The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1901-08-15


and the entire camp was ordered under
arms, ready to move at moments no.
tice. Johnson's Brigade crossed the river,
but as no enemy was TO be seen we were
all dismissed, and the Paymaster resumed
his duty, to the great joy of the sutler.
Jan. 10, 1862 (Sunday)-Every Satur'
day our regiment has been detailed for
picket duty, so we again crossed the river
yesterday and were posted to protect the
bridge, with the usual instructions to be
very viglant to prevent a surprise by the
enemy, with the object Of destroying this
important structure. The Notifications
built to defend the bridge are now com
pleted, so we felt quite secure and hoped
the enemy would make the attempt while
we were on watch. After a sleepless night
several of US enjoyed a short walk to
Woodsonville where we purchased GOOD
breakfast with some of the money that
already burns our pockets. Late IN the
afternoon the regiment was relieved anu
recrosSed the river to camp.
Ian. 81, 1S62-0rders were given US
yesterday evening to prepare three days
cooked ratiOns, ready for an immediate
march. and our cooks were kept busy I'M
til n late hour of the night, so we were
all ready at the break of day to step TO
Tie front, SlhIlp.l lOl lA4G Lcht a. 49,
call of the bugle, but the need OF our
services passed, as we learned, when the
enemy retreated before Thomas at Mill
Springs. Our danger was not in front, as
We supposed, but away on our left, where
Thomas has been holding-in check the IN
creaSing Confederate forces pressing lulo
eastern lEentucky from Tennessee. These,
under ZolIicoifer, became recently so
threatening that Buell. feared they would
interfere with our cracker line, so he Or
dered Thomas to drive them back, which
movement was begun last month, puI
nothing was accomplished until last Sun
dav, when Thomas advanced to attack,
but was himself attacked, resulting in the
repulse of the enemy and the death OF
Zollicoffer.
We were held in readiness to march to
the relief of Thomas in case of necessity,
but his success permits us to eat our
three days cooked rations IN the peace
and quiet of our own camp.
IN AMBUSH FOR REBEL CAVALRY.
Jan. 81, 1SG2-Regiment being ordered
out on picket duty left camp at 3 p: m.
and crossed the river on the pontoon
bridge 10 a position well advanced beyond
inc southern end of the railroad bridge.
Sirciai instructions were given US 10 lie
yer; wdtchful as the enemy hovers ncur
our ciItposts and may be frequently seen
riding about Just beyond gunshot range.
This Icing the situation, our Captain sus-
eestci TO the Colonel that we set trap,
and his plan being approved, % men OF
our company were selected and at night
fall, stationed in an empty cabin near
the Bowling Green pike, half q mile be-
yond our lines. As the Confederate cav
alrymen had been using this pike to APP
proach during the night much Closer than
during the day, we expected to close IN
behind them and cut on their retreat, IL
they should pass our hiding place.
Two of our number were sent down the
road a quarter Of mile farther to lie
concealed and give timely notice Of the
approach of the enemy. Two hours later
the Captain sent me with another COM
rade 10 relieve these two men and stand
guard until midnight. With muskets load
ed and bayonets fixed, we Glided noise
lessIy through the bushes and timber that
sllirted the road until We found the
guards and sent them back with stealthy
steps TO the reserve.
Alone with the responsibility and dan
ger of our isolated position, we realized
that, whatever happened 10 US, we would
not be found sleeping at our post. We
skulked in the shadow of the trees, strain
ing our eyes to follow the white surface
Of the turnpike away off into the dark
ness, and listened with intense acuteness
for the slightest echo of an approaching
foe. Frequently we took turns il lying
fiat on the road with ear to the ground to
catch the faintest vibration of tramplng
footsteps or hoofs on its hard surface. We
were undecided whether the broad turn
pike or the timber that Skirted II required
the closest observation. If the enemy did
not know our position he might ride bold
~ up the road, but il our movement had
been observed, the tables might be turned
and we become the victims of an ambus
cade. OF one fact we were certain: noise
should not betray us, unless the loud
Thinning Of hnarfg nUtaF the thick
folds of Jackets and overcoats might have
that result. All was silent in the direc-
ton of the cabin where our comrades
waited, as well as in front, whence the
only sound that reached our ears was the
barking of dogs in the little village of
ROsslet, nearly a mile away down where
the railroad crossed.
As midnight came and passed without
any alarming noises, we concluded that
the COnfederateS were enjoying peaceful
slumber, leaving US to worry the night
through with useless vigilance. Shortly
after midnight we were relieved by two
other guards, and rejoined our comrades
in the cabin.
The breal; of day, Jan. %, found US IN
disturbed by our neighbOrs in front, SO
it was decided that we should take a
walk in their direction 10 disturb them,
but a detachment of the sd Ind, coming
along just then bound for scouting ex-
petition, we Joined the procession, follow
ing the turnpike 4 mile and a half, when
we caught sight OF three cayalrymen,
which induced us 10 follow them two
miles farther III the hope Of closer &C
quaintance; but they were too shy, and
our officer in charge, fearing we might
be led into an ambuscade, gave the Or
der to return. Our company rejoined the
regiment at the picket line, and soon af-
ter, being relieved by another regiment,
We all returned to camp.
sIBLEY TENTS.
Feb. !, 1SG2-After a week of psepara-
ton clearing the ground for a new en-
campment, we moved today and occupy
our new tents, feeling very comfortable,
regardless of the weather outside, which
consists of a mixture of wind, rain and
snow. Our new tents are called "Sib-
ley, after the inventor, an army officer
and look very much like an Indian wig
wan, being circular, with a center-pole
and an opening ut the top just large
enough for the smoke to escape when a
fire is built inside. AS cur old tents ac-
commodated but four men, and these 10,
our meSses had TO be reorganized. Ny |
three messmates remain, with the add
ton of IL others. 1t was necessary for
us TO become better acquainted il we
expected TO live in peace as one family,
so we exchanged opinions on the various
subjects commonly discussed in camp, de-
veloping considerable differences in relig-
ion, science, politics. war and many other
topics, especially regarding our duties in
keeping the tent clean.
Feb. 2, 1862 jSunday)-The sky was
clear this morning, but the ground very