"General." "Well, Major." "General, having permission to go outside of the pickets to-day, I gained some valuable information, which I thought the good of the service required that I should report to you." "How many men had you, Major?" "General," (afraid to confess there were but two,) "Major McDonald was in command of the expedition." "How many men had Major McDonald?" "I was with him." "But, sir, how many men did you have?" Finding the truth must come, he replied, "The Major commanded me, and I commanded him." "Well, sir, you both deserve to be punished, and if you had shot those two men, I should have had you both cashiered. But as it is, I will let it pass. What is the valuable information you have gained?" "I learn, at a certain point, a Rebel company is to be organized on to-morrow." "Well, sir, as you are fond of adventure, you will take a detachment of forty men, and proceed to that point and disperse or capture them." But as the next day was very rainy, the expedition was abandoned.
Another incident. Major Phillips and Captain Kuhn rode outside the pickets late in the evening. After getting outside the pickets, they saw some fresh wagon-tracks. Captain Kuhn, who was then acting Provost Marshal, said that there were two wagons, loaded, that went out, of which he was suspicious, but that with his instructions he could not examine them. They concluded to follow them. They had gone but a short distance until the road forked, and there were fresh tracks on each road. The Major took one road, and the Captain took the other. The Major soon came in sight of them, and pushing on, came up with them. On inquiring what they were loaded with, he was told that they were some groceries for a store in the country. Things looking suspicious, he procured an ax and broke open some of the boxes, and found that it was a regular lot of military stores. By this time Captain Kuhn came up, and after a little consultation, they concluded to let them go on, and told them that all was right, they could go on. They returned immediately to town. They had gone out about five miles. On their return, the Major again presented himself to General Smith. "General." "Well, Major." "General, Captain Kuhn and myself rode outside of the pickets, this evening. After getting out a short distance, we saw wagon-tracks, which were suspicious. We followed them a few miles and came up with them, and I am satisfied they are loaded with goods to supply a rebel camp. We did not bring them in, from the fact that the Captain's instructions, as Provost Marshal, would not justify him in doing it." "Another of your fool-hardy dashes, Major." "Yes, General; but I thought the good of the service demanded it." "Well, sir, how many men will you have to bring those wagons in to-night?" "Five men, General." "Adjutant, make a detail for five men, to report here immediately for duty." The men came, and the Major started on his expedition. He overtook the wagons, which had been driving on all night, and brought them back to Paducah, and turned them over to the Quartermaster.
Still another incident. Citizens were frequently coming into town. There was not much difficulty in getting in, but they could not go out again without a pass. One young fellow from Kentucky, having, as he supposed, some of the noble blood in him, said he would not apply for a pass. He said the "niggers" had to have passes, and he was not going to put himself on an equality with "niggers." So he refused to apply for a pass. After staying in town a few days, he made an attempt or two to run the pickets, and as a consequence, was put in the guardhouse. After staying in town a month or two, the young nobleman was compelled to put himself on an equality with the "niggers," and apply for a pass.
Still another. When out on a scout, at a time when every house would be guarded as the troops were passing, and not a chicken or goose must be touched, the Quartermaster went into a house to purchase some chickens for his mess. The woman refused to sell any. "Well," says he, "we must have something to eat. If you won't sell your chickens, we will steal your geese." "If I sell you some chickens, sir, will you swear that you won't steal my geese?" He promised he would. Two or three chickens were caught for him, and then the old lady got upon a chair and reached down an old Bible for him to swear on, that he would not steal her geese. I guess he swore for her, but not very reverendly.
One more incident. Perhaps on the same scout as the above, it was suspected that Company K had stolen a goose. Col. Mersy got wind of it. He addresses Lieut. Col. Phillips as follows: "Col. Phillips, I tink Co. K steal one coose. You take de charge de right wing, while I goes to see." The Col. rode off to Co. K, but could find no goose. He returned to the command, thinking, I suppose, that Co. K was "all right on the goose."
That day is now passed in the army. As our army now marches along, the boys weary and suffering for water, there is not a guard stationed at every well to prevent their quenching their thirst. When they are hungry, if chickens and geese are convenient, they are not interfered with if they try to catch them. Often have I seen our boys coming in from a scout, many of them having a chicken or a goose swinging at each side of their saddle.
[CHAPTER III.]
FROM PADUCAH TO PITTSBURG LANDING.
Preparations for opening the Cumberland, Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers—Fort Henry taken—Fort Donelson taken—Part taken by 9th Ills., number killed and wounded—List of killed and wounded—Trip to Nashville and back—Incidents.
At the opening of the year 1862, it was becoming evident that to crush the "hideous monster" rebellion, would require a great effort on the part of the government. While our armies were being raised and disciplined, the rebels were planting themselves firmly at many points in the South-west, as well as the East. Columbus, Island No. 10, Memphis, Vicksburg, Port Hudson, and other points on the Mississippi River, were being strongly fortified. Fort Henry and Fort Donelson were fortified, and commanded the entrance of the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. General Fremont had urged the early occupation of these points, before the enemy should fortify them. But for some reason, (I suppose a good one on the part of the government,) the enemy were allowed to make these points strong-holds. Magnificent preparations were making, however, to take possession of these rivers, by the government, as great national thoroughfares. Gunboats, floating batteries &c., were being built with that view. These were brought to bear, early in 1862, on the work of opening the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers, and dislodging the enemy of their strong-holds on these rivers. A heavy land force must of course co-operate with the fleet. In this work, the 9th Ill. Inft. was destined to act a conspicuous part. The material for the greater portion of its history is found in the part it has taken in subduing the rebellion in Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. At Cairo and at Paducah its work of discipline had been carried on until it was well prepared for meeting the enemy on the field. It left Paducah, a large and well-drilled Regiment.