Chapter XVI: Conclusion

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 and Chattanooga Railroad, on the South side of the Tennessee river; so, our supplies were transported by wagons by the way of Stevenson.

Finally, it being found impossible to procure provisions for the entire army, a number of batteries were placed in the Reserve Corps. Our Battery was of the number.

On the morning of October 19th, the order was given to send all the horses belonging to the Reserve to Stevenson, and that the batteries be moved across the river. This was done, and we went into quarters at Black Oak Ridge, where we found comfortable log houses which had been erected by Union troops, who had previously occupied the place.

We remained in camp at this place, until the battle of Chattanooga, when, by orders of General Thomas, we were sent to Nashville. Captain Standart had sent in his resignation, which was accepted, and, on the 12th of November, he left for home. The command of the Battery now devolved on Lieutenant Baldwin, he being the senior officer on duty.

On Sunday evening, December 6th, we arrived at Nashville, and on the following day went into camp one mile from the city. Five other Batteries occupied the same quarters--all under the personal command of Colonel Barnett. We were designated as the First Division of Reserve Artillery.

Soon after arriving here, Lieutenant Baldwin--much to the gratification of all the members of the company--received his commission as Captain.

As we now had neither horses nor guns, we led a very easy life of it. Whenever the weather was pleasant, we engaged in out door sports--such as ball playing, pitching quoits, etc. But when, as was often the case, the weather was stormy, the time was passed in our tents, reading, writing, and "spinning yarns."

At last, the subject of re-enlisting was broached; but, at first, this did not meet with much favor. Finally, on talking over the matter, and on learning the benefits to be derived from such a course, a few of the men stepped forward and placed their names on the roll. Soon, others did the same, and, by the 4th of January, sixty-five of the old, original members of the company, had re-entered as veterans.

On the 18th of the same month, the veterans were duly mustered in for their new term of service; and a few days later received their back pay, and also their bounty.

The 3d day of February was a joyful day to us who had re-enlisted; for, on that day we were given the order to return home for a month's furlough.

At 3 o'clock, on the morning of the day following the reception of this order, the bugle was sounded, as a signal for the veterans to form in line. Never did its notes sound sweeter. The roll was called, and all responded to their names but one poor fellow, who had been taken sick, and was in the hospital. The men who had not re-enlisted gave us three rousing cheers, followed by a "tiger," to which we heartily responded. Soon we were on the road to the depot with nimble steps and light hearts; for we were not going to battle, or on one of our long and weary marches. We were "homeward bound."

A half hour later, we were speeding it towards our Northern homes. All our past trials and privations were forgotten.

At 9 o'clock on the evening of February, 6th, 1864, we arrived at Cleveland, having been in the service nearly two and a half years.