The National tribune., 1893-10-19
THE OLD SSth.
A Graphic Sketch of One of the Hoosi
Regiments i'm Kentucky.

Graphic Sketch of One of the Hoosier
Regiments in Kentucky.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: / saw a
very few words in your issue of July 20 re-
garding the 55th Ind. You conclude: " Be-
yond this we can secure no other informa-
ton of the regiment"
Permit few words from one who was n
member of Co. of that regiment. The
organization was composed of odds and ends
from different parts of the State, called out
to guard prisoners at Camp Morton. l do
not mean that the men were "odds and
ends" but the company.
We were mustered into the service on May
81, 1862. Early in July Gov. Morton ad-
dressed the regiment and stated that there
was urgent call for troops in Kentucky, and,
while we had enlisted to guard prisoners he
would be glad if we would consent to go to
the front He gave any who might not desire
to go the opportunity of stepping to the
rear. Only two of Co c did so. l do not
know how many of other companies, but
not many.
We at once made ready to start. and in
two days we were being hurried from Louis
vile to Frankfort, KY, where it was eX-
pected Morgan would make an attack that
Sunday p. m. As our train pulled into
Bagdad, few miles from Frankfort we dis
covered that great excitement prevailed, and
we were hailed with JOY by some OF our own
relatives, citizens of the place.
We reached Frank fort late in the after
noon and were marched 10 the Statehouse
grounds, where the loyal ladies Of the city
had provided fine lunch for the whole
regiment.
Scouts reported that Morgan was advanc-
ing and Lieut.-Col. John r. MahOn COM
handing the regiment, led us out and up
the long hill on the Louisville turnpike at
double-quick.
As we started we were well loaded down
with all SORTS of comforts rolled up in
and upon our knapsacks. We had not gone
far, however, before the baggage was loosened
aud the knapsacks were chasing each other
down the hill, and many of them were never
seen by the owners again.
After reaching the top of the hill we
marched short distance and were drawn
up in line-of-batte in the woods on the
right of the turnpike, expecting every mo-
ment to be attacked by twice our number.
The elements seemed TO conspire to make rs
fearful, for the sky darkened and thunder
and lightning played havoc with our feelings.
After waiting for some time we were
ordered to lie down in line-oi-battle Till
morning. News then came that Morgan
had crossed the Kentucky River above us,
and was hurrying toward Georgetown.
For some time we were kept busy chasing
these bold riders, but never overlook them,
except a rear-guard. To Georgetown, to
Paris, to Winchester, to Lexington we went,
but nothing more than skirmish was the
result.
During the latter part of August we were
at Nicholasville where we learned of BuelIs
rear movement and Bragg's advance. Our
rations consisted mostly of rOasting-ears
gathered from the fields when we received
orders to march toward Cumberland Gap,
where Kirby Smith was entering Kentucky.
We marched all night, wading the Kentucky
River, and reached Richmond about a. m,
exhausted and hungry, but drew rations in
plenty, though not of the choicest kind
Here word reached us that KIRBY Smith
was marching from Big Hill, and fight was
expec ted soon. Our time had expired, but
Gen. Manson urged us not to leave him, as
we were the only drilled men he had except
a portion of the 18th Ky. and a detachment
of the 4lh KY. Cav.
We consented to see him through, and on
Aug. 20 the picket-fring announced that
the fight was on. We were marched out on
double-quick toward the firing, and during
the afternoon captured a small field-pece,
which gave us great satisfaction, as we sup
posed that was only the beginning of our
achievements.
On that night we lay in line-of-battle,
and little after sunrise we resumed the
march, as we supposed to victory and glory.
We had not proceeded far, when batteries
opened ont upon US with grape and canister.
The fighting was sharp and the loss heavy.
Several regiments just organized in Indiana
and Ohio stood by us nobly, but ere the
night came our men had been routed and a
retreat was on.
Our loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners
was heavy, and many poor fellows, whose
term of enlistment had expired three days
before, were killed, or manned for life
Back we went to Lexington, thence to
Maysvile, and by boat and rail to Cincin-
natl and indianapolis, where we were paid
off and sent to our homes. For some reason
no discharges were made out and given TO
the men. So far as know, not one of that
regiment has ever received discharge Are
we in the service yet?-GEo. w. READ, Co.
c, 55th Ind, Rushville, Neb sr