The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1863-04-30
from the 5 wis. Vois.-Denth of
Cant. h.EnsIey
Camp SD Regt. Wis. Vol,
April Dad 1S63

CAMP OOu ICSG. Nlo' fOhs
April 23d, 1868.
My DEAR PARENTS One week ago to-
morrow morning, the 33dRegt., took up their
line of march for Cold Water, a place distant
80 miles south of Memphis. 1t was under
stood that a force of several thousand men
under one General Chalmers was at that place,
engaged in conscripting and procuring pro-
visions and stores for the southern army. At
4 P M. on the first day of our march we reach
ed the city of fernando distant 25 miles from
our camp. Here we met the advance OF the
southern army, consisting of 800 cavalry. AT
ter a lively fight of about half an hour, they
were completely routed, we taking 76 prison
ers, consisting of commissioned officers and
men. At fernando we remained during the
night. At early sunrise the next morning
we were en- route for Cold Water, and after a
sharp march of 4 hours arrived there. On ar
irving within two miles of the river an officer
of the Gen Staff came galloping back with Or
ders for our Col. to double quick his Regt.,
to the river as we were needed. II order
was given and right willingly was itrespond-
ed too by the men. We soon heard the quick
and rapid vollies of those in advance, and as
we neared the scene Of conflict, the artillery
opened a rapid and deadly fire. We filed rap
idly through the woods and took our position
on the right Of the artillery, where we formed
line of battle. so s~harpshooters were immedi-
ately detailed and sent forward to the bank
of the river and soon our rifles added their
music to the general roar 10 minutes later
our Col. was ordered to advance his Regt., to
the bank, to support the artillery who were
being badly cut to pieces by the enemy's
sh~arpshooters and had already been compell-
ed to abandon one gun. The order was quickly
given and quickly obeyed, but at a severe cost.
As we were forming line ON the bank after
having moved forward, Capt Linsley Of Co.
III" from your County, and Lieut.. II. S. Swift
of GAINESVILLE were killed. Both were excel
lent officers and much loved by their respec-
tive commands. They fell, each at his post,
and nobly and bravely leading their compa-
MES to their respective positions in line. Our
regiment behaved in this, their first fight,
like veterans. Not a man was seen to shrink
from his duty; all seemed to realize their po-
sition and feel the responsibility dependant
upon them.
I cannot close without speaking a word in
praise of Co. 'I". You are aware that this
company was enlisted entirely from Kenosha
County, if except 8 persons, and well may
KenoshaC County beproud of them. Not a man
in the company showed the least sign of co'0-
ardice, and although they were exposed to a
raking fire for 4 hours and a halt, every man
did his whole duty; to personify individu-
ais would be useless as all did equally well.
We arrived here this morning at half past 10,
having been absent seven days. Our loss is
2 killed and 5 wounded. The enemies loss
as reported by prisoners was 200 killed so
wounded, and 107 prisoners, besides a large
amount of supplies which was being convey
ed to the southern army.
More Anon. Yours,
GEORGE FL. NICHOLS, Lieut..
Commanding Co, IL"