The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1895-07-18
ON AN OUTPOST.
The First Battle into Which a Regiment OF
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of the rebellion began while I was living
with my parents on a farm few miles east
of Springfield, III. Late in the Spring OF
1861 ] returned home from a military acad-
emy, where j had entered on the senior
year, and as the rumors of war took form
had with the body of cadets, found a new
interest in our military exercises.
Fort Sumter surrendered TO the forces
arrayed against the Government, and the
great struggle was on. Then came the Presi-
dents call for 10000 men, and Camp Butler,
q rendezvous for Illinois troops, was opened
within a mile of our farm. The boys of the
neighborhood found the camp great attrac-
ton. and the martial spirit was developed
amongst the youngsters.
When the call came for 100000 lien,
the population of Camp Butler rapidly in
creased as the volunteers focked in. Several
young men from our Township served with
the three-months troops, and when they
returned home found eager listeners among
the boys as they related wonderful stories
OF camp life and adventures in the field.
These veterans were the lions of the spell
ing matches and other rural events, and /
remember that the boys did not resent the
popularity of the men who had dared the
dangers OF war.
Oue n0E summer evening Spelling ludlNn
was held at our district schOol-house. The
young men for miles around were there,
and when the exercises had concluded, gath
cred to talk over the news of the day. The
teacher had brought late copy of the Spring
field Journal The news columns told of
desperate battles in Missouri, and mentioned
the proposed organization of a regiment Of
cavalry from the central part of the State
IN serve in the West
SAY, fellows" said Ed Agee, young
fellow of 15 and the leader in our boyish
sports, let's organize company for the
cavalry. We won't have any real hard fight
ing like the infantry soldiers, and it's no
more than right that we should help TO save
the country"
The proposition met with instant enthusi-
astic favor, and was called upon TO lead the
movement. sheet of legal, paper was
found in the schoolmaster's desk and headed
in imitation of q muster-roll. j then ex-
plaiped that no one could enlist who had
not reached the age of Is, and called for
signatures Before we separated that night 30
names had been placed on our list, future
meeting arranged, and committee appoint
ed TO offer our services TO the State authorl-
ties
The next day we waited on Gov. Yates,
in company with well-known politician,
who was particular friend Of my fathers,
and who was indebted to him for many
favors during past political campaigns.
The Governor asked Us great many ques-
tions, and finally dismissed as with a note
to his Acknowledgement and that official
issued the papers giving ne authority TO en-
list s. company to be attached to the cavalry.
When the committee reported our number
had increased TO 80, and before the meeting
closed 50 young men had signed the muster
roll. The next step was the election Of Off
GERS, aud much 10 my surprise j was elected
Captain. Ed Agee was made First Lieu
tenant, and a young man named Allen, no
had been out with the three-months men,
was selected for second place. Our parents
were not as unanimous in their approval Of
our action as we could wish, and we lost sew
eral Of the younger members.
IT was a great day when we gathered in
front Of the commanding officers quarters
At Camp Butter and mustered into the serv-
ice Of the United States to serve for the
period Of three years unless sooner dis
charged. The Regular Army officer who
bad Us in charge commented on our youth
full appearance, and when introduced to our
officers did not attempt TO conceal his ideas
about putting up boys to command men"
AT that time cavalrymen were allowed TO
furnish their own mounts, and our troopers
paraded their favorite riding horses. Ii was
soon remarked that ours was the best
mounted company in the regiment We
drew uniforms, and the officers appeared in
regimentals but arms were lacking. We
went through the drill with sabers whitfield
from pine boards and the men soon became
proficient in the various movements. ] de-
vofed Osyera1 lgurs 3av SrilIine, ~
officers and men to such good purpose that
the Colonel took occasion to compliment us
at dress-parade, and when the companies
were stationed we found ourselves designated
as Co. A, giving us the right of the line the
post Of honor.
One inc morning we were ordered to fall
in to draw arms and equipments We now
felt ourselves soldiers indeed Marching
orders came, and three long trains composed
OF boX-caTs and coaches were loaded with
horses and men, and we were off TO play our
part in the grand drama Of war. 1t was late
In the evening when we left Camp Butler
and early morning found us crossing the
ferry 10 ST. Louis. We were not allowed
time for sightseeing; wagons were loaded
with our camp equipage, the bugles
sounded boots and saddles" and the COM
mand moved westward. For three days we
hurried forward and early in the evening OF
the third day we reached the little town OF
Springfield
The regiment went into camp, and scout
ing parties were sent out TO prevent any
movement of the men or supplies for the
Southern armies then operating few miles
south of our position.
One morning ] was ordered TO report al
the Colonel's quarters, and as ] approached
his tent met a rough addressed fellow had
noticed lettering about the camp. He had
been paying visit 20 our chief, and gave me
a sharp glance as we passed. The Colonel
rose to meet me as ] entered the tent, and
saluted:
Captain, said he, the man who has just
left me is a Mr.. Jones, scout. He Informs
me that a company for the rebel army is
forming about 10 miles west Of this place. A
number of Union men of that neighborhooo
have been badly used and threatened with
death unless they consent 10 join the army.
You VIII proceed with your company 10 that
locality, break up any hostile movement
and report 10 me as often as you deem neces
sary. You Will camp in an old church
which Jones says is large enough 10 sheltel
your men and strong enough to serve as :
shelter in case Of attack. You Will TAX,
every precaution against surprise; and ma,
well tell you that j am a little suspicion
OF the scout, who viii act as your guide
You viii note all his movements, and If 70,
find that he is playing double game, aires
him al once and send him 10 me. Now. &c