Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1863-02-06
CAMP STONE RIVER, Tenn,
Jan. 18th. 1863.
Z. FARIS.


Dear Uncie Il have not received an an
swer to my last. but the mail does not come
regularly, and as we have had solnc lively and
interesting times, thought would give yon
some account of it, and let you know that ]
am alive yet, and ready for another scratch, as
the boys call il but am not at all anxons
however-am not as ferocious as I was.
We left Nashville on the 25th uIt., Rose
Grams, with the main force, marched eastward
on the Murfreesboro pike. We, with Me
Cooks division, marched on the Nolinsyille
pike, which is miles west of this place.
We found regiment of cavalry five miles
from our lines the advance drove them, with
out loss, to the hills near the town, where they
attempted to check US, but were soon routed,
leaving one gun, horses and riders, two killed
aud six wounded. The rain fell in torrents all
day. We went on the top Of a hill or noun
tain it was half mile to the top, aud so
steep that our skill in Ginning was all brought
into use. 1t was very cold. We lay in line
with skirmishers in front. We were in mo-
tion at 6 o'clock iu the morning marched iyc
miles through corn fields, over fences, &c,
few shell and charges kept the enemy in mo-
ton and sent 30 prisoners to the rear. Camp
ed at z. N. Did not march on Sunday :;
marched at daybreak Monday TO the cast, on
narrow, crooked and stony road, crossing
over TO Murfreesboro marched 10 miles, bi-
vouaced in the timber, rain all night march
ed early, are out of rations but the men were
cheerful. We (the AID Iiinois) were i'll ad-
vance when one mile from camp the advance
was fred on. We were soon in line, and
skirmished all day drove the enemy 40 rods
with the loss of 2 killed in Co. g, 10 wounded
in the regiment. seven in Co. g. We had to
cross meadow were relieved in the evening
by the 5lst Illinois. We lay in line in corn
field, one mile from Gen. Rosccraus. The
thunders of cannon reused US; after roasting
some beefsteak and sweet potatoes, which we
mad the good fortune to capture, we were soon
ready and eager for the fray. Johnson was
surprised on the right, and completely routed.
The Ssh Illinois fought well, but was driven
back by Cheatham's brigade.
We were ordered forward To charge
The enemy were in an open field could sce
them very plainly. We fixed bayonets, and
swept on at a double quick across a cotton
field, ran over the 88th, which laid down to let
US pass. TIE rebels lay down on 4 slight rise
in a stubblc Geld, but when we came within
about 30 rods Of them, they broke, and ran
like flock of frightened sheep. Seeing hes
were making the best time, we sent shower
Of bullets after item. which halted mlny.-
We kept on hulf u mie loading aud firing as
we ran. The dead and dying streweI the
ground. We had to leap over them. I hr
butternuts pushed up on the left, ana we had
10 get out as fast as we got in !; but in good
order, and formed in near the batteries. On
they came, seven columns deep now the bas-
tic ragged, and we fought at close quarters,
sometimes less than ten rods distant. The ar
tilory moved them d0wG, but on they cIme,
and we fell back nearly mile, but marked
the way with the bodies Of tho enemy, as well
as with comrades.
Do not think that we did not do our part.-
know that we fought five to one, and could
hold that number in front, but When they gave
way on both aanks it is rather more than we
profess to be able TO stand.
The 42d routed brigade in the morning
and could have driven them into the Gulf if
others had done their part. We made three
charges through the day and drove them cverp
time. Our brave Col Roberts was killed while
raying to charge. He has been comnan-
ding the brigade nearly year, and had just
received commission as Brgadcr. On the
Ist inst the left and centre were engaged-
We formed junction with Rosecrans on the
I'd. The fighting was nearly all done with ar
tillery on the left and centre. A brigade
charged on our right, but was repulscd with
great slaughter, SO rebels came in and gave
themselves up.
The battle ruge6 from centre to left on the
3D.. The rebels made desperate charge on
the left with their main force in the night, but
Rosecrans was not asleep. All the artillery
was double shotted with grape and canister
they were moved down in a shocking manner
the infantry charged on them aud took l 200
prisoners; in the morning they were ont OF
sight. Rosecrans McCook and Palmer were
in the midst Of the fight. l saw them often
during the day. RosecrauS was calm. but not
cool the sweat just rolled off Of him, so |
conclude he Nas not very cool. have not
seen any of the boys. l cos, remaining your
nephew with love and respect.
j. Ii. MAXWELL.