The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1862-08-22
AUGUST %, 1862.
Our Military Correspondence.
FROM rHE roRrY.sEcoND REGIMENT
CUMBERLAND GAP, Aug. 9th, 1869.

FROM THE FoRTY-sECoND REGIMENT.
CoMBERIAND GAP, Aug. 9th, 1862.
EDIroR DEMocRAT One week ago,
detachments from the Regiments in the
Goth Brigade, together with the l4th Ky,
and Capt. Fosters Wis. Battery. made a
grand advance into the Confederacy, as
far as Tazewell, East Tenn. 1t was said
that our John Bull (Col. DeCourcey) } was
TO rsnsack the country far and wide, and,
according 10 the recent Con6scation Act,
appropriate all Rebel property for the ben
eft Of Uncle Samuel. We were to pen.
citrate as far as Clnch River, unless we
should meet with resistance. l. was un-
derstood that our object was TO forage,
and that an engagement was not to be
brought on. We reached Tazewell Sat-
nrdav, Aug. Cd, at six O'Clock. No en-
emy was to be seen, and, getting into po.
sition for battle, SO as to be ready in case
of a night attack, all bivouacked for the
night. Sunday and Monday, AL were
quiet and inactive, except the quarter
masters, and those who guarded the
forage parties; but Tuesday morning our
pickels were dashed upon by squad Of
cavalry. TIE movement was quick
one on the part of the Secesh, and came
near being destructive one for our pick.
cts. Two of our boys were shot, one
through the neck, the other through his
leg. They returned the fire promptly,
and succeeded in laying two Of the Rebels
In the afternoon, DeCourcey, with the
42d and 10th Ohio, and two sections oil
artillery, advanced as far as Big Springs,
a small Town four miles southeast from
Tazewell. The town was entirely de.
serted, and, before we left, everything
Of value was confiscated. The 42d, with
one gun, commanded by Lieut. Col. Pardie,
was left 10 guard the town, while De-
Courcey went bv a by-road back to Taze-
well, the intention being to sec ure forage.
DeCourcey had not long been gone be-
fore the enemy appeared in considerable
numbers. Their infantry advanced in
line of battle toward our right, while the
cavalry came down the road toward orr
center. Cart. Bushnell, comm anding Co.
G, was the most advanced. They fired
several effective volleys, and the artillery
did good service. Soon the enemy fell
back, but opened on us with artillery. -
They did poor execution, however. and
we held them in check ill dark, and then
withdrew and went back to Tazewell, &C
cording to orders.
The Secesh made no further demon
Btrations during :he night, but in the
morning early, they surprised the 10Th
Ohio, who were stationed on high
ridge abou. 1 miles east of the town, as
pickets. They were supported by two
pieces Of artillery. The fight was des,
perate. but the 10th boys were over,
whelmed, and were obliged TO retreat
As the Rebels came down in a splendid
line OF battle, bowling like demons, the
two guns had ust time to give them two
charges Of grape shot. This made then
waver, and the guns were saved; The
Secesh were now in range Of tho mair
part Of the battery, and the shell soon be
gan to kick up dust among them
They scattered and went back to tn
woods quicker than double quick. Dur
ing the rest Of the day, cannonading wa
kept up on both sides. 1t was though
that two companies of the 10th Ohio wer
killed or taken, bnt they come stragglin
in, and will probably nearly all getin.
We took one Lieut.. Col. and oae Cap
tain. The Col. rushed up to two of tn
10th boys who were guarding some knap
sacks, and asked them what they wer
doing. They asked him who he was.--
He said he belonged to the llth Tenn
They informed him that they were l6tI
Ohio boys; also, that, il he didn't dol
his belt. revoivers, &c, they would per
forate him with bullets. He concluded +
surrender.
II was evident that the enemy had
strong force, for they were bold and de
termined. As night closed in, it was d'
cided best for us to get to Cumberlan
Gap without delay, ,andwe mu st use SON
strategy, SO as to ensure safe return
the Gap. Accordingly, two regimen
that had been kept concealed, were lorm'
in column by platoon in single rank, so
TO make it appear like huge reintorc
ment. As soon as it vas dark '
marched for the Gap. We were out Il
days, got few horses and little forag
but we made disgraceful retreat, al
we feel it the more as it is the first tin
The 42d ever received orders to pla
their backs to the enomy. We would iii
some Yankee Garfield 10 command Il
26lh Brigade.
1t is extremely hot here, an1 it is We
aisagreeable marching. p.