Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1862-04-24
FROM capt. raneyhili,s company.
cAMp CUMpntANb ronp, Ky., Anil O. ,C9

point the General and his staff rode forward to
find good position for our two little lO.poundcrs.
An order soon came back for twelve picket men
out of Capt. fancy yhill's company. lido not know
why the General paricuarized our company, but
such was the case. Immediately on the receipt
Of the order the men were ready and started under
charge Of Orderly Dil. They dcploycd as skir
mishcrs, and in few moments their rifles were
heard rccchoing from hill to hill. The cncmy's
pickcts were driven in with such hot haste that
thy left an ovcrcoIt, few blankets and a well
filled haycrsack, which became the property Of
Orderly Dill. During this time reliable informa-
ton was received that the rebel expedition was
within 10 miles of the Gap. This was more Of Il
dampcr on us than was the uncomfortable elements
which were bombarding US with rain and snow
Many feared that We would be ordered back i'm
mcdiatcly. While we were discussing the proba-
btics of a contest orders came to advance. We
marched on to within range of the cncmy's guns,
W hen darkness came on and operation, were ne
ccssary suspended. We were ordered to lay on
our arms and rest, and We did rest; that is if you
call it resting to lay ON the cold ground amid rain,
snow and noise. Early next morning our Reg-
ment was detailed to shiumish, one or two compa-
nies at time. The skirmishers were near enough
the cncmy's works. Some of our balls are said
to have gone over the hill, distance of a mile;
they were doubtless the shot fired at their flag.
The rebels opened on us with their big guns
about 90 clock A. NJ, giving us specimen Of
shootin from their "a and Gl-poundc.s, and occa-
sionally introducing to the of our sirmishers
the melodies of grape and canister shot. Lieut..
Worries declared he thought it rifle shooting, and
felt sure we conld never stand that kind of mus.
kctry. A vast amount of dodgng was performed.
1t comes just rs natural to dodge when cannon
ball, whizng past as it is TO blink when struck
between the eyes. l noticed this lodging carly
in the morning, when party OF us went out to Il
knob i'll full view of the enemy. | had a large
rcd blanket ropcd around me which troubled some
Of the Kentucky officers. They remarked that
ought to take it off. Just at this time 'baug"
went the cannon and away went the Kentuckans;
leaving Sergeant Nelson and myself in possession
OF the knob. As they were leaving one fellow sad
"Therc, | knew they would shoot at us when they
saw that red blanket" But the cream of the
joke was, that instead Of shooting at lis they were
firing at Capt. Whctmore, who had planted his
two Parrot guns about mile to our right. Some
time aitera large party IF us were on another
knob still further in advanced. A 81 FOUNDER
which they were working in barbctte was lcyeled
at us, and Major Kcrshner cried out; "Boys, scat
ter, she's coming after us!'' In a second every
man was behind II friendly tree or rock. Some
fine specimens of agility were displayed in this
movements. They did fire at us, sure; but the
shell fell little short and exploded in the ravinc
below. The skirmishing continued all day. the
gallant Whctmorc giving it to them right and left
Our cndcavors to draw them out were all in vain.
That night our regiment slept at the rear of the
cannon, under pclting snow storm, and within
range of the rebel guns. 1t was strange they did
not fire on us during the night. Our boldncss in
coming under their nose with two 1O-poundcrs
and 5000 men, while they had 5000 men and 20
large guns, probably scared them.
The next morning, Sunday, we started for our
camp. They gave us parting salute from their
Gl FOUNDER, but no one could tell where their balls
struck. We got back without the loss Of man.
The rebels acknowledge loss of 30; which |
wish had been thousand. The expedition was
daring and added greatly to the reputation of the
10Th Regiment We were acknowledged the best
drilled troops our brigade officers had ever seen,
and now 1t is settled that we can be relied upon
in any emergency. Gen. Carter is higly delight
cd with us.
Two days after our return party of rebel cav
airy drove in few of our pickets, Our Regi-
mcnt was turned out and pursued them miles,
when we hid in ravinc and endcav vorcd to draw
the into fight but in this We failed Wcrctun.
ed to camp muddy, tired and disappointed. We
are expecting rcinforcemcnts, and when they ar
rive | think we will make the rebels cyacuate.
Well, we, that is the Captains have elected
Mr., Matock our Chaplain over Rcvs. Sutherland,
Reed and Mcfarland There has been much
fuss and figuring in the matter, and it is UNDER
stood that the Colonel will not sign the papers
necessary to secure Mr. Matlock commission.
do not know what influences have been brought
TO bear to prompt him to this course. Some think
he does not like the man, and others that he wants
no Chaplain. The Licuenants have no voice in
the matter, so we concluded to have a Chaplain OF
our own, and acc cordingly called meeting to Sc
lcct one. Our proceeding were Il buresque the
Chaplain chosen does not render satisfaction, and
we will probably dispose of him by Court Martial.
Through the kdness eff Sergeant Nelson send
you specimen of the curiosites of Summcrset
/ You can hand them over, with my compliments,
to the friend you deem most in need. Be sure
they are preserved for the use of "W Worthy Broth
crs Of he Order" How would they do for Bro.
ther Cohn? Yours, Truly,
M B. DESlLVA.