Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-01-28
Battery 18th Ohio.
Is CANr AT JACKSON, Tenn.
Jan. l4th. 1863.

manuvering of small rebel force in this
vicinity, our communication has been
cut off since Dec. 18th '62, during which
time our boys have been quite lonesome.
On the 10th the mail came in which was
welcomed
One day was spent in reading, writing
and scratching the columns OF the papers
for the news. We now receive our mail
regular, which makes us feel quite at home.
The rebel force that was in this vicinity
was commanded by Gen. Forest. His
first attack was OIL II part of the 9Th Ohio
cavalry and one section of Artillery near
l. xington. All of the artillery and a
part OF the cavalry were taken prisoners.
They then manuvered in front of jack
son, and skirmished some little with our
pickets. But finding jackson too strong
position to attack they attacked Hum
bolt, taking the place and some prisoners.
Among the prisoners was Col. Engleson,
of the l1th Ill. cavalry, but during their
stay Col. Engleson made his escape
Also one private of the 5th Ohio cavalry
made his escape with Gen. Forests horse,
bride and saddle. .sa-. --
With the exception of some little skir
mishing, no engagement took place until
| Dec. 3lst '62. The rebel forces attacked
one Brigade of our troops, commanded
| by Col. Dunham Rt Parkers Cross Roads.
After two or three hours hard fighting
the rebel force overpowered our men, and
would have taken them prisoners, but
for the timely interference of the Buck
eye Boys. One of the Ill. regiments had
fred away all of Their ammunition, and had
just hoisted the white flag, when Col.
Fuller came in sight with the Ohio Brig
ade. As soon as the rebels saw the sabre
bayonets of the twenty-seventh and thir
ty-ninth Ohio regiments, glistening in the
air and charging toward them, they COM
menced retreat imediately, leaving be-
hind them six pieces of Artillery, some
two hundred horses, and about four hun
dred prisoners. They continued their
western mode of warfare namely retreat
ing, until they had crossed the Tenues-
see river.
One Brigade from jackson commanded
by Colonel Lawler, with one section OF
the 18th Ohio Battery Joined the chase at
Lexington. The first days march brought
us within eight miles of the river, where
we encamped for the night, close 10 n
small brook. In the night two companies
of the 18th ILL.,, volunteers were sent out
to act as skirmishers, commanded by
Captain Reed of Col. LAWYERS staff. One
company was sent ahead of the other;
when it was coming in again, it cam . in
different direction. At the same time
they came in sight, some horses in AN adj
joining field took fright and started to
rum Captain Reed hearing the noise,
and thinking that he was attacked, order
ed the seconed company to fire. The fire
was returned by the first company, kill
ing two men, and woundihg several 9th
.ers. Capt. Reed was among the wounded
When we learned the facts in the case I
do not think that any blame can be at
tached to any one for the accident.
The next day, Jan. Sd, we continued
the chase to the Tennessee river, and find
ing them well fortified on the opposite
shore, we exchanged q few shots. Then
by mutual agreement with the enemy, We
ceased firing gave up the chase, and re-
turned to jackson. A
Extensive foraging gains are sent out
daily from this place.
Since your former correspondent Ber-
num) left our Battery, there has been some
change made among the officers. Quar-
termaster Sergeant Hurlbut been appoint
ed Orderly Sergeant. Sergeant Hur1but
was one of the first names on our list at
the time of the getting up of our Battery.
He has since faithfully done his duty as
Quartermaster and we think it proper
promotion.
Private Irwin Childs has been appoint |
ed Quartermaster. Mr.. Childs is from
Ashtabula Co., he is an active, straight |
forward man and we thiuk he will make /
a good officer. ...E . ..5
The following named persons have re-
ceived their discharge on account of poor
health and this day return to their homes.
Artifcer Thomas Douglass, of Warren,
d. c.. Ackley, of Bloomfield,
F. B. Pierce, of Ashtabula Co.
Pierce has always been at his
post, always in the faithful discharge of
his duties, always pleasant, sociable and
......-
We regret much to part with Ucnle
Tommy Douglass, as he is called BY the
boys He has always been at his post
through thick and thin. while he had his
health He has been to us young Ameri-
cans an example in the discharge of his
duties, both as a soldier and as a man.
He has won the respect of the Battry, and
our best wishes will follow him through
life. -. .-... ........-
Burrows has returned to the Battery
and taken command. He has not been
with us since the Battle of Shiloh, during
which time we have been ably and salts
commanded by Lieut.. Fl. Fl.
Stull
We have been living on half rations
since Dec. 2oth But we now draw full
Fations again. Our foraging trains do their
duty. al. ... .-..-.
There is but little difference of opinion
Dr. political discussion in our company. 1t
IS true we have two or three old-fashioned
pull backs, who are continually complain
ing or finding fault with our Government.
The Presidents proclamation don't suit
hem. Or the operations of some Gen
sral don't suit them. Or some thing else
don't suit them, they don't know what.
They are properly compared to mule
fastened TO one of the strong
beams OF a Steamer, pulling back, trying
10 impede its progress, while the Steam
er moves steadily along; unconscious that
Inv object is trying to impede its pro-
yress. Yours truly, LEWIS.