The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1889-01-26
History of the roam Illinois Infantry.


u,storv of the IOAth Illinois Infantry.
RAN ON, Jan. l9tb.--On the 2d OF Sep
TENDER. 1868, the movement for the cap
ture of Chattanooga began. Our regi
ment crossed the Tennessee river at Caper'
tons Ferry, and the following day cross I'd
the mountains. Then we entered Lookout
valley, near Trenton, Ga, and followed the
valley until we reached Johnsons Creek
and ON the 9TH assembled Lookout mountain,
crossing the mountain to Stephens Gap,
then descending into McLunor's cave; and
on the 10th we moved forward with Neg
ley's division to DaviS cross roads, and on
the following day developed the rebel ar.
my at Dug gap, In the Pigeon mountains
After a severe skirmish with some loss
we fell back again TO McLunOrs cave
where we remained until the 10Th, when
the movement toward Chattanooga was
commenced. On the night Of the 18Th we
marched all night, taking position In
front of Crawish Springs, where we were
engaged during the l0lh, exposed most of
the time 10 a terrific artillery fire, and SUI.
fering severe loss. Here was where Ja'
cob Bane was wounded, which caused the
loss of his arm. Bane is now pension
agent at Ottawa On the evening Of 10Th
we moved 70 the left Of the army, where
we camped near the front line Of battle.
Here we spread our blankets, and trying
10 give ourselves over to rest and sleep,
which we needed, and TO forget our circum-
stances and the thought OF the morrow.
Few of us boys on the eve Of such a mo.
mentous struggle and the excitement OF
the hour, were able to calm our thoughts
70 such degree that s,umber came. We
were under orders to be ready TO spring to
our feet In an instant. We had thrown
ourselves down without removing our
shoes, Or even unclasping our cartridge
belts. Each had his musket beside him,
and lay with ear strained TO catch the
slightest sound of alarm We pulled our
blankets over US as we lay on the ground
with nothing between us and the stars
above that winked responsive 10 our wake
full eyes. We could hear the crack of the
muskets on the picket line ms thy rang out
sharply in the clear September night air.
Some one gave false alarm, when we
sprang to our feet We arose rs by magic,
and In moment were standing In line Of
battle. 1t was false alarm, and after a
short time we lay down again to wait for
the morn. That was a weary night, and
nv thoughts then would fill volume,
with the dread of what that day must bring
10 many, and perhaps to myself We
wanted the battle 10 come on, and yet
would be glad when II was over. How of
ten has the true soldier wished for the
battle to commence, when he was laying
within hearing distance, though death
stared him in the face!
In the morning the orderlies came along
the line, here and there touching II pros,
trate form, and utteriDg their words Of com.
mand In low, suppressed tones. There was
no bias, of huge or sound of drum, for the
solid battallions of the enemy, alert and
vigilant, lay but a short distance away
They, too were astir, for each army was
preparing to spring like tiger upon the
other So we drank cup of coffee, ate a
few crackers and slice of raw bacon,
rolled up our blankets, threw them over
our shoulders, and were ready for the du
ties before US, whatever they night be, To
our right, In long lines, stretched regiment,
brigade and division. Batteries were In
position--every man at his post; cavalry
men and general officers and their staifs
stood beside their saddled horses, ready to
spring into their seats. At last orderlies
and staff officers dashed hither and thither
with orders and papers for the movement
soon TO begin. Details were sent from
each company to fill the canteens with wa
ter. This would be needed In battle. All
were active In the preparation, and soon
the chip was knocked off old Rosy's
shoulder by Bragg.
The storm burst with the suddenness of
q thunderbolt, from our right. Then with
the boom Of artillery, the roll of musketry
volIeys, loud aud long. grew the noise of |
battle as the attack extended along the line.
VIII Calklns, staff officer of Gen. Bette,
comes galloplng up and delivers hasty
message to Col. HaFeman. Every man in
the ranks knows what that order means
Every face bears the Impress of detormin-
ation to obey the call OF duty. The Col
springs into his saddle, and his command
rings out sharp and clear, Attention bat