xt779c6rz64b https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt779c6rz64b/data/mets.xml Wright, T. J. (Thomas J.) 1880  books b92e50958thw7518802009 English St Joseph Steam Printing Co. : St. Joseph, Mo. Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Kentucky Infantry. 8th Regt., 1862-1864. --History. United States --History --Civil War, 1861-1865 --Regimental histories. History of the Eighth Regiment Kentucky Vol. Inf., during its three years campaigns, embracing organization, marches, skirmishes, and battles of the command, with much of the history of the old reliable Third brigade, commanded by Hon. Stanley Matthews, and containing many interesting and amusing incidents of army life. text History of the Eighth Regiment Kentucky Vol. Inf., during its three years campaigns, embracing organization, marches, skirmishes, and battles of the command, with much of the history of the old reliable Third brigade, commanded by Hon. Stanley Matthews, and containing many interesting and amusing incidents of army life. 1880 2009 true xt779c6rz64b section xt779c6rz64b 
    
    
    
    
   HISTORY

OF THE

EIGHTH REGIMENT

KENTUCKY VOL. INF.,

DURING ITS

THREE YEARS CAMPAIGNS

EMBRACING

Organization, Marches, Skirmishes,

AND

Battles of the Command,

WITH

MUCH OF THE HISTORY OP THE OLD RELIABLE THIRD BRIGADE, COMMANDED BY HON. STANLEY MATTHEWS, AND CONTAINING MANY

interesting and amusing incidents of army life.

By CAPT. T. J. WRIGHT.

ST. JOSEPH, MO. :         ;           St. Joseph Steam Printing (jcauan;'.

178727 
    
    
    
   PREFACE.

In placing this History before the public, the author takes pleasure in assuring his readers that this work is not fiction, but a chronological order of facts, wherein runs along the wild tide of war and great events; of fields of blood ; the comparative succeeding calm; of the soldier's daily toils, camp duties and privations; their many hardships, marches, skirmishes and battles; detailing modes of cooking, with many amusing episodes of foraging expeditions, being truly the true inwardness of the private soldier's life. Written from the author's daily journal, kept by him throughout this Veteran Regiment's long and eventful service, embracing much of the history of the renowned Third Brigade, commanded by Hon. Stanley Mathews.

The author having promised many of his former comrades, on taking leave of them when the regiment disbanded, to pub lish this work, has this apology to offer for the long delay in placing the work before the public: First   For several years immediately succeeding the rebellion, the country was flooded with wild, romantic and fictitious story books of the sanguinary struggle, written principally by men and women whose sources of information were vague newspaper reports, lavishly colored by their own fruitful imaginations, causing the reading public to tire of literature relating to the late war. Second   The author's unsettled affairs, in making a new home in the West; and, thirdly, the scattered condition of the survivors, making it difficult to obtain from brother officers certain statistical matters material to the work.

Hoping the true and moral character of this work, free from any of that bitter sectional feeling usually found in such books, will make the following pages a welcome and interesting visitor in every home, and especially to all old soldiers and their numerous friends.

THE AUTHOR. 
    
   CONTENTS.

HISTORY EIGHTH KENTUCKY.

CHAPTER I.

The Clouds of War. Kentucky's Neutrality. Union Home Guards. Invasion. Enlisting. Recruits Arming themselves with Rifles and Shot guns. Rendezvousing at Estill Springs. Awkward Drilling. Organizing the Regiment. Flag Presentation by Loyal Ladies.   Response of the Eighth.

CHAPTER II.

Marching Orders. Taking Leave of Friends. A Rainy March. Loyalty in Richmond, Ky. A Snow Storm. Officers Paying for Chickens. Arrive at Lebanon. Putting on Style. Drilling. Serious Sickness. Moving Camp and Making Beds. Married Soldiers Desirous to be Furloughed. A Shrewd Woman and a Sharp Lieutenant. Kindness of Citizens. Our Death Roll Increases. Pay Day. Marching to Louisville. Boat Ride. An Indignant Boat Crew. Excited Negroes.

CHAPTER III.

A Silent Southern City. Buell's Unpleasant Orders. Cutting Rebels' Timber. Moving South. Wading Stone River. Heavy Camp and Picket Duty. Ward fools the Doctor and is caught. Shooting a Rebel fool. Pig Skins. The Eighth at Wartrace.   Catching a Rebel Surgeon.   Fortifying. Cut- 
   contents.

ling Railroad Timbers and Guarding Bridges. On the Mountains under Gen. Dumont. Hard Living. Returning to Camp at Wartrace. A detail wash '' Dobins" neck. Fourth of July.

CHAPTER IV.

Night Ride to Elk River Bridge. Marching in a Rain Storm. A Knapsack Squabble. Fortifying Tullahoma. The 35th Indiana joins the Brigade. Picketing and Foraging. March to Murfreesboro. Putting the Darkies to Digging Rifle-pits. A silent Night Move ends in Hard Marching. Nelson expecting Attack at Murfreesboro. A hot March to McMinn-ville. Morgan Evacuates. Expedition over Cany Fork. A hard set of Teamsters. Rain. Hard work, wet clothes and no grub. Counter-march. Green Apples. Nelson's Drills. Expedition to Liberty. Nelson and the pie vender. "Thirty-fives" run a Distillery.

CHAPTER V.

Loyalty leaving McMinnville. March back to Murfreesboro. Scarcity of Greenbacks. An Accommodating Sutler. Troops passing through Nashville. On to Kentucky. Pants only for the ragged Gray-backs in camp. Leaving Tennessee with full Stomachs. The Flag and Loyalty in Kentucky. Branson and the Goat. On half Rations. Grating Corn Hard Marching. Drinking Mule Soup. Skirmishing ahead. Arrive at Cave City. Novel Cooking. Wormy Flour. Soldiers Distrusting Buell. Sleeping with wet garments. A Race for the Ohio. Famishing with Thirst. Midnight Entrance into Louisville.   Condition of the Troops.

CHAPTER VI.

Expecting Pay, but Double-quick after the Johnnies. Skirmishing., Scarcity of Water. Battle of Perryville. Rebels Retreating. Indignant Kentucky Soldiers. Hunting a fight at Danville.   On toward Crab Orchard    Night attack on 
   CONTENTS. 9

the Johnnies. They leave a hot Breakfast. Rebels Blocka-ding the Road near Wildcat. The Sth Surprise and Capture a Camp of Rebel Recruits. On to Somerset. Early Snow. March to Columbus. Sad Reports from Home. The Sth and 21st desire a few Greenbacks. Married Men wanting Furloughs. Pay day at Glasgow. Moving on to Tennessee. A big day's Washing at Galatin.

CHAPTER VII.

Slipping on to Morgan at Lebanon. Heavy Rations of Flour, Bacon and Whisky. A novel Supply Train. Foraging at Silver Springs. Guarding Supplies to Rural Hill. Attack at Breakfast. Discomfitted Rebels leave seven dead. Wiseman tumbling a "Jip." Col. Hawkins Compliments the Eighth. Camp nearer Nashville. Changes in the Command. Move to the Murfreesboro Pike. Rosecrans Inspects the Army. Foraging and Battle at Dobins' Ferry. Our Dead and Wounded. Another move. After Absentees in Louisville

CHAPTER VIII.

The Army moves on the Enemy. The Eighth's Company Commanders: Skirmishing in the rain. A Sunday in Bivouac. Pickets' Armistice. Arrival at Stone River. Two Armies Facing. Heavy Skirmishing. Terrible Battle the last day of 1S62. Wading cold water. Third Brigade a Bait to Rosy's Trap. Magnificent War Picture. A gallant Resistance by the Third Brigade. Breckenridge falls into the trap. Terrible Slaughter. Murfreesboro ours. Burying    A* Dead.   Bad Weather.   Loss of Comrades.   Irishman's No-

tion of Putting Down Rebels

CHAPTER IX.

Torn Battle Flags in Kentucky Legislature. A Hospital Town. Picketing and practicing Economy. Death of three gallant Officers.   Foraging on a large scale.   A Rebel dis- 
   I 0

CONTENTS.

likes his Voucher. Fortifying M. The Status of the Slaves discussed. More Deaths from Wounds. Guarding Pontoons. On a Reconnoissance. Rain, mud and songs. Camp on Lytle's Creek. A stylish Inspector Wets his Pants. Off to Snow Hill with one hundred rounds. Charging the Enemy. Victory.   Return to Camp.

CHAPTER X.

Heavy Drills and Picket Duty. Col. Matthews' Farewell. A Mammoth ''Nigger" Dance causes Alarm. Maj. Broadhus' and Col. May's Departure. Capt. Mayhew and Adjt. Clark Promoted. Officers being Married to Commissions. Marking Comrades' Graves. Swap for Enfield Rifles. Smith's Gun the Brightest. Dobin Spikes tries Bean Juice. Witnessing the Shooting of a Deserter. Army moves Forward. Marching and Scouting. Union Songs and Rebel Hate. At Woodbury. At McMinnville again. Ornamenting Camp. Unwelcome Harvesters.   The last Man ever Tied up.

CHAPTER XI.

Over the Mountains. Topography of Sequatchie. Rattlesnakes. Pikeville. Brains Hockersmith and the Rebel Beauty. Living on Produce. The Loyal Refugee Preacher. A good Work begins. Down the Valley. Crossing the Tennessee. Wet Men. Guarding Supply Train. A piled up Country. Passing the Gate City. Three Miles of Fight. Entering Ringold, Ga. Frightened Women. Back to Gordon's Mills and McLamore's Cave.  A Sweet Incense of Frying Mutton.

CHAPTER XII.

Reconnoitering and Skirmishing at Chicamauga. A Cold Night and Piteous Cries of the Wounded. Description of the Two Days' Battle. Gallant Charge by the 51st Ohio and 8th Kentucky. Return to the city, war worn and brush torn. Loss of Comrades. 
   CHAPTER XIII.

Siege of Chattanooga.   Digging Day and Night.  Under Fire. On Quarter Rations.   Picket Repartee.   Another Picture of War.   Religious Worship.   Frank Captures Rebel Beeves. m Rosecrans and Crittenden Farewell. The Command Changed

to the 4th Corps. A Detail of the Brigade at Field Hospital. Forage for a Living. At Moccasin Point. Wauhatchie and Shell Mound. Dilapidated Clothing. Building Winter Quarters.

CHAPTER XIV.

Over Bad Roads with three days' Rations and Sixty Rounds. Facing Frowning Lookout. Pile Knapsacks and Climbing. Surprising the Enemy in day-light. A Rich Harvest of Prisoners. Novel Missiles. Ward Silencing a Sharpshooter. Battle above the Clouds. Carrying the Flag on Point Lookout. Capturing Camp and Commissaries. An exciting Battle Scene. Finishing Winter Quarters. Consolidation of the Regiment at Shell Mound, Parting with Brother Officers. Maj. Clark's Farewell.

CHAPTER XV.

Re-enlisting. Manner of Doubling Companies. Leaving the " Illegant" Shanties. Incidents of the March to Cleveland, Tenn. Self Reliance of the Soldiers. F'orm new Camp and Acquaintances. Veterans get Pay, and an Expedition to Buzzard's Roost. In Leaky Tents at Blue Springs. A Rainy March and Miserable Night Ride. A Supperless Set. Camp at Chattanooga. Chuck-a-luckers Burying Mules. Snow-balling. Veterans Dressing up. An Officer's Advice to his Men.

CHAPTER XVI.

Veterans take a Thirty Days' Furlough. Soldiers' Home. In Louisville. Leaving Lexington. Cleaning out a Hotel. Good Behavior.   Home and Friends.   How a Southern 
   12 contents.

Rights Woman became Union. Returning to the War. A Reinstated Cook. Garrison and Picket Duties around the " Gate City." Some Characteristic Citizens. Afraid of a Yankee Gun.   A sad case of Sudden Poverty.

CHAPTER XVII.

Guarding Trains Front and Rear. A hard lot of Bounty Jumpers. The Fourth of July. Steadman's hard Orders to Citizens. Rebel Raid on Dalton increases our Duty. A Hot Valley. Fanciful Reverie of a Thunder Storm. Soldiers taking Interest in Religion and Politics. A Characteristic Debate. Model Worship. Forest's Raid on our Cracker Line. Platform Cars to Cumberland Tunnel. Waiting for Attack at Block Houses.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Life Twenty Days at Elk River. A Destitute Country. An Impressive Funeral. Night Ride to Bridgeport. Returning to Chattanooga. Picketing with Colored Troops. New Clothing. Arrival of the Fourth Corps. A Camp of Discouraged Atlanta Citizens. The Eighth sent to Reseca and Calhoun. Turning over Government Property. Making Muster out Rolls. Bidding good-bye to Lieut. Pucket and the Veterans. All aboard for Nashville. Receiving Pay at Louisville. Disbanding.

CHAPTER XIX.

Appendix.

11 
   HISTORY

of the

Eighth Kentucky Volunteers.

CHAPTER I.

In the month of December, i860, the State of South Carolina passed the rash and fatal Ordinance of Secession. This dark, ominous cloud of civil discord that arose in the South and gathered strength and blackness as it rolled northward, threatening soon to burst in a terrific storm of civil war, blood and carnage, and convulse this mighty Government from center to circumference   a war that was soon to stain hundreds of battlefields with the blood of many thousands of brave and good men from every part of our glorious Union. Early in the winter of 1861 all classes of our citizens in Central Kentucky became intensely interested in the question of the propriety of Kentucky's seceding and casting her fortune with the other Slave States, which had been, by excitement and forced elections, hjit'hxl: qut-'of 
   14

HISTORY OF THE

the Union into the so called Southern Confederacy, where slavery instead of freedom was to become the chief corner-stone of this new national edifice.

In Central Kentucky, and especially in those counties bordering on the southern part of the " Blue-grass region," debates became decidedly warm and spirited. A small majority of the best citizens immediately took a firm and decided stand against secession and rebellion, while many whose love for the " divine" institution of African slavery assumed that peculiar cloak for treason called neutrality, and loudly demanded compromises instead of coercion ; and many were from the first rebels at heart, who openly proclaimed on the streets of our towns their wicked and treasonable designs to destroy or divide this Union of States.

The winter passed. The mad fire of secession continued to rage. Active preparations for war were carried on in the seceded States. Union men were astonished at the inactivity of Buchanan's weak Administration ; while rebels rejoiced and exulted over the surrender of that brave and good man, Major Anderson, and his gallant little band of heroes at Fort Sumter. Rebel companies were drilling in Central and Southern Kentucky, and open, outspoken Union men were threatened with hanging or banishment. We began to think the time had come when we should rub up our old shot-guns and trusty rifles, and instead of discussing secession meetings were called to consult as to the best methods of self-proteciirtn:'- ; 
   EIGHTH KENTUCKY VOLUNTEERS.

15

The legerdemain by which the extreme Southern States were juggled out of the Union had so far proved a success. Only let it be granted that where thirteen or more parties have entered into a solemn contract with each other either of the parties can rightfully withdraw from the arrangement when he pleases without the consent of the others, and you can prove anything. Any man whose mind can be taught that, could be made believe anything, and the Southern people were carefully taught to believe it. They contended that while the States which chose to secede could not be rightfully coerced to remain in the Union, those States which chose to remain must be forced to secede. But the Confederate logicians in Kentucky hatched a new lie called neutrality, and declared that Kentucky should be neutral until the rebellion should become strong enough to swallow her at a mouthful. Governor Magoffin, whose sympathies were strong for the South, issued a proclamation calling for the organization of the State Militia, and also convening the Legislature to consider the crisis. The 22d of May, 1861, the Senate passed a resolution declaring " that Kentucky will never sever her connection with the National Government, nor take up arms for either belligerent." This resolution was lost in the House of Representatives by a large vote. The secessionists of Kentucky began to be alarmed, and their fears were not diminished when the result of the election held the first of July showed a majority for the Union candidates of more than fifty-five thousand votes ; and 
   [6

history of the

Kentucky Union men began to take courage at the action of the President, and the hearty response by troops from the Northern States to his call for 75,600 three-months' men to meet the rebel army then gathered in Northeastern Virginia. And many believed the " sectional troubles" would soon blow over without the loss of much blood. Union home guards were organized in most counties along the Kentucky River and throughout the north part of the State   probably the best move that could have been made at that time. But, as subsequent events proved, to have attempted to put down the rebellion with home guards and three months' men was about as wise as to try to put out the flames of a burning building with a squirt-gun. The writer had the honor to command one of these home guard companies in Estill County. We met twice a week, every man with rifle or shot-gun ready for any emergency, but principally to drill. The military display and general awkwardness of both rank and file on these occasions would have excited the profanity of a West Point general. But we had the best of raw material of which to make soldiers. These undisciplined companies contained brave and fearless men, accustomed to handling firearms from early boyhood. They were excellent marksmen, and only needed schooling and discipline to make them what most of them afterward proved, the best of soldiers.

Before the first of August, 1861, so many of these home guards were organized throughout the coun- 
   EIGHTH KENTUCKY VOLUNTEERS.

17

try, those would-be Confederate soldiers who had begun to drill and bluster in our midst, began to think it would be more healthy a little further south, and in their attempt to join Zollicoffer's forces (then invading the State) many were gobbled up as prisoners by these undisciplined home guards, among them James B. Clay, son of the great statesman, who, with a large number of followers, were sent under guard to Louisville. Most of them took the oath of loyalty and were released. This invading army of rebels caused many of us to doubt the efficiency of our home organizations, lacking combined-co-operation and discipline.

In August, 1861, Sidney M. Barnes, a lawyer gifted with more than ordinary talent as a speaker, and proprietor of the noted watering place "Estill Springs," near Irvine, Ky., addressed the citizens of Madison, Estill and some of the adjoining counties, at a series of meetings, principally held at the times and places, where the home guards met to drill. He ably pointed out the many disadvantages under which we would labor, and the danger of the State being overrun by the rebel army, the necessity of being armed with guns of the same caliber, of uniform clothing, and of a more perfect organization, with some assurance of remuneration for our services. The Colonel humorously remarked : " Notwithstanding your bravery, which is undoubted, should the rebel army succeed in advancing this far, all you married men in the home guards will be sure to want to go home and see after Sally and the children." 
   i8

HISTORY OF THE

On the 14th of September, 1861, a battalion muster of half a score of home guard companies met at Texas, in Madison County. The loyal citizens of the surrounding country came with well-filled baskets of the choicest provisions the country could afford. A picnic of mammoth proportions was the result to which everybody was welcomed by the loyal, kind hearted women, who formed a large part of the great throng of people. Caplains Powell and Wilson, who had partially formed two companies of three years' volunteers, were present with their new recruits beating up for volunteers, and no less than four other parts of companies were represented by as many flags, followed by drums and fife, appealing to the patriotism of the young men to take arms in defense of the best Government ever vouchsafed to man on earth. There are many survivors of the Eighth that dated their enrollment from that bright 14th of September, 1861, and became members of Companies B, C and H. The two former companies, under Powell and Wilson, had obtained their full quotas by the 22d, and on that day were given a bountiful feast by the good, old, loyal fathers and mothers of Station Camp, in Estill County, as a farewell token of their love to the " boys" and devotion to the cause of union and liberty. That long table extending half across Uncle Eb. Wilson's pasture, loaded with rich and savory food, surrounded by kind mothers, sisters and sweethearts, insisting on us partaking of more when we had eat to repletion, was a scene and pleasure we often recalled to mind 
   EIGHTH KENTUCKY VOLUNTEERS. 19

when on quarter rations "Away down south in Dixie." These two companies rendezvoused the 23d at Estill Springs, carrying with them many good shot-guns and rifles " borrowed" from reluctant rebel owners. The new encampment was armed principally by "loaned guns" of all kinds and calibers.

The 26th September, Capt. R. Winbourn and myself left Estill Springs on a recruiting tour, each of us taking different routes, he going up the Kentucky River into Owsley County, and myself with a few recruits rode to the farm of Mr. Wills, where our first appointment to beat up for volunteers had been previously announced. The surrounding hills re-echoed the sound of our martial band, the music of which was not of the best, but the patriotic ardor being augmented by the rumored invasion of the State by the rebels under Zollicoffer, caused men, women and children to collect from all directions, some bearing large baskets filled with provisions, all with hearts full of love for our old flag and freedom. At 10 o'clock a. m. several hundreds of eager, expectant persons had assembled. The poor music was followed by an equally poor speech from the writer, and this was followed by loud and boisterous cheering. We hoisted our flag, headed by our three amateur musicians, playing their one and only tune, "Sally is the gal for me." As each recruit fell into the moving line loud cheers rent the air. In a short time we had about eighteen recruits,-among them the brave and lamented Lieut. W. B. Cox, who gave his 
   HISTORY OK THE

life's blood as a sacrifice for human liberty on the battle-field of Stone River. After partaking of a bountiful dinner, a la pic nic, we agreed to meet within two days, the 28th, at one Mr. Berryman's, where the bad speaking and music were again followed by a call for recruits. Several handsome young women took the flag and marched after the music, appealing to the young men to fall in and go fight for the best government on earth. These appeals were not in vain, as one boy said "none but traitors or cowards could stand back now." Nor did the tearful, pleading eyes of fond and affectionate wives restrain husbands from enlisting. Here our numbers were increased to upwards of thirty. According to instructions from Col. Barnes, we proceeded to collect a sufficient number of guns from rebels and rebel sympathizers to arm each new recruit. Many laughable incidents occurred in thus collecting arms. I

will recite only one of the many : One T--, near

the Spout Spring, had openly and publicly swore that " no Lincolnite should ever take his rifle to Estill Springs unless he first received the one charge it contained. Knowing the truth of the old saying that "a barking dog doesn't bite," I went alone to his cabin door and demanded the loan of his gun. He first denied having one   with trembling limbs and husky voice he declared his brother in Clark had it. When told that was "too thin," and that no fooling would be permitted, he acknowledged that it was behind a wide board over the door, and told me to take it down, which I declined to do, telling him 
   EIGHTH KENTUCKY VOLUNTEERS.

2 I

of his previous threat, and to hand it to me himself. This he did. With tears in his eyes he said, "Capt., take care of her, fur she cost me twenty-five dollars, and I split rails at fifty cents a hundred to pay most ov it." He was told if he conducted himself as a good, loyal citizen, he would receive his gun again. In justice to many of these men of whom guns were taken, be it said that they, like Mr. T , proved to become Union men, and regained their reluctantly loaned property.

On the 3d October, in company with Lieut. Cox and twenty more of the recruits, we returned to Estill Springs, and were sworn into the U. S. service for three years or during the war, unless sooner discharged by proper authority.

Recruiting parties with squads were daily arriving. The Colonel's long rows of neat cottage buildings were full, and a large quantity of lumber procured to build quarters. We were bountifully supplied with excellent beef and bacon. The services of an experienced baker was secured, who furnished us good bread, full rations of coffee and sugar, and often a wagon load of potatoes were dumped into camp as a donation from some good old farmer. But the insufficient number of skillets, frying-pans and coffee pots, promiscuously gathered up and brought in by thoughtful recruits, and the great number of self-appointed, inexperienced cooks, caused confusion and no little discord. To avoid this'a certain number of cooks were selected for each company or part of company, to attend to culinary affairs alone. After 
   ^2

HISTORY OK THE

this judicious arrangement we lived well for soldiers, and many of those company cooks were there given " nick names" that they carried throughout the war. One Harris, of Company H, for his scrupulous cleanliness and dexterity in handling the dish-cloth, received the affectionate name of "mother." I. Ward, Company F, kindly answered to the name of "Aunt Sally," &c.

The 4th October, Capt. Jamison arrived with a full company from about the three forks of the Kentucky River. A few days later, Capt. Winbourn with another squad arrived and joined us, thus augmenting our company, H, to about sixty. Lieut. C. Benton soon after came in with a large squad, that subsequently became Company E. By the 18th October there were no less than fifteen parts of companies and full companies in camp. Col. Barnes informed us that companies could have only until the ioth November to complete their organizations. Then considerable splicing of squads took place, and parts of squads bolting to other parts of companies, the men not being pleased with the selfish arrangements their recognized leaders were trying to make with others, securing to themselves a lieutenantcy. and making no provision for even a non-commissioned officer for any of their devoted followers. Thus men were, after being sworn in, allowed to leave any company not full and join what company he chose, and then have a choice in the selection of company officers, even down to 8th corporal.

The 23d October our encampment was thrown into 
   EIGHTH  KENTUCKY VOLUNTEERS.

23

a furor of excitement on the receipt of the news of Gen. Zollicoffer and his rebel horde being defeated in the spirited .little fight at Wild Cat Mountain, by a few regiments of Indianians and a few raw Kentucky recruits. About the 28th October, Captains Mayhew, McDaniel and J. B. Banton's companies from Barbourville and Manchester arrived at the Springs. Our reception of this important addition to our eommand was enthusiastically warm and noisy. These companies had smelt powder at Wild Cat, and we met them in the town of Irvine with music and much cheering, and escorted them as conqueiing heroes to our camp.

The measles had broken out among us, and notwithstanding good medical aid was secured, several hundred of the Sth boys went through this sickening contagion. Though none died immediately from the disease, it no doubt subsequently caused the death of a large number.

Several hours each day was spent in an awkward attempt-at drill. Progress was unavoidably slow, as nearly all the self-appointed officers and drill sergeants were as little skilled in tactics as the men, who found it difficult to habituate themselves to being disciplined by such awkward superiors. Lieutenant-Colonel May, Major G. B. Broadhus and Captain Powell had served in the Mexican war as Lieutenants, and Captain R. B. Hickman had attended a military school a few months previous to joining the Eighth. All the other officers were novices in tactics and regulations. 
   24

HISTORY OF THE

From the ist to the ioth of November the principal excitement in camp was the splicing of squads into companies and the election of officers. With so much electioneering, discipline existed only in name. Some exciting and uncomfortably close races, but the best of humor prevailed, defeated aspirants cheerfully acquiescing in the choice of the majority.

The 13th November, ten companies being organized, with maximum number, making an aggregate of a few over nine hundred. The newly elected company officers met and decided upon the letter and rank of each company, as follows : Co. A   Captain, J. D. Mayhew.

ist Lieut., Wm. Ketchen. Co. B   Captain, A. D. Powell.

ist Lieut., I. Neal.

2d Lieut., J. Blackwell. Co. C   Captain, John Wilson.

ist Lieut., Wm. Park.

2d Lieut., Cassius Park. Co. D   Captain, R. B. Jamison.

ist Lieut., J. P. Gumin.

2d Lieut., T. Carson. Co. E   Captain, R. B. Hickman.

ist Lieut., C. D. Benton.

2d Lieut., Perry Nickolls. Co. F    Captain, John B. Banton.

ist Lieut., Barton Dixon.

2d Lieut., Newton Hughes. Co. G   Captain, L. C. Minter. 
   EIGHTH  KENTUCKY VOLUNTEERS.

J5

ist Lieut., Caleb Hughes.

2d Lieut., Winfield S. Spencer. Co. H   Captain, Rhodes Winbourn.

ist Lieut., Wade B. Cox.

2d Lieut., T. J. Wright. Co. I   Captain, Wm. McDaniel.

ist Lieut., -Crooks.

2d Lieut., -Amy.

Co. K   Captain, Henry Thomas.

1st Lieut., Wesley Stewart.

2d Lieut., Wm. Small wood. Col. S. M. Barnes chosen Colonel; Reuben May, of Clay county, Lieut. Colonel; Green B. Broadhus, of Madison, Major ; John S. Clark, of Irvine, Adjutant, and Timothy Paul, of Clay, Chaplain.

Three days after, we received an entire outfit of camp and garrison equipage, except tents. The arms were the old altered muskets. With our new clothing the Eighth began to assume quite a martial appearance, and the officers were becoming indefatigable in study and drill.

By the 26th November the majority of our measles-stricken comrades had become convalescent. About this time the Colonel received orders from General Thomas to break up camp and march to Lebanon. The evening of the 27th November a delegation of loyal ladies from the town of Irvine and vicinity assembled on the long veranda of the principal Springs building, one of them bearing above her a large and beautiful silk flag, made by them expressly for gift to the Eighth Kentucky. 
   26

HISTORY OK THE

The regiment formed dress parade, though the officers' uniforms were as varied as the habiliments of any thirty or forty citizens usually are. The proper salutation had to be made with the hand, as none of us had purchased swords or uniforms. We closed column by division, when Joseph Clark, Jr., made the presentation speech for the ladies, winding up with the admonition to " Carry that flag to victory; never let it be deserted or dishonored by brave Kentuckians !" The throbbing hearts and quivering lips of our brave mountain boys responded, "Never!" " Never !" then gave three cheers for the loyal ladies of old Estiil. 
   CHAPTER II.

The morning of the 28th November, long before the light of day made its appearance, the echoes from " Sweet Lick Nob" resounded the music from our drums. Instantly all became astir. Much bluster, loud talking and hasty cooking, mixed with considerable profanity, was indulged in, something not unusual with new troops preparing to march. Acting Quartermaster Curtis had procured the services of a few citizens with teams and wagons for this especial march. About sunrise the regiment formed, amid music and some cheering. Every man appeared eager to be moving, as if the suppression of the rebellion mainly depended on their individual exertions. Many of those scarcely recovered from measles were in the ranks with well-filled knapsacks, arms and accoutrements buckled on, scorning to be left behind. Many were bidding hasty farewells to near and dear friends, not thinking it would be the last with ah, so many manly, ruddy boys, in the bloom of youth. Some time was spent in ferrying the command over the Kentucky River, at White's Ferry, where many good, old loyal fathers and tearful mothers and sisters had collected to take, perhaps, the last look at son or brother.

" 'Neath war's dark clouds, the sturdy volunteer, By Freedom taught, his country to rever