To Colonel James Barnett , commanding the First Ohio Artillery, than whom a braver, or kinder hearted man to the soldier does not exist, this humble work is respectfully inscribed by his friend, The Author .     Author’s Note. —This little work was hastily written during the leisures of Camp Life, and without any intention of ever putting it in print. But, by the urgent entreaties of his companions-in-arms, the author has finally concluded to risk it—incomplete though it be—in the hands of a g

In accordance with the Proclamation of President Lincoln, calling out troops for three years, or during the war—which in future history will be better known as the great Southern Rebellion—a Regiment of Light Artillery was at once organized in this State, and the command given to Col. James Barnett , of Cleveland, than whom no person was more qualified for the position. For many years previous to the present outbreak he had interested himself in the study of Artillery, and for some time commande

Early the following morning, in accordance with orders, all were actively engaged in making preparations to march; and, from certain indications, it was evident that we were shortly to be called on to take part in our first battle. It had been reported that the rebels, under Gen. Zollicoffer, were advancing from Cumberland Gap to attack the Union force stationed at Camp Wild Cat. The men were all in high spirits at the prospect of soon meeting the enemy in battle array. At an early hour we were

We remained at Camp Wild Cat until Thursday, Oct. 24th, and then took up our line of march on the track of the fleeing Rebels. All along the road were evidences of their work of destruction, as, in their retreat, they destroyed bridges, fences, and even houses. Carcasses of horses, cattle and hogs, were strewn along the roadside. In many places they had felled large trees across the road to cover their retreat. We also saw several graves where they had buried their dead. In the afternoon of the

We remained quietly at Somerset until December 8th. In the meantime, were reinforced by the arrival of the Thirty-first and Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and also Hewitt’s Kentucky Battery. In addition to the above, was a small detachment of Woolford’s Cavalry. On Sunday noon, one of the cavalrymen came riding into camp in hot haste, and nearly out of breath. He stated that the enemy were advancing, and that they had made an attack on our picket guard, killing and wounding several, and had taken t

As has been stated, it was on the 22d of January, when the battery returned to Somerset. The next day, we went back to Mill Springs with our horses, to bring away the guns captured from the enemy. As it was late in the day, when we arrived at the scene of the engagement, and the roads being in bad condition, we remained over night. The next morning, at daylight, started on our return, and reached Somerset at 2 P. M., the distance traveled in both expeditions being sixty-four miles. We now receiv

On Monday, June 9th, the Center Section left Columbia for Murfreesboro, leaving the forge, battery and baggage wagons behind, together with the tents and camp equipage. The reason for this move was supposed to be an attack apprehended on Murfreesboro, as there had been several skirmishes in that vicinity. At 5 A. M. the two guns started, under command of Captain Standart and Lieutenant Baldwin. At 2 P. M. the forge and battery wagons, together with what men were left; also left along with the Fi

On arriving at the old quarters, we found the negroes still at work on the redoubt , which they had nearly completed. The Twenty-third Kentucky were camped near us. We now supposed that we would be allowed at least a short respite after our previous three weeks’ hard marching; but in this we were mistaken. And, as the old Scotch proverb runs— “The best laid plans of men and mice Oft gang aglee.” At noon of the 28th July, we received orders, (those eternal orders,) to prepare for a march at 3 o’c

As before stated, at noon of September 26th, we arrived at Louisville, having marched over two hundred and fifty miles, occupying just twenty-three and a half days. We were nearly all worn out on this long, dreary, and tedious march, and presented a most woful appearance, being dirty, ragged, and well nigh famished. Take it all in all, we had undergone more hardships and real suffering than on any previous occasion, and it was probably one of the most disastrous movements that had taken place si

At 7 o’clock on the morning of October 8th, we resumed our march, returning and taking the Lebanon and Danville pike. A few minutes after reaching the main road, we heard heavy firing some distance in advance. A halt was made, and the order given to transfer all extra baggage from the pieces and caissons to the baggage wagons, and be prepared for action. The report was then prevalent that the enemy were some five miles ahead, and had made a stand, and were already engaging our advance force. A f

The morning of October 10th were again early on the move, and at 9 o’clock passed through the town of Perryville, and proceeded on towards Danville. The buildings, as we passed along, presented the appearance of hard usage from the effects of the battle of Wednesday. Nearly every house was more or less riddled by shot and shell. We saw one house that seemed as if it had been the especial target of the gunners, for it was pierced in many places. We continued on for about two miles, when our advan

At an early hour on the morning of Friday, December 26th, the shrill call of the bugle ringing out on the frosty air, announced that we were about to move. Soon great activity prevailed in camp, and all were in high spirits at the prospect of an advance; and it was evident to each and every one of us, that unless the rebels should retreat from Murfreesboro, a battle must soon occur. Nothing so arouses a soldier’s spirit as the prospect of a battle—though, in the same anxiously looked for battle,

Just at daylight, and while some were getting breakfast, others watering their horses, the Rebels made a sudden and vigorous attack on the Division of General Johnson in General McCook’s Corps, and which was stationed on the extreme right. Owing to the suddenness of the attack, and the overpowering force which the enemy had brought to bear at this particular point, the troops of General Johnson were thrown into confusion, and ere they could recover from their surprise, the enemy had broken throu

We remained camped on the battle-ground until the 7th of January, when we moved about three miles beyond Murfreesboro, on the McMinnville road, and camped in a piece of woods near the road. The same night the wagons came out from Nashville, bringing our tents and baggage. We remained here through the next day. On Friday, January 9th, we struck tents, and went one mile nearer town. We camped about a quarter of a mile off the road, and near a house. The ground was not very well adapted for such a

Early on the morning of June 24th all were astir, and busily engaged in preparing to march. The word was given to be ready at 7 o’clock. The weather was quite cloudy, and indicated rain. At 8 o’clock it commenced raining; and shortly after, we were on the move, having bid adieu to Cripple Creek, which had so long been our home. The rain was now falling heavily, and so continued through the whole day. After crossing the creek, we took a South-east course. The roads in many places were quite rough

At 2 o’clock on the morning of the 19th of September, we passed our former camping ground near Lee and Gordon’s Mills, and about one mile beyond, came to a halt. The weather was very cold, but fires were not allowed, and every one was cautioned to remain as quietly as possible—to keep our stations, and be prepared to obey any orders that might be given. Although the men were weary and nigh worn out, yet they cheerfully obeyed, as all well knew that danger threatened, and it behooved us to be on

During the intervals of these battles, our Company, as well as the entire Army of the Cumberland, suffered greatly for the want of suitable food. For many days we were on quarter rations; and, for some time, had but one biscuit per day. The horses fared still worse; and it often happened that, for two or three consecutive days, we had nothing wherewith to feed them. The Rebels had possession of the country in our front, where forage only could be obtained. They also had command of the Nashville

  Transcriber’s Notes: In the phrases “Pittman’s X Roads” (page 14) and “Logan’s X Roads” (page 31), the “X” is printed horizontally in the original text. The original text does not contain a Table of Contents. The Table of Contents included near the beginnning of this file was created by the transcriber as an aid for the reader. Other than the corrections noted by hover information, printer’s inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation have been retained....