The National tribune., 1900-10-04

"THE TRIALS OF A STORMY NIGHT"
Ohio was uneventful. We passed Louis
vile, KY, Evansville, Ind, and on Tues
day, Feb. II, found ourselves in company
with a portion of Gen. Grants army, at
Paducah, Ky. We were assigned to a bri-
gade commanded by Col. Thayer, 1st Neb
Tuesday evening We, in company with
several other boats loaded with troops,
started up the Tennessee River to the
rebel stronghold, Fort Henry, to reinforce
the troops that had preceded us, Tues
day night we met a dispatch boat, and
were informed that our guIIboats had 81
fenced Fort Henry, and were in possession
OF the only rebel stronghold on the Ten
nesSee. We then turned around and
started on our return to Paducah. Some
of the boys became very enthusiastic, and
declared the surrender of Fort Henry had
settled the whole shooting match, and
we were going home. Eager inquiries
were heard on all sides as TO why we We're
going back down the river, but the only
answer among my comrades was, The
war is ended; Fort Henry finished it,
We remained at Paducah until Wednes-
day evening, the 18th, when we started
back up the Ohio River. There, / told
you so,' said a comrade; eve are going
home"
ON THE CUMBERLAND.
When we reached Smithland, a few
miles up the Ohio, the Lebanon's Prov
turned toward the Kentucky side and was
soon plowing its way through the waters
of the Cumberland. The gunboats Tyler
and Lexington were cautiously leading the
way, with a heavy feet of transports
loaded with human freight following in
their wake. The heavy labOring of the
engines awoke the echoes of either shore,
and amid wild tumult of wind and
water hoarse command assailed our
ears: Attention, 6Sth. Be ready to land
at any moment. We are nearing Fort
Donelson.''
FORT DoNELsoN.
Our boat carefully felt its way to the
west shore, the gang plank was run out,
and early on the morning of Friday, Feb
IA, the 6Sth Ohio landed on the soil of
Tennessee, about $50 strong. In plain
view, but out OF range, were the big guns
of Fort Donelson.
After breakfast we engaged in studying
our surroundings, and the sight that met
our eyes was worth going many miles TO
see. Ss-gunboats were firing on the
enemy. Our editations were brought to
an abrupt clos tby shrill voice of com
mand. Never did a body of men obey with
more alacrity, and in less time than it
takes to tell it we were in line ready to
move upon the foe. We took road lead
ing out among the hills to the right, but
about II O'Clock returned TO the boats.
Soon after We moved to the left. and with
the rest of Thayer's Brigade took a DO
sition about half a mile from the river,
forming the extreme left Of Gen. Grants
line investing the fort. Here a detail
was made, and we had our first experience
IN realities of war.
Extending all along our entire front was
a deep and heaT wooded rayine, on the
opposite side of which the ground ascend
ed sharply. On the top of this high
ground could be seen a long line Of Con
federate rifle pits, from which came
whistling unpleaSanly near the deadly
mimic balls.
A body OF sharpshooters was now or
dered forward, and for a time there was
more or less firing at long range between
the piclscts Of friend and foe Meantime
our regiment remained standing in line of
battle, watching our front, and listening
TO the heavy guns of our sunboats and
the Confederate fort.
Such was about the position of things
OIL our portion Of The line on the night
of Feb. II. On that memorable Friday
night we were the recipients Of a pearly
white valentine sent down from Heaven.
Several inches of snow had fallen, which
made our first nights experience on the
soil of Tennessee an extremely cold and
trying one.
On Saturday afternoon we witnessed
a most gallant and successful charge by
an Iowa brigade. commanded by Gen.
c. j.. Smith. Silently we stood and
watched those proud columns. SAW them
waver, then rush onward and upward in
the face of a wiihcring fire; and as they
reached the top loud cheer broke from
our lips. This hill commanded the in
terror works cf the enemy.