No sooner had we landed on the levee than we began to receive an ovation which increased with every block, and when we crossed the Rhine—a canal which ran through the centre of the city—the demonstration reached its climax. This part of the town was largely occupied by Germans. There was a lager beer saloon upon each corner, and sometimes one or two between. As we passed, the saloon-keepers came out to us with each finger of both hands holding a glass of beer. Capt. Buckley had mounted the cannoniers and given strict orders that none should dismount without permission; but this precaution was wholly unnecessary, for the men had no desire to dismount with all this beer surrounding them. A few indulged once, more twice or thrice, and a much larger number so frequently that when we arrived in camp on the outskirts of the city, it was found that quite a number of the men were ready to turn in at once, and the temperance men would have the privilege of doing all the work of unharnessing, watering and feeding the horses, as a reward for their good behavior.
Early next morning the three sections of the battery were sent out upon three principal roads approaching the city from the north, and selecting positions which commanded these different roads for a considerable distance, went into battery. Our support was the militia from the city and the surrounding country, who felt, and we agreed with them, that should Morgan attempt to enter Cincinnati he would meet with a very warm reception. But Morgan did not attempt to enter the city, but passed some miles from our front, and was finally captured by Gen. Shackleford on the 26th, near New Lisbon.
July 16th the battery was withdrawn from picket duty, and encamped upon Vine Street Hill.
July 17th Gen. Burnside ordered Capt. Buckley to move the battery to Ninth Street, within a short distance of his head-quarters, place the carriages in a wagon yard, the horses in a stable, and furnish the men with quarters in a hall near by. To say that the men were very much pleased with this arrangement but mildly expresses their feelings. It was a matter of much speculation among them as to just why this good luck had fallen to them. At first the men were inclined to think that it was because Gen. Burnside was kindly disposed towards us, and having an opportunity to give us a "soft snap," had improved it; but with the light of future events, they were inclined to think that, added to this reason, was a desire to keep the battery in the city near him, that he might use it as an intimidator against the draft rioters, whose grumbling and growling were growing louder and louder, and their nightly meetings in the different market places more numerously attended, as the draft proceeded.
The first intimation that the officers of the battery received that such duty would be required of us came a few evenings after the commencement of our new arrangement, when an orderly from head-quarters came to the hall and inquired for Capt. Buckley, who could not be found; in fact it unfortunately happened that the highest officer that could be found was a duty sergeant, which fact the orderly was obliged to report to the General, who ordered him to return to the battery, find an officer, and order him to report at head-quarters immediately. Lieut. Parker had returned by this time, and he immediately reported to Gen. Burnside, whom he found very wroth, and who proceeded to lecture him upon the great lack of attention to duty by the officers of Battery D, and ordered him to inform Capt. Buckley that he desired him to have his battery prepared to hitch up at a moment's notice, at any hour of the day or night. This gave us the knowledge that we were not in these comfortable quarters just for our own pleasure, but that there was a probable duty connected with our situation. After this only a few men were allowed to leave at a time, all others were expected to be within hailing distance of the hall.
As often as every other day the battery was called out for parade, and was taken through the different portions of the city. On Sunday we were marched down to the levee, where we went through an inspection, and afterwards were drilled for an hour or two, just to remind the evil-disposed citizens that there was a six-gun battery still in their city, that would make short work with any mob who attempted any violence.
About half-past eight one evening the battery was ordered to hitch up as soon as possible, and as soon as ready it started for a market-place situated nearly in the centre of the city, where a crowd was reported to be gathering. As we neared the place the captain gave the order "Trot, march," and the battery swept around the corner into the market-place in a column of sections, dividing as it reached the market-house, the right pieces passing it on the right, the left pieces upon the left, uniting as they passed the house and continuing on to the end of the square, then countermarched and came back. By the time we had reached the end of the market-place there was hardly a person to be seen, everybody seemingly having become satisfied that Gen. Burnside was determined that there should be no hostile gathering in Cincinnati.
This was the only occasion when it was necessary to make such a demonstration as this. Everything quieted down, and from this time until the end of our stay, Aug. 10th, Battery D was not called upon to do any more intimidating.
At nine o'clock on the morning of Aug. 10th we crossed the Ohio River, loaded the battery on the cars, and at two o'clock in the afternoon left Covington en route for Lexington. Arriving just after midnight, the men were immediately put to work unloading the battery, and as soon as this was accomplished, and they had prepared and eaten their breakfast, "Boots and saddles" was blown, and the battery started for Camp Nelson, where we remained until the 15th, the time being occupied in general repairing and refitting, and every care was taken to get our battery in the best possible condition. New harnesses were drawn, the battery wagon was thoroughly overhauled and replenished, and clothing was issued to the men. Those of them who drew a liberal supply had reason to be thankful that they had done so; those who did not, regretted it before the coming campaign was over.