Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1863-03-09
From Shields B---ssry---Ffrst Brieade,
First Division Of the Forces Of Central
Kentucky.

From Shields B--ssry---Rirst Brigade,
First Division Of the Forces Of Central
Kentucky.
Correspondence Cleveland Leaderl
LEXINGTON, March !, 1865.
The telegraph long ere this has an
nOuneed to you that the forces in this
State have had something to do, if NOT in
fighting, ct least in marching. While at
Frankfort, our Brigade, during the last
ten days, has been marched of, one or two
regiments at q time, till no force but the
1O3d Regiment o. Y. I. and our Battery re-
mained, tOlisten to, talk about, and enlarge
the exaggerated rumors that were being
circulated in the city and Camp. At one
time it would be reported that the Tooth
Regiment was repulsed at DanyiIe, or
some other place, by an immense opposing
force, and obliged to retreat Another
rumor would follow, to the effect that
1000 rebels were marchingon Lexington,
where one Brigade was stationed, and that
Kentucky would certainly be occupied by
the rebels. We almost began to think at
last the rumors got SO huge and fearful,
that if we did not get marching orders
soon, there was a possibility of hsing
"gobbled up" But Thursday evening
brought Us marching orders-so long
looked fOr-and at seven o'clock we
started for Lexington, 25 miles, with all
our baggage. The l03d took the cars, So
we had no infantry escort whstever. At
ter marching all night, at FIVE o'clock we
reported ourselves at Headquarters at Lex
ington, when we were ordered to our old
camping ground, on the Fair Grounds.
where we arrived, tired, wet, cold and
hungry, about seven o'clock.
OF course, Lexington has been in a de-
ightful state Of excitement the past week.
The rebels have been in this section of
the country, scouting about, some $500
strong under Colonel Chenault, and
others, but they have been kept so we'll
informed Of the movements and numbers of
our troops by their sympathizing friends
here, that they avoid us, and will not fight
an equal or superior force. So it goes.
Though we have two or three regiments
already mounted, we don't seem to accom-
plish much. The whole substance of the
"big fuss" will be that Colonel ChenRult
and his mounted " braves will be driven
by our mounted and foot infantry, slowly
and carefully until he finds that he must
get out Of the State, or take the conge-
quences," and get hurt. General Gilmore
commands the forces Of Central Kentucky.
He has fearlessly said, and it is currently
reported Z" that he will never give up-that
he will fight them to the endln This as
sertion, considering that he has from five
TO seven thousand men under his command,
cannot be called rash by any means. Brave
Gilmore Noble resolution Never fall
ter, thou preserYer and guardian Of the
lives and homes Of the patriotic Kentuck-
ians who are now 50 badly scared Rush
on with thy indomitable hosts, and let not
one Of the misguided 800 escape thy
severe and righteous displeasure Make
them understand that they must leave the
State, very soon, or they will be captured
and dealt with severely We-rest content
ed in the calm and happy consciousness
that we are protected by such determined
and brave General. In the graphic style
Of army appreciation" we exclaim, " Bull
ly Boy, ell.
Lexington always had the reputation of
being prolific Of dress parades, grand re-
views, inspections, etc. No sooner had we
got into camp than we had orders to pre-
pare for review, Saturday, 8 o'clock. All
the forces here were turned out for parade,
and mustered for pay-the latter a very
pleasant feature, if it brought US our two
months pay any sooner. After the usual
length Of time standing to an "attention,"
after the usual numbers of well dressed Of
fcers, all Generals, suppose, galloping
by, casting a glance down at the rank and
file as they swept along, and after good
deal Of drumming and an immense amount
Of fling, and after a simple inspection of
pieces and muster rolls by an officer, we
ruturned home fully satisfied and impress
ed with the magnitude and the Importance
Of this department.
For some time past it has been evident
that there has been a revulsion in the feel
ings Of the people Of Ohio and other West
ern States. It looks ominous. Il seems as
if all union of sentiment and action was
dead, and that partisan feeling and pre-
judice had degenerated into rebellion and
! reasonable ouLbursts in different sections
Of the North and Northwest. 1t is certain
ly discouraging to the soldier in the field,
/ fighting for the preservation of the Union,
while so many at home, who should be en-
oouraging them by every means are in every
manner trying to hamper the Government
in the prosecution Of the war, and all for
their secursed party The soldier is heart
| sick Of it. It seems as if It was a race for
! the spoils accruing from this terrible war
that they sought for, instead of a great and
united people, prosecuting war for the
preservation Of their good Government,
with pure and unselfsh motives.
1t is impossible to say how long we viii
remain here, but there is no doubt but the
"big scare is over, for time, at least.
have not seen regiment yet that have
met or engaged any rebels at all. SoeEery
one can form their own conclusions.
Captain Shields has been absent the last
ten days, leaving Lieutenant Frank Wilson
in command Of the battery. He is cool snd
self possessed, and makes an efficient
officer.
If anything shall transpire nf =t0rtlin {
interest, and if those rebels should persist
in coming into the State and behaving 81
naughty, and making every one SO uneasy
like, andi in the graphic language Of Shor
ty if we aint gobbled II shall writ'
you again. Until something Of the above
Iremain yours, ct"
Flood Mt Cairo
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