Subject: Ky-Tn.Regiments.1862.Pulaski.Civil.War Ky & Tn Regiments - Civil War 1862 Somerset, Ky February 15 1862 Pulaski County KyArchives News Defiance Democrat, Defiance, OH I presume you are anxious to hear whether I am yet among the living. I am not only alive, but well as usual. Last Thursday evening, I was summoned to head quarters to report the condition of my branch of the Brigade. The report was satisfactory, and I got permission to accompany the Regiments that were to take up their line of march the next morning for Zolly's camp. In the morning, the following Regiments were ordered out: Col. Wolford's Cavalry, Capt. Standart's Battery and also Capt. Hewitt's, the 12th Kentucky, and 1st and 2d Tennessee. They took up their line of march at 9 o'clock; at sundown we were only five miles distant -- on Fishing Creek, and remained there until we got orders from Gen. Thomas (who was encamped about three miles on the other side of the Creek) to march forward. The men had to ford the Creek, which was about three feet deep and a very strong current. The next day Gen. Thomas ordered the following Regiments, from the Camp at Somerset, to ta! ke up the same march. When they got to the Creek, they were ordered back again. Sunday morning, they were ordered to take the same march again. I was ordered back to camp Saturday evening to order a provision train forward. At daylight Sunday, we could hear the booming of cannon. I was ready to start at nine o'clock. The sound of heavy cannonading put extra speed in Barney, and the eight miles were soon passed, although the roads were very rough, and I reached the battle field about thirty minutes after the Battle was over. Barney galloped to the spot where the body of Gen. Zollicoffer lay. His clothes were nearly all stripped off from him, and he was covered with a blanket. I dismounted and took a good look at all that was left of the man that was so much dreaded in Kentucky. He fell by the hand of Col. Fry, of the 4th Kentucky Regiment. The ball entered his left breast, from which wound the blood was slowly running. I asked a Tennessee officer, who was standing n! ear, to lend me his bowie knife; I took it, and parting the hair back of his left ear, cut off a lock, a part of which I here enclose to you. Every one around had a small piece of some of his garments. One gave me this piece of lining of his coat. Barney took a good snuff of him and we left, to see if we could not be of some use to the poor wounded sufferers. After riding a short distance I found that the wounded on our side were well taken care of. I hitched Barney and turned my attention to the poor Secesh; and they needed help -- some wanted water, some begged me to take one of my pistols and put an end to their misery. I got some help, and we put thirteen of them into an old log blacksmith shop, and laid them around as best we could, bandaged up some, bolstered up some arms and legs with leaves the men gathered. I soon got the title of Doctor; some wanted their legs and arms cut off, but I did not have my instruments with me, but told them they would be there in a ! short time. At last the Surgeon came; he was a stranger to me; the wounded still calling me Doctor, insisted on my dressing their wounds. The Surgeon was willing that I should, but I made every excuse, told them I had some of our own men to attend to. They excused me, after assisting to dress two. I took a good survey of the battle-field, and about sundown started after the retreating and pursuing armies, in company with a Tennesean. We had not gone far before we could hear the sound of Cannon again. We increased our speed until his horse nearly gave out, and I had to slacken Barney's rapid gate. Night came on, and very dark -- the cannon had ceased their glorious sound. At my friend's suggestion, we went a short distance from the road to a house, where we put up for the night. We got dinner and supper together, a mile and a half from Zolly's Winter quarters. At break of day, we were in our saddle, and passed the 4th Ohio Regiment that had marched all night. At d! aylight the music of the cannon commenced. I thought there would be a chance for some fun, but it was not for us -- the rebels had reached their fortifications before dark. The cannon the night before was endeavoring to sink their steamboat but could not reach her. The guns in the morning were throwing shells into the camp, to which they got no response. Our Gen. was soon informed that they had crossed the river during the night, and burned the boat. So our army entered their entrenchment's, where were found about 1,200 horses and mules, 500 wagons, a number of work oxen, beef cattle in abundance, 12 cannon and 6 more taken out the river, thousands of bushels of corn, flour, meat, coffee, sugar, &c. Even the private baggage of the officers was left. It was surely a rich harvest for the weary soldiers. But after a short consultation among the officers, the order was that the four mentioned Ohio Regiments, 12th Kentucky, 1st and 2d Tennessee, the Cavalry, the two Batte! ries, and Capt. Kinney's Battery, should return to Somerset. I started at 12 M. and arrived at 4 P.M., the worst road I ever saw -- the Regiment did not arrive until the next day, and nearly all worn out. As for myself, I never felt better, but with regard to my back trip, the road from the camp the battle field was strewn with broken-down wagons, broken guns, blankets, and almost every thing appertaining to an army train. When within about two miles of the battle field, you could see the poor unfortunates stretched on the sides of the road. When I arrived on the field, they had just commence burying the enemy's dead, ours were buried the day before. The field presented a different sight -- nothing was left but the bodies of the Secessionists. The day before the field was strewn with the wounded and dying soldiers, guns, blankets, knapsacks, canteens, &c. Today a part of the prisoners were brought to head quarters, among them is Zollcoffer's Lieut. Colonel. The corps! e of Gen. Zollcoffer and that also of his Colonel are now here; I understand they are to be sent to their fiends. There have been sent to this Brigade, 300 of Zollicoffer's Cavalry horses and saddles, 100 other horses and mules forteams, which will lengthen my rides for the time that they remain here. I will now have to purchase forage for about 1,800 horses and mules. The health of our Regiment is very poor -- there is not at this time over 300 men fit for duty -- many are in the hospital. Col. Bradley is endeavoring to get the Regiment sent back somewhere to recruit. Enough at present. You will hear from me again soon. Affectionately yours, H.C. Bouton. Submitted by: Mary Lou Hudson http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00005.html#0001143 Additional Comments: Somerset, Ky., January 23, 1862. This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/kyfiles/