The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1862-11-28

RIcuxosD. Ind, Nov. 10. 1869.

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69th Reg't. Ind. Vols. returned from Ken
tucky, some two months ago. an editorial
appeared 10 the Broad Are Of your city,
rejecting on my conduct at the battle Of
Richmond. Kentucky. which did me great
injustice. should have replied to it at the
time; but hoping that an investigation would
be ordered. which l knew would clear me
from any stigma cast on me by that sheet,
I re(rainsd. The Regiment has been ordered
away, and no opportunity thus afforded Tor
nv vindication, and by the advice OF my
frieL DIS have deemed it best to publish the
following facts. which stand ready to prove
by competent Witnesses:
Some FOUR days prior to the battle near
Richmond, KY, was nearly disabled by
fall from my horse-it was almost an lmpos-
sibility for me to move about on foot. and
had to be assisted to mount aud dismount
nv horse. The night before the battle, l
was in camp two miles the other side OF
Richmond. and three or four miles from
where the battle first commenced. AT the
frs. sound Of the battle in the morning.
mounted my horse, and taking my son on
behind me. we started. not as the editor of
the Broad Aze says. for Louisville. but for
the field of 6a,sle l arrived there just as
the first wounded man OF the 69th was
brought to the house that was used IS a
hospital. After the battle had been in pro.
grsss for some time, and when the regiment
commenced falling back. my son caught
horse, noun, him. and there was then
no necessity of his getting on behind me.
A portion of the surgeons and myself
tried 20 establish hospital some two miles
in the resr Of the 6rst. Failing 10 this. as
our troops were still falling 'ck, We got all
the wounded, who were unable to walk. IN
ambulances and baggage wagons. and went
to house near our camp. where We dress
ed their wounds. Here We staid until We
used up oil the dressings. 1t was then or.
dered that all the wounded should be taken
to Richmond. went with them. and hav-
ing obtained a supply Of bsndsges. l was
called on by several men IN the street whose
wounds dressed. then went to the hos
pisal and stayed there until near sun-down.
when. ascertaining BUR regiment with 9TH
ers had passed through town. and seeing
full supply Of surgeons in the hospital and
knowing there were none with the regiment
and battle being imminent before they got
clear of the rebels, thought it best to join
it; but being undecided wen. 10 field of.
6cer who was in the hospital to ask his ad-
vice. He said he was hardly able to ADVISE;
but, under the circumstances, If l could get
to the regiment he thought had better do
SO. Being joined by several men in the
hospital, who were anxious to avoid capture,
We left it. To get dressings. &C.. for the
| wounded, was detained some time in town.
and . number of men joining US in the
streets, we started on after the troops. In
leaving Richmond. we were fred on by
persons in and about the houses IN the
north end Of ,own--whetheI by citizens or
by rebel soldiers. we could not ascertain.
and the balls whistlsd by much too close to
be agreeable. yet without doing any dam
age. After going about . mile or so. We
overtook the rear Of our troops and were
pressing on to Join the 69th, when an attack
was made Two or three hundred yards in
front Of us by the enemy. Everything in
the road, baggage wagons. smbulances,
cavalry and in'antry, in one mixed mass,
broke back toward town. We turned back
with them. as il was impossible to do any
thing else-three of us intending to return
10 the hospital. We had arrived within a
shor, distance from town. when q large
body Of rebels were seen approaching on
the righ, on the west side of the road. I'm
mediately our men. especially those on
horse back. broke over the fence into the
woods on our left. on the east side OF the
road. The rebels commenced firing; but at
TOO great distance to be effective. Seeing
no use in remaining there to be shot at,
myself With few others passed out into
tie woods with them. Having found 9
rather deep ravine. we remained there out
of harms way. until all was quiet in the
road. The night was very dark. and the
query with US was whas to do. told those
With me that must return to tovn-that If
our regiment was captured. and vas afraid
it Was. my position would not permit me to
leave it without ceusure. THIS they urged
Was too dangerous to be though. of--thas
the rebels appeared to be firing on every.
thing thu, approached ,hem--that they had
6red on us - We came out Of town. and
turned through their lines after Dight; - ]
valued my life. not to attempt it-sha, even
! il / was at the hospital. 1 would be Of toe
) little use in my crippled condition. to iusti.
" the risk to be run in getting there. After
thus consulting. ws startsd for Lexington BY
the way Of Winchester Ferry. and arrived
At O'Clock next morning. Immediately
\ called on the Provost Marshal for . flag ol
tsues to rsssrn 10 Richmond, Ky. He