Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1862-07-09


now declining sun, presented in all sight
seldom met with, and long to be remem.
bered. There arose from the timber on
the right of the trail leading to the ford,
some five miles distant, dense smoke,
supposed te proceed from the enemy
camp. In the distance, on each side OF
the road could be seen mounted men en-
deavoring to drive the cattle large num-
bers of which dotted the prairie, into the
timber.
Believing the camp to be where the
smoke came from, Col. D. ordered Major
Miners command to move straight for
ward to the ford, to prevent their escape
by that direction; and Maj. Burnett's to
move down the edge of the timber to the
right of the road, to prevent any move
ment In that direction, while the Artille-
ry and Infantry moved straight towards
the supposed Camp. But here our imper-
feet knowledge of their location, lost US
much of the little valuable daylight now
LETT, for it was afterwards proved that the
smoke proceeded from a line-kiln and
burning brush. In few minutes a cour-
Ter came rushing back from Mai. Miner,
informing the Col. that he had driven in
the enemy's pickets at the ford, and that
the camp was on the other side of the riv-
er. Major Burnett's battalion was re-
called and ordered forward to sustain Ma
Jor Miner; the Infantry and Artillery were
also hurried across the river. By this time
it was almost dark. Maj. Miner had found
by the aid of Capt. Brooks, of a scouting
company, the location of the camp, and
sent back word to the Colonel, that he had
"driven in the enemy's pickets, and was
within mile Of their camp, holding the
ford" The whole of the command was
moved to within six hundred yards of the
camp of Stanwiddy's men, Maj. Burnett's
command being detached to intercept
them on the road leading from the camp
southwest. ~.
By this time it was 10 o'clock and toll
cradle dark. The Artillery was brought
to bear upon the camp. which was situa-
ted in one of the numerous circular groves
in the valley, and dozen shells pitched
into it in short order, and Immediately
two companies of the 9th Wisconsin NOV
ed forward into the edge of the timber as
skirmishers. They found the enemy in
great disorder, running hither and yon
Like frightened sheep, loading their most
movable property on their rickety old
wagons for a run. The artillery had struck
mortal terror into their ranks, and well
it might, for the first shell burst right in
the center of their nest, killing two out
right and wounding several more; and one
OF the su seeding ones tore the head from
negro's horse while he was sitting on his
back. The darkness of the night and our
imperfect knowledge of the roads enabled
them to get away, however, with most of
their ightest property. -
Our command was now moved forward
past the right of the woods in the direc-
ton OF Col. Golfers Camp (about 800
strong one mile south of the one we had
just shelled, to prevent a junction of the
two forces, but the war of guns, the hid
eous whistling through the air and burst
ing of the shells had effectually cleaned
it of life, and, sent its late occupants on
their winding way south, as fast as legs
and ponies could carry them. 1t is sup
posed by many that some of them are
running yet. 1t being now about II o.
clock. We lay our weary forms to rest
amid the long wet grass on mound in
the prairie near by and slept soundly un-
til daylight. We then found the trail of
the fugitives and following it some four
miles camped for breakfast.
Altar hraaLfaot ~4~:.nG scouting parties
under Major Miner southeast. Major Bur-
nett southwest and Captain Grenough,
south, were sent ont to find if possible,
where the forces of the enemy had gone
the night previous. / accompanied the
one South. We found that they had ap-
scattered in bands of so or 90 and
rnlr % &1n IL
s:ram' south of US. We fell in about
noon with small party of fourteen of
them taking dinner at the house of one
their Captains. Our advance guard killed
one of them and wounded several also
capturing about so horses in the corrall,
near the house. After marching some 40
miles or more, we came at camp, about
10 O. clock, that night with 20 horses and
some $50 head of cattle. Major Burnett
had arrived short time before bringing
some 600 head of cattle and 300 horses, as
the fruits of his days scout but could find
no enemy. Finding that pursuit was use
less Colonel D. marched his command
back to our camp at this point bringing
over four hundred horses and 1000 head
Of cattle as the trophies of four days
Lieut.. Colonel Ratliff is in good health
and is now in command of the regiment,
ind if anything can console Us for the loss
Colonel d. it is his kind and humane adj |
of the affairs of our regiment.
And in the event of Colonel DIS resig-
nation being accepted his promotion to
,he Colonelcy will give the best satisfac- |
ion to both the officers and men of the |
'egiment. All of the Trumbull County |
boys, so far as / can learn are well, and |
,ontented with every thing but the loss
If the society of their friends.
Major Burnett and Lieut.. Hutchins are
both well, and in fine spirits, and are
growing more popular with the men and
,fficers of the regiment, every day, and
fthe will of the majority of the officers of
he regiment, or in fact, the almost uni
versal wish of both officers and men is
Major Burnett will be our 1t.
Col. in the event of Col. Ratliffss promo |
ion. Although Majors Miner and Pu-
ington both out-rank him by commission. |
And in my opinion the good of the SER
-ice requires in such place men of Maj or |
3urnett's energy and ability. am GER
ain that so far his military bearing and
prompt activity in the faithful discharge
# his duties have won for him the admi- |
alton and esteem of all. ..s
The resignation of that gray-headed old
-eteran Captain Caldwell, madea sad hole
n our regiment, His place no one can
i'll for he was considered as father to US
IL, and by all his les; is !eeplyregretted.-l
We sincerely hope that the comforts of
lome and the care of friends may restore
lin to health and strength again, and
hat we may be able to take our old
riend by the hand again on our return.
The last two days have been busy ones
n Camp, on account of the presence If
he Pay Master who has been dispensing
,reen backs among us by the handful.
The consequence has been, lots of races
nd rise in the price of Ponies, which
'efore were rather drag.
Lieut.. Lockwood of Co. G. has resigned
nd starts home to morrow, carrying sew
raj thousand dollars to the families of
ur soldiers. ---.--
A rumor came to US to- -igh', that is to
ood to be true, is, that we are under
rider TO join Fremont in the East. That
Tould be happiness. but anything to get
IS out of Kansas. fg,i-