davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
Several SURPRISES at Shiloh.

To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
have read with much interest the history of the
battle of Pittsburg Landing by General Yeatch, in
answer to General Hovey, published in your last
issue, and much pleased with il that / can
rihle conflict II the hardest fought battle in
which l participated. 10 was fought against the
greatest odds, but this does not prove that
That we went there to fight was well understood:
that we were making all preparations and getting
ready to fight is u fact and that did fight
never fought before or since, is another fact But
the fact that ] was forced 10 hurrieaijy eonsign
fine piece of steak, which | had Just prepared to
roast, TO the flames. and seize my gun is to my
mind, conclusive evidence that the battle was al
ready on. And might say that one-fcurth of the
men were still enjoying the sweet suniber of early
at the time PrentiSs first attacked mot
as the was rising and 5 soon as our regiment
the Forty-nnth Illinois volunteers, formed the
color line, we moved to support his division. His
line was about four hundred yards in front but
for some reason which did not then understand
but do now, received the order to about face
ana oonoie.auiek IL appears that a brigade oil
Kentucky rifemen three regimcnts) were moving
to our rear, and had we not made this movement
we would have been taken prisoners. We then
eeiyed the order to form left in front ! think
Colonel Pease then had command of regiment
Colonel Morrison had been wounded ut the bat
tie of Fort Donelson and was left behind. just
we had about complied with the order. tleft in
'front.' we received the fire of that Kentucky brig
AIDE. And then we We're surprised again. Sur
prised at our dead and wounded; surprised that
any of us were left. And this was only a counter
part of what all troops experienced until about
10 O'Clock a. m. From this time commenced
to meet the enemy in better shape and by o'clock
that day were able to hold them in check. All
honor to the brave and gallant officers who rallied
their broken columns against such fearful odds
and all honor to the brave men who faced and
fought, and fought again and again, such desper-
ate foe
1t would be well to append to the names of the
proposed pension list all who were there and the
experience of each during that battle 1t would
be good lesson for the living to study and put to
shame the miserable wretches who are raising
such a hue and about the pension frauds IL
would be well to show them how it is that a man
can live many years in a few short hours.
+. A. NILES,
Late First Lieut. of Co. ID, 49th III.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
The cambridge Fiasco.
To the Editor NATIONAL TR1BUNR:

would like to correct mistake of General g.
G. Dibrelrs in regard to General Changers Corps
Uhe Fourth} of the Army of the Cumberland He
says they were thoroughly equipped. If he means
by that that We supplied with arms and
ammunition he is correct, but If he means
that we were well fed and clothed he Is
mistaken. After the battle of ChicISarnauga
never drew full rations but once till about the LIST
OF March, 1854, and great deal os that time the
amount we received considerably less than half
of what were entitled to- The single exception
was when we started to Knoxville when we
received six days full rations and were expected to
put them all in our haveFsecs, when every soldier
knew that three days rationS was all they would
hold. What rations did get that winter con-
sisted mostly of beef and flour, with no way Of
cooking the flour except to make slap-acISs,
little salt being the only seasoning and remem-
Der that we took short walk of twenty miles one
morning to get something for breakfast We were
but little better off for clothing than we were for
rations. Before we started on the cambridge cam
paign colonel inspected the regiment to see
who had sufficient clothing TO make the march,
and quite a number of the boys had to be left in
camp because they had nothing to wear by own
clothing consisted principally of clothes taken
sionary Ridge. The fact is we were but little
better off i0r supplies than the rebs i think
we were the most surprised troops ever heard of
when received orders to retreat from cambridge.
/ can't say were particularly anxious for q
fight, but we had not been used TO retreating till
we were obliged TO, and that did not occur very
often. If any one knows why the retreat was
ordered just at that time, viii they please rise and
explain? Yours, respectfully,
JOEL WRIGHT,
Co. D. Goth o. V. " l.
Coal, CREEK Iowa
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
Custer's Last Order, Issued at App0masfox Court
House, April g. 1865.

HEADQUARTERS THIRD CAVALRY DIVISION,
APPoNATrox COURT HOUSE, VA, April 9, 1855.
SoLDIERs THE CAyALR7 DIVISION:
With profound gratitude towards the God Of bat
ties. by whose blessings our enemies have been
humbled and our arms rendered triumphant, your
commanding general ayallS himself Of this, his first
opportunity, to express to you his admiration Of
the heroic manner in which you have passed
the series of battles which to-day resulted N the
surrender of the eaernys entire army. The record
established by your indomitable courage is TN
parllleled in the annals of war; your proves has
won for you even the respect and admiration Of
your enemies. During the past SIX months, al
though in most instances confronted By superior
numbers, you have captured from the enemy, n
open battle, one hundred and eleven pieces OF held
artillery sxfy-five batte-ags, and upwards Of ten
thousand prisoners of war, including general
officers within the past ten days; and included IN
the above You have captured forty-six pieces OF
field artillery and thirty-seyen battle-hags; You
have never lost gun, never lost color, and have
never been defeated, and notwithstanding the
numerous engagements in which You have borne
prominent part, including those memorable battles
ofthe Shenandoah you have captured every piece Of
artillery which the enemy has dared TO open upon
YOU The near approach of peace renders il in
probable that you VIII again be called upon to
deFgO the atigues of the toilsome march or the
posure of the battlefield, but should the assistance
of keen blades, welded your sturdy arms be re-
quiFed to hasten the coming Of that glorious peace
for which we have been so long ecntenetng, the
general commanding Is proudly confident that IN
the future, as in the past every demand VIII meet
with hearty and willing response Let US hope
that our work Is done, and that, blessed with the
comforts of peace, we may be permitted to enjoy
the pleasures of home and friends For our COM
raeies who have fallen. let cherish CRATE
full remembrance TO the wounded, ard TO those
who anguish IN Southern PRISONS let our heartfelt
sympathy be rendered. And now, speaking for N.Y.
self alone when the war ended and he task Ell the
historian begins when those deeds OF daring which
have rendered the name and fame OF the Third
cavalry division inPerishable are inscribed upon
the bright pages of our cOantry'S history. / only
ask that my name may be written as that OF the
commander OF the Third cavalry division
(OfieiaI) G. A CUSTER,
Brevet Major General Commanding.
L. w. BARNHART, Captain and A. A. A. q.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
Recolleetions of sold Abe.y
To the Editor NArrosAL Tn1RUxE:

10 the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
Herewith / send You 81 90 for a new subscriber
to THE TRIBUNE. This dollar puts me in mind of
Old Abe. of the Eighth Wisconsin infantry.
first acquaintance with Old Abe at St Louis,
in September, 1861. The Thirty-third Illinois,
Eighth Wisconsin, and several other regiments,
were awaiting transportation to Pilot Knob, Mo.
Old Abe concluding TO make observations, tapped
his wings and very soon was out of sight. Time
passed but the pet OF the boys did not return, and
he given up as lest. But TO our great JOY he
came in sight at last and q wild shout went up
from all, and the pride of the Eighth Wisconsin
settled gracefully in his proper place and seemed
to partaiSe of the wild enthusiasm. In short time
ordered to rout JEFF Thompson, at Fred
eriektown. Mo-, who was about S,0Oo strong We
marched Saturday night, and at 10 m. were drawn
by Colonel Lowe, was in our trent The coioneH5
horse white, making a good mark. This was
first experience. Old Abe sat on his perch, as
composed old veteran, but, when the battle
commenced, seemed to take in the situation, left
his perch, few over the Johnnies tapped his wings,
he had pasrt to play. have no doubt but that 8
hundred shots fired at him. In the meantime,
the Thirty third Illinois, Eighth Wisconsin. TWEEN
teth Illinois, Schoiiefds battery and Fourth Ind
lana cavalry, putting IN their first work. Cox
onel Lowe fell dead from his horse, and many a
brave Johnny bit the dust. Major Garrett COM
handing battalion of the Fourth Indiana cavalry,
fell while charging rebel battery and right well
did his brave boys avenge his death; not man
was left of that battery that in reach of their
avenging sabres- Our first battle was decided
victory, and we have often thought that Old Abe
put in his work at the right time spreading fear,
dread, and CONSERVATION through the rebel ranks.
). G.. PARKER,
Capt Co. H, SD III. In
COLORADO SPRINGS Col
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29

on 10 higher ground we stopped 10 see what was
going on. On the opposite side of the ravine was
q battery Of six guns, well manned and working
lively, sending shelis into camp and moving
down tho underbrush in front of the guns. just
back OF these same guns a heavy line Of in
fantry coming up on quick time. We looked to-
wards camp and we could see the shells tearing
through our tents. just then the long roll was
sounded, and the Northumberland was shouting
for the Seventeenth TO fall inI fall IN and the
boys were springing for and boots In double
quick time. just an got to the camp saw some
ladies wives of the oficersl striking for the rear
Among the ladies WIS Mrs. Belle Reynolds no
ticed when a shell would GO screaming over their
heads all of the ladies with the exception OF Mrs
Reynolds) would stoop nearly to the ground and
scream at the top of their voice. Mrs Reynolds
would turn her head back and laugh Well that
Is the way the battle of Shiloh opened as saw it,
and if there Is man that was in the Seventeenth
Illinois infantry that not surprised, then
never heard of him. This Mrs Belle Reynolds did
good work in helping to take care of the wounded,
and Governor Yates, of Illinois, gave her q fine
horse and saddle and commission as major.
B. SMITH
Co. 3, 18th III. Inf.
GIADBRooK Iowa
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
with Uncle Sam twenty years sgo"-M. E. Boy
sell Tarlf Ohm

with Uncle Sam twenty years ago."-M. z. Boy
sell, Tarlton, Ohio.
Enclosed please find s3for three new subscribers.
] always LOOK for THE TRIBUNE, and would feel
lost without it. For the good of the man that was
motto. Stand firm for victory. How often in our
army life has the safety of thousands depended
upon the courage and faithfulness of one. flames
Henshaw, South Chicago, Ill.
Enclosed please find So for two new subscribers,
making eight in all have sent you. do not have
much time outside of my regular duties to work
for you but feel it to be for the interest of all
soldiers that THE TRIBUNE should have good
support. must say that enjoy reading the spicy
extracts from the letters of those who interested
like myself in enlisting new recruits for THE TRIB-
UNE arlny"H. I. Peck, New Haven, Conn.
Enclosed please find 81 for two subscribers
to THE TRIBUNE shall send you more soon, as
am putting in all my time for THE TRIBUNE now,
hunting up the boys who wore the blue twenty
years ago. i have lately become member OF Phil
Kearney Post No. z, andf find that can reach the
boys much better than when / stood alone. We
have fiourishing Post here with about 100 MEM
bers and new recruits wheeling into line every
week.''-R. Tischo, Muskegon, Mich
IncIosed please find 81, one to renew my sub
scription-I do not know when 1t expires, but do
not want to miss a single number-and one for a
new subscriber Since have taken THE TRIBUNE
have had il sent to six different post-oces in this
State where previously it had not been taken at
all. but at some of which many as six or
eight copies are received. Let everybody do as
well and you viii soon get your 100000 subscrib-
ers."-Wm. III. Nichols, Livermore Falls, Maine.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
General Duryea's Brigade.
tor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:

TO the ECftor NATIONAL TRIBUNE.
/ desire to ask question What regirlse=its
formed the brigade commanded by BriGadier-G GEN
eral Abrani Duryea in the Army of Virginia and
the Potomac in 1852? What was the number of
brigades, division and corps? One man here says
that the brigade of General Duryes was composed
of the One Hundred and Fourth and One Hundred
and Fifth New York volunteers and the One Hun
bred and Seventh Pennsylvania and that it be-
Ionged to the First Army Corps Please give us the
figures yourself and that will settle the dispute.
OswEGO, n. Y. STAR CORPS BADGE.
THE brigade known rs Duryea's brigade was
composed, from January until June, IS62, OF the
One Hundred and Fourth aud One Hundred and
Fifth New York and One Hundred and Seventh
Pennsylvania volunteers. In June the Ninety
seventh New York was added. and in November
following the brigade further strengthened by
the addition of the Sixteenth Maine anu Ninety
fourth New York. General Dnryea commanded
until October 1852, when, obtaining leave of ali
sence the command deyolved upon Colonel t. L.
Mccoy One Hundred and Seventh Pennsylvania,
who in turn relieved in November by Colonel
Adrian +. Root, of the Ninety-fouTth New York
The brigade assigned follows: january to
April, Military District of Washington AIey, See
ond brigade, Second division, department of Rap
paiannocix; June, Second brigade, Second divis-
ion, First Army Corps; July and August, First
brigade Second division, Third Army Corps Army
of Virginia; September To December First brigade
Second division, First Army Corps, Array of the
Poto.s.ac.--ED.i
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
Another Surprised Man at shiloh.

noticed in recent number of THE TRIBUNE
a description of the battlefield of Shiloh. WIS
there, and well remember what was doing when
the first few volleys were fired I had put my
eartFldge-box. and WAS getting ready for review.
had three or four canteens, and on my way 70
the spring to the southeast of the camp, in the di
rectlon where the firing WIS first heard ]
horseman riding rapidly towards the camp from
Prentss division, and my Lord how the long roll
did beat. The distant but heavy volleys of mus
mighty storm approaching passed on to the
spring and filed the canteens. When / came in
sight of our parade ground, the boys speedily
forming into companies. Fall in, fall in = was
heard all along the line i have been in hotter
fights but on that day were being fianked al
most constantly until sundown."-P. 3. Herring
ton, Wapella, Ill.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
What Is Thought Of The Tribune in View York.

To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
What shall, what can say to express the appre-
citation in which hold THE TRIBUNE? Words fail
me when realize what you have done and are still
doing and can only say that shall still turn to
you and say, Watchmani tell Us of the night
what its signs of promise are" for one fully
assured that 70 you and the soldier press must
look for help for the soldier, his widow and or
phans. I tho happy q reeipient OF IRE weekly
papers, and the seTni-weekly n. Y Tribune and
among them all hardly n word 70 give the leass
information concerning the action Of Congress IL
their favor while more than has referred to
soldiers and pensioners in the most insulting and
abusive terms. With your indulgence propose,
when / have leisure, to bring an arr1ignmeut
against some Of them for think they deserve it.
Faithfully yours, j. z. K P4FTEy
HORSELIISyIILE, N. Y, March 10, 1888.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
What Another Soldier Thinks About 1t.
To the Editor NAr1osAL TRlBuNE:

To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
In the last copy of THE TRIBUNE, under the head
of THE Battle of Shiloh General James G. Yeatch
says: No one has ever charged that the divisions
of MeClernand, Hurlbut or w. H. l.. Wallace were
surprised"
Now, Mr. Editor, was private soldier, and at
that time was doing duty ffer in the Seven
MeClernand's division. On the 9th of April the
ffers and drummers turned out usual and played
the reveille. Immediately after rolt-call, / with
one of the drummers took canteens aud went
down to small ravine some hundred yards in
front OF our camp, where there WAS small spring of
water. We took n good wash there, oonibed our
heads, chatted little while, then filled cam
teens, and had just swung them on our shoulders
to start up the Hill to camp when there was tre-
mendous crash of artillery up in the brush not far
from us, and the shells went screaming over our
heads towards our camp. / exclaimed, What
does that mean? My comrade answered that !" hell
out Of that on the double quick. and when we got
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
A Mighty Good stor,-ana True.
To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:

To the Editor NATIONAL TRIBUNE:
THE TRIBUNE comes regularly, and am much
interested ia its thrilling accounts of the late war
that am tempted to add my mite
1t happened during the battle of Gaines Mills
Va that we got very badly MIXED up--at one time
the rebels having got behind Us and a. It appeared
upon slI sides of us-and having expended about
all of our cartridges We were pretty tired II not
little densoYalized. We lying Eat upon
faces firing very slowly, with almost is.st
muni.ion. when a Yeb. who was also in .he last
stages of decentralization, ana seemed to iabor
the Yankees, (which presume he WIS, Tor REQ, sG
Yanks were sanowiehed IN through those woods
to beat ali esalcIlntionl bounded Of tAc bus,cs
within ten feet of a recruit who hai! arrived u csT
from home Just before the battle. The "reo" WIS
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
A Good Word For woman's Auxiliaries.

81 think you are right in advocating the organi-
cation of Auxiliary Societies. 1 want to tell you
what happened to Williams Post No. So. The ladies
of the towns of Groion and Sonngon took IT into
their heads to do something TO aid the Post so they
got up a supper and made $3.50, and turned the
money into the Post treasury with this remark:
Do not let a soldier his family want for the
necesssries of life. When this money is gone, we,
viii raise more That is the way to talk and say
may Heavens richest blessings attend the ladies'"
Moses c. Wolf Noar1, Conn.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE WASHINGTON c. THURSDAY

that he would for bird grade. For disability ex-
ceeding the latter grade, he would be rated sams
as an enlisted man. The same rule applies to lieu
tenants. See also reply to j. d. M.
r. H., Maple Rapids.-lst. The rating for loss Of
sight of one eye (the other not Rffected) Is one
half total, 81 Loss Of an eye or of sight of an
eye are considered the same. I'd. 1t Is matter
discretionary with the surgeons to be decided by
them.
J.ND., Round Lake, Minn--Thers Il no new
law relative to increase of pensions for loss of
eye. See reply to X. A.
T. f., Both. N ITO entitle you to admission
to the National Military Home, you must have
been disabled in service and In line of duty. The
law has not been changed that we are aware Of.
g. p, Stan,rood, Io,ca.-You are not entitled to
any Government land Tor the service OF your son
furnished you.
H. e. g. Worcester Mdss,-You might have been
entitled to additional bounty, but you failed to
file claim therefor prior to July 1, 1880, you have
no redress at this date.
RS, Davenport, NJ Y-If you furnish testimony
showing the degree of your deafness; that is
whether you have been slightly, severely, of to-
tally deaf from time TO time, as required, 1t will
probably be sufficient.
PHI B. Ford Ho.-The actual service Of the SOL
der. providing it does not exceed four years, is
deducted from the five years residence required OF
other persons.
Us, Madison Wis.-Your claim for deafness Is
probably not considered complete. The claim for
wound being complete, was settled. The other
part of your claim is pending, and when you prove
it up you will draw arrears for the deafness
This is the usual method of disposing of claims
where more than one. disability is alleged. You
should accept the certificate as issued and go ON
and complete the remainder of your claim. See
reply to Fourth Minnesota, February l. 1888.
J. s., Chicago, IH.-Apply tS2the Commissioner
of Pensions for re-rating Without all the facts
in the case, we cannot state whether additional
evidence, &C., will be necessary not. 1t is not
customary for Pension Office TO order new exami-
nation whenever claimant asks for it. If claimant
can show cause for an appeal from decision of a
board of surgeons who have examined him, an ex-
animation by some other board might be granted.
d. c., Wetoka, Minn.--The arrears act not
extended for any time subsequent to June 80, 1880,
when it expired.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29

q six-footer and was painting like donkey engine.
Upon seeing the recruit he stopped short, and
gnzed at him in blank CONSERVATION for few Sec
onds. The recruit was equally amazed and terrified
and began to stanmner and rise 70 explain The
reb at last threw down his gun, and the words
I'LL sur-r-r-render" tried through his chatter
ing teeth "B-b-by God" exclaimed the recruit,
that's j-ust the wword was trying to think Of
And the rebel got away. CHAs. n BARLOW
HARrwIcK, OsCEoLA Co.. Mich, March Is.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29

"a I have seen no eonundruu1s in THE TRrgUSE as
yet but the cOuuHdrum about it IS how much
be furnished for little, viz So columns Of
good reading matter for two cents ?'S. c. SpauiG-
ing, Newton Centre, Mass
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
Can Scarcely Find a Better Paper.
[Emerson la Chronicle.

The soldier boys can scarcely find better paper
to advocate their interests than THE NATIONAL
TRIBUNE, published at Washington, D. @. It's
editor WAS on the tented field, and has not forgot
ten the smell of powder the music of the mimic
ball with which the boys in blue very familiar.
If the boys get their pensions, they will have to
stand together against the shameless sharks that
know no law but avarice, and no impulse but that
OF private greed. There hundreds of old SOL
diers waiting patiently for Uncle Sam to bestow
supon them at this late day what they should have
had years ago. Hold on. boys, God isn't dead, nor
is patriotism entirely q thing of the past.
The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1883-03-29
One Of sherldan,s Caralrymen.

81 happened to be of General Sheridan's
cavalrymen. and would like TO hear something
about the campaigns of 1S63'64 and '65 with
Little Phil. saw something in a recent number
of THE TRIBUNE about sending rations to General
Sheridan. care of General Early. If nay memory
serves me- it about the list of October 1864 that
we captured some new cannon from Early's men,
some eight ten in number. think, and some
wag among boys put cards on them, with the
following inscription: From General r. e. Lee to
General Philip Sheridan, in of General Jubal
Early. '"-William Gardner, Middle Sprite, N. Y.