Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1861-10-11
Letter from, rkan,nol,r.
The following letter addressed to H. Everett
Esq, we have been permitted to publish;
CAMP ANpRRsoN,

H. EVERETT, Esq:
Dear Sir:--As have few spare mo-
ments thought would write you few
lines and keep my promise of letting you
hear from ME. I am we'll and enjoying
good health. We went from Camp Noble
to Camp Dennison, and on the goth day Of
Sept 1851, We left Camp Dennison for
Louisville, Kentucky. We left camp D.
about o'clock p. NJ, of that day and ar
rived at Cincinnati about 8 o'clock P. NJ,
and our regiment Immediately started or
embarked upon the Louisville Packets,
Dunliihe and Champion for Louisville,
where we arrived about IL O'Clock, NJ, of
the 2lst and such another oraiion never
was witnessed in America. Tho hospi-
talities of the city were extended to our
Regiment. General Robert Anderson re-
ceived us and Col. w. H. Gibson replied
in a very beautiful speech. It was pleas
ing for us to be there. We all had moro
than we could eat. AT about o'clock, we
got aboard of Rail road train on the
Louisville and Nashville road, and started
for Lebanon Junction where our forces were
camped, we arrived at town called Shep-
ardstown about 80 miles the other side of
Lebanon junction where report said there
was danger ahead. Companies A. & F.
were ordered out and loaded their guns
and marched ahead Of the train to the
bridge-which was to have been burned
that night, and slept upon their guns ready
for fight until about one o'clock at night
when we were ordered aboard of the train
and started forward to Lebanon junction
arriving there at about three o'clock and
slept out doors upon our arms that night.
In the morning we took breakfast with
the Louisville Legion aud Immediately COM
menced to march for Elizabethtowu. We
forded rivers and creeks on our march, the
first was Rolling River The water wa,
about waist deep, but we kept our caps ant
powder dry. We were on the advance auc
arrived at Elizabethtown late in the after
noon and slept there out doors all night
In the morning We started on our marcl
for this place, when we were overtaken BY
a sad accident. Our Regiment was on the
march when private from our company
by the name of Richard Gallagher fell and
while falling struck his kneo against the
lock of his gun, causing it to discharge
thereby fatally wounding Thomas P. Tot
ten. The ball struck him in the lower par
of the back, cutting off the buckle to hi,
knapsack and going through his knapsacl
and seven thicknesses Of his blankets, thro
shirt and came out at the right shoulder
blade. We took him Immediately to thc
house nearest by and found it good place
it was at tho house of Senator Haycraft {
good Union man who had to flee TO save
his life. He could not have received bette,
care or attention at home. While on hi,
dying bed he was eager for the service
wanted to remain in the service. He died
Christian, he asked bis brother Oakly tc
sing and pray for him, he joining him in
the singing. His last words we're, "Mother
am going to sleep now" He was dearly
beloved by our whole Company. He was
buried with military honor. Rev. Mr.. Bush
Chaplain of our Regiment preached tho
funeral sermon. Tho sermon was we'll
timed and had good effect. The soldiers
wept, and it would have done your soul
good to have been there yourself. His
name and memory will cling to us forever.
We are now at Camp Anderson miles
from Elizabethtown, Hardin County Ken.
tucky. For two days we lived upon one
craker day. One day we lived upon
green fish. Some days we get full rations
sometimes half rations. Our regiment was
the first that crossed the Ohio river into
Kentucky; the first TO respond to the call
of tho Union men of Old Kentucky. Ken
lucky aided US; we are now repaying that
old debt of 1912. Fort Stephenson is not
yet efaced from our memories.
Our Regiment has the post of honor in
this division. We are on the advance and
must commence the fighting. There is no
such thing as retreat, we will whip the rob
els or die in the attempt. We are here to
do our duty and we calculate to do it, our
whole duty and nothing but our duty
Watch and you will see that our Regiment
does its whole duty. Our destination is for
Tennessee, Nashville l believe. General
Robt. Anderson has command of the De.
partment Of Kentucky. Brigsdier General
w. F. Sherman has charge of this division
and is in command here, He is brother
of John Sherman, Senator from Ohio, he is
very strict, he keeps up discipline and keeps
men in their place. To-day they are hav-
ing sermon on the Parade ground. Our
Regiment had religious exercises for the day
set apart BY the President Of the U. S., as
a day of fasting and prayer
BY the way Abraham Lincoln was born
in this county and near this very spot where
we are now encamped. / think we have