Battery D First Rhode Island Light Artillery in the Civil War

by George C. Sumner

Foraging was now reduced to a perfect system. Gen. Burnside issued an order calling attention to the fact that as it would now be necessary for the army to depend upon the country largely for its subsistence, he desired to remind us that we were among a loyal people, who were our friends, and he was unwilling that they should be robbed or despoiled of their property except in a legal manner, and by the proper authorities. Officers were to be held strictly responsible for any depredations committed by the men under their command; division, brigade and regimental quartermasters were ordered to receipt for everything taken by them for their commands, which would be paid upon presentation to the proper authority, provided that the loyalty of the person could be proven. Officers and men must pay for anything taken by them for their personal use. The quartermaster sergeants of batteries were allowed to give receipts for forage, but they must be countersigned by the commanding officers to secure payment.

Details were made each day to do the work, and the privilege of going upon these trips began to be much sought after. The kind manner in which we were received by the citizens, made such excursions very pleasant for the men.

September 2d we remained in camp near Big Emery River, resting and grazing the horses until two o'clock in the afternoon, but the time lost in the morning was made up by continuing the march well into the night, it being eleven o'clock before we pulled off the road and parked the battery for the night.

Very early the next morning we started for Clinch River, crossing some five miles above Kingston, and continued on towards Knoxville, camping that night about twenty miles from that place.

Next day, September 4th, our battery countermarched some six or eight miles, and taking a road leading to Loudon, where the rebels were reported to be in strong force, in a fortified position, marched rapidly to that place.

Early in the afternoon artillery firing in our front convinced us that at last we had come up with the enemy. Two hours afterwards, as we came out upon the bluffs of the Tennessee River opposite Loudon, we saw our cavalry crossing the river, under the protection of our artillery, and driving the enemy beyond the town. Before the arrival of our troops the enemy had fired the bridge over the river, and it was soon totally destroyed.

Next day our infantry crossed the river and took possession of the town, occupying as many of the fortifications as they could use, and destroying the rest. The battery remained in camp opposite Loudon until the 15th of September, enjoying a much needed rest. Both men and horses had become thoroughly used up by this long and difficult journey, which had just been completed, and the opportunity to recuperate was thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated.

The rebels in their hurried flight had left us a few horses, mules, and beef cattle, which were appropriated by our troops with thanks. A large amount of wheat and corn were found in possession of the farmers, which was immediately seized by our quartermaster. A steam flour-mill in Loudon was found to be in perfect condition, and was soon at work converting the wheat into flour, which was issued to the army for the first time on the fifth. Corn meal was soon added to our rations; flap-jacks and corn-dodgers became plenty; chickens and fresh pork could be obtained without much trouble; and we were soon able to get up a dinner the quality and quantity of which was very satisfactory to us.

September 14th orders were received late at night for the battery to be prepared to march at an early hour next morning. The men were aroused by "Boots and saddles," the battery hitched up, and marched to the railroad, where all the knapsacks, together with the chests of the caissons, were removed and placed upon flat cars. In this light marching order the battery left Loudon at two o'clock in the morning of the 15th. Our first camp was made near Knoxville, second at Strawberry Plains, and the third at New Market, where we arrived early in the afternoon of the 17th. It began raining on the evening of our arrival, and continued throughout the night and the next day. Happily we were not ordered to march and could spend the time fixing up our tents for protection. The cooks were ordered to prepare rations for a march on the following day.

September 19th we left New Market for Loudon, arriving on the 21st, having been absent about one week, during which we had covered ninety-eight miles.