Eagle River Democrat. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1893-1896, 1895-10-28
No Blood Was Shed.

In the winter or 1888 part OF the
Confederate army was in winter quar-
ters near the town Of Dalton, in the
northern part Of Georgia.
The famous Orphan brigade Of Ken
lucky, noted for it's bravery and daring
in battle, was encamped near brigade
of Tennessee troops. The Kentuckians
were commanded by Gen. Joseph Fl.
Lewis, now on the bench Of the Court
Of Appeals, and the Tennesseeans by
the gallant Pat Cleburne, who after
ward fell fighting bravely at Franklin,
Tenn.
The two brigades mingled constantly
and the tedium Of camp life was re-
lieved by many gay pranks and harm
less larks among the soldier boys.
One day the troops were treated to
genuine snowstorm, sight very rare in
that part Of the country, but which
called their far-away homes very WV
idly to the soldiers from the Middle
States. A party of Tennessee soldiers
had been paying a visit to some of their
Kentucky comrades, and as they took
spirit Of sport threw some snowballs
after them; they responded promptly,
and a lively contest ensued, each party
pelting the other with the white mis-
siles.
The TennesseeanS retreated at first,
but, being reinforced, returned to the
attack. Some Georgians, who now
learned to make snowballs for the first
time, also joined their side. They as
sailed the Kentuckians so fiercely that
the latter, outnumbered and blinded by
the feathery balls, were driven from
their position and their barracks and
colors were seized by the enemy.
AT this juncture Gen. Lewis stepped
out Of his tent, and was also greeted
with a volley of snowballs and de
risive cheer. Seeing how matters stood,
he sprang upon his horse, ordered out
his officers and men and advanced with
his entire brigade to regain their lost
honorS.
The Tennesseeans and Georgians call
ed on their comrades for aid, and both
sides responded with the same eager
ness and promptness which would have
been displayed at the sudden attack OF
a Federal army.
In a few moments 5000 men and Off
GERS were drawn up in battle array,
their arms full Of snowballs, and amid
shouts Of laughter and loud cheers the
fight waged furiously.
The officers rode among the men, en-
couraging them and bravely exposing
themselves in the shower Of white balls,
which soon made the soldiers look like
snow men. If an officer was knocked
off a horse, private Immediately took
his place and rallied his comrades.
The battle waxed ffercer and fiercer;
each side made determined charges and
were repulsed again and again. But
slowly, inch by inch, the valiant Ken
tuck.ans drove their opponents back
and recaptured their quarters and col
ors. They them formed in compact
body, with freshly gathered ammuni-
ton, and charged upon the spot where
General Cleburne was seated on his
horse. gayIy cheering his men and CIV
ing instructions to- his aids. Time after
time the Kentuckians dashed them
selves against the wall Of Tennesseeans,
but were driven back before the rain Of
balls and forced retreat. The two
bodies of men swayed back and forth
all the afternoon without gaining
victory. Night finally came and the
darkness ended the bloodless, but one
of the most unusual and fiercest battles
ever fought.
Sbe,-id,n Of Cedar Creek.