CHAPTER II.
BATTLE OF WILD CAT.
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 on the march, being accompanied by the Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under command of Col. Steedman.
At noon, we passed through the pretty little town of Lancaster. The citizens are nearly all Unionists, and they greeted us kindly as we passed along. A number of ladies brought out such provisions as they had ready cooked, and gave to us freely. At sundown, we arrived at Crab Orchard, having marched twenty miles during the day. We here camped for the night, it raining heavily at the time.
Next morning, after a hasty breakfast, were again on the tramp. After passing Crab Orchard we left the beaten turnpike over which we had for some time been traveling; and now commenced the worst trial we had yet undergone. Over rocks, into ruts, through mud, onward we went; when, about ten o’clock, reports reached us that the enemy had already commenced the attack on the First Kentucky Infantry stationed at Wild Cat, and which was yet some twenty miles distant. We therefore hurried along as speedily as the rough nature of the ground would admit, and, at four o’clock, halted at a small creek and were ordered to feed our horses and prepare supper with all possible dispatch, to be ready for an all night march. Instantly, all was activity. Ammunition chests were overhauled, and things got in readiness for the coming battle.
At dark the word “forward” was given, and away we went over hills, through valleys, and through the interminable mud. Such roads! The one leading to “Jordan” can hardly be more difficult of passage. The moon, however, was shining brightly, and all night long we held our toilsome way. No word of complaint, not a murmur was heard, but with a silence only broken by the heavy tread of our horses, and the creaking and rattling of the caissons and gun carriages, we passed slowly forward. We were about to engage in our first battle for the country we loved; the country that gave us birth; and that was enough to quicken the blood, to rouse our nerves for the coming conflict.
At daylight we arrived at Rock Castle River, and here made a halt to feed horses and get breakfast. On the opposite side of the river lay Wild Cat Mountain, where we soon expected to meet the foe. Breakfast was soon dispatched, and on crossing the river, which was done by fording, we were met by messengers with orders to hurry forward, as the battle had already begun. Although we had a steep and rugged mountain of some three miles in hight to ascend, and were much fatigued with our last night’s march, the whip and spur were freely applied to our horses, and hurrying along at double quick were soon at the scene of action.
In less than ten minutes after our arrival we were in position, and at once opened on the enemy. They were rather taken by surprise, it being the first intimation they had received that there was any artillery on the ground. The fighting, up to this time, had been done by infantry and cavalry. The Rebels were in a deep ravine, and so thick were the trees we were unable to obtain sight of them from our position, and were only guided by the smoke from their guns.
The Thirty-third Indiana Infantry were posted on a hill directly opposite our battery, while the Seventeenth Ohio and First Kentucky Infantry, together with a part of Woolford’s Cavalry, were stationed away to our right. The Fourteenth Ohio Infantry were drawn up in line to our left. The Rebels were making efforts to drive the Thirty-third Indiana from their position. Every shot from our guns told with good effect, and the battle continued at intervals during the day. About three o’clock in the afternoon the firing became quite brisk, and lasted for half an hour. At this time we rapidly threw shells into the enemy’s cover, which they did not much relish, for their fire soon perceptibly diminished, and finally ceased. All was now quiet. At dark, one section of our battery, under Lieutenant Sypher, moved over to where the Thirty-third Indiana held position. It being through the woods, and as there was no road, the guns were of necessity dragged by hand; but there were willing hearts and stout hands at the work, and it was speedily and safely effected.