Northwest enterprise. [volume] (Anacortes, Wash. Ter.) 1882-1887, 1883-03-24
A WAR "REMINISCENCES.

L
Their possessions were small, their
means meager; and it was only with
the most rigid frugality, that they
were able to live from year to year.
A modest cottage, nestled amongst
the hills of Southern Ohio. was their
home. Their heme-if not one of
plenty-was one of quiet happiness.
The joy of the one was the comfort
and solace of the other.
When the war broke out in '61,
young Ennis felt as if it was his duty
to go forth in defense of his country;
but he could not see how he could
possibly leave his almost helpless and
aged mother. Filial affections and
patriotism filled equally the chambers
of his so1l, and time was only to de
velop which vas the stronger of the
two
After many prayers it was decided
finally that Levi should go. He was
now a man of mature age-past 30
years old. His mind and habits were
fixed; and the demoralizing infu-
ences of soldiers life, would not
swerve him from doing what was
right, and make him faithful in the
discharge of all his duties.
AT that time-August, 1S72-a regi-
ment was being made up from his
district ane in due time young Ennis
enrolled himself as a member of Com
pany-, seth o. V. I. He was mus
tered into tho service at Camp DENIM
son, O., and in a few days afterwards
went with his regiment into active
service He remained faithfully with
the regiment, participating in all its
weary marches and arduous cam
paigns. He was always ready for
duty when called upon, believing in
a faithful discharge of every act
He was not only faithful himself, but
he expected every one else to be the
same also-no difference whether EN-
listed men or officers. When he
would see others Sinking duty he
was very free to speak about it, ano
would do it sometimes. in rather
harsh and grumbling manner. Ht
would excuse none, and hence many
would .misjndge him, and take him tC
be chronic complainer. Many be
lieved him to be rather too cynica
and that his talk betrayed him to be
more timid than brave.
In 1864 we were with Gen. Sher
man campaigning in Georgia. Many
and many an old soldier still remem
bers that long and bl body seige fol
Kenesaw Mountain 1t was there We
dug riHe-pits after night and skirm
ished all day, We had no regular
hours, for anything--it was duty al
the time. The first two weeks of the
seige it rained constantly, and that il
connection with our ard,ous duties
was enough to try the nerve of oul
strongest men. 1t will be remem
bered that on Saturday June Is, was
one of those days that the windows
OF heaven were open, and the rair
came down in torrents. Rains never
prevented an advance of the lines
and on this day an advance was made
and that with such care and caution
that we were compelled to remain in
line of battle the entire day unit
late in the evening, when we were al
lowed to seek protection from the
elements, as we'll as from our enemy
The lines were now pushed up neal
the foot of the mountain and in close
proximity to the outer Rebel works
The greatest of precaution was re
quired SO as to not allow the enemy
to get one inch of the advantage
The ground in front of us was thicl
woods, and apprehensions were felt
that the Rebels might advance their
lines and take advantage of our mer
before they could get up suitable
works for protection.
Our regiment was not assigned any
duty that night. but was commando
to lie down and rest. We had just
availed ourselves of this privilege
when an order came for q detail Of
six men and Corporal to go out ano
fill a gap that was in the picket lines
between two divisions. The writer
was put in charge of the detail, which
included our Comrade Ennis also
With the assistance of an officer, my
men were put on the picket line, ano
scattered out for distance OF AZ
or SO rods. This was about 10 O'Clock
at night, and the rain had ceased, and
the stars were shining brightly. Or
ders were given to the pickets tc
keep sharp and vigilant outlook, tc
shelter themselves as much as posi-
BILE, and to challenge no one coming
from the front. The situation was
supposed to be so critical and the line
to be in such close proximity to the
Rebel line that the pickets were &c
remain on duty till near morning be-
fore they would be relieved. 1t was
made my duty to remain with them
and occasionally to visit each man to
see if proper watchfulness was exer-
cised.
About midnight / started to 60
around to visit the sentinels to see il
all was right. had passed three OF
my men, whom 1 found awake to
duty. but as easily approached my
fourth one, 10, and behold! he was
asleep. It was Ennis. He had sat
down with his back to tree and his
face to the rear. His gun was lean
ing against the tree, and he dead
in a deep slumber. I went cautiously
and brought away his gun before |
made any attempt to awaken him. l
stepped back and waited some time to