Sunday, May 17th. On this morning, as General Palmer and Staff were out, with some of the First Tennessee cavalry, on a reconnoissance, when about five miles from camp they were suddenly confronted by a large body of Rebel cavalry, who at once opened fire on them. General Palmer gave the command for his cavalry to charge, and which order the brave Tennesseeans were not slow in obeying. With drawn sabres they rushed on the Rebels, which caused them to give way, when they broke and fled in confusion. The result was the capture of about twenty prisoners, the same number of horses, and a few muskets. Two captains were among the prisoners. One or two of the enemy were killed, and several wounded. Two or three slightly wounded on our side. The prisoners were soon after brought into camp. Brigade inspection in the afternoon. Seventeen weeks in camp at Cripple creek.
After the above incident nothing aside from the usual daily routine and an occasional reconnoissance, transpired until Tuesday, June 23d. On this day we received word that Andy Ives, a member of our company, was dead. He had been sick for some time, and had been taken to Nashville by his father. This made twenty-two of our members who had died or been killed since we first entered the service. This afternoon the entire army in camp at Cripple Creek was called out to witness the execution of a private, in the First Kentucky infantry, for desertion.
At half-past 2 o’clock, P. M., the division marched in regiments to the parade ground, and were drawn up in the usual manner on such occasions. At a quarter to 3 o’clock the prisoner made his appearance, following his coffin, and surrounded by a strong guard. On either side of him was a chaplain, or spiritual adviser. The drums beat a mournful march, and, after passing around the various regiments, with head uncovered, the doomed man was placed behind his coffin. He was then allowed to make a short address, but little of which could be heard. After he had concluded, a prayer, in his behalf, was offered by each of the chaplains. The prisoner then shook hands with them, and with some of the officers. His eyes were then bandaged—his bosom bared for the fatal shot. The soldiers detailed for this painful duty took their positions. With a suspense which was painful to witness, all awaited the final word for the execution.
Precisely at 3 o’clock the signal was given, and immediately the report of twelve guns echoed through the valley. * * * All was over.
On examination it was found that four balls had pierced his heart, and one had entered his temple. His death was easy and instantaneous.
Thus ended a sad and painful scene, the like of which we hope never again to behold. The man’s name was Shockman, and he hailed from Cincinnati. He was about twenty-eight years of age, and unmarried.
On returning to our quarters, an order was received to issue twelve days’ rations, and be ready to move at a moment’s notice. As we had before received such orders, and nothing came of them, the men were now inclined to believe—as we had been so long at this camp—that we would here remain until disbanded. But at dark it became quite evident that a move would be made on the following morning. Some were pleased at this, but others were loth to leave a place which had become almost like a home to them. We had now been here a little over five months—by far the greatest length of time we had remained in any one camp. But all things must have a termination, and so did our stay here.
In the different dates above, have been given the items of interest which occurred during our stay at Cripple Creek. But little else, aside from the usual routine of camp life, had taken place.