The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1900-09-13

The weather was cold. wet and dismal.
As we steamed on mp the river people
along the banks swung their hats and
seemed TO lie glad the Yankees We're com
ing. There were rocky bluffs and pine
trees, besides level bottom lands, along
the river on both sides.
On the 18th we reached Savannah,
landed, marched out about 4 mile, went
into camp and remained all night. The
rains kept up, so many of the boys went
into barns and out-houscs, leaving us in
our tent more room to get out Of the mud
Finally the sun came ont and we found
our camp quite pleasant place.
The SecessiOnists had been plundcring
and burning, also hanging Union men.
Some 20 or % Tennesseans enlisted in
our regiment.
AT THE LANDING.
We marched aboard the Uncle Sam and
reached Pittsburg Landing on March 2f;
got off the boat and went out about three
miles, pitched our tents in the woods, quite
a nice camping place, with plenty of wood
and water, near the Shiloh Church, and
about is miles from COrinth.
We saw Gen. Sherman review his bri-
gade on the 25th We had large force
here. 1t was said that 12l regiments of
infantry were encampcd between Owl and
Snake Greeks, with the Landing i'll rear
Il b,
away the brush and establishing regular
camps, cook-shantieS and parade grounds.
If We had only known the proximity of
rebel visitation We might have had some
ritie-pits, but were not much on the dig
at that time.
On the 9th it was warm and Spring
like. At evening parade we had 2l2 men
in line. all the regiment could muster for
duty. If l remember rightly Second Serg I
LAIR was in command of one company.
No commissioned officers were present
with us.
We appeared TO be waiting for Buell.
johnson and Beauregard, with n large
army, were known to be at Corinth. We
We're expecting to march out and attack.
On April 4, Friday night, just about
dark, the rebels attacked our lines near
the extreme right. We could plainly hear
firing of Llusketry and cannon. Drums
sounded the long roll, and in less than II
minutes the regiment was in line, and
marching out short distance we took DO
sition and remained nearly all night. The
firing gradually ceased and quiet was re-
stored. 1t was reported the rebels had
advanced and striking our lines opened
fire, with loss TO us of four killed and 90
wounded. The enemy had fallen back.
BEFORE THE STORM.
We remained quietly in camp all day.
were in large force in our Immediate
front. All kinds Of rumors were circuat-
Ing through camp, but no one seemed to
think we We're on the eve of conflict
Many lay down and slept that Saturday
night with pleasant dreams of home
whose bodies would be cold and stark be.
fore another night.
On April 6, Sunday morning, our boys
arose as usual, had breakfast, and were
In the act of hanging their hayersacks ur
In the tent, when muskct firing was heard
out on the Corinth Road, followed by the
boom Of the rebel artillery. Drummers
again beat the long roll, beginning gu,
toward the front and being taken up a,
the alarm and sound of firing reached the
different camps, where we We're and or
back to the river landing Regiment.
were forming in hot haste, artillery horse.
hitched to the guns, mules and wagon.
moving to the rear The continuou.
throbbing Of the drums increased the ex
element.
Our regiment, about 200 strong, marched
by the right flank, Joined the brigade ant
formed line near what was afterwards
known rs Hornets Nest" Capt Coates
unnrmed, just arrived from home, reached
the line and took his place with his com
pany CID.
Round shot and shells were now fallin,
In our camp. One shot cut horses hoo
off, and others plowed up the ground, tor
through tents. splintered trees and fell ia
to the rear. Musketry was roaring by vol
ley as the splendid lines of the enemy me
our forces. Bursts of flames and hissin;
bullets met their determined advance.
About q. m. the rear wns a sight
cavalrymen, horses with saddles turned
under, wagons, mules, wounded, stragsler
streaming to the rear. Regiments wer
marching to the front. Berdan's Sharp
shooters moved up and took their places il