The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1901-08-01

midst Of a regiment encamped just over
the brow. OF course there was a sensa-
lion in that camp: they thought II was an
attack by the enemy, and there was gen
eral scramble for arms and for shelter
from flying bullets. An officer was dis
patched to the front in all haste to dis
cover what force was approaching. lie
reached the brow of the hill and saw us ut
the foot, and presently our Colonel saw
him waving a white handkerchief on the
point of his sword, with all the energy OF
man who is being shot Mt and wants it
stopped. The Colonel Immediately gave
the order to Cease firing" and learned,
for the first time that the targets had
stood the fire comparatively safe. while
the camp over the hill was in deadly peril
These facts furnish the Colonel with
material for sermon, and the text was
Aim low"
Nov. 8, 1SG1-Thc first death in our
regiment occurred today, member OF
Co. Il, in hospital.
Fifteen prisoners were brought into
camp by q party of our scouts and for
warded to Louisville. Our cavalry is
constantly engaged in securing the cOun-
try around us, frequently picking up
stragglcrs from the Confederate army,
many of whom run the risk of capture to
visit their homes. Others are Jay
hawkers," whose only object is plumber.
and who prey alike upon the Union and
rebel farmers.
Nov II, 1S61.-A number of our teams
were sent out TO get straw for bedding
The Quartermaster in charge tried to
make n bargain with a farmer, who had
4 stack few miles from camp, but he re-
fused either to give or sell, and made loud
remarks about "AbOlitiOnists'' and
Yankees" which were reported to
Col. Kirk, who sent a squad Of men
to bring him into camp, where, after
spending night in the guard house. he
expressed Il willingness to take the oath
Of allegiance and keep a civil tongue in
his head He was told that we could not
be scOlded out of the country.
Nov. 13. 1SGl.-We are gradually be-
coming self-dependent; every man is his
own wash woman as well as his own cook,
at least we always take care of our dining
room and our tableware. Each man has
a Tin plate, tin cup. butcher knife and
spoon. When the drum beats the dinner
call, every man gets these articles, and
forming two lines, facing each other the
company sits down one the table, which is
the broad earth. \ Sergeant then passes
between the lines with the cooks, giving
to each man his regular ration of meat,
rice, beans, hominy, coffee and crackers.
When through eating dash of hot water
is considered sufficient to regencrate the
to dry at its leisure. Our rule is that
dishes are clean 50 long as we can re-
member what we ate from them last.
As for washing, one may sit on the bank
Of the creek and watch Il busy throng Of
soldiers, sOaping ana rubbing pants,
jackets and Undertaking, and then slash
ing them about in the water as if they
were thrashing grain.
Nov. -, 1S6l.-In accordance with
orders from WaShiuptnn w ~
Sherman has been relieved from the com
mand of this Department, and Gen.
ID. G. Buel assumed command today. The
reason for Sherman's removal is said to
be his exaggerated estimate of the num-
Der of troops required for Il successful adj
vance from the positions we occupy in
Kentucky. He places the number at
100000. His judgment is that
large portion Of our force will be re-
quircd TO protect the railroads in our rear,
over which all our provisions and other
supplies must be transported. He was
outspoken in his fears that the enemy will
attempt TO get in the rear of Thomas and
McCOOk, and sever the communication Of
the former with Cincinnati and the lat
ter with Louisville.
Many newspapers say that Sherman'S
mind is not sound.
Nov. 10, 1SGl.-This morning the regi-
ment was placed On picket duty. On our
way out we met Il detachment of scouts
with seven prisoners. We are becoming
accustomed to seeing tame Confederates,
but have not yet been able to see any in
Il wild state. although quite anxious to go
on n hunt for this kind of game. but per-
haps we shall not be so eager when the
game begins to hunt us. We may yet
experience the feeling of the hunter who
is freed by bear.
Nov. II. 1861 (Sunday).-We were re-
lieycd from picket duty and returned to
camp at noon, where we found orders
awaiting us to prepare Immediately for
review by Gen. McCOOk.
We ate hasty dinner, brushed our
uniforms. BACKED our shoes, and joined
the other troops of the entire camp on
the slope IF n large field, where regiments
and brigades were drawn up in close order
with arms glistening and flags fluttering in
the clear sunlight.
On the highest point were collected
Gen. McCook and his four Brigade
Commanders, with their staff officers. also
n distinguished civilian, George ID. Prem
tee, the witty editor Of the Louisville
Journal, whose influence has confirmed
the loyalty Of so many kentuckians, who