night.

Friday, May 20. — This morning we left Adairsville and
resumed our march. We soon came to the wagon trains,
the cavalry moving to the rear, and the infantry lying b}^
their guns. The grand armv seems 10 be resting on its
laurels. After remaining a lew moments in Kingston, we
move a quarter of a mile out and stop for orders.

I caught a glance of a Major-General, standing in a hall
in Kingston. It was only a glance. I had never seen him
before. lie was tall and slender, and had the look of a
classic teacher. At home, with a black coat on, I w^ould
have guessed him the pastor of an old fashioned Presby-
terian Church, who taught Greek and Latin through the
week. Farther I will not go until I see him again. I was
afterwards informed that it was General Sherman.

After lilting our dinner of pickled pork, crackers, and
colTee, we were informed that the army was to rest until
IMonday, the 23d, by order of General Sherman. Turning
east, and crossing the road, we camped about a nice frame
mansion, owned b}^ one Clayburne. The house is deserted.
The proprietor is banking at Atlanta. The farm is sterile
but the water is superior, and the scenery fine, without being
grand. The Regiment is placed in the orchard and tiie
horses in the front yard. Tiie house served for Brigade
and Regimental headquarters.

Saturday, May 21. — The Armies of the Cumberland,
Tennessee and Ohio rest in quiet to-da', . I am sick. Have
IxHMi in bed all da v. I felt a little lietter towards night.

^\'sterday afternoon we learned of tlie death of (jeorge
Kalian, First Lieutenant and (^lartcMMnaster of our Regi-
ment. AV'e had left him, sick, at Decherd, l\Minesset\ on
oiu" march irom Nashville. He was taken to Nashville.
Was very sick, but recovered somewhat. He afterwards
relajised and died, when or how, I am not informed.

FIPTY-EICtHTH IXDIAXA REGIMENT. .'5 or.

He was a native of Scotland, and "his speech betrayed
him." His business qualifications were of the tirst order.
He was industrious, living much of the time in the saddle.
He was an excellent penman and book-keeper. Few men
could get up a neater or more correct report. He had
traveled extensively and read many books. In short,
he was a highly gifted young man, with fine conversa-
tional powers, rare musical attainments, and polished
manners. His was one of the brijxhtest minds in the Reo--
iment.

Monday, May 23. — The rest of the grand arm\' was
broken to-da^'. We early left our camp, and moved south
from Kingston. We crossed Two Run Creek near the
town. We travel along a blind path, through a desolate
land of tall pines. The soil was covered with a carpet of
wild strawberries.

We met the head of the 20t]i Corps, led b}' General
Hooker. He is a popular man among the soldiers.

We reached the Etowah, at Milam's Bridge, The oppo-
site bank is occupied by a few of our cavalry. One bridge
is completed in an hour and twent}^ minutes. Immediately
the 20th Corps began to pour over. The troops are followed
by their trains.

The 4th and 14th Corps are passing a few miles farther
down the river. While this is ffoinp- on, the enemy is look-
incr for us in vain, at Etowah Station.

It is very interesting to look on while an army is crossing
a pontoon. It is a great place to study human nature. In
the military world, everybody is impressed In' his own
importance. Even mule drivers are liighly offended whiMi
the guards tell them to drive slow. The guards themselves
are impressed with their otlice. Thej' take peculiar delight
in dismounting passing officers.

Tuesday, May 24. — The 20th Corps having crossed yes-
terday and last night, the 23d began passing early this morn-
ing. This Corps is from Knoxville, plus six new Indiana
Regiments, under General Hovey.

306 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

About the middle of the afternoon, the 23d Corps was all
over. Colonel Buell immediately took up the pontoon.
Rumor said the position was to be evacuated, and even the
railroad given up to Resaca. Sherman designs to swing
around to the right, that he may turn the position of the
enemy at Allatoona.

It was dark by the time the pontoons were taken from the
stream. A furious rain storm prevailed while the loads were
being adjusted. I lay on the floor of an old house. Here I
found shelter and some sleep. At nine o'clock we moved
south. It was dark, and the roads were horrible. After
traveling about two miles, we were effectively stopped b}'
the trains in advance. The fields on either side were fallow
ground. We put down some rails for a bed. After walk-
ing three-fourths of a mile to get a drink from a filthy
stream, I lav down and finished mv sleep. Fence rails
make a good bed.

Wednesday, May 25. — As soon as the preceding trains
moved, we followed. We soon passed beyond the bounds
of fertile lands, and entered upon a desolate region of pines.
Occasionally we would, hnd a little hut and a patch of cleared
ground. Most of these were without occupants.

We stopped an hour for dinner. Soon after this, we came
upon a part of the 23d Corps. They had been in camp
but were falling in, to march towards Burnt Hickory. We
followed them, and encamped for the night near that
place. This is on the old Carolina and Kentucky stock
road. Forage for the stock was scarce in early times, and
is yet. There stood here a hickor\^ tree. At its base the
passing travelers kindled their camp fires. Thence the place
took the name of "Burnt Ilickorv." l^ong after the tree
had fallen down and been destroyed, the name is retained.
There are a few houses scattered up and down the
road, but Burnt Hickorv can not even boast of being a
village.

About dark the mail came, and the rain began to fall.
JBefore this the sound of battle came from the front. While

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 307

the rain fell, and we were trying to open the mail and read
our letters in our open tents, the sound of musketry contin-
ued. It soon hushed, and all was still.

We occupy a little line of temporary works, constructetl hv
our men last niij^ht. We are on the extreme left, save a few
cavalry.

The next morning dawned in comparative quiet. Some
skirmish tiring was all we lieard to-day.

In the al'ternoon we moved about three miles to the right.
The road was encumbered with troops and trains, and there
was considerable difficulty in getting our people along.
Major Downe\^ had quite a difficulty with a Colonel in
Baird's Division. The Major savs the Colonel was drunk.
I know the Major was. The Colonel stopped the train.
Colonel Buell reports him to department headquarters.

Some of our high officers are possessed with the strange
conceit that their wisdom rises with their rank. I have often
known them to be informed of some fact b\' an inferior in
rank. Many of them can not bear this. Many officers
study secretiveness, and, by great reserve, pretend to know
more of the movements than those below. I am a Chaplain,
and am not in the line of promotion. I stand where I did at
home. I am sometimes not a little amused at the pretended
military acquirements of some men, whom, at home, I knew
were not smart, and in the army never study. Some of these
fellows, who were not known bevond their immediate neigh-
borhoods at home, can scarcely find room in their bodies to
hold their own importance. We have thousands of men in
the ranks who have wealth, or talent, or reputation. Most
of our officers, however, are worthy, humble and capable
men.

Friday, May 27. — The marcli was resumed. At the lirst
road on the right, we were joined by Company A, and the
pontoon detachment, left at Lay's Ferr}-, on the Oostanaula.
Lieutenant Behm, in command of the Company, is sick in
the ambulance. The remainder of the command is in tine
health and spirits.

:]()i5 CIIArLATN IIKillT'S lIlSTOlfV OF TllK

Company A has liad a -somewhat different experience
from the others, since leaving Resaca. The}- were left
in charge of the two bridges at Lay's Ferry, and, after
all the troops had crossed over, they took up the
bridges and marched to a point opposite Rome, where the}^
put down another bridge, upon which General Jeff. C.
Davis' Division crossed and took possession of Rome. This
was a rich depot for the rebel army, and they had not been
able to get all their stores away on account of the suddenness
of their flight. Large quantities of salt and meal were cap-
tured by our men.

When Colonel Streight's command was captured, near
this place in 1863, and brought into Rome as prisoners, they
were subjected to man}^ indignities, by the proud and haughty
rebel citizens. A just and righteous retribution now over-
takes them, in the burning of tlieir houses by indignant sol-
diers.

One-half of the Rome newspaper was found struck ofl',
giving a flaming account of Johnson's success against Sher-
man. " The sun would not set behind the Catooga hills,"
the editor said, "ere the whole Yankee armv would be cap-
tured." But things did not turn out that way. Before the
other side of his paper was printed, the editor, himself, found
it necessary to flee behind the hills to avoid capture. Our
boys took possession of his sanctum and immediately began
the publication of a tri-weekly paper, of loyal sentiments.

While in this place, Dr. Patten fell into an argument with
one of the natives, an old man, who owned one slave, on the
irrepressible slavery question.

"Slavery could not be put down," he said, "because
niggers always had been and always would be slav^es. For
the Bible says of Cain, 'his har shall be kink}', his skin black,
and a sarvant of sarvants shall be all the da3^s of his life.' "

"Where is that passage in the Bible?" inquired the
Doctor.

"Wall, I cannot exactl}- tell, but if Mary was here she
could lind it ."

FTFTY-EKJHTir INDIANA T^EOniENT. :tO!i

The Doctor got a Bible, and turning to the history ot Cain,
asked the old man to read it, but discovered that he was
unable to read. So the Doctor read the story and explained
its meaning. He was making quite a t'avorable impression
on the ignoramus, and was encouraged to believe that he
would instill some sense into him, when Lieutenant Mur-
phy, who loves a joke, spoke up and said to the old man
that this scripture had been changed b}^ Abraham Lincoln.
Of course the Doctor could do no more with his subject alter
this. The ignorant slave-holder went away horror struck,
at the wickedness of Abraliam Lincoln.

The people of Rome were much alarmed lest Colonel
Streight should visit them. Our men took great delight in
spreading the report that Colonel Streight was to be placed
in command of the post.

We camped near Pumpkin Vine Creek, after marching
about four miles. We are as near the front as is advisable.
The sound of the musketry and cannonading can be dis-
tinctly heard a few miles in front.

The Pumpkin Vine is a sluggish stream, whose waters
look as if they might poison the land through which they
pass. There are hills about us. Where the battle is, the
ground is rolling, and forest dense.

General Grant is still successful against Lee, and Sherman
against Johnson. If Richmond and Atlanta are captured,
and the rebel armies driven back, what then? Evidentl}^
Lee and Johnson will attempt to concentrate. If thev suc-
ceed, it would be almost impossible to save one of our armies
from defeat. Nothing but a retreat on Chattanooga could
save Sherman's army. If this was once accomplished, com-
binations could readilv be made to meet the rebel army.
But some time would be consumed in these movements.
There would be a great fluttering at home, and "there, now,
I told you so," abroad. Gold would go up and greenbacks
down. The war would be prolonged. Hence, it is neces-
sary to prevent a concentration of the rebel armies. Can it
be done by Grant and Sherman pressing their opponents

;]10 CHAPLAIN HTCtHT'S HISTOHY OP THE

severely? No, for the rebels have the railroad, and can
leave the Yankees behind. But if, after passing Atlanta and
Richmond, heavy cavalry expeditions are sent out to destroy
the railroads between Lee and Johnson, and at the same
time, and all the time, Sherman flanks to the left, and Grant
to the right, rebel concentration can not take place. But it
will require great energy and watchfulness. Our rations
must be kept up. Our teams must be fed well. Reinforce-
ments must be constantly coming forward. Small expedi-
tions must be abandoned. With the single exception of a
vigorous campaign beyond the Mississippi, all else should be
abandoned, save tiiese two grand movements now in pro-
gress.

What folly to have forces in Florida, or South Carolina,
or Texas, when we can gain nothing by staying, and lose
nothing by going away. It would be pleasant, indeed, to
occupy all our land. But we must first conquer the rebel
armies, and then we can occupy the rebel country with ease
and safety. To over-run is not to conquer a countr\'. It is
the men,- not the land, that rebel.

Our authorities are becoming impressed with this fact, and
are acting accordingly. \"ictory, and an early peace, must
be the result of tiiis improved policy, provided the blessings
of God are upon us. Otherwise, we must be defeated.
May He favor the right.

Satukuav, Mav 28. — The road crossing the creek passes
east from our camp. Out on this road, or apparentU' a little
to the south of it, lieavy musketry was heard last night.
This morning heavy skirmishing is heard along that part of
our lines. A general engagement is anticipated. All our
army is now in position. On the extreme right is the 1 stii
and i6th Corps, under General McPherson. Then comes
General J. C. Davis, 2d Division of the 14th Corps. Next
is tlie 20th Corps, under General Hooker. Tlien we have
the 1st and j,d Divisions of the 4th Corps. Then comes the
1st l^ivision, under General Johnson, of the 14th Corps.
Then we have the 2d and 3d Divisions, of the 23d Corps.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT.

:ni

The 3d Division, General Baird, of the 14th Corps, and the
1st Division, General Hovev, of the 23d Corps, are in the
rear, guarding trains.

The skirmishing of the morning does not increase,
but seems to die awav. In the afternoon, in company
with Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, Surgeon Holtzman, and
Lieutenant and Acting Qiiartermaster Torrence, I rode
towards the front. When I heard the tirst ball whizz I
stopped with Dr. Holtzman. As I had no business, nor
even curiosity in reference to the extreme front, and had
seen fighting and heard balls whizz many a time before, I
did not think it necessary to crowd into useless danger, that
...™^ I may be called brave. When

I die I want to be at the post
of duty. Men often expose
themselves through sheer cow-
ardice.

We found many graves in
the woods. Most of them are
Hooker's men, killed in the
engagement of the 25th. It
seems that there was but one
Division of the 20th Corps
engaged. They must have
fought well, for thev drove the
enemv and lield their ifround.
Our lines have been advanced but little, as Hooker found
the enemy's entrenchments on the night above named.
Skirmishing is going on all the time. Wounded men are
constantly coming back to the hospitals. The number of

CAPTMX HKNRY TORRENCE,

Company D.

* Was mustered in as Qj\arterniaster- Sergeant. November 12, 1S61, pro-
moted Second Lieutenant CJonipany D, April 13th, 1S63. to First Lieutenant
November 4, 1S63, to Captain March i, 1S65. After his army service he
returned to his old home in Xenia, Ohio, and engaged in mercantile business.
He served a term as Recorder of Greene county, and was for some time
Chairman of the Republican Central Committee of that county. Captain
Torrence vvas a prominent and influential citizen of his native town and
county, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. His death, which
occurred September 16, iSSi, was a cause of profound sorrow to his manv
friends and comrades.

n\'2 CHAPLATX HTGHT'S IITSTOI^Y OF THE

men killed and wounded during the 25th, 26th, 27th, and
to-day, is very large. Wood's Division was repulsed yes-
terday. From an inspection of the grounds, and from the
statements and opinions of men on the held, I am impressed
that we have gone as far as we can, even by charging. A
flank movement of some kind should now be made. The
works might be taken by storming ; but suppose we were to
fail, what then? I can not believe General Sherman will
trv it. We had a good prav^er meeting in the evening.

We all anticipated a quiet Sabbath. No assault on the
enemv's stronghold, on this day, was anticipated. In this,
we were not disappointed. But we were not permitted to
remain quietlv in camp, as we were ordered to Burnt
Hickory, about the middle of the forenoon. As all the
trains seemed to have similar orders, it was three p. m.
before we began to move. Even then, we passed thousands
of vvai*'ons standin<i' with the mules harnessed. We have
about as much transportation as of old. But there is not so
much trash hauled. Still, there are a few hundred wagon
loads, chiefly at the various headquarters, which might
profitably be burned.

Our march was very slow at first. But, soon becoming
disentangled tVom the long trains, we moved along lively.

After reaching Burnt Hickory we turned out into the
Marietta road, and camped not far from our camp of the
25th inst.

Skirmishing is a dailv and nighth' atfair now. Some-
times the firing increases to a general engagement on some
parts of the line.

In the afternoon of Tuesday, May 3d, I preached before
the 80th Indiana. The men were assembled by a few taps of
the bass drum, and by a call from the Major, ?'Come up to
church." The gathering was upon the hillside, under the
shade of the oaks. The soldiers were routrh, but not crim-
inal, in looks. They gave careful and serious attention to
every word. If I can not accomplish good by preaching on
"Prepare to Meet Thy God" to such a congregation, under

FIFTY-EIGHTJI INDIANA KEUIMENT. :{18

these circumstances, I can not do any good by preaching.
The Both Indiana was made up in the First Congressional
District, and is composed of splendid material. They have
seen hard service recently. Thev have marched from Mossy
Creek Station. The}^ were severely engaged at the battle of
Oostanaula, losino- some of their best men. Amon^r them
was William Archer, of Princeton, whom I married to an
estimable young lady — Miss Jane King. Recently they
have been in the front, and have had a few wounded. They
are now resting in the rear. The men are well tanned and
greatl}^ fatigued. Mav heaven smile upon these bronzed
heroes.

Major Downey returned tiiis morning witli Companies A
and F. They have been out about eight miles to cut timber
for the obstruction of the road. They report that they cut
timber in the roads for a hundred yards or more. The rebel
cavalry can not get in now, without one of three expedients
being resorted to : ist, go some other road ; 2d, pa^s
through the field along bv the side of this fallen timber; or,
3d, cut away the trees, which would take an hundred axes
nearly half an hour. I inquired of the Major whether he
had left our own cavalrv on the outside of the fallen timber.
Surely we would be utterlv undone if that were so.

The remainder of the Regiment, under Lieutenant-Col-
onel Moore, who are out in another direction, has not
returned. Perhaps they are like the man wlio stood on the
limb and cut it oif. They may be on the thither side of the
obstructions I

The signs of the political world are favorabk^. A respect-
able, though halting, anti-slaverv partv ha^ been organized
in Kentucky. Doctor Rreckenridge and Chaplain Bristow
took anti-slavery grounds in the convention. But most of
the delegates hesitate. Even this much is a triumph. Del-
egates were appointed to the Republican Na ional Conven-
tion. Tlie Radical Convention, of Mi;souri, which was
expected to throw fire-brands into the ranks, has voted to
send delegates to the same convention. All things seem to

;{U CHAPLAIN HKIHT'S HISTOHV OF THK

hv workinjf towards the renomination ot Abraham Lincohi.
He will be triumphantly elected.

The campaign west of the Mississippi has resulted disas-
trously to our arms. But steps have been taken to retrieve
these disasters. In the East, General (jrant has been suc-
cessful, thus far. But his progress has been slow, and every
step has been in blood. There is a prospect of the capture
of Riciimond. General Sherman's advance has been like
General Grant's. The fate of the Union is now being
decided. If Richmond and Atlanta fall, so does the South-
ern Confederacy.

Thursday, June 2. — Companies A and F marched early
this morning, under Major Downey, to repair \"aughan's
Ferry. The remainder of the Regiment, under Lieutenant-
Colonel Moore, returned from their obstructing tour. They
had been some twenty miles on the lett, into a tine country.
They obstructed roads and cut down bridges. This is pre-
paratory to a movement to the left. At one house a squad
of our men were very much taken with surprise, by being
treated so kindly. The lady desired them to stay lor din-
ner, but they did not have time. She then began loading
them down with every species of good things to eat. Our
boys were so little accustomed to kind treatment that they
were impressed that there was some mistake. . And so there
was. The lady mistook them for Conlederates I The boys
told her they were Yankees. But she had never seen any,
and refused to believe them. She thought the boys were
only joking. So she continued her deeds of kindness until
the\' departed, leaving her in blissful ignorance.

About noon tents were struck, and the entire train moved
out on the Vaughan Ferry road. We crossed the Pumpkin
Vine Creek, and submitted to a drenching rain on the other
side. After the men had fixed the ferry, and repaired the
ro.uN. we camped, near wStarns' Creek.

Friday, Jim-: .>. — One hundred men from the 58th, and
some otlior di^tails tVom the Pioneers, all inider Lieutenant
Ilunlingtoii, constructed a ]">ri(lge over Pumpkin \'iiu> Creek,

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA I{E(;iMEXT. :n 5

near Vaughan's Ferrv. It is seventy-tive feet long.
Another detail, under Lieutenant Murray, constructed a sub-
stantial bridge over Starns' Creek.

Colonel Buell is ordered to march his command to Alla-
toona, and repair the roads as he goes, and we march at
eleven a. m. The rain is falling, and, as the road lits
through a marsh\' plain, the travel is bad.

Our general course is northeast. Having gone a few-
miles, we leave the road to Allatoona, and turn ofl' to the
inevitable Pumpkin Vine Creek. On the banks of this
stream we camp, in a wheat field and pine thicket. A bridge
is immediately commenced.

Sunday, June 5. — The Sabbath morning was gloomv. I
lay until near noon under my shelter, meditating on John
5 :24, "God is a Spirit, and they that worship Him must wor-
ship Him in spirit and truth."

About noon the march towards Allatoona was resumed.
Companies A, F and D were left, under command of Major
Downey, to complete the bridge. After all the trestles were
up, save one bent, it fell down, but killed nobody. Cause :
The pins had not been put in I A Sergeant in charge
declared, "I knew a circumstance just like that once before"
"A wayfaring man, though a fool," would have pinned as
he went.

The clouds broke away. The sun resumed his wonted
splendor. We passed a part of the road where but few of
our men had passed. The train dragged heavily. Many of
the mules had had no corn for five days. They were very
poor when we started. A number of wagons did not reach
camp, and some of the mules died.

Allatoona is a deserted village, at the rear of the Allatoona
Hills. General Sherman flanked General Johnson out of
this position, by moving to the right.

Stopping an hour at Allatoona for supper, we finished our
march bv night. We stowed ourselves awav on a hillside,
near the Etowah river, for sleep. Here we experience the
disagreeable sensation of trying to sleep while slipping dov^n

HHi CHAPLAIN HKIHT'S HISTORY OF THE

tlie hill. But even this is more pleasant than a conscience
ill at ease. For the guilty man there is no rest. "The way
of the transgressor is hard."

Monday, June 6. — Early this morning we moved our
train to the river bank, near the railroad. The men were
encamped in an open field and the train parked on the river
bank. Under a wide-spreading walnut tree our Regimental
headquarters are pitched.

This is a romantic spot. On this side of the river there is
a basin, surrounded by the Allatoona Hills. Through this
basin the railroad runs, there being a fill of about fort}^ or
fifty feet. Into this valley General Johnson attempted to
draw General Sherman. But Sherman has been about too
much to be thus easily drawn in. On the other side of the
river there are two hills, with the railroad running between.
The one south of the railroad is the lower, and has some
fortification on its summit. It is about ninet3^-five feet abov^e
the river. The hill north of the railroad must be two hun-
dred feet hi<rh, and has a fort on its summit. In addition to
this there is a long line of rifle works. These hills aflbrd a
good protection for the railroad bridge. Though, if I were
going to perpetrate a bull, I might add that the bridge which
thev defend, is destroyed. To-day, Colonel Wright's re-
pairing corps commence the reconstruction of the bridge.
The trestle for the bridgfe will reach sixtv-five feet above the
river. Two sets of hands — one on each end — are working.
Every man has his part assigned him. There is no con-
fusion. No one seems to be in a hurry, yet the work goes
rapidly forward.

Three pontoons are put in the river, just below the rail-
road crossing, during the day. Yet there were no wagons
or troops passed during the day, except cavalry.

Tuesday, Jumc 7. — In the early part of the day there was
comparative (juiet about the station. But long trains ot
empty wagons from the front, began pouring in. They
were rapidlv passed over and moved otT to Cartersville, the
dej-)()t of su]->plies for the arniN'. Soon troops Irom liie rear

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 317

began to come in on the other side of the river. They
proved to be a portion of the 17th Corps, under General
F. P. Blair. They came up the Mississippi river and landed
at Cairo, and vicinity, in March last. Here, they remained
until about May ist. They were then transported up the
Tennessee to Clifton. They left this point, on the 9th of the
month, and passed through Huntsville, Decatur and Rome.
General Blair assumed command at Huntsville.

A few of the troops, and many of the wagons, crossed
to-dav. The train is verv long and the wagons are in good
repair. The mules are much superior to those in the Army
of the Cumberland. Evidently, they were never about
Chattanooga. There were a number of negro women and
children in the train. The women are almost, and the chil-
dren entirely, useless. Women must often be hauled on the
alread}' overloaded wagons. And, then they are such
creatures to collect baggage. You have noticed them at
home, with their trunks, bandboxes, bundles and babies. It
takes all their male acquaintances to help them on the train.
The negro women in the army have the same failing. They
have more baggage than the officers.

Wednesday, June 8. — Yesterday, Dr. Holtzman went to
Chattanooga to take medical charge of the Pioneer Brigade,
vice Dr. Fuller, whose time shortly expires.

The remainder of General Blair's command crossed the
river this morning. Some of the Regiments are very large,
and there are quite a number of brass bands in the Corps.

In the afternoon I rode up to the iron works, from three
to six miles above Etowah Station. All the workshops have
been burned. The families of the workmen are now being
removed, preparatory to the destruction of their houses. I
am opposed to this arson. I cannot better give my reasons
than by a short description of the works.

Passing under the railroad bridge on the right bank, we
continue to travel on a good wagon road, along the bank.
A branch railroad runs to the foundries. There is a high
range of hills on our left, which are full of iron. The

318 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE

Etowah has considerable fall, affording plenty of water
power. There are building spots in the narrow bottoms and
on the hills. Stone, for building, of the very best material,
is abundant. The ore is rich and plenty, in fact, endless.
There were two furnaces, one of them on Stump Creek.
Besides these there w^as a rolling mill, large grist mills, saw
mills, cooper shops, etc. Several hundred hands were
employed. Munitions of w'ar — shot, mess pans and camp
kettles, was all that I have heard of their manufacturing.

I have no means of arriving at the value of these extensive
and valuable w^orks. But it must not have been less than
one million dollars. Instead of destro^'inp■ this lar£{e amount
of property, would it not have been better to have confis-
cated it, and paid a million of our National debt? And then,
why impoverish our land by wantonly destroying its wealth ?
Especially that which kindles a fire in our manufacturing
establishments. But, more especiall}', why burn down poor
people's huts? Can it accomplish any good? If we have
any design of evacuating this position, it might be well to
destroy as much of these works as mig^ht aid the rebellion.
But there is no sense in making war on women and children.
I learn that the stack, dam, etc.. which can not be burned,
are to be left standing. There is more sense in destroying
these than in burning the houses of the poor. The order for
the destruction of this propert}- will demoralize our own
men. Already pillaging has commenced. Already our cav-
alry feel at liberty to burn houses. Soon our infantr}- will
learn the same from their commanders.

Thursday, June 9. — The army has been laying cjuiet for
a few days. The order is to march this morning, with ten
days' rations. General Sherman acts as if he only desired
to occupy the attention of the enemy, and hold him here.

Friday, June 10. — The big event of to-day is the raid of
General Wheeler, in our rear. He has taken Calhoun. No
trains came in during the early part of the day.

In keeping with these rumors, preparations are making at
this post. We have here the 45th Illinois, 58th Indiana, six

FIFTY-EIUHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 3 19

companies of Pontoniers, and a few detachments. Small
bodies of troops are passing at almost all hours of the day.

Colonel Buell had two little lines of rifle pits constructed.
One is in the sand, just at the river bank, covering the pon-
toons. The other is a few hundred feet in advance.

A Captain came to the right bank of fhe Etowah river,
to-day, with a large drove of cattle. On the opposite bank
there is a spring, at which a number of soldiers of our Reg-
iment were getting water. The Captain, desiring to swim
his cattle, ordered them away. Either not understanding, or
not caring for his order, they did not move, whereupon the
Captain fires at them with a revolver, but does not hit any-
body. They report to Regimental headquarters, when John
Whittlesey, with about ten men, is sent to the spring, with
instructions to guard the water, and, if necessary, deploy
along the river bank, and hold the position at all hazards.
Major Downey mounts his horse, in hot haste, dashes across
the pontoon, arrests the offending Captain, and takes him
before Colonel Buell. The parties tired upon are called,
and their testimony taken. The Captain produces an order
from General Sherman, giving him preference on the roads
over troops or trains. On this, and the testimony, Colonel
Buell acquits and justifies the Captain.

iVIajor Downey returns to his quarter, fired with indigna-
tion, and boiling over in words, bv no means chaste or com-
plimentary to Colonel Buell. He prepares an inquir}',
addressed to the Assistant Adjutant-General of the Depart-
ment of the Mississippi, stating the facts of the case, and
asking whether it was the design, in giving this order, to
authorize firing upon unarmed men, as was done by this
Captain, and whether Colonel Buell had not exceeded his
authority. Also requesting that the decision of the Colonel
be reversed and the Captain be placed under arrest, and an
opportunit}'- offered to prefer charges against him. This
paper is taken to Brigade headquarters. Here the matter
ended. I am not informed exactly how it died, but it is
dead. 1 will not make any post mortem.

320 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOBY OF THE

Tuesday, June 14. — This has been a chiy of exceeding
loveliness. The rain is over. The air is pleasant, the
breezes are soothing, and all nature is quiet. Cannonading
was heard in the morning. We are now nearly twenty
miles from the front.

Twenty-iive of our Regiment came up this afternoon.
They are chiefly men who were wounded at Chickamauga,
captured and paroled, and are now exchanged. Amongst
them is Sergeant Keeler, of Compan}' B. He is a most
excellent man and was always a leading spirit in all our
meetings. Some days since, about twenty-five others came
up. The arrival of these men is almost like the raising of
the dead. Many of them we never expected to meet again
in the army. After the fatal battle of Chickamauga, our
camp was exceedingly lonesome, because of the many
familiar faces which were missing. Most of them had been
killed. Some are still in Libby Prison.

Captain William Davis, having been incapacitated for
active service in the field, by his wounds, has been honor-
ably discharged from the service by the Secretary of War.
He was one of our best officers and men.

I rode two miles from ihe station to Cartersville, on the
railroad. In its halcyon days this must have been a village
of 1,200 inhabitants. It is situated in a fertile valley. Even
now the surrounding lands seem determined to flourish,
despite the ravages of war. But the effort is vain ; for the
fences are torn down, and the wheat is being fed to the
horses and mules.

The time has never been when Cartersville could boast of
lier architecture. There are a few houses which w-ere once
pleasant residences, and there are one or two good churches.
There are more residents here than in any village I have
seen in Georgia. " This is owing, in part, to the fact that the
place was taken from the rear, and the people did not have
the same chance to nm away, as many did in other towns.
But it was chiefly caused by bringing the families from the
iron works. The people arc very poor, dirty, and ignorant.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 821

General Sherman has captured a courier, bearing a dis-
patch from Johnson to one Jackson, a rebel cavalr}^ General,
ordering the latter to capture this point and burn the rail-
road bridge. Our officers are, there tore, on the lookout.
Ammunition was distributed to-night, and we were ordered
to be in line of battle at two p. m.

Private Patterson W. Wallace preached us an excellent
sermon this evening, on "Learning of Jesus." This is the
first time I ever heard him. He took occasion, amongst
other thoughts, to represent to us that the school of Christ is
free. He contrasted the free school system of the North
with the ignorance of the South. He made a very happy
illustration, and a very good impression on his audience.

The nomination of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew John-
son for President and Vice-President, meets my hearts-
approbation, and the platform adopted is all right.

The wagon bridge having been rebuilt, the pontoon
bridges were taken from the river, and in the afternoon of
June 17, we marched from our camp at Etowah. We were
reinforced by about fifty pontoon wagons, belonging to
McPherson's army, and guarded by the 8th Kansas. The
boats are trestles covered with canvass, similar to ours, but
the sides are heavier, and have no hinges in the middle.
All the balk and chess is heavier. It is a better bridge, but
it must be almost impossible to transport it about the countr}-.
It is inferior to ours as a field pontoon. This train was reported
to Colonel Buell and Ibllowed on the march in our rear.

The road through the Allatoona hills is very bad. The
almost daily rain, during the present month, and the innum-
erable wagon trains, have cut up the road very much.

Sunday, June 19. — We are now in camp near Ackworth,
having reached this point yesterday afternoon. This morn-
ing the clouds were light. There was prospect that we
would not be visited by rain during the day, so I blacked
my boots, brushed my clothing, put on a paper collar, and
attempted to look as nice as I could. I do not wish to
entirely forget the ways of civilization upon the Sabbath

yL>2 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

day. I passed through the Regiment during the morning,
and notitied the men that we would have preaching at the
usvial hour — two p. m. But our plans failed, as usual.

During the forenoon there came an order directing the six
companies of Pontoniers, who have been with us since our
start on this campaign, to return to Chattanooga. The
detachment of Pioneers is to accompany them. An engin-
eers' Regiment is being organized there, and this movement
is to give them an opportunity to enlist in that organization.

The 58th must take the teams, and attend to both pioneer-
ing and pontoniering, and there is great excitement in con-
sequence. A detail of one hundred teamsters, including
three Sergeants, was made. Most of them volunteered ;
indeed, I am not sure but all of them did. This detail
marched from Colonel Buell's quarters, amongst the wagons,
and snatched for the teams. Now, good teams are exceed-
ingly scarce in the pontoon train, hence tliere was quite a
hustling around.

It is no easy berth to drive a pontoon wagon. The mules
are poor, as only four pounds of corn is allowed each, per
day. Many of the wagons are very heavy, especially the
balk wagons. Most of the new drivers think they will have
gay times in their new vocation. But alas ! Little do they
know of the sorrows of mule drivers. Six bony shadows to
feed, curry and water ; their idiosyncrasies bv dav and by
night to be borne ; the long, muddy roads to be tramped
through ; the weary night marching ; the jeers of everybody,
and the orders of officers — all render mule driving not

"A consummation devoutly to be wished."

Lieutenant Wood passed through the Regiment, and made
a detail of mechanics, to act as a repairing party. He
selected nearly fifty.

About noon orders came to march, and at one ]i. m. the
march began. The Pontoniers are to remain, to give us a
start. The old teamsters harnessed up and drove out for the
new hands. We moved on the INIarietta road, which was
incrediblv bad. Not onlv the old roads, but the entire

FIFTY-EIGHTH IXDIAXA REGIMENT. ;]2;}

woods and fields are cut up. We soon come to the old
camps of our men. Our army moved to these parts from the
neighborhood of Dallas, and Pumpkin Vine Creek, where we
left them a few weeks ago. We soon passed a line of
entrenchments, heavy and substantial, made by our men.
Not very far in advance of these, we passed another, still
more substantial, facing a range of mountains, hills and
ridges. A few days ago these latter were occupied by the
enemy. On the right is Lost Mountain. Just by us is
Pine Mountain. Between are hills. A few days ago there
was severe fighting here. Passing through the last named
works, we wound up a mountain slope, and camped on the
other side. So slight was the ascent, that we were almost
unconscious of being on the mountains. Many of the men
were ignorant of the fact until subsequent events revealed it
to them.

It was after dark, on the 19th, when we pitched our camp,
in a wet spot, amid the debris of old encampments. It is
always disagreeable to thus camp, as you do not know how
much filth is about your habitation.

I spoke about the idios^nicrasies of mules. I might, with
much greater propriety, speak of the idiosyncrasies of mule
drivers. It requires more patience than the majority of men
possess, to follow this calling, successfully. Hence, the
profanity of mule drivers has become proverbial. Many of
them swear most recklessly. But I have yet to observe the
good accomplished by this. I noticed, on yesterday, and
during this morning, there were teamsters who would delib-
erately go and whip their mules. Having none other on
which to vent their wrath, they would pour out their pent up
indignation, by lashing their mules. Woe betide the unfor-
tunate mule whose master is dyspeptic, or ill-tempered. I am
sure, could these animals speak, that many of them would
shout, "glory to God," in bidding adieu to their old masters.
But not all teamsters are deserving of condemnation. Man^'
of them are exceedingly careful, attentive, and kind, and
their mules are fat and sleek.

324 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

The Pioneers and Pontoniers left us to-day. Additional
details were made to manage the pontoons, and we can get
along very well. We have about three hundred and fifty
men, which is sufficient for all purposes.

Just before our camp is a heavy line of rebel works. The
rebels are learning every day to depend more on such
defenses. Were it not for the fact that these works can usually
be flanked, I do not know what we would do. All our men
would soon be slaughtered. The earth is so large that there
is room to pass around the end of the longest entrenchment.
So, if rivers or mountains are not in the way, our army
usually flanks the rebels.

How fast our people are learning war I At Pittsburg
Landing, Grant had no defenses. If he had, it would have
saved him from defeat the first day, and saved many from
death. After being driven to the river bank he constructed
none. The rebels, on that night, might have made works
from the river above to the river below, which would have
defied the impetuosity of Buell's new levies, for a day or
two. But it was then rather thought discreditable. Entrench-
ing was only to be resorted to when your army was smaller
than the enemy. I remember distinctly, when in this army,
it was thought to be cow^ardl}^ to stand behind a tree in time
of battle. Now, it is considered a man's duty to shield him-
self all he can without shrinking from duty.

I ascended along the rebel works. The mountain side is
thickly set with a growth of oaks, and a pine here and there.
Soon I stand upon the summit of Pine Mountain. Most of
the trees have been cut from the top, and a rebel fort built.
Here fell Lieutenant-General Polk, of the rebel army, on
the 14th inst. He was struck in the side by a piece of shell
and was terribly mangled. Once a shepherd of the fold of
Christ — a Bishop in the Episcopal Church — he laid aside
the robes of his holy office, to battle with carnal weapons for
human slavery. He must have often been smitten by his
conscience. "He, that being often reproved, liardeneth his
neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and tliat without remedy."

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 325

"Do you wish to see his monument?" asks the inscrip-
tion in St. Paul, London, refering to its builder, Sir Chris-
topher Wren, "Look about you." Here, over many miles,
nature's wonders commemorate the greatness of Deity.
The sun is shining with golden beauty on the Allatoona
mountains, though clouds shut him from our gaze. The
regions of Etowah are also illuminated. Thus in life,
though the present is gloom}', there is sunshine on the
mountain and the river beyond. Where I now stand, a few
days since, the proud traitors stood, and looked in scorn upon
the hated Yankees, in the valley below. They could see
them by thousands behind their entrenchments. I imagine
the rebels held these Yankee ditches as much in contempt, as
Remus did those of Romulus. And perchance the Lieuten-
ant-General, named above, bethought himself another Jupiter,
holding in his red right hand the thunderbolt of Divine
wrath.

The northern mountain side is torn in many places by the
shot and shell fired by our guns. The throne of Jupiter is
much battered.

North of the mountain, not onh' can be seen Allatoona,
but many other mountains. Away to the noi'theast, as far
as sight can pierce,

"Alps on Alps arise.''

To the northwest the land is more level. Ever3^where the
forest seems almost unbroken. Here and there can be seen
a cleared field.

On the mountain there are two signal stations. One on
the south communicates with Kenesaw Mountain, and
another on the west with Lost Mountain. The latter's flag,
swinging against the clear sky, is black ; the former's, hav-
ing an earthly background, is white. Lost Mountain must
be about ten miles to the right. It is well named, for it
stands without a fellow.

Southward a grand scene opens upon our view. In front
of Lost Mountain there are innumerable chains of hills and
ridges. Hid away in some of these, from our view, is the

326 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Chattahoochee river. Ten miles in front of us, on a com-
manding hill, is the Georgia Military College. It seems, at
this distance, a magnificent building. It stands in an open
space, with a few shade trees and out-buildings surrounding.
This side of the college there are a few house tops, which I
suppose mark the site of Marietta, concealed from our view.
Just to the left of the college, and apparently six miles from
us, is a hill, and then the twin mountains — Kenesaw. The
one upon the left is the higher. Each is stripped of foliage
at the summit, save a few scrubby brush, and one tall tree
upon the left mountain, reserved, no doubt, for a lookout.
The sides of these mountains are very rocky. On the tops
the rebel parapets mav be seen with the naked eye.

Still to the left, and farther away, there are mountain
ranges, connecting Kenesaw with the great mountain chains
of Tennessee, Carolina, and Virginia. Nearer where we
stand, there is a constant succession of hills and valleys.
Though heavily timbered, there are some open spots. On
the left is the railroad. In front, in a long line of about ten
miles, may be seen the entrenchments and tents of Sher-
man's armv. Through the opening, here and there, winds
the long, sluggish wagon train, bearing rations or ammuni-
tion to the front, or wounded to the rear.

The winds are gently playing in the mountain pines. The
fleecy clouds are flying athwart the skv. Now they
thicken, and while nature scatters from one hand the sun-
shine, from the other the baptism of water is poured on hill
and valley.

But hark :

'• 'Tis the cannon's loud roar,"'

and tile crash ot musketry, that falls upon our ears !
"Lol from the regions of the North

The red'ning storm of battle pours,
Rolls along the trembling earth,

And fastens on Corinthian towersl"

From early morning until night the cannonading-
increased. During a part of the afternoon it raged furi-
ously. When darkness came the flash of the guns could be

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 327

distinctly traced. The musketiy was only hea^'y skirmish-
ing. It is grand beyond any description, thus to look upon
the battle, and I sat and gazed for several hours upon this
scene. Our army appeared to advance a little upon the
right, but no disposition was manifested, upon either part, to
press the battle. How strange, that man will thus disturb
the beauty and repose of nature !

Tuesday, June 21. — After the fashion of the times, we
have had showers to-day. Though we are on the moun-
tains, we are in the mud.

The fury of the battle increases to-day. It burst forth
during the forenoon and raged until dark. Indeed, there
was neither beginning nor ending. There is no moment, of
either day or night, when there is an entire cessation of
musketry.

The fighting is more to the right, and seemingly more
advanced. The country is full of entrenchments, con-
structed by Governor Brown's pioneers for the army.
When the rebels are driven from one line, they fall back to
another. This makes hard work for our army.

This morning we had pontoon drill, by the four Companies
of the Regiment who are to serve as Pontoniers, The vari-
ous squads of men are numbered in sections, each with a dis-
tinct duty. One section carries "balk," another "chess,"
another ties the "lashings," etc. The men learn very fast,
and soon will make excellent Pontoniers. The Pontoniers
who have just left us are generally lazy. Our men are
American farmer boys, and are naturally intelligent and
industrious.

Whisky rations are issued to the men. This is quite com-
mon in the army at present. The uncommon exposure of
our soldiers has led the commissary department to procure
stimulants for them. The idea prevails with many, that men
can endure more when they have whisky. This idea is
common with those who are the victims of that lassitude
which follows intoxication. But men who abstain entirely
from strong drink can endure far more than those who use

;{2!l CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

stimulants. To them, the heat of summer, the cold of win-
ter, the damp entrenchment, and the battle long protracted,
are not so trying as to the victims of intoxication. The tem-
perate man retains, undiminished, the lorce of nature, while
whisky shatters and destroys the constitution. As a medi-
cine, it may be useful, but in every other case it is an evil.

Officers and men who are under the influence of whisky
are unfit for their duties. Battles hav^e been lost, and men
slaughtered, by whisky. There are hundreds of men now
in their graves, who have been killed in battle, either because
they or their officers were drunk.

I rode down on the battlefield this afternoon. The rebels
had line alter line of heavy works, and face in almost every
direction. Our men seem to have fought from almost every
point of the compass. The trees are torn by big and little
shot. As one rides through these forests, it seems that no
one could pass through such a storm of battle, as lately swept
here, without having a charmed life.

I fell in with a scout, who was in Marietta yesterday. He
estimates the rebel forces at 80,000, including 15,000 Geor-
gia militia. The}^ are well clothed and fed, for rebels, and
are in excellent spirits. The}- seem to manifest no disposi-
tion to evacuate. They do not like the nomination of
Andrew Johnson for Vice-President. The}' regard him as a
traitor to the South.

Major Downey, Dr. Iloltzman, Lieutenant Milburn, the
band, and a few men, came up from Chattanooga on the 23d
and joined the Regiment. They had charge of a few valises
— among them was mine — and some other items. This side
of Dalton a portion of the train, containing this propert}'-,
was deserted. Major Downey and his crew abandoned his
charge, with two guards. The rebels plundered the train,
carrying ofl' the valises.

Saturday, June 25. — AtkM- breakfast. Dr. Iloltzman and
I mounted our horses and rode to Big Shanty, which is the
depot for the Army of Tennessee. The station is said to
have been named from the shanty — 40x70 feet — built here

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 329

by the contractor, who graded this portion of the raih^oad.
This was the biggest shanty then in these parts. There
were innumerable trains about the depot. We could see no
end to wagons in any direction.

We next rode to General Thomas' headquarters, which
we found to be in motion. They were pitched a half mile
to the right of General Howard's, and the Marietta and
Dallas road. By order of Colonel Buell, we selected a camp
a mile in the rear for the Pontoon train, and then returned to
camp by a short route. There has been some firing, but no
general or special engagements, to-day.

Sunday, June 26. — At twelve m. we marched to the new
camp selected yesterda}'. We are now within cannon range
of the enemy. We camped near the hospitals of Newton's
and Wood's Division. I preached at the 2d Brigade, 2d
Division, hospital. T stood by the roadside, and began
declaiming on "Prepare to Meet Thy God." A storm was
threatening, and as many of the wounded were laying about
outdoors, there was some confusion caused by carrying
them in. Worse than this, in the midst of my holding forth,
two wagon trains met upon the road, and had no little jam-
ming and crowding to pass each other. One teamster, think-
ing to shine above his fellows, had hung tinkling bells about
his mules. He jingled several heads out of my discourse,
but what the congregation lost in preaching, they gained in
the prettv music of the bells, and the ejaculations of the
teamsters. *

Monday, June 27. — It was early rumored that there was
to be a grand charge on the rebel works, on Kenesaw
Mountain, at eight a. m. This filled m'^ with misgivings,
for I not only feared a repulse, but a coiuUer-charge, in the
confusion which must ensue. Our train was close enough
to be captured in such an event. Taking as good a position
as possible, I waited to see or hear the charge. In the early
morning there was considerable cannonading and musketry,
preliminary to the grand charge that took place at nine
o'clock. Our loss was about 1,800 men ; among them was

;{:{0 CHAPLAIN EIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE

the gallant General Harker, who tVll mortally wounded.
We were repulsed, and there was nothing gained by this
great sacrifice. It was very disheartening to our troops.
The impression now is that we cannot take their works bv
storm.

In company with Dr. lioltzman and Sergeant Farmer, I
rode to Ackworth, ten miles. We turned to the right a
mile in the rear of our camp, and passed between Lost and
Pine Mountains. There w^ere no troops on the road, but
there were straggling Yankees all the w^ay. Here were two
or three in a house, talking to the people. Here is another
washing himself in a creek. Here are two running a mill.
Wandering about the fields might be seen the inevitable mule
drivers, hunting' cane and green apples. Both are scarce.
We stopped a few moments at Widow Hull's. This good
woman is poor in spirit. Her eldest son — aged seventeen —
went off a few^ wrecks ago, with the Georgia militia. He
thought that the task of driving off the Yankees would be
short. Then he could return, like a true patriot, to the
parental root. But the tide of war swept by, destroying his
mother's farm, and bearing him away. Wliere he will go
and what will be his destiny, none can tell. May God pity
all such youths.

Speaking of Dr. Holtzman, I remember very well the
morning when he joined the Regiment, soon after the battle
of Shiloh. 1 was the onh' man in it with whom he was
acquainted. He had been laboring the preceding dav to
reach the Regiment. He had sold his trunk, and sacrificed
a can of peaches sent me by my sister, Mrs. Mar}' Legg.
He had drawn a horse from a Qiiartermaster and came with
two carpet bags. He called at several headquarters on his
way, hunting for the "58th Indiana \"olunteers." It was
nearly night when he reached General Buell's, and, with a
d Miiocratic frankness, in keeping with one fresh from the
people, asked for the privilege of staving all night I The
astonished and courteous Adjutant, Colonel Fry, forgetting
hiinsrlf, asked: "Who the devil are vou?" "I think,"

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEdlMKNT. .'{.'M

added General Buell, "that you had better report to your
command, sir, iuiiucdiatch' ! " The new Surgeon did not
stand on the order ot' his going, but went. He wandered
about, stumbling over guard lines, until he came to a friend,
who kindly gave him a bed under a wagon until morning.
Such are the trials and tribulations of the innocent. Dr.
Iloltzman knows more now. He ^vouId not think of asking
a Major-General for the privilege of staving all night in his
tent.

General Harker, whose death has been noted, was an
accomplished and gallant officer. In the morning of June
27th, he led his Brigade in the deadly charge on Kenesaw.
When in about thirty vards of the enemy's works, there was
a slight wavering in our lines. He turned to Lieutenant
Zack Jones, of his staff, and gave command for the bugler
to sound "Forward I " When Lieutenant Jones turned his
head, Harker had fallen, pierced through the arm and into
the chest. After much labor he was borne from the field.
After leaving some messages he expired. A neat coffin was
made by our Regimental mechanics, and his bodv was
embalmed as well as it could be here, and the remains sent
to his friends. He was a very brave man and was always
at his post.

Thursday, June 30. — Our people seem to be pretty- well
satisfied with assaulting the enemy's works. There was
heavy cannonading yesterday. Late in the afternoon our
guns made the dust rise in clouds from about the summit of
Kenesaw. The popping of guns did not abate at nightfall.
I must have heard five hundred reports of cannon, while we
were at meeting in the evening. I was awakened at two
this morning by the loudest roar of musketrv that I had
heard during this campaign. Orders were issued for har-
nessing the mules, and a detail was made of Pioneers to pre-
cede the train in case of a march. But the clatter ceased
soon. I iiave not learned the particulars.

Lieutenant Williams, of Colonel Buell's stafT, returned
this evening from Chattanooga, whither he went to escort

832 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

the body of Colonel Bartleston, of the looth Illinois Volun-
teers, who was another gallant officer killed in the charge on
Kenesaw. At Shiloh he lost his left arm. At Chicka-
mauga he was captured. He returned recently to his Regi-
ment from Libbv Prison. When killed, he was Division
Officer of the Da}', and was in advance of the skirmish line,
on his horse. He fell, pierced by the ball of a sharpshooter.

At two p. m. this morning a very strange and interesting
occurrence happened in camp. Corporal Vincent McPaul,
of Company D, dreamed that we were encamped under
some great shelving rocks. He thought they were about to
fall on the camp of Compan}' D. He began a most hideous
yelling, that awoke everyone in camp. Men who had slept
undisturbed in the roar of battle, were aroused. He jumped
on Sergeants Benjamin Laswell and Barrett and made strong
efforts to save them, and then bounded into "I" street, before
he was secured and awakened. B}^ this time, everybody
was awake. The news spreading from one to another, there
was a great burst of mirthfulness. Loud laughter rang on
the still night, until the voice of Major Downey commanded
silence. McPaul has been troubled with such dreams since
he was wounded at the battle of Chickamauga.

Saturday, July 2. — A grand movement began to-day,
involving, perhaps, the entire separation of McPherson's
and Thomas' armies. The former began moving to the
right, a part of his forces. General Thomas says that he
can defeat Johnson's army. After McPherson and Scho-
field go, Johnson may attack Thomas in front. If he does,
he will be repulsed. He may move on our flanks. Defeat
must even then befall him. There is no hope for the rebels
but in flight.

Our present camp had been constructed in almost any
style. This afternoon orders were issued to straighten up
the tents and police the quarters. "We are going to move,"
said the men. "W^henever they begin to tix up camp, we
are sure to move." This is a common remark amongst the
soldiers on such occasions.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 3:5:5

Sunday, July 3. — The dav dawned on us in genuine Julv
style. Near our camp the Army of the Tennessee was still
rolling by in a continual stream. Rumors began to prevail
that the enemy was gone, which proved to be true. They
could not endure flanking. We soon received orders to
march at eleven a. m. I improve the morning hours by
preaching a sermon. Most of the men were engaged and
could not attend. But a respectable congregation assembled.
I felt (as is usual with me in camp) libert}^ in preaching the
gospel. I felt satisfied all day because I had preached.
When an3'thing prevents our usual meetings on the Sabbath
day, I am tormented by many misgivings.

The march to Marietta was greatly retarded b}^ the long
trains crowding in that direction. We passed an intricate
labyrinth of field works, constructed by our army. Some of
them were strong, and some mere shadows of protection.
They were made as our men gained the ground. Our
troops had left them and gone forward. But sad memorials
were left behind in the graves of our gallant dead. Great
was the slauirhter of the brave in the battle of Kenesaw.
They are usually interred together, fifty or more in a spot.
The killed upon the field sleep amongst the works. And
then wherever a hospital remains for a day or two there is a
grave yard. Each man is laid away as decently as time and
circumstances will permit. Tiie blanket which warmed him
when living is wrapped about the soldier's lifeless lorm.
The sunburnt survivors place some boards, or sticks, to pro-
tect him from rude contact with the earth. The soil is gently
laid upon the bosom of the dead, while a few silent tears
steal down the rough cheeks of some long-tried comrades.
A board — a mere fragment of a cracker or ammunition box
— is placed at his head, telling the name, Compan}^ I^^S^"
ment, and day of death. The Chaplain offers up prayers to
God for the far-off' household, where the anguish of the sad
death will soon intrude itself, and for those who stand about
the newly made grave. There was some ingenious carving
on some of these headboards. In the lontj hours of our

H'U CHAPLAIX HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THi:

patient waiting before the Kenesaw, men had found time to
carve most handsome!}', not only the name, but also striking
devices. These memorials are onh' a little shorter lived than
those of stone, erected at home.

We passed along the lines until we came to the spot where
the grand charge of the 27th ult. had been made. Here a
sight, such as I had never beheld, presented itself to my
view. I had stood upon many battletields, but never had I
seen one where the missiles of death had played such havoc
amongst the timber. It was where General J. C. Davis'
Division fought. Our works approached within nineteen
steps of those of the rebels. The trees were as thick with bul-
let marks as flies upon a sugar barrel. A little chestnut, five
inches in diameter, was chopped to shreds. A large chest-
nut tree, with the help of one solid shot, had been cut down
b}^ bullets. The arms of the ugly abatis — formed bv thrust-
ing green sticks an inch and a half in diameter, and two
yards long, with sharpened points, at right angles, and at a
distance of three inches apart, through thirty-foot green logs
about five to ten inches in diameter — were shot into brooms.
One would serve to sweep a tent. In the logs, designed to
protect the rebel heads, the bullet marks were seen by thou-
sands. The headboards of some poor fellows who had fallen
between the works, and had been buried under a flag of
truce, were shivered by the balls.

The work of the rebels here is a lunette, crowning the
summit of a hill. It is very solid, and was evidently made
before the Yankees came. In front it is well protected by
a strong abatis, described above. In tiie rear there is an
open way, dug for the protection of the combatants passing
in and out. There are all kinds of protections, such as
ingenuity or fear prescribed. Still farther in the rear there
are other lines of works, made since the great charge.

"A deep tangled wild wood"

hid the rebels from our men. But the deadly charge had
been determined. Those who were fated to lead the forlorn
hope, ate their morning meal as men ;\yv wont to do in the

FIFTY-P:IGHTH INDIAXA KEGIMENT. 385

house of death. The trains are sent to the rear. The
charging Divisions are massed. At nine a. m. our skirmish
line advances, driving that of the rebels before. Behind it
comes the solid lines of battle, with guns uncapped and bay-
onets lixed. Down the hill, on which stood the supporting
lines, and bravely np the next, where death stood ready
to welcome them, rolled the wave of battle. Fast and thick
upon the hillside fell the dead and wounded. Harker,
swinging high his hat in air, and calling to his men to follow,
fell, mortallv wounded, from his gallant steed. Some fal-
tered, but the bravest pressed on.

The lines were lost in the woods. The abatis checked the
advance. The well protected rebels stood bravely at their
works. But the race of heroes is not extinct. The banner
of beauty and of glory is planted on the enem^^'s works. A
moment more, and the tide of battle would have swept over
the rebel lunette, and rolled through their lines, like the
waters of the Mississippi through a crevasse. But there is
a point where humanity can do no more. God has set
bounds to man's endurance. In His providence. He said
this day to our battle ocean : "Thus far shalt thou go, and
here shall thv proud waves be stayed." The loyal wave,
having lashed its fury on the devoted hill, and left its high
water mark of blood, recedes, but not within its former
bounds. Ground is gained, and bravely held. By filling
pork barrels and cracker boxes with dirt and stone, and,
crowding them before the sappers and miners, a still nearer
approach is made. Already a mine had been dug about fif-
teen feet towards the rebels. Had the 3^ remained a little
longer, they would have been blown up.

I have learned the explanation of the terrible firing on the
morning of June 30th. Some men in Davis' Division called
out aloud, "Forward I Guide center! Double Quick!
March!" The rebels, thinking the Yankees upon them,
began firing turioush'. Our men, laboring under the same
delusion in reference to the rebels, responded with much
vigor. The firing passed along the line, the cannons

.■{.'{6 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE

loudly roar, and a great noise was kept up for an hoiu\ Was
there ever an^^thing more ridiculous? So completely were
both parties convinced of their folly, that there was an almost
an entire cessation of the firino- from that time to the evacu-
ation.

The fighting was done amongst the hills and woods.
Georgia, thus far, is a land of barren oak hills, thinly popu-
lated, and generally covered with the native forests.

We found some little evidences of man's presence, as we
drew near to Marietta. We soon entered the town, and rode
along one of the main streets to the public square. In the
suburbs, at a house where we stopped to get a drink at the
well, there was a respectable looking, elderlv lady, neatly
dressed, sitting in the door wa}-, with a a sad countenance.
She was now reaping some of the fruits of rebellion. There
were inhabitants in some of the other houses.

We camped in the town, in the yard of an ex-governor of
the State, but "his excellency" was not at home. A ver}^
foolish and abortive effort was made to prevent the men from
tearing dowai the plank fence to make bunks of. They were
permitted to tear down, with impunitv, the poor man's cabin
and fences where we last encamped. "Yes, yes," said the
judge, "circumstances alter cases.

After supper I took a walk about Marietta. Tt is by tar
the finest tow^n that I had seen in the State. The people
never had committed the foll3% so common in the North, of
felling the native forests. The vards are large, and shaded
by trees ol native growth. Inhere are several long and beau-
tiful streets, with shady sidewalks. The dwelling houses
were not of the highest style of architecture, but large, airy,
with large columns in front.

There are a number of respectable churches in tlie \illag(.\
I noticed alr(\ui\' some of them are aj^jiroprialed h\ tiie med-
ical department. This is right, in times of emergency. l>ut
wlien tliese pass away, churches should be exclusively devoted
to the worship of God. There is a large number of empty
store rooms, which will be a great convenience to our lolks.

Fifty-eighth india^'a regimext.

We spent but a single night in this delightful town, and
under the ex-governor's line trees. The men, with com-
mendable zeal, fixed up snug quarters, and busy brooms this
morning freshened the green carpet. "We are going to
move," said the soldiers. And so we did. About the mid-
dle of the afternoon, we moved two miles, and camped near
the railroad. I paid a short visit to the militarv college
referred to in a preceding page. From Pine Mountain, it
looked like a magniticent building, but when vou come
nearer you Hnd it quite a tame aftair. The building itself is
three stories high, but is not constructed after any of the

orders of architecture
that I ever heard of.
The chapel, halls and
rooms are all emptv,
save a few benches,
and an air of desola-
tion pervades the estab-
lishment.

By climbing to the
root", I had an enlarijed
siglit of the country.
To the rear, I could
see the Allatoona and
Kenesaw mountains.
Pine and Lost moun-
ains, and all the inter-
vening countr}', were
also in view. In front,
a vast panorama of liills and wt)()d.-; spread before my eyes.
On the lel't, an immense dust, and the smoke rising from the
occasional discharge of a cannon, told of the whereabouts of

GILBERT ARMSTRONG."-*

Sergeant Company E.

* Was mustered in with tiie Regiment at Camp Gibson, and was with the
Regiment until the battle of" Chickamauga, when he was severely wounded.
After the completion of his three years' term of service, he returned to his
former home in Dubois county. His death occurred several rears after.
The gun shown in the cut is the Henry rifle, presented to him by some of his
friends in the Re<riment, for braverv shown in the battle of Stone River.

.138 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

the retreating foe. Still farther beyond, the proud form of
Stone Mountain towered above the hills.

We passed through a fine plantation — right through the
yard. I never drank tiner water than I obtained from the
well. The old planter was sitting under the tall columns,
viewing quietly the passing cavalcade. The army is mov-
ing forward all day. The position occupied by the enemy
last night is evacuated. Late in the afternoon we moved
near a mile. We had no orders, but the Colonel desires to
be doing something.

Wednesday, July 6. — Near midnight I heard an order
come to Colonel Moore to be ready to march at tour a. m.,
and in a few minutes it was changed to one a.m. We were
ordered out at midnight. Some made a little coft'ee, but
most did not. The night was dark, and our new teamsters
experienced no little difficultv in getting through a dark
strip of woods into the main road. By five a. m. we reported
to General Woods, near Pace's Ferry, on the Chattahoochee
river. Here we found the rebels in strong force, and pre-
pared to resist our crossing. While waiting for orders
here, I rode up on a hill, and saw Atlanta, eleven miles
distant, and all the surrounding regions. There was
a man hanging by a strip of hickory bark, on the same
hill. lie wore rebel clothes., and had been found hang-
ing there when our men came. There were man}^
rumors about him, but nothing reliable, so far as I can
learn. In the afternoon the conclusion was reached that the
rebels were too strong to effect a crossing at Pace's P'eny,
and we moved three miles to the rear, and to the left, for the
purpose of trying some other scheme.

CHAPTER XXII.

Along the Chattahoochee — Moving up the River —
Surprising the Enemy at Phillips' Ferry — Bridc^-
iNG THE Stream at Several Points — Driving the
Rebels Back — Some Severe Fighting — Night Ex-
pedition TO Sandtown — Change of Rebel Com-
manders— Progress of the War, East and West —
A Sick Chaplain — Lea\'E of Absence,

ABOUT daylight of July 8th the Pontoon train, accom-
panied by the 23d Corps, started on a tour of about
twenty miles, up the Chattahoochee river, with a view of
finding a point where a crossing could be effected without so
much opposition.

From all the indications presented, it was evident that the
rebels were going to make a strong opposition to our farther
progress. The Chattahoochee river, while not very wide,
was sufficient to offer a strong line of defence on the opposite
banks. They had some very formidable earth works at
Pace's Ferry, and the Pontoniers were not over delighted
with the suggestion of laying a bridge there, while the
rebels occupied those works. There was a very consider-
able feeling of relief, therefore, when the order came lor us
to move further up the river.

About the middle of the afternoon we arrived in the
vicinit}^ of Phillips Ferrv, at the mouth of Soap Creek. The
troops and Pontoon train are massed behind the hills, while
a reconnoitering party is sent to the terry to discover what

340 CHAPLAIX MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

force of the enemy is on the opposite side. It was found
that the position was held b}' a small force of militia and a
piece of artillery. Without attempting to disturb them or
create unnecessary alarm on that side of the river, our men
went quietly to work putting the pontoons together. About
four o'clock the boats are launched, in Soap Creek, a few
hundred vards from the mouth. They are loaded with
detachments from the 12th Kentucky, and are quietly floated
down to the mouth of the creek. While this is going on
the rebel cannon is tiring away at our troops, who are wait-
ing just over the hill, in the woods. Suddenly, to their
great surprise, the canvass pontoon emerges from the thick
bushes at the mouth of the creek. The men in the boats
open tire on the rebels on the opposite bank and they scamper
up the hill. Before they could rally the boats are across
and our men are on their shore, Qiiickh' they form in line
and charge up the hill, capturing the brass gun, and driving
the Georgia militia to the woods in utter confusion. Other
troops were ferried across as rapidly as possible and a strong
line was formed to hold what we had gained. Meanwhile,
the Pontoniers were at work putting the bridge together,
and, in a little more than an hour from the time the tirst
boats were launched, the pontoon bridge was completed and
the infantrv and artillery of General Schofield's command
were crossing in a steady stream. Thus was the first cross-
ing of the Chattahoochee accomplished, and thus was given
a most eflective blow to break the barrier that hindered our
progress toward Atlanta,

We laid two pontoon bridges at this place, which served
for crossing all the troops in this vicinit}'. Our mechanics
were ordered ^to build a permanent wagon bridge out of
timber cut from the woods, and to have this bridge com-
pleted by Wednesday night, which was accomplished on
time. The length of the bridge is 480 feet. The pontoon
bridges are now taken up by the Pontoniers — Companies A,
F, B and G — and they move down to Power's Ferry, where
another bridge is laid. Schofield's troops having, in the

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 341

meantime, advanced that far down the river, driving the
rebels back. Upon the Power's Ferry bridge Stanley's
Division crosses and joins the forces on the other side. Our
pontoons w^ere then relieved by those of McPherson's Corps,
and on July 14th we were under orders to march down tlie
river to Pace's Ferrv, wdiere w^e had first come to the Chatta-
hoochee. The 4th Corps w^as to move down the southern
bank of the river and drive the rebels back, giving us a
chance to lay the bridge at Pace's Ferry, to cross the 14th
Corps. We were there in time to do our part, but, for some
reason there was delay in the movements on the other side.
So we went into camp near the river, waiting for develop-
ments. I can hear the waters at night as I lay on my bunk.
The rebels are just across on the other bank.

Everything has been remarkably qviiet along the lines lor
a few da^'s. Onlv an occasional gun reminds us ot the
existence of w^ar.

The pickets at this ferry are very friendly. Conversation
is carried on from the banks. Our men took down a brass
band one evening and serenaded the rebels. Our enemies
have been very honorable. When they have felt it a duty
to fire they have given our men warning. A log came float-
ing down, the other night. "Get to vour holes, we are
going to tire !" cried the rebels. They poured heavy vollies
into the log, not knowing what it was. One of the 82d
Indiana went over a few days ago and took dinner with the
rebels. They had a fine dinner of peas, beans and green
corn, wdiich was a luxury to the Yankee. Oh, the nonsense
of talking about starving the rebels.

Sunday, July 17. — We were up at three o'clock. Orders
have been issued to la}^ the pontoon to-da}'. General
Wood's Division is to come down on the other side and
drive the rebels from the ferry. General Davis' Division
moves out towards the ferrv. When General Wood
approaches the rebels scamper ofi' in indecent haste. They
were greatl}^ surprised, and some, who w^ere in the river
swimming, did not have time to put on their clothes.

.'Ui> CHAPLATX HIGHT'S HTSTOIJY OF THE

The Pontoniers were hurried down to lay the bridge It
was a matter of great importance to have the bridge down
and troops over to support General Wood, as the rebels were
massing troops against him. Their movements could be
seen from Signal Hill, just in our rear, and it was a critical
situation that confronted us. As the 58th came down to the
river bank, to begin their work, General Wood was standing
on the opposite bank greath^ excited. He said that bridge
must be completed and troops must be crossing over to his
assistance within an hour to save his division from disaster.
It did not need much urging to get our men to work, as they
could all realize the necessity of haste. Never did a pontoon
bridge take shape as fast as the one put down across the
Chattahochee that afternoon. Men worked as if it was a
matter of life and death — as, possibly, it was — and before
the expiration of an hour the hnal lashing was made, the
bridge was completed and securely anchored. As soon
as the last plank was laid the head of the column of General
Palmer's Corps was at the approach ready to begin crossing.
Then began a steadv stream of troops — infantry and artil-
lery— of the 14th and 20th Corps, which continued for
liours after night, and the movement was none too soon. A
large force of rebels had been collected on the opposite side,
and thev opened up a sharp fight, soon after the crossing of
the first of our troops. But the rebels' attack had been
delayed too long ; our men were ready for them and held
their position.

Monday, July 18. — I rode over the Chattahoochee river
and a mile or two beyond. Our army is advancing on the
left of Atlanta. On this side of the river we have cavalry.
On the otlier there are the 20th, 14th, 4th and 23d Corps,
in the order named. It is said that General McPherson is
still further on the left. The country, as far as I went, is a
succession of abrupt hills, heavily timbered. But little can be
seen, except from the hill tops, and then, you only see more
liills and more woods. From the mountain near our camp
can be seen Lost Mountain, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. ;U:{

Mountains, Allatoona Mountains, Stone Mountain, and a
number of others, whose names I have never learned. We
can see where Marietta is, and the steeples of Atlanta are
verv plain to the naked eye. I noticed large clouds of dust
rising in the direction of Stone Mountain. I could see the
rebel and Union camp smoke. Down the river one of our
guns was throwing an occasional shell over the river.

The Chattahoochee river is about four hundred feet wide.
In most places in these parts it can be waded. The bottom
is very rougli and rockv. It is wider, but not so deep, as the
Oostanaula or Etowah. The current is swift and the water
is ever yellow, owing to the sandy and yielding nature ol
the soil. At this season of the j^ear the banks are from six to
fifteen feet high. There are level bottoms along the stream,
but they are narrow. The knobs crowd close to the river.
There is nothing attractive about the Chattahoochee. It is
not navigable for boats. Man}^ of our pontoons were injured
at Phillip's and Power's ferries, b}' the sharp rocks in the
river. Any number of mills might be erected, for the* water
has considerable tail. But what is there to grind? There
was a paper mill on Soap Creek, which empties into the
Chattahoochee, at Phillip's Ferr}-. I can easily account for
the dirty color of the paper on which the rebels print the
weekly news, when I see their muddy streams.

But there is water, clear and good, in these hills. Near
our camp there are several springs of as fine water as any
man ever drank.

In the afternoon of the 19th I rode up on the mountain,
where I could see great clouds of dust that were rising from
Stone Mountain to Atlanta, and to the left of the mountain.
This dust is caused either by the movement of our troops or
the rebels. If it is our men there they are flanking Atlanta,
and will cut the Augusta railroad. If it is the rebels, they
are evacuatino- Atlanta. In either case the result must be
favorable to our armies.

It is rumored to-day (the 20th) that our forces now
occupy Decatur, five miles from Atlanta, on the Augusta

344 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

railroad ; that General Rousseau, with a few thousand cav-
ahy, has arrived on the West Point railroad, be3'ond Atlanta,
and that McCook's Brigade, of Davis' Division, was engaged
in a severe tight yesterday and came oft' second best, loosing
heavily in killed, wounded and captured.

To-day, a permanent wagon bridge was linished across the
river and the last pontoon was taken up at Pace's Ferrv.
A new switch and water tank, a bakery, the general iield
hospital, of the Army of the Cumberland, a depot of sup-
plies, etc., are now located at Vinings, which is the naine of
the railroad station near here.

We have additional rumors of the great battle of vester-
day. The rebels are said to have made some desperate
a""saults on the 4th, 14th and 20th Corps, and have been
repulsed with great slaughter. Emptv ammunition w^agons
are coming back to-dav. A lew ambulances loaded with
wounded are cominir in.

General Johnson has been removed tVom the command of
the rebel army. I suppose the same foolish notions prevail
amongst the Southern people -as amongst the Northern.
Johnson has done all man could do. He has displayed
great ability and courage, but then, people who have never
been in the army, sometimes think that there is some kind
of a magic way of wading through thick and thin, without
regard to consequences ; and so there is, but such strategy
always leads to defeat. Had General Johnson thrown his
army continually against Sherman it would long since have
been annihilated. He has made every resistance possible.
If iiis successor. General Hood, acts as public opinion will
demand, then in a few davs his armv will be slaimhtered
and Atlanta will be ours. We will soon learn whether he is
a fool or not. If the reports from yesterday's fighting be
true, I am impressed with the idea that he is attempting the
dash, such as is demandc-d b\' public sentiment, and is pvo-
ductive of public ruin. *

Friday, July 22. — About ten a. m. orders came to go to a
ferrv, about ten miles below ; at twelve m. the march began.

FIFTY-EKJHTH INDIANA l{E(iniEXT. -.Wy

Wo ifot off tlic road twice by takiiiij roads towards the river.
We had no guide, and none of us had been this way before,
and, besides, there was considerable whisk}^ "aboard,"
as the phrase is. The whisky intended to be issued to the
men in rations, was freeh' used by a tew of the men and otli-
cers, resuhing in several drunks. I was on ahead, in com-
pany with Lieutenant-Colonel Moore and staff. By dark we
reached a camp about a mile be3^ond a nameless cross-roads.
I suppose we were on the Sandtown road. Unfortunately,
headquarters wagon, containing our baggage, had taken off
a by-way and went, none knew where ; no, not even those
with it.

About eleven o'clock the headquarters wagon arrived, but
as we were under orders to march at one o'clock in tlie
morning, it was considered improper to waste any more
time in putting up a tent, so I unrolled my blankets on the
rails and lay down to sleep. By this time Colonel Buell
arrived upon the scene of action. Numerous had been his
adventures, with his two orderlies, traveling this gloomy
night amid the Georgia hills and woods. He lost his way
and wandered on, he knew not where.

He was just in that state of mind when lie reached
his command to do something desperate. Some good
influence

''On gracious errands bent,"

inilamed him against the whisky. He sent a Sergeant and
squad of men with orders to knock out tlie head ol the
whisk}^ barrel, as the women used to do in Indiana, in the
days of the temperance agitation. The vile poison gurgled
and splattered upon the soil, while the Georgia sand drank
greedily, as an old toper. But some equally ardent team-
sters, though it was midnight, crowded about with tin cups,
sharing the whisky with the dirt. Some Judas, no doubt,
asked in his heart, "Why was not this sold, and the money
given to the poor?" The Colonel declares that no more
whisky shall be brought to this Regiment. Good for the
Colonel,

34.0 CHArLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

I road in the papers tliat during the present summer
whiskv is to be a part of the rations. Ah-eady many of the
details ot the campaign have failed on account of wiiisky.
General Sturgis, with 9,000 well disciplined troops — infantry,
artillery and cavalry — is deleated at Tishomingo Creek by
half that number of cavalry. Cause: Whisky. I am not
posted about the amount of injury in the East by whisky, but
there have been blunders which it is hardly presumable
sober men would commit.

Saturday, June 23. — At one a. m. the reveille brought
our brief slumbers to an end. Some had not yet fallen
asleep. The morning presented quite a contrast to the
gloomy evening. The moon shone ; the clouds were gone ;
the stars are out in their glorv. We move rapidly along the
road three or four miles, when orders were given to halt.
Here we rested until daylight, when we found we were near
the Chattahoochee river, opposite Sandtown.

At da3'break the boats were put together, ready to lay a
bridge. Soon after, the cavalr}^ of General Stoneman came
straggling along on foot, like so many colts going to water.
The officers were without swords, but some of them instead
carried revolvers in their hands. There were no other
troops, except cavalry about. They were far from present-
ing a bold appearance. They looked as if a Regiment of
infantry on the other side could drive oft' the whole Division.
It is far from me to detract from our cavalry, but it cannot
b'j" denied that this arm of the service is not what it should be,
in the matter of efticiency. Under a dashing ofticer^ oiu"
cavalry often performs deeds of daring and brilliancy. We
have many instances of such during this war, and T wish we
had more of them.

Tlie pontoons were taken a mile below tiie ferry, and a
number of men were transferred to the southern bank betbre
the enemy was aware of the design. Two soldiers, a
woman and child, two horses and a mule were captured.
B\' tills time, orders had been received, countermanding the
order for crossin**-. Tlie men weri' transferred to the north-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA IJEGDIEXT. Ml

crn bank and the pontoons taken trom the water and phiced
upon the wagons.

By this time the news was extensively circidated that
General McPherson had been killed yesterday. In connec-
tion with this there was the most exaggerated reports of the
repulse of the Arm}- of the Tennessee, with great loss. The
moving of the pontoon and some of the cavalry to the rear,
seemed to conlirm the disastrous tale. They, who on yes-
day, were cheering over the reported capture of Atlanta,
now bewailed over an equally false tale of disaster. We
did not have Atlanta, nor is McPherson 's army defeated.

After leaving the river, we were stopped two miles back,
lor dinner. This was very acceptable to man and beast.
Many of the men had eateji neither supper nor breaklast.
The mules had not been fed this morning, and some had
not been watered for twenty-four hours. We continued our
march about eijrht miles. Here, at dusk, we met the
McPherson pontoon train, under the same orders as our-
selves— "lay the pontoons at Howell's Ferry, near the rail-
road." Now this ferry is eight miles below the railroad.
It was therefore inferred that DeFour's Ferry, at the rail-
road was meant. Both trains went into camp, designing to
go to the railroad bridge in the morning.

Sunday, July 24. — At two a. m. we were up. But the
yesterday morning's folly, of hurrying off the battalion
without eating, was not repeated. After getting on the
wrong road — as usual — we reached the river soon after day.
We soon had two bridires over the river, and the Army of
the Tennessee Pontoniers had one.

Monday, July 25. — I am now qviite sick, but, liaving botii
green corn and blackberries, I expect to .^oon recover. It
is no credit to a man to be sick in the army. In the even-
ing we held a meeting of ovn* Christian Association. We
had neglected to meet regularly, as we had lost our consti-
tution, and had to send for another copN-. The following
officers were elected for the quarter commencing July i ,
1864 : Private Patterson W . Wallace, Moderator ; First Scr-

:U8 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

geant P. N. Spain, Clerk ; First Sergeant E. Keeler, Ser-
geant A. Gudgel, Sergeant J. W. Emmerson, Executive
Committee. A number joined the Association.

Tuesday, July 26. — The Pontoon train ot^the Army of the
Tennessee moved tour miles down the river, to Turner's
Ferry, and crossed the cavalry over to the south side.
General Stoneman started, with 7,000 mounted men, some
days since, on a raid. The movement of the Pontoon train
has some connection with Stoneman.

Some weeks since, General Grant's campaign terminated,
with the failure to capture Petersburg. Though unsuccess-
ful, so tar as the great object of the campaign is concerned
— the capture of Richmond — ^'Ct it has not been a failure.
The enemy have hurled themselves in vain against him.
They have used everv strategy ; and, when thev could do
nothing else, they have talked contemptuous! v about him.
He hangs about the gates of doomed Richmond. For some
time he has been collecting his energies and laying new
plans. He will soon make a new campaign, which can not
be conducted more bravely, but, I hope, ^^'ill result more suc-
cessfully, than the last. General Sherman is still mo\'ing
Ibrward, with success, against Atlanta.

We still remain in camp near DaFour's Ferry, on the
Chattahoochee. My sickness still continues. All the time
I have been able to walk to my meals, however, though I
eat but little. Soldiers are seldom bedfast until near death.
I have taken blue mass, calomel, opium, sugar of lead, cas-
tor oil, (juinine, whisky, wine, and the rest of it. ()i")ium
made me sleep and the whisky stimulated. I could observe
no other results.

Our camp is exceedingly pleasant. Frequent rains
have cooled the air. We are in a splendid pine grove.
There is usually a jileasant breeze stirring along the Chat-
tahoochee. The bombardment of Atlanta makes music for
our ears. The camj-) rejoices in l)lackberries and green corn.

During the last week there came into our camp from
the North, one Abe West fall, formerly a conductor on

fifty-j:ighth Indiana kegiment. ;un

the E. & C. railroad. Abe is young and healthy, and full of
gas. He camped with Captain \^oorhees, an old acquaint-
ance. The boys determined to play a prank on him, espec-
ially as he seemed to have no business in the army, and
talked insultingly about the soldiers' families.

So, one evening, while quietly walking beyond Peach Tree
Creek, in compan}^ with Captain \^oorhees, the conversation
turned on the subject of guerillas. He seemed to dread them
much. He labored under the impression that deserted
houses and barns were full of them. He seemed to think
that a soldier was liable to be shot at an}' time by them.

Suddenh', from the brush, came a voice, commanding
"Halt !" "Halt ! " repeated the voice, and a pistol snapped.
It was enough. Westfall wheeled and fled like a chased
stag in the forest. Bang ! went a pistol. Voorhees did all
he could to keep up, while the "guerrillas" gave pursuit.
Westfairs desires ran ahead of his legs and down he came
to the earth. "Oh ! oh I oh I " came in most pitiful accents
iVom his lips — ave, from his inmost soul — as he went down.
Bounding up again, he fairly flew towards camp, while the
crack of a pistol told of the coming of the "bloody gueril-
las." When he reached Peach Tree Creek, where a number
of our men were bathing, he ran into the bushes and fell
down, exhausted. A moment after. Captain Voorhees came
up and called him out. In attempting to walk a log over
tlie creek he lell into the stream. From this, he was res-
cued bv a soldier. Just on this side of the creek, and near
camp, there are some breastworks. Westfall, when he
reached these, panting, said, "Let — us — hide — here I " and
down he sat. But no sooner had he reached the ground than
he jumped up again, "O, Jake," he cried, "lets go farther,
we are not far enough yet." So on they came, Westfall
panting and almost dead, while Voorhees was ready to burst
with laughter.

When the Captain's quarters were reached W^estfall threw
his hands about a little pine tree and began to vomit like a
sea-sick mariner. He sank exhausted on a cot, while Cap-

S50 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTOllY OF THE

tain \'o()rhees ran over to the doctor's for some whisky, to
keep the man from dying.

As soon as Westfall recovered and realized his safety, he
began to recount his adventure, "The balls whizzed b\'
me,'' he said, when, as a matter of fact, the pistols were
loaded with paper wads. The boys got a good joke on
Henry Hill, of Company C. He was beyond the creek, but
not in the secret. Seeing the race, and hearing the tiring,
he ran, too, full tilt, into Peach Tree creek, and over to
camp. Next morning Abe Westfall left early for the North.
Bvit he was neither a wiser nor a sadder man. He never
dreamed of the guerilla affair being a farce. He verily
believed that they were after him, and that he was the hero
of a tragic story, to be repeated to wondering admirers when
he reached home.

During my sickness, our meetings went on just as well as
if I had been able to attend them. Private P. W. Wallace
preached a time or two. Several prayer meetings were
held. We have a number of good men in the 58th Regi-
ment.

On Saturday afternoon our baggage came up from Chat-
tanooga. There were several tents, a numl^er of ilies, the
desks, valises, etc. Qiiartermaster Sergeant A. M. Bryant,
and a niunl^er of men, came up with it.

CHAPTER XXIII.

On Furlough — A Chapter Pertaining to Personal
Matters — Delays and Discomforts of Travel
BY Rail — At Chattanooga — At Nashville — x\t
Louisville — At Home — How the Time was Spent
— What I Saw and Heard — Ho\\' I Got Back to
MY Regiment.

WITH deep regret on Sunda}^ July 31st, I applied for a
leave of absence. This was granted on August 2d,
and was received on the 6th. I prefer going home well.
It is something of a disgrace to be sick in the army.

The following is a copy of my request tor leave of absence,
with the surgeon's certificate annexed :

Headquarters 5STH Indiana Regiment, }
DeFour's Ferry, Ga., July 31, 1864. \
Brigadier-General Whipple,

A. A. G. and Chief of Staff".
Sir: I would respectfuUj' ask for a leave of absence, to visit my home in
Indiana, for reasons set forth in the appended surgeon's certificate.
I am respectfully your obedient servant.

JOHN J. HIGHT,

Chaplain 5Sth Ind. Vol.

I iiercby certify that I have carefully examined the said officer, ]. J.
Ilight, Chaplain ^Sth Indiana, who has been under my care for the last (4)
four weeks and find him sutTering from diarrhtva and general debilit}', and,
in my opinion, a change of diet and climate, is, in a great measure, essential
to his recovery. I would, therefore, respectfully recommend that a leave of
(20) twenty days be granted him.

I ani respectfully your obedient servant,

SAMUEL E. HOLTZMAN,

Surgeon ^Sth Ind. ^'ol.

352 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE

Sunday, August 7. — I rose at daV. and made mv prepa-
rations for goin<r North. Dr. Holtzman accompanied me as
far as Marietta, and Sergeant Solomon Reavis to Chatta-
nooga. We left camp about eight a. m. I was hauled in
an ambulance, lying on my back. It was very rough rid-
ing. It must be exceedingh' unpleasant tOr the wounded to
travel in these wagons. When we reached Marietta we were
informed that we were too late for the morning train, and
must wait until two p. m. But this proved to be a mistake.
I found a place in a dirt}' freight car, and, unrolling mv
blankets, I lav down upon the floor. Here I was hammered
and battered until one o'clock next morning, I stood the
trip verv well, getting along much better than I expected.

At one a.m. we got out of the train at some point in Chat-
tanooga, which we were unable to recognize ; but, after a
little time, I tbund the Crutchtield house. All the rooms
were full. One man left on the three o'clock morning train,
and I took his place. Room and bed very dirt\'. Such is
the disposition to steal about Chattanooga, ihat it is almost
impossible to keep hotel. Fifty cents must be deposited at
the desk before they furnish 3'ou a towel. Sheets cannot be
left on the bed, for fear of being stolen. All things must be
paid for in advance. When vou eat, you must hold your
hat. I have known commissioned officers to steal little arti-
cles from a hotel, and then laugh about it, as if it were smart.
These fellows are thieves, and will not do to trust an3'^where.
I would not think of leaving my pocket book where one of
them could tmd it.

We had a very good breakfast. Feeling better, I
attempted to walk out, but found that I was too weak, and
returned. At one p, m,, by virtue of my papers, I secured
a seat on the Nashville train. It was only a hard board seat
and back : reallv. it was inferior to the floor of the freight
car. IIow am I to sit up while we are going 152 miles?
Our train tra\'eled slow, and stopped otten. ^\\' \\aited on
all the outcoming trains ; 1 suppose the trains for the front
have the'right of wav. Midnight found us on the way, mak-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA TtEGIMENT. :5:.;5

in^ sad efforts for sleep. It was a great trial tor the flesh,
and spirit, too. At seven a. m. we reached the Nashville
depot. I went immediately to the Sewanee house. On
the way we were jostled by the early crowd, hurrying to and
fro. Nashville is alive with activity. The Sewanee has
greatly improved since last spring. I lay abed in a warm
room until car time in the afternoon. The authorities had
seized the train for hospital purposes, but still I obtained a
place on tlie train. The seizure gave me more room than we
otherwise would have had.

I rode to the depot, in company with General Palmer and
Johnny Clem. Palmer is going North on some account, I
can not tell what. He does not impress me as being a very
great man ; he is utterly devoid of any militar\" look, tone or
habit, and is evidently a citizen, though wearing an army
garb. One can but think, while looking at him, that some
political influence must have made him a Major-General.
You can easily approach him. I noticed that he spoke very
pleasantly to a guard at the depot — a very unusual thing for
a Major-General to do ; the man was evidently an old
acquaintance. Johnny Clem is a pleasant child of some
twelve summers. He is a noted person in the arm\', and a
crowd is nearly always about him wherever he goes. He
came out as a drummer in the 2 2d iNIichigan. He is reputed
to have killed a rebel Colonel at the battle of Chickamauga.
He usually stays at General Thomas' headquarters, but is
now with General Palmer. He wears the badge of a Ser-
Pfeant.

The countr\' about Nashville has wonderfulh' revived since
we were here in 1862. Fences have been rebuilt, a
great breadth of land has been planted, and the crops look
tine. The country all around wears a peaceful look.

Wednesday, August 10. — We reached Louisville at four
a. m. At'ter breakfast I visited the paymaster, and then
crossed over to New Albany, where I met several of m^^ old
friends. Leaving New Alban}^ at nine a. m., I reached
Bloomington in about two hours. Here I am at home again.

354.

CHAPLAIX HIOHT'S HISTORY OF THE

During the few days of my visit in Bloomington, I heard a
great deal of discussion of the war, and the war measures.
Those with whom I associate are usually ardent supporters
of the war. But there are many who are not altogether
favorable to the policy of the administration. Political mat-
ters are very bitter — more so than ever before in my day.
At least a strong minoritv of the people are fiercely opposed
to the emancipation of the slaves. Altogether, it seems to
me the national prospects are gloomy. The war is unsuc-
cessful in the East, and but little is being done in the West.
Not only is the rebel capital not taken, but there seems to be
no prospect of its ever being taken. The condition of

society is deplorable. While
there is an increase of some
of the virtues, ever3'where
may be seen demoralization.
Thousands are ready to put
their hands to their neigh-
bors' throats.

To me nothing seems
more clear than that slavery
is a great crime, that it has
called upon our heads the
judgments of Almight}^ God,
and that repentance and
proper vigor would soon end
the war, and restore the
Union without slavery. Ikit alas ! The majority of the peo-
ple are far from repentance, and the Government is without
vigor. Our nation is a hot bed of hatred, envy, pride, rebel-
lion and oppression. The land is red with blood. If only
rebels were malignant, we might liave more hope. But all

qilNCY A. HARPER,"

Lieutenant Company I.

* Was imistcrcd in at Camp Gibson as Sergeant of Compa^^■ I. April
15, 186.!, was coniinissioned First Lieutenant of the same Company and
served as such until his muster out, April i, 1S65. Since leaving the army
he has engaged in various occu]iations and is now living at Algiers. Pike
county, Indiana. lie is an ardent friend of every enterprise that will pro-
mote the interests of the old Regiment.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIA^W REGIMENT. 35.*)

through the North there are secret organizations against the
government, incendiary speeches, and accumuhited prepara-
tions for war, arson and murder. Even the supporters of the
administration turn in bitterness on their chief.

If God does not hiy to, his helping hand, we are forever
undone. The Union never can be restored ; war, pestilence
and famine, fire and flood will sweep over the land, making
it desolate. Spring will not revisit us, and day will not
dawn on the night of our shame.

Almighty God, our only hope is in Thee. Save our
people from this madness. Help us to turn from our sins.
Give us an early victory. Give us a united country, wherein
shall dwell no slave. May days of peace and prosperity vet
be ours. May America yet carry liberty and religion to all
the nations of the earth. Amen.

Monday, August 28. — Great interest is felt in the
National Democratic convention, which meets at Chicago,
to-day. Democrats are hopeful and excitedly enthusiastic.
It must be confessed that the Republicans are a little fearful
of the result of the presidential election. It is supposed that
General McClcllan will be the nominee of the Chicago con-
vention. To me, all things look gloomy. May results l)e
better than my fears. The dissolution of the Union seems
inevitable ; then, farewell, all my cherished hopes for my
country. The preservation of slavery seems probable ;
then, good-bve to peace in Church or State. Shall
strife never end? Oh, for universal treedom and eternal
imion.

After several weeks' rest at home, my health had so far
recuperated that I was in condition to return to my Regi-
ment. The time of my departure from Bloomington was
Thursday, September ist. On my way to New Albany I
had the company of quite a large number of delegates
returning from the Chicago convention, from whom I
learned that McClellan had been nominated. There was
great enthusiasm among the returning delegates, and tiiey
were very confident their man would win in the Novamiber

856 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

election. It is mv hope that these predictions will not be
fulfilled.

Arriving at Louisville, I put up at the Louisville hotel, and
was assigned a room in which there were some half dozen
others. As it turned out, my room mates were all Demo-
cratic politicians, mostly of the cross-roads calibre, with a
liberal supply of the Kentuck}' platform. Late in the night,
and earlv in the morning they were engaged in discussion of
the political questions of the day. They were very bitter
against President Lincoln, calling him a tyrant for making
arbitrary arrests, the suspension of the writ of habeas cor-
pus, and many other things. These men are vile ti-aitors at
heart, but have not the courage to take up arms with their
friends in the Southern Confederacy. Of course, they are
all for McClellan. If there was no other reason for me not
supporting him, the fact that he is the choice of traitors,
north and south, would be enough.

The news from be3^ond Nashville is that Wheeler is on the
Chattanooga road. So I concluded to wait another day in
Louisville.

Just before night I was sitting near the main entrance to
the hotel, where two men were talking. A third man came
up and communicated some important item, which I did not
catch. They doubted, but he assured them that it was true,
for the dispatch had come b}' way of Knoxville. The whole
]-)arty seemed filled with profound regret. Somebody "s con-
duct was severely condemned. "It was worth twent}- thou-
sand men. If he is going to give up that way, he might as
well give up all." At supper I learned that the news was
that Atlanta had fallen. These miserable rebels were con-
demning Hood, and deploring their misfortune.

In the evening I went to tire court house to liear Hon.
Horace Maynard deliver an address on National politics,
lie is an anti-slavery man, hence no hint of the speech could
be found in either yournal or Democrat. The bills brought
to the hotel were soon trampled on the lloor. Every effort
is made to keep the notice of the meeting from the jieople.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. :{:>7

If slavery be dead, as many say, its spirit still lives. The
assembly was small, considering the fame of the orator, and
the excitement of his theme. Louisville is the same traitor-
ous Sodom it was when, in 1862, I, with many other sol-
diers, marched more than 200 miles to defend it, and
received not a single welcome, but made our beds on streets
and out lots.

At length a slight demonstration of applause ran through
the crowd. A soldier near me rose and said, "Yes, there's
Maynard, certain." I had never seen Mr. Maynard before,
but I recognized an unmistakable East Tennesseean in the
person on the stand. His form was tall and slender. His
hair was long and lav behind his ears. He had a black
mustache, and a little patch of hair on his chin. His head
hung, like one catching ideas, at an angle of lort3'-five
degrees. There was a pleasant expression on his counte-
nance. You would not feel abashed to approach him.
Such were my impressions of Mr. Maynard, as he stood for
a moment, and then was seated amonu" the mai^nates on the
stand.

A small man, with a sorry looking coat, seemingly of bed
ticking, rose and moved that somebody take the chair, and
the motion prevailed. The gentleman came forward, hold-
ing a paper in his hand, and announced the fall of Atlanta.
The dull crowd seemed at once inspired with lite. Even
phlegmatic conservatives felt a little of the glow of patriot-
ism. Caps and hats were swung high in the air ; cheer after
cheer rose wildly from the multitude, and still the house ran^;
again, and yet again. When order at length was restored,
the president read the telegram, and again there were cheers.
Mr. Maynard was now introduced, and in a distinct voice,
and a manner that promised rich entertainment, he announced
that we were in a momentous crisis. He then proceeded to
discuss the various phases of National affairs. His manner
was usually good. Sometimes he was a little tedious in read-
ing some lengthy question. He has a peculiar and emphatic
habit of dashing his white handkerchief on the table, at the

.'):)» CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

end of an emphatic sentence. He has a solemnity of tone.
He is logical, and gives us some fine thoughts. Patriotism
breathes through every sentence. Traitors and peace men
receive many hard hits. A glowing tribute is paid to the
gallant men who have died for their country, and the pros-
pects of the nation are pictured in glowing words.

The speaker was often applauded, but many of the audi-
ence felt but little interest in the speaking. At almost ever}'
thrust at slavery, some could stand no more, but would leave.
I was much benefitted and strengthened. The world moves.
There is free speech in Louisville. Freedom will triumph.

I left Louisville September 3d and arrived at Nashville
without noting anything of special incident. At the
Sewanee House I saw little indication of an improvement in
the fare, from what it was when I was there before. It is
very far from being a paradise.

On account of the break in the railroad I am compelled
to remain here several days, and I will spend the time in
visiting old friends and places of interest. I could enjoy
this much better, if it were not for the fact that I am paving
four dollars per day at the hotel, and my pocket book is not
very flush.

Among tlie places visited was hospital No. 9. Here I
found Wesley Webster, of Company C, sick. He has been
here for a long time. I also met S. V. Hay, of Compan}'
A. He left the Regiment, wounded, at the battle of Stone
River. T also saw Samuel Ledgerwood, of Company E,
now in the Veterans' Reserve Corps. He is acting as
orderl}^ at this hospital. Wheeler, formerly of Company-
C, is here also, in the Veterans' Reserve Corps. He is a
guard.

One night I went to the capital, to hear speeches from L.
C. Houck and others. These Tennesseeans are very earn-
est in defending the Administration, opposing slavery, and
advocating the re-election of Mr. Lincoln. Many of them
having suffered great wrongs, are bitter against rebels.
They are for "war to the knife, and knife to the hilt."

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 359

They are attempting to get Tennessee back into the Union
without slavery. May they succeed.

I also called on Lieutenant Lee Yaryan, at his office, on
Cherry street. He was formerly Adjutant of the 58th
Indiana, and for a long time aid-de-camp on General Wood's
staff;

After a week's stay in the capital city of Tennessee, a
chance was offered me to go on my way. I took passage
on one of the military passenger trains for Chattanooga.

A few miles out from Nashville we came to where
Wheeler had destroyed the road. The ties had been burned
with the rails on them. This effectually destroys both.
Not less than ten miles were destroyed. The little garrison
at Lavergne had kept him at bay and preserved a mile of
the road. Farther on, at Smyrna, General Wheeler had
attacked the block-house, with artillery. Three were killed
and seven wounded of the little command of thirty men.
But the block-house did not surrender. The garrison at
Stewart's Creek acted less honorably — they surrendered.
No raiding party can capture those block-houses if defended
by brave men.

Arriving in Chattanooga next morning I found there was
no chance for a train to the front before next day, so there
was nothing to do but wait. While waiting, I took occasion
to visit, among other places, the new stone fort, which is in
process of construction near the depot. It is called "Fort
Buell," in honor of our Colonel. It seems to me that it is
very foolish to be spending so much money and labor in
building this fort, as it does not appear to be needed, with so
many other forts about this place.

In due time we got a train out of Chattanooga, and after
a long, tedious journey we arrived in Atlanta. As I had
never been in this city before, I was entirely ignorant of the
whereabouts of my Regiment, or any other Regiment. "I
didn't know nothing." So I remained in the cars until
morning. With the earliest dawn of light I pushed out in
search of knowledge. From the multitude of know-nothings

nc>0 niAPLATX HTGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE

I examined, I learned the direction to General Thomas'
headquarters. Placing my baggage in charge of a guard, I
started in that direction, and soon stood before the head-
quarters, located in a magnificent colonade building. I was
met by an orderly, who conducted me to the mounted
orderlies. From them I learned that my Regiment had
returned to their old quarters, at DeFour's Ferry. I
regretted then that I had not known this last night, as our
train stopped a long time about the bridge. I could just as
well have gotten off. The query is, how am I to get to mv
Regiment this morning. But breakfast must lirst be sought.
A hotel has been opened in Atlanta. Thither I turned mv
lootsteps, giving a negro a quarter to carry mv valise.

The breakfast at the Trout house is a joke. We had
many waiters, fresh from their Southern lords. These, in
their anxiety to please their new Yankee
masters, were flying about with the agilitv
of squirrels. We had to take their atten-
tions as the chief item in the entertain-
ment. Besides this, we had the pleasure
of dirty table linen, and the dutv of hold-
ing our hats to keep each other from
stealing them. To eat, there was beef-
GEo. w. (;.\sA\v.\Y,* steak, bread, molasses, and coflee.

Sergeant Cor^pany D. ^^-^j^ ^j^.^ ^j _^^ j ^^,,^^ ^_^^^^^ Satisficd. AftCr

breakfast I took a more extensive walk about the city.
Many of the houses in the northern part of the city were
much torn by shot and shell. In no place have I seen such
evidences of destruction.

During the forenoon I came upon a train from mv Regi-
ment, which had come in for forage and clothing. I placed
my baggage in one of the wagons and borrowed a horse and

* Was one of tlie original members of the .s^^tli, started in at Camp Gib-
son and followed it through. He was promoted to Sergeant, and served as
such until the Regiment was mustered out. Since the war he has been
engaged principally as carpenter and contractor. A few years ago he
removed to Tullahoma, Tennessee, where he is now living among scenes
familiar in arm\' days.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INMAXA EEGDIENT. .'Jlil

rode to camp. The flies are exceedingly troublesome, and
it is almost as difficult to ride as to walk.

Just in the edge of the city I passed through the works of
the enemy. There were forts on all the hills, connected
by field works. These were well protected by abatis, chc-
vaiix-dc-fn'sc, and palisades in iVont. But a short distance
from these are our works, which are not so strong.

On my way to camp I met a drove of seventeen hundred
cattle, just from Chattanooga. Amongst the guards were
three men of the 58th — George Davis, Catlett, and William
Bennett.

I soon came to the camp of the 58th, and was very cor-
dially welcomed by my friends in the Regiment. It was
like getting back home again.

CHAPTER XXIV.

Ax Expedition to Saxdtowx — Crossing Kilpatrick's
Cavalry — A Raid to the Rear of Atlanta —
Stirring up the Enemy — Following our Cavalry
— A Critical Situation — Preparation for De-
fence— The Rebels Do Not Come — March to
JoNESBORO — Atlanta Evacuated — Campaign Ended
— Back to Chattahoochee — Our Regimental
Camp — Other Matters of Importance.

DURING mv absence the Regiment participated in an
important campaign, a short account of which should
be noted here.

A tew days after I left them the Pontoon train was ordered
to move again to Sandtown, about ten miles down the river.
This was their second journey over that road, as the reader
will remember. The object of the move this time was to
afford a crossing for General Kilpatrick's Brigade of cav-
alry, the other time it was for the accommodation of General
Stoneman's cavalry. There was a considerable difference
in the push and energy of these two bodies of cavalry, as we
shall presently see. It will be remembered that Stoneman's
cavahy came and looked over on the other side of the river,
but, for lack of courage, or for some other cause, they did
not go over and take possession. So we had to take up our
bridge and beat an inglorious retreat. With Kilpatrick it
was ditlerent. vShorth' after davliglit one morning we
arrived again at the river, ojiposite vSandtown. The few
rebels on the other side immediately became impressed with
the notion that their presence was not wanted, when they

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 363

heard the balls from ovir guns whistling about their ears.
Within a very short time, we had a bridge down and Kilpat-
rick's force began to cross. When thev were all over on
the other side thev formed in column and immediately
started in pursuit of the enemy. A sharp skirmish was
encountered, a tew miles out, but it did not last lonij. The
rebels gave way and Kilpatrick tbllowed fast after them.

For two days our Regiment was encamped at the bridge
on the south side of the river. We had not heard anything
from Kilpatrick. We only knew that his mission was to
make a raid ai^ound the rear of Atlanta, and destroy the rail-
road and stir up the rebels in everv wav possible. And we
knew that whenever Kilpatrick started out to stir up the
rebels he geperally succeeded in his undertaking. So we
were not very much surprised when, one evening about sun-
down, the head of the cavalry column was seen coming back
in considerable of a hurry. The whole Brigade was soon in
our camp, and we soon learned that a much larger force of
rebels was not far behind. It seems that Kilpatrick had
made a success of his enterprise, but in doing so had
attracted a strong force of rebel cavahy, who had followed
him on his retreat. So we were now all confronted with a
superior force of the enemy, and our position was not the
most fortunate. Here we were, one Regiment of infantry
and a Brigade of cavalry against about all the available cav-
alry- in the rebel arm v. Then we were on their side of the
river, with only a single pontoon bridge on which to cross in
case of retreat.

In this condition there was only one thing to do — tliat w as
to make such preparations that retreat would not be neces-
sary. This we at once set about doing.

A line of battle was formed in the shape of a semi-circle,
each Hank resting on the river, the 58th Regiment of infantry
being in the center of the line. There were a number of log
houses in the little village, known as Sandtown. These
were torn down and the logs utilized in building rifle pits.
The men worked like beavers in constructing these works of

;}(i4 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

defense, and it was not long until we were in shape to have
giveji the rebels a warm reception. A strong skirmish line
was kept well out to the front, with a stronger force in
reserve. For some reason the enemv did not press our
retreating cavalrv, but contented themselves with skirmish-
ing with our advanced lines.

This disposition of the rebels, and their delav, was a for-
tunate thing for our little force at the river. If they had
pressed their advantage, our men most certainly would
have had a hard time in holding tiieir position. We waited
and worked all night long, making all the noise we could,
meanwhile, but the rebels come not. With the exception
of one or two little brushes with our outline of skirmishers,
there was no evidence that there was any rebel' force near.
Soon after daylight a reconnoisance was made, developing
the fact that the enemy had retired. Of course our men
breathed easier after this was known. Weary with an all
night watching, they betook themselves to rest and sleep.

The Regiment remained here for several da3's after this,
Ijut there was no further demonstration by the enemv. Our
boys, being several miles from the main army, had access to
the fruit, fresh meat, and other articles in which this vicin-
ity abounded ; and, in consequence, were enjoving life.

On the 25th of August orders came to march, and a short
time before simdown the Regiment started, marching in a
southerly direction. The roads were bad and tlie Pontoon
train was long, so that there was slow progress at first.
Some time after dark the Regiment went into camp, about
eight miles from the starting place. The camping ground
here was in a large, open field, and it was discovered that
other troops were there ahead of oin- Regiment. These
were found to be the Fourth Corps ; and tlie fiu'ther tact was
ascertained that this was a movement of the largest part of
Sherman's army around Atlanta, for the purpose of cutting
otV the retreat of Hood trom that belea<ruered cit^'. The
Pontoon train was to go with \hc arnn- in this expedition,
hence our nioNcmiMit from tlie river.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

365

On the morning of the 27th, the march was resumed, but
it was even slower than that of yesterda}^ and only five
miles were covered. The countr}^ over which they marched
was aptly described as utterl}' "God forsaken." A camp-
ing place was tound near a large rebel hospital that had
been abandoned.

On Sundav, the 28th, the Regiment prepared to march at
six a. m., but did not start until nine. An hour after, thev

DKSTROYIXC; A RAILROAD.

caught up with the army. The West Point railroad was
reached this day, after a march of four miles. Here the
Regiment remained until Tuesday, the 30th. This time was
spent b}^ our army in the destruction of the railroad. Some
fifteen or twenty-five miles of the road were effectually
destroyed. The ties were burned and the iron bent by the
heat.

866 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

An effort was made to move about eight a. m. on Tues-
day, but it was eleven when the train got under headway.
About eight miles were made without finding the long
sought "garden spot/' The land was desolate, as in all
these parts. The camp was three miles from Jonesboro.

Next morning, the 31st, the Regiment had orders to tix
up camp, but about an hour afterwards orders came to move
forward. Thev moved two miles and went into camp.
Here, thev remained until Friday, September 2d. While
they were in this camp the battle of Jonesboro was fought,
which decided the fate of Atlanta. That cit}^ was evacuated
bv the rebels in order to save themselves from being cut
off. Thus was Sherman's flankinif methods asfain suc-
cessful.

On Friday the Regiment moved into Jonesboro. This
is a pretty little town and there is considerable evidence of
wealth. Only a few women and children remained of the
former population. The court house and some other build-
ing, had been destroyed by General Kilpatrick, in the raid
which has been mentioned. On the march to the town a
part of the battlefield was passed over. Some of the rebels
were still unburied. The march was continued down the
railroad about six miles, the road being destroyed as the
arm}^ advanced. In the evening, there was heavy fighting
in front, at Lovejov, in which our troops were successful.

On Saturday, the 3d, orders came to cease tearing up the
road and return to Atlanta, and, on Sundax', the 4th, the
countermarch began. The Regiment came back to Rough-
and-Ready — sixteen miles — while the main army remained
in front, to follow on at leisure. Monday, the 5th, Atlanta
was reached about ten a. m. Passing through the city the
Regiment camped, after a march of fifteen miles, at the old
spot at DeFour's Ferry. Next day, the work of fixing up
the camp, began, and it was not completed imtil after I
joined the Regiment,

A brief description of our Regimental camp may be ot
interest. The front of the camp faces almost to the i ast.

FIFTY-EICtHTH INDIANA EEGDIENT. 36 7

The field and staff line has three wall tents, one of which is
occupied by the Lieutenant-Colonel and Major, another by
the Adjutant and Commissary Sergeant, and the third by the
Surgeon, Chaplain and Assistant Surgeon. They are shaded
by pine boughs laid on poles. Behind these are two huts,
occupied by the Colonel's white and black servants. The
former include the orderly and cook, and the latter two
negroes.

To our right, on this line, are the quarters of the non-com-
missioned staff. The}^ have two huts, covered with shelter
tents. We have a larger staff than most commands, for ours
includes the butcher and color bearer. The mail is under
the care of the Ordnance Sergeant. We have received but
one mail since m}^ return from the North, though we send
out one every da}'.

To our left is the quarters of the brass band. They are
without a leader, but they play several tunes very well. But
their noise is not entertaining.

A short distance to the left, and near the band quarters, is
the Regimental chapel. This is about 30x40 feet, with a
single aisle through the middle. There are good seats, of
two-inch pine plank, without an}^ backs. There is but one
entrance. The roof, which is about ten feet high, is sup-
ported by poles, and is covered with pine brush, which
keeps off the sun, but not the rain. There are branches of
pine suspended from the outer edge of the roof, and reaching
almost to the seats, which make a wall enclosing the chapel.
A very neat camp table has been made by the mechanics for
the Bible and h3^mn book.

The line officers usuall}^ have huts, covered with con-
demned boat canvas. This is dirt}^, from long use beneath
the surface of the \\ ater, but it is water proof. The line also
has a number of cook shanties. Usuallv, there are from four
to six officers in a mess.

The quarters of the men are placed by Companies, in the
usual manner, and are dry and comfortable. There is not a
large number of men on dutv in the Companies, on account

868 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

of the numerous details. Sometimes a Company has but a
single private, with a hall' dozen officers to command him.

In Iront of the color line is a line of substantial field works,
made bv the 20th Corps, when they fell back l>om Atlanta
to the Chattahoochee, during Sherman's flanking movement
to Jonesboro. The ground of our camp is elevated, and
overlooks the surrounding countr}^ We are shaded by a
growth of oak, which makes it very pleasant.

To the left of the Regimental camp, about one liundred
yards, is the camp of our cattle guard. The}- have two or
three huts, very much like those in the camp proper. In a
pen, near bv, are our cattle, which have evidently seen bet-
ter days, as they are becoming very bony. They are taken
out to graze every day, but there is little lor them to eat.
The butcher's rule is to kill the poorest, lest they die before
the next issue day. A Sergeant — Dan Harrison — commands
the cattle guard.

To the right and rear of the Regimental camp are the
Regimental teamsters. We have three ambulances and three
wagons. There are the usual number of private horses. A
shed has been made for the horses and mules, but it is too
high to do much good when it rains. Sergeant Armstrong,
the old sharpshooter, is the ranking man in this squad, and
iua\- hv considered the commanding officer.

An liundred vards in the rear of the teamsters is the Reg-
imental commissary, presided over by Sergeant C. C. Mont-
gomery. Here a moderate suppl}- of rations is sheltered and
guarded.

Fifty 3'ards in the rear of the commissary is the pontoon
corral, embracing about an acre, inclosed by sheds of cedar
branches. Here are the wagons and mules ol the train.
There are about one hundred wagons and iive hundred nuiles.
The wagons show signs of a long campaign, and the mules
are very poor. A small supply of shelled corn or oats is all
they get at this time. Near tiie corral, the drivers are living
in some huts, called, from their arrangement, Scattertown.
The public horses, near fift}- in numl)er, are kept aliout Scat-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. ^fi!)

tertown. Near this, also, are stored the pontoon materials.
The chess, balk, and boat frames, are nicely arranged in
what we might call the boat yard. Tiie canvas, ropes, etc.,
are stored in houses.

In the same neighborhood, the mechanics, under Lieuten-
ant Wood, have built a row of shops, with a yard in the rear,
and their quarters behind the 3'ard. At any hour of the day
the carpenters, blacksmiths, wagon makers, harness makers,
etc., mav be seen working at their respective trades. Their
labors are performed with great cheerfulness. There is no
bossing, nor is there a need of any. The work is light, and
much easier than idleness. Much time is spent in making
tables, stools, boxes, etc.

A magnificent swing hangs from two giant pines in the
mechanics' vard, and is free to all who wish to use it.

Across the road is the Regimental bakery, which is run
by Sergeant Armstrong and Privates Joseph Wilson and
Benjamin Clayton. The greatest embarrassment connected
with it is the want of flour.

After paying our respects to the headquarters, on the hill,
to the right of our Regimental camp, we are through. Col-
onel Buell has for his staff. Lieutenant Williams, of the looth
Illinois; Lieutenant Daniels, of the 17th Ohio; Captain
Tovisev, and Lieutenants Jones and Torrence, of the 58th
Indiana.

In company with Dr. Iloltzman and Lieutenant Mason, I
visited Atlanta, Monday, September 19th. There are still a
good many citizens here, notwithstanding General Sherman's
order of banishment. Some harsh criticisms are made by
manv on account of Sherman's action in this matter, But, I
think, imder the circumstances, the order was a wise one.
It is true, there is not much humanity about it, but there is
not much humanity about war measures of any kind. As
soon as our army moves on, then these citizens should be
allowed to return and make a living for themselves.

Among the places visited was the city cemetery. In the
ordinary condition of things, the cemetery- is not the most

370 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

cheerful spot one could rind when making" a pleasure ramble.
But the condition of things around Atlanta was not in the
ordinary line, and the cemetery was about as cheerful as the
other places around the city. A part of the fence around the
cemetery has been torn away, and some of the ornaments
destroyed. There was abundant evidence that this was once
a beautiful burying ground, but the ravages of war has
affected the resting place of the dead, as well as the habita-
tion of the living.

In one place, I noticed a splendid gothic monument over
a vault, which is now open and the coffins exposed. This is
a sickening, loathsome sight. When I die, I want to be
buried in the ground. I want no vandals to gaze on my dead
face, nor do I wish to have my mummy hawked in the mar-
kets of future generations. I prefer to return to mother dust.

The works on the eastern side of the city resemble those
on the northwestern, and are very close to the city. Near
them are the fragments of many cars which were burned by
the rebels. The ground about the cars is covered with the
fragments of shells and other ammunition. This must have
been loaded on the trains, or destroyed with some houses in
the neighborhood.

It is difficult for one from the populous North to realize
that a city, no larger than Atlanta, could have been accounted
of such importance. But when one calls to mind how thinly
peopled this country is, he can appreciate that this was a
great city to them. There are a few good churches, a few
squares of solid business houses, and a number of foundries.
The population before the war mayluive been nearly 4,000.
It is said to have greatly increased during the war. Here
many materials for the conflict were prepared, and many
refugees from North Georgia and Tennessee found shelter.

Many houses are being torn down, and the materials trans-
ported to camp to shelter the troops. There can be no
objection to this. It seems a pity to destroy the houses, but
the men are better than the buildings. Our people have long
been exposed, and must now liavc protection and rest.

FIFTY-EICtHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. .'{71

For two years. Captain Cain has been trying- to resign.
He tirst made the attempt during the pursuit of Bragg, in
Kentuck}'. He has also sent up a number of applications
for leave of absence, all of which have been returned disap-
proved until now. But the long continued suit has at
last been successful. To-day his offered resignation has
been returned, "Accepted on account of expiration of term
of service, and I'amilv affairs. " I have often spoken of Cap-
tain Cain in these records. We all regret to part with him.
He is one of the chief supports of the Christian sentiment in
the Regiment. A good singer, gifted in prayer, and faith-
ful in his attendance on the means of grace, we will greatly
miss him from our little circle of Christians. The contem-
plation of the loss of many of our leading Christian men, by
the expiration of iheir terms of service this fall, increases
our sadness in parting with the Captain, We can but feel
desolate in parting with those who have long been our asso-
ciates in camp and march, in storm and battlefield. T'he
friendships of home life are tame, compared with the attach-
ments of those who have stood together amid the battle's
rage, who have been wet by the same storms, and endured
hunger of the same sieges. Around our plain camp tables
and cheerful blazing ffres, or on the long marches, our hearts
become knit as those of David and Jonathan.

Sunday, Sp:ptp:mber 25. — The Sabbath dawned most
beautitully. At 9:30 a. m. our little chapel was crowded
by an attentive congregation. A few citizens were present.
There is no special difficulty in preaching before soldiers.
At two p. m. we met and organized a Bible class. It went
otT a little dry. Perhaps we will make it interesting in the
future. The lesson to-day was Matthew, ist chapter. In
the evening the congregation was large and attentive.
There is a good, religious feeling in the Regiment.

Monday, September 26. — This has been a beautiful
autumnal da}^ The air is exceedingly bracing. The repair-
ing and repai-nting of the train is going on rapidly. Man\'
trains crowded with troops of the 4th Corps, passed to the

H2 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

rear to-day and yesterday. There are many rumors and
surmises. Some think the 4th Corps, and, perhaps some
other troops, are going to Virginia, either by the way of
the north, or through Bull's Gap. Some think the move-
ments of this Corps are only to check a rebel raid, now said
to be progressing around our left iiank. Of course, I have
no means of knowing the exact truth. But, I am satisfied,
that if a part of this army does not go to Richmond, it
should. Now is the time to overturn this slave-holding
empire.

The rumors of the day are all encouraging. Gold has
fallen. The rebels are badh^ defeated in the Shenandoah
Valley. Our people are greatl}^ encouraged. Now if Rich-
mond falls, and Lincoln is re-elected, the work will soon be
accomplished. And what a work — the Union re-established
and slavery destroyed. God hasten the day. May the
days of our watching and waiting soon end in glorious
triumph.

The regular monthh' meeting of our Christian Association
convened this evening, in the chapel. Moderator Wallace
opened with prayer. He then encouraged the members to
take part in the business. The constitution was read and
a number came forward and enrolled their names. The tol-
lowing officers were elected for the ensuing year : John A.
Everett, Moderator ; Jacob Davis, Clerk ; Ebenezer Keeler,
Andrew Gudgel, John Emmerson, Executive Committee.
Captain Cain asked for a letter of dismission. He made a
few very feeling remarks, in taking leave of us. We would
never all see him again ; but we would not be forgotten by
liim. He exhorted us to prepare for Heaven. A paper was
then adopted by the Association, and in conclusion, an
appropriate song was sung and the parting hand was given
to our departing brother. He prayed with and for us. The
benediction was then pronounced.

The 1st Michigan Engineei's came from the rear, with a
long train, and encamped near us. They have an endless
supply of baggage.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMEXT. 8711

Our camp is daily visited by women, children, and a few
men. They are nearly all lean, lank, cadaverous people.
Thev sell butter, butter milk, green beans, chickens, toma-
toes, muscadine grapes, etc. They exchange these things
for our rations. As we cannot buy for cash, we cannot pur-
chase verv extensivelv. The people in these parts are pretty
well starv^ed for the necessities of life. It is this that drives
them to this trade. Some come in begging, and tiiey tell
most pitiful tales. We cannot give them much, as we do
not care to feed the women and children of men, who are
lying in the bushes and attempting to cut the railroad which
brings the food. Can anything be more ridiculous than for
these women to come snubbing about our camp, while their
lantern-jawed lords are h'ing in ambush to shoot us? Oh,
that these people had known when they were well off.

Manv of the countrv people call on Dr. Patten for medi-
cine and medical attention. It is unsafe for him to be rid-
ing about the countrv, hence he refuses all calls for visiting
outside of camp. He gives out medicines, although his
supply is small. All the native physicians have gone south.
The rich and great have fled and left these poor women to
the tender mercies of the detested Yankees.

The men sent several da3's ago to Chattanooga, for mules,
returned, to-day, without them. The}^ report that General
Newton's Division is at Chattanooga. One Division from
here passed on through that post. One Division of the 15th
Corps has gone to Rome. There has been no connection
between Nashville and Chattanooga for some days.

Major Downey went to Marietta, Saturday, October ist,
for the veterans of the loth Indiana, who have been assigned
to our Regiment, but he did not get them. There is more
red tape about the affair than can be unwound in one day.

We have had frequent rains lately, and the Chattahoochee
has risen rapidly during last night. Before daylight this
morning, a large amount of drift was massed on the upper
trestle bridge, across the river at this point, and the bridge
was torn away, without leaving a vestige to tell where it

^74. CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

once stood. Sweeping down the stream, it carried away
the next trestle bridge bv the help of the accumulated drift.
Next, a span of the great railroad bridge was carried away.
It fell into the river with a great crash. Lieutenant Jones,
at once, was sent to communicate the tidings to General
Thomas' headquarters, at Atlanta.

Thus, the rest of the Sabbath is to be broken, because the
Chattahoochee must be bridged, and our Pontoniers must
do the work. Early in the morning they were called out
and began the work. The river being very much swollen,
and very swift, and there being large quantities of drift, it
was a difficult undertaking to lay a bridge. Twice the end
s^^■unti: around before the two shores were connected. In
the latter part of the day there was not so much drift, and
bv the middle of the afternoon the bridge was completed.
As soon as the way was open troops and wagons began to
cross, going to the rear. A Brigade of the 20th Corps
crossed last night on the trestle bridge just before it was
swept away. General Garrard's cavalry, sixteen hundred
strong, came from the lett of the army and camped near us,
this afternoon. The 17th Indiana is in this command and
several of the boys visited friends in our camp.

There are many rumors afloat. Certain, it is, that our
communications with Chattanooga are severed. The rebels
are crossing the Chattahoochee and moving north, and there
are rumors that some pf their forces are in middle Tennessee.
Sound of cannonading was distinctly heard late this atter-
noon, down the Chattahoochee, and it is evident that war is
beginning again. During the month of September there
has been almost an unbroken rest, by the two armies.

Monday, Octohek 3. — One of the pontoons on this end,
and two on the other, were on the ground this morning,
caused by the river falling during the night. Alter a break-
fast job, lasting until eight o'clock, the bridge was shortened
to suit the present size of the river. General Garrard's
forces crossed to the northern bank. A small wagon train
was passed to the south side. General Kilpatrick's train of

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA RE(tIMENT. :{7:)

two hundred wagons had come up from the iSandtown
regions to cross here ; the bridge there had been washed
away. The ist and 3d Divisions,, of the 4th Corps, then
came up from Athmta and crossed over. The 2d Division
had gone some days ago on the cars.

Our Regiment laid a second bridge during the forenoon.
The Tennessee Pontoniers put down one. The trains and
troops continued to cross all night.

Tuesday, October 4. — The repairing corps is removing
a large drift, collected about the abutments of the old rail-
road bridge. Here, recentlv, was a wagon bridge, and
another is to be built. This corps is repairing the railroad
bridge.

The most of the armies of the Tennessee and the Ohio
have been crossing to-da^'. The wagons are still rolling
over as I write — eight p. m. Tlie 20th Corps remains at
Atlanta.

I have no detinite information of the movements of the
rebels. Thev must be moving northward in force, or General
Sherman would not be sending all his army in that direc-
tion. Camp tales assign Longstreet, or Beauregard, to the
command of the rebel army. After entrenching on the
West Point railroad the}^ are said to have crossed the Chat-
tahoochee in force, and are now moving for the AUatoona
Mountains. Our people moved out from Marietta to the
Kenesaw Mountain, this morning, and occupied the rebel
works. There is a prospect of a battle in a few days.

We hear more idle tales afloat, when our communications
are cut, than we do genviine news when the papers come reg-
ularly to camp. We now hear great tidings from Rich-
mond, chiefly brought b}^ the "grape vine" line. These
rumors are all encouraging ; showing at least that the army
is in good spirits.

Our arm}^ has been very much rested by their month's
quiet. Nearly all the articles needed for the good of the
soldiers have been procured. The men almost look like
new men. Many of the gun carnages have been repaired

.'{7(; CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THF.

and repainted. The Army of the Tennessee have the best
horses and mules. Those of the Cumberland and Ohio
never will recover from the severe East Tennessee campaign.

The men are full of life and in good spirits. We have
plentv of rations for several days. But the forage is about
exhausted. Something must be done immediately to open
our communications.

We have orders to get read\^ six hundred feet of our bridge,
for marching. The Army of the Ohio is over, with all its
transportation. The transportation of the Army of the Ten-
nessee is not all over yet. The Army of the Tennessee
pontoons are poor affairs. They now have dow"n but the
fourth bridge of the campaign, and it is badly in need of
repair.

Mondav, the 3d inst., the veterans of the loth Indiana,
136 strong, joined our command. They are quartered on
the left of our Regiment. They seem to be very good sol-
diers.

■ The grand army is gone. One Brigade of the 20th Corps
remains at this point as a garrison. The 58th Regiment is
encamped on a hill w^hich commands the railroad bridge.
Yet the brilliant genius in command of this post wants this
hill evacuated. If the enemy had it, our other works on
this side of the river would be completely enfiladed. The
Colonel commandini^ — I have not seen him — must be a burn-
ing and shining light, in the military galaxy.

Rumor this evening (October 5th) places the rebel army
at Dallas. Thev are rapidly advancing, occupying our old
w'orks and fortilying. There is said to have been skirmish-
ing at Big Shanty, and in the neighborhood of Lost Moun-
tain, this morning. It is probable that Selma will be the new
base for the rebel armv, and the railroad to Jacksonville the
line of operations. This is a splendid mtnement lor them.
May its splendor be dimmed in the lirst contest. This may
come to-morrow, or next day.

Thursday, October 6. — It has rained nearly all day.
We seem to be in the midst of a rainy season.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA PvEGDIENT. 377

The garrison here is putting up tieki works. These com-
mand the approach to the bridge, when the enemy comes up
the river. But no provision is being made to meet an enemy
coming down. There are ah'ead}^ works which are suitable
for this, but thev are not vet occupied. General Slocum
has orders to be well on his guard, in reference to this point.
There is a rumor that a strong force of rebels are within
three miles of here, to-da}^.

The enemv is said to have made a dash on our men at
Allatoona to-day. Result unknown.

The great railroad bridge is being slowh^ repaired. There
is still another span to build.

Six hundred feet of our pontoon bridging is loaded and
on the other side of the river, ready to move at a moment's
notice..

Friday, October 7. — An attack on this post is expected.
Additional ammunition has been issued. New held works
are being constructed.

A barrel of whiskey was brought to-day iVom Marietta by
the commissary. Some officers and men are drunk and ac'.-
ing the fool.

Sickness is on the increase. This is usually the case
when the Regiment is lying in camp. There are several
cases of scurvy and two of typhoid fever.

The forage for the horses and mules in the entire army is
out. We must now depend on grazing. The stock can live
but a few days on this. Many have died of starvation, and
many more must shortly die. The army is on short rations.
No trains are running. No mail goes or comes.

The timber, on the hill, to the left of our Regiment, has
been cut down, to prevent it from sheltering an enemy, in
case of an attack. Not having men enough to hold the line
to Peach Tree Creek, our left would be greatly exposed.

Ours is the onlv command in the armv not on short
rations.

Monday, October 10. — All has remained quiet to-day at
DeFour's Ferrv. The enemv have not made their appear-

fiin CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

ance. Re-enforcements have been received by our people.
There has been no passing or repassing, except some trains
of raih"oacl iron, to the rear. Our commuications with the
rear is still severed. Mails never come. The stock is with-
out feed.

The news with us, to-day, is that some days ago the rebels
made several unsuccessful assaults on our works at Alla-
toona Pass. They were repulsed, and retreated vmder cover
of the night, leaving their dead and wounded on the tield.
Their loss is said to have amounted to 2,000. We hear
nothing of the movements of the troops who crossed our
bridge a week ago. From the East we hear that a des-
perate battle has been fought. The rebels were defeated.
Thev evacuated Richmond. This came by signals from
Resaca to Kenesaw, and was seen on the bulletin board
at Atlanta. We do not know whether to believe all
this or not, but we note it down as the sum of to-day's
rumors.

Speaking on this subject I am led to say that Sergeant
Wm. Kendall, of Company H, now in charge of the pioneer
tools, is our most famous grapevine operator. I must do
him the justice to sav, that he is one of the best posted in
reference to the current news, of the Regiment. He reads
all the papers w^e get, and is always making inquiries
amongst passing troops. But he is famous for giving circu-
lation to a thousand false tales. No sooner is it known that
a story came from Bill Kendall, than men begin to laugh at
it as preposterous. lie is a prophet, also. He is now otier-
ing to bet freely that wa^ will not leave this camp until peace
is made.

One drummer and two filers, of the loth Indiana, took up
their quarters with our band. They played the retreat
to-night.

A parade ground was cleared out to the left and rear ot
the Regiment. Dress parade was held at 4 : 30 p. m. This
is the lirst one we have had in this camp. Our men are so
scattered that it is iiu^on\'iniient to have parade.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEGIMKXT. 379

Several women were in camp to-day, begging. Thev did
not get anything to eat. Indeed, it is the greatest joke ot'
the season, tor these women to come begging food from
soldiers, who are themselves on half rations, because the
husbands of tliese women are in our rear, cutting off our sup-
plies. If the men can stop one half, and the women beg
tlie other, we mav sav our shortest pravers and die at once.

This is an. exceedingly lovelv night. The air is bracing.
The moon is shining lovely. The earth has been dried by
recent rains. The leaves are still green upon the trees.
Men are sitting about their camp hres. There is no whisky
in camp to-night. A spirit of cheert'ulness and hilaritv pre-
vails. Some are talking and laughing. Some are singing.
Some are playing on some instrument of music.

I am tryincr to learn a tew lessons in German. I wish
that I could speak it. Here I close mv rambling records
for to-day.

Tuesday, October ii. — The momentous event of to-day
is the election in Indiana. I dreamed last night that I voted.
It was late this afternoon. I voted — just as I would have
done had I been at home — for all the Union ticket. State
and county, except Colonel Conrad Baker. He once
insulted me in a small matter, and has never made any
apology. I bear him no malice, but I cannot vote for him
under present circumstances — even in dreams.

I feel a deep interest in the election in Indiana. I hope
our State will not be handed over to Mr. McDonald, and his
faction of disappointed and unpatriotic men. He has no
appreciation of the great struggle we are now engaged in.
He and his people are devotedly attached to the institution
of human slavery. Their success would oiih- prolong the
contest. It must continue until slavery falls.

The news of the evacuation of Richmond is not contirmed
to-day. A dispatch from General Slocum, containing yes-
terda3''s news, has been in* circulation this afternoon and the
Regiments have been hollowing about it. I had rather have
a confirmation for to-day. than a rehash of A'esterda\\s tale.

380 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

I find many men in the army who won't believe anything
until they hear it several times ; on the same principle of some
people who tell a lie until they begin to believe that it is true.
The news from Allatoona Pass is confirmed. It will do to
tie to.

Indiana is full of fools and traitors. Between the two
there is some danger that Joseph E. McDonald has been
elected governor. My trust is in God. I cannot think that
He would permit such a calamity to overtake the State.
Surely there are enough righteous men in Indiana to save it.

We had a good meeting this evening. Private Henry W.
Bryant preached on "The Fullness of Christ." One young
man came forward for the prayers of the Church.

Wednesday, October 12. — We are still without any
communication, by rail, with the rear. Telegraphic com-
munication was restored yesterday. I have not heard a
single addition to our stock of news from Sherman or Grant.
In our immediate vicinity, I can only record a slight skir-
mish on the picket line at Atlanta, the passage of 2,000 beef
cattle towards Atlanta, and the exit of a large drove of con-
valescent horses and mules to the rear.

Work is still progressing on the fortitications. A short
line has been constructed to-day, to protect our left.

Our lives are now almost as monotonous as those ol men
in prison. Entirely cut off from all communication with the
rest of mankind, and with nothing to attract our attention,
we are thrown entirely upon our own resources for happiness.

An election was held yesterday and to-day in the 58th
Indiana, merely to ascertain the sentiments of the men on
political questions. The soldiers of Indiana arc not allowed
to go home to vote, nor to have their vote, cast in the tield,
counted. In other words, there is a large portion of the
loyal element of Indiana disfranchised, by the decision of
the last Legislature, which was largely disloyal. Tliis vot-
ing in our Regiment, therefore, vVas only to show how we
would have expressed ourselv^es if we had been given a
chance. r^ojlowinir is the result :

FlFTY-EKiHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 381

THE REGIMENTAL VOTE FOR GOVERNOR. lS6/f.

Sectiox.

Held and Staff

Company A

Company B

Company C

Company D_.

Company E

Company F

Company G .

Company H .

Company I .

Company K _.

First Detachment, loth Indiana_ .
Second Detachment, loth Indiana.

Total

McDonald vote, 34.

•TJ

.SI
34

49
41
49

50
41

H
pi

5S
49
44
36
34
45
34
39
36
27

5"
41

569 503 469

10
36
49
43
3^)
3-
44
Z3
39
36
20

50
41

Morton's majority', 435.

There are more McClellan men than McDonald men in
our Regiment.

We have no current news to-day, nor confirmation of pre-
vious rumors of the fall of Richmond. We have no trains,
mail, or telegraphic dispatches. The mules and horses are
still without any feed, except a little wild grass from the
woods and old fields. The weather is exceedingly beautiful
and pleasant. The nights are cool, but there is no frost.

Our Regiment is now reporting to the Brigade com-
mander, of this post, for orders. He belongs to the 3d
Division, of the 2()th Corps.

CHAPTER XXV.

In Camp on the Chattahoochee — Some Exciting Inci-
, dents to Vary the Monotony — Desertion of Shaw,
fui.lerton and plerson^ — capture of our mules
— Exciting but Fruitless Chase — Communications
with the North Severed — New Recruits — Watch
Presentation — Non - Veterans Return Home —
Preparations to Join Sherman in his March to
Savannah — Leaving our Pleasant Camps.

SOMETIMES it seems that His Satanic Majesty is in full
control of our Regiment, and that his emissaries are
especially engaged in creating trouble in camp. To-night
(October 13th) was one of such times. When I went to bed,
about ten o'clock, George W. Howard, of the band, was
making considerable noise, in his quarters, on our line.
The Major made him go to bed, wliich was not only tlie
best thing that could be done for the bo}^, but it also saved
him from being engaged in a lirst-class row. wliich was tlien
brewing.

It seems tliat a few rowdies, in our Regiment, have a
society of some kind — probably devoted to wliisky and lewd
women. After I lay down, this evening, I heard a great
noise in the distance. Soon, the Major was on his feet,
commanding the guard to arrest the party making the noise.
The guard started to perform this duty and soon returned,
bringing some one who had been badly beaten. It was
McAllister, of Company A. He was recruited last spring
by Captain C. C. Whiting, He has been in at k\ist one
Regiment, otlier tlian ours, from which he was ncn-er cHs-
charged. He says he has bi-iMi in llie reliel army, antl was

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 383

an orderly to General Hardee. He has a brii^dit and intel-
lectual countenance, but a most villainous eye, and is with-
out education. He has peculiar talents for singini^ and
kicking up all kinds ot' gymnastic feats. To-night, he has
been out, in company with some members of his "society,"
serenading. By this employment, they got enough whisky
to make the entire company drunk. Some mules and horses
were to be taken from the corral. On these they were to
ride, I know not where ; but the brethren fell out by the
way. McAllister was badly beaten by one Hugh Shaw, the
most desperate man in the Regiment. Shaw was just trom
the State prison, when he enlisted in the 58th Regiment, in
1861. He comes of bad stock. He knows how to behave,
and can even assume some of the refinements of good society.
He is smart enough to get along in almost an}^ occupation,
and is a man of many good impulses and traits. He has
once been sentenced to death* since he has been in the
Regiment. He attempted to escape, but w^as recaptured.
The man who was with him has never been heard of since.
In company with Shaw, in the fracas last night, were Charles
Fullerton, leader of the brass band, and James Pierson, alias
"Turnips." They were all arrested and tied up.

Friday, October 14. — This has been another beautiful
and quiet day. We received a mail, but the latest dates
were the 15th and i6th of last month. At that time com-
munications wuth the North were open. So this mail has
brought us nothing new. The rebel army is reported on the
railroad, between Resaca and Chattanooga. The capture of
Richmond is still unconfirmed. I am, therefore, satisfied
that there is no truth in the rumor. I hear again, to-day,
that Sheridan has again defeated Earh^ in the Shenandoah
valley. I suppose that this is the same old story, repeated
for want of something else to tell. If we must liave lies, I
prefer new ones. I hear also hear that Huford has defeated
Breckinridge, in Kentucky. This is the first intimation to

* Tliis was lor a brcacli ol" discipline at Dcchcrd, Tenn., in iS6j. Sec
page 84.

H84 CHAPLAIN IIIGHT'S HISTOID OF TllK

nu" tliat either of thoni was in the bluegrass conimonweahh.
There is great danger that Breckinridge mav carry off some
of the more enthusiastic McClellan men into the rebel army.
With these brief rumors and surmises, and this old mail, ends
our communications with yonder world. We cannot see as
much of it as the inhabitants of the moon, for to them it
appears as a large, beautiful orb. We see a few yards of a
dirty river, and the adjoining hills. Meanwhile, the stock
of rations is getting smaller, and the mules and horses are
starving.

The young rowdies of last night's debauch are on latigue
duty to-day, except McAllister, who has not sufficiently
recovered. Howard was released at noon. In the forenoon,
they worked on the entrenchments, and in the afternoon they
buried mules and dug up stumps.

Saturdav, October 15. — Charles Fullerton, Hugh Shaw
and James Pierson deserted last night. The}^ are notorious
rascals. Everybody seems glad that they are gone.

Sunday, October 16. — We received a mail this at'ternoon.
There were no dates later than the ist inst. Tiiere is great
rejoicing in camp, as the men read the names of the drafted.

It seems that Hugh Shaw, Charles Fullerton and James
Pierson, who deserted us Saturday' night, have joined a
band of rebel marauders, who are now infesting the sur-
rounding regions. As we liave no mounted men, our
forage parties are almost entirely at tiieir mercy. Earh-
Ihis morning, as usual, the mules and horses, under the
drivers, protected bv only thirteen guards, imder Lieutenant
Robert Cromwell, were sent out to graze. The mules
were taken two miles up Peach Tree Creek, and crossed
over on a bridge, into an old field, where they were graz-
ing. This is the second bridge on the creek ; the hrst
one is near the mouth. In several places between these,
footmen can cross. Ikit in most places the water is deep
enough to drown a man or mule. Just abov-e tiie place
where the mules were feeding therq is another liridge, on a
road leadinn- from Atlanta to Pace's Eerrw A short (lis-

FIFTY-EKxHTH INDIA^W REGIMENT. 385

tance out this road it is crossed by another bridge, leading
iVom the mill, near our camp, to Buck Head. These two
roads and the creek form an angle ; in this, the mules were
I'eeding, as stated above. Lieutenant Cromwell posted his
men in the neighborhood of the road tiiat crosses the creek,
but left the Buck Mead road unguarded. At the same time,
Captain William E, Chappell, with sev^en men and three
wagons, went out hunting for lumber. He left two of iiis
men on this side of the creek, and went with the other fiv-e
to the Buck Head road for lumber. He posted Henry C.
Wyalt and George W. Martin, out in advance, on tiiis road,
as videttes.

In the meantime, an old citizen, passing by, on his way
to mill, called Lieutenant Cromwell and cautioned him to
be on his guard, as there were rebels about. To this, it
seems, no attention was paid by the Lieutenant, as it was
not believed there were any rebels near. Three men, two
in Union uniform and one in citizen's dress, came by Ser-
geant Berr}^, of Lieutenant Cromwell's command. The
men carefully kept their hands on their guns, as they
approached. They said: "Hello, boys! wiiat are you
doing here? Where do you belong? At Gain's Ferry?"
The}^ then further asked, "Have 3'ou seen any rebels
about here to-day?" They then passed on. After
they were gone, the Sergeant spoke to a man on duty
near, about these three fellows. They all agreed that
"they looked at us suspicioush'." The Sergeant, at first,
thought that they were scouts, but afterwards concluded
that they were rebels. The other man said, "they are
scouts, and are suspicious that we are rebels." The
Sergeant was impressed that if they were rebels, it would
not do to arrest them, for said he, "when the first gun was
fired they would all be on us, and what could thirteen men
do?" It was afterwards discovered that two of these men
were scouts, and one a spy — all belonging to our army.
They had seen the rebels a short time before. Why they
did not tell our boys of this, 1 am unable to sav.

38G

CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Wvatt and Martin left their ]:)()st and wandered along the
Buck Head road, at least a mile, to a house where some
women live. The women told them that the rebels had been
there, that morning, and would soon return, and that they
had better leave, but our boys paid no attention to this advice.
Soon the rebels came from the direction of Buck Head.
Wyatt and Martin were made prisoners. The scouts had seen
them shake hands, and heard one say, "How are you,
Shaw? " The scouts did not belong to our command here,
but to Atlanta. Thither they went, immediately, carrying
such news as they had picked up.

Captain Chappell looked down the road and saw about
twenty rebels, mounted, and charging on his little party.
His three men were loading- boards. He commanded them
to get their guns, but the rebels w^ere too
close on them. They fled into the tim-
ber, followed bv Edward Mason, of Com-
panv D, the hostler for the field and staft'
otiicers. The rebels called aloud for a
halt, and began firing. Mason obeyed
and was marched off by the rebels, on
double quick. The remainder of the
party trusted to the brush and escaped.
In the head of a little ravine, under some
green briars, Captain Chappell sought shelter and found
safety. The rest of the party also escaped. A short distance
farther on, the road leads by the field, where the mules were
grazing. Into this field, the rebels, some twenty strong,
charged with a loud yell. They had passed by the left flank
of the guards. One man of the thirteen — Henry Beck —
fired on the rebels. The remainder of the guards fled, seek-
ing safety for tliemselves. Several of them state tliat tiiey

LIEUT. S. F. UTLEY,

Company K.

* Was mustered in with the Regiment at Camp Gibson, and served in the
ranks until November, 1864, when he was promoted to Second Lieutenant of
Company K. He was mustered out with tlie Regiment as First Lieutenant.
Since the war, he has been engaged, principally, in tanning, ami now resides
near Waterloo, Kansas.

FIFTY-ETGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. V,M

might have delivered efficient shots, but they tlioiight such
a course would endanger their safety.

Other bands of rebels, besides the twent}^ above named,
dashed into the field ; accounts differ as to numbers. As
they came in, they shouted, and some discharged their
pieces. They seemed more bent on making a noise than on
hurting any one.

The teamsters dispkwed a most astonisliing ingenuity, and
alacrity, in fleeing Irom the marauders. Some fled up the
creek and some down ; some flew rapidly over the bridge,
like Mohammedan going to Heaven ; some plunged into
the stream, as Leander did the Hellespont; others, less
classic, hid in the bushes. The rebels captured but two
men — Caleb Andrews, of Company E, and William 11.
Roberts, of Company F,

M}^ gallant mare caught the spirit of the hour. She
thought, in imitation of Job's war horse, she would "smell the
battle afar ofl'.'' In a moment she was over the bridge, and
soon came dashing by headquarters, with reeking sides.
She reported at the stable, with the Major's saddle and with
the horses of the Surgeon and Assistant.

But an earlier messenger than my mare — but not from the
scene of action — came to camp. The rebel charge and the
guns were heard at the picket line. Robert Steel was dis-
patched to carry the news to Colonel Moore. A few min-
utes after, Aaron Cloin came dashing into camp, yelling
as he came: "The rebels are taking the mules as fast as
they can. If ^^ou want to save any you had better
hurry."

Now ensued a scene like that "In Belgium's Capital at
Night," save the poetry and women. Major Downey laid
aside the hammer and nails, with which he was working,
and buckled on his sword. Captain Smith, at the head of
Company B, led the van, and Captain Evans, wnth Company
G, followed. Then came the remainder of the Retriment, in
pell-mell order. Afterwards, the detachments of the loth
Indiana, came on as re-enforcements.

:{}!.'{ CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

A swift messenger bore the tidings to Colonel Smith,
commanding post. He sent out parties in all directions. I
afterwards saw one of these, having failed to find any rebels,
paying their attention to persimmons.

Away went the dashing cavalcade, on foot. In one respect,
I am much like other men — not afraid when there is no dan-
ger. So I went along. Up the first hill we went on double
quick. Here is a mule driver minus his hat. Here are two
men mounted on mules. Still we meet them, coming from
all directions. Some are without hats, and some are wet
from sw^imming the creek. All brought us some news, but
their accounts did not agree. The time which had elapsed
since the rebels left was stated at from five to thirty minutes.
All the mules were gone, except a few which were ridden
ofr by the drivers, and a few more that were wandering
about, loose.

The pursuit was continued about a mile. At the house
where Wyatt and Martin were captured, the column was
halted, the enemy being thirty minutes in advance. Cap-
tains Smith and Evans, who were in advance, thought it
useless to continue the pursuit, as the rebels could not be
overtaken. The Major accordingl}' marched the Regiment
back to camp. I thought at the time, that we should have
gone farther. I believe many of the mules might have been
overtaken before dark. Our losses were five men, one
wagon, three hundred and eighty-five mules and four horses.

The adventure was a complete success — for the rebels.
They did not lose a man killed, and, perhaps, none
wounded. Everything worked in the most charming man-
ner for them. They captured more tiuin $50,000 worth of
property. Upon oin* part, there is scarcely a creditable item
connected with the entire afiliir. From beginning to end,
there was an utter w^ant of judgment and energy ; but I
refrain from comments, as the case is bad enough on a
]-)lain statement of the facts.

Wednesday, October 19. — A party, under Captain \'o()r-
hees, went as far as Buck Head, to-day, to gather up strag-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 3fi0

gling mules. The expedition was unsuccessful. Informa-
tion received confirms the fact that Shaw, Fullerton and
Pierson were guiding the rebels in their raid yesterday.*

The wagon bridge is being repaired by a lazy set of fel-
lows, called 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. I went
to see liow they were getting along, this morning. They
are, principally, engaged in doing nothing. It would have
a wholesome effect to send them to the front a while. Their
places could well be supplied by men who have been exposed
to bullets for a campaign or two. When men realize that
"they have a good thing of it," as it is expressed in the
army, they are too prone to become careless and indifferent.
This is true at home as well as here.

There is an order this evening "to be ready tor an
attack, momentarilv expected." It seems the rebels had
burned a train beyond Vining's Station. An order came
for three commissioned officers and one hundred and fifty
men to report at the pontoon bridge. The Colonel called

* These rebel raiders were known as Graham scouts, and were, at this,
time, in command of Captain Harris, who is now (1S95) a successful physi-
cian in Muskogee, Indian Territory. By request, Captain Harris writes the
following, as his recollection of this exciting event, from a rebel standpoint:

"Our Graham scouts were bivouacked twentv-five miles above the bridge,
on the river, resting our horses, after some hard marching and a fight, two
days before, at Marietta.

"One afternoon a picket came in in charge of three deserters from the sSth
Indiana Regiment. I think their names were Shaw, Pearson and Fullerton.
They informed us that the .sSth Indiana grazed, every day, five hundred
mules, near the camp, and urged us to go at once and take the mules in,
reserving to themselves, not only the honor of piloting the scouts, but of
leading the charge. After assuring them that if an_y trick or misrepresenta-
tion developed the\' would be shot, instantly, the scouts, about fifty in num-
ber, were ofi', with 'our pets," as we called them, at the head of the column.
In four hours the five hundred mules were thundering along at a break-neck
gait up the river, with 'our pets,' who, a few minutes before, had led us on to
victor\-, now bringing up the rear. Knowing the coimtry thorouglily, and
by a circuitous route, we soon make good our escape, with both mules and
prisoners. Shaw and Fullerton remained with the scouts, and rendered good
service to the rebel cause, until the end. Still, I think the part they played
was prompted more by a spirit of revenge than love for the 'lost cause.'
They received an insult (real or imaginary, I cannot say) from a superior
officer, which led them to the desertion, as I remember it.

"In the language of the immortal Lincoln, 'With charity for all," I am,

"Wry truly yours,

"C. 'HARRIS."'

aOO CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

out the Regiment and counted oiY one hundred and iilty
enlisted men. It took all the Regiment, except Company
B. They were marched ot^' with all their officers, and no
rations or blankets. Old soldiers only take what they
are ordered to take.

The inspector of the 20th Corps has been here, to-dav,
inquiring into the capture of the mules, yesterday. It won't
bear investigation.

Thursday, October 20. — Early this morning the detach-
ment sent out last evening, under Major Downey, returned,
tired and hungry. Man}^ of them had had neither supper
nor breakfast. They went up the railroad, last night, to the
wreck of a train destroyed by the rebels, a few miles beyond
Vining's Station. Darkness soon came upon them. They
went straggling along the track, sometimes having out
skirmishers. On the march, some of the men in Com-
pany K saw the signal light on Kenesaw Mountain, more
than five miles off. They thought they saw men about
the tire, and, imagining that it was near, and was the
burning train, with rebels about it, did not wish to
advance.

Our men did not know whether the train was in the pos-
session of friend or foe. Thev, therefore, approached cau-
tiously. A volley was poured into them, by an unseen
enemy, who immediately fell back. Many of our men
returned the tire. One man fired, threw down his gun, and
fled towards the rear, carrying several thoughtless men along.
It is easy to communicate a panic, especially when in the
dark. These men were rallied by Major Downey, and soon
the fn-ing ceased. A cautious advance was made, when the
supposed enemy was found to be some of our own people,
from an Illinois Regiment. Fortunately, nobody was hurt.
Our men remained all night, and returned this morning, on
the cars.

Monday, Octobk:r 24. — Dr. Iloltzman returned, last night,
from the North, having walked twenty-five miles, where the
railroad was not repaired. Lieutenant Behm got a wagon.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. ;191

and we went out to where Mr, Howell's house had stood,
for brick to make a chimney. The Regimental provost
guards went along. We came to the ruins of a once splen-
did mansion. Nothing was left of it, save the remains of the
cooking stove, and some piles of bats. Fences and all were
gone. Several lines of entrenchments were dug where the
house and garden used to be. While we were engaged in
digging amongst the bats for whole brick, my mind was
busy, comparing the past with the present. Here lived a
rich southern planter — a rank rebel. When the war began,
no doubt, he rejoiced. He sent his sons into the army.
Often the war news was dispatched in his mansion. Here
there was rejoicing, again and again, when the Yankees
were defeated. Little did these people suppose that the tide
of war would roll all the way from the Kentucky border to
their very doors ; little did they, in their haughty pride,
imagine that hated Yankees would dig up their tields, burn
their fences, and tear down their houses. Now, they flv,
while a Yankee preacher is digging up the foundation bricks
with which to build himself a chimney to his cabin in camp,
near by.

And wh}^ all this? Why does God permit these things?
It is because they are the champions of slavery, and we of
freedom. The story of the war is long, but the moral is
short. "In such a contest," said Jefterson to the South,
"there is no attribute of DeitA^ that can take sides with
us."

While eating supper, this evening, I thought I heard a
church call. But, as I knew there was no meeting, I sup-
posed that I was either mistaken, or it was in some other
Regiment. After eating, I noticed lights in the little arbor
we call oiu" chapel. Theie was also singing, and a crowd
about the door. Lieutenant Behm suggested that we go
down. I told him I would not, as I did not know what was
going on, and I had not been invited. I began to feel that
my dignity had been, in some way, compromised. Now,
said I to myself, some humbug of a fellow has come along, has

;}!I2 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

had the church call sounded, and has gone into the chapel,
without telling me. I thought to myself, I will give the
bugler some further instruction not to sound the church call,
without my request, or the order of the Regimental com-
mander. I went into the Colonel's tent to hunt a newspaper
to read. I saw Orderly Spain, as I entered the tent. lie
looked like he was hesitating about going to church. He
seemed to be looking to see if I was going. When he saw
me enter the Colonel's tent, he came in, and said, "Chap-
lain, they want you down at the church.'' "Who?" I
inquired. "The 58th," was his reply. I asked, "Had I
not better black m\' boots, and brush my clothes?" "Oh,
no," said he, "that is no use." He then walked out. I
went into my tent, combed my hair, changed coats, and
brushed the brick dust off my boots. I then went with Ser-
geant Spain to the chapel, without speaking a word to him.
Seeing a vacant seat behind the stand, I went there and sat
down. They were singing some hymn, as I entered. The
house was full, and there was a crowd outside. As soon as
the singing was oyer. Private P. W^. Wallace offered prayer.
He then asked me to stand by the side of the table, while he
uncovered a neat gold watch. He told me that it was
designed as a present for me, from the Regiment. It was a
token of their esteem. I cannot call to mind all he said. I
got along very well, until he gave me the watch, and sat
down. I was greatly at a loss, to know what to say. I
made "a few broken remarks," as preachers sometimes say.
I attempted to express my gratitude, but my effort was a
failure. As Dr. Daily used to say, "I was not competent to
the emergency." After all was over, some collected around
me, and expressed their satisfaction that the\' had surprised
me.

I am very proud to receive this walcli. In itself, it is a
gem. It is a beautiful American watch, eigliteen karat fme,
purchased by Dr. Holtzman, for the Regiment, in Newark,
N.J. It cost $206, and it is just such a watch as I have
long desired to possess.

FIFTV-EKiJITll INDIANA KKdlMEXT. 393

But, tlicn, the best of all is, it is a present from my Regi-
ment. 1 treasure it chiefly on this account. If I live, I
desire to carr}^ some memorial of my soldier life. I desire
something to remember mv tellow soldiers by. Some of our
officers have received swords. These must be laid aside
when peace returns. But I can carry this watch while life
endures. It will not only remind me of the happy da3^s of
my soldier life, and of the comrades of my campaigns, but
also of the coming night when no man can work. I am
encouraged and strengthened b}^ this testimony of the love
of my parishoners. May these bonds of love never be
broken .

Formerly there stood somewhere about this ferry, a large
pine tree. It had been partly burned, and the pitch ran out
of tlie sides and hung in large lumps. It long stood in this
condition. From it, the place received the name of the
Standing Pitch Tree. The neighboring stream was named
Pitch Tree Creek. The place has now lost this name, and
that of the stream has been corrupted to Peach Tree Creek.
There is a street in Atlanta called Peach Tree street, from
this creek.

The name Cliattahoochee means in the Cherokee tongue,
"blossoming rocks." I have read in some of the papers
that this name refers to some beautifid rocks, somewhere
about the stream. I have never seen them. Any one
acquainted with the bed of the stream would understand the
propriety of the name. The stones seem to blossom at the
bottom of the stream. The bed is so rough that, even where
fordable, a horse can scarcely walk, and canvas pontoons
are badly cut up.

But little has been said by me, in these records, of the
horrors of the slave system of the South. Our campaigns
have been so active, and our conveniences for writing so
poor, that many thrilling accounts have not been written
down. I hope, shortly, to place in my Journal some items
of interest in reference to the negroes. I e\i)oct to live to
see the end of the acciii-sed s\-st(Mu and all its defcndei-s.

894 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

l^)sttM"it^■ will never be able fully to comprehend the abomi-
nations of slavery. I was deeply impressed with the
language of Coheleth, when reading it yesterday:

"So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under
the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no
comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power: but they had
no comforter. Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead, more
than the living which are yet alive. Yea, better is he than both they, which
hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the
sun." — Eccles. 4: 1-3.

Friday, October 28. — We now receive a small mail
every day. We are getting a few papers, and we will soon
catch up with the news. Five carloads of forage reached
Atlanta to-day. This is the lirst that has come since the
destruction of the railroad bridge by the great freshet.

We are under orders to be ready to march. Our Quarter-
master, Lieutenant Torrence, drew four hundred and sixty
mules, to-day, to supply the place of those captured and
starved. It is a sorry lot.

Lieutenant Williams, of Colonel Buell's staff, arrived
to-day from Chattanooga.

A number of through trains came in to-day from Chatta-
nooga. Our communications are once more open.

We have been hearing from the elections in Indiana,
Ohio and Pennsylvania for some days. All loyal men in
the army are greatly rejoiced at the result.

We expect to move in a few days. The 20th Corps is
ordered to send all surplus baggage north, to be stored.

Colonel George P. Buell arrived, October 30th, from a
furlough of twenty da}'s, outside of the department. He
has added much to both ends of it. He is in excellent
health and spirits. He has been laboring with his usual
earnestness in his absence. He has procured three hundred
d."afted men, who will be on in a few da\'s. This will be a
valuable addition to our niunbers. If the 10th Indiana can
only be assigned to the Companies, wt' will have a pretty full
RcLnment.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 895

Monday, Octoher 31. — The most of the mysteries about
our rumored march are to-day solved, b\' riunor. It is said
the 20th, the 14th, 15th and 17th Corps, under General
Sherman, are going on an expedition to Savannah, Ga. Our
Pontoon train goes with Sherman's headquarters. We will
start in a few days.

An order was to-day (November 2d) received by Colonel
Buell, to assign the loth Indiana detacliments to our Com-
panies. Colonel Moore will do this bv letting each man go
to the Company of the same letter, as that to which he
belonged in the loth. Tliis will give : ati^faction, and will
be eminentlv just and proper. I am told that this will add
one hundred and sixty men to our Regriment.

A dispatch was received, informing the Colonel that Gen-
eral Sherman will not need us. We then began to give up
all hopes of going. If we are not permitted to go I will be
greatly disappointed. I have seen a> much of the country
north of us as I desire. I have spent two winters campaign-
ing in Tennessee. I would prefer wintering farther south ;
I would like to see something of real Dixie.

But in the afternoon, when Colonel Buell came back from
Atlanta, he brought word that we were to accompany Sher-
man. Preparations to march accordingly go forward. Our
baggage is to be cut do^^n, the Compan}- books must be
boxed, and the papers put in the valises.

Thursday, November 3. — I enter the following state-
ments, gathered from our Adjutant's monthl}^ return lor
October. Total number of officers, twenty-six, all are pres-
ent ; enlisted men present, four hundred and seventy-seven,
absent, one hundred and six — total five hundred and fifty-
three ; sick and present, seventeen ; sick, absent, sixty-one.
These numbers are included in the present and absent above.
The aggregate is five hundred and eighty-four. This exclu-
sive of the non-veterans.

According to the instructions of our Regimental Christian
Association, letters have been prepared in these words:

V,){\ CHAPLAIN' HKIHT'S HISTORY OF THE

R. R. Brid(;e, Chattahoochee River. Ga.,)
November 4th, 1S64. )
To all -vJioin if may concern:

This is to certify that , of Company- , is a member in good stand-
ing of the Christian Association of the 5Sth Regiment Indiana Volunteers,
infantry, and as such, we commend him to the brotherly regard o\' all chris-
tians, of whater name, wherever his lot may hereafter be cast.

By order of the Christian Association.

H. W. Bryant, Moderator.
Jacob Davis, Clerk.
Approved: John J. Might,

Chap. sSth Ind. Vol.

This certificate was giv-en to Abner M. Bryant, Qiuirter-
master-Sergeant ; Sergeants Andrew Gudgel and Jason H.
Crow ; Corporal A. R. Redman, and Privates P'rank Broad-
well, Henry Beck and Charles Poorlev, of Company A ;
Sergeants Ebenezer Keeler, W. B. Crawford and Solomon
Reavis, and Privates J. R. Roseborough and P. W, Wal-
lace, of Company B: Sergeant Pleasant N. Spain and Pri-
vate N. Smith, of Company C ; Corporal Samuel Sh^, of
Compan}^ F ; Private John A. Everett, of Company H.

Friday, November 4. — Colonel Moore has been to
Atlanta to see the Paymaster about paying our Regiment.
There seems to be a difficulty somewhere about paying us.
The families of many soldiers are sadly in need of funds
We read in the papers that the mone}^ has been provided,
and it is a pity red tape cannot be cut and the men paid
before they start on a new campaign.

The non-veterans, whose term expires on the 12th inst.,
went to Atlanta, to-day. In their departure we lose a num-
ber of good men from our christian community.

I can almost realize the sorrow of Rachel o\'er her chil-
dren, in parting with these members of my army ilock. I
can tind but little to comfort me. The wind howls dismally
about my tent, and tlie cam]")aign before us looks dreary in
th'ir absence. I nt'ver frh morr h)nt'lv since entering the
arm\', save afU'r the shuighlcr of nian\- of \n\ Iriends, at
Chickamauga. I am hrtttT ahlr to appreciate the h)vi' ol
l)a\i(l ami [oii;illi;in , than on d" bi-roi'c. TIh'\- \\('i"(' soUlicrs ;

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 397

their hearts were knit together by common trials and
fatigues. Their love was stronger than the love of woman.
Thus, soldiers arc attached. Such partings as that of to-day,
recall home and all its joys, and bring before us all the toils,
still to be endured in the held. But let us button our soldier
coats up to the chin, and be like John Brown's soul —
"marching on."

Seventy-six of our drafted men came to vis November 6th.
They have been led hither and thither by various ignorami,
3xlept commissioned officers. The last one they were fol-
lowing, passed on. If they had kept on following their
blind guides they might, perhaps, have put in the remainder
of their term. One of our men happened to be on the road
where the drafted men were passing, told them where the
Regiment was. So they came up, while their officers passed
on. They were divided amongst the Companies for the
night. The boys treated them very cleverly ; they took
them into their houses and made them comfortable.

The next morning our new recruits were marched in front
of the headquarters. There are only a few weakly men
among them. Upon the average, they are larger men than
those now in the Regiment. They are furnished with
clothing, knapsacks, and tents. They are deficient in shel-
ter tents and gum blankets. Some of them desire great
coats. But this is an article that will not pay soldiers to
carry in this climate. It cannot be worn on the march.
The drafted men express themselves as agreeably surprised
at the kind treatment they receive in the Regiment. Thus
far, they have been herded, like so many mules, but now
they begin to receive courteous treatment. Usually, they
are astonished to find so much good breeding and morality
in the Regiment. They have shared the usual ideas, enter-
tained at home, that the army is a bedlam, and the soldiers
heathens. They now find that men are as good here, if not
better, than at home. The great courtesy of our old soldiers
towards their new fellows is a matter of pleasure to me. I
took occasion to urge this course upon the men, a few Sab-

H98 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE

baths ago. But, I suppose, it would liave been the same,
anyhow. I liave not heard of a single taunt. Not a man
has been heard to sav, "IIow are you, conscript? How arc
you to-day?"

I have not learned exactly what proportion of them are
drafted and what substitutes. One man was pointed out to
me who had received i^i ,000 for coming in some other man's
place. A little, hardy, German came up this morning. Pie
had served three years in the 24th Wisconsin. He has come
out again, for one year, as some man's substitute, for ^1,000.
It is astonishing to me, that a man in ordinary tinancial cir-
cumstances and good health, will be so foolish as to sink a
thousand dollars to keep froin going to war, for one year.
They must think it an awful thing to go to war. It would
make men of some of them, to serve a twelve-month in the
army. But so it is — they won't come. The consequence
is, that much of the wealth of the country will be transferred
from those "who will only talk," to those "who will fight."

Many of our new men are Germans. These make the
best of soldiers.

After asking their names, and ascertaining whether or not
they were mechanics, the following assignments were made :

To Compan\' A 7

To Company B 10

To Company C i

To Company E 18

To Company G . 10

To Companj- II . 2^

To Company K .. .. 9

Total 78

Most of this number are from the 2d Congressional Dis-
tiict, but some are from the i ith. No choice of Retjiments
was given them. It would have been more pleasant, if men
from the ist District could have been assigned to the 58th.
Lieutenant-Colonel Moore consultc>d iheir wishes, as far as
he could, in assigning them to Companies.

•The loth Indiana, having been assigned to the dilTerent
Companies, was, to-day, ordered to change' their quarters.

FIFTY-EICtHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 300

They are distributed, according to their letters in the loth,
as follows :

To non-commissioned staft" i

To Company A --

To Company B n

To Company C i7

To Company D. 3<>

To Company E 1 13

To Company V -5

To Company Cx it

To Company II <'>

To Company I i''>

To Compati\- K i-

Total from loth Indiana 164

Telegrams were received, to-dav, by Colonel Buell,
informing him that the other drafted men had been started
from Dalton. We will soon have a large Regiment.

The excitement about the march has passed away. The

remainder of the armv has encamped a few miles in our

n rear. Their wagons are passing to

fi Atlanta to draw rations. It is said that

we will not marcli until the election is

over, and the men paid.

^ f ''' M\ jA This afternoon a small squad of rebel

■ i^ iJ^^' cavalrv crossed the Atlanta road, cap-

' ^X '^- ' -,*«■,' turing a few mules and a wagon or two,

LT"!!! . '*^' r' and mortallv wounding the vidette. Our

THos. J. HADDOCK * Regimeut fell in in great haste and ran

Private Company K. 1 .1 '^ J ,11

towards the scene, recruits and all.
Colonel Buell, not understanding the nature of the country,
made a bad disposition of his forces. Instead of immedi-
ately possessing the bridges and fords on Peach Tree creek
and the Buck Head road, he ran after the rebels. Of
course, we did not overtake them. They crossed the
bridges before we got to them. I returned from the chase,
verv tired.

* Was mustered in Decemlicr, 1S61 , and served three years. He is now
(1895) livin<( in Lowndes, Wayne eonnty, Missouri,

4-00

CHAPLAIN HIGHT'8 HISTORY OF THE

An election for President was held, this evening, as a test.
Company E did not vole. The following is the result :

THE REGIMENTAL VOTE FOR PRESIDENT, I864.

Section.

Field and Staft".

Company A

Company B

Company C

Company D.. __

Company' V

Company G

Company H

Company I

Company K

Band ..1

Total 306

10
■43
33
40

31
35
33
36

I
13

76 230

The recruits do not seem inclined any more for McClel-
lan tlian the old soldiers.

The detail who went to Atlanta to-day (November 8)
report that all citizens are ordered to be out of the city by
to-morrow morning. The last train of cars leaves Atlanta
for the North, to-morrow, at twelve m. The city is to be
evacuated and burned. I cannot vouch for the truth of the
rumors. I do not know what they indicate, if time. My
opinion is that Sherman designs to pretend retreat, and then
turn upon and invade the South. One thing is certain : He
can only deceive the enemy by misleading us all. He now
has us all pretty well befuddled in our ideas of his designs.

We have not received any mail for about two weeks.

Wednesday, November 9. — I rose, this morning, a little
after day. While dressing, cannonading began, in the
direction of Atlanta. Tliis was a strange sound to our ears.
After a few guns, the liring ceased. But after lireaktast it
broke out afresh, and continued lor an hour or more. Our

FIFTY-filGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 401

train, with guards, was ordered back, after having gone a
mile on the road towards Atlanta. When the iiring ceased,
they were again sent forward. This evening, they returned,
bringing word that the firing of the morning was caused b}'"
a rebel reconnoissance. Perhaps they desired to know
whether the place was evacuated or not. They are
too fast, by a few days. Have patience, my rebel
friends ; the Gate City will soon be yours — that is, what's
left of it.

A telegram, dated November 8, came this evening (Nov.
lo) giving some rays of election news. It is favorable to
the re-election of Mr. Lincoln by overwhelming majorities.
I am much pleased to hear that he is running well in Ken-
tucky, and has carried Missouri. The doom of slavery is
now fixed. Thank God for this.

Special Order, No. 115, from the headquarters of the 20th
Corps, dated November 2, directs the assignment to Com-
panies in our Regiment the detachment of tlie loth Indiana
and the recruits. Fifteen more recruits came up this even-
ing, ten of which were assigned to Company K, and five to
Company C. The size of our Regiment is increasing very
rapidly.

Friday, November ii. — Our last mail for the North left
to-day. I have sent oft' my Join^nal up to last night — the
latest hour. This is fortunate for me ; I did not know at the
time that our last mail was gone. I became aware of this
when I saw the order for the destruction of tlie railroad
bridge, to-morrow.

The remainder of our recruits, except fifteen, came up
to-day. They were assigned as follows : Eight to Com-
pany A, fifteen to Company F, thirteen to Company G, and
twenty-eight to Company I.

There will now be about eighty men for duty in each
Company. This gives us a large Regiment. Colonel Buell
has recommended a full complement of officers. Several of
these men are very poor excuses, put forward, to the exclu-
sion of better men, who stand in the regular line of promo-

l.()l> CHAPLAIN IIKrllT'S HISTORY OF THP:

tion. But most of them are meritorious soldiers, and richly
deserve promotion.

The drafted men have had sorrowful times getting to the
Regiment. They have known, since leaving Indianapolis,
where the 58th was, but the officers in charge seem to have
been fools. After various delays the men were brought as
far as Dalton and stopped. After a time, a hundred were
sent to Atlanta ; the officers in charge of these did not then
know where to find the 58th. Twenty-iive were detailed
and sent oft' as a train guard. Several of these latter have,
in various ways, found the Regiment and straggled to it.
But most of them are still "at sea." The other seventy-five
came up, as has been already related, some days since.
The two hundred at Dalton remained there until Colonel
Buell sent a telegram lor them. They were then shipped
on the cars and came as far as Kingston. It so happened
that our non-veterans, in going North, stopped here and
drew rations. From this, a rumor prevailed, that the 58th
Indiana had gone to Chattanooga. The recruits were
accordinglv shipped for the North, with a design of sending
them to the 4th Corps, somewhere in middle Tennessee, or
north Alabama. It was supposed by the officers that the
58th Indiana was there. Several officers were greatly
shocked, and used protane language, when the conscripts
hinted that the 58th Indiana was at Atlanta, instead of in
General Thomas' new arm v. In keeping with the policy
which sent some of our men to Vicksburg, in 1863, it was
determined to send these men to the 4lh Corps. Fortun-
atelv, some of our non-veterans at Chattanooga came upon
the drafted men, and reported their case to Captain \"oorhees.
lie interceded for tlie conscripts, and our new braves were
once more on tlieir way to the front. The}' came through
yesterday, on the last section of cars that cami^ to Atlanta.
These men M^ere drafted in September, for twelve months,
and more tlian a month of their time has been consumed in
reaciiing the Regiment. We came near losing them
entirely on this campaign. When I see business done in

FIFTY-ETGHTII INDIANA I^EGIMENT. 100

this style, I can but regret that the Governor, in conferring
commissions, is unable to give brains, also. The lion's skin
does not alter the nature of the ass, I often hear these men
attempt to roar, ])ut it inevitably results in a bray.

The conscripts, on the average, are larger and older men
than the volunteers. There is not as much life and enthus-
iasm depicted on their countenances. They are not the men
to be carried away by the music of a fife and drum, or tlie
flapping of the star-spangled banner. Tlie}' are men who
have fully meditated on bullets and chronic diarrhoea, and
remained at home. Some of them are as warm blooded as
anybody, but more urgent duties detained them at home.
They look to me, as they stand in line, as men of more
standing in the community than our volunteers. Here are
more fathers, more men of property, more churchmen. I
anticipate that they will be a valuable acquisition to our
Regiment.

There stands tatber and son — the bo}^ in the front rank,
and the man in the rear. "This is all the family," said the
father, "except the mother and the little ones." Perhaps,
in the same neighborhood, there were entire families of
grown-up boys, not one of whom was taken.

Amongst the number, is a man of fifty or sixty years, who,
for the sake of winning a wife, represented himself as being
onl}' forty j^ears old. He won the lady and "drew a prize
in Uncle Sam's lottery."

There is a Mr. Evans, a brother of Joel L. Evans, of
Company G, who was wounded at Chickamauga. He was
mustered, in as his brother was being mustered out, at Indian-
apolis. He desired to come to this Regiment, but the priv-
ilege of choosing their commands was not given to the men.
It so happened that he was assigned to the 58th, by mere
chance, and got into Cornpan}^ G — the very Regiment and
Company he desired to join.

Shelter tents, great coats, ponchos, and rations were issued
to the conscripts. In some of the Companies, shelter was
found for them in the quarters already constructed. The

404 CHAPLAII^ HIGHT*S HISTORY OF THE

remainder pilclied their shelter tents. They dechire them-
selves greatly rejoiced at their reception in the Regiment.

While we were all interested and talking about the con-
scripts, a great smoke rose in our rear, all the way from the
river to Vinings, and I soon learned that it was the 17th
Corps, tearing up and destro^'ing the railroad. Farewell,
North, "and the rest of mankind." We are now at sea
initil we reach Savannah, or some other port.

Sunday, November 13. — Early this morning our e^^es
once more beheld the grand arm}^ Parts of the 15th and
17th Corps came pouring over the bridge, and moved on
towards Atlanta. The part of the i6th Corps which partici-
pated in last summer's campaign, has been assigned to the
17th Corps.

I preached to a good sized congregation at ten a. m.
Two old and thirteen new soldiers came up and joined our
Christian Association. Amongst them, is a Mr. Corey, a
local preacher in the M. E. Church. At two p. m. the
Bible Class met. We were examining the 8th chapter of
Matthew, when the assembl}^ was sounded. We brought
ovu" recitation to a sudden close. The Regiment fell into
line, without accouterments, and marched toward the river
to destroy the great railroad bridge.

After services I walked down to the bridge. The plan
adopted for destroying the bridge, is to cut each end, knock
off some of the braces, which are fastened with railroad
spikes, fasten a rope to the end of the bridge and swing it in
the same direction that the road runs. It is a trestle work,
and it would be almost impossible to pull it over, either up
or down the stream. The rails are not removed, as they
will be servicable in holding the structure until it loses its
equilibrium. To cut down the bridge or tear it to pieces
would be an almost endless task. After remaining for an
hoiu" or more for the preparations to be completed, I went
to supper.

Just after dark, when the moon was shining brightl}', I
returned to the bridge. Before we came in sight, our ears

I'IFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGI3IENT. 405

were saluted by a long, loud, rumblino;, splashing, which
echoed over hill and valley ; this was followed by a bois-
terous cheer. We thought all was over, and hurried for-
ward to see. Soon came another crash — long and loud —
and then followed another cheer. By this time, we were
crossing the wagon bridge. Both ends of the bridge had
fallen, but there were still several spans, of middle portion,
standing. The men who had been operating on the right
bank, now cross over to the left. The cable was made fast
to the end of the part of the bridge still standing. It was
stretched along the railroad, and the men took hold.
Altogether, the^^ draw on the rope — again, and still again.
The great mass of wood and iron swings with the rope, with
many a crash. "Pull away boys — altogether! Again, and
again I He-o-heave ! He-o-heave ! He-o-heave ! " The
fire flashes from the rubbing irons. The whole mass threat-
ens to fall into the stream. It shakes like an aspen leaf;
it trembles like Belshaazer of old. "Now ! Now I It will
come — look — listen — see ! " A loud laugh amongst the Pon-
toniers — the rope has broken. Again it is adjusted, and
again all pull together, until the whole bridge catches the
swing. Finally, the timbers begin to tumble, like men in
battle ; they dash madly against each other, and amid flash-
ing Are and splashing waters, the bridge comes thundering
down, like Satan and his hosts, when hurled from Heaven
to hell, save two spans, which stand trembling and rocking
in the channel, like the stones of the Druids — which a child
can shake, but a strong man cannot overturn. The fall is
followed by a loud cheer from the Pontoniers. I noticed,
particularly, that those who had not pulled did none of the
cheering. The men of Colonel Smith's Brigade, who
looked on, stood in silence. It is man's nature to believe
that what he don't help do, isn't worth hollowing about.

Here, the work was suspended for the night. The men
were amply repaid for their labor, by the grand and lofty
tumble, and thundering noise. Joking and laughing, they
return to their quarters.

CHAPTER XXVI.

From Atlanta to the Sea — Moving Out from Chat-
tahoochee— Burning our Quarters — Destruction
of Atlanta — A Gorgeous Spectacle at Night —
Pathetic Scenes — The Grand Army Moves Out
in Three Columns — The Pontoniers Divided — A
Historic Battlefield — Milledgeville — Bridging
THE Oconee — Buffalo Creek — Sandersville —
Ogeechee — Rocky Comfort — Refugees — Heart-
less Conduct of General Jeff. C. Davis at Buck
Head Creek — Also at Ebeneezer — Plenty of
Variety and Excitement to Suit Everyone.

ON Mondav morning, November 14, we completed our
arrangements for leaving the Chattahoochee. Up
and down the banks of this stream we have been campaign-
inar for several months. Here we have had our abiding
place since our return after the fall of Atlanta, and the time
has passed away rapidly and pleasantly. We could easil}'
make up our minds to remain here for the remainder of our
term, if our personal comfort was all that is to be consulted.
]>iit this is not soldiering. A soldier is not to remain idle,
but must be active in the vocation to which he is called.
We will, therefore, cheerfully, abandon our pleasant quar-
ters and go wiiere duty calls.

It was about eiofht o'clock when the tinishing touches on
the destruction of the railroad bridpfe were made. It was a
complete wreck. After this was done our comfortable
cjuarters were burned. The impression amongst officers
and men, is, that we are to pass through the country,
burning as we go. Hence, a commencement is made on
our own quarters. These shanties could do the enemy no

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 1»>7

good. They may be worth something to some future
Yankee army, or to the poor people residing in these parts.
Finally, all things were ready and the command given,
"Forward." As the Regiment moved out, it presented the
appearance of a Brigade, so largely had the Companies
been recruited.

We remained several hours b}- the roadside, awaiting the
passage of the army ; but the Tiber still rolls on. General
Sherman and statYpass. He had new clothing, and looked
neater than he ever appeared to me before. But, at his best,
there are no outward signs of greatness. He appears to be
a very ordinary man.

Towards noon, we moved oft', by a road that leads by the
place where our mules were captured. This is a better
route to Atlanta than the one traveled by the army, and it is
but little longer. The country is sterile. There are a few
little, poor farms; most of the way is an unbroken forest.
There is but one article to be* found in abundance — wood —
and that of an inferior quality ; the timber is generally
scrubby oak.

As we entered Atlanta we saw in various directions, burn-
ing houses. The work of destruction has commenced. We
pass through the city and encamp in the southeastern
suburbs, where there is no wood, except houses.

It is now settled that our men are to get no pay, though
the money is, and has been, for some time, at hand. This
is bad on the families of the poor.

We are ordered to march with twenty days' rations and
four days' forage. We all think that we are destined for
Savannah. Only a few of the more timid anticipate any
difliculty from the enemy. If Lee evacuates Richmond to
meet us, the Southern Confederacy is undone. Even
tliough he should destroy Sherman's army, Richmond tails,
and the Confederacy falls soon after. Grant will be as
strong as ever, and Thomas will soon be as strong as Sher-
man has ever been in these parts. But Lee cannot destroy
Sherman, nor even defeat him. We have sixty thousand

408 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

men, as brave as ever trod the face of the earth. They can-
not be defeated by any army which Lee can bring against
us. I wish we had an hundred thousand ; but sixty will suffice.

It seems to be the general impression in the public mind,
that this expedition is undertaken because Hood, by his flank
movements, makes it impossible for Sherman to hold
Atlanta. But this is a mistake ; this advance was deter-
mined when Hood was south of us. It would have been
executed had he remained there. Now, since his removal
north, Sherman can get along better. Hood is playing into
Sherman's hands very nicely.

We lay down to-night on the ground. This goes a little
tough, after enjoying so long, our pleasant quarters on the
Chattahoochee.

Tuesday, November 15. — Late last night I was awakened
by Colonel Moore coming to the tent door and saying :
"Well, we divide in the morning: I take the four right
Companies and half of the train, and march at daybreak,
wi'ih the 20th Corps, on the Decatur road. Adjutant, you
will go with Major Downey. Chaplain, you can take your
choice." I lay awake an hour or two discussing the advan-
tages of each detachment. I thought of my tent going one
way and my mess another. I called up in m}- mind the
probable direction of each party. I thought the 14th Corps
would be likely to march south, and visit Macon and Mil-
ledgeville. This, with other considerations, inclined me to
go with the left wing of the Regiment. So I fell asleep,
with my mind only partly made up.

We were up before day. M}^ mind was fully made up to
accompany the left wing, which goes with the 14th Corps.
Colonel Moore and Dr. Patten exchange messes with
Adjutant Behm and myself. At eight a. m., they left us.
We are to remain in camp until to-morrow. Accordingly,
the opportunity was improved to have our washing done.
Colonel Buell had a pontoon drill during the tbrenoon, and
also reorganized some of tlie squads to suit the division of
the Regiment into two detachments.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 409

I have spoken before of the fact that the rebels burned
many houses, in the outskirts of the city, when they occu-
pied it. When thev evacuated, they destroyed some build-
ings containing supplies and ammunition. Many houses
were badly torn by shot and shell, during the siege. Some
buildings were burned at the same time, bv us, to give free
range to our guns, or uncover the rebel sharpshooters. After
the capture of the city many frame houses, especially in the
suburbs, were torn down to make huts for the soldiers.
They were in need of houses, and in no other way could
these have been easil}" and quickly constructed.

Since that time, a house has occasionally been destroyed
by the torch of the incendiary. Of late, it has been known
to all the army that this citv was to be evacuated. Now,
when conquerors give up a city, there is a spirit wi'diin man
which says, "Leave not one stone upon another." People,
under similar circumstances, often destroy their own cities,
but, usually, the love of property prevents this. A notion
has possessed the army that Atlanta is to be burned, but I
suppose the wish is tather to the thought. This idea has
been strengthened b}- preparations, which are being made by
the authorities, to blow up some of the more substantial pub-
lic buildings. Hence, fires have increased of late, and
drunken men have destroyed whole blocks. As we entered
the city, yesterday, many houses were on fire, some of them
being storehouses and shops, burned by order. The city
was illuminated all last night, by the lurid glare of the con-
flagration. This morning, a large cluster of frame hospitals
in the eastern part of the city were simul'aneouslv given to
the flames, by men detailed for that purpose. First, there
was a hammering and banging within, as the kindling was
being prepared ; and soon the flames began to rise from the
numerous small buildings. The lumber used in the con-
struction of the houses was pine, hence the flames spread
rapidly. The}^ present a brilliancy, the equal of which
some old firemen had never seen. While this grand sheet
of flame and smoke, and flying cinders, rolled up into the

410 CHAPLAIN HIGHT"S IIISTOEV OF THE

heavens, lesser fires were glowing in all parts of tlie city.
At the same time, the army, in heavy colnmns, was moving
east and south from the citv. Eastward marched the 20th
Corps, the best equipped of the army. The 15th and 17th
moved south. Long trains of wagons accompany each
wing. In the camps, deserted by the 20th, in the city, there
was no end to the trash, some of which is of some value.
Chairs, camp stools and tables lie in confusion, and there are
old pots, dishes, fragments of clothing, corn, etc.

Mere are a compan}^ of poor people, huddled together in
an open lot. Thev are collecting their scant property from
their houses, either now burning, or soon expected fo burn.
Some of the women were crying, some wringing their hands
in agony, and some praying aloud to the Almighty. How
far these people are deserving of pity, it is hard to tell.

A little house, near our camp, was burned. Another fine
frame residence, near bv, was soon in flames. Tlie fires
continued to burst out in all parts of the city, most of them
being the work of incendiaries. It was the design ot the
authorities to destroy many of the buildings which would be
of use to the enemv — how man}', I never learned. But,
even these were not, in most cases, fired by orders, but by
stragglers. This work of voluntarv incendiarism spread,
in spite of tlie guards, and resulted in the destruction of a
large quantity of clothing and salt meat, belonging to I lie
14th Corps.

The compact business blocks, in the center of the city,
were spared until the afternoon. In the morning, some of
the depots and machine shops were blown up, and in the
afternoon all were given to the flames. In some of the
buildings were shells, whicli favored us with frequent explo-
sions, thus adding the sound of war to the exciting scenes.
At last, night, which usually puts an end to battles, came,
but it onlv increased the conflicts of the flames. Such a pic-
ture as now presented itself to my gaze, I had never seen
before. Tlie fires in our cities at home sink into insignifi-
i-ancc, Atlanta seemed a \vvy pandemonium. In all hues

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIJIENT. 4-11

of glory and terribleness, in all forms and fashions conceiv-
able, the flames and smoke surged amongst the burning
buildings, like ocean waves, and struggled upward like a
thousand banners in the sky. I low many years of toil and
frugalitv were, this night, reduced to ashes. How many
loved homes exist no longer, save in memorv. The snn set
upon a man weahhv : it rose, and found him a beggar. Tlic
beautiful city has become a desolation. How terrible are the
retributions of rebellion. How wondrous the judgments of
an avenging God against the crime of slavery.

The work of destroving the railroads was carried on very
busilv to-dav. Our people are making a thorough wreck of
them. Tl^e rails are torn from the ties, which are tlien piled,
and hud across them. Tlie ties are then tired, and the rails,
while red hot in the center, are twisted. A rail, simp]}'
bent, can be used again, without being taken to the shop for
repair, but a twisted bar cannot. The instruments for twist-
ing are two — one is a handspike, a green piece of timber
about six feet long, and three inches in diameter ; the other
is a substantial iron hook and ring, fastened together. The
hook grasps, with an iron hold, upon one end of the flat,
lower surface of the rail, and througli the ring is placed the
end of the handspike. At the other end of the bar, there is
the same arrangement, only for twisting in the opposite
direction. While one set of hands is twistincf one wav, the
other holds stead}', or twists in the contrary direction, and
the center of the rail, being softened by the heat, gives wav
under the pressure, and twists. Occasionally, an end will
bend or break. This is hard, hot work ; but strong hands
and willing hearts make it easy. The boys all like the fun.

During the day, the 14th Corps came in from the rear,
and went into camp, east of the city. Onlv Kilpatrick's cav-
alry are behind. His train went south with the rio-ht winij.

We learn that the new organization is called the Army of
Georgia. There is an expression used by passing troops,
"Same old Regiment — only we have drawn new clothes."
So this is the same old arnn', witli a new name.

4-12 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

I cannot speak for other organizations, but in the 58th
Indiana there is a general regret at parting with General
Thomas and the Army of the Cumberland. But all have
confidence in General Sherman, and are enraptured at the
prospects before us,

Wednesday, November 16. — While preparations were
going forward for leaving, I rode over into the central parts
of the city, to see how things appeared, this morning.
There were still houses on tire, here and there. All the com-
pact business blocks are destroyed ; only the tottering walls
are standing. Provost guards were promenading through
the desolate streets, to prevent lurther incendiarism. But
the cavalry are yet to pass, and, how much they will leave,
I cannot tell.

The following extract trom a rebel paper, published at the
time, will show that the Yankees were not the only vandals
who visited Atlanta. The written invitations sent into the
countr}^ are a myth :

REBEL EVIDENCE AS TO HOW THE GEORGIANS
ROBBED EACH OTHER.

[from the AUGUSTA CONSTITUTIONALIST.]

Previous to leaving this citv, the Yankees sent out written invitations to
the people living in the counties surrounding it, to come in and get ashes at
cheap rates, in any quantity. The people, however, did not accept the invi-
tation at tliat time. But soon after the Yankees left the country, people
flocked hy scores, from all parts of the country', some coming over one hun-
dred miles. Ever_\- description of vehicle, drawn h\ niules, horses, stallions,
jacks, jennies, oxen, bidlocks, etc., could be seen upon the streets. The
scene beggars description. Iron, salt, bacon, flour, sugar, coffee, hides, and
everything else, left by the Yankees, were imccremoniously deposited in
wagons and -carts and carried off.

But our country cousins did not stop at that. They entered the dwelling
houses of those absent and gutted them of all their furniture. One lady,
who left her house for a few hours to attend to pressing business, was
astonislicd to find, on her return, all her furniture and wearing apparel gone.

I'ullv one Innuired and lifty pianos were carried ofl" by the hoosiers. many
of whom were unused to any "concord of sweet sounds," save that produced
by the jewsliarp or fiddle. One of them, an illiterate backwoodsman, who
resided in a humble hut, ten by twelve, was seen carrying out a magnificent
piano in a small cart, drawn by a two-year-old bullock.

FlFTY-EKxHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 4-13

A venerable dame was observed trying to haul into her cart a fine piano
by means of a rope attached to the legs. When asked what she was doing,
she replied that. she had foimd a "mity nice table in thar, and was trying to
get it in her keart."

One man alone carried oft' over $50,000 worth of dry hides. Steps have
been taken to secure all the articles carried oft", as well as the oftenders.
Already much property' has been recovered.

To Major William H. Lemmon, Surgeon of Colonel
Hunter's Brigade, of General Baird's Division, the country
is indebted for firing the famous Bull Pen. Nothing is left
of this vile prison, except ashes. Having suffered incarcer-
ation there, the Doctor sought and found revenge.

At ten o'clock, Wednesday morning, November 16, we
left Atlanta and its ruins. We marched east, following the
20th Corps, and immediatelv entered upon ground new to
me. Between Atlanta and Decatur, the countr}^ is similar
U) that towards the Chattahoochee. There was nothing
attractive about the land or timber.

Intense interest clustered about the historic battlefield of
July 22, 1864. It was here that Hood attempted to show to
the world that he was the man to hurl back the Yankee
invaders. It was here that McPherson, the pride and glory
of the Army of the Tennessee, fell. The graves of our
brave boys make these woods sacred and dear to every patri-
otic heart. Here sleep the heroes of many a bloody battle ;
heretofore they escaped, but here they fell. Headboards are
formed of pieces of cracker boxes, or ammunition boxes.
On one side of these, we sometimes read, "Pilot Bread," or
"Watevelit Arsenal," and on the other the name, the Com-
pany, and the Regiment, of the fallen. Among those who
fell here was Jacob Behm, of the 48th Illinois. I knew him,
some years since, at Princeton, Indiana. He is a brother to
the Adjutant of our Regiment. Jacob was a brave and gal-
lant soldier, and fell, as such would desire to fall, with his
face to the toe.

Decatur is a dilapidated old village. The wooden houses
are marked with age, and the commons are thickly set with
grass. Onh' a few of the citizt'ns remain, and they are

4-14. CHAPLAIN HIOIIT'S HISTORY OF THE

"poor white trash." One prett}^ little girl, with bright black
eyes and glossy curls, gazed upon us, from a window — a
beautiful picture in a decayed frame — recalling to us "glad-
iators" our "young barbarians all at play," and causing the
tear to steal, unbidden, down the bronzed cheek. These
little episodes, seemingly unimportant in themselves, often
call our minds afar from the scenes of war. We dream, but
w-e are awake. I often see a picture, "The Soldier's
Dream;" it is of home. We are not always asleep, when
these visions come. Happy the remnant of us, who shall
enter the promised land of a restored Union.

Betw^een Atlanta and Decatur, there are many hastily
erected field works. Eastward of Decatur, there are some
splendid w^orks, constructed by the 23d Corps, after the fall
of Atlanta.

Leaving Decatur, we turned oft' to the right of the trail of
the 20th Corps. They continued along the railroad, destroy-
ing as they went. We left the ro^id and Stone Mountain to
the left. I had desired a close view of this remarkable moun-
tain, and expected my desires would be gratified, when we
were approaching it in the morning. But I was disap-
pointed. Night overtook us on the road. We drove out in
the dark, and camped on a rough piece of ground, near
Snap Finger creek, having marched fifteen miles
to-day.

Thursday, November 17. — We were up before day.
The sky is clear, and the stars are brightly shining. It is a
most charming morning for marching. We roll up blankets
and tents, and eat our breakfast of coftee, biscuit and bacon,
before day. At dawn, the march began. We follow the ist
Brigade — Colonel Himter's — of Baird's Division.

I learn that our people are neither to encourage nor to dis-
courage the negroes in their desire to accompany us. Were
I issuing orders, I w'ould direct :

I. All women and children, and old men, to be urged,
but not forced, to stay at home. Tell tiiem that the ami}-
is no place for tliem, and lliat ihry had better remain on the

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 415

plantation, getting along as best they can, and afterwhile
they can be free and happy in this, their own, country.

2. All able-bodied men invited, but not forced, to accom-
pany us. Promise them employment, as soldiers ; it they
do not want to light, tell them to go home — make them
leave.

3. Organize each hundred negroes into a Company, and
each thousand into a Regiment, and set good men over them.
Distribute all the tools in the arm}^ among them, and make
them pioneers ; let them gather up the cast-away clothing in
deserted camps ; forage one blanket for each ; have every
man to construct a temporary haversack; send out forage
parties daily, and procure sufficient supplies for the com-
mand. As the soldiers become disabled, turn their arms
over to the negroes, and arm enough for forage guards.
Explain to them that they must fight for their liberty.

4. When the campaign is over, organize them into an
army.

With all due modesty, I venture that there is more wisdom
in this than in Sherman's orders. He has been a pro-slavery
man, and is unwilling to take high and manly ground on the
slavery question.

We came upon the railroad again, at the little town of
Lithonia, where the road makes a curve to touch Stone
Mountain. As we passed through the town, several houses
were on fire ; but the}' were old, and had long been unoccu-
pied. General Sherman and staff' were resting, at a house
by the roadside. Captain Poe's headquarters wagon, which
was drawn by four splendid horses, attracted great attention.
The 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics were busy,
destroying the railroad. My attention w^as especially drawn
to a peculiar feature of the country. In many places, rock
rises above the surface, forming rounded knolls, which are
smooth, and, at a distance, have tiie appearance of soil.
Stone Mountain is the largest and roughest of these.

We now came to a fine country, and the men began to
find torage of various kinds, which is something new.

416 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Conyer is a very respectable village, on the railroad, and
the people all seemed to be at home. This was also a new
experience for us. For a long time, the towns through
which we have passed have been almost entirely deserted.
Our men helped themselves to anything they desired to eat.
No effort was made by the officers to restrain them. Rumor
savs that one of the soldiers was shot by a woman, whom he
was attempting to outrage. May all such villains die the
same death.

Here we passed a great many troops, destroying the rail-
road. We hurry on towards Yellow river. The men had
an exceedingly hard march. The countrj^ continued good,
and plenty of hogs and sweet potatoes were found. Dark
came upon us, on the march. The tires of the camp, and
burning ties, presented a sublime sight. After a while, we
reached our camp. Wagons and men were all jammed
together, in a grassy field, a ravine preventing us from tak-
ing plenty of room. T soon lay mvself down to sleep.
While I was resting, a detail from the Regiment laid two
pontoon bridges over Yellow river. We marched twenty
miles to-day.

Friday, November i8. — When I awoke, in the morning,
the grand army was crossing the pontoons. This is always
an interesting occasion, as it affords an opportunit}^ of seeing
the army in detail. With us, there is the 14th Corps, and
one Brigade of the 20th.

About our camp, there are many line plantations, and some
rich planters live here. The ladies, at some of the houses,
are represented as intelligent, beautiful, and rebellious. A
pretty traitor is no better than an ugly one — male or female.
Many of the oflicers are boiling over with sympathy lor these
pretty female rebels, but I have none, and have a great con-
tempt for all officers who have.

There is a nice little frame Methodist cluircli, standing on
the lawn, ni'ar the river bank. By looking into the Sunday
School books, I lind it was once called the Oak Grove
Church. Again, it was called Oak Lawn Church ; and,

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDLOA REGIMENT. 417

lastly, it tigures as Shiloh Church. As this last name figures
only in rebel times, it was, perhaps, given it in honor of the
famous battlefield. There was school here on last Sabbath.
We appointed a meeting for this evening in the church.
Orderly Clem, and some others, fixed up the house, but we
were all gone before the appointed hour came.

Yellow river is about one hundred feet wide, where the
pontoons are placed. The banks are steep, and the stream
deep. One bridge is used for trains, and the other tor
troops. The cattle cross by swimming below, and wading
above.

Two hundred yards above the pontoons are the pillars of
the railroad bridge, destroyed by some of our cavalry raids
last summer. This bridge was three hundred feet long, and
forty-five feet above the water. The stones in the pillars
must have been of the secession school, for they early mani-
fested a disposition to separate. Hence, many of them are
bound together by iron bands or staples. Holes being
drilled in two adjoining stones, they are clasped by thrusting
the respective ends of an iron bar into these holes. Nearly
thirty years I had lived, without seeing such a contrivance
as this ; hence, I came not in vain to Yellow river. A mill
had also been destroyed, with the bridge.

The uegroes are beginning to flock to the army. Many
men, women and children crossed the bridges to-day.

There was quite a large number of bales of cotton on each
bank. These were burned as well as they could be, by the
rear guard.

At 4 p. m. Colonel Buell, with Companies B and E, and
half of the train, went forward to the Ulcofauhachee. The
remainder followed at dark. One pontoon was taken up in
thirty minutes. The 20th Corps Brigade, which formed the
rear guard, after crossing the river, went into camp. For
several miles we moved along through the dark, without
seeing or hearing man or beast. After all the threatened
bushwhacking, we could but leel uncomfortable. It would
have been easv and safe to fire into our column. After a

418 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

while, two men, mounted, and leading a mule, passed. Per-
haps they are spies ; nothing is said to them.

We soon after entered a little village, in which there does
not appear to be an inhabitant. Here, the column halted
to let the train close up. The mules are still very weak
from the Chattahoochee fast. Some shots being heard in
advance. Lieutenant Hadlock is sent forward with a small
advance guard. The drums could now be distinctly heard
in our distant encampments, and a row of fires, afar off, told
of railroad destruction. We lost our way, immediately after
leaving this village. We were apprised of this fact by Lieu-
tenant Hadlock, calling out to us from the other side of a
creek. Some time was spent in getting into the right road
again. We crossed a creek on a long, wooden bridge. We
had a man or two killed here, when our men lirst advanced.
We now have pickets here. A short distance farther on,
we entered Covington. Here, we found a Regiment
encamped. This is a large country town ; there are many
fine buildings on the streets we pass through. I would have
been glad to have seen Covington by daylight.

I became ver}^ tired and sleep}^ to-night. Night march-
ing is exceeding trving. I went to sleep sitting on the
fence, and slept so soundly that I had to be called when the
Regiment started.

We soon began passing camps, but there was no camp for
us 3'et ; we must unite the command at the river. We pass
through a strip of the road covered by water. At last, about
midnight, the Ulcofauhachee is reached. It is a deep, slug-
gish stream, with almost no banks. There is a crazy old
bridge standing ; built on one trestle, in the center of the
river_. The riv^er is about seventy-five feet wide. A pon-
toon has been made, bv Colonel Buell, bv the side of the
old bridge. We pass over and camp in the first open
ground. So, at one o'clock in the morning we had a cup
of cofibe. The eight mile march with the train, after night,
had worn us all out. We were all soon asleep, except some
gluttons, who sat up all night to cook and eat.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 419

Saturday, No\'EMber 19. — We arose late this morning
and ate a poor breakfast, provided by our unthrifty
servants. Our negroes can do but one thing at a time ;
they cannot have all the meal cooking at once. If you
increase the number of your servants you only multiply
your sorrows. There is no remedy but to possess your
soul in patience.

We had an order this morning against incendiarism
from General Davis. The order contained some slanders
on the command. It berated our people after the manner of
the rebel papers. The motive of the General was, perhaps,
good. He condemned house burning. Colonel Buell, who
is ever ready to reflect the wishes of his superiors, came out
in an echo. The officer who could not enforce his order in
any other way, was commanded, in this puerile paper, to
shoot down the offender. Just think of shooting American
soldiers for the benefit of rebels. No man, who really loves
our cause and our soldiers, could issue such an order. If an
officer desires to shoot our men, let him join the rebel army
at once.

We march in the rear of all the army, save the cattle
guard. This makes our movements slow. If the enemy
were only enterprising, the}^ might capture the pontoon
train. A small squad was seen, to-day, by the preceding
troops, but the}' did no mischief. The cattle are driven
entirely on either side of the road. They are permitted to
occupy no part of the way. The drivers have great times,
wading through the bushes, mud and water. The droves
are large and increasing. Plenty is found in the country to
feed them, but often there is no time for them to eat. But
few cattle are being slaughtered, as the men prefer fresh
pork.

Tiie number of refugees is increasing. I advised several
women to remain at home. They will see hard times with
the army ; freedom will dawn on them, soon, in the present
homes. But liberty is sweet, and they seem to think it is
now or never ; so they are falling in with the army by the

t20 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

liundreds. Nearly every one has an irregular bundle of
bedding and clothing. This is usually carried by the women,
on their heads.

After a slow and tiresome march often miles, we camped
— no one knew where — at ten p. m. It has been a damp
day, and the roads are bad.

Sunday, November 20. — Reveille at four a. m ; marched
at 5 :30 — ordered to follow Carlin. Marched by him and
attempted a piece of smartness. Of course, we had to move
oft' the road, and await our time. Colonel Buell is very
anxious to get to the front with the Pontoon train, and sends
forward a staft' officer to General Davis to report our condi-
tion, so far in the rear, and to request that we be permitted
to take a forward position. General Davis "can't see it,"
and we iiave to wait our time.

The country through which we pass is splendid. It
abounds in cotton, hogs, sweet potatoes, chickens, horses,
mules, corn and fodder. We got plenty of everything
except stock. We failed to send out for this.

Wc stopped fortv minutes for dinner, and led from a field
of standing corn. Cotton presses and gins were burned
along the route.

I saw a slave one hundred and seven years old. Negroes
have been praying for us for four _\ears. Tiiese prayers
will save the expedition.

We passed through Shady Dale. It is an extensive plan-
tation, owned by an aged planter. There are 8,500 acres,
and were 250 slaves when the war began. There is a nice
frame church by tiie side of the road. Thus, one man owns
the village and all the people in it.

At seven p. m., after a march of thirteen miles, we camped
in the woods. By this time, the rain liad begun to fall.
None but muddy water to use. Supper of fresh pork and
sweet potatoes. Men all in excellent spirits.

Monday, November 21. — Rain has been falling most of
this day. In the afternoon it cleared off' and became very
cold. Tlie roads are becoming almost impassable.

FIPTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 421

Lieutenants Behm and Torrence went forward with a
detail to forage for horses and mules.

We moved along very slowly, through mud and rain. The
country is very high, rolling and open. Away to our right
we could see the advance of our column. We continued on
the Eatonton road until four miles of that place. We then
turned to the right, to make room for the 20th Corps, which
marches by Eatonton. At this point, our rear guard — a
Brigade of the 20th Corps — left us and moved on to Eatonton.

After our rear guard left us "out in the cold" — literally,
for the wind was. piercing — Colonel Buell became greatly
exercised, lest General Wheeler might swallow' us up. But
this latter gentleman, being no where in these parts, is quite
innocent of any such intentions. Mud bound, we stopped
in the woods about dark. In a few moments, in obedience
to orders, we start out and attempt to rejoin the main army,
but the effort fails. We camp a half mile farther on, in a
high open field. This was the highest spot in these parts.
We marched seven miles to-day, by the road. It was about
three or four on a straight line.

Tuesday, November 22. — Marched at daylight ; came to
the rear of the army before the train was pulled out on the
road. Stopped often ; collected in little squads around tires
made of rails.

We came to Murder creek, about two miles farther. It
is a small stream, and, although swollen by recent rains, is
still fordable. There is an old dilapidated bridge, over
which the infantry cross. It is full of holes, but I led my
horse safely over.

We descended quite a hill to cross this creek and went up
a rise on the other side. I sat down by a house and fell
asleep. The train moved off, and, when I awoke, I found
myself lost. Colonel Buell, without orders, ran ahead ol
General Carlin's train. Of course, he had to stop and take
his proper place.

General Davis issued an order, stating that we had gone
about as far as we could expect to go in peace ; ammunition

422 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

must not be wasted. Hereafter, all foraging must be done
without iiring a gun. For the last three days the rattle of
musketry has almost equaled skirmishing.

In the afternoon we were met by our mounted foragers
who went out yesterday morning. They brought in five
good horses. We crossed Cedar creek, a deeper stream
than Murder creek. The bridge is good. We here passed
a Division in camp. We hear the news of the capture of
Milledgeville.

After a while we went into camp. After quarters were
put up we were ordered not to put them up. I wish that
the order had reached us sooner, as my tent was frozen stiff'.
After supper we rolled up and went two miles farther,
and camped about midnight. Night marching is not so
hard when, one has had a good supper.

We marched, in all, ten miles, to-day, and camped
fourteen miles from the State capital.

Wednesday, November 23. — We pass through a high,
rolling country. Extensive views open up before us. Most
of the countr}^ is open; the soil is red, sandy and clayey.
The rains cut ditches on the hillsides. Many fields are turned
out and overgrown by wild grass and pine trees. The houses
are out of repair. The country looks barren. We passed
through the farm of Ilowell Cobb, ]:)ut there is nothing
attractive about it. Everything that can be, is being
destroyed. The negro huts — most miserable hovels — are an
exception. We enter Milledgeville and camp, after a four-
teen mile march, near the Oconee riv^er. I called to see
Colonel Moore's part of the Regiment. They moved over
tlie Oconee with the 20th Corps.

We had a trood, undisturbed ni<rlit\s rest — tlie lirst since
leaving Atlanta.

Thursday, Novemuer 24. — We marched this morning at
eight o'clock ; following Carlin's command. Milledgeville
is a pleasant town, and but little injury is being done to it.
The people are all at home except the men. The State
prison and cotton factory were burned. The State House

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 423

is being sacked and also the Governor's house. The
Governor left Saturday for southwestern Georgia. Forage
is plenty in the city, and we are well supplied. The
Oconee river is crossed at ten a. m., the bridge having
been preserved.

After we were about two miles out of the city, forage
parties began coming in on the roadside, with hogs, pota-
toes, corn, fodder and cattle.

Friday, November 25. — Ready to march at daylight.
Closed in after Morgan's — 2d Division, 14th Corps — at
10:30 a. m. Carlin's Division remains in camp. Baird is
in Milledgeville. He has orders to see all stragglers out of
the city, move over, and destroy the bridge.

We soon came to a halt, on account of the destruction of
the bridges over Buffalo creek. This is a stream some
forty or fifty feet wide, bounded by extensive swamps. Thus
far, our march had been without hindrance by the enemy.
Neither our front, rear, or flanks has been assailed ; but
Wheeler's cavalry, by rapid marches, had passed around us,
and have now reached our front. The bridges here are the
first the enemy have destroyed in front of the left wing. A
few rebels beyond, called forth some shots ; and in front of
the 20th Corps there is a little cannonading. A pontoon
bridge, consisting of two boats, and a trestle bridge, was
finished, by Lieutenant Hadlock, by eleven p. m.

Two men of the 2 2d Indiana were killed to-day while
foraging for horses. The foraging details from our Regi-
ment bring in plenty of hogs, sweet potatoes and sorghum.

Saturday, Nove;mher 26. — We were not ready to march
at daylight, as we were ordered to be ; but we were hurried
off, leaving the ambulances and baggage wagons to do the
best they could. They joined some of the succeeding
trains.

There is a nice country between Buffalo and Kegg creeks.
The latter is a sluggish stream, bounded by swamps. The
bridge was not destroyed. After crossing Kegg creek, we
came to the best country we have seen since crossing the

424 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Oconee. We marched eight miles and camped at Sanders-
ville, at twelve m. The mile posts on the road to this place
have notches to mark the number ot^ miles, small ones to
note half miles.

The court house stands in an un fenced vard. Tlie design
of the building is good enough, but it is of sham stone. In
the public square there is a monument to the memor^-^ of
Governor Irvin. He was a Captain and Colonel in the
Revolution. He was afterwards made a General ; was a
member of several conventions, and was Governor of
Georgia tor two terms. Sandersville is a dilapidated old
town. Our troops were fired on, from houses, by Wheeler's
men, as thev entered the town. We passed the graves of
two men, of the io8th Ohio, who had been killed in this
skirmish.

The army comes to a halt, here. The mules and horses
stand with the harness on. Sherman is in town.

Colonel Moore came in, with his detachment, and camped
in the same field, having laid nine bridges over Bufialo
creek. The men are in excellent health and fine spirits.
The 20th Corps is here also.

Major Downey, with Companies B and E, and one Iiuut
dred and twenty feet of bridging, marched before day, with
Generals Baird's and Morgan's Divisions, light, on a forced
march to Louisville, by way of P'ern's Bridge. This move
is designed to drive the rebels oft'the main road, and, if pos-
sible, secure the bridge over the Ogeechee. Colonel Moore
moved out soon after.

The rest of us lay in camp until two p. m., and, when we
marched, we found the roads clear of rebels. They were
flanked out.

During tlie morning, the court house and jail were pulled
down and destroyed. Moved on Davisboro road, through a
fine country. Camped, after marching seven miles, in some
old, abandoned fields, grown up with sage grass.

Monday, November 28. — Column began moving before
day. We started at nine a. m ; crossed a swamp\' creek.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 425

over bridge and corduroy, leaving main road : came to it
again, and, there being nothing in the way, we hurried on.
Saw, for the lirst time in mv life, Spanish moss, hanging on
the trees. Came to the railroad, and passed on, while the
20th Corps was tearing it up. We passed the remainder of
the 20th Corps near Ogeechee river, and went into camp,
after a march of eighteen miles. The men were out all
night, making roads through the swamp. Many sick in the
Regiment, but none were lost or abandoned on the march.
Few dying in the army. Major Downey has a bridge and
command at Rock}^ Comfort creek.

Wednesday, Novf:mber 30. — There was no march 3^es-
terday nor to-day. There was a useless alarm, during the
forenoon. A messenger, in great haste, reported, "Rebels
advancing in column." Tents were struck, and the Regi-
ment fell in. I did not learn from which direction the rebels
were coming — they didn't come. There were a few hang-
ing on our flanks. They captured three men.

Thursday, December i. — Ordered to be ready to march
at 8 130 a. m. We took up the bridge, and moved out on the
road, and lay until one p. m., when we moved on a road
leading ten miles north of Birdsville. We camped in a tield,
closely huddled together, having marched about ten miles.
During the da}-, we crossed Big creek, and some smaller
streams. We went into camp at eight p. m., having passed
over good country, though rendered pretty destitute bv^ cav-
alry and other troops. For the third day in succession, our
foragers got on the wrong road ; and the men suffer, in con-
sequence.

The troops are moving on right and left roads, all moving
along finely.

Friday, December 2. — Moved out on the road, early in
the morning, but did not march until noon. A mounted for-
aging party has been sent out. Convalescent horses and
mules, and refugee slaves, have accumulated in immense
numbers. We crossed several small, swampy streams. I
saw a dead man, of the 17th Ohio, brought out of the bushes.

426 CHAPLAIN EIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

on a gray horse. lie had been killed while foraging. Just
as the party emerged from the woods, the}'^ were tired upon.
This man's leg was broken, and he was captured, and after-
ward murdered. It is getting to be a dangerous business to
forage.

Saturday, December 3. — We moved out at daylight, but
stopped an hour to let troops and trains pass, which the com-
manding General knew must soon halt for the Pontoniers.
We turned due north, and marched rapidly. We saw no
white citizens, but the blacks have increased to an immense
multitude. We soon came to Buck Head creek. The
bridge has been destroyed. There are extensive swamps on
the margin, as there are along all the w'ater courses in this
country. The main channel was not more than forty feet
wide, but very deep. In thirty minutes, the bridge was
completed, and the swamp corduroyed. Immediately, Cap-
tain Smith goes forward, with a detachment and material,
and makes a bridge over Roseberry creek, a half mile from
this stream. The old bridge was burning. A new one is
made bv placing balk and chess on the remains of the old
bridge.

At Buck Head creek, a scene, disgraceful to American
history, occurred. It was the abandonment of the large
crowd of colored refugees, who had been following the
army. The bridge was taken up, and these people were left
on the other side, without any means of crossing. This
meant their capture, and probably their murder, by the rebel
cavalrv, who were following close in our rear. At least, it
meant, for these poor people, a return to slavery, which was
dreaded as much by them as death outright. This was done
by the orders of General Jeff. C. Davis, who was in com-
mand of this part of th^ army. I hive spoken of Davis
before, and will have occasion to do so again. lie is a mil-
itar\- t\rant, without one spark of humanity in his make-up.
He was an ardent pro-slaver\' man before he entered the
arin\-, and has not changed iiis views since. The oHicer
w lio was chargetl with the execution of this order was Cap-

FIFTY-EIGHTH I^^DIANA REGIMEXT. 427

tain Remington, of General Davis' staff. He was a man
with a small sonl and a big hat. He was, in all respects,
well adapted to do the heartless and despisable work
assigned.

After all our troops were over, and the Pontoniers began
taking up the bridge, then the lull realization of their fate
came to the poor refugees. Thev could understand now
that they were to be abandoned to the tender mercies of the
rebels. Then there went up from that multitude of men,
women and children, a cry of agony that ought to have
melted the stoniest heart. There were mingled prayers,
tears, groans and imprecations, that was most heartrending.
The scene made an impression on my mind that will never
be forgotten. When we had our bridge loaded, and was
starting on after the army, there was a shout on the other
side, "The rebels are coming." This was all that was
needed to turn the grieving refugees into a panic-stricken
mob. Without reason, or concern as to the consequences,
they made a wild rush for the river, and attempted to cross.
Some of them at once plunged into the water, and swam
across. Others ran wildly up and down the bank, shrieking
with terror and crying for help. It was too much for our
humane officers and men. They threw pieces of plank and
timber into the water, and rendered every assistance possible
to the frantic refugees. Many of them succeeded in reaching
our shore. They came up the bank and through the bushes,
dripping w^et, but happy in the thought that they had
escaped. There was a shout of triumph among our men as
they saw^ the refugees successfully' stemming the current.
But all did not get over. Some were drowned — how many
is not known.

At the next stream, these scenes were repeated, to some
extent, but as the channel was not so deep as at Buck Head,
there was not so much risk in tlie refugees getting over.
Moreover, they had learned by this time to trust less in our
army and rely more upon their own efforts and ingcnuit}'.
So nearlv all f)f them got through.

4-2J5

{ HAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Sunday, December 4. — While eating breakfast this morn-
ing', we heard cannonading and musketry. It is Kilpatrick
and Baird, towards Waynesboro. We marched to Lump-
kin, one and a half miles distant, then turned to the right and
passed through Haddam. Here our advance was fired on
this morning. Marched fourteen miles, in all. Camped,
just at dark, by the side of a swamp.

Monday, December 5. — Marched ten miles, and camped,
at three p. m., on the banks of Beaver Dam creek, sixty-six
miles from Savannah. Kilpatrick and Baird are on the
other side. Built a bridge during the night for these troops
to cross.

Tuesday, December 6. — Yesterday, Morgan's Division
was in our advance, and went on, five miles, to camp. This
morning we moved, just as day was breaking, to catch up.
Carlin's advance came in, as we went out. Bugles sound-
ing over Beaver Dam. We had a free road until we came
to Morgan's camp. The road through the swamp had been
obstructed.

We waited until eleven a. m. for Morgan to get out ot
camp. Marched bv country roads to Haley's cross roads.
Marched seventeen miles to-day ; camped at dark, but I am
not able to locate the place, as I am completely lost.

Wednesday, December. 7. — Brief memorandum for this
day : March at 5 :45 a. m. Went by Davis' quarters
before dav — band playing. Unobstructed march to Mor-
gan's camp — eight miles. Open country on left ; woods on
right. Country somewhat poor ; no houses. Raining dur-
ing forenoon ; roads good. Reached Morgan's camp at
nine a. m. His troops and train not out until eleven a. m.
The swamp just in front of them is almost impassable, for
cattle, as they are not allowed to march in the road. Davis
swears. Buell carries axes manv miles — hunting a job — but
finding none. Passed some trains ; bad gulch ; good roads
for miles ; rumors ; Beauregard at Augusta ; Longstreet at
crossing of Savannah river ; Breckinridge coming from
East TiMinessee. If we light, it must lie ln'fore we cut the

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

429

430 CHAPLAIN HIGHTS HISTOEY OF THE

railroad : forced march ; officers and men mad : Buell cant
find a mud hole ; corduroying good roads : come near river ;
some of the boys go to Sister's Ferr\- and are fired on.
Camped at the twenty-sixth mile post from Savannah ; two
miles from Ebenezer : marched twenty-three and one-half
miles. This has been a hard march. Verv foolishly, our
men who had come eight miles farther than the preceding
Division are exjiected to repair roads and work to-night.

Immediatelv after reaching camp there came a hard
shower, before our tents were up, thoroughly wetting us.
We were aroused at 11:30 and ordered to "fall in.*" Four
Companies were sent to Ebenezer creek to make a bridge.
Remainder of Regiment ordered to march at day-light.

We did not march until about ten o'clock next morning.
Dr. Holtzman and I rode forward to Ebenezer creek.
There was a causeway for considerable distance, and the
ro'ad was narrow. Consequently, there was a great jam ot
troops, and slow progress. There was some sharp fighting,
vesterdav. with Wheeler, who is pressing our rear. After
a march of two miles and a half we camped at Ebenezer
Church. This is a brick structure, built in 1769, and is still
a verv beautiful piece of architecture. The frame church
which formerly stood here was built in 1738, and was used
during the Revolutionary war as a hospital.

Ebenezer Creek is a dark, impassable stream, with swamps
on either side. It required much labor to repair the road
and bridge so that the troops could pass. But our men
labored hard all night, and by noon of December 8th the
column commenced crossing. All afternoon and night the
troops continued to cross ; hunying forward towards Savan-
nah. Part of our Pontoon train was sent forward to Lock-
land creek, a few miles further on, to make a crossing on
that stream.

CHAPTER XXVII.

And so We Made a Thoroughfare — ^or Freedom
AND her Train — Sixty Miles of Latitude — Three
Hundred to the Main — Treason Fled Before us
— For Resist.vnce was in A'ain — While we were
Marching through Georgia" — Closing in Around
Savannah — News from our Fleet — The City
Evacuated — Occupying the Place — Something of
its History — Places of Interest Visited .\nd
Described.

WHILE waiting at Ebenezer creek, we were treated to a
genuine surprise Irom a rebel giinboat. Like a flash
of lightning out ot'a clear skv. a loud explosion was heard a
short distance down the stream, and a sixty- four pound shell
came whizzing over our heads. The visit was so unexpected
and we were so unprepared, that we were very much embar-
rassed, to sav the least. There was a natural disposition to
"shell out," and give these huge iron monsters plenty ot
room, but the natural inclination was overcome, and we
resolved, each lor himselt', to take our chances at dodging.
The ordeal did not last long. At'ter tiring about half a
dozen times, the gunboat retired from whence it came. But
this was only part of the disturbance that was going on all
around. There was cannonading in all directions, and it
began to sound like old times around Atlanta.

The sound of cannon was verv heavy, in the direction of
Savannali. It was evident the rebels 'were not going to
let Sherman get into that place, if thev could prevent it.

We left Ebenezer on the morning of the 9th, and marched
eight miles by twelve o'clock. There was another disgrace-

4:^2 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

fill abandonment of negro refugees at Ebenezer, but I did
not witness it. Those who were there describe the scene as
lieartrending. I cannot find words to express my detesta-
tion of such cruelty and wickedness. May God Almight}'^
save the Nation from the responsibility of General Davis'
acts !

In the afternoon of the 9th we resumed our march, and
went nine miles further toward Savannah. We went into
camp, near the river, about a mile and a half from the rail-
road bridge. Company E, which had been left to take up
the bridge over Lockland creek, came up soon after we went
into camp.

Marched at 8:40 a. m. on the loth, but we did not make
rapid progress. We reached a point eleven miles from
Savannah, and there stopped for the night, in a swampy
ground. All of Sherman's army is now concentrating in
front of Savannah, and the impression is that we will have a
general engagement soon.

We received copies of Savannah papers, of December ist
and 3d, to-day. This is the first news from the outside
world we have had, since leaving Atlanta. It is not as
favorable news as we would like, but it is from a rebel
source, and is, most probably, not true.

Sunday morning, December iith, we were up early, and
were ready to move out by seven o'clock. But we did not
get started until ten o'clock, and then could only move
slowly, on account of the swamp roads over which we trav-
eled. The land all around us is swampy, not a hill, or ele-
vation of any kind ; but by the energy and perseverance, and
good management, of Colonel Buell, the roads were made
passable, and the armv pushed on toward Savannah. This
day we marched six miles, and camped within seven miles
of Savannah. We went into an old field, within half a mile
of the railroad, and put up temporary quarters. It was a cold,
windy night, and we were anything but comfortable. We
fed our horses on sheaf rice, and ourselves on Iresh pork and
potatoes.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 4J{3

We are now in camp opposite Argyle Island, seven miles
from Savannah. A rebel gunboat and two transports came
up the river and opened tire on our forces, at the railroad
bridge. The firing was pretty livel}^ for a time, some of the
shells from the rebel guns passing over our heads. But,
finally, our guns silenced the rebels and they retired up the
river. Nobody was hurt on our side.

We are now in the midst of rice plantations, and we have
all the rice we want to eat. We can see Savannah in the
distance, and it appears to be a very beautiful city. The
river winds about, among islands, and its banks are lined
with groves of live oaks ; many of the trees being ornamented
with garlands of Spanish moss.

Military operations are suspended, here, to await devel-
opments on the right. The 17th Corps has gone to open up
communications with our fleet. Rations are about out.
Our foragers went out on the morning of the 13th, but came
back empty handed.

Our forces are crowding the rebel works, and entrenching
close to Savannah, and the siege of that city has begun.

Opposite Argyle Island, Wednesday, December 14.
— As there were no pressing duties, I lay in bed until seven
o'clock. There had been some cannonading during the
night ; but as we were out of range we slept undisturbed.
The morning dawned beautiful and pleasant. Such weather
as this would be a marvel in Indiana, at this season of the
year. Yesterday I saw lettuce and some other plants grow-
ing in a garden.

About the middle of the forenoon our camp was moved a
half mile nearer to the river. We are now about three-fourths
of a mile from the Savannah river, on a plantation, said to
have been owned by a wealthy man, by the name of Given,
from New Jersey. Our new camp was properly laid out,
and the two battalions are united. Colonel Moore and
Doctor Patten, who had been messing with Captain Whit-
ing and Lieutenant Mason, of the right wing, return to
headquarter mess, and the Adjutant and myself returned to

434 CHAPLAIX MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

that mess, also. So we have a united command once more,
and I am glad of it.

As there is a prospect of remaining here some time, the
Adjutant and myself took pains "to fix up our tent. We
tilled up between two rice rows and made a level, sand floor.
We carried timber from some negro quarters, a half mile oft',
and made a cot. We made a good and comfortable bed of
rice straw. The Adjutant put up his desk for the first time
since leaving Atlanta. I found a nice, dressed board in the
famous live oak grove, which will serve for a writing table.
While making these preparations, some shells fell just in front
of our camp. We are in easy range if the rebels attempt
the passage of the river. Some shots fell near the steamer
Resolute, to-day.

I have not been writing any items since leaving the Chat-
tahoochee river. I have only made brief notes in pencil,
but I now resume the pen, designing to keep up my journal
from day to day, and bring up the records of our marcli
from the Chattahoochee, at leisure.

Our camp is in an old rice field ; but many years liave
elapsed since it was cultivated. In the meantime, cedars,
thirt}^ feet high, have grown up, and wild sage grass covers
the fields. Our color line fronts to the south. A short dis-
tance in the rear of the encampment is a road leading from
the river to the main highvva\', running into the city. There
are many of these cross-roads, made by throwing uji tiie
earth.

We learned that the 15th Corps had stormed and captured
Fort McAllister, yesterday, thus opening communications
with General Foster and our fleet. General Sherman has
sent a dispatch boat to the President. We are all living in
hopes of receiving mail, and the men who have little to eat
except beef, are hoping for rations. It our horses could
speak they would rejoice that corn and oats will soon supply
the place of rice. The latter article makes their tongues
sore. By the way, almost all the horses we had when we
left the Chattahoochee, are eillier diseased or dead. Lieu-

FIFTY-EIGHTH I^DIA^A llEGDIENT. 4Ji5

tenant-Colonel Moore thinks it was caused by eating the
turpentine in the pine timber. My mare is very much
diseased.

We hear no news from the North, or elsewhere. A large
number of negroes are being collected on the adjoining
plantation. As soon as I can, I will find out more about
them.

Thursday, December 15, ten a. m. — I am tired and
sore from yesterday's exercises, one of which was a boat
ride, in a yawl, on the Savannah. It seems like getting
home once more to be in regular camp, writing at a table.
The weather is exceedingly fine. The tent is thrown open
and we write without any fire.

There has been much firintr around the line this morniniif.
It has now nearly ceased. On the right there was heavy
cannonading and skirmishing, in front of and beyond Argyle
Island.

A rebel gunboat began throwing shells Irom a heavy gun
about eleven o'clock. They were directed chiefly at various
objects on the river. Several were thrown beyond our camp.
A number burst near the negro quarters, a half mile on
our left flank, and a little to the front. This shelling was
continued until the middle of the afternoon. One shell went
into the earth, and bursted under a man sitting on the bank
of the riv^er. He was thrown upon the beach below, unin-
jured. The practice to-day, demonstrates that the rebels
could shell our camp and train, if they know our location, as
we are in range.

At dark I preached to a large and attentive congregation,
collected about a pine tree, in front of our quarters. The
new men seem generallv disposed to attend divine services.

Friday, December 16. — A great treat happened to me
this afternoon. A copy of the New York Tribtoic, of the
8th inst., was procured by Colonel Buell, at General Slo-
cum's headquarters. I had the pleasure of reading it. It
contained an account of the battle of Franklin, the report of
the Secretary of the Navy, and the general news of the day.

436 CHAPLAIN HIGIIT'S HISTORY OF THE

Our old "comrades in arms" in other Regiments, were
engaged in the battle, hence, the account is peculiarly in-
teresting to us all. This is the first paper, from the North,
I have seen since leavinfr the Chattahoochee.

Rebels have been throwing some shells to-day, but the}"^
fall short of those of yesterday. I felt a little uneasy on
account of their firing, yesterday, but I am undisturbed,
to-day. We soon get accustomed to these things.

Our artillery is inferior to that of the rebels, as we could
not drag heavy guns over the country through which we
have come.

Saturday, December 17. — Two sacks of mail arrived at
ten a. m. Everybody is intensely delighted. It was ver}-
much mixed. Most of the wrapping paper was gone.
Manv of the letters for the new men were without the name
of their Company. We received many letters belonging to
other commands ; but almost everybody received letters.
In addition to these, there were many papers, which gave
us all the news up to about the 25th of last month. I read
letters and papers from the time of the distribution of the
mail until night.

None of us are uneasy about General Thomas, at Nash-
ville. The rebels are reported betbre that city. We all
know the old lion and his legions.

Sunday, December 18. — Preached at 9:30 a. m. ; Bible
Class at two p. m.

The Regiment began the constrviction of facines. They
are seven and a half feet long and fifteen inches in diameter.
Tlie material used is rice straw ; no other kind of straw can
be procured here. Some of it has the rice in it and some
has not. Through the center of the facine there is a center
pole, from an inch to an inch and a half in diameter, and
protruding from either end. On the outside there are Irom
six to eight poles, smaller than the center pole, and of the
same length as the facine. These are adjusted lengthways,
and bound compactly about the bundle by six hoops of wire,
rope, or withes. Wire is principally used. Rebel tele-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 437

graph wire, taken from the line along the Charleston and
Savannah railroad, is used. It looks very romantic this
evening to see the men making facines by candle light. It
would have made a splended picture for the illustrated
papers. The wagons, accompanied by a detail of men, haul
the rice from the river bank, whither it is brought in boats
from the islands of the Savannah. Another detail is cutting
the poles in the woods. Cane is preferred, but enough of
tills cannot be procured. Another detail has gone for wire.
The materials are collected in front of Colonel Buell's
quarters. Some of the men are engaged in carrying the
different articles to the exact places they are needed. One
cuts the rod the exact length, and another the wire. Six-
wires are laid on the ground, parallel with each other, and
six or eight rods are laid across these. The straw is then
nearly all laid on. The center pole is then laid on top ; a
little straw is laid on it ; a man takes hold of each end of the
wire, and the ends are brought together and fastened with-
out lifting the bundle from the ground. The center rod
adjusts itself to the center of the facines, and the outside
rods come to their places. The wires are then tightened
by a ratch-stick, and the facine is done. Seven hundred
are being made by our Regiment. Rumor says they are to
be used for tilling up the ditches in front of the rebel works.
Rumors farther say that General Sherman summoned
Hardee to surrender. The latter replied that he yet had
one hole through which he could escape. It is said our
people are going to make a charge. As a general rule,
charging will not pay. Savannah and all its garrison can
be captured by stopping up the South Carolina side of the
Savannah river. Still, if a charge is made I think it will be
successful, on account of the comparative smallness of the
garrison. Only a Brigade and a half of rebels confronts the
20th Corps.

Thursday, December 20. — There has been cannonading
all day around the lines. The rebel gunboats came higher
up the river than ever before, and sent some shots whizzing

4.38 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

l)v our camp. It makes a fellow feel a little uncomfortable
in spite of himself. A number of men were killed and
wounded by the rebel shells, last night. Our people have
been very bus}^, for some davs, constructing forts in front.
Some heavy guns are now being placed in position. Thus
far, our men have borne the rebel cannonading without
scarcely returning a shot. In the morning our guns are to
open and our columns are to advance. Several loads of balk
and two hundred facines were taken from our camp to the
front, to be used in making ])ridges in the morning. The
rebels continued firing until a late hour in the night.

Orders came, just after dark, to throw a pontoon over the
channel, beyond Argyle Island. Colonel Buell and most of
the Regiment went to obey the order. Some difficulty is
anticipated in putting do\\n the bridge. The rebels will
certainly shell it from their gunboats. It is to be hoped that
they will make no discoveries until morning. Then, they
may have something else to attend to.

Mail sent out this morning. No news from the North.
Second Lieutenant Endicott, of Co. B, has been mustered
in. Others of the new officers are also being mustered in.
Those persons who were recommended for office, and were
not in the line of promotion, have not received their com-
missions. It will be a shame if some of them ever are com-
missioned.

Wkdnesdav, Decemjjer 28. — At 8:30 a. m. news came
tiiat Savannaii is ours — by evacuation, 1 suppose. All night
has been spent by our Regiment, in getting the bridge mate-
rials to the place where it was designed to use them. Tlu'
order now is to bring the pontoon train into the city. It will
be some hours before we can get olf. Tiiere is a distant
sound of heavy guns.

Major Downev ordered tlu^ call for "strike tents" to be
])lovvn. It sounded very foolish, at the time, as there was
no order to march, and the pontoon was beyond Argyle
Island. He had only heard that there was an yrder extant
for marching. It rained soon after, and the Regiment did

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REiilMENT. 439

not marcli for more than twenty- four hours. A httle com-
mon sense is an excellent thing in the army.

Attempting to bring over the boats was a dreadful day's
work for the men. The weather was cold, and the wind
blew a perfect gale against the boats. The task of taking up
the part of the pontoon which had been laid down was very
small. They were soon loaded, with all the material, on two
old scows. The remainder of the day and night was spent
in the bitter cold wind, trying to get the boats over on this
side. Man}' of the men did not get anything to eat during
the entire day. Many sunk into the quicksands up to their
waists. They were tired on by the rebels on the other shore,
but n-obody was hurt.

Thursday, December 22. — It was announced, this morn-
ing, that the men, after toiling all 3^esterday and last niglu,
had made the landing. Some had worked two nights and a
day, without rest or food, in the water, mud, wind and cold.
This is what I call hard service. Those who had been thus
engaged came in and got a little breakfast. Our commis-
sary department is ver}^ weak. Hence, no rations have been
drawn for the men from the new supply from the East.
Other troops have been drawing for some days. Our A. A.
C. S. has never been to see about getting rations. Our men
occasionally get a hardtack or two, but the usual issue is
beef —

'"Only Uiis, and nothing more."

Our Commissary has drawn a little rice ; but, where there
are thousands of tierces, he should have gotten plenty. We
still have some sugar, coffee, homin}^, etc., which are occa-
sionally issued in homeopathic doses. If the soldiers were
not thrifty, they would suffer for food. This is not consid-
ered a land of plenty ; but the men manage to get a little to
eat. The chief article they collect is rice, which they beat
otT the straw. It is then encased in a hard husk, which is
pounded off, after much labor, after the manner of beating
hominy. One mill lias been constructed, by sawing "mill-
stones" otT a pine log, the upper one being moved around

440 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

by means of pins driven into it, and tiie lower "stone"
remaining stationary. The grain goes in through a hole in
center of the upper block, and comes out through a hori-
zontal groove in the upper surface of the lower block.
Some of the men were proposing improvements on this, but
the move, to-day, renders them unnecessary.

It must have been ten a. m. when our march for the city
began. The five hundred rice facines, whicli our men had
made for the assault, were loaded on the wagons for forage.
We moved out by the same cross-road we had come in on.
We passed the grave of Taylor, of Company K, who died
on the 1 2th, leaving him, as we had left many others, to
sleep, solitary and alone, in a strange land. But his rest
will be as quiet here as anywhere, and the power of the
resurrection will be as effectual here as anywhere ; nor
will it militate against one's eternal interests to rise in
Georgia.

After reaching the main Savannah road, we turned
towards the city. We continued, for some time, to pass the
remains of camps. There were no fields, and the men had
encamped in the woods. Here are the remains of a com-
missary, under guard ; and, here on my left, are the graves
of twelve soldiers, principally killed by rebel shells. We
passed several trees which had been cut in two by cannon
shots. I noticed where a shot had passed through two large
trees. Our line of works was a little over three miles from
tlie city. Our forts were just completed, and ready to open
fire, when the enemy left. The works of the rebels were
not more than three hundred yards from ours, and the inter-
vening space is covered with water. It is a tangled swamp,
and is almost impossible to pass through it, even when not
under fire, and to charge through it would be an impossibil-
ity, save along the road ; and two large, smooth-bore siege
guns commanded this, with grape and cannister, ready for
use. There may be some more vulnerable points on the line
than this. The rebel works are strong, and the heavy guns
are still standing where the rebels left them. They were

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 441

spiked, but our people had removed the tilcvs. They have
heavy siege carriages. A derrick, which had been used in
mounting the guns, was abandoned by the rebels, who also
left a quantity of ammunition. A little farther on, we found
some of the rebel quarters. Soil, laid on timbers, with their
tops joining, makes their tents. They seem to lie on the
swampy ground.

There are no splendid plantations near the city, on this
road. The ground is low and swampy. There were some
nice residences near the city. On our left is a large brick
house, and near it, on a pillar, stands a reservoir, which, I
suppose, answers the same purposes as a cistern in other
lands. There was also a windmill for pumping water. We
soon came into the city. It was not made to be a slave-
holding city — the streets are too narrow ; the houses are
small, and not surrounded by any grounds. It was, at first,
designed, no doubt, for poor refugees from Europe, and, to
this day, there are great swarms of foreigners here. We
went into a part of the city between Farm street and Ogee-
chee canal, where the houses are small, dilapidated, and tor-
lorn ; and nearly every house is full. The ground is very
uneven, and a part is open sewers from the city. A large
part of our camp is covered by rice chafi' and burning tilth.
It is rather a vile place to come a thousand miles to camp.
The wind was blowing a gale, as we entered, mixing up
sand, chaff, and various stenches, to suit the eyes and noses
of such as love these things. The Companies were placed
here and there, as ground could be found to camp on. Reg-
imental headquarters took the best place, of course, after
Brigade headquarters were suited. It is no place, however,
to brag of, being in a gale of dirt, behind an Irish bagnio.
All eyes and noses were full. This is the brilliant feat we
read of in the Northern papers, called "Capturing Savan-
nah." If these lines fall into the hands of any of my unborn
posterity, after I am dead, I hope they will remember that,
although this mav be a matter of fun to them, it was death
to their fathers who "tit."

442 CHAPLAIN IIKillTS JIISTOKY OF THE

Our men began working at the rebel pontoon, immedi-
ately on entering the city. It reached from the city to
Hutchinson's Island, and is constructed by placing scows
end to end. There are docks on either side, so the rising
and tailing of the tide does not lengthen or shorten the
bridge. The farther end was cut, and the bridge swung
around. Ropes were put on, preparatory to drawing it up.

In company with Adjutant Behm and Dr. Iloltzman, I
took a short walk about the streets, late in the evening. The
guards on Farm street did not wish to let us pass, but when
the}^ learned that we belonged to the Pontoniers, they with-
drew their objections and permitted us to pass on. This, and
the neighboring streets, is closely built up with small wooden
houses. They are usually one story high, and come out to
the street. The streets are usually narrow and short.

We walked down the wharv^es, to the lower portion of the
city. The steamer Resolute, which was captured above, lay
at tiie wharf. The Canon icus, from Hilton Head, was
there, with General Foster on board. This ineflicient ofli-
cer wore a cap and a blue overcoat. He is a large and tine
looking man. He was hobbling about the boat on a crutch.
Having served under him in East Tennessee, I can testily to
his incompetency as an officer. He may be a man of abil-
ity, but he is now an invalid, and, hence, unfit for the field.
He may have been a lion, in his day, but his day is past.

There are several other little steamers, a part of which were
captured. The rebels destroyed their gunboats, and one
ram, which was in ]")rocess of construction wiien they left.

We tlid not go to the city limits, but turned to the right,
and walked out into thr lii'art of the eit\-. Here we t'ound
some wide and beautiful streets, which I ho|i(" to lind timi> to
describe in the futuri'.

Alter dark wt' returned to our uneonilortable (juarters.
This has bcrn a (la\' of gri'at sights, and I ha\e not now
time to do justice to tlicm.

FuiDW. I )ia'i-:.'Mi!i':K i\. — Allrr sick call was attcndcil to,
1 walked out again into the eit\', in eonipan\' with Dr.

FIFTY-EIGJITH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 443

rioltzman. We went down the wharves to tlve ij^as works,
and then still on to the ship yard. Ev^erN^thin^ ahout the
yard had been destroyed by tire. We then visited the
Pulaski monument, which I will describe, in the future, if I
have time. We passed along" some tine streets and squares,
some ot' which I must describe in my notes, in time to come.
We returned to our quarters at ii : 30 a. m.

At'ter dinner, I went out into the city, in search of a
church, as a place of worship tor my Regiment. I soon
tbund that all the churches near us belonged to the colored
people, and the^' were all at home. The tirst I came to was
a Baptist Church. Several of the people were cleaning it
out. Some guards had spent a day or two in it, and had
done a little damage to the house. As soon as General
Geary was notitied of the fact, he, very properly, put them
out. There are three colored Baptist Churches in the city,
and all of them are getting along well. There is only one
colored Methodist Church — Asbur}^ Chapel. It is against
the laws of Georgia to ordain a colored man as a deacon or
elder. Now, God Almighty, in His laws, has provided lor
this thing. The question is now being settled, whether the
State of Georgia or the Almiglity is in command in these
parts. There may be some in this city who are not yet sat-
isfied as to the result ; I have no doubts, myself. The Meth-
odist Church, above named, has seven loci.l preachers, but
they had to take a wiiite pastor, from the Georgia Confer-
ence, to administer the sacraments amongst them. Now, he
has run oti', and they are inquiring what to do. I advised
them to send North, and get an ordain^^d colored pastor.
He can preside over the church, and gi\'e them a start. 1
am resolved to see them again. While I \ as there, a pomp-
ous Captain, h\ the name of Ta\lor, came strutting up, with
a design of taking the church for his own use. Wlien told
that it was in use as a j')lace of worshij'), he remarked to one
of the colonel people that this "thing" must be stopi")ed for
a time. Tie imagines that Ca]")tain Ta\l()r is ol" more import-
ance than till' worshiji of tlu> Almiglilx'. I ga\i' the negroes

444 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

a hint, which will save their church from desecration, I
hope they will act on it.

Saturday, December 24. — Hutchinson's Island is ahout
eight miles long and a little over a half mile wide. It is
owned by different men : is low and flat, and has often been
flooded. At one time, it was covered to the depth of six
feet, when there were prevailing winds from the sea. The
cultivation of rice is prohibited, as flooding is essential to its
growth, and this would render the city unhealthy. P'orty-
flve dollars per acre was paid by the city as damages to the
owners, on account of this regulation. Yesterday morning
the channel, between the city and island, was spanned, by
restoring the rebel pontoon.

There are three torpedoes, of the old pattern, attached to
some kind of a wooden frame, on the other side of the river,
near the bank. They do not seem very dangerous, nor do I
think they are. This torpedo is of cast iron ; it is about a
foot in diameter and two feet in length. On the bottom,
which is flat, there is a cross-bar, with holes in the ends, for
fastening to a raft or other anchor. The torpedo is a cone,
closed everv where, except at the top ; here, there is a two-
inch hole. IIow it is charged, or what with, I cannot tell.
I am told that there is a torpedo of a later and better pattern.

We moved from our disagreeable camp to one but little
better. The train was taken over the river and parked on a
held below high tide. Companies B and G were placed in
camp on Hutchinson's Island, at the end of the pontoon.
They are kept ovit of the mud by a large quantity of saw-
dust. They have a shed which gives them shelter, in part.
Thev have plenty of lumber and shelter tents to complete
their camp.

Companies A and F camp at this end of the bridge.
Their chief embarrassments are "wharf rats," and passers
]-)\-. The remainder of the Regiment is camped here and
there, along the wharf, above the pontoon. Most of the
officers have houses. Regimental headquarters is at Mr.
Dav's, on Indian street. Atter we had gone into these

FIFTY-ElGliTII INDIANA REGIMENT. 445

quarters, the officer on provost duty in these parts — Colonel
Slaughter, of the 29th Pennsylvania — put a guard across the
street, between Colonel Moore and his command. This is
another example of "man clothed in a little brief authority,"
etc.

To-day, I resumed my search for a church. I saw a
Marine Church, on Bay street. Supposing it unoccupied, I
began hunting for authority to preach the gospel there. I
called on one of the provost guards, and from him learned
who was officer of the ff'^i'ii'd. He sent me to the officer of
the day. He went with me to the church. There is a high
and heavy iron fence in front. The gates are spiked, the
padlocks being lost. We scaled the fence and looked in at
the window. It appeared to be a nice church, inside. I
determined to continue my pursuit. I went to Colonel
Wood, provost marshal of the eastern part of the city. He
sent^ me to a Quartermaster, at the Exchange. He had
moved his office into a building occupied by a number ot
consuls. I went there and obtained the following paper:

City of Savannah, Dec. 24, 1S64.

Chaplain II. G. Might has permission to use the Mariner's Chapel until
required for other purposes.

By order "of Brigadier-General J. W. Geary.

G. D. PARKER,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.

This is not mv name — I suppose I must have mouthed my
words, or else he must have been deat\ As for the signature
of the Assistant Qiiartermaster, I have guessed at it. Many
officers take a silly pride in signing their names so no one
can read them. I suppose it is the same notion that causes
boarding-school girls, when very young and tender, to
mince their words.

After getting this permit, I hunted up the keys. It was
some little time before I got on the trail, but, after calling
on a number of citizens, I at last succeeded in getting the
keys of Mr. Thomaf, or Thompson, who keeps an insur-
ance office on the corner of Bay and Bull. I was very
courteously treated by Mr. Duncan and Mr, Thompson.

446 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE

After putting a notice of preaching to-morrow at lo : 30 a. m. ,
I returned to my quarters. I passed the Puhiski monu-
ment, which stands at the intersection of liull and some
other street. The sidewalks of these streets, neatly paved
with bricks, form a square of aboilt fifty feet. On the center
of this stands the monument. There are several other little
squares of the same size. The whole constitutes a very
pleasant park of shady walks and cherished memories.
The monument square is surrounded by an iron fence. On
each side there are five panels. Each panel has twelve
spears, bound together by four wreaths. The posts are
cannons, with ball on muzzle, and a flame above this. The
fence is painted green. This is all ver}- beavitiful and
appropriate. The guns, the shot, and the spears are
emblematic of war — the profession of the gallant dead.
The wreath represents the reward of those who perish in
the cause of libert3^ The flame and the color of the fence
call to our minds the immortalit}^ of the deeds of those who
give their lives that man may be free. Within, springing
from the green sod, are four bushes wdiose leaves are green
in winter, just as time never eflaces the memor^^ of the good.
A plain slab of gray limestone, a foot high and perhaps
twenty feet square, is the foundation of the monument. On
this is laid another of the same material and hight, perhaps
seventeen feet square. Next is a base of the same material,
about eight or ten feet square and three feet high. Tlie
remainder of the monument is of white marble. There are
four cannon carved in the four corners of the square, resting
on the base. There is no inscription on the eastern or
western sides of the square, except, overhead, on citlier side,
is the suflicient and expressive words :

rULASKI.

Over the northern panel there is this inscription in baso-

relievo :

SAVANNAH, yni OCT., 1779.

In the jianel there is a representation of Pulaski reci'iving
the mortal wound. lie is mounted on a o-aUant horse, who

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REdlMENT. 147

seems to feel the sad blow that is falling upon tlie cause of
liberty. His nostrils are distencled, and every vein is plainly
visible. The rider, with uncovered head, turns towards his
wound in agony, and yet, tlrmly maintains his seat and holds
in a tirni grasp, both reins and sword. With his right hand
he holds his sword, and steadies himself by resting it on the
horse's hip. His left hand grasps the reins, and presses
upon the wound on his thigh.

In the southern panel there is this inscription :

PUI.ASKI,

THE HEROIC POLE,

WHO FELL MORTALLY WOUNDED

FIGHTING FOR AMERICAN LIBERTY AT

THE SIEGE OF SAVANNAH,

gTH OCT., 1779.

Over these panels, there is, on each side, a spread eagle,
resting on the shields of Poland and Georgia, and holding
in either talon the olive branch. The insertion of the shield
of Georp-ia instead of that of America, for which Pulaski
fought and died, is a manifestation of that sectional pride,
which has finally led the people of this State to ruin.

Above rises a marble shaft, of more than thirty feet. It
is square and girted by alternate bands of stars and wreaths.
Over all, stands the statute of libert}', by some strange
chance, facing the north, the home of liberty. In her left
hand she holds the pole, and cap, and wreath. In her right
she holds out the wreath, as if to crown with immortalit}^ the
hero who, fighting, falls in her cause.

The monument must be more than fifty feet high. It is
exceedingh^ creditable to all the parties concerned in its
planning and execution. It l)ears the imprint of "Robert
E. Lunitz, New York, A. D., 1854."

At all hours of the dav a crowd of soldiers stand gazing
at this monument, not simplv in admiration of it as a splendid
work of art, but rather in veneration of him who leit home
and country, and forgot his noble birth, to cast his lot with
a people few and unknown, struggling for independence.

448 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE

Tlis death was not in \iuu. His memory shall never be for-
i^otten. His example shall be a stimulant to noble deeds
while the world stands. Not only this monument, but the
numerous towns and counties named after him, attest the
protound respect with which he is regarded by the American
people.

Sunday, December 25. — I had some work this morning,
to prepare the Mariners' Church for worship. The gate
had to be forced open and the house cleaned. I preached
at 10 :30 in the forenoon and at six o'clock in the evening, to
small congregations. There is no arrangement for warming
or lighting the house. Yesterday, the first number of the
Loyal Georgian appeared.

I had announced a meeting at the Mariners' Church on
the night of the 26th, but an order to move prevented me
from attending to it.

We left the wharf and went over on Hutchinson's Island ;
Colonel Easton, chief commissary, desires all the wharf for
rations. He came, drunk, to Companies A and F and told
them to move or he would send two thousand men to drive
them off. There is more wharf room below the pontoon
bridge than can be filled in a month. B^^ that time it is
expected that the grand army will be in other parts.
Whisky is a great fool maker. The President of the United
States should entirely exclude it from the army, except for
medical purposes.

It was after dark before we got our tents up. The ground
is very soft ; a rail thrown upon it shakes the ground for a
distance. We got some old hay to keep us out of the mud.
The island is very damp.

Tuesday, Deckmijkr 27. — Yesterday it rained, but to-day
it has been very pleasant. Hutchinson's Island st^ems to
improve.

The entire Regiment — except Companies W and G, which
remained at the end of tlu> jiontoon bridge — labored earnest!}'-
all day, putting up quarters. Never has there been so much
building done in one day by the 58lh Indiana, The Adjul-

FlFTY-EtGIItll INDIANA REGIMENT. 449

ant and myself made a good bunk and laid a pine floor.
Fourteen sick men were sent to the hospital in the city.

The old members of the 58th were paid to October 31st.
Many of the men were sadly in need of money. Some
of the money will be sent by express and by private parties,
but most by allotment. We have received a general order
requiring immediate preparations for another campaign.

Saturday, December 31. — Lieutenant Samuel L. Sny-
der, of Company K, and forty-eight non-commissioned ofli-
cers and men were mustered out of the service of the United
States, to-day, on account of expiration of term of service.
One man, who is to be mustered out in the North, accom-
panied them home.

Sunday, January i. — Yesterday an effort was made to
throw a pontoon bridge over the other channel of the river,
but the effort resulted in a failure. The 3d Division, of the
20th Corps, General Ward commanding, came over on this
Island, to cross into South Carolina. In the evening all
returned to the city, except one Brigade. Several men were
wounded in the attempt. The work has been renewed
to-day. Our Regiment has been working all da}^ with more
success, as the wind is not blowing to-dav. Troops are
moving around on steamers.

Monday, JvVnuary 3. — The Regiment has been bus}- all
da}', pontooning. After having more than half completed a
canvas pontoon over the channel, beyond Hutchinson's
Island, they were ordered to place the canvas pontoon in
Back river, a channel still beyond. The remainder of the
day was spent in carrying out this order, and in making a
pontoon of scows beyond this island. The weather is pleas-
ant ; the sun is shining.

The 3d Division, 20th Corps, is being transported 1)}^
steamers from Savannah to the South Carolina shore.

This morning I went up town with Adjutant Behm. We
called at the postoffice, in the Government building, known
as the custom house. The post oflice is in the lower storj',
and is larjje enou"-li for a citv of this size. The ofHce' is

ir)() CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

open to the citizens to-day, and stamps, in any quantit}', are
tor sale. Mail goes out at five p. m. Corporal Wood worth,
Company E, has been detailed to carry our mail.

We went to the express office and sent our money North,
paying one and one-fourth per cent., and taking all risks
ourselves.

Bay street extends from Ogeechee canal to the gas works,
a distance of about one mile. At the upper end of the
street, there are some small streets between it and the river,
but, in the main part of the city, it is the lirst street. There
is a row of storehouses between it and the river, but the
space between these and the river is not dignified by the
name of a street. These buildings are "under the bluff," to
use the common expression. From the wharf, there are
several winding ways for wagons up to Bay street, which
have been constructed at great expense. There are great
walls of stone, laid in cement, on either side of these streets,
and there are also steps for foot passengers. The level of
Bay street must be sixty feet above high tide. There is a
fine view from the lower end of the street — Hutchinson's
and adjoining islands ; the different channels of the Savan-
nah ; the South Carolina shore ; the windings of the river ;
the steamers Iving at the wharf, and gliding up and down the
stream ; the distant torts, with iloating flags ; the schooners
sitting quietly on the river, and ocean steamers farther down
towards the sea ; the masts of the fleet, lying at anchor
around the bend, where the hulls are hid from view ; and,
on the right, an endless panorama of low lands and inter-
mingled forests. Perhaps, upon this very spot stood the
founder of this ancient city, and, looking at the scene of
beaut}' at liis feet, beheld, in a vision, the futin"e city, rising
in glory on the bluffs and increasing in wealth and renown
through endless generations. This ground was certainly
made for a magnificent seaport.

There are some earthworks at this place, and also a mag-
azine, covered by a carpet of grass. A heavy siege gun,
lifting high its muzzle towards the sea, stands like a faithful

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 451

watch dog with eager gaze, ready to "bark" at an}'
approaching enemy. At the side of this stands a Hght-
house — a lamp post forty feet in hight. This is for our
friends — that for our enemies.

On the lower end of Ba}^ street, there are some very
ancient one-story tVame houses, the roofs of which are cov-
ered by a thick, heavy moss. One of them is labeled
"Washington Hall." I should judge, from its appearance,
and the use of the term "hall," that it was a hotel far back
towards revolutionary times. The people residing in these
parts are a sorry looking set, chiefly foreigners.

The Exchange stands on the left side of the street, and
about the center. From the Exchange, Bull street leads off
to the south, dividing the city into two districts, the eastern
and the western.

This street has been the theatre of several magnificent
reviews. Kilpatrick's cavalry was advertised to appear
to-day, but they failed, lor some reason unknown to the
writer.

A motly crowd was collected on the street to-day. At
the upper end, there were large squads of negroes, in the
Government's employ. Along the center, the crowds were
composed chieflv of soldiers. Here and there might be seen
a spruce naval officer. There was a goodly number of citi-
zens, and some ladies. At present, trade is dull, except a
few apples and the Savannah Republican — the latter a dime
each, and the former "three for fifty cents." Army wagons
are almost the only vehicles to be seen. There were man}'
horsemen, dashing over the boulders, like Jehu of old. The
soldiers are generally ragged and dirty, as they have not
drawn a supply of clothing since the campaign began ; and,
besides that, they have been doomed to sit over smoky, pitch
pine fires. The ofilcers are, many of them, "dressed to
kill." The stars of the 20th Corps prevail in numbers and
pomposity. The little fellows from "down East" go strut-
ting up and down the street, pregnant with their own import-
ance and superiority. What a pity there are not more

452 CliAPLAIN liiGIIT'S IttSTOllY OF THE

women to smile approvingly npon them. Oh, for the per-
fume of cambric handkerchiefs.

General Gear^^'s Division does up the provost business.
At tirst, thev were very annoying to the whole army, cast-
ing o-ood men into prison. But so many complaints have
been made that they are growing more moderate. That
hateful sound, "Show your pass, sir," is not heard so often.

Friday, January 6. — In the afternoon I walked over the
bridge between this and the next island, which was com-
pleted on last night. I also went over to the South Carolina
shore. The bridges are all complete, and a corduroy road
is being made over the island.

The South Carolina shore is below high tide, and is pro-
tected by levees. These lands are devoted to tiie cultivation
of rice.

The negroes cannot speak English distinctly, neither do
they seem to full}' understand what one says to them. The}'-
use a foreign twang and speak very rapidly, often repeating
"sir." The women were dressed with tlie usual gaudy
cotton handkerchiefs, wound about their heads, a good, sub-
stantial pad round-a-bout, without fastenings in front ; a
cotton dress, reaching halfway between knees and feet, and
pants of some kind of cotton stuff; many of them are shoe-
less. I did not see many men. These people are allowed
one peck of unhulled rice per week, and nothing more. By
their extra labor thev usually add something to this. They
are very ignorant of the merits of tlie present crisis. Some
of the soldiers treat them badly — stealing from them their
bedding and scant supply of rice.

Saturday, January 7. — I had the pleasure of seeing a
review of the 15th Corps, on Bay Street. By chance, I was
just coming, at about two p. m., into the street a square
from the Exclumge, w^hen the cavalcade, headed by some
Generals, came up and took positions just under the portico
of the Exchange. Foremost among these is General Sher-
man ; he rides a line but quiet horse. His bridle and saddle
display quite an amount of brass. lie is tall and slender.

^'IFTY-EIGIITII INDiAXA JlKGlMENT. 4.^^

He wears a Major-General's coat — blue, double-breasted, and
two rows, of nine buttons each, placed in sets of three. He
wears an old fashioned, "sideboard" shirt collar, the onl}-
one, I suppose, in the Army of Georgia. It looks very odd
and out of place. His gloves are without gauntlets, ding}'
and old. His hat is low crowned, sorry looking, and des-
titute of any ornament. When he saw the boys coming he
twitched himself this way and that, tugged at his collar,
pulled at his coat and made sundry adjustments of his
apparel, by way of preparation for the coming ordeal. But
he failed to make any improvement in his appearance. He
returned the salutations of the Division, Brigade and Regi-
mental commanders with a gentle wave of the hand, which
seemed to say, "All hail — Avaunt !"• He uncovered his
head when saluted by the colors.

Amongst others present, was Brigadier-General Williams,
a full, fat man, with legs thrust straight out. He wore
cla3'bank, corduroy pants, stuffed in big boots, a Brigadier's
coat, buttoned to the chin, a private's hat, turned down
before and behind, an officer's wreath for a band, yellow
belt, fall w^iiskers, liberally mixed with grey, and a face
like a dull old doctor, who loves good whisky, with a dis-
position to the gout.

General Ousterhaus was by the side of General Sherman,
managing the review with a lynx eye. At one time, when
the column clogged up, he sent an aide with orders for those
in front to double quick ; at another time he stormed at a
band, "to play on," when they had stopped; and again he
charges on the b3'standers crowding within the prescribed
limits. He looks like a man of thirty-three.

General John A. Logan, who has just returned from home,
is also present, on a large grey. He has glossy, coal black
hair and mustache. He impresses one as a man of talent.

General Howard was present — known to all by being one-
armed, and honored for his firmness as a christian. There
is nothing peculiar in his dress or appearance to me, at a
distance.

454 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

There were several other Major-Generals, and quite a
number of Brigadiers. Most of them are strangers to me.

The review impressed me more by recalling the heroic
deeds of the past, rather than by present display. As a
pageant it was splendid ; the music was good, the marching
fine. But I was more impressed by what was wanting than
what was present. The thinned ranks, the Regiments com-
manded by officers of the line, and the tattered and torn flags,
recall the bloody battlefields of Fort Donelson, Shiloh,
Corinth, Vicksburg, Chattahoochee, Atlanta, and many
others, where as many men died as march by us to-day. If
they are on review, to-day, it is before the gallant McPher-
son, in the land beyond. The 15th Corps has many equals,
and some superiors, on a grand review, but on the battlefield,
and in history, it stands unsurpassed. May its banners never
wave but in triumph, and may its dead rest in peace.

The 1 71)1 Corps has departed to parts unknown — to me.
I presume it has gone to Wilmington. Our people seem to
have made a failure there, and need help to renew the con-
test.

Sunday, January 8. — By some mishap, a gate was
left open, and we awoke to -find our camp flooded. The
water did not cover all the ground, but it put out many fn-es
and came into many of the tents.

Mail received at ten a. m. It was just two weeks ago,
to-day, when the last came.

Companies A, F and K moved out to tlie other island. I
am much discoiti-aged about my duties. My way seems
almost entirely hedged up. How am I to attempt meeting
this morning? Three Companies are moving, the camp is
flooded, the weather is cold ; many of the men were working
last night, and the mail, for the first time in a fortnight,
comes just at church time. Were this the only time, I could
bear it with ri'signalion. liut this is now happening, time
after time. However, I did preach to about a dozen men
in the quarters of the mechanics. This was all the service
I held during the day.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA rtEGDIKNT. 455

Tuesday, January io. — I made another visit to the city
to-day, and took note of some other places of interest.

The monument to General Green is on Bull street, one
square from Bay, in the city of Savannah. It occupies the
centre of Pulaski Square, a shad}^ little park. Clirist's
Church and the Pulaski house face the square. It is in the
business part of the city. The monument is a plain, square
shaft, about fifty feet high. The material is granite. There
is no inscription. The foundation was laid, with Masonic
honors, by Lafayette, during his visit to this country in 1825.
It was not completed until 1832 or '33. It never gave satis-
faction to the public. Hence, the work was neglected and
no inscription has been put on it. It is, indeed, an unsightly
pile of large, square stones, laid one upon another. It
resembles more an abutment for a bridge than a memorial
of a hero of the Revolution. It was erected by "The Green
and Pulaski Monument Lottery Association," chartered by
the State of Georgia. This at once accounts for the
wretched execution of the work. Just think of covering up
rascality with the names of the honored dead, and professing
to appropriate the proceeds to the erection of a monument to
their memory. How would "The Green and Pulaski
Monument Horse Thief Association" sound? What an
appeal the lottery could make to the people : "Just send us
one dollar, and you will have the noble satisfaction of con-
tributing to one of the most sacred and praiseworthy works
of art, that ever engaged the attention or animated the hearts
of a grateful people, and at the same time may drinv a fi-izc
of ffty thousand dollars.''' I would propose this inscrip-
tion :

ERECTED

TO THE MEMORY OF THE

GREENHORNS

WHO

BOUGHT TICKETS

AND

DREW BLANKS

THE GREEN MONUMENT ASSOCIATION.

456 CHAPLAI^^ IIlGIIf'S HISTORY OF TitR

Forsythe Place is a splendid little park of several acres,
at the farther end of Bull street. It is surrounded by a
strong, high iron fence. There are many tall, straight
pines, and other shrubbery, which gave shade for the walks
and green carpet of grass. In the center there is a pool
which was once a fountain. In these war times the waters
have ceased to flow, and the four old satyrs, from whom the
water played in many a fancy jet in other days, are without
occupation, naked, and dirt}- as a rebel soldier. Indeed,
one of them has turned heels over head into the muddy pool.
Thus, Savannah is attempting to wash herself in the muddy
pool of her own sins.

Chaplain Pepper is a very nice man, and would not oflend
the devil, knowinglv. He called on the rebel Methodist
pastor in this citv, Parson Wynn.

"Brother W3'nn," said Chaplain Pepper, "can I pray for
the President of the United States, in your pulpit?"

"Oh, brother," said Parson Wynn, "pray for both Gov-
ernments."

"But," said the Chaplain, "I do not recognize but one."

"Well, I am afraid it will olTend some of m}^ people if you
pray for President Lincoln, and I prefer that you should
not."

So, Chaplain Pepper sat behind Parson Wynn and con-
cluded with a "good Lord — good devil" prayer, about as-
long as one's little finger and about as strong as sage tea.
What is Pcfpcr when it has no strength? Wherewith shall
it be fcfpcrcd?

Thursday, January 12. — The grand sights of this after-
noon shall never be blotted from memory. In company
with Dr. Holtzman, I attended the grand review of Kilpat-
rick's cavalry. It was advertised to take place at twelve m.
It must have been about tifleen minutes after this time when
we arrived on the ir»"(nind, where an immense throng was
already collect(Hl. The crowd continued to increase until
the end of the ceremony. About i :30 p. m.. Secretary
Stanton drove up to the Exchange in a carriage. He went

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 457

upstairs, unci soon appeared on the upper floor of the porcli.
I had never seen the Honorable Secretar}?- before, and can
give no accurate description, at the distance I uas from him.
I occupied the outside of the nearest lower story window in
the custom house. At two p. m.. General Sherman rode up,
and took position, on horseback, in front of the Exchange,
fronting towards the street. On his rigiit were the following
general officers, in the order named : Brevet Major-Gen-
eral Meigs, Q^ M. G. ; Major-Gjn^ral Joh;i A. Dix ; Brig-
adier-General E. D. Townsend, A. A. G. ; Major-General
John A. Logan ; Brevet Major-General J. C. Davis ; Brig-
adier-General Baird ; Brigadier-General Corse.

General Meigs, the Qiiartermaster-General, had just
arrived from Washington. He presents a line appearance,
on horseback. His hat was pulled down in front, and two
buttons of his coat were unbuttoned.

General Dix, the famous New York Democrat, and the
man who wrote "If any man pulls down the American flag,
shoot him on the spot," looks like an old man with a 3'oung
heart.

Brigadier-General Townsend is a thin, spare man.

Logan has immovable features, almost without expression.
He turns down the upper corners of his double-breasted
coat, hiding two buttons, and buttoning the turnover on the
lower button of the upper set of three. He seems unmoved
by anvthing about him.

General Baird has a good name, amongst his troops. He
presents a pleasant appearance.

At two o'clock the head of the column appeared. Gen-
eral Kilpatrick rode a beautiful little horse, well equipped.
The General is a little man, and looks young. His head and
face are small, and he seems to be a little hunchbacked, and
has a fashion of movinor his head downwards. He wore
bran new canary gauntlets, and his yellow f^ash looked like
it was just out of the shop. His pants were sk^' blue, with
golden cord on the outside seam. This cord, huif wu}' below
the kneCj widened into two, with an imitation of buttons

458 CIIArLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

between. Kilpatrick, blushing, saluted Sherman, passed to
the rear, and took position to the left of him.

The troops were about forty-five minutes in passing, and
they made as good appearance as any mounted troops in the
field could. But there were many jaded steeds, and the
ranks were much reduced by hard service.

Afler all was over, three cheers were given for Secretary
of War Stanton, three for General Sherman, three for Pres-
dent Lincoln, and so on, until the cheering fizzled, as
usual .

The 15th Corps is embarking on transports, and going to
Beaufort. A forward movement is rumored to take place
from this point, in eight or ten da3\s.

Saturday, January 14. — Three or four volunteers, as
many conscripts, and two or three old members of the Reg-
iment, joined us to-da}^. Some of them have been in the
late battles in middle Tennessee. Amongst these is Zingu
Parks, a boy of thirteen or fourteen, Zingu was recruited
in 1862, by Lieutenant-Colonel Embree. General Wood
and Colonel Embree were sitting together one day when
Zingu passed. The General was attracted by his youthtul
appearance, and inquired, "My son, what brought you into
the service?" "Two dollars," said Zingu.

Sunday, January 15. — I was much surprised this morn-
ing when Captain MilbiUMi came into my tent and told me
that two men iiad died in our Regimental hospital last night.
They are J. Purkiser, of Company C, and Jenkins, of Com-
pany E. The former had the measles and the latter the
typhoid fever. We buried them this afternoon in lot Num-
ber 1,549, ^" Laurel Grove cemetery. We found here the
graves of three other men of our Regiment. One was
buried yesterday and his name was not on the grave. The
other two are (3wen W. Sales, of Company B, died January
3d, and James Rlioades, of K, died January ist. These
were all new men, and I was not acquainted with any of
them, except Mr. Purkiser. Three died at some hospital in
the citv.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 459

Tuesday, Jaxitary 17. — Part of the 20lh Corps passed
to-day, and the 14th will follow to-morrow. We are to go
to-morrow or next day. Some Regiment is to take charge
of our three pontoon bridges over the Savannali. We move
on with the tield pontoons.

We have many sick and disconsolate men. I-)ratte(i men
lose heart quicker than volunteers. Many of them have
never heard from home since leaving there, last September.
There is shameful neglect somewhere, or we would get
more mail.

Colonel Buell has been commissioned Brevet Brigadier-
General of volunteers, to date trom the 12th inst. He is
much better than many w^e already have.

No movements of troops about the city, to-da}^ A part,
at least, of the 19th Coq^s has arrived here from the Shenan-
doah Valle}^

This afternoon, a section of the pontoon was floated
around and the gunboat Pontiac, and one transport, went
up the river.

Thursday, January 19. — Two Divisions of the 15th
Corps passed to-dav. The rain began to fall about the mid-
dle of the forenoon, and continued until after dark. The
road across the second island became impassable and many
of the troops had to return.

A salute of thirty-nine guns was tired this afternoon, in
honor of something — no one in camp knows what.

The news of the capture of Fort Fisher came yesterday.
It is as fatal to Ben Butler as to the rebels.

We have just received orders to march at 9 a. m., to-mor-
row. We accompany the 14th Corps on the south bank of
the river to Sister's Ferry. Here we crohs the river. This
is all I know, certainly, of the movements. Poor South
Carolina must suffer now. None of the soldiers are storing
up mercy for her. Her deluded people will now reap the
full reward of all their foll}^ and crimes. Charleston must
soon fall.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Leaving Savannah — Marchixc; Through Georgia
Quicksands — Stuck in the Mud — At Sister's
Ferry — Torpedoes — Preparation for Crossing
the River — Difficulties in the Way — A Flooded
Country — Pontoons and Perseverance Never
Fail — Into South Carolina — No Leniency for
THAT Rebellious State — Incidents of the March.

WE moved from our camp about nine a. m., Friday, Jan-
uary- 20. By order, our huts were left standing. It
has been customary to destroy all we could not carry, but
this is now wisely reversed. Oar huts will be serviceable to
those who take our places.

We recrossed the Savannah, and moved out the same road
by which we came. When we reached the railroad cross-
ing, we marched on the Macon, or, as it is called, the Louis-
ville road. Generals Morgan and Carlin preceded the pon-
toon train. General Baird moved on the direct road leading
up the river.

The general impression in the army is that we are begin-
ning a campaign against Charleston. The movement on
this side of the river is supposed to be a feint. It is gener-
ally presumed that the army will concentrate at Branchville.
Augusta is a rich prize, and, if it is at all possible, I think it
will be captured, en route.

It was cloudy in the morning, and the roads were bad,
from recent rains. About ten a. m. rain began to fall, and
tiirre was but little cessation up to midnight — the h<>ur of my
retirement.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 461

We moved very slowly, and with difficulty the train could
"drag its weary length along." Night overtook us among
the mud holes, about live and a half miles from the city. It
was designed that we should advance eight miles. Bad
roads in this part of Georgia means a verv dil^erent thing
from bad roads in Indiana. There we stick in the mud ;
here "the bottom falls out," as it is called. Mules and
w^agons sink into the quicksand. Nothing but corduroy
will remedy these holes. Our officers and men labored all
night trving to get the train along. Nearly every saddle
mule and many horses fell, plunging the riders headlong
into the mud. Many wagon tongues were broken. Officers
and men waded to their waists in the slime. Not a few
oaths were sworn, and some bad whisky was consumed.
In the catalogue of terrible nights, let not this rainy
night, amongst the Georgia swamps, with a Pontoon train,
be forgotten. Before day, all the train, except a few wagons,
was got off the road, about six miles from the cit}^. Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Moore's and Major Downe3^'s headquarter
wagons went a mile farther and stopped in a muddy, pine
woods.

At seven I found a shed in which there were many strag-
glers from our Regiment. Here, I remained until near
midnight. The soldiers gave me coffee and crackers ; for
on such an occasion, they are better ofT than officers. The
officers came often to this shed to rally the men for duty,
but as they took no steps to enforce their orders, many of
the men remained.

Saturday, January 21. — The rain was not falling when
I arose at day, but the waters were still upon the face of the
earth.

Lieutenant Colonel Moore received orders from General
Davis, informing him that the march liad been suspended
on account of the weather, and directed him to go into camp
as near Gene-ral Carlin as possible. As there was dr}-,
sandy ground a mile back, where most of the train had
stopped, he sent us thither. We got there about noon and

462

CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

the remainder of the day was spent in tixing up quarters.
As the weather does not seem to improve, we expect to
remain here several days.

We hear that between the freshet and the cutting of dykes,
by the rebels, the central column, composed of the 20th and
half of the 15th Corps, is being compelled to return to
Savannah. Some wagons are being washed away and
mules drowned. I fear this will thwart our General's plans
for some days.

We received some letters this morning — the lirst in answer
to letters sent North from Savannah. In one letter, received

by me, came the informa-
tion that a young relative
of mine, who was cap-
tured in the McCook
raid, has joined the rebel
army. His motive was
to escape the rigor of
imprisonment. If he

succeeds in escaping from
the rebels to our lines,
there may be the end of
the matter. But if he is
captured he may be hung.
The experiment is dan-
gerous, and sinful —
almost beyond pardon.
Better die and rot, as many noble men have done, than swear
allegiance to the sinking cause of the enemies of the country.
On the day before ^^esterday we heard of the capture of
Fort Fisher, the key to Wilminjrton. Ben Butler said it

f'?'!

i'*.'

DR. S. E. Hol,T/.MAX.*

* Dr. Holtzman was commissioned as Additional Assistant Surgeon of
the Regiment bv Governor Morton, in 1862, and joined tlie Regiment after
tlie battle of Shiloh. He was promoted to Assistant Surgeon, and served
some tiine on detached service. March 26, 1864, he was made Surgeon, and
served with the Regiment imtil its muster out. After the war, he returned
to his old home at Bloomington, and resumed the practice of medicine. He
afterward removed to Pontiac, Illinois, where he established lilmself in a
good practice, and where he still lives.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 463

could not be taken. I am no General, but I knew it could,
and so expressed myself in my letters. Now it has fallen,
but no lower than Mr. Ben Butler. I wish he were here, to
rule Savannah, as he is a splendid Provost Marshal, though
a poor General.

Tuesday, January 24. — I spent all day reading the
numerous stray papers which came in last evening's mail.
Most of these were for loth Indiana men, now out of the
service. After a hasty reading, they were distributed among
the Companies.

Our hopes for a few days' rest were blasted, by an order,
which came in the evening, to march in the morning at
seven. More letters were written to-day than during any
day, since leaving the Chattahoochee.

Wednesday, January 25. — Reveille at five ; marched at
eight. For several miles, the road was. a causew^ay, with
some bad places, on account of recent rains. Here and
there, the roads had been improved by corduroying — some
of it recently made. After several miles, the roads were
good. Passing Eden, we came into a desperate swamp,
and broke down in it, and camped just at nightfall.

Morgan's and Carlin's Divisions are in front, and only the
reserve artillery of the 14th Corps in the rear.

We saw but few people, in our march to-day, and they
were poor enough to disarm all hatred, had we borne them
any. One family was about moving to Savannah, where
alms were more plentiful. At another house, a woman sat
shivering by the mule pen, guarding the last mule. The old
man trembled with the palsy. A young man, thinly clad,
stood shivering, while an armless sleeve told a tale of rebel
service, which I did not feel at liberty to draw from his lips
by Yankee questions. No people reside in any of these
parts, save the poor. As for slaves, there never w^ere many,
and still fewer now.

The houses were few, and far between. Tliey are made
of nice pine poles, stripped of their bark. The chimneys are
made ivfter a pattern common in these parts — of sticks and

464 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE

mud. They are much inferior, and not so safe or durable
as the stick chimneys in tlie North.

Just as the head of the train reached a little run, near
Eden, we heard, near by, a dozen or more fhots, in rapid
succession, followed by shouts. This was an infallible indi-
cation of the presence of the enemy, but no effort was made
to get our men into line. Such things always agonize me
almost beyond endurance. This is not the tirst time tiiat I
have seen such unpardonable slowness. A moment more,
and an orderly came galloping down the road, reporting the
rebels "right up here." Had the}^ been disposed to attack
the train, the}^ would have been upon us in a minute, and the
Regiment would not have been in line. As soon as the
Order!}' presented his report, some attempted to form a line,
and some tried to load their guns. A part of the officers
were very prompt, while some were as dull as stumps ; they
were not afraid, they weren't. But there was hurrying to
and fro. The new conscripts at length formed an indiffer-
ent line ; skirmishers were sent forward ; the train was
ordered to park, and Captain Smith was ordered to defend
it with four Companies. It proved, in the end, that a bat-
tery post master had wandered a little from the main road,
and had been tired on by a squad of six rebels. When he
ran, they hallooed, and then scampered off. Such is the
battle of Eden.

Thursday, January 26. — We left the main road, 3'ester-
day, at Eden, and did not regain it to-day. We wound
about through the swamp, where much of the road was
almost impassable. General Buell's Brigade spent the after-
noon making corduroy. We marched about six miles,
which was as far as we could go. We camped in a sand
field, about three miles before reaching Springtield.

In the afternoon, while several Companies were cutting
small pine trees for corduroy, one fell on Thomas Feeler, of
C(jmpanv 11, and broke an arm and a leg. It is a wonder
more accidents of tliis kind do not happi-n. The soldiers
are very careless. When a trei^ is cut, warning is seldom

l^IFTY-EtGItTH INDIANA REGIMENT. U%

given until it begins to fall. It is considered great fun, to
make the men scatter and run. And then, man}- soldiers
will hardh' attempt to get out of the way of a tailing tree.
Some permit it to brush them, and some stand behind a tree
while it strikes the other side. The woods are usually full
of men, and there is a clatter of a hundred axes. Trees are
fiilling here and there, and men are busy carrying out the
cuts. It is a wonder more men are not killed.

We followed General Mortjan's Division this mornino;,
and passed Carlin's and l^aird's Divisions near Springiield.
When we started, we hoped to reach Sister's Ferry, on the
Savannah, by night. But we soon came to a dead lock, and
lay for a long time by the roadside. There was a stream
ahead which defied the passage of the trains.

We marched about tour miles, to-day, through a better
country than yesterday. There were several swamp creeks,
some plantations, and the ruins of a village. Springfield is
the seat of justice for Effingham county. The court house
is a two-stor}^ frame. There were but few houses in the
place before we came ; there are fewer now.

The weather is clear and cold, with a sharp wind blowing.
The lire runs through the wood in all directions, burning
the leaves.

After spending most of the day at the creek above named,
the pontoons were moved forward, with a design of putting
down some balk and chess to make a bridp:e. But General
Davis ordered none of the material to be placed in the
stream. We then went to camp, and the men went to work.
Poles and logs are cut and piled one upon another, until they
rise above the surface of the water, and at ten p. m. the
treacherous road is completed.

After four miles travel, on Saturday, January 28, we came
to the river road, on which we had advanced to Savannah.
It must have been five miles above Ebenezer creek, and about
thirty from Savannah. We turned into this road, and went
two miles farther, to Sister's Ferry, where we went into camp,
on the bluft', by the river side. At this point, the bluff is

466 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

about seventy-five feet above high water mark, and there is
a gap in it, made bv a ravine. Here is the ferry road — a
deep cut, now full of brush, concealing torpedoes. The
South Carolina shore is low. The river is now very high,
and the other shore is overflown. The rebels have a long
line of works there, but the water is up to the top of the port
holes. The prospect of pontooning such a flood is not flat-
tering.

The gunboat Pontine lies anchored under the bluft'.

Sunday, January 29. — This is the day I was to have
preached on intemperance. But I am not prepared, and
must, therefore, decline. Having been smoked all week
b}' pine fires, I have been unable to even collect a few poor
thoughts. I am sorry of this. Whisky rations are issued
to our men, and many of them are going to the dogs. I
would that I had the power to issue a general order, exclud-
ing this vile stuff' from the army. At present, all my labor
seems to be in vain. My way is hedged up ; what am I to
do? May God help me to do something.

I preached a sermon which I had prepared last Sabbath.
The mornings was' cold and the attendance small. The
work of the Lord is under par, and His servant is
neglected. When will a brighter day dawn? May God
send it soon.

About twelve m. the men were put to work. A large
detail began digging a new approach. "I had rather,"
said General Slocum, "work the entire command two weeks
than have one man killed by the torpedoes." This is a
noble sentiment.

The putting in of pontoons was delayed by unloading
two transports, which came up with forage. At dark, the
work began in earnest, and the bridge was completed in the
course of the night.

Ward's Division, of the 20th Corps, is on the other side
of the river. The 14th Corps and Geary's Division are on
this side. One other Division of the 20th, and some of the
15th Corps are also said to be on this side.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 46 1

Monday, January 30. — The roads are being cleared and
prepared on the other side of the riv^er. It is almost impos-
sible to. get out to the main land on the South Carolina side,
on account of the flood. The water is falling to-day. The
road on the other side is full of water. We learn some new
ideas almost every day in road making. To-day, in certain
places, where the water is deep, a causeway is made of brush
and poles, above the surface of the water, for the infantry to
cross. Several transports came up, loaded with supplies.
We have no mail coming in, but it goes out regularly.

We hear that some of Hood's men have reached Augusta.
It is probable that the rebels will make a stand at or near
Branchville, South Carolina. Many of the planters above
here are so firmly convinced that our army will cross into
South Carolina, that they are sending their corn and other
valuables across into Georgia. An expedition v^ill go some
miles up on this side to get some of this corn.

Supplies are now landed on this side at a point just below
the pontoon. A wharf and a road are being made on the
other side.

I learn that nearly all the negroes, abandoned by General
J. C. Davis, at Ebenezer, by the good providence of God,
passed over the stream. A few were drowned. A few
were captured by the rebels, unmercifully whipped, and
sent back into slavery. Such would have been the fate of
all had the will of Jeft' Davis anything to do with it.

A Sergeant of the 79th Pennsylvania, while engaged,
about ten a. m., to-day, a mile up the river, on the other
side, in clearing up the road, stepped upon and exploded a
torpedo. It was buried under the road. Our people knew
nothing of its existence. The Sergeant had his left leg torn
oft' below the knee, requiring amputation above the knee.
At the same time, another soldier was dangerously injured.
The men were removed to their Division hospital by Doctor
Holtzman. After this explosion our men began searching
for the torpedoes. They removed some twent}' or more.
Their presence is indicated by a peg by the roadside, just

4.68 CHAPLAIN IIKHIT'S HISTORV OF THE

opposite the torpedo, with a number on it. The torpedoes
usually have the appearance of an ordinary shell. They are
buried under the road and entirely concealed from view.
They are connected with the surface by a tin tube, a few
inches long, and about two inches in diameter. When the
dirt is removed from the top they present the appearance of
the lid of a five-cent blacking box, with the hollowed side
down. A Captain stepped on one, to-day, and slipped ; he
lifted his foot, and lo, a torpedo. It was removed and
found to be spoiled. Otherwise, he would have been blown
into eternity.' Amongst the pins removed was one num-
bered "tift}^" so we may presume^ that most of them are
still undiscovered.

What is the remedy ? We should get a detail of rebel
prisoners and make a chain gang of them — officers are pre-
ferable. Let them remove all they can find, then, let them
draw heavy wagons before the advance of our army. This
will efiectually cure the rebels. They w^ill soon become
tired of blowing up their own people. It is their privilege
to put tlie torpedoes in and ours to make them take them out.

I have been sadly mistaken in our conscripts. I had sup-
posed that as a class thev would be better men than volun-
teers. I supposed that many men of standing, whose
families or business did not permit them to volunteer, would
be drafted. All in all, I tiiought there would be fewer wild
young men amongst the drafted people. True enougli,
there are many good, substantial citizens, but the mass of
the conscripts are below par. We have amongst them
deserters from the rebel arm}'-, refugees from the South,
bounty jumpers, men who have been in the army before and
"played out" of the service, shirks, butternuts and sub-
stitutes, many of whom are the scrapings of society. The
three hundred added to this Regiment, together with the
whisky I'ations, have demorah/tHl this command to a shame-
ful extent. I no where meet the encouragement I once did.
But few of the elements of the old 58th Indiana remain, and
I seem destined to outlive my usefulness in the Regiment.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 4(19

All this, tempts me sorely to return to private life at the end
of my term of service — March 5th, 1865. There is more
profanity and card playing in the Regiment than ever before.
There is fiddling and dancing even on Sunday evening.

Several cargoes of sutler's goods have been brought up
the river to this point. Apples are sold at $2.00 per dozen ;
potatoes at ^13.00 per barrel ; butter if i.oo per povmd.

The road is not yet prepared for the passage of the army.

Friday, February 3. — The river has been steadily fall-
ing, and it is now about ten feet lower than when we tirst
came here.

The road was completed over the swamps and bayous,
beyond the Savannah this afternoon. Kilpatrick's cavalry
Division began crossing at two p. m. and continued until
late at night.

The crossing of the army was completed on the morning
of February 5th. We will now follow on and will again be
cut otT from our base of supplies.

I anticipate a spirited and successful campaign. Battles
may be fought and defeat may result to our army. But I
anticipate only victory in the end. The Confederacy is on
the decline. I believe that by next autumn the war will be
over. May God grant an early and successful termination
of this deadly struggle of iVeedom against slavery.

Monday, February 6. — Remained in camp all day,
expecting orders to take up the bridge and go on. Only the
34th Illinois and five Companies of the 58th are here. Our
people are very circumspect. A few rebels came near our
skirmish line, yesterday and to-day, being led by the inevi-
table man on the grey horse. They only desired to know
whether the Yankees were gone or not. Call again, gentle-
men.

After dark, the long expected orders came, to take up the
bridge and go to tlie landing on the other side. It is two
miles above here. Immediately opposite here is a swamp,
and directly opposite the landing above, there is a swamp
on this side.

470 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Our baggage wagons pulled over first, and went on up the
road, along the river bank, through the swamp. Some rain
had fallen during the day, and the bridge and corduroy was
very slick. In all my travels I never saw such a road. I
was compelled to lead my horse, and it is a wonder the army
ever got through such a place.

It was only half-past ten o'clock p. m. when myself and
the front of the train reached camp. The rear did not arrive
until 5 :30 next morning. The officers and men had an
arduous time taking up the bridge.

Early on the morning of the seventh, there was hurrying
to and fro, preparatory to our departure. Orders came to
lighten our baggage. Our wagons are ordered to haul all
the forage they can. A part of the supply train is left with
Captain Tousey, A. C. S., to get rations. This is what
the army has been waiting here tor, during the last day or
two.

We march after the reserve artillery of the 14th Corps, at
seven a. m.

There is a growth of scrubby oaks about Sister's Ferry,
on the South Carolina side. The soil is sandy. We
marched out through a swamp. Here, in addition to gum
and cypress, there are numerous pines. The road is made
by cutting, parallel, two ditches, about fifteen feet apart,
and throwing the dirt together. There is very little in this
land for man or beast.

About one o'clock we came to Brighton, St. Peter's
Parish, Beaufort district. The village has nearly all been
burned. A sign post stands yet in the center of the village
with a board marked, "To Orangeville, 76 miles." There
are about two dwelling houses remaining. The air is chilly
and damp. I stopped by the embers of a building destroyed
by fire and eat my dinner, which I had put in my saddle
bags the day we came to the Savannah river. It had kept
well, for it was bacon and crackers. Very unexpectedly to
me, our train stopped and went into camp about the ruins ot
the village. Our tents were soon up, and we were com-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 4-71

fortable. Abundance of clear water was obtained from
a well in camp. This is a rare circumstance in a soldier's
experience. Wells seldom afford sufficient water for the
many soldiers that collect around them. It is equally rare
to see a pump, or any facility for drawing water. In fact,
at this season of the year, and in this country, the brooks
give us more palatable water than the wells. The soldiers
are not anno^-ed by the thought that there may be a dead
cow a mile down the stream from which he is drinking.
Indeed, dead horses and mules above do not injure the
water. At Chattanooga, last spring, we drank iVom below
hundreds of them, and the water was just as sweet as that
which came from above these carcasses. It is difficult to
corrupt the waters of the great Tennessee. Many things
which people taste and smell only exist in their imagination.

Wednesday, February 8. — We marched this morning
at seven o'clock. Companies A and F, with a short train,
moved with the light column, composed of Baird's Division,
on the main Augusta road. The remainder of the trains
and Carlin's Division went on the Orangeburg road. Mor-
gan's Division is back at Sister's Ferry, with the supply
trains, awaiting steamers with rations.

Our progress was very slow to-day. Our road led through
the swamps. We came to many quicksands, made worse
by recent rains. The pine is almost the only growth. Here
and there was a miserable plantation, where, in other days,
the poor inhabitant eked out the struggle of pride and pov-
erty. How hard it must have been trying to keep up chiv-
alric dignity on such poor dirt. "St. Peter's Parish, Beau-
fort District, South Carolina," sounds ver}' large in print.
But, when you come to look at it, it is ver^^ flat and much of
it under water. When these swamps are drained the soil
soon filters through the sand.

We camped, in the afternoon, at Lawtonville. This was
a small villiage, now all gone but the church and a hut or
two. The church is a large frame structure, painted white.
I did not visit it or learn to what denomination it belonged.

472 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Thursday, February 9. — Wc marched at nine o'clock,
following Carlin's Division. Our supply train joins us, hav-
ing obtained rations and the mail.

We marched north eight miles, to Beach Branch Baptist
Church. This stands at a noted cross roads, and near Beach
Branch Swamp. It is a frame house, near the roadside, and
unfenced. Just across the road is the cemetery, or "gar-
den," as it is called on a tomb. This is surrounded by a
jilank fence. Tiiere are but few graves here and still fewer
stones. The largest is in memory of a Baptist preacher by
the name of Webb, who, in days long gone, probably dis-
coursed the words of life through the various associations
amongst the swamps.

Thus far, the road has been good, and the country the
best this side of the river. We are still in the sandy, pine
land.

In illustration of the strait to which the chivalry are
coming, a soldier told me about seeing an old planter,
whose house had been burned, and who is now living in the
negro quarters, gathering up a few sweet potatoes thrown
away by the much despised Yankees. His feelings must
have been akin to those of the widow of old, who was
gathering up two sticks, preparator}- to baking her cake
and dying. Whether the Good Being will bless and
preserve these people here, as he did her, remains to be
seen.

We are marching on the trail of Kilpatrick's cavahy.
Though the}^ passed several days since, and a heavy rain
has intervened, the trail is not yet cold. Many of the houses
are still burning. Amongst the tales of the camp is one that
"Kill," as lie is familarly called, tilled all his boys' saddle-
bags with matches, before leaving Savannah. Nearly all
the dwelling houses along our route were burned before we
come up. Here and there can be seen two or more magnif-
icent two-story chimneys, left standing to tell the story of
departed joys. Terrible are the judgments of the Most
IIi<rh on South Carolina.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 478

At Beach Branch Church we turned west and maintained
this course for seven miles. We came almost to the Savan-
nah. The qnid mines put their wise heads together to answer
the question: "Why did we not keep straight on? Per-
haps we are going to the river, lay the pontoon, and go for
Augusta." The true explanation is that the direct road is
through swamps ; it is easier to go around.

After passing Beach Branch Church the country was
pretty much the same, but the road was bad, on account of
our close proximity to the swamps on the right. The day
was raw, and many little fires were kindled by the men to
warm themselves. A very convenient fire — such as I often
make on marches — can be constructed by laying down two
rails for dogs, then lay a half dozen rails across them and
set them on fire. In addition to this, a comfortable seat can
be made, at a convenient distance, by building up several
rails. Here, you can sit and roast your shins until 3'ou must
up and away.

Some distance — a mile or two — this side of Mathew's
Bluffs, we turned to the right, and went one mile north.
Our march was sixteen miles for the day. After dark we
camped at King Creek Church. We could hear the drums,
at King Creek postofiice, of the column that moved on the
Augusta road Irom Brighton. They had moved on the
h3"potenuse, while we were describing the olher two sides of
the triangle.

Friday, February 10. — We remained at the church until
nine o'clock. "King Creek Church" sounds Baptist. The
painting black of the doorsteps is a strong confirmation, but
within there is an altar railing, which tells a Methodist tale.
It must belong to our people.

We marched, to-day, as we have every day for some
time, in the rear of all things. This is usually our fate,
when marching with that mismanaged institution, the 14th
Corps.

After a march of eighteen miles, we camped, at seven
p. m., at Fiddle Pond. I could learn nothing of the pond.

474. CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Nearl}^ all the dwellings along the route of this day's marc!h
had been burned.

A peculiar old negro came into our camp, after night.
He had tollowed us many miles, to pick up any old clothing,
which might be left in camp to-morrow morning. He gives
no flattering account of the beauties of slavery.

We passed three churches, to-day, the first of which was
Smyrna Baptist Church. This is a large frame structure,
intended to be nicely finished within, and there are two
melodeons and a baptistry. The second was the Savannah
M. E. Church, which is a substantial frame building, and
there is a cemetery near by. The last was Mt. Arkon Bap-
tist Church, frame, and smaller than either of the others.

Saturday, February ii. — We marched at eight o'clock
this morning, and soon came to Morgan's Division, lying to
the left of the road, and waiting for our column to pass.
The 14th Corps concentrates in front of the Salkehatchie, a
swampy stream, or rather two streams, where we crossed.
The rebels had constructed a line of earthworks, to defend
the crossing; but, as usual, their hearts failed them, just
before the Yankees came up.

From Salkehatchie to Barnwell, a distance of two miles,
tlie soil is fertile, and under cultivation. We reached the
village at twelve m., and pulled out to one side for every-
body to pass. This gave us an opportunity to feed the
stock, sleep, and view the town. Most of the business por-
tion of the town, including the court house, is burned, and
other houses are burning continualh'. Hence, the soldiers
call this "Burn well." No efibrt was made to guard prop-
erty, and the soldiers are permitted to take anvthing tliey
desire. Tliey are not slow to improve the opportunity thus
offered them. The rebels are now reaping the just reward
of their long oppression of the slaves.

'J'houijh the mills of God grind slowly,

^'et, they grind exceeding small;
Though with patience he stands waiting',

With exactness grinds he all,

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 475

Adjutant Behm, noticing some small children, with blue
pants on, playing, inquired where they got the pants; and,
in childish simplicity, they told him that their father pulled
them ofF of dead Yankees. He is a soldier in the rebel army.

About dark, we left Barnwell C. H., and marched three
miles by 7 :t,o p. m. We went far into the brilliantly illumi-
nated camps before stopping. The Major had one of his
peculiar tits on him to-night. He arrested and "bucked''
the commissary guards, who had stolen whisky and sold it
to a train guard, who had gotten drunk, and permitted some
mules to be stolen. They deserve it, but why not "buck"
the officers who draw the vile stul?\ "Ah I Ah I " said the
judge, "circumstances alter cases." While the Major w'as
charging around, attemptiug to restore long neglected dis-
cipline, the Adjutant was engaged in the more peaceable
occupation of making "souse." It was splendid — the souse,
I mean.

Sunday, February 12. — Marched at 7 :30 this morning,
following the reserve artillery, which follows Morgan's
Division. We marched seven miles north to Williston, and
seven miles northeast to the South Edisto river. There was
a lake district about our camp, but some of the lakes had
been partiall}' or entirely drained. Before reaching W^illis-
ton, we came up an elevation of twentv or thirty feet.
Here was an entire geological change. The loose sand
gives way to red clay and gravel, and we have a greater
variety of timber. At Williston we found Captain Whiting
and his section of the train, waiting to join us. Here Gen-
eral Davis' headquarters were put up. Our cavalry had
reached the raih^oad on last Wednesday-, and are now gone
to the left. The ist Michigan Engineers and Mechanics are
destroying the road east of here. All the remainder of the
road is to our right. W^illiston seems to have but one street,
and it runs along the railroad. The army seems now to be
moving on Columbia.

It was eight p. m. — long after dark — when we camped,
in a dirty little field, exposed tQ the chilling river wind, and

476 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S IIISTOUY OF THE

destitute of tirewood. Many stafl' officers were young
boobies, hanging to their mothers' apron strings, before the
war, and have no more sense about selecting a camp for a
Pontoon train of one hundred wagons than a child. Such
must have been the case to-night.

Monday, February 13. — Remaining for some hours in
camp, this morning, we have some time for rumors, news,
and opinions. Rumors sa}^ the 23d Corps is at Beaufort,
and coming up. Thomas is coming through, and we are
going into North Carolina. The news is that Kilpatrick was
repulsed at Akin, and that Orangeburg has been captured.
My opinion is that the rebels are going under.

We marched at 12:30. Crossed the South Edisto on a
trestle bridge made by the army. The main channel is
about thirty yards wide. Beyond this, there is corduroy for
three-fourths of a mile. After passing this, we went into
camp, within I'orty-five miles of Columbia, from a miscon-
ception of orders. Moved on Columbia road, at two p. m.
Crossed Dean swamp and camped on a ridge — the highest
we had seen in South Carolina. I suppose it to be the
dividing ridge between the North and South Edisto. We
have a good camp — protected from winds — rails to burn —
good water — sand beds. We got snugly into quarters before
dark .

Tuesday, Febriary 14. — Tk^fore day, all the troops were
out of camp, and moving rapidly towards the North lulisto.
We follow the 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. We
moved rapidly lor eleven miles to tiie river, arriving at
eleven o'clock. Tiie river is eighteen yards wide, and the
bridge mostly destroyed by rebels. The mechanics repaired
it in an hour, and the arm}^ moved on. Camped about dark
at the eighteenth mile post from Congaree river, and near
Little Cedar Swamp.

Wednesday, February 15. — Moved rapidly back two
miles to cros: -roads. Speculations rife. Ari> we i?'^'"^ ^^
Charleston? Is something {he matter on ahead? At tlie
cross roads, we mo\'ed to the left. The general direction is

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 477

north. Country barren — white sand, looking like snow ;
beautiful little bushes, resembling pine ; cross Congaree
creek at Clark's Mill, the owner of which is said to be a
Union man. Rebels are plentiful hereabouts. We camped
at Boozer's Cross-roads, one and a half miles from Lexing-
ton C. H., at four p. m., having journe3^ed twelve miles
to-day. The assembly- sounded in many camps, just after
we got in, and Morgan's Division moves on.

Thursday, February i6, — Ready to march at six.
Orders came to divide the train. Colonel Moore and Cap-
tain McDonald go with the right wing, and half of the train
accompanies the 14th Corps. Major Downey marches to
the right with the remainder. We came, in a little wa}^ on
the camp of the 20th Corps. While the Adjutant has gone
to report to General Williams, I notice, with admiration, the
promptness, precision, and soldierly bearing ot the men of
this Corps. In these respects they out-shine all the Corps of
this army. Hence, in a great measure, the jealousy of the
14th Corps.

The Adjutant soon returned and we moved on slowly.
There were some rebels in front. We seemed to be going
directly to Columbia. Our Battalion is received with
marked courtes};- by the officers and men of the Corps.
Diligent inquir^^ is made into the wants and desires of the
Major. Men are offered in such numbers as he desires for
guards or mule foragers. A place well up in the column is
assigned to the train.

After marching through a poor country for live miles, we
camp, about two p. m. There was evidently some change
in the programme. Knowing nothing, rumor supplies the
place. It is said Columbia is evacuated and Colonel Moore
is to come up with his section and we will bridge the Con-
garee, which is too wide for half the bridge. The Colonel
is on a left hand road, a mile or so from us. Some of our
boys were out there foraging this afternoon.

We had just gone to bed, expecting an undisturbed night's
rest, when marching orders came, at eight p. m. We

478

CHArLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

moved down the Columbia roads, about two miles. We
then turned northwest. We rejoined Colonel Moore, after
a march of seven miles, at Zion's Church, on the Saluda
river, at one a.m. There was a nearer road through. I do
not know '^vhy it was not traveled.

We had been passing through sand pine and stunted oak
land. But during the night the soil grew solid beneath our
tread, the sand disappears, we came to rocks, and the dick-
ering lights revealed new^ species of trees. A part of the

wa}' was lonesome, and to
us, uncertain, as there had
been considerable skirmish-
ing yesterday.

When we came to Colonel
Moore's camp, we were
very coldh' received. No-
body got up to show^ us a
place to camp. "Any-
where" is the Colonel's
usual camping place ; so we
groped about in the dark,
and finally settled down on
the stones, which covered
the hard ground. But a
harder fate than this awaited
Companies B and (j. They
are sent directly on to General Howard, with twelve sections
of pontoon — 120 feet.

Friday, Fichruarv 17. — The order of march for this
morning is Carlin's Division, Morgan's Division, baggage
of troops, reserve artillerv, ist Michigan Engineers and
Mechanics, lastly, the battalion of Pontoniers. The Pon-

UEV. Wit. [CV KNOW Lies,*
Private Company A.

* Was mustered in at Camp Gibson, and served vvitli his Company until
the battle of Stone River, where he was severely wounded. On this account
he svas discharjjcd, April 22, 1S63, and returned home. Since the war, he
has turned his attention to the ministry', and after some years remoxed to the
Pacific Coast. 1 [e is now residini;- at Newman. California, and is actively
eni^ai,'ed in the Master's work,

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 479

toniers were Major Downey's party. We passed Zion's
Church, near the river bank. An old citizen near here
began a wonderful bellowing and pra3ang over some mis-
fortune befalling him. General J. C. Davis, who was on
his porch, made him hush, and told him to think himself
fortunate that his house was not burned. At the river we
saw genuine mud, which we had not seen before for many
a day. We had met much quicksand, but here is genuine
clay mud. The river is two hundred and fifty feet wide.
There are twent3'-one boats in the bridge. Colonel Moore's
battalion laid it. An army wagon had turned over from the
bridge into the water and some of the mules had been
drowned. The wagon is still in the edge of the stream.
The Saluda is a mud bottomed stream, with mud banks and
muddy water. I looked in vain for the picturesque.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Carolina Campaign Continued — Lexington District
— An Abundance of Forage — War's Desolation —
Thoughtless Destruction — Crossing Broad River
Under Difficulties — Bad Generalship — At Wins-
BORO — Columbia — Charleston Evacuated — Gen-
eral Sherman — Officers of 14TH Corps — A Roast
FOR General Davis — Crossing the Catawba — Dis-
aster TO THE Pontoon Bridge — The Boy that
Stood on the Bridge — In North Carolina — Fay-
etteville — Events Crowding upon Events.

WE moved out through a very muddv bottom road,
but soon reached higher ground. We came into
a high, rolHng country, which has a good soil, laid
upon a substantial base of red cla^^ This portion of
Lexington District is superior to any part of South
Carolina yet visited by us. We expected to pass
over the neck of land to Broad river. But it soon
became evident that we were to strike that river higher
up. We came to a land of plenty. The troops and
trains could not use the thousands of bushels of corn and
hundreds of stacks of fodder. The wagons are all loaded.
The men get plenty of bacon, poultry, and other eatables.
Many houses are given to the flames. Sometimes, not only
the whites, but the blacks are burned out, b}^ accident or
otherwise. Manv are houseless to-night. Thousands of
bushels of corn, in roaring heaps, are burned bv thoughtless
soldiers. This will cause suffering amongst the stock of the
many trains yet to come. The winds began to rise. The
fires spread in many places. Sometimes, the world seemed

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 481

to be on fire. We were almost stifled by smoke and flames.
Oh, that the planters of Lexington District had considered
what they were doing when they invited war, to desolate
their land. Men will persist in foolishly imagining that
there is some way of making war simply on armed men. It
cannot be done successfully. The fields and houses, the
women and children, always suffer. It cannot be other-
wise in war ; therefore let all people labor for peace. When
they invite war, they invite pestilence, fire, famine, flood
and death in all its most horrible forms. No land can pros-
per save in times of peace. When we came to the Fleshley's
Mill road, Carlin's Division continues on up the river, for
the purpose of destroying the railroad between Columbia
and Abbeyville. Morgan's Division moves to Fleshley's
Mill on Broad river. The trains park on a hill, about the
middle of the afternoon. Here, we remain until near dark.
In the meantime. Major Downe}^ and Lieutenant Wood go
forward to see the place where the pontoon is to be. It was
dark when we got started again, and we were behind every-
body, although we were expected to make the bridge over
which the others cross. The roads were very bad for four
miles to the river. The reserve artillery detained us until
one a. m. We passed a pine deadening, through which the
fire had been carried by the winds, during the day. It was
now splendidly illuminated. We had supper at two a. m.
Moving a Pontoon train in the rear of all things, on the day
a bridge is desired, is an exhibition of folly ; but only such as
is common with weak men, like General J. C. Davis. Then
there is talk of "the unaccountable delay of the pontoons,"
and all such stuff'. Poor little Davis, he expects to march in
triumph over Broad river in the morning. Yet he keeps
the Pontoon train back until near morning. But he is
not the only Jeff' Davis doomed b}^ foil}" to disappointed
hopes.

Our men who had traveled nearly all last night, who had
carried their heavy burdens eighteen miles, to-day, who had
tramped over the hills, and rolled wagons through the mud.

482 CHAPLAIN KIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

who were stung by the injustice of requiring them to do
impossibiHties, are required to work all night. But I have
already trespassed on to-morrow. I must cease m}^ writing
under this date. I will add one statement. The stock of
the train is almost worn out by heavy loads, night traveling
and bad treatment.

Saturday, February i8. — There was no bridge, at day-
light this morning — in fact, there are not enough boats to
make one. The river is six hundred and forty feet wide.
General Sherman has played oft' on the left wing. If we
had our twelve sections here, which were sent with Com-
panies B and G to General Howard, we could complete this
bridge. Sherman favors the right wing ; Slocum favors the
20th Corps. There are some things which a blind man can
see.

Fleshley's mill is torn down, to furnish balk and chess for
the bridge. Generals Davis and Morgan came down, to
help matters on. They fume around no little; they hurry
men and officers ; they hurry in boat after boat, and urge up
the work. They never seem to consider that after all the
boats are in there will be still two hundred feet unbridged.
They hurry away building a piece of a bridge, and never
seem to ask themselves what good all their hurry will accom-
plish. Nothing is done towards making the last two hun-
dred feet. If thev had exerted themselves to prepare some
kind of material for the last two hundred feet, they might
have at least made a little exhibition of sense. Our people
could not do anything more than they were doing. We had
only one Company of Pontoniers — F — and they, and all our
men present, had been up two nights. To tear down houses,
and cut and haul poles from the woods, and make a bridge
over a swift-running stream, is no small task, to men who
have been up two nights in succession. The men were fall-
ing asleep continually, the moment they had any relief from
duty ; and they necessarily felt dull and stupid all the time.
Yet the Generals were hurrying, iun'rying, all the time.
Many were tiie reflections they cast at the officers and men.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 483

The Pontoniers are in great disrepute to-dav. Generals
Davis and Morgan are well convinced of their inefficiency.*

This has been a day of vexation. All the army is waiting
on the pontoon, and the pontoon, having not been made of
India rubber, cannot be stretched two hundred feet longer
than it is. We must await the coming of Captain Smith or
Colonel Moore, or make a trestle bridge. Generals Davis
and Morgan busied themselves about what could have been
better done in their absence ; and at nightfall went to their
quarters. Davis ordered Major Downey to put his men to
work immediately, and complete the bridge, by making
two hundred feet of trestle, by morning. Why did he not
do this, by some other party, dviring the day? Is the man
crazy? Our men had been up for two nights in succession,
and had worked hard for many days. Now the}^ are ordered
to work the third night ; and, more than this, the work can-
not be done in a night. It cannot be completed before Col-
onel Moore will get here, and then tlie trestles will be in the
way. Major Downey, like a sensible man, went to bed, and
paid no attention to the foolish and unreasonable order of
General Davis, I feared, at the time, that we might suffer
for this.

Sunday, February 19. — I forgot to say, under the date
of yesterda}^, that it was then generally known that Cheat-
ham's Confederate Corps was fording Broad river, above us.
We cut them oft' from Columbia, and crowded them from the
railroad bridge above here. They are endeavoring to con-
centrate, with the rebels from various parts, in our front.

Colonel Moore came last night. Ten more boats were
put in, and the bridge is done ^y daylight this morning.
The 14th Corps crossed by day, and Kilpatrick's cavahy is
crossing to-night.

* How difl'erent the opinion entertained by ^^ajor-Ge^c^al George II.
Thomas, commanding the Department of the Cumberhmd. In his report of
operations of the army under his command, tVom September 7, 1S64, to Jan-
uary 20, 1865. he says: "I would here remariv that the splendid pontoon train
properly belonging to my command, with its trained corps of Pontoniers, was
absent, with General Sherman."

484 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

We had no meeting to-day, although we lay in camp.
The men were tired and sleepy, and there was constant con-
fusion, made by passing troops.

An order, of which I had nev^er heard, had been issued,
some time since, from Sherman's headquarters, confining
the use of wall tents to one for the headquarters of a Brigade
or Division, and none to a Regiment. A circular is sent
around, calling attention to the disobedience of this, and
requiring compliance. It is also ordered that the trains be
lightened as much as possible. In consequence of this, there
was a great destruction of baggage in our train. Many old
pieces of canvas, etc., were burned, but the tents ordered to
be destroyed were usually hid in the wagons. This was the
case in our camp. The allowance of tents is very limited,
and they are very light. It is a very poor plan to burn tents
— it takes but little from the loads, and much from the con-
venience and comfort of camp. At the very time orders are
issued to destroy tents, there are hundreds of pounds of old
and useless articles hauled by teamsters, guards, and others.
Men in this train are hauling tobacco by the box, for pur-
poses of speculation.

Monday, February 20. — The 14th Corps crossed yester-
day, Kilpatrick's cavalry last night, and the 20th Corps
to-day. Fleshley's mill is a large, frame building, and near
it is a cotton press. When we came here, there was a sup-
ply of corn, wheat, and cotton. Broad river resembles the
French Broad, save there is no mountain scenery here. The
stream spreads out to a great widtli, flows gently and
smoothly along, and has many islands. Our pontoon is
six hundred and fort}'- feet long.

Cheatham commenced fording the riv^er above here, on
Saturday, and now has the start of us. Some of our men
have been in his camp — I mean column.

All ideas of going to Cliarleston have now vanished. We
have prevailing rumors of going to Bull's Bay, Newburn,
and Wilmington. None of us know certainly as to our des-
tination.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 485

At six p. m., the last of the army had crossed, the small-
pox train being in the rear. It took two and a half hours to
take up the bridge. We were supported by five Regiments
of infantry and four guns — pretty good backing.

At nine p. m. we marched to Little river, where there was
a long delay, on account of the steep hill. While awaiting
the coming of the train, we sat shivering about little lires.
We passed a negro who had the small-pox, lying in a fence
corner. We always have this disease along.

We now came to solid roads, of reddish brown soil. The
country appeared to be open and cultivated, and the soil
seemed good. The timber was of a better quality than
usual. Many fences were burning, as we went marching
along. Midnight found us still upon the move.

Tuesday, February 21. — We reached the camp of the
20th Corps, after a march often miles, just as reveille was
sounding, at four a. m. It was broad day light when we
camped, after marching all night. I lay down, but slept
none. I was fearful that we would lose our place in the
column, after marching all night to gain it. Only those who
have tried.it know the difference between marching near the
front and in the rear. We stopped for breakfast, near the
twenty-third mile post from Columbia, and the eleventh from
Winsboro.

At eight a. m. we moved otT, with the 20th Corps, on the
Winsboro road. We passed through a hilly countr}^ The
soil is thin, resting on red clay. The land is very solid, and
better than common for South Carolina.

Chaplain John McCrae, of the 33d Indiana, used to live
in the5e parts. He visited his old neighbors and neighbor-
hood, and Ibund the people in a very sad plight. He had
not the heart to go to see all his acquaintances. Soldiers
were everywhere, pillaging. Our men are robbing all the
houses as we pass along. Not so many houses are
burned as formerly, for all are tiring of the work.
Orders are against house burning, or robbing, save for
edibles.

486 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

We came into a region where there were many magnifi-
cent granite boulders, which can be easily split into slabs,
convenient for building purposes. The people make free use
of these, except that I saw none used in house building.
We passed Black Jack Baptist Church, a dingy old frame
building, enlarged, at some time past, by adding a side shed.
It is as it was thirty 3'ears ago, when Chaplain McCrae used
to preach in it. Near this is the Furman University, a brick
building of three or four stories, and a most unsightly pile.
It is without fence, or ornaments of an}^ kind, and the glass
of the windows is broken. The building is now used for a
receptacle of "tax in kind." It contained onl}^ cotton and
fodder, to-day. The men took the fodder for the teams, but
left the cotton. The Furmans are great men, among the
South Carolina Baptists.

The 14th and 20th Corps moved on Winsboro, by roads
which came together just at the edge of the village. The
foratfers and bummers of each command preceded the col-
umns, and entered upon indiscriminate plunder of the vil-
lage. General Gearv, commandinij the advance Division of
the 20th Corps, arrested them, and took their forage from
them, which gave great offense to the 14th Corps.

The 20th Corps entered Winsboro in great pomp — ban-
ners unfurled, and music by the bands. The 14th Corps left
the town to the right. We found a pleasant town, but most
of the people were gone. A few houses had been fired b}-
the bummers, but the flames were extinguished by the
advance guard, and provost guards were put on dutv. We
moved on tlirough the town, and camped, three miles out on
the Rocky Mount road, having marched thirteen and a half
miles, and camping before night. General Sherman joined
us at Winsboro.

The rebels are continually massing in our front, and a bat-
tle may be fought before many days.

Wednesday, Feuruary 22. — The orders, which were
given yesterday, to divide the train, were countermanded,
and we marched with the 20th Corps, on the Rocky Mount

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 4«7

road, only one Division and short train being in advance of
us. The 14th Corps moves up the raih'oad, to destroy it,
and make a demonstration on Chestertovvn and the upper
fords of the Catawba.

House robbing has become universal. I do not mean all
the men rob houses, but all the houses are robbed. Burning
forage has become so frequent that it has become necessary
to put on guards, to save the stock following in rear of the
army from starving. We are not only playing smash with
the enem}^ but also cutting off our own supplies. In the
regions about Columbia and Winsboro, many valuables, sent
from Charleston for safety, were found, and appropriated by
the finders.

Rocky Mount is a rough ridge, about two hundred and
fifty feet high, forming a bank for the Catawba.

At four p. m. we reached the river, which is a rapid, clear
stream, dashing over innumerable rocks. It was with diffi-
culty that a sufficient depth of water to lay the pontoons
could be found. There are high hills on either side, form-
ing, perhaps, the most difficult approaches of any river yet
bridged by us. When we reached the river, none of our
men were on the other shore, and the enemy was momen-
tarily expected to dispute the passage. The pontoon is rap-
idly pushed, until completed, and a Brigade moves over and
secures the crossing. Our Generals declare that they have
outwitted the rebels. While they were looking for us above,
on the usually traveled route, our army came suddenly here,
and secured this ford. The rijjht wins: is crossing some-
where below. When we first came to the river, General
Williams was very anxious to get a few men over, "to keep
oft' Cowans and eavesdroppers," as he expressed it. These
were soon followed by the Brigade named above.

Thursday, February 23. — We remained in camp while
the 20th Corps was crossing. General Sherman came up,
and stopped a while in our camp, talking freely to some of
the soldiers. He informed them of the fall of Charleston,
and told them that he knew that "they" (the Charleston-

4Hi! CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

ians) "couldn't stand when you boys were coming up liere."
Taking up some Carolina beans, he asked the men how long
they cooked them. When they told him, he said, "You can
make money by cooking these beans an hour and a halt'."
He inquired ol' the soldiers how these compared with the
regular arm}' bean ; when they said they were inferior, he
replied, "That's what I thought. But we must forage off
the country, even if the supplies are not so good." The boys
were much pleased to have the General make himself so
common among them, and speak words of encouragement.
Sherman is very popular, among his officers and men. He
is a man of brilliant genius, and those in his army can best
appreciate the strategy of his movements, which he is con-
stantl}^ making. The General has but a small staff, and a
slender escort, and has few tents. He goes about quietly,
making much less pomp than becomes his position.

There are pretty well authenticated rumors that some of
our foragers have been put to death by the rebels. Some
steps have been taken towards retaliation, by our people — I
am not informed of their nature. "War is no child's play."

Oar people drive in all the cattle in the country, and shoot
such as cannot travel. They are the most miserable stock I
have ever seen. The largest are but little larger than dogs,
and all are mere shadows.

Affairs seem to be culminating towards a great battle in
eastern North Carolina, or northwestern South Carolina. In
all probabilit}', all the rebel armies will come together, and
there will be one grand battle, decisive of the fate of the
Confederacy.

I took a walk about the ferry. On this side may be seen
the ruins of a canal, built, perhaps, in early times, around
the rapids. On the top of the hill beyond there is a singular
tomb, strongly enclosed by stone pillars and an iron fence.

It began raining early, and increased towards night.
The passage of the army is delayed because of the rough-
ness of the approaches. Indeed, there seems to be no
hurry. Many troops might have crossed last night. Gen-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGIMENT. 489

eral Williams, commander 20th Corps, and Captain Whittle-
sey, his Qi;artermaster, are on hands at the end ot the
bridge, pushing over the trains.

Friday, February 24. — The cavalry completed their
crossing last night. The 20th Corps resumed and finished
by II :30. There was nothing then to cross except the 14th
Corps. The right wing is crossing somewhere about Cam-
den. The rain is falling and it is no easy task to get the
trains up the hill on the other side. General Morgan takes
the place of General Williams, and Captain Remington that
of Captain Whittlesey. Morgan commands 2d Division,
14th Corps. He wears a glazed cap and an anxious face,
to-day. He is always plainly dressed and carries his hands
behind him. He has some kind of a nervous twitching
which he attempts to conceal in this way. He has the
appearance of a modest, retiring, unassuming man. Manv
a joke is perpetrated at the expense of Jimmy Morgan, but
I believe him to be a good officer. I cannot learn anything
definite of his origin. Some one told me that he was for-
nTerly an ice packer, at Qiiincy, Ills., and came out as
Colonel of a Regiment from that State.

By dark only the 2d Division baggage and ist Division
supply train were over. It was still raining and the river is
rising, yet all hands quit and go to bed. The stream may
soon become impassable.

There is a marked inefficiency amongst manv of the
officers of the 14th Corps, which stands out in paintul con-
trast with the 20th Corps. Captain Remington, Chief
Assistant Qiuirtermaster, wears a broad brim hat, appar-
ently picked up in the country. There are none such now
in the market, or worn by decent people. His boots are old
and rough. His pants are such as are issued to common
soldiers, perhaps "left on hand" at some issue and hence
cost nothing. His coat is old. This plainness of dress is
not caused b}^ poverty — then one could respect it. It is not
caused by the nature of his labors, for when he has nothing
to do but ride along it is the same. The Government pays

490 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

him a large salary, and requires, among other things, that
he should wear a certain kind of dress ; this is in part what
he is paid for. Still, out of a sordid, mean, and avaricious
spirit, he wraps himself in "cast off clouts." Just as we
might expect, he has no refinement of language or manners.
He swears in an}^ company. He is always ascribing the
very worst of motives to his fellow men. He feels no
interest "in king or country." He is a poor Quartermaster.
He seems to be without care. He was one of the dirty tools
of Jeff Davis, who stood at Ebenezer creek and kept inno-
cent poor people from crossing. He seemed to think that
turning women and children back to slavery, suffering and
death, was humanity. When the work was done, he declared
that it was the hardest dav's work he had ever done, and
that long since he had called on General Davis to perform
this act of humanit}^ Davis, himself, is a t3'rant. In the
march one day there was a narrow place in the road ; it was
blocked up by a wagon, and a man on a mule. The latter
was coming to meet General Davis, who wished to send an
orderly for some purpose. The man on the mule could not
get out of the way, Davis swears he can, and without wait-
ing for things to untangle, which they would in a moment,
he kicks the mule, which falls and throws its rider. The
orderly is now made to jump his horse over man and mule.

There are many excellent ofllcers in the 14th Corps, and
the men are as good as an}-. But the Corps is mismanaged,
and a spirit of jealousy has possCvSsed the command.

Sati:rday, February 25. — It is raining hard, this morn-
ing. The river is rising and the waves are becoming w'ild
and impetuous. The bridge is extended at each end. Too
much time was consumed by this. Crossing was not com-
menced until two p. m. The steep approach, just at the end
of the bridge, has been overcome by the rise. The bridge
heaves like a ship in a storm, liallast is placed on the lower
ends of the boats. The water threatens to sweep away the
bridge. No great effort is made to secure the bridge or
hurr\' over tiie trains. The latter move slowly until dark

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 4!>1

and then ceases. The pontoon trembles and heaves ; the
waves dash madly against the sides and over the chess.
Deeply impressed with the great misfortune that threatened
us, and stung by the shocking dullness of those in charge, I
walked over the bridge and about camp until late. I then
lay down, but could not sleep, as I knew that all the army
might have been over. We usuall}^ cross within two days —
we have been here three. There are difficulties, but they
might have been overcome. The bridge might have been
made secure. I lay asleep until midnight. There came a
loud crash, and tlien the tidings, "the bridge is gone."
The Pontoniers were on the bridge at the time it gave way.
Those who could, rushed to the shore. What became of
the others they could not tell. Nor could it be discovered
how many boats were gone, amid the darkness of the night.
As the crisis was over, I fell asleep.

Sunday, February 26. — Daylight revealed twelve boats
gone. No one had been lost. Bob Steel, of Company K,
was the last one to rush from the bridge to shore. Some
wags. in camp composed a parody on the occasion, some-
what as follows :

THE B02' STOOD OX THE PONTOON BRIDGE.

The boy stood on the pontoon bridge.

Whence all but him had fled;
The waves dashed madly on the boats

Which trembled 'neath his tread.

They wrapped the bridge in waters wild,

They tore the balk and chess,
Dragged the anchors, snapped the ropes —

And made a perfect mess.

Then came a burst of thunder sound —

The boy! Oh I where do we "diskivcr;"
Ask of the waves, which far around

With fragments strew the river.

Racksticks, frames, and can\as fair,

That had ever been strong and stout;
But the noblest thing that perished there

Would have liecn tliat boy — if he hadn't run out.

492 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

This hasty version mav not bear the criticism of poets,
but it will do for Pontoniers.

There is some plain prose about our present situation.
We are in the presence of an enemy, and our army is
divided. We have only two Divisions on this side, and the
rebels have a railroad from Richmond to our rear. If they
do not improve this opportunity they are blind.

The spirit of the Pontoniers is "can't.'' The debris of
the bridge is taken from the stream, and General Davis
gives orders to attempt nothing farther. The army "hangs
fire" at the Catawba.

Monday, February 27. — Adjutant Marshall, of the 51st
Indiana, was captured during the famous Streight raid. He
has remained in "durance vile" from that time to the
present. x'Vt one time he escaped as far as Northern
Georgia, but was brought back. He escaped again, recenth',
and has been staying some days with us.

We had ten wagons captured to-day, in a most disgrace-
ful manner. They were out foraging. The Lieutenant and
guards deserted them, save Doades, of Company I, who
desired to do his duty. We might have recaptured them,
but "can't" rules the day.

General Buell was sent tor, to lay a new bridge. River
swift. Smooth bottom. Generally said to be impossible.
Sherman orders guns spiked, wagons burned, horses and
mules swam, and men brought over some wa}'. Army in
deplorable plight. Bridge commenced in old place. Mate-
rial taken down to a place thought to be more favorable.
Water terribly swift. Not enough ropes or anchors. Latter
wont stick. Amid the sneers of many, General Buell pushes
on the work. Anchors are made of the forks of trees.
Hundreds of fifth chains are collected from the trains.
Great stones sink the wooden ancliors. The work goes
bravely on. liy eleven p. m. the bridge is done. Perse-
verance has triumphed over "can't." Our guns and trains
are saved. Disgrace to Sherman's army is prevented.
This is one of the magniticent triumphs of the war. It

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 493

almost equals the damming of Red river to save our fleet.
I told some of the boys that here was a lesson for young
men.

Tuesday, February 28. — Crossing continued during the
remainder of the night and until completed, at 3:30 p. m.
The rebels are pressing on the rear. I remained all day a
spectator of the crossing. The 69th Ohio are rear guards.
Rebels come up in sight on the other side, and there is bang-
ing. The rebels were mounted, and made a brisk attack,
but our men hold their ground, and taking up the bridge
goes on all night. Our camp is about a mile from where it
was last night. The night's work was dreadful on the men,
many of them having been up for several successive nights.
The mud, here, is ahead of anything I have ever seen in
my warfare ; it is almost impossible to get the wagons up the
hills ; and when up, the horses and mules sink in almost up
to their bodies. It is impossible to ride, or even walk,
through many places. We have no feed for the stock, and
but little for the men. "Hard times" are here.

Wednesday, March i. — We are committed to the charge
of General Buell and his Brigade. This is humiliating to
our officers ; but we have so completely played out that we
cannot complain much. We certainly need a guardian.

General Buell's Brigade is the rear of the army, and we
are behind it. There is a short small-pox train about a
quarter of a mile behind us.

Our general direction is east. We were warned of a few
rebels on the right, and arrangements were made accord-
ingly ; but we did not see them. Almost all the road is cor-
duroyed. Whole Divisions and Corps are engaged in the
work. The land is desolate. Fences are thrown into the
road for corduroy ; many houses are burned ; nothing eatable
for man or beast is left. The 20th, 17th and 14th Corps are
ahead of us.

We marched tifteen miles, and camped, at eight p. m.,
near Hanging Rock. It was then after dark. Men and
mules are entirely worked out.

494 CHAPLAIN HKiHT'S HISTORY OF THE

We are now on Revolutionary grounds. The battle of
Camden was fought not far from here. Hanging Rock,
which I did not see, is famous as the place where General
Marion captured some British officers while playing cards.

During our march next day (March 2) we passed over
some horrible roads and some desolate country. We only
advanced ten miles, but it took all day and parfc of the night
to make it.

March 3, we crossed Flat Creek, passing through Tixiho,
or Hickory postoffice. We came to a place eighteen miles
from Lancaster, and twenty-seven by one road and twenty-
eight by another, to Camden, and twent3r-eight to Chester-
field. We went the latter road. We are on a forced march.
Camped two miles bcvond Big Lynch, after dark. Ordered
on to save us trom capture, or something else. Stopped
from 7 :30 to nine o'clock to feed, and then marched on,
over good roads, to Carlin's camp, at Blakner's cross-roads
— seventeen miles in all, reaching there by twelve, midnight.
Some of the bummers were captured by rebels to-day. We
have rumors of the capture of Petersburg, Wilmington,
and Richmond.

Saturday, March 4. — To-day, we moved in advance of
Carlin's ist Division. It is rare for us to go in advance of
anvthing. The rebels are posted about our place in the
column and are hovering on the flanks, attempting the cap-
ture of the pontoon. General Wheeler made a dash on the
road yesterday, between the ist and 2d Divisions. Early in
the afternoon a column of rebel cavalry was seen passing
toward our rear, on the left. There was sharp musketry
and cannonading a mile or two to our left, where Kilpat-
rick's and Wheeler's forces were engaged.

Moved east on the Chesterfield road to Mt. Grougan ; we
then turned north and took the Ilailey's Ferry road, stop-
ping one hour for dinner by the way. Roads pretty good
until we neared Thompson's creek. Here we had to
abandon Miles Ragsdale's ambulance, as it turned over, and
we could get it no fartlier.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 495

Soon after crossing Thompson's creek we enter North
Carolina. The soldiers all say that they will not destroy
property here as they did in South Carolina ; accordingly
house burning ceases.

About eight p. m. we camped in Anson County, North
Carolina, about ten miles from the Great Pedee, famous in
the times of Marion. The distance marched to-day is
seventeen miles.

Sunday, March 5. — We marched early, over good roads,
along the State line, ten miles to Pagues' Ferry, about eight
miles above Cheraw ; arriving there at twelve m. We hnd
the Pedee about nine hundred feet wide and eight feet deep.
As we only have eight hundred feet of boats the question
comes up, "How can the stream be bridged?" The
remainder of the day was spent in an attempt to give a prac-
tical solution to this problem.

There is cannonading, explosions and tires at Cheraw.
We hear of the capture of guns, small arms, and materials
of war. Some of the pontoon materials were sent up to us.
We received some oars, anchors and ropes.

Monday, March 6. — The construction of the bridge goes
on slowly, as almost insurmountable difficulties must be
overcome. Says Morgan to Buell : "This work goes on
slowly: I have people who could do it sooner." Buell:
" You had better do it then." Morgan : "I know nothing
about it." Buell: "Then I would say nothing."

Two pontoons are made by stretching tents over wagon
beds. Two trestles are put in, the ends being sunk with
stones. At last, after thirty-six hours of arduous and thank-
less labor, the bridge is completed, after a manner. Kil-
patrick's command commences to cross at five o'clock p. m.

Tuesday, March 7. — As the 20th Corps went to Cheraw
to cross, we have only the cavalry and the 14111 Corps to cross
here. There is trouble with the pontoons during the day.
The wagon bed pontoons, invented by Jimmy Morgan,
sink, and one had to be removed and a trestle made in its
place. Davis curses our officers for imbecility. Buell

496 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE

relieved unci moves on with his Division, which now takes
the advance. Carlin's Division is over by eleven a. m.
Baird comes next, and is over by 3 :30 p. m. Morgan's
Division and train is over by dark. The front of our train
reached camp, about one mile from the river, at ten p. m.
The Regiment worked all night. It is a thankless job to be
Pontoniers. After connection was severed with the other
shore three men came and called for a boat. They repre-
sented themselves as belonging to the 2d Division, of the
20th Corps. They plead long and vigorously for a boat to
be sent over. But when they found that no attention was
paid to them, they tired on our men, and no more was heard
of them. They may have been rebels, but our men did not
return the fire.

There was a semi-idiotic boy in Company F, sent out last
fall, b}^ some mean man in Indiana, and with the connivance
of other men, to save himself from the draft. This boy had
not sense enough to take care of his food or clothing. He
was lacking in sufhcient vigor to stand the service, and has
dragged out a miserable existence, until to-day, when he
died, in the ambulance. We brought the body over the
Pedee, and buried him, about ten or eleven p. m. A
grave was dug, evergreens were thrown on the bottom ; he
was then laid in and covered with evergreens, and, on these
the soil was laid. The moon's mild light gave a peculiar
sadness to the scenes as we offered prayers about his grave.
A high crime was committed by those who sent this boy to
the army. There are too many such cases. Our good
people are too good to trust their hides in battle.

Wednesday, March 8. — The advance troops are to strain
every nerve until Cape Fear river is reached. One of the
questions discussed by us, is, will communications be opened
when we reach there? A rumor reached General Sherman,
when we were on the Pedee, that our men were already at
Fayetteville.

Marching this morning at seven, we mox-ed, at first,
^'ery slowly. As \\'e ha\'e received iKly good mules trom

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 497

each Corps — 20th and i6th — our teams are much improved.
Our men had come over the Pedee and collected a large
quantity of forage, and Lieutenant McMahan had started a
mill on Mark creek. For eight or ten miles we passed
through a splendid country. We passed New Hope M. E.
Church in the Pagues neighborhood. We cross Mark
creek and turn north, towards Rockingham. We then turn
east and enter a banner pine country. It is an almost
endless turpentine orchard. Rained hard all day.

Camped at 9:15 p. m., after a march of twenty-four
miles. This is very hard on men who were up all last night.
The men who slept last night were asleep to-night, when oiu"
boys got in.

Thursday, March g. — We were all made glad by an
order this morning to report to tlie 20th Corps, which
camped in the same place we did. We moved in the rear
of the Corps — 2d Division being in our immediate front.
Began raining in the afternoon and continued until night.

About dark we got into a quicksand swamp. Here, the
front of the column camps at 6:30, the rear at ten. Horses,
and mules fall, w^agons sink to the hub.

Lee sends a dispatch to Wheeler, to hold Sherman in
check at all hazards. Wheeler replies, that he cannot even
hold the "bummers" in check. Sherman, riding one day
at the head of the column, came to a fork in the road.
After looking about a tew moments he took the right hand
road. The "bummers," coming up a few minutes after,
took the left. When Sherman saw this, he came over to the
left-hand road and fell in behind the bummers. Such are
the stories afloat about the bummers. Some of them have
been captured and killed during the last few days.

We marched through swamps and over bad roads, next
day (March loth) covering a distance often miles.

Early next morning (March iith) when we came within
eleven miles of Fayetteville, we struck a good plank road.
The people might have such, everywhere in these parts, as
pines cover the land. All the 14th Corps has passed on.

498 CHAPLAIN HIGRf'S HISTOEY OF THE

We moved east nine miles and camped two miles from the
river. Marched eighteen miles. It was late at night when
we stopped. There was no wood about camp. The bum-
mers had taken the town at ten a. m. ; eight were killed.

Sunday, March 12. — Marched at eight o'clock; moving
down the principal street of the town. The splendid United
States arsenal — which makes the town all it is — stands on
the right. Little, or no injury, had been done to the town.
We moved within a quarter of a mile of an old bridge
which was burned yesterday. Rebels are said to be on the
other side. Our guns lire over at them. Went down to
see, and learned that a little tug had just come in, opening
communications with Wilmington. This is the first com-
munication since leaving Sister's Ferry. Saw some bo3'S of
the 13th Indiana, who had come up in a tug. I could not
get any papers, but the boys told us that Lincoln had been
re-inaugurated ; Schofield had landed at the mouth of Cape
Fear river ; Wilmington was captured and our troops were
now moving towards Goldsboro.

Orders came around that we could send mail out at three
p. m., and ever^doody went to writing, so that by the
appointed hour a large number of letters were written.
These will be the tirst letters received from Sherman's army
for a long time.

Our people make a bridge of seventeen boats — three hun-
dred and fifty feet ; Buell ordered by Davis to superintend,
but does not get there in time ; place, just below the old
bridge. We captured a nice yawl, and might have gotten
several more. Several old steamers were burned. The
bummers captured an old steamer loaded with baled fodder.
The Army of the Tennessee pontoon is laid one-half mile
below us. Favetteville is finely fortified, especially beyond
the river. The rebel army was all here, and went ofl' on the
Raleigh road, and is now just over on the other side of the
river.

We had a little prayer meeting at night. After this was
over, Morgan's Division came drumming down street, the

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 499

first troops to cross. The bridge was completed at three
p. m., and it was now eight p. m. Our people are slow to
commence crossing, but atterwhile get in a great hurry. As
I knew the rebels were on the other side, I went over with
Morgan's men, thinking that they would stir the rebels.
But the Johnnies know what they are about. They quietly
withdraw, and give the Yankees room.

There are some items of interest about Fayetteville, which
would bear repetition, if I had time to collect them. This
was formerly Cross Creek, and is an old Scotch settlement,
as the names on the tombstones indicate. It was here that
Flora McDonald lived. This is the head of navigation on
Cape Fear river ; there is slack-water navigation to the Deep
river country above here, and there is a railroad to Egypt,
on Deep river. Here are extensive coal fields, which sup-
plied the blockade runners from Wilmington. Many heavy
supplies were sent trom here to Egypt. There are man}'
cotton factories here ; they were burned this afternoon, after
giving their contents to the poor. The proprietors offered
to give all the proceeds to the poor, if they were spared ;
but Sherman wisel}^ determined to destroy them. They
burned beautifully in the evening shades.

I visited the U. S. Arsenal — an institution designed as a
Southern pet. Cannons are being dismantled, and injured
all that is possible, and thrown into cisterns and wells.
Walls are being leveled by the ist Michigan Engineers and
Mechanics. In the end, all that is combustible is to be
given to the flames.

Private property is being respected and guarded. Per-
haps the people of Fayetteville will not be so anxious for the
next war. I hope our Government will never rebuild this, or
any other public edifice, that has been seized by the people.
Colonel M. C. Hunter is Provost Marshal for the town.
There is some beautiful scenery here.

Tuesday, March 14. — The destruction of tlie arsenal and
cotton factories happened to-day, instead of yesterday.
Troops continue to cross all day.

500 CHAPLAIN HIGRf'S HISTORY OF THE

Wednesday, March 15. — Kilpatrick has orders to use
the bridge when he chooses. lie "chooses" to use it now,
thus cutting oH' the 15th Corps train, and hindering the Pon-
toon train. But he is over by twelve m., and we follow.
We have had beautiful weather, during our stay at Fayette-
ville. No mail or supplies have reached us from Wilming-
ton, but our wagons are ordered to remain for some expected
supplies. When we came here, we did not know^ but the
campaign was ended. The general impression now is that
we will go on to Goldsboro.

We move on with all the spare material, leaving Captain
McDonald to bring up that in the river. Night came upon
us marching. We were on the Raleigh plank road, travel-
ing north of east. Midnight found us still attempting to
travel in the swamp, as w^e had turned off the plank road.
We found quicksands and mud holes, innumerable. Roads
almost impassable.

Still we pressed foolishly on. The woods were on fire in
some places, and many burning trees fell. I attempted to
get a nap of sleep, occasionally ; but as horse stealing was the
order of the night, I could not indulge much. Captain
Smith's saddle was taken, while he was holding the halter.
We worried along all night, making about three miles, when
we should have been in camp. Day, at length, dawned on
our weary command. We pulled two miles farther, to Gen-
eral Geary's camp, reaching there at eight a. m., March 16.
The troops were already off, and the trains were moving.
Our mules had not been fed, watered, nor unharnessed, since
yesterday morning ; they were now fed and watered, with
the harness on.

Most of the troops have moved on the Raleigh plank road,
spoken of above. The 20th and 14th trains are on this road,
guarded by Geary and Baird. In three miles, we come to
Black river, which we crossed on a trestle bridge, with a cor-
duroy floor. Moved three and a half miles farther to camp,
making a march of ten miles by nine p. m. There were
many rumors when we got to camp. The rebels were

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA EEGDIENT. 501

reported 30,000 strong in our immediate front. Tliey had
attacked the 15th Corps, and been repulsed. A battle may
happen to-morrow. We have various rumors of fighting
to-day, and fighting to be.

Friday, March 17. — The 15th Corps, which joined us
on the right, moved out a short distance and camped. Gen-
eral Geary's Division, and all the trains of the 20th Corps,
including the Pontoon train, remained in camp all day,
which aiibrded us a good rest. Fighting, to-day, on Ral-
eigh plank road ; four Divisions of the 14th and 20th Corps
are there. The 17th Corps is on the right. Just before
night, the remainder of our Pontoon train came up. Fifteen
hundred boxes of hard bread, which arrived at Fayetteville,
after we left, was brought up for the army.

Saturday, March 18. — Ready to march at six. Geary
rides by the train, and swears because the mules are not har-
nessed. He assigns us a place farther in the rear. Moved
northeast, across the headwaters of the Little Cohera.
Camped at eight p. m, after an eight miles march, at Raner's
Mills. Forage and rations are found in greater quantities.

Sunday, March 19. — We are preceded this morning by
the 15th Corps. All troops in light marching order. Fod-
der, corn, bacon and sweet potatoes are plentiful. Cannon-
ading in front. Rumor sa3^s Goldsboro is ours. Camped
at eight p. m., after a march often miles, at Pleasant Union
Church, Sampson county, North Carolina. Rumors of war
thicken. None of us expect to reach the new base without
a battle. Many of us are anticipating a concentration of the
rebel armies in our front, but none anticipate any danger.
When the worst comes, we can retreat in safety to Wilming-
ton. But the rebels cannot cause this, unless they evacuate
Richmond; and, when they do this, we have gained our
point, and can afford to fall back to Wilmington.

Monday, March 20. — A staff" officer came to our tent at
one a. m., and said there had been a battle, yesterday, on
the left, the ist and 2d Divisions of the 14th Corps, and the
1st and 3d Divisions of the 20th Corps being engaged. We

502 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

lost three guns, and the rebels held their own. The 15th
Corps is in our advance, and Generals Geary and Baird had
gone, with two Brigades, each, of their Divisions. "To-mor-
row," said the officer, "may usher in the day of dreadful
things." He came for men to relieve the pickets withdrawn.
Our people made several blunders. The pickets did not get
to their proper posts until daylight. I lay awake several
hours, thinking about the probable contest. Our men are
not well prepared — the supply of rations is too small, and wc
haven't enough ammunition for more than one or two days'
big lighting. Soon after day, we moved all the trains into a
large, open tarm, to the right of Pleasant Union Church, and
began entrenching. We hear rumors of the near approach
of the enemy, but no tidings from the great battle which was
to be. We hear various rumors of yesterday's fight. There
is but little cannonading to-day. The work of entrenching
went bravely on, until one p. m., when orders came to move
on to Goldsboro. We moved slowly, through a three-mile
swamp, and, after going about five miles, we camped, in a
field of deep sand, near Dick Raynard's Mill, in Wayne
county, North Carolina. Rumor says our people hold
Goldsboro and Cox's Bridge.

Tuesday, March 21. — Marched at six, and were pre-
ceded by a small baggage train and the ist Michigan Engin-
eers. Our march was delayed by a miserable man trap, at
Falling creek, where we remained an hour or more. The
great military problem now begins to unravel, to the delight
of every sokHer. We come on to General Terry's column
from Wilmington. We are coming out of the wilderness,
thank (jod. It is principal! v tlie 25th Corps (colored troops)
passing. They are splendidly equipped, and march in good
order, in marked contrast to Sherman's troops. Some of
our people were a little disposed to twit the negroes, but, get-
ting as good as they sent, they soon hush. You can say
anything you please to an unarmed negro ; but when you
commence on a colored soldier, he will "answer a fool
according to his folly" — and the fool cannot help himself.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 503

Our men almost universally commend the soldierly appear-
ance of the colored troops.

The 20th Corps trains stop, and go to making hospitals.
We are ordered to go on, and report to General Terry, at
Cox's Bridge. Cannonading, and continuous roar of mus-
ketry, towards Bentonville. We receive the impression that
an extensive engagement is going on ; but I have no fears of
the result. After considerable delay, caused by General
Terrv's train, which does not understand the art of getting
over bad roads, we report to General Terry, who is repre-
sented as a model man. We reached Cox's Bridge just at
dark, and find that the bridge has been destroyed. A Brig-
ade of colored troops is encamped on this side of the river.
We camp in the midst of the rain and darkness. The Pon-
toniers are called out, and soon have a bridge of twelve boats
— two hundred and fifty feet — across the river. There was
no hindrance or difiiculty encountered, though the enemy
was on the other side. The colored troops, not understand-
ing matters, did not send over a force of men to protect our
men during the construction of the bridge. Colonel Moore
did not name the matter, as he thought some one would sup-
pose that he was afraid to lay the bridge. After the bridge
was completed, the colored Brigade crossed. Heavy
cannonading continued until late at night — I believe, all
night.

Wednesday, March 22. — Cannonading continued until
daylight, and then ceased entirely. We found the timber
inuch cut by shot and shell. The negro troops are fortify-
ing, using paddles, for want of entrenching tools.

We have rumors that the rebels have gone from the front,
where the fighting has been. It is also said that our people
captured five hundred feet of pontoons.

Our lines beyond the river are extended and strengthened
by additional entrenchments. The rebels have a mounted
force near; and, by wearing our uniform, they have suc-
ceeded in capturing several of our men, when they came
upon them. Among these is Baker, a German, who says,

504* CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

"If all der men in dis Regiment would hang togeder as I
do, the officers would have h — 1 ! "

Thursday, March 23. — General Order, No. 35, from
General Sherman, announcing the defeat of the enemy,
was read to the command. It also stated that the campaign
was ended. So the 14th and 20th Corps cross the bridges
and move on towards Goldsboro. We are to remain here
until General Terry re-crosses his troops, when we are to go
to Goldsboro. We had more foragers captured to-day.

Friday, March 24. — The early part of the day was dull
and drew its weary length heavily along. The 14th and
20th Corps are all over. Nothing seems to be going on.
The negro troops are quietly camped within their entrench-
ments on the other side. Our boys are growing impatient
to take up the bridge and be oft'. During the forenoon
there was an occasional musket shot in advance of our lines.
About noon there were several distant cannon shots. I
went out into the woods, shortly after, to meditate on a ser-
mon that I designed preaching in the evening. There were,
by this time, occasional volleys of musketry, and an increase
in the cannonading. As the four Corps of Sherman were
all gone to Goldsboro, and Schotield's troops had come no
nearer, Terry's command of a Division or two was exposed
to the onsets of the whole rebel army. General Order No.
35 will not prevent the rebels from making an attack. We
are nine miles from Goldsboro. What the rebels are able
to do at all, they are able to do before an}^ reinforcements
can come up. I would not be surprised at an attack made
on us here at any time.

Tlie musketr}^ continued to increase, with an occasional
lull. About four o'clock it broke out in great fury, nearer
than ever. The rebels opened with their guns from a nearer
point. The rebels were operating against our lines, in front
of our works. Thus far our guns were silent. The uproar
of battle increased, and several shells fell within the works
beyond the river. One shot plunged through our works
there. Another fell just upon the other bank. Now they

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 505

are coming over to our side. Whiz, goes one over the
camp. Crash, goes another, amongst the timber, over our
heads. Another and another, fly here and there. The
shrill assembly calls the 58th Indiana once more into line of
battle.

The uproar of battle increases. Some cheers are heard,
indicating the earnestness of the combatants. In our camp,
there was the usual rattle of ramrods and snapping of caps.
The tattered banners were unfurled and men stood ready for
action. Louder, nearer came the tide of battle. Couriers
and staff' officers were hurrying to and fro. Still our cannon
were silent. I expected ever}^ moment to hear the rebels
charge on our entrenchments. Then showers of musket
balls would fall about our camp. There is now nobody
between us and the rebels, except the colored troops, and six
guns, manned by white men. On came the rebels. The
auspicious moment had come. Our hne, brass Napoleons
are rolled out, and bang ! bang ! bang ! went their reports.
This ijun makes a most infernal noise. Immediatelv, the
rebels began to draw off. Soon all was silent. All waited
for the renewal, and for an assault on the works. But it was
not renewed. Perhaps they were making a reconnoisance
preparatory to a thorough attack in the morning. Mean-
time, the busy ax and spades pile up the breastworks, trom
behind which death is to be meted out to the rebels.

When dark came, the troops were crossed to this side, and
we moved about one mile and camped. The bridges were
taken up. It was a late hour when all reached camp.

CHAPTER XXX.

At Goldshoro — Close of a Campaign full of Exciting
E\"ENTs — Some Severe Fighting — In Communica-
tion WITH Home and Friends Once More — Pre-
paring for the Final Campaign — News of the
Fall of Richmond — Lee's Surrender — Great
Rejoicing — Moving on Toward Johnson's Army —
Now for a Completion of the Work of Crushing
the Rebellion.

AFTER a dav of anxietv and excitement, and a night of
wearv watchinor, the soldiers were not in the best con-
dition tor t'urther dutv. on the morning of March 25th. But
the orders came to move to Goldsboro, thirteen miles dis-
tant, and we were soon on the road. We arrived at our
destination about twelve o'clock, and camped to the right of
the artillerv of the 14th Corps. Here, we met the 23d
Corps, who had come around by the way of Wilmington ;
we had not seen them since leaving Atlanta, and it was a
jovous reunion of old triends. Here, also, we received the
largest mail that ever came to the Regiment. It is a great
satisfaction to be in communication with home and tViends
once more.

General Sherman issued an order for a general re-organi-
za'.ion of the armv, preparatory to another campaign, and,
as it appears now. the tinal campaign of the war.

While at Goldsboro our Pontoon train was repaired and
recruited. We made new balk and chess, repaired the can-

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 507

vas, and received an addition of twenty wagons with twenty
sections of bridging. The work of preparation for another
campaign was vigorously pushed all along the line. Our
orders are, to be ready to march by April loth.

GoLDSBORO, April 6. — This has been a dav of wonder-
ful excitement in camp.

General Sherman, this morning, received several telegrams
from Major-General Carl Schurz, and others, at Xewbern,
stating that Petersburg and Richmond were captured, with
five hundred guns and 25,000 prisoners. During almost the
entire forenoon this news was being read to the several Reg-
iments. All believe, and each Regiment gives three cheers.
Great hilarity and excitement was produced by this news.
The noise continued all day. In the evening the bands
phu'ed the National airs, and at night there was great freedom
in the explosion of gun powder. The great question every-
where asked, is, "How long do you think the war will last
now?" There are different opinions on this question. I
indulge a hope that by the time the leaves fall, next autumn,
the slaveholders' rebellion will be over.

Friday, April 7. — We have received no confirmation of
the capture of Richmond, to-da}-, but we still believe it to
be true. Our Pontoon train was strengthened by the addi-
tion often boats, of the Tennessee pattern, with twenty feet
of material, for each boat. We also got ten pontoon wagons.
In addition to this we received twenty new arm}^ wagons,
with six mules, and everything complete. This, with the
six hundred feet of balk and chess — six hundred feet of
bridge — which our people have cut, and now have in the
kiln drying, and the various repairs going on, will
add much to our train when next we "go forth to glorious
war."

Saturday, April 8. — Received orders to march next
Monday. News of the capture of Richmond is confirmed
to-day, by the appearance of an "extra" of a Goldsboro
paper. It creates the wildest excitement in camp. The
following is a reproduction of the paper :

508 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Extra

By Telegraph

FROM NEWBERN

RICHMOND

AND

PETERSBURG

ARE OURS.

25,000

PRISONERS

AND

500 GUNS.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 50l>

Newbern, April 6, 1865.
Major-General SHERMAN:

Richmond was occupied by Gen.
Wietzel, at 9 o'clock, on Monday
morning.

Gen. Grant took Petersburg the
night previous.

I have just arrived from Washing-
ton.

CARL SHURTZ, Major General.

Newbern, April 6, 1865.
Major-General Sherman:

I have just arrived from Roanoke
Island. Norfolk papers state that
Richmond and Petersburg are ours.
We took 25,000 prisoners and 500
guns. That Lee is marching toward
Danville.

Gen. Schurtz corroborates this en-
tire statement, having left Fortress
Monr..e after it was accomplished.

Gen. Schurtz goes to Goldsboro on
the first train.

Our forces marched into Richmond
on Monday.

Gen. Hill was killed.

Gen. is in our hands a prisoner.

Gens. Grant and Sheridan are fol-
lowing Lee.

T. T. STARKWEATHER,
Capt. and A. Q. M.

Newbern, April 6, 1865.
Major-General Sherman:

The boat is just in from Roanoke
Island, and brings information that
both Richmond and Petersburg have
fallen, and that Gen. Grant has taken
25,000 prisoners and 500 guns.
W. W. WRIGHT, Col.,
Chief Eng. and Gen. Supt. M. R. R.

old

CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOUY OF THE

We attempted to hold religious services in the evening,
but the shooting and shouting over the tail of Richmond was
such that we could hardly hear our own songs. There was
reason in this rejoicing, and it was music in our ears. After
our meeting the noise increased in every direction. Rockets
were sent up, cheers were given, anvils were tired, canteens
were bursted, muskets were discharged, and everybody
shouted himself hoarse. It was a beautit'ul night. It was a
great and glorious time, and it did not cease until the jubi-
lant soldiers had utterly exhausted themselves.

Monday, April io. — Marched out of camp at seven.
There is always an unusual amount of labor to march after

remaininjT for a time in
camp. We accumulate
many new things, from
most of which we must
part. There is alvva3's no
small amount of fussing
and fumincr. Morsfan had
the adv'ance, Oaird tol-
lovved, and our train came
next. The 20th Corps
moves on tiie river road
toward Smithtiekl. The
14111 Corps, followed by
all the baggage, moves
on the next right hand
road.

Several otlicers of our Regiment, whose time has expired,
were mustered out March 28th. Among these, were Cap-
tain Smith, of Company B ; Captain P^vans, of Company G ;

AUXER M. HRVAXT,"

Company A.

* Started in witli liis Conipan\- at Camp (jihson aiul romainod his t'uU
three years with the Regiment, ser\ inij as (^lartermaster-Sergeant during
the latter part of his term. After iea\iiig tiie arm \- he retiuMied to Indiana,
and was, for se\eral \'ears, engaged in teaching, wliile completing his studies
for the ministry. Moving to Nehraska, he continued his work in tiie same
line. He served a term as State Senator, of Nehraska, and made an honor-
able record. Later, he moved to Oregon, where he has iieen preaching and
lecturing for scxcral vears, His home is now in Falls Citv, Oregon,

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 511

Lieutenants Wood and Harper, of Company I, and Captain
Tousey, of Company D. These all started for their homes
April 2d, accompanied by Lieutenant Jacob Davis, of Com-
pany B, who goes on a thirty days' leave.

My first term of three years' service expired March 5th,
and on March 29th I was remustered into the service for the
unexpired term of m}^ Regiment ; so now I may properly
style myself a veteran.

By mistake, we began moving before Baird. After getting
a part of our train over the little run in front of our camp,
it was cut in two by Baird going ahead. We had nearly
a half day's delay before we were assigned to a place in the
column. Headquarter train for the Army of Georgia came
by us with splendid teams, newly equippad, and wagons
lettered on the covers, "Headquarters Army of Georgia."
It is only since coming to Goldsboro that the left wing has
come to the full dignity of an army, with all the departments
represented. A number of hospital trains came by, glitter-
ing in new "rig." The ist Division, of the 14th Corps,
whom we found with guns stacked by the roadside, moved
off also in our advance, except a rear guard. They have a
new commander. General Carlin having resigned. His suc-
cessor is General Walcott, whom I saw for the first time,
to-day. He is neatly dressed and makes an excellent
appearance on first sight. This Division is better supplied
than I ever saw it before. The men seem to have been
supplied with everything they needed or desired. When
they marched off, the ground was covered with their old gar-
ments, and some new ones. I saw General Green, an old
man. He has taken command of a Brigade in the 14th
Corps.

At eleven a. m.. we found a place — far in the rear of the
one assigned us, yet, still in front of man}' trains. It is a
matter of great importance to get near the head of the
column ; then we pass over the roads before they are cut up,
and get into camp in good season. The rear trains have
reveille just as earh', and often travel until a late hour of the

512 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOKY OF THE

night, sometimes all niglit. If the pontoon is tar in the
rear, and a bridge is to be made, it is cursed for not
being up.

We began the march by crossing Little River on a trestle
bridge, made by our people some time since. It is about
iifty feet wide and its banks are set with a growtli of such
trees as marks a fertile soil. Amongst them is the beach,
an old friend and favorite of my boyhood da^'S.

Heard cannonading in front before leaving Goldsboro.
Heavy musketry skirmishing heard several times during the
dav. We had several men killed. With some, there is an
impression that Johnson will give battle at Smithtield. If
he does, Sherman will accept it immediateh^ The rebels
knew that our army was going to advance to-day. Wade
Hampton so informed a citizen, a few days since, and the
citizen told Dr. Holtzman, to-day.

I should say in general terms that our entire army is bet-
ter equipped than ever betore. Supplies have been poured
upon us with Potomac profusion. We are better off' than
when we began the Atlanta, Savannah or Goldsboro cam-
paigns. The men are in better health and spirits than ever
before. The army has been largely augmented, not onh'
bv the addition of the loth and 23d Corps, but new Regi-
ments and detachments have been added to the old organi-
zations. Captain Remington, Qiiartermaster of the 14th
Corps, told me that the 14th must be three thousand
stronger than when leaving Savannah. The Army of
tlio Tennessee is marching on our right. About the
Army of North Carolina, I am not intormed. The 23d
Corps is at Goldsboro, and has marching orders for noon.
The loth Corps is not there, and has not been, so far as
I know.

There has been quite a moral reformation in the army
during our stay at Goldsboro. Many soldiers have been
converted. Could we have remained a wliile longer, I
believe God would have given us a glorious revival in Sher-
man's army.

FlFTY-EtGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. Sl3

Camped, before dark, near Boon Hill, after marching
twelve miles. We killed a hog in camp and had fresh pork
for supper. The army train was coming in nearly all night.

Tuesday, April ii. — Marched past Walcott's Division,
in camp, at davlight, this morning. There was skirmishing
at that time. Came up with rear of Baird's Division, mov-
ing out of camp. He is moving past Morgan and is to take
the advance. As we are to reach the Neuse at Smithfield,
to-dav, the Pontoon train should have followed the advance
Division. But there is no such wisdom in the 14th Corps.
Morgan closed in after Baird, and then we follow. While
we lav here Major-General Blair, commanding the 17th
Corps, rode up, followed b}' a dashing staff. An officer
inquired what troops were passing on this road. When
informed that it was the 14th Corps, the General dispatches
an orderlv to turn his own column in on a left hand road.

We reached Smithlield at 4 130. We found the town and
vicinity occupied by Baird's Division, and the advance of
the 20th Corps, General Sherman's quarters were being
put up at the court house, and General Slocum's were
already up at the Methodist Church.

The village is surrounded for a little distance by a tract
of fertile land. The streets are wide. The walks are nicely
shaded bv elms and hackberry. The latter are the most
beautiful specimens of this tree I have ever seen. There is
an indescribable beauty about the young green leaves, just
coming out. All the houses in the town are wooden except
two — the jail and court house. The population once, must
have amounted to sev-en or eight hundred. Most of the
houses are now deserted. Many of them have long been.
The doors are open and the window glass broken. There
are several churches and school houses. But the glory of
Smithfield has departed, and that, too, before the war.

I notice with pleasure, yesterday and to-day, that bum-
ming has decreased. I have seen no houses burning. The
rebels destroyed the bridge at this place, to-day. They
began leaving these parts yesterday.

514. CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

The river is from fifty to sixty yards wide. Our people
began laying a bridge and completed it within an hour.
This one is above the old bridge, and just at the end of the
street above the Methodist Church. Another was laid below
the old bridge. A Brigade or two passed over about dark.

Wednesday, April 12. — This has been a morning of
most wonderful excitement and enthusiasm. I was awak-
ened by loud cheers, and man}^ bands, playing in all direc-
tions. A dispatch is being read to each Regiment, from
General Sherman, announcing the capture of Lee's entire
army by General Grant.* The dispatch is official, and there
can be no doubt. The soldiers are intensely pleased, and
have stronger hopes of an early peace than ever. During
the entire forenoon this dispatch was being read to the Reg-
iments as they caine up. Such a serenade of bands Smith-
field never had before, and never will have again. In all the
streets and from all directions comes the swelling strains.
The troops move rapidly over the Neuse — the 14th Corps at
the lower bridge. The design is to push on towards Raleigh
and bring Johnson to an engagement, if possible. Sherman
is confident, this morning, of being able to capture him and
his entire army.

We spend the day in camp, at Smithfield, awaiting further
orders. The trains stick in the swamps and come in slowly.
None but the Arni}^ of Georgia is crossing here.

We yesterday passed a house where there had been skirm-
ishing. The woman declared that the shooting almost
scared her to death. "Was it infantry or cavalry?"

*[ Special Field Order, No. 54.]
Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, )
IN THE Field, Smithfield, North Carolina, April 12, 1S65.)'
The General commanding announces to the army that he has official notice
from General Cjrant that General Lee surrendered to him his entire army,
on the 9th inst., at Appomattox Court- House, \'irginia.

Glor\' to-God and our countr\-, and all honor to our comrades in arms,
toward whom we are marching.

A little more labor, a little more toil on our part, the great race is won,
and our Government stands regenerated, after foin- long vears of war.

W. T. SHERMAN,
Major-General commanding.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. "il.")

inquired some one. "Oh no, nothing- but 'peekits,' " said
the old lady.

I took a walk about the town. The Masonic and Odd
Fellows' Halls have been rifled. In the latter there is a
skeleton, in a coffin. Saw an old dismounted gun lying
near the river bank. It must date back to as early as the
Revolution. I found none who could tell its history, except
tliat it was brought l>om Newbern, to tire on gala days. At
the court house I noticed the shelves, in the offices, are
emptied of their contents on the floor. The archives of
Johnson county lie in confusion amongst the dirt. Many of
the documents date back to the old colonial times, when
legal proceedings were done in the
^Bfck. King's name. The churches are open,

Mgati ^\ and the books scattered about the pews.

V tl At the graveyard I noticed the graves

of a number of rebels, bearing ominous
dates — about the time of the Benton-
ville fight. In the same yard there is
blood, seemingly where one of our sol-
diers was killed yesterda}'.
JOHN w. EMMERsoN * ^ crowd of uieu, women and children

Lieutenant Co. F.

came in to make application for guards,
and most of the applicants were accommodated. The 58th
Indiana is the only Regiment remaining here.

Thursday, April 13. — The remainder of the trains of the
Army of Georgia crosses this morning. We still remain,
expecting some part of the Army of North Carolina. But
it does not come ; rumor says it is crossing above, and
crossing below, etc.

In the evening we had meeting at the Methodist Church.
It was not announced until just at the hour for meeting, j^et

* Was mustered in with his Company and remained ^\ith it until tlie
muster out. Was promoted to Second Lieutenant ot" tlie Company in 1865.
A false report of his death, at Shiloh, reached his friends and a nice coffin
was sent to bring the body home. [See page 7^.] But he got home in better
shape after the hostilities were ended, and still lives to enjoy the fruits of the
victory, on his farm near ()wens\ille, Ind.

516 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

the soldiers came flocking in, until the house was full. Two
or three ladies were present. I ascended the high pulpit,
and, sweating, preached earnestly to the people. The sol-
diers sang with a will. We had a good meeting, and hope
for a revival.

Friday, April 14. — While returning from a walk, I
noticed that the men were rolling up their tents and blankets,
and soon learned that marching orders had been received.
General Slocum writes, from Raleigh, to Lieutenant-Colonel
Moore, to leave one bridge and a sufficient guard, and come
on to Raleigh, with the surplus material, then follow the 20th
Corps to Cape Fear river, by way of Jones' cross-roads. It
was 9:30 when we marched. Companies B and G remain
behind, with Captain McDonald commanding them. I
hardly expect to see them any more during the war. If the
army moves on, and they remain here, we will be in differ-
ent departments.

We marched out on the right-hand road. The way was
much improved by the sun, since the rear of the train passed,
yesterday. We came to the railroad, about one mile from
Clayton, where we met Captain Smith, of General Davis'
staff, with a mounted escort. He had been sent by General
Sherman to conduct the train, by a. direct road, to Jones'
cross-roads. This point is west of Raleigh, and a little north
of west from Clayton, and it is, therefore, out of the way to
go by Raleigh. We moved by a road, over which no arm}-
had ever passed, in a southwest direction, for about seven
miles. The country was rolling, and the people had corn,
fodder and bacon. The men "helped themselves," to use
an army expression. Captain Smith made diligent inquir}'
for Jones' cross-roads ; but nobody had ever heard of it, and
he pronounced them all fools. It seemed strange to me that
we were moving southwest in search of a place that is north
of west. But I was not much exercised for a time. We
crossed Little and Swift creeks, at the latter of which we
found a most beautiful camping place. It was near night,
but as Colonel Moore hoped to camp witli General Davis, at

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 517

Jones' cross-roads, he moved on. We now came into a
plainer road, but still going in the same direction, and came
out on a Raleigh road, running east and west. Here the
command stopped. Captain Smith had been making inquiry
about Jones' cross-roads, but no one could give him anv
information. He came back, swearing and blustering, and
began to look at the map, as wisely as the learned hog at liie
spelling book. The question was, which end of the road
shall we take? He evidently had no idea of the points of
the compass. Just think of moving southwest for north of
west, and then debating whether to turn east or west I
When he arose to mount his horse, all mystery vanished,
for he flourished a bottle of whisky, calling, with language
most profane, on those about him to drink. The rear of the
loth Corps had just gone west on this road, and we follow,
our whisky bottle dashing here and there. Being a little
interested, I rode ahead about a mile and a half, and found
a northwest road that led to Holly Springs, and I thought
must lead to Jones' cross-roads. This is the right direction.
No attention is paid to the discoveries of a sober man. Our
whisky bottle, dashing about in the woods, turned the train
out into a blind path, about three-fourths of a mile before
coming to the Holly Springs road. This foad turned south
of southwest, and led through a swamp. It was now dark,
and the men had to go to corduroying. After traveling
about a mile, we came to another east and west road, on
which we traveled west. Here we found marks of troops
having passed to-day. A short distance brought us to the
main Wilmington and Raleigh road, running north and
south. We were near Mr. Moore's, on Middle creek. It
was about eight o'clock, and we went into camp. We are
entirely out of the lines of our arm}^ The rebels captured
a train near here this afternoon. The men have the remains
of torty rounds each, but we are not very well prepared to
defend ourselves. After a journey of twenty miles, we are
only ten miles from Smithfield. After traveling twenty
miles, we are only live miles nearer Raleigh. We are

518

CHAPLAIN HTGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

twenty miles southwest of the capital. Such is the result of
following a bottle of whisky in search of Jones' cross-roads.
And yet they tell us that whisky is a very good thing. The
"vulgah" soldiers might abuse its use, but "refined" staff
officers need their spirits exhilarated, by its electrifying
effects. We are at least twenty-five miles from Jones' cross-
roads to-night. We are in Johnson county, while our guide
imagines that we are in Wake county. Whisky drinking is
a great curse in the arm}^ as it is everywhere else.

Saturday, April 15. — This morning I was speaking
of the folly of following a bottle of whisky about through
the counties of Johnson and Wake, when, turning m\'
head. Captain Smith came riding up. I hope he heard
me. I meant him. We soon came to
where the rebs had burned the wagons
captured yesterday. They were loaded
with supplies. We saw the remains of
eight. The rebels had turned them
around.

We pass by the end of the Holly
Springs road, referred to yesterday.
We <ro about two miles on the Raleigh
road, to which we first came late yes-
terday afternoon. We now begin to
people who are posted about Jones' cross-roads.
We leave the main Raleigh road and go west to Shiloh
Chiu'ch. This is a General Baptist Church. It is an
unpainted frame building. There are two houses near, in
one of which is a woman about to be delivered of a child.
Stirring times, these, for one's birth. From Shiloh we

M. MUNFORD,*

Company D.

find

* H(.'>;an his services with the Re<;;iinent <it Camp Gibson. Was made
Hospital Steward soon after tiie Regiment went to tiie field, and served as
such until the earlj part of 1863, when he was discharged. In the beginning
of the Stone Ri\er light he was captured, with the Regimental hospital, and
taken to Murfrecsboro, where he remained a prisoner during the battle.
He was, however, permitted to minister to the wants of our wounded who
fell into rebel hands, and thus was able to render efficient service to our
cause, though a prisoner. Since his army service, he has been farming, near
Princeton, Ind., where he still resides.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

march southwest to the Holly Springs road, referred to yes-
terday and this morning. We have gone more than four
miles this morning, but we are only three from our camp
last night. "When the blind lead the blind, both will fall
into the ditch."

During the day we met several men in blue and several
detachments, whom I afterwards concluded to be rebels.
One man said he belonged to the 20th Corps, which is
nowhere in these parts. The others claimed to belong to
the loth Corps, but were not disposed to go towards it.

They could not tell where
it was, nor when they left
it. One squad was rather
overdoing the "Yankee for-
age party." An oflicer
with an umbrella com-
manded. The men were
straggling along. They
had a cart and several
necrroes. But in two re-
spects they failed — they
looked green, and had no
forage. One little squad
met in the woods were much
alarmed. But they were
all permitted to pass on.
In the midst of these "wanderinirs throu<rh the wilder-
ness," three Orderlies came, bringing a dispatch to Colonel
Moore, to come on to Holly Springs by the shortest and
best route, without regard to Jones' cross-roads, and then to
follow on to Avent's Ferry, on Cape Fear river. The

CAPTAIX WILLIAM DAVIS,
Company A.

* Was mustered .is ist Lieutenant of the Company October 9, 1S61, pro-
moted Captain June 21, 1862. He Avas severely wounded in the battle of
Chickamauga, on account of which he was honorably discharged May 23,
1S64. He returned to his farm in Gibson county, and remained for several
^ears. He then removed with his family to Nebraska, where he died a few
years after. He was a brave man, a faithful soldier, and an honored and
upright citizen.

.'■)L>(> THAPLAiN HICtHT\S HISTORY OF THE

Orderlies also brought the rumor that Johnson had surren-
dered to Sheridan, and all our army was halted. Our men
are disposed to believe this, as they commonly are, what
thev want to. Some reflections are cast on Johnson for
surrendering to Sheridan. Some one had heard that John-
son said in Raleigh that he would nev^er surrender to Sher-
man.

In the midst of these rumors and confabs, dark came upon
us, with the front at Mr. Wiley Carrol's, four miles from
Jones' cross-roads. Wiley, burning with martial ardor,
went oft' to the big wars, and last August lost an arm at
Petersburg. We camp on his little farm, burn his rails, eat
his chickens, and make ourselves at home, generally. Poor
Wiley ; how can he restore the rails, with only one arm and
no negroes! Truly, in the South, "this is the rich man's
war and the poor man's fight."

In our march of the i6th we came to a sign board that
said, "Smitlifield, 22 miles." We had traveled forty-five
miles. Tlie sign board lies ; it should say about thirty. We
came about fifteen miles out of the wa}^. We did not make
much by the "short cut." It would have been better to
have come by Raleigh, than to have wandered as we did.

A mile farther of good roads brought us to our goal —
Jones' cross-roads. One dwelling house, with two women
on the porch, attest the reality of our having reached the
long desired haven. The Colonel, believing the story of
Johnson's surrender, and anticipating peace in a few days,
was storming at the soldiers for going into houses and yards.
At Jones' cross-roads, his better nature so far prevailed as to
cause him, on the suggestion of Major Downey, to have a
dead horse, lying at the gate, hauled oft'. Surely sometiiing
is going to happen. We continue to liear of the surrender
of Johnson. Most of the Regiment believe it; I do not,
because we have nothing but rumors.

We now turn southwest and go to Holly Springs, about
two miles from Jones' cross-roads. It contains a number of
wooden houses for dwellings, and a church and school

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 521

house. Most of the people are at home. The village
receives its name from a spring below the church.

Here, we overtook the train of the 14th Corps, which is
moving on towards Cape Fear river. The troops are
encamped on ahead. The belief is general that Johnson
has surrendered. No dispatch has been sent around to the
troops, but many reasons are given by those who hold to
this faith.

After remaining at Holly Springs long enough for the
14th train to get out of sight, and our mules to eat and drink,
we move on. We pass Baird's Division in camp. They
believe that Johnson has surrendered.

We pass through a rolling country, medium in fertility.
At one place we could see the hills "far awa}^" beyond the
river. We saw several citizens at home. All thought the
war about over, and seemed glad thereof. The army is
doing less damage to the country than common.

We come to White Oak creek ; just bevond is General
Davis' headquarters. Passing by these we camp, a mile
from the creek. We march sixteen miles and camp, just
before dark, in a grassy field. It is Sabbath evening and
singing can be heard in some of the camps.

We expected to remain for several days, as the army
seems to be halted, but orders came to go on down to
Avent's Ferry and lay a bridge, so we moved out early on
the morning of the 17th. Afterwards the order Ibr making
the bridge is countermanded, but the march is continued.
We find General Morgan camped at Avent's Ferry. His
Adjutant-General tells us that Johnson has surrendered to
Sheridan. "Jt shows a mean principle in him," said the
Assistant Adjutant-General, with an oath. He appeared
much disgusted with Johnson for not surrendering to Sher-
man. When Dr. Holtzman began to ask how he got the
news, where Johnson surrendered, etc., we all saw that he
knew no more about it than we did.

Cape Fear river is much wider here than at Favetleville.
There is e\idenct» of the rel^els ha\ing had two pontoons

•>'>

(^HAPLAIX HICtHT'S HISTORY OF THE

here at some period recently. We camp in a wheat field,
just upon the river bank. Our Generals are clearly at a
stand. The arm\^ must wait until "something turns up."

Tuesday, April i8. — I spent this morning in writing,
bathing and resting. After dinner I lav down for a short
sleep. Lieutenant McMahan came into the tent and told
me that President Lincoln had been assassinated at a theater
in Washington. He said that there could be but little doubt
of the truth of the statement, for it came directly from Gen-
eral Morgan's headquarters. I was shocked — thunderstruck.

Have we come to this?

^^^^^jt^ Then there is no addi-

^^^^^^^j^^ tional step in degredation

fl[ ^Ha '^"*^ shame for our nation

^j^ -^^ wmMA to take. We are undone,

^i^m r" and eternallv disgraced.

What better are we than
Mexico? But it cannot
be. Too many earnest
pra3'ers are offered up for
the life of Abraham Lin-
coln ; his life is precious
at this lime, and he is the
purest and ablest Presi-
dent we have ever had.
I do not believe the re-
port, simply because I do
not think God would let
him die at this lime. Late in the day it became certain that
a dispatch was being read to the troops, that the President
was dead. I was compelled to yield a reluctant belief.
The story of Johnson's surrender, lacking all shape or con-
tirmation, is now generally rejected.

IIKNRY IIl'DSON PIIILLU'S,

Company A.

* Born March 7, 1837; died Ajiril 17, 18S0. Scrxc-d three years with liis
Company, foilowinti; the Regiment in all its campaigns from '62 to "65.
After leaving the army, he relurned to his occupation as a farmer, which he
tbllowed until Ills drath. lie was a faithful soldier, and an lionorahle,
upright citi/en.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 523

The assassination of President Lincoln makes a deep
impression upon the soldiers, who speak of him with pro-
found reverence, and swear vengeance on all rebels. Reg-
iments are already speaking of inscribing "Lincoln
Revengers" on their banners.

Wednesday, April 19. — All doubts in reference to the
death of tlie President were put to rest b}' the reading of the
following to the Regiment :

HKADqi'ARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI, )

In the P'ield. Raleigh, N. C, April 17, 1S65. )
Special Field Order, }
No. 51. ii"

The General commanding announces, with pain and sorrow, that on the
evening of the 14th inst., at the theatre, in Washington Citv. His Excel-
lency, the President of the United States, Mr. Lincoln, was assassinated, hy
one who uttered the State motto of Virginia.

At the same time, the Secretary of State, Mr. Seward, whilst suffering
from a hroken arm, was also stabbed bv another murderer, in his own house,
but still survives; and his son was wounded, supposed fatall\'. It is believed
by persons capable of judging that other high officers were designed the
same fate. Thus it seems that our enem\-, despairing of meeting us in open,
manly warfare, begins to rescrt.to the assassin's tools.

^'our (jeneral does not wish you to infer that this is imi\ersal, for he
knows that the great mass of the Confederate armv would scorn to sanction
such acts, but he believes it the legitimate consequence of rebellion against
rightful authority. We have met ever\- phase winich this war has assumed,
and must now be prepared for it in its last and worst shape — that of assas-
sins and guerrillas. But woe unto the people who seek to expend their w ild
passions in such a manner, for there is but one dread result.

By order of Major-General W. T. Sherman.

Signed: L. M. DAYTON,
Assistant Adjutant- General.
Official:

ROBERT P. DECKERD,

Assistant Adjutant- General.

Thursday, April 20. — During the forenoon an order was
read from General Sherman, stating that an armistice had
been agreed upon between himself and Johnson, and that
something of the nature of a peace had been concluded,
which if ratified, we might go home in a few da3^s. In the
meantime, a line is announced between the two armies, and
the armies go into permanent camp. T will gi't a copy of
this order, if I can,

:^•2\• CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

A great deal of harm could now be done, b}- giving terms
to the rebels. I do not care how much mercy is extended
to them, but any other concessions would only smother the
tires of civil war. It is now within our power to end this
war by a ver}^ short campaign. I liope, therefore, that no
favors will be granted. If we reinstate these rebels, in all
their propertv and former civil rights, and leave the negroes
out in the cold, there can be no peace. God will not permit
it. The oppressed must go free ; they must not be sent
empty away ; they must have schools and churches, houses
and lands ; they must, in proper time, be admitted to all the
privileges accorded to white men. Then we may hope for
Heaven's blessings, but until then, never. Hostilities may,
and will stop short of this, but the land will not, and should
not have any quiet until all these things are accomplished.
I tear this cry of peace. I fear concessions to rebels in
arms. The Nation now has peace within its grasp. I am
afraid it is about to drop it for the shadow.

We had drill, forenoon and afternoon. In the evening, I
preached on "Strength in Weakness." H Cor. xii, lo.
The congregation was large and attentive.

We expect to move back in the morning and encamp, and
await peace negotiations. General Morgan goes to Holly
Springs.

Friday, April 21. — Got ready to march before orders
carhe. Morgan's Division moves oft' early and we follow
soon after. Many citizens come in, seeking mules and
horses, and they get many. All of the citizens think the
war over. We have orders against foraging, except lor
horse feed. Marched three miles and camped near White
Oak creek, in Ciiatham county. Put up nice quarters to
await peace.

We receive no late papers. We have more rumors than
ever before. The death of President Lincoln is confirmed.
There is a universal distrust of Andrew Johnson — friends
and loes are agri'tnl. I confess that my confidence in him
IS far from strong. We are all greatly in the dark, away

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA IJEGIMENT. o^T)

out here, twenty-six miles from anywhere. We go from
one to another, asking: "What's the news? " "Do you
think the war is over? " "Do you think Lincohi is dead? "
Sunday, April 23. — We have had nothing of a general
or exciting nature in camp, to-da}-. We have had no news
from Sherman's and Johnston's peace agreement. We are
ignorant of what the terms are. There is a general impres-
sion that the war is over. I am much exercised lest our
usual tomfooleiy will ruin us at this critical moment. We
received a mail this afternoon. In one of the papers we
read that the neo-ro (jfuard in front of Mrs. General Lee's
residence is replaced by a white man, out of respect for her
feelings. Also, that the negro troops at Richmond were
not reviewed with the white soldiers, recent!}^, for fear, I
suppose, of offending white rebels. There is a call for the
leading rebels of the State of Viro-inia to come to Rich-
mond and set up shop again. Think of the Almighty send-
ing for the devil to reorganize Heaven. A special train is
sent to Burksville for General Grant and staff and General
Lee and staff. Wonder if some people won't want to give
Lee a public reception in the North. There are down-trod-
den Union people in all the seceded states. Into their hands
let the power be given. If there are whites let them run the
civil government until the blacks go to school and get ready
to help them. Where there, are no loyal white people let
the blacks trv it. A loval negro is better than a Caucasian
rebel. The day is fast dawning when men will vote with-
out regard to color. To this end education should be dis-
seminated amongst all the people.

CHAPTER XXXI.

Closing Events of the War — Johnston's Surrender —
Peace Declared — On our Homeward Journey —
Raleigh — Richmond — Bull Run — Alexandria —
Washington — The Great Military Review —
Farewell to the Pontoon Train — On to Louis-
ville — Impatiently Waiting the Order to Go
Home — At the Dedication of the Regimental
Monument — Mustered Out — Home Again.

ORDERS came for us to march this morning (April
25th) greatly to my surprise. We were accord-
ingly up before day, and by six were read}' and march-
ing. There were, at first, many surmises as to the
direction we were going — whether to the rear, to be
mustered out, at Harper's Ferry, or to the front to fight
Joe Johnston. All this was quieted when we moved
towards Avent's Ferry once more. Then began earnestly
the discussion, "what does this mean?" Generalh^ it was
admitted that it meant more war. The prevailing rumor
was, that President Johnson liad declined to approve Sher-
man's and Johnston's peace propositions. I am much
pleased this morning. I am anxious to get home, but I
have been much exercised at the prevalent disposition, seen
of late, to smother up matters. I care not how much mercy
is extended to men after the}' are caught, but the turning
loose of Lee's army, by pre-agreement, was folly. Permit-
ting his otllcers to keep their horses, and sell them to our
men, is an outrage. Many of these horses were captured
from our people. The rebels never fiivor our officers in this
manner, There is too much talk about pardoning Jeff Davis.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

527

The}' say "catching comes before hani;"ing," so ought par-
doning. Better catch him, first ; tr}^ condemn, and sentence
him, then he is ready for pardon or hanging, as may then
be thought best.

We laid a bridge across Cape P'ear river, and troops and
trains were crossing by the evening of April 26th. In the
afternoon of the 27th orders came to move back to our old
camp at White Oak creek, preparatory to the concentration
of our train at Raleigh. During our March to that place

we learned, definitely, that
Johnston had surrendered
to Sherman . We also read ,
for the first time, of the
terms first made by Sher-
man and rejected by Secre-
tary of War Stanton. I
am glad that these proposed
terms were repudiated. It
would have been the culmi-
nation of disgraceful blun-
ders on the part ot our
Government. There has
been a change of sentiment
in regard to the treatment
of rebels. The people who were in favor of pardoning
everybody engaged in rebellion a few days ago, are now in
favor of hanging them. I hope public opinion will settle
down to a happy medium — let us have mercy, tempered
with justice.

There have been very strict orders issued against foraging,
and the occupation of "Sherman's bummers" is gone.

CAPTAIN J. E. VOORHEES,*

Company E.

* Was mustered as Second Lieutenant, Company E, at the organization
of the Regiment. Promoted to First Lieutenant May 31, 1S62; to Captain
June 2, 1863, and was mustered out November 11, 1S64, by reason of expira-
tion of term of service. lie returned to his home in Terre Haute where lie
engaged in business as contractor on public works of various kinds. lie is
still engaged in this business in connection with his son, and seems to be
prospering.

528 ("HArLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

One oi' these was heard to remark, on hearing a rooster
crow, "Oh yes, you can crow in our t'aces now, you know
Uncle Billy has prohibited foraging."

Saturday, April 29. — We reached Raleigh and camped
near town, waiting orders to start on our homeward march,
via Richmond. These were orders for which we had waited
and wnshed for more than three years, and we are now
near the consummation of our w'ish. The war is now over
and we are to start for home in a few days. Peace, glorious
peace is to resume its place in our country.

In the afternoon orders came to divide the Pontoon train,
one-half to go with the 20th Corps, the other to go with
the 14th. Captain McDonald joined us in the even-
ing, with Companies B and G, w^hich we had left at Smith-
field.

All day, Sunday, April 30th, troops w^ere passing through
Raleigh, with banners flying and sounds of martial music.
It was a grand sight.

I follow , the right wnng of the Pontoon train, which is
with the 20th Corps. We are well up in the advance and
march rapidly until we reach Dickenson bridge, on Tar
river. We meet man}^ soldiers of Lee's army, making their
way homeward. They are completely whipped, and some
of them did not appear to be sorry of it. We are all glad
tiie war is over.

We started early on the morning of May 3d, and, after a
hurried march, reached Taylor's Ferry by nine o'clock.
On the way we crossed the State line and entered Virginia,
the ninth State in which our Regiment has been. At this
place we come to the Roanoke, and bridge it ; the width is
six hundred and seventv-five feet. Over this, the 20tli Corps
begin to cross. This is a line stream and a nice place to
camp, but we do not stop here long. We press on, passing
through Boydtown, thence on to Greensboro, in Mecklin-
burg county, and, after a marcli of twenty-eight miles we
go into camp, at eight o'clock ]■>. m. It is the general talk
that there is a race between tiie i.j.th Corps and the 20th

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 529

Corps to gain the advance at Richmond. Ilence, our hur-
ried marchintr.

In our march of May 4th we came to the falls of Notto-
way river, covering a distance of-thirty miles by ten o'clock
p. m. Here we came to a camp of part of the gallant 6th
Corps, of the Arm}^ of the Potomac, from wliom we received
some of the latest papers and much courtesy. After another
hard march on the 5th we reached the Appomattox, late in
the night. But General Davis had learned that the 20th
Corps were taking their time, and were far in the rear, so
he did not order a bridge laid that night ; we were permitted
to rest.

Saturday Morning, May 6. — We were out early, and
soon came to Goode's bridge crossing, were it was necessar}-
to lav a bridge. It was here that General Lee crossed his
army when on his recent retreat from Richmond. We soon
had the bridge completed, and troops began to cross ; while
we go into camp.

About nine o'clock. May 7th, we take up our march, fol-
lowing the other troops, some distance in our advance.
After a march of twenty miles we came to Falling creek,
ten miles from Richmond. Next morning we came on to
the city and found a camping place, two miles out, at Brancli
Church.

Here, we remain until the iith, when we move on, cross-
ing the James river on pontoons. There was a hue display
of military, as Sherman's army went marching through
Richmond. We had a chance to see but little of this famous
old city, as we did not stop. There were evidences on
every hand of the demoralization and destruction of war.

Our march from Richmond was by way of Hanover C.
H. to Littlepage's bridge, on the Pamunk}' river. A severe
storm of rain came upon us late in the evening. In the
midst of this we were called to the river crossing where
a bridge was to be laid. Our boys worked in the rain and
mud until late at night, to complete their task, but the troops
did not begin crossing until next morning.

530

CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

On the I3tli we passed Concord Church, where Meade's
army had camped a few days ago. Went into camp near
Mt. Carmel Church, about nine o'clock p. m., having
marched twenty-five miles.

Next day we move in rear of Walcott's Division and leave
the great battlefields of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania C.
H. on the right. We cross the 20th Corps at Childsboro.

On the 1 6th our column crosses the Rapidan at Raccoon
Ford, the men and horses wading the stream. In the after-
noon of the same day we
cross the Rappahannock,
in the same style.

On Thursday, May 18,
we came to Kettle Run,
camping near the famous
Bull Run battle ground.
Here is where tlie first
great battle of the war
was fought, and it was a
point of much interest to
us. Bull Run is a very
insignificant stream, but
it is very famous. We
stopped lor dinner at
Centerville. Passing
through Fairfax C. H.,
and other places of inter-
est, we found a camping place, ten miles from Alexandria.
Next day we moved to within three miles of the town and
halted. We camp in a low, swampy place, but such are
about the only kind of places to be found hereabouts.

ANDREW M MASTKK,

Company A.

* Was imistercci in as pri\ ate in Camp Gibson. Served as Orderly at
Regimental headciuailers for some time. In 186^ he re-enlisted, and in 1S65
was promoti'd to Seri^eant- Major of the Rei^iment and was mustered out as
such, July 2:^, 186^. Returninsr to his home at Princeton lie learned the
blacksmith's trade. After this, he removed to Portland. Oregon, and
engaged in business, in which he has been quite successful. He still resides
in Portland, and from that distant port sends kindest greetings to his old
comrades of the 58th.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 531

The great event of our stay here was the Grand Review
of the army in Washington. On May 22d it was my good
fortune to witness the review of General Grant's Army of
the Potomac. In company with Dr. HoUzman, I got to
Pennsylvania Avenue, just as General Sheridan's magnifi-
cent Cavalry Division began to pass in review. We took
our stand near the Treasury building and witnessed the
grandest military display the world ever saw. It was worth
all our toilsome march through Georgia and the Carolinas
to see this sight.

On the 24th this grand spectacle was repeated, with Gen-
eral Sherman's grand army as the actors.

On the 26th, our Regiment moved camp, to a place near
Mt. Olivet cemetery, in the suburbs of Washington. We
moved to Alexandria, and, in passing through that town,
gave the spectators a review of our Pontoon train. We then
moved up the Potomac, and crossed over the Long bridge.
Marched past the Smithsonian Institute to Pennsylvania
avenue, thence east, passing around the Capitol, and on to
the hill opposite Mt. Olivet, where we found a beautiful
camping place. Here we are to remain for a few days, and
the bovs improve the time in sight seeing. There are many
places of interest about Washington, and every place is
thronged with soldiers. It is easy to distinguish the soldiers
of Sherman's army from those of the Eastern arm 3^. The
Western soldier is, as a rule, taller, and not so careful in his
apparel, as is the one from the East. There is also man-
ifested more of a free and independent air in the Western
soldier. But there is no difference in the fighting qualities
of the two.

May 31st we turned over to the Government our famous
Pontoon train. We bade farewell to our mules and wagons,
without a tear. On the 6th of June we moved our camp, to
a place near Glen wood cemetery, where we were assigned
to 2d Brigade, ist Division, 14th Corps. On the 9th of
June we took up our line of march to the Baltimore and
Ohio depot, where we boarded the cars for our homeward

CHAPLAIN KIGHT'S HISTOrtY OF THE

trip. The accommodations are not first-class, but the boj^s
are patient and cheerful. Along the route the people greet
our train with cheers, and waving of flags and handkerchiefs.
The demonstrations of joy are more apparent in West Vir-
ginia. At every station there is a great crowd of men,
women and children, who greet us with wild delight.

On the evening of June 1 1 we reached Parkersburg, where
we disembarked, and went into camp. We were to take a
boat here for Louisville. Next morning we all go on board
the steamer Coniniercial , and are soon on our way down the

Ohio. It is a delightful
change from box cars to
this elegant steamer, and
the boys duly appreciate it.
But there is one element of
uncertainty that makes our
happiness incomplete.
There is talk of sendinof
part of the army to Texas,
and we are uncertain
whether we are of that part.
The boys contend that tlie
war is over, and the term
of their enlistment has ex-
pired, and I think they are
right. If there are still
some fragments of the rebel armv in Texas, there are
enough soldiers in the regular army to attend to them.

All doubts and appreiiensions were, in a measure, relieved,
when it was learned that Louisville was to be the end of our

LIEUTENANT ZACK JONES*

Company H.

* Was imistfrcd as First Scrijcant of Comiiany 11, December i6, iS^i.
Promoted to Second Lieutenant June 17, 1862, to First Lieutenant No\em-
ber 7, 1862, and was tmistered out by reason of expiration of term, June 20,
1865. He served jiart of the time as aid-de-eamp on the stafl' of Colonel
Buell, comniandin<( the Brigade, and was also, for a time, on the stalV of
General Ilarker. lie was on that duty at the time of the bloody charge on
Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864, and was by the side of the gallant Ilarker
when he fell mortally wounded. Since the war he has been engaged in busi-
ness in Washington, Ind., and seems to be prospering.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 5?,:}

journey. We arrived at that place after nioht, June 13, and
remained on the boat until next morning.

After breakfast, on the 14th, we went ashore. We
marched up 4th street to Main, down Main to 5th street.
Here we met the looth Illinois, with music and banners,
marching to the Jefferson ville ferry, on their way home.
Three years ago we made their acquaintance at this place.
They had just entered the service then, and were assigned
to our Brigade. Now they are going home, while we still
remain.

After marching about, this way and that, for the greater
part of the day we finally went into camp, near the Bruners-
burg pike, four miles and a half from Louisville. We
remained here for about ten days. During that time the
paymaster visited us. Several of the officers and men were
granted furloughs, and we were visited by several friends
from Indiana. But.there was still a growing dissatisfaction
in camp, on account of the seeming indifference of the offi-
cers in command, as to our muster out. I was charged with
having encouraged this feeling of discontent among the sol-
diers and was called to General Buell's headquarters to make
an explanation. I informed him that the reports were false,
and that instead of lending encouragement to this feel-
ing, I was rather using my influence to prevent any out-
break among the soldiers. But, at the same time, I will not
be a part}^ to holding these soldiers longer than their serv-
ices are needed, and I think that time has passed now. I
plainly told General Buell this, but assured him that I will
discourage all discontent and open riot.

About dark, Sunday evening, June 25, orders came for
the Regiment to march to Louisville and report to General
Watkins for provost duty, and we were soon on our way
thither. Provost duty was a new kind of service for the
58th Indiana. During all our time we had been at the
front, or near enough to be engaged in active service. But
now, that the war is over, the place for active service is in
the rear, as provost guards, and we are sent thither.

534. CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Moving into the city, we camped at the foot of Broadway,
about 1 6th street. There is only one tree for shiade and, of
course, Regimental headquarters must use that. The main
body of the Regiment is camped in a dog-fennel common,
in the hot sun. The ^id Indiana is to assist in provost duty.
There is nothing desirable about this kind of service, and the
boys are not slow about expressing their disgust. There is
only one consolation — it will not last long.

Tuesday, June 27. — Rev. Mr. McMaster, of Princeton,
visited our Regiment to-day.

I have accepted an invitation to deliver an address at the
dedication of the monument to the memory of the dead of
our Regiment, at Princeton, on the 4th of July.

In the evening I preached to a small congregation. Spir-
itual matters are not flourishino;. Men are thinkinor of
home ; manv of them are gone on short furloughs.

Thursday, June 29. — Our camp looks quite deserted,
since the discharging and furloughing of so many. We are
all impatient to go home, and prospects of our going soon
are brightening. Several soldiers ran off last night, witliout
permission. I permitted myself to be persuaded not to hold
meeting to-night.

Friday, June 30. — I have sent up an application for
a ten days' pass, to enable me to attend the dedication of
the monument to our dead, at Princeton, on the 4th of
July, but no answer has been given to it. I am very anx-
ious to go.

Several of our officers are giving but little attention to bus-
iness, but spend their time running about the city.

Sunday, July 2. — Went over to New Albany to attend
church. Services commenced ; went to cemetery ; dined
with Rev. Ileatli ; called on I?rother Noble ; attended sacra-
ment at my old church — Roberts' Ciiapel. I was treated
ver}'- coolly by the old preachers. I suppose this was owing
to my mustache, Siierman medal, the herring bone stitch on
my coat, etc. Forlunatel}', I am independent of these good
old men.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA RFAHMENT.

58 i

In the evening I preached in my Regiment. The sun
shone too hot to liave meeting during the day. We arc
waiting a few da3's, "to see what will turn up," before mak-
ing a comfortable place for worship. Thirty-two of Sher-
man's veteran Regiments, including the 38th and 42d Indi-
ana, are to be mustered out ; ovu* time may come next. Our
men are in good spirits.

Having received my permit, I left camp at seven a. m.,
July 3, for Princeton. Went down 15th street to the Port-
land street cars, by them to Portland ferry and crossed over

to New Albany, thence by
the L., N. A. & C. R. R.
to Mitchell, and by the O.
& M. R. R. to Vincennes,
thence by the E. & C. R.
R. to Princeton, where I
stopped with Brother
Slack.

Tuesday, July 4. —
Hottest dav of the season.
Meet innumerable friends.
Monument not up ; will be
a splendid structure when
done. I am much pleased
with it. Music, and
speeches by Revs. Jenk-
ins, Meredith, McMaster,
and myself. My address was delivered under embarrass-
ments. Fireworks in the evening, and a gala day alto-
gether.

GEORGE W. SHOPBELL,^

Company D.

* Was mustered with the Regiment in Camp Gibson and served his full
term of enlistment. Was made Sergeant of his Company, and for some
time served as Forage Master for the Regimental Pontoon train. After his
army service he returned to his home in Princeton and began working at the
carpenter's trade. Subsequently, he became a contractor, and has been
engaged in that line of business ever since, having been employed in the
erection of some of the finest residences and business blocks in Princeton in
recent years.

530 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Wednesday, JuiA" 5. — Spent until five p. m. in Prince-
t(Mi, and then went on the train to Vincennes. Attended
prayer meeting at the church, and remained over night with
Rev. John H. Ketcham, whom I came to visit.

Went to Terre Haute on the 6th ; next day to Greencastle,
and thence to my old home in Bloomington, on the 8th.
Sunday, the 9th, I attended church at my old place, and
heard a sermon by Brother Gillett. I was very much
pleased with the Sabbath school, which met at two o'clock
p. m. The music has been much improv^ed, by the intro-
duction of a cabinet organ. This is not yet used in the
church services, as there is some opposition. The organ has
come into use in manv of the churches in Indiana, since the
war began. Truly, "The world moves."

Wednesday, July 12. — Left Bloomington at two p. m.
and arrived in camp at Louisville, at ten p. m. Orders were
issued on the 3d inst. to muster out this entire army — the
Army of the Tennessee — and were read by me, in the
papers of Greencastle, on the 7th. I found our people
working on their rolls. Colonel Moore has returned. The
veterans are in great spirits. I put up quarters with Colonel
Moore. I have much writing which I am desirous of doing
before we are mustered out.

Our men are on what is called "provost dutv" — in plain
Englisli they are affording protection to the whisky sellers
and disreputable houses. This kind of "duty" is demoral-
izing.

Chaplain Chapman preached to us in the evening. One
man — old General Jones — was drunk and "talked in meet-
in<r." I improved the occasion to tell the coni^reiration
what a fool a drunk man is. I referred to tlie Spartans,
who made their servants drunk, that their children miirht be
disgusted at the sight. I told them of John Bunyan, who,
when profane, was disgusted at a still more profane woman.
We have had two sermons this evening — one by tiie Cha)")-
lain, and the other a temperance sermon, b\' tlie drunk sol-
dier.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 537

SuNiiAV, Jtlv i6. — Rain began falling this morning and
continued until about two p. m. We had meeting in tiie
evening. My text was: "Better is it that thou shouldst
not vow than that thou shouldst vow and not pav."
Eccles. 5:5. The subject was "Vows."

Monday, July 17. — Many Regiments of this armv are
going home. Our time will soon come. Attended a meet-
ing of the otFicers of the Arm}^ of the Tennessee, at the east
room of the court house. They have formed an association
and are endeavoring to perpetuate the attachments of the
arni}^. General Logan made a speech but the echo was
such that I could not hear him. The privates are excluded
from this association, and yet, all that gives some of the
officers prominence will disappear with their straps. Manv
ot the privates are mere boys ; many of them design com-
pleting their education at college. Thousands of them will
rise to eminence as politicians, lawyers, merchants, physi-
cians and clerg3'men. Ten years from to-day the great men
ot this army will be tormer privates, while many of the offic-
ers will long since have eaten their peck of dirt and will pass
into obscuritv.

The first muster-out rolls were examined in part to-day.
We are to be mustered out on the twentj-'-fifth inst.

Shaw and Fullerton have been released and sent to the
Regiment. They are the men who deserted to the rebels
and captured our mules, at the Chattahoochee, last fall.
They are both scoundrels of the lirst order.

P'riday, July 21. — The ^26. Indiana has been mustered
out, to-day. Shaw and Fullerton, the great operators in
mules, have been re-arrested. They are to be tried. They
deserve hanpfinir.

Saturday, July 22. — The work of making our muster-
out rolls is going on rapidly. All are very anxious for their
completion. I am bus}^ making out a list of postoffice
addresses of all who have ever been in the Regiment.

Sunday, July 23. — Visited New Albany and preached at
Wesley Chapel in the forenoon. About dark I preached to

538

CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

my Regiment, which proved to be my hist sermon to them.
The text was : " If thou hadst known, even thou, at least
in this, thy da}^ the things which belong unto thy peace ;
but now they are hid from thine eyes." Luke 19:45. I
endeavored to show that while we have labored under some
disadvantages in reference to moral cultivation in the army,
that army life is really conducive to moral development.
The hypocrite is unmasked ; the really worthless is shown
to be such. He who can be spoiled b}^ camp corruption is

hardly worth saving. He is
but a poor weak thing at best.
A holy war, such as this,
makes men better, ph^'sic-
ally, intellectually and mor-
ally. I spoke at length on
several virtues which were
strengthened here. Those
who have become w^orthless
may blame themselves.

I pointed the boys to the
future and bid them be up
and doing, for there will be
sublime triumphing for the
successful.

Monday, July 24. — The remainder of our rolls were
completed and sent to the mustering officers.

Captain Davis and myself went up town to make inquiries
about iron fences. We found there two magnificent lions,
carved in Italy. We each oflered fifty dollars towards pur-
chasing them for our monument at Princeton. The price is
$850.00. Nobody seconds our eflbrts.

We had a Regimental monument meeting at two p. m.
It was determined to fence the monument, and an assess-

JOSEPH N. DAVIS,*
Company A.

* Was mustered in with the Regiment and remained with it until the
close of the war, being mustered out as Sergeant of Company A, July 25,
1S65. His father was Captain of the same Company. After the war Ser-
geant Davis returned to his home in Gibson county, subsequently, he
removed to Weston, Nebraska, where he has been living for several years.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 539

ment of five dollars per officer and ten dollars per compan}^
was made to defray the expenses. The following board of
trustees was elected : Colonel Joseph Moore and James T.
Embree, Drs. W. W. Blair and James C. Patten, and Cap-
tains C. C. Whiting, William E. Chapell and Green
McDonald.

There was a meeting of the Christian Association at night.
Important resolutions were passed and the Association wi.s
dissolved.

Tuesday, July 25. — The 58tli Indiana Volunteers was
this day mustered on muster-out rolls. The rolls were sent
in charge of Lieutenant Hadlock to Indianapolis. We are
ordered to the same place lor discharge and final pa3'ment.
Many are excited. Some are drunk. I am busy.

Wednesday, July 26. — Turned over camp and garrison
equipage. Crossed to Jeffersonville and left on the train.
Arriv^ed in Indianapolis about eight p. m. The only acci-
dent was the knocking in the head of Clark Kirk. He
butted a bridge and the bridge knocked him down, but he
still lives. Some men are proverbially hard to kill. I
stopped at the Little Hotel. The Regiment is at the Sol-
diers' Home.

We were publicly received. We had dinner at the Sol-
diers' Home, and speaking at the State House Square.
Governor Morton made a few remarks and excused himself
on account of health. Lieutenant Governor Baker, General
Hovey and Meredith made speeches. General Buell made
a few remarks, as did also Major Downey. The affliir
passed off' pleasantly.

Regiment at Camp Carrington. Some have gone home.
Paymaster Martin is working on our rolls and will pay us to
the 31st. There is much restlessness amongst the men.
There is a great desire for citizen clothing.

Men all paid except a very few, and have gone home.
Farewells were hurried. The soldiers, as soon as they get
their "buzzards," as they call their discharges, hurry otT
home, like children released Irom school.

5J.0

CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

Tlie Government settles with the officers, and many of
them are oft' for home. I am still in Indianapolis.

Thursday, August 3. — At 5 :50 a. m. I left the city of
Indianapolis, and at two p. m. reached Bloomington —
"home from the wars."

My campaigns are ended and my "Field Notes" are fin-
ished. These jottings have been hurriedl}^ penned ; I have
not paused to correct mistakes. I have been compelled to
use such materials as I could get. Let no one

"View me with a critic's eye
But pass my imperfections by."

My army life has been pleasant. The scenes of glorious
war will live in mv memor}/^ forever. The comrades of my
campaigns have a warm place in my affections. But happy
peace has come again to our land. May she abide with us
forever.

To Almighty God I give thanks for my preservation. Him
do I beseech to still guide our people, and most tenderly
care for the poor, the oppressed and the suffering. Amen I

CHAPTER XXXII.

From Chickamauga to Richmond — How Sergeant W.
B. Crawford was Compelled to Make the Jour-
ney— Some of the Experiences of a Prisoner of
War — Taunts and Jeers by the Way — Thieving
Propensities of the Captors — Likewise their
Inhumanity — Their Utter Indifference to the
Wants of the Prisoners — Sickness, Hunger and
Starvation — Incidents in Pemberton Prison — At
Danville — Tunneling — In Hospital — Exchanged
— Under the Stars and Stripes Once More — An
Entry Into the Better Land.

THE story of the experience of Sergeant William B.
Crawford, of Company B, as a prisoner of war, while
it may not be materially different from many others, will
serve to illustrate the privations and hardships of the soldiers
who were so unfortunate as to fall into rebel hands.*
He was captured in the second day's fight in the bat-
tle of Chickamauga. He was sent, with other Company
Orderlies, al'jout a mile to the rear, to draw rations
for the Regiment. When they returned to where they left
the Regiment, they found it had moved up to the front line
of battle, and were, at that time, engaged with the enemy.
As it was not practicable to distribute the rations then, and
as rations were very valuable to the soldiers under the cir-
cumstances, it was wisely determined to guard them until
such time as they could be issued to the men. It was
thought there would be a lull in the battle soon, when this

* This account was written by Chaplain I light, from Sergeant Craw-
ford's own statement soon after his return to the Regiment, at Chattahochee
river, in 1864. It was evidently the intention of the author to ha\e the story
appear in that part of the Regimental history, but the compiler has thought
best to leave it for the concluding chapter.

542 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTOEY OF THE

could be done. But, instead, the tight grew hotter, and it
was not long until there was a break in our lines. It was
the result of our men trying to execute the fatal order of
General Rosecrans, directing General Wood to "close up on
Reynolds' left." In the confusion that ensued. Sergeant
Crawford, with his squad of men, attempted to save the
rations. They started with them to the rear, as they sup-
posed. Soon they were caught in the mass of our broken
columns, and each man had to look out for himself. Ser-
geant Crawford was separated from the rest, and in trying
to find them he found himself in the presence of a squad of
rebel cavalry. They were a Company of Texas Rangers,
and were picking up "Yankees" without much ceremony.
Crawford w^as halted, and relieved of his gun and equip-
ments. He was then rushed ofl'a mile or so to the rear, and
turned over to another squad of rebel cavahy, who had a lot
of other prisoners. The}- moved on over the Chickamauga,
crossing on the dam at Lee & Gordon's Mills, taking the
road to Ringgold. On the way, they met a number of rebel
soldiers going to the front. There was great rejoicing among
these soldiers, over their victory, and they were very insult-
ing in their language to the prisoners.

Late at night the Union prisoners, now about fifty in num-
ber, were placed in an old house. Next morning the}- were
sent, on foot, to Tunnel Hill. Here their number was
increased to about i ,500, and the appearance of things was
ver}' discouraging to our men. They were marched through
a gate into the road. At each side of the gate stood a rebel
officer, who ordered our men to give up their canteens,
knapsacks, gum blankets, etc. Those who refused to do so
were relieved of these things by force.

The prisoners were then sent to Dalton, under guard of
the Georgia militia. At this place they remained on the
night of September 21, 1864. Here the rebels pretended to
issue rations. Some of our men received a cup of flour, and
a few little pieces of bacon, but most of them received noth-
ing. Sergeant Crawford found, among his fellow prisoners,

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

5t;^

several ot our Brigade, whom he collected together as far as
he could. They were put on the cars, which were very
much crowded, and started for Atlanta. The people were
everywhere verv insulting — the women especially so. They
would put their handkerchiefs about their necks, and make
gestures, to indicate that, in their opinion, the Yankees
ought to be hung.

When Atlanta was reached, the prisoners were formed in
line, near the depot. While they were waiting here, a great

crowd of people tilled the
streets, curious to get a
sight of some real, live
Yankees. A little girl,
standing bv the side of
an old woman, was heard
to remark, " Why ,
grandma, I do not see
any horns."

One of the prisoners,
who heard this remark,
said to the old lady,
"These are all young
Yankees, and their horns
have not grown yet. Just
wait until the next lot of
older ones come along,
With great simplicity and
wonder, the old woman asks, "Is that so?" She was,
evidently, ready to believe the ridiculous myths that
had grown out of the ignorance and bitter hatred that
those people bore toward the Yankees. The prisoners were

REV. WILLIAM B. CRAWFORD,

Company B.

and you will see the horns.

* Was niustored in at Camp (jibson as Corporal, and served his full term
of enlistment with the Regiment (except the time he served in rebel prison)
and was mustered out as Sergeant. November ii, 1S64. After returning
home, he prepared liimself for the ministry. He has for several vears been
one of the prominent and intkiential ministers in the Cumberland Presbyter-
ian Church, and has held some important jiastoral charges. His present
home is in- Oakland City, Indiana.

544 CHArLAlN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

marched to the Bull Pen, where they were deliberately
robbed of their pocket knives, great coats and woolen blank-
ets. The weather was exceedingly cold, and the men suf-
fered all night. Every man w^ho was accustomed to swear-
ing poured out oaths loud and deep on their heartless cap-
tors. Even the prayers of the righteous, if answered, would
not have been v^ry beneficial to the rebels. Five days'
rations were issued to the prisoners, which consisted of
eighteen small crackers and a piece of bacon — altogether,
about as much as is our regular rations for one day. Next
morning they were crowded into box cars and started for
Augusta. At all stations there were crowds of people to see
the Yankees, and the same insulting remarks were repeated.
At Augusta the prisoners were marched into the court house
square, and guarded all night by the Georgia militia. This
militia was composed of the young blooded aristocracy of
the town, and was most contemptible.

Resuming their journey next morning, thev went to Char-
lotte, S. C, thence to Weldon, N. C. Then they passed
on, through Petersburg, and, on the ist of October, they
arrived at Richmond. Thus, eleven days had been occupied
in getting from the battlefield to this place, and the hunger
and hardship had told severely on the men. Many of them
were sick. But this was only the beginning of their sor-
rows.

The prisoners were placed under cliarge of the city Bat-
talion of guards and marched down street. Passing Libb}^
Prison, the officers were marched into that building, while
the men were placed in Pemberton Prison, near by. The
latter was a large three-story building, which was turned
into a prison for this emergency. They were marched in,
two hundred at a time, and assigned separate apartments.
There was only space enough allowed for each to lie down
on, and there was a great scramble for the most desirable
location. Sergeant Crawford was fortunate in being among
the first of the crowd to get in, and secured a comparatively
comfortable location.

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA HEGIMEKT. Uo

Soon after the i ,200 prisoners had been located, a rebel
officer came into the room and called on all who had money
to come forward and give it up. He stated that he would
record the name, Company and Regiment, and the amount,
and when the prisoners were exchanged their money would
be returned to them. If any declined to comply with this
request, the officer stated that they would be searched and
their money would be confiscated. On the advice of some
who had been prisoners before, and had received back the
money which they had given up, nearly all came forward
and handed over their change. Qviite a large amount was
collected by this rebel officer — and that was the last the men
ever saw of their money.

After these "preliminaries" had been attended to, and as
the prisoners had nothing more in the way of personal prop-
erty that was worth stealing, they were permitted to rest for
the night. They were without blankets and had nothing
but the hard floor on which to sleep, yet they had been so
long without sleep, that they were not long in sinking into
unconsciousness. Next morning the men were divided oft'
into Companies, with a non-commissioned officer in charge
of each, to facilitate the issuing of rations. Sergeant Craw-
ford's squad fell in with that of Sergeant-Major Potter, of
the 2 2d Michigan, which made a Company of thirty-four
men. This was about the average size of the Companies.
Rations were then issued to the men. One pound loaf of
bread was given to every two, and about as much cooked
beef was given to thirty-four men as one man could eat.
This was cut up into small bits by the Sergeant of the squad.
One man then turned his back and answered the question
propounded, in reference to each piece, "Whose is this?"
Thus, the scanty rations were divided, but there was not
enough to satisfy the appetite, and the rations of bread grew
smaller all the time. After two weeks only corn bread was
issued. It was made of unsifted meal. A slice about four
inches long, two inches and a half wide and one inch thick,
was a day's rations of corn bread. There was no coftee

S46 CHAPLAIN MIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

nor any other item of diet save bread, meat, and occasion-
ally a few grains of rice. The meat was a thin slice, usually
of beef, not more than three bites to the man ; sometimes
they would take it all at one bite. Often tlie meat would be
tainted and full of maggots, but it was not thrown away
on that account. Some days there was no meat, and a few
dirty, rotten sweet potatoes would be substituted. Under
such diet it is not strange that the men were fast wasting
away. Sergeant Crawford says he was so weak he could
scarcely stand alone, on account of this process of starva-
tion. Many of the men became sick, and when they became
very bad they were removed to the hospital. Man}^ were
dying from actual starvation.

The first Sunday morning a minister appeared in the
prison for the purpose of preaching. It was rumored among
the boys that he was a rebel preacher, and they declined to
hear any gospel from that source. But when he stepped
into the middle of the room and announced himself as Chap-
lain of a New York Regiment, a change came over the
feelings of the boys. They listened attentively and joined
in the service earnestl}'^ and reverently. He came from
Libby Prison, and there was much interest in hearing tVom
our officers confined there. He promised to come back and
preach again, but never did. It is said the rebels would not
permit him to do so.

The days wore on and the men continued to wear out.
They occupied themselves in various ways to pass the time.
From the bones of beef and other material, many of the men
made rings, charms and various other ornaments.

An addition was very unexpectedly madt; to the stock of
materials for rings as well as to the rations. One day some
rebel officers came in, followed by a dog. In the great
crowd the dog was separated and forced into the sink.
While some kept him from making a noise, one cut his
throat. The officers soon passed out, thinking, perhaps,
that tlie dog had gone home. No sooner were they gone
than the dotr was divided antl cafied oil' 1)\' a man with liis

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 547

back turned. The meat was cooked by the men, and eaten,
and was pronounced good. Those who had it, were begged,
by all passing, for some. The bones of this dog were quite
an addition to the materials for making rings, etc. Very
few of the canine species ever were put to such good use.
Sergeant Crawford regretted that he did not get any of this
doer.

At first the prisoners did not think that the rebels would
take greenbacks ; but soon they discovered an inordinate
desire, on the part of the rebels, for this currency. The
officers had robbed them for two reasons — they wanted to
steal the money, which they did, and secondly, they could
not trust the guards. But still, there was considerable
money in the prison.

It was soon Ibund that the guards would trade when there
were no ofiicers present. The guards were watched very
closely. But between twelve and four o'clock in the morn-
ing the officers would be away. Most of the trading was
done through a hole in the back wall, in the lower room.
There were loose bricks, which were kept in this in the day
time. The guards would come from their quarters on the
outside and trade with the prisoners. At first, our men gave
one dollar for four loaves of bread. Some of the men had
rebel money, but they (the rebels) did not want it. They
refused their own mone}^. Our men soon found that such
was the thirst for their money that they could get thirteen
loaves for a dollar. At the same time, two dollars per loaf,
was the smallest price in rebel money ; and five dollars per
loaf, was often paid. The rebels could not be hired to go
and get bread with their own money. It was only when they
had bread at the hole, and there were no greenbacks, that
they could be induced to take their own money. The rebels
soon learned to be trick}^, and would often run oft' with the
money without giving anything in return. Sergeant Craw-
ford lost a watch in that way. It was a partnership watch.
A guard oftered him one hundred and twenty-five loaves,
but he asked one hundred and fiftv. He asked him to let him

o48 CHAPLAIN RIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

see the watch, and then he ran off with it. As often as the
guards were caught they were punished. The prisoners
were also closely watched. One night, when a great crowd
was collected about the scuttle hole, an officer came in.
There was a great rush for their beds. The officer of the
day was called in ; all the prisoners were ordered to get up.
It was one o'clock in the morning. They were formed in
four ranks, on each side of the room. The guards were
ordered to walk between the two ranks. They were
ordered to require the prisoners to stand without uttering a
word until day. This cruel order was not strictly enforced ;
some of the men were allowed to sit down. But no sooner
was a noise heard on the stairs than the sentinel would
motion with his hand for them to rise up. Such, was the
despotism exercised over these poor, ignorant men. When
any of them were detected trading with the Yankees, they
were sent to Castle Thunder, or punished in some way.

Up to this time the cellar was terra incognita. The pris-
oners, having much leisure time, concluded to press their
discoveries in that direction. A hole was cut through the
floor, by the aid of saws made out of case knives. Through
this they lowered themselves into the cellar. Here was
found a large quantity — perhaps four hundred two-bushel
sacks — of tine table salt. As the meat given to the prison-
ers was not salted, this was a pleasant addition to the rations.
The prisoners on the other side of the liouse were less enter-
prising. ]5ut when they were informed, througii the cracks
cut in the partition doors, of the discovery of the salt, they
concluded to examine their part of the cellar. They found
about fifty hogsheads of sugar. Immediately, after the man-
ner of men, commercial relations were established between
the two departments. Holes were cut in the partition doors,
and salt exchanged for sugar. Only a spoonful could be
passed at a time, owing to the smallness of the holes. This
was slow work for the salt men. At the end of two days,
they determined to make an advance on their neighbors' ter-
ritory, according to the custom of nations unsatisiied with

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 549

the products of their own soil. A hole was battered through
the brick partition wall of the cellar, and soon our side was
in the land of sugar. Salt sacks were ripped, the salt poured
out, and then filled with sugar. Large quantities of this
sugar was eaten by the hungry men, without producing any
injury. But the men were too noisy and greedy. An
examination was made into the cause of all this confusion,
and the purloining of the salt and sugar was discovered.
The bird that laid the golden egg was dead. The carts ran
all day, removing the salt and sugar, which were the prop-
erty of speculators, who had it stored for the day of enor-
mous prices. They got but little sympathy from even the
rebels. It was a big event in the history of the prison.
When those who had been in this prison meet now, the
question is often asked, "Were you on the salt or sugar
side?"

About this time a North Carolina soldier shot two Virgin-
ians. There was great jealousy between the soldiers from
these States. The North Carolinians were accused of hav-
ing too much sympathy for the Yankees.

Sergeant Crawford's residence at Pemberton Prison
ceased November 15. On the plea of being better able to
feed them, many of the prisoners were removed to points
farther south. Another, and perhaps the chief reason,
though not publicly assigned, was the deep-laid plot of Col-
onel Streight and others in Libby Prison to overpower the
guards, release the prisoners, sieze the armory, capture
Richmond, and escape to our lines. But the men in Pem-
berton Prison knew nothing of this plot. It failed, on
account of the treachery of some officer in Libbv.

Sergeant Crawford was taken sick on the night preceding
his removal, and continued ill for two weeks. Seven hun-
dred prisoners passed out, in single file, each receiving a
small corn cake for his day's rations. The men, gnawing
their corn bread, were formed in four ranks, presenting a
very pitiful spectacle. Some were barefooted, and many
without hats ; some were without coats, and some without

550 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

shirts. The citizens who chanced to pass along the streets
manifested no S3'mpathy. As the men passed Libby, where
the officers were, hats, blouses, shoes, boots and shirts were
thrown out to the men. This was very creditable to the
othcers, as they were but little better off than the enlisted
men. The}' were marched over James river, and put on a
train bound for Danville, Va. The train started out about
nine a. m., and at midnight they reached Danville. Craw-
ford saw some of the prisoners escape on the way, but he was
too ill to make the attempt.

At Danville the seven hundred prisoners were placed in a
tobacco warehouse, which was called Prison No. 3. The
prisoners were marched in and counted off. There were
about two hundred and thirty to each floor.

The rations for ten days was onl}' bread, but the quantit}-
had increased a little. Then the bread was cut down, but a
better ration of beef issued. About three weeks after com-
ing here they began to get some soup. The rations were
better than at Richmond. In December some rations from
the Government reached them. On Christmas day about ten
crackers, in addition to the usual rations, were given to each
man, and about the same time some clothing was received;
it was regular army clothing, and a full suit had been sent
for each prisoner. Some was issued to those who were
worst off, and the rebels stole the remainder. Crackers were
issued twice after this, five to each man. At one time they
got some vinegar oft' of pickles, which were issued extra.
Some beans and bacon, sent from the North, were cooked
and issued, as if furnished by the rebels. Most of the food
sent from the North was stolen by the rebels. Most of these
rations were issued to the citizens of Danville. How fallen
tiie F. F. V.'s must have been, to feed on the rations stolen
from starving prisoners ! Before leaving Richmond, the
prisoners had been informed that they might have an3'thing
that they chose sent them from the North, and these pack-
ages began to arrive. The rebels kept most of them, and
broke open and r()l)bed many others.

FIFTY-EICtHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. r,.')!

Just after the clothing from the North arrived, a rcl^el
sutler was permitted to set up a shop in a little room adjoin-
ing the prison. He had tobacco, rice and salt to exchange
for clothing or money. He would pa}^ $20 in rebel money
for a pair of shoes, $4 for a cap, $40 for a great coat and
$20 for a blanket or a pair of pants. He purchased only
new clothing. He would exchange his little stock in trade
for these articles. This Shylock, who carried on this trade,
retailed the articles procured from the suffering prisoners to
the citizens. There are no words to express the immeasur-
able meanness and the inconceivable littleness of the soul of
a fellow who could engage in a traffic so contemptible.
Judas Iscariot was a gentleman compared with him, for he,
after selling his Lord, had conscience enough to hang him-
self; but this scoundrel continued in the trade.

Thoughts of escape continued to enter the minds of the
prisoners. They had lost all hope of being exchanged.
Shortly after arriving at Danville some of the men cut
through into the cellar, and then crawled under a small
building adjoining. Here, they began a tunnel. It was
designed to run it under an adjoining alley and come out
under a house, and hence the exit would be in another 3'ard.
This yard was surrounded by a tall fence, made of planks,
standing on the end ; the guards could not see them. All
the prisoners might have escaped by this means, but some
traitor revealed the plot. They were caught digging and
were bucked for a few hours.

After this, another tunnel was commenced under the sut-
ler's shop. The exit was to have been in a stable, on the
adjoining lot. It would not have been more than twenty-
five feet long. At this same time a lengthy tunnel was being
dug from Prison No. 4. It was to have been at least eighty
feet long, reaching under the street and into a garden on
the other side. Some traitor betrayed this. A search was
then ordered about all the prisons. The floors of all the
adjoining buildings were torn up. In this way the tunnel
commenced under the sutler's shop was discovered. It was

552 CHAPLAIN HIGHT'S HISTORY OF THE

about half done. The men detected* in digging were not
punished.

It was now thought that all efforts at tunneling were at an
end. Every place seemed to be watched; some other plan
must be adopted. An organization was then effected.
There were some of the prisoners who were brick masons,
and were doing some repairing about the different prisons.
Through these, notes were sent from prison to prison, and
all the details of the plot were thoroughly arranged. In
each prison the men were divided into Companies of ten.
These were commanded by a Sergeant, then all the men in
each prison had a commander. An Irishman, from the reg-
ular army, commanded in Prison No. 3. He was a smart
and intelligent man. Being a boss at the cook house, he
had an opportunity of seeing men from other prisons. He
said there were some Union citizens of Danville engaged in
the plot. There were four prisons near together, and two
in a distant part of town. A break was to be made simul-
taneously when the signal — three lights, to be placed at the
window — were removed, overpower the guards and take
their arms. Each prison had its work. No. 3 was to cap-
ture the guard house and guards, another was to take the
armory, another a battery, and another the bridge. They
would then go to our lines in force. If they could not, they
would scatter. About the time the arrangements were com-
pleted, all the prisons were emptied, except Nos. 3 and 4.
The guards were also strengthened. Some person had
probably betrayed the plot. It is impossible to keep a secret
if many men know it. There are always traitors who will
tell.

Some other plan must now be devised. Sergeant Craw-
ford thought of the sink, which was the only place that was
un watched. He, Sergeant Kimmel, of the 51st Ohio, and
Color Sergeant Rodgers, of the same Regiment, went into
the sink one day to make an examination. The sink was
about six feet wide, eight feet deep, and twenty feet long.
It was boxed over the top. The Sergeants found this an

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 5ri3

exceedingly vile place to push their investigations. But
they were amply repaid for their trouble. There was a
drain at the bottom ot the sink that conducted the tilth into
a sewer in the street. This drain had to be enlarged. The
sewer, itself, was large enough to crawl through. In about
thirty feet the sewer became an open ditch. After coming
out of the sink from their labor the men would wash them-
selves in tubs of water. The prisoners, by standing around,
would conceal them from the guards. On one occasion the
Major in command, and some other officers, came around
on an examination, while some were down in the sink labor-
ing. They examined everywhere, but their suspicions were
not excited. A difficulty existed from the fact that the pris-
oners could not escape in day time, and at night but six-
could go to the sink at once. They might have gone, a few
every night, for a long time before being discovered. But
liberty is sweet and men are greedy for it. The first night,
after all things were ready, Sergeant Crawford and his
fellow laborers packed up their traps and were ready to
leave, but they were in the third story, and there were men
just as eager to escape in the second story. The guards
were not careful to count those going to and returning tVom
the sink. But on this night there was such an eager throng
desiring to go to the sink, and so few came back, that the
attention of the guard was called to the fact. Sixteen men
• had passed quietly and successfully through the sewer into
the street. But the seventeenth man stamped his feet and
made a noise as he emerged. He was challenged by the
sentinel, but ran off. The escaping was detected, a sentinel
was stationed at the sink, and Sergeant Crawford was among
those who did not escape.

Thus, by over effort and eagerness, but seventeen men
escaped, when many might have done so by carefulness.
This ended the tunnel campaign, in the month of Feb-
ruary, 1864.

The next day Sergeant Crawford was taken sick ; two
weeks afterwards he was taken to the hospital. Here, lie

554 CHAPLAIN HIGHTS HISTORY OF THE

received better treatment than in prison. He designed to
escape trom tlie hospital, but a comrade, desiring popularity
with the rebels, informed them of his design. He was
therefore returned to the prison, though not well. After
remaining a week in the prison he was again returned to the
hospital, and in about five da\'s he was sent to Richmond to
be exchanged. He was then barely able to sit up. This
was April 23d. Only sick men were sent from the hospitals,
and all were verj^ happy when the announcement was made
that they were going.

At Richmond they were placed in a hospital, and informed
that the exchanging of the sick had ceased. He remained
under this impression until the 29th of April. During this
time the prisoners were dying off very fast, and Crawford
gave up hope. But on the day named he was selected to go
North, and the next morning he marched down to the boat,
and after a few hours' floating down the James the}' came to
the Acw Tork^ the regular flag-of-truce boat, with the stars
and stripes floating from the flag staff. The "banner of
beaut V and gl()r\'" never looked more glorious than that
April afternoon. As Crawford stepped on board, he
thought, "Home again." Here they lay until next morn-
ing. About twelve m.. May i, the boat steamed down the
river. Just at this time, the summer campaign was com-
mencing, and several gunboats were met, whose crews gave
the newly released prisoners rousing cheers, but the emaci-
ated men were able to make only feeble replies. A sight of
indescribable grandeur opened on their vision as they neared
Fortress Monroe. As far as si^-ht could rc^ach might be seen
vi'ssels of war, with "helm and mast and pennant fair," and
transjiorts loaded with thousands of troops, just starting on
the grand campaign against Richmond. At Fortress Mon-
roe they were detained six hours. They then continued the
journey to Annapolis, where they arrived May 2, at twelve
o'clock.

They were taken to College Gre(>n Hospital, where they
washed themselves and put on new clothing. They were

FIFTY-EIGHTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 555

then taken into a ward as line as a parlor, and partook of a
splendid dinner. The passage from rebeldom was like enter-
ing into the better land. The skies never looked so blue, nor
the billows never rolled so grandly. The dashing of the
waves against the hull of the steamer, and the whipping of the
sails of shipping was like the clapping of angel hands. Those
they met seemed like brothers. The grass resembled a car-
pet of brilliant green. The works of man and of nature, and
every living creature, seemed to rejoice with the prisoners ;
it was like the hour of one's conversion, or the quiet gran-
deur of the eternal Sabbath. But many had long sustained
life on the hope of freedom and home. Now, that they had
escaped, exhausted nature could endure no longer. In ten
days one third of those who had escaped the horrors of rebel
incarceration were lying beneath the sod. We can but drop
a tear to the memory of those gallant men, who perished, just
as the}^ were prepared, by a long baptism of sufl'ering, to
enjoy home and freedom. Sergeant Crawford was taken
worse, but survived his illness. On Ma}^ 20th he left the
hospital for Camp Parole, and on June 20th he started for
Chattanooga, arriving there June 25th, and soon aftei' (July
19th) joined the Regiment, while we were at Vining's Sta-
tion, on the Chattahoochee.

Such is the brief record of the captivity of a Union soldier,
and his horrid treatment at the hands of a heartless foe.
Others less fortunate lingered longer in loathsome prisons,
and many sleep in exiles' graves. Many an account, more
thrilling than this, will never be written, many a sad tale will
never be told, until the revelations of the great day.

APPENDIX.

558 8HEE MAN'S BI MMERS,

ONE OF SHERMAN'S BUMMERS*

Relates an Unpleasant Experience with Wheeler's
Cavalry, while out Foraging in North Carolina
— Capture and Escape — Perilous Journey through
Swamps — Through Rebel Camps — Back to the
Union Lines.

BY w. J. redburn,

CORPORAL COMPANY B, 58TH INDIANA.

The morning of March 5th, 1865, found part of Sher-
man's arm 3^ camped at Cox's Bridge, on a river in
North Carolina. While our colored troops were engaged
in a skirmish with Wheeler's rebel cavalry, on the
Bentonville road, on the north side of the river, Alonzo
Stewart and the writer saddled the horses we had captured a
few days previous and crossed the pontoon bridge into the
enemy's country, in searcli of forage. We wanted food for
our horses, and whatever would satisfy a soldier's appetite,
for at that place Sherman's army had to live on what they
could get, and the soldier who was not afraid to risk his life
for something to eat fared the best, providing he was not
picked up by the "Johnnies." We had ridden several miles
and visited a number of houses and hen-coops, but got noth-
ing, because the rebs had been just ahead of us, and it is
always dry picking after they have been through the country.
On our wav we fell in with a man from an ()liio Regiment,
whom I will call "Ohio," having forgotten his real name.
He cheerfully joined us in our expedition, and we had pro-
ceeded together but a sliort distance when we came upon

* This article was first published in the Princeton Clarion in 1SS5, and
is a true account of a thrilling adventure of the writer. It Is re-published
here to illustrate the great risk taken b}' the foragers in that memorable
campaign. Very many did not escape so well as did those in this narrative.

SHERMAN'S BUMMERS.

559

some men digging sweet potatoes near the roadside, while
ten or twelve mounted soldiers awaited the fillin<if of their
ready sacks. We rode up to them, supposing that they were
some of our cavalry, but before we had time to dismount we
discovered our mistake. Four navy revolvers were leveled

on us, accompanied by the familiar words, "You d d

Yanks surrender, or we'll blow your brains out." As the
rebs were dressed in our uniform, the reader will readily
understand why we were surprised. I had previously met
the rebs in the field, in lanes, houses, and in the woods, and
had always managed to give them the slip, but this time the
first glance convinced me that I had better lay down my
trusty old gun and become a prisoner of Wheeler's scouts.
"Ohio" was placed on a horse behind one of the rebs, and
we were all hurried through fields and briar thickets, and

over fences, as fast as the
horses could go. We were
going down a lane, when
I saw, at a distance, some
of our men, who were also
out foraging, and I yelled
at them as loud as I could.
They heard me, and
quickly took the hint and
run. The rebels fired on
them without effect, but I
was ordered to keep my
mouth shut, under the pen-
alty of being shot.

We were taken to Wheel-
er's headquarters, dis-
mounted, formed in line
and searched. From me
they took a watch and
$ii6, and they even took the clothing from the other
boys. Guarded by a Company of rebs, we were marched
out, with a number of other prisoners, to be shot. Stewart,
who stood at my side, punched me with his elbow, saying,
"We are gone up." I told him to be easy ; that they knew
better than to slioot us. An order came from Wheeler to
send some of the prisoners to his headquarters, and I was

W. J. REDBLRN*

* Was imistcred in at Camp Gibson and was with the Regiment until the
close of the war. After the war he returned home and engaged in fa
He died March lo, 1S91.

rmmg.

5G0 SHEEMAN'S BUMMERS.

among the tliree selected to appear before him. He told us
that he had ordered us to be shot, but had countermanded
the order and would send us to Libby prison, and that we
would soon be paroled. He asked me what force we had at
Cox's bridge. I answered that we had enough "niggers"
there to whip him.

Shortly after this we were started to Smithfield under a
strong mounted guard, armed with Spencer rifles and navy
revolvers. After we had marched about ten miles, "Ohio"
and I arranged to get a prisoner to walk alongside of each
guard, with a view of disarming them at a certain signal,
shooting them and then making our escape, but not enough
of our men would take the risk. Our next plan was to make
as slow progress as we could so that night would overtake
us, when we would run, under the cover of darkness, and
take our chances. This was agreed to between "Ohio,"
and myself. We complained of being tired and foot-sore
and walked as slowly as they would permit us, hoping that
darkness would come before we reached Smithtield, where
we were to take the train for Richmond. I thoutjht the sun
would never go down that day, but it did. When the dusky
shadows began to fall around us, we were within a mile and
a half of Smithfield, and we must soon make a break for
liberty, or it would be too late. "Ohio" kept close to me,
and when we came to an open place in the wood I gave the
signal to run. We started, and made some fearful leaps in
the darkness, while the bullets whizzed around our ears at a
lively rate. We kept going until we were a hundred yards
awav. Stewart and the rest of the prisoners did not run,
and we heard the guards cursing them and ordering them
into line. We resumed our travel and selected a star to
guide us toward camp, which we conceived to be twenty-
five or thirty miles distant. Witli the rebel army, infantry
and cavalry, between us and the Union lines, surrounded by
a strange and desolate country, we realized the unpleasant-
ness of our situation and the extreme danger we were in. It
seemed like the whole country was full of rebs ; almost every
direction we took we would run into them. We took our
course through an old field which had grown up in briars.
In that field we heard a squad of rebel cavalry, who were
luuUing us, but we escaped observation by hiding in the
briars. We lieard them say, iis they passed us, that if they
"got hold of those Yankees they would never run again."
We then knew our only safet}' would be in keeping to tlie

SHERMAN'S BUMMERS. 501

woods. We thought that by going to the south we would
strike the Neuse river, once on the other side of which we
would be safe, but we soon struck a swamp of such deep
water that we could not reach the river. Changing our
course, we went down the river, wading the swamp for about
five miles. After leaving the swamp, we came to a creek,
which "Ohio," not being able to swim, crossed on a log,
and we traveled until we reached the rebel picket line.
"Ohio" volunteered to crawl up to the pickets and see where
the sentinels stood. I followed him, and we crawled
between two pickets standing not over thirty steps apart.
Getting through sately, we walked a short distance and came
to their camps, in an open field, with a narrow ravine run-
ning part of the way through it. We followed the line of
the ravine as far as it went, then passed through their camp,
amongst the tents of the rebels. They did not know us from
their own men, for that would have been the last place the
rebs would have looked for the runaway Yanks. We passed
through to their front line of pickets, when I crawled up
cautiously and discovered that it would be a dangerous
undertaking to pass it, the line being in zig-zag or rail fence
shape. Listening intently for a short time, I learned where
three of the pickets were posted, and went back and told
"Ohio" to follow me, crawling cautiousl}^ so as not to break
even a twig. The pickets sat against the root of a pine tree,
and we got through without them noticing us. After going
about three miles we came to the cavalry pickets, whom we
passed with little difficulty, and we now began to feel com-
paratively safe. We had wandered around so much hunting
for gaps in the lines, dodging fields and roads, and the rebel
cavalry, that we did not know where we were and how far
we were from our lines. We had been so long without any-
thing to eat, and so long soaked in swamp water, and so
excited in making the run through picket posts, that now,
being out of danger, we began to realize our condition. We
braced up, however, and started out, coming to a house
pretty soon. "Ohio" engaged in a fight with a savage dog,
while I approached the house and knocked. A woman's
voice asked who was there. I replied that we were Confed-
erate soldiers who had been captured at Bentonville b}' the
Yankees. We were lost, and wanted to know how far we
had got from Cox's bridge. She told us it was eight miles
to the bridge, and pointed in the direction, at the same time
warning us to watch out, for the Yankees had been there

562 ARMY POETRY.

that night. She gave us a corn dodger, and wished she
could do more for us. Thanking her, we took the road, and
traveled to within four miles of Cox's bridge, where we
parted, "Ohio" going to Goldsboro, where his Regiment
was located. I got to my Regiment, which I had left about
twenty-lour hours before. I got to camp about nine o'clock
in the morning, sleepy, tired and hungry, having traveled
about sixty miles in a day and night.

The Army Poet.

Almost every Regiment had one or more poets. In the
58th Indiana, Stephen J. Lindsey shone most conspicuously.
He wrote rhymes on a great variety of subjects, many of
which were printed and sold among the boys in camp. The
following, copied from the original print, is one of his most
popular productions. It is headed "Second Edition — 3,000
Copies Sold," which is evidence of the favor with which it
was received among the boys.

BATTLE OF CHICKAAIAUGA, STATE OF QEORGIA.

COMPOSED BY S. J. LINDSEY,

COMPANY A. 58TH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.

The Army of the Cumberland again has met the foe,
Down in the State of Georgia, a dozen miles or so;
On the stream of Chickamauga, there on that Southern plain,
The fighting, though not ended, but many tliousand slain.

General Wood, with two Brigades, was down at Gordon's Mill,
On the banks of Chickamauga, in the old CJeorgia hills:
Ordered now to hold this point, or hazard all his men,
Entrenchments soon were thrown around in Chickamauga bend.

Now, gathering for the onset, the rebel legions came.
With overwhelming numbers, across that bloody plain.
To see the serried columns come with glittering steel;
It was now such awful grandeur to hear the cannon's peal.

Bragg and Longstreet united here; Buckner and Johnson too
Massed their force in column deep, intending to go through.
They came on now with savage 3'ells, in legions marching on,
Hurling on us leaden hail, seventy thousand strong.

ARMY POETRY. 563

Crittenden, Thomas and McCook were in command that day,
The lines were changed from right to left, to keep the rebels at bay.
The gallant boys of each command, like tigers, stood the ground
Till overwhelmed by numbers, before they'd wheel around.

The flower of the rebel host was pressing on in haste;
Annihilation, their intent, we had no time to waste.
Our gallant boys, two columns deep, at the foot of Mission Hill,
They sent their deadly volleys through, which always went to kill.

But, now alas, the Loomis guns, all but one left behind,

The terror of each battlefield against the rebel lines.

The bold Van Pelt still at his post, his men and horses slain.

He drew his sword and stood his ground — he leaves a gallant name.

Noon on Sunday, on Mission Ridge, one eftbrt more must dare,
To gather up our gallant band, and concentrate them there.
Their dozen cannon planted now with belching thunders roar,
While volleys of loud musketry continuous did pour.

A shell came whizzing through the air, and burst upon the hill:
The signal for the rebs' attack, now under Polk and Hill.
Longstreet, too, with a heavy Corps, and Johnson from Mobile,
Came rushing on our gallant band, there on that bloody field.

The gallant Turchin made a charge, and lead on his Brigade;
He cut his way here through their lines, an awful gap he made.
This sudden move shocked the rebs, they could not understand;
He took three hundred prisoners here with his gallaut band.

This day now fifteen thousand men such daring deeds did brave,
They fought here almost five to one, our gallant flag to save.
With deadl}' aim we sent our balls in volleys through the plain.
The rebels falling by the score would rally back again.

Now Rosecrans, like Washington, in military skill.
Was ever watchful at his post, most dangerous to fill;
He foiled the rebel legions in every move they made.
With the loss of many comrades, that cold in death are laid.

In three days' fight, what dreadful loss. The truth begins to glare,
Ten thousand of our brave boys fell, killed and wounded there.
The enemy, with heavy loss, much more than that of we,
Though we checked their onward march back to old Tennessee.

Whitaker, Garfield, Stcadman, Wood and Granger by their side,
Their flag they nobly did maintain, the Nation's hope and pride.
With officers of everj' grade, no flinching here was seen.
The soldiers of the Cumberland — their laurels ever green.
October ist, 1S63.

564- REPORT TO CONTERENCE.

Chaplain Might's Report to Conference.

The following letter ot' Chaplain Hight to his brethren of
the M. E. Conference, in 1863, was Ibund among his
papers. It is submitted as his own review of his work in
the arm\- up to that date :

Camp at Thlrman's. Seqj.atchie Valley. Texn., )

August 22, 1S63. )'

To the Bishop and Members of the Indiana Conference:

Dear Fathers and Brethren: Again I am deprived of the privilege
of meeting vou in Conference. It is with much regret I deny myself this
pleasure, annually enjoyed since my entrance upon the ministry. But the
exit^encies of active war detain me on the field. A short communication
from me mav not be inappropriate, as there is no superintendent over me to
report my case.

While pastor of Simpson Chapel. Greencastle. Ind.. in March. 1S62, I
unexpectedlv received notice of my appointment as Chaplain of the ^Sth
Indiana Volunteers. Being anxious to enter the army in that capacity, I did
not hesitate long about accepting. I entered upon duty at Nashville, Tenn.,
on the 24th of that month. I have continued with the Regiment from that
to the present dav. except one week spent in a hospital, sick, and twenty days
on furlough, during most of which latter time I was doing duty for the men.
When I entered the service I met many difficulties in the discharge of the
duties of the Chaplaincy:

1. Mvself and all about me were entirely without experience in religious
labors in the army.

2. But little interest was manifested by the public at home. We had no
suitable hvmn books; we had no Christian Commission; we had none of
those ample arrangements for the spiritual good of the soldiers, since put in
operation.

3. The soldiers had come out for a 'big spree;"' they generally seemed a
rollicking set of "bold soldier boys," who had adjourned piety until "a more
convenient season."

4. That opposition which is kept down by public sentiment at home
broke out unrestrained in the army. Obstructions were thrown in the way
of the Gospel by those in high and low places. Every tale that scandal
could devise was set afloat against the followers of Christ, whether Chaplain

EEPORT TO CONFERENCE. 565

or not. "They played cards, drank whisky, and swore," were the common
representations of these revilers of the people of our God. Strange to say,
many good people lent themselves to a repetition of these slanders.

5. Our people seemed to think that this war was a very small matter, and
could be finished by human power in a very short time. But little attention
was given the Providence of God. We marched and tbught as frequently on
Sabbath as any other day. No conveniences for religious meetings were
aftbrded us. In short, religion was almost wholly ignored in the army.

In the midst of these discouragements, I have labored, with the satisfac-
tion of seeing each of them growing, less day by day. By the help of many
friends, our Regiment has been supplied with reading matter since about the
middle of June, 1862. The U. S. Christian Commission has been foremost
in supplying our wants in this department. The soldiers have been very lib-
eral in purchasing good reading matter and in contributing to the various
societies for the diffusion of religious knowledge. Last spring two hun-
dred copy books were distributed in the Regiment, at the expense of the
men. An instructor in penmanship was appointed in every Company, and
nearly all who could not write have learned, and many others have improved
in penmanship. The American S. S. Union sent me four hundred and forty
copies of the Bible Reader and seventeen sets of the accompanying charts.
I used these in instructing soldiers to read. We had about seventy -five in the
Regiment who could read but little, all of whom made some progress, and
some have become good readers. Having given mv attention to them for a
long time, I liave latterly opened a school for the benefit of the negroes in
camp. Previous to our present march I had a class of fifty or more, some of
whom learned to read within two weeks. By this process the institution of
slavery is surely being overthrown. The accursed laws of the South against
the education of the blacks are annulled, the bitter prejudice against negroes
is being rendered still more causeless, freed are being prepared for freedom,
and all the advantages of knowledge are brought to a long neglected and
oppressed race. With eagerness they improve the opportunity thus pre-
sented to them. They cling to their books during our weary marches
through the mountains, and spend their spare moments in conning over their
lessons.

In spiritual matters I can report great progress. When in camp we hold
fi\e services each week — two sermons, one conference, and two praver meet-
ings. All of these are well attended and deeply interesting. We have a
large and growing Regimental Christian Society. Sincfe the battle of Stone
River, I have baptized nineteen, and received thirty-four applications for
membership in the churches at home. Many have professed religion, and
many backsliders have been reclaimed. Our meetings are attended bv manv
from beyond our Regiment, from Major-Generals down to camp followers.
Many officers manifest a deeper interest than formerly in religion, and have
given up profanity and other evil habits. These happy results have all been
accomplished by the amazing grace of God, who can and does work even in
the army.

Two motives have urged me forward in my labors. One is the uncer-
tainty of life with the soldiers. Thev fall bv thousands in battle and of dis-

56G REPORT TO COJJFERENCE.

ease. We leave them in every valley, and upon every hill and mountain
side. They give their lives for their country, and shall they perish without
the ordinances of the Church? Should we not make their privileges greater
than the ancient people of God. who could not "sing the Lord's song in a
strange land? "

Again, I am deeply impressed with the truth, "Like army, like people."
There is no escape from the fact, the armj' rules and will rule the nation.
Upon the success of the army depends the success of the Government; they
stand or fall together. It is manifest to the observation of all, that the unan-
imous and unflinching stand of the army has saved the country, politically,
within the last year. Demoralization of the army would demoralize the
Nation. If our soldiers become corrupt, the whole Nation will go back-
ward. Then must ruin o\ertake our fair land, "for a demoralized people,
spring never revisits, and day never dawns on the night of their shame." I
am glad that I can hope, that the soldiers of the 5Sth Indiana will return to
bless, and not blight society.

Of course I meet hindrances, but they "are trifles, light as air." On the
other hand, I have been much encouraged by my fellow soldiers, by every
Regimental, Brigade, Division, and Corps commander I have had, by the
words of cheer and prayers of friends at home, and especially by the blessing
of Heaven ever bountifully bestowed. Much, therefore, as I love home, and
cherish the pleasures of Christian society, I am content to remain in the
field. If it be my lot to fall in the conflict, I shall bear with me to the grave
the sincerest consolation of having died for the extinction of slavery, and for
the establishment of freedom, unity, and the glory of our Nation. I ear-
nestly ask the prayers of the people of God for myself and the arm^'.

I ask to be continued as Chaplain to the 5Sth Indiana Volunteers, and
member of Simpson Chapel Qiiarterly Conference.

Wishing that the blessings of God may rest upon you in your delibera-
tions, that ^■ourselves and families may enjoy health and happiness, and that
Heaven may abundantly smile upon and crown your labors with success, I
subscribe myself, Your brother in Christ,

JOHN. J. HIGHT.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 567

Dr. Andrew Lewis.

Dr. Andrew Lewis, under whose direction the 58th Indiana was recruited
and organized, was born April 19th, 1S13, in Lewisburg, New York county,
Pennsylvania, and died in Princeton, Ind., March loth, 1S77. lie was the
fifth son of Doctor Webster Lewis, a physician of great eminence in that
state. After completing a common school education the subject of this
sketch turned his attention to the study of medicine. In 1839 he left Lewis-
burg. intending to settle in Iowa, but, getting out of funds, stopped in Gibson
county, Indiana, to recruit his finances. Here, he engaged in manual labor
on the Wabash and Erie canal, then in the course of construction. After-
wards he resumed the study of medicine, with his brother, in Boonville, Ind.,
and in January, 1841, began his first practice in Winslow, Ind. In April,
1843, he removed to Princeton, Ind., where he continued the practice of his
profession until 1850. At this time he became a candidate of the Whig
party for County Clerk and was successful. In 1855 he was re-elected and
served to the end of his term.

Dr. Lewis was a man of great energy and enterprise, and devoted his
time and means very largely to the promotion of the public and private
interests of the town and community in which he lived. He took an active
part in the incipient steps that brought into existence the first railroad
through this town — now the Evansville & Terre Haute. It was mainly
through his eflbrts that the main line of the Louisville, Evansville & St.
Louis railroad was located through the countv of Gibson and town of Prince-
ton, lie was interested in the construction of the road and it was largely
through his energy that this railroad enterprise was sustained through its
primitive struggles, and was kept in a condition for others to push to ulti-
mate completion. Unfortunately, this enterprise did not prove profitable to
Dr. Lewis. His large fortune, which he had amassed in other enterprises,
was shattered in this. He was left largely involved, and was never able to
recover the loss.

But it is more within the province of this sketch to speak of the loyalty
and patriotism of Dr. Lewis. As has already been intimated, he was in
thorough sympathy with the war for the suppression of the rebellion. It was
through his suggestion and influence that the order was secured from Gov-
ernor Morton to organize the 58th Indiana Regiment at Princeton. He was
appointed to recruit the Regiment, and at once began the work. A camp
was established in the Gibson county fair grounds in the latter part of Sep-
tember, and several Companies were entered as a nucleus for the Regiment.
Within four weeks the organization was complete. Dr. Lewis was
appointed Colonel, but his business was such that he could not go to the
field, and he had to decline the appointment.

Governor Morton subsequently appointed him Commandant of the First
Congressional District, and as such he recruited three other Regiments,
namely, the 65th, 8oth and 91st Indiana Regiments. The service of no one
in the State was more highly prized by Governor Morton than was that
of Dr. Lewis. He devoted his best energies to the cause of his country at a
time when it was in a struggle for its existence. His contribution to
this cause was not alone in labor, but also in money, clothing and food for
soldiers' families. He was known at home and abroad as the friend of the
soldier and the soldier's family.

SGH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

GENERAL GEORGE P. BUELL.

General George P. Buell was the second son of George
P. and Ann Lane Buell, and was born October 4, 1833, in
Lawrenceburg, Indiana. His early life was spent on the
farm in Dearborn county, of his native State. He attended
school in the country, and town, until old enough to be sent
to Greencastle college, where he remained some years.
Afterward he went to Norwich Militar^^ Institute, at Nor-
wich, Vermont, for a scientific course, and graduated in
civil engineering. When the war broke out, he was in Col-
orado, pursuing his profession. He resigned his position,
returned to Indiana, and entered the volunteer army as Lieu-
tenant-Colonel of the 58th Regiment Indiana Infantry. He
was promoted to Colonel, and in a few months had com-
mand of a Brigade. He was a Brigade commander during
the remainder of his army service, and near the close of the
war was made Brevet Brigadier-General.

He entered the regular army July 28, 1866, as Lieutenant-
Colonel of the 29th Infantry. Was transferred to the iith
Infantry, March 15, 1869. He was breveted Brigadier-
General, U. S. A., March 2, 1867, for gallant and meritori-
ous service during the war, and on March 20, 1879, was
promoted to the Colonelcy of the 15th Infantry, which posi-
tion he held at the time of his death.

His service in the regular army was, with the exception of
two or three years, on the frontier in Texas, Dakota, Mon-
tana, New Mexico and Colorado. During these years he
was engaged in a great man}' Indian campaigns, command-
ing large bodies of troops, and often in the field months at a
time. Such continued hard service greatly impaired his
health, and, in 1882, he was forced to take a leave of
absence, hoping that complete cessation from all duty might
restore him. liut his constitution was so broken that neither
rest nor the best medical skill could save his life. After
months of great suffering he ]")assed awav. May 31, 1883, at
his countrv home near Nashville.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 5 09

During the war General Buell formed the acquaintance of
Miss Rochie Brien, near Nashville, Tennessee, and on
December 27, 1865, they were married. One son, Don
Carlos Buell, was the result of this union. Mrs. lUiell and
her son are still liv'ino- near Nashville at the time this sketch
is written (1895) .

The following editorial notice appeared in a Nashville
paper the day following his death :

DEATH OF GENERAL GEORCE P. BUELL.

General George Pearson Buell, Brevet Brigadier-General of the United
States army, and Colonel of the 15th United States Infantry, died at his
home near this city yesterday afternoon at 3:10 o'clock. He was born at
Lavvrenceburg, Indiana, October 4, 1S33, and graduated from Norwich Mili-
tarv Uni\ersitv, Vermont. He entered the volunteer ser\ice in December,
1S61, as Lieutenant-Colonel of the 58th Indiana Infantry, was in all the bat-
tles of the western army, except the battle of Nash\ille, and rose to the rank
of Brigadier-General of volunteers. Was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of
the 29th United States Infantr\' on the 2Sth of June, 1S66, and Colonel of the
15th United States Infantry March 20, 1S79. ^^^ ^'^'^^ breveted Brigadier-
General, I'nited States army, March 2, 1S67, for long, faithful and most val-
uable services.

After the war General Buell was united in marriage to Miss Rochie
Brien, only daughter of the late Judge John S. Brien, by Rev. Samuel D.
Baldwin. General Buell lea\es surviving him his wife and only son, Don
Carlos Buell. General Buell was a gallant and faithful soldier, sterling
patriot, a gentleman of high culture, a pure and good man. whose warm
heart and generous disposition endeared him to all his acquaintances. He is
a loss to the army and the nation. His deeply affected and distressed family
have our sincerest sympathy and condolence.

ACTION OF THE CITIZENS OF NASHVILLE.

A meeting of the citizens of Nashville was lu>ld to take
action on the death of General Buell, June 2, 1883. It was
made up principally of men who had served in the late war,
some of wiiom had worn the gray. A committee was
appointed to draft resolutions expressive of their sorrow, in
the death of a loved comrade and a brave soldier.

Pending the action of the committee, a number of persons
gave personal testimony of their respect for General Buell,
as a citizen and a soldier. Among these expressions were
the following :

Captain John Ruhm said he knew a great deal about General Buell's
character. He commanded one of the finest Indiana Regiments. He was a
gallant soldier and a noble and generous one. He referred to his reputation
as an Indian fighter on the frontier in glowing terms.

Major A. W. Wills said: I am unable to add words expressive of the
great worth of the dejiarted, to the noble sentiments embraced in the resolu-
tions. 1 would say, however, that I have known the General long and well.

570 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,

I was by his side as his groomsman in the happiest hour of his life, imless he
may have been happier when on the field of battle, for I never knew a man
who seemed to crave the field of carnage, as he did. So great was his ambi-
tion, so determined was he to reach the summit of the ladder of fame. He
was a brave and true patriot and soldier. He knew well his duty — he cared
not for trials and hardships. He was called by some a martinet. Yet he
only asked of his subordinates and his soldiers to do what he did. He never
said ''Push onward," but always "Follow me."' As a father and loving hus-
band, none ever excelled him. Brave, daring, and almost savage on the bat-
tlefield, at the fireside as gentle as a child. The nation has suffered almost
an irreparable loss, and ere the setting of many suns I doubt not the wild
Indian of the far West will join the war dance in rapturous delight over the
death of the great Indian fighter whom they have cause to know so well, the
late General Buell.

General W. H. Jackson said it was a sad pleasure to pay a tribute to the
worth of General Buell. He knew him well. He admired him because of
his gallant soldiership, but best on accoimt of his high regard for his duties
as a citizen. In the territory in which General Buell gained his distinction
he (General Jackson) had traveled and fought over the same ground.
Therefore, it had been a pleasure for them to meet and con\erse together.
General Buell had the highest regard for his duty as a father, making his son
a companion.

General G. P. Thruston said there were gentlemen present who knew
General Buell better than he, but so well were his characteristics known
throughout the army that he could speak. General Buell was made Brigade
commander at the battle of Stone River. At the battle of Chickamauga he
fought a fight that earned him a national reputation. In Georgia it was
through his instriunentality that many a bridge was built so rapidly as to
attract the attention of the world. These enabled the army to achieve many
noble victories. General Buell was a soldier and a friend. On either side
we are ready to honor such men.

The committee reported the following memorial, which
was unanimously adopted :

In the few words that can be written upon an occasion like this, it is
impossible to pay a just tribute to the life and eminent services of a charac-
ter like (General George P. Buell. His personal history is blended with many
memorable events in which he bore a conspicuous part. His military title
was not the gift of chance or friendship. It was fairly won upon many fields
during the late war, through years of faithful service. It was the reward of
his own personal gallantr\', intellectual force and ability to command. This
is already recorded as well in many historic papers as in the memory and
hearts of his comrades and those who admired him. Earl\' in the war he
rose to be Colonel in one of the finest Regiments in the Army of the Cum-
berland, and soon afterwards one of its Brigade commanders. At the battle
of Murfreesboro, at Chickamauga, at Atlanta, in the March to the Sea, at
Savannah, and at the last noted battle of the war, at Bentonville, North Car-
olina— the honorable part he bore has found its way into published military
records. Distinction also followed him since the war. In his Indian cam-
l>aign in the West, and in the varied relations in ci\il life, as citizen, neigh-
bor and friend, he has won the esteem and aftection of all who knew him.

He was an earnest, decided character, but just and modest, considerate
and generous. In the family circle he was beloved bevond expression in
words. We can only oiler our deep and tender sympathies to those sufier-
ing friends he loved so well.

Years of campaigning and exposure in the far West, as Colonel of his
Regiment in the regular army, finally impaired his health and caused iiis
untimeh- death.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 571

His family and army comrades and grateful country cannot but feel the
profoundest sorrow that this brave spirit has thus been borne down in the
verj' prime of life and hope. Be it

Resolved, That a copy of this report be furnished to the daily papers at
Nashville, to the Army and Navy journal, and to General H. M. Cist, and
to the family of our friend, General Buell.

J. P. TIIRUSTON,

W. H. lACKSON,

W. P. JONES,

MORACP: H. HARRISON,

ALBERT AKERS,

Committee.
The chair, at the request of the family, appointed the following pall bear-
ers: Governor W. B. Bate, Honorable A. J. Caldwell, Postmaster W. P.
Jones, General W. H. Jackson, General G. P. Thruston, John Ruhm, Col-
onel VV. M. Woodcock, J. P. Drouillard, General J. F. Wheless, Major Hugh
Gwyn, Captain J. W. Morton and Major A. W. Wills.

Lieutenant=Colonel Joseph Moore.

Lieutenant-Colonel Moore spent most of his early life in Gibson county,
Indiana. At the commencement of the war he was in the mercantile busi-
ness in Francisco, Ind., but he decided to abandon civil pursuits and oflered
his services m defense of his country. A call for additional volunteers being
made in the summer of iS6i, he started out to recruit a Company, which was
soon accomplished, and at the organization he was elected its Captain.
This Company was ordered to rendezvous in the fair ground, at Princeton,
and was designated as Company B, of the ^Sth Indiana Regiment. After
about six months' service as Captain of the Companv, he was promoted to
Major of the Regiment, and about a year later to Lieutenant-Colonel, which
rank he held at the close of the war, when he was finally mustered out with
the Regiment. At Mission Ridge he was in command of the Regiment, and
led it in the charge on the rebel rille pits. He was also in command of the
Regiment in the Atlanta campaign, and on the "March to the Sea," and
through the Carolinas, and had charge of the Pontoon train, bridging all the
streams crossed by Sherman's arm^- on that memorable campaign. For his
ability and faithful performance of this dut}', he was highly complimented hy
his superior officers.

Soon after coming home from the army. Colonel Moore removed to Mis-
souri, where he was engaged in business for a few years. Then he returned
to Indiana, and located in Indianapolis, where he was engaged in the claim
and pension business for about twenty years. He was held in high esteem
by all who knew him. He was a true and brave soldier, and an honest,
upright citizen.

He died at his home in that city, May 7, 1S94, aged sixty -five years, after
a long illness from disease contracted in the army.

572 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,

Lieutenant=CoIonel James T. Embree.

Lieutenant-Colonel James T. Embree was born in Princeton. Indiana,
January 27, 1829, and was a member of a family distinjjuished for ability in
tbe legal profession. His father was Judge Elisha Embree, a pioneer in
tlie profession of law in Gibson county, Indiana, and ranked as one of the
ablest members of the bar in the State. He served as judge of the Circuit
Coin-t and also as a representative in Congress from his district. James T.
was educated in Asbury University at Greencastle, Ind., graduating in 1S50,
read law with his father and graduated from the law department of the State
University at Bloomington in 1S52. He associated himself with his father
in the practice of his profession at Princeton, Ind., and was soon in posses-
sion of an extensive business. In 1S61 he was regarded as one of the ablest
advocates in Southern Indiana and had brilliant prospects for a long and
successful career.

But he was an intensely loyal man, not onl3' by instinct, but by inheri-
tance. In the stormy years of discussion and debate, preceding the war,
his voice and influence was in behalf of measures that would perpetuate
liberty and more firmly establish the Union. He was a Fremont elector
in 1856, and was in thorough sympathy with the sentiment that was
opposed to the extension of slavery and the aggressions of the slave
power, and, as a matter of course, was an ardent supporter of Abraham
Lincoln, in the memorable campaign for the presidency in 1S60. As a
further natural sequence, when the Southern slave oligarchy resorted
to arms for the purpose of breaking up the Union his patriotic blood was
aroused. With the great mass of the loval, union loving people of the
country, he realized that the time for argument and discussion was at an end.
President Lincoln's call for volunteers found a ready response and a hearty
endorsement among the people, but only a small proportion of those who
ottered their services could be accepted. In the first months of the war the
two \ounger brothers of Mr. Embree enlisted, but it was not until October,
iSfn. tiiat he fount! opportunity to enter the service himself. When the sStii
Indiana Regiment was being organized he was tendered the position of
Major, which he accepted and went with the Regiment to the field.

In a few months after entering the service he was promoted to the rank
of Lieutenant-Colonel, and during the greater part of the time was in com-
mand of the Regiment, the Colonel being in command of the Brigade. On
account of the death of his fatlier and a^so his wife, he was compelled to
resign in the latter part of 1863, and return to urgent business cares at iiome.
He became greatly attached to the men of the Regiment and was held in
high esteem by them, and there was mutual regret at the parting. He was a
kind hearted officer and entered into the s\-mpathies of those untier his com-
mand— an ofiicial characteristic somewhat out of the ordinary.

After his return home he resumed the practice of law and began to gather
up his business that had been interrupted by the war. But tlie seeds of a
deadly disease had been implanted in his s\-stem during his army service and
he did not live long to enjoy the blessings of a jieacefid and imited coimtry.
He died August 3, 1S67, honored and esteemed bv all. especiallv by his com-
rades. He iiad been instrumental in organizing the first post. Grand Army
ot" the Reiiuhlic. in I'rini-etoii, and it was liis fortune to be the first comrade
to he buried inider tlie auspices and w illi the iionors of the (jrand Army.

BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES. 573

Colonel H. M. Carr.

Colonel H. M. Carr, who first commanded the 5Sth Indiana Regiment
in the field, was born in Montgomery coimty, Indiana, where he spent the
earlier years of his life. When tlie war broke out hfe enlisted under the first
call for volunteers, serving three months in the iith Indiana Regiment as
Captain of Company G. At the expiration of his term he re-entered the
service for a term of three years in the same Regiment. November 14,
1861, he was promoted to the Colonelcy of the 5Sth Indiana, and at once
entered upon his duties with that Regiment. He remained with the Regi-
ment until June 17, 1862, when he resigned and returned to his home at
Crawfordsville. But he did not remain long out of the service. A call
for additional volunteers in 1S62 gave him the opportunit\- to engage in the
recruiting ser\ice. lie assisted in recruiting the 72d Indiana Regiment,
which was raised in the counties comprising the Eighth District, and was
organized at Lafayette. It was mustered into service August 16, 1862, and
Carr was commissioned Captain of Company B. In a tew months he was
promoted Major and continued as such until June 28, 1864, when he resigned
on account of disability. Soon after the war he located in Louisville, where
he engaged in the claim and pension business. He died in 1SS4, aged 54
years, of heart trouble, 'and his body rests in the beautiful Cave Hill ceme-
tery, at Louisville. His widow and two daughters are still living; two sons
preceded him to the grave.

Colonel Carr was a man of fine militarv appearance, and had a strong,
commanding voice, tie was in ever\' way well adapted for handling a body
of troops in the field. He was a genuine patriot and gave his best ser\ ice to
his country at a time when such service was most needed.

In civil life he is spoken of by one who knew him best as "a splendid,
noble, generous, upright man, affectionate, and true as steel, yet as modest
and sensitive as a woman." He was most highly esteemed by those who
knew him and his death was universally regretted.

57i NATIONAL MILITARY PARK.

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Park.

TSfoTE. — The material facts in this article are obtained, partly, from
articles written by General H. V. Bojnton, a member of the National Com-
mission, and partly from information obtained by the writer on a recent
personal visit to the battleground. One of General Boynton's very excellent
descriptive articles was published in Harper s Weekly, June 22, 1S95, and
another in the "Official Souvenir Program" of the^ recent International
Epworth League Convention, in Chattanooga.

In 1889 a movement was begun that resulted in the
establishment of a National Park, embracing the battle
grounds of Chickamauga and Chattanooga. The origina-
tors of the scheme were from both of the armies who had
fought upon these grounds, and the underlying idea was,
that nowhere was there a better exemplification of American
braver}' and courage than upon the battlefields of Chicka-
mauga and Chattanooga. It was the opinion that the battles
here fought, ranked among the most notable, in many
respects, of the greatest war of modern times. It was here
that there was displayed the greatest strategy in militar}'
movements, and it was thought, by the originators of this
enterprise, that here was the place and the opportunity for
an impartial examination of a battlefield l\y both sides,
purely as a military study, to the end that the important
details of this historic event might be accurately preserved
as an illustration of the achievements of American citizen
soldiery.

This project was put into formal shape and made effective
by an act of Congress, approved August 19, 1890, and
under direction of the Secretary of War a commission,
composed of representatives of both armies, was appointed
to carry out the provisions of the act. For the prosecution
of the work Congress made an appropriation of $725,000,
It required two years more to secure title to the lands, but
the commission' has finally succeeded in completing the

NATIONAL MILITARY PARK. 575

purchase ot" the entire battlefield of Chickamauga, and has
options on other lands adjacent, which will eventually be
included in the Park. The main body of the Park is
traversed by the Lafayette and Chattanooga road, which
passes through Rossville Gap at Missionary Ridge. The
main roads have all been rebuilt in the most substantial
manner, and all the old roads of the battlefield have been
restored and improved. There are now on the battlefield
about twenty-five miles of the finest roads to be found any-
where. In the plan of improving and restoring the field all
the old roads, that were in existence at the time of the battle,
have been reopened and improved and any new roads that
have been opened since the battle have been closed. The
underbrush and new growth of trees have been cut out, so
that it is easy to trace the lines of battle, and one may drive
through the woods over any part of the ground. Such
buildings as were landmarks of the battle, and have since
fallen into decay, have been rebuilt or repaired, or the site
of such buildings designated by a tablet. The methods of
marking the lines of battle are by monuments, tablets, and
actual batteries of artiller}'.

There are steel and iron observation towers so placed at
prominent points as to enable visitors to ascend above the
tree tops and observe all portions of the field. Two of these
are on Missionary Ridge and three on Chickamauga battle-
field.

In addition to the tablets and other markers erected by the
National Government, each State has taken measures
to erect monuments to mark the position of all
its Regiments and Battalions that were engaged in
the battle. Some of these monuments have alread}^ been
erected, and most of them will be completed by the time for
the dedication of the Park, September 19 and 20, 189^.

Historical tablets, constructed of iron, each 3x4 feet, have
been erected at different points on the battlefield. These
give a condensed history of the movements of each organi-
zation and the part taken in the battle upon that part of the
field. There are also staff tablets bearing the names of every
general officer's staff. The tablets are numbered, consecu-
tively, on tiie upper left-hand corner, and on the upper right
hand corner appears the letter "U," or "C," indicating the
army to which the participants belonged. There is no dis-
tinction in the treatment of the Union and Confederate
armies, except in this particular.

576

NATIONAL MILITARY PAKK.

The following is a copy of the tablets for General T. J.
Wood's Division, located in the position held by that com-
mand on the Brotherton farm, Sunday morning, September
20th :

NO. 67. U.

WOOD'S DIVISIONCRITTENDEN'S CORPS.

During tlie night of the 19th Buell's and Marker's Brigades (Wagner's
Brigade on garrison duty at Chattanooga) withdrew from near Viniard's
to the slope of Missionary Ridge west of Dyer House and beyond the Craw-
fish Springs road. Early in the morning Wood was directed to relieve
Negley on this ground. This was not accomplished until after 9:30 a. m.,
when the last of Negley 's Division passed to the left and Wood's line, with
Barnes' Brigade, of Van C'eve's Division, which had come forward with
Wood, was closed to the left on Brannan's Division. Upon the supposi-
tion that Brannan had responded to an order sent him to move to the sup-
port of the left. Wood was ordered, at 10:4.5 a. m., by General Rosecrans,
to close ranidly on Reynolds and support him. Brannan being under
attack at the moment of receiving the order held his line. Wood obeying
literally, drew out of line and moved to the rear of Brannan, towards
Reynolds. Barnes' Brigade at the beginning of the movement was dis-
patched to Baird's support on the extreme left. Just as Barker's Brigade,
moving next in rear of Barnes, had gained the rear of Brannan, Longstreet
moved with a column of three Divisions of eight Brigades upon Wood's late
front at the Brotherton house, penetrating the line, and dispersing Buell's
Brigade, which was following Harker, and taking Brannan in reverse.
Barker's Brigade promptly moved back into the Dyer field and attacked
the head of the enemy's column with great vigor, which gave Brannan a
chance to rally his command on Snodgrass Hill, where Harker soon joined
him and held the left of the line on that part of the field until night. Frag-
ments of Buell's Brigade rallied on Snodgrass Hill, where General Wood in
person established his headquarters and co-operated with General Brfmnan
in the defence of that position. The loss of the Division (two Brigades) for
the two days, was, killed 132, wounded 744, missing 194, total 1,070.

NO. 67 A.

WOOD'S DIVISION.

Brigadier-General T. J. Wood.

Sept. 19-20, 1863.

STAFF ON FIELD.

CAPT. MARCUS P. BESTOW, U. S. V., Assistant Adjutant General.

LIEUT. JOHN L. YARYAN, 58th Indiana, Aid-de-Camp.

LIEUT. GEORGE SHAFFER, 93d Ohio, Aid-de-camp.

LIEUT. -COL. THOS. R. PALMER, 13th Michigan, Inspector.

SURGEON W. W. BLAIR, 58th Indiana, Medical Director.

CAPT. L. D. MYERS, U. S. V., Assistant Quartermaster-General.

CAPT. J. MCDONALD. U. S. V., Com. of Subsistence.

CAPT. WM. McLOUGHLIN, 13th Michigan, Topographical Engineer.

CAPT. JOHN E. GEORGE, 15th Indiana, Assistant Com. of Musters.

LIEtJT. PETER HOLDMAN, 3d Kentucky, Ordnance Officer.

CAPT. MICHAEL KEISER, 64th Ohio, Provost Marshal.

CAPT. LUDLOW BRADLEY, 6th Ohio Battery, Chief of Artillery.

PRIVATE ROBERT LEMON, 68th Indiana, Orderly.

NATIONAL MILITARY PARK. 577

Other tablets for Wooers Division are located on the
Lafayette road, opposite the Viniard house, where the hard
fighting was done on Saturday evening.

Indiana has appropriated $40,000 for the erection of mon-
uments to the several organizations from this State that par-
ticipated in the battle of Chickamauga. The position
selected for the 58th Indiana Regiment is a few yards east
of the Lafavette and Chattanooga road, opposite the Viniard
house. This is where the Regiment did its hardest fighting
on Saturdav evening, September 19th, and it was here that
it suffered the heaviest loss of the two days' battle.

The 58tli Indiana monument is constructed of
Bedford limestone. It is 8^x4 feet at the base,
and will stand 15 feet high. On the second base,
which is 5 feet 10 inches by 4 feet 2 inches, there
•appears the inscription " 58th Regiment Indiana
Infantry." On top of this is a third base, 5 feet 3 inches by
4 feet, one foot thick. This supports a die 4 feet 6 inches
by 2 feet 10 inches and 6 feet high. On top of this is a cap,
and the whole is surmounted by an eagle, 2^x;^ feet. In
front, on the upper part of the die, is the State seal of Indi-
ana, in bronze. On the opposite side of the die is a bronze
tablet which contains a brief history of the Regiment in the
battle, as follows :

FIFTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT INDIANA INFANTRY.

This Regiment, in command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Embree, went into action at this point about 2:45 p. m., Sep-
tember 19th, charging the enemy across the road; left of
Regiment penetrating a woods, where a severe engagement
ensued. Loss heavy in killed and wounded. On morning of
20th moved to new position at Brotherton farm. When lines
were broken, by movement of Brigade to the left, the Regi-
ment was severed, but rallied again on Snodgrass Hill, and
assisted in holding that point during the remainder of the
day. On night of 21st the Regiment formed part of skirmish
line, in command of Major Moore, which covered the move-
ment of Rosecrans' army to Chattanooga. Loss in two days'
battle: Killed, 16; wounded and missing, 155; total, 171.

Stone markers, about 4 feet high and properly inscribed,
are placed at the position occupied by the Regiment at the
Brotherton iarm on the morning of the 20th, and on Snod-
grass Hill, in the afternoon of that day.

lA^/S^J

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Full text of "History of the Fifty-eighth regiment of Indiana volunteer infantry. Its organization, campaigns and battles from 1861 to 1865"

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