A Minnesota Man Witnesses Slaughter After The Battle Of Mills Springs.

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War-date Union soldier's letter, 4pp. 8vo., written by Pvt. Joseph W. Warr [DOD Chicago. Il., 2/01/64], Co. A, 2nd Minnesota Vols., Somerset, [KY], Feb. 11, 1862, to his mother, in part: "…when the regiment was ordered back to Lebanon City…I had no time to write…the troops are all moving towards Bowling Green. They all started yesterday from here…our regiment will go to Lebanon…there is a great many of the regiment that are unfit for duty. Our regiment was in the battle and they done some good fighting. We did not lose any men out of our company as they were on picket guard at the time…and were not relieved until the enemy commenced to retreat…our company started as quick as they were relieved and had a chance to see the enemy as they were crossing the Cumberland River. Our men thrower shells at them and they took good effect killing a great many of them. We have 60 of the wounded prisoners at Somerset. Some of them with their legs shot off and some with their arms off…it is quite a sight to look at them. But I can look at them and it don't effect me any when I think what weapons they had to butcher us…if they had whipped us…and taken us prisoners. They calculated to cut every one of our throats…that is what some of the prisoners say…when our men would come up to one of their wounded men they would beg to have their lives spared…there was not a wounded man killed. They were taken in and taken care of, but they did not expect any quarter to be given them…they had knives 15 inches long…hoe made…called Mississippi Tooth Picks. You can see one of them by going to G. Kalder's as Abe has sent one home. The boys got lots of things, lots of clothing and many of the boys now wear Secesh clothes. They were clothed every way different, clothes home made…we will have them whipped out in…a short time. This victory makes them feel bad and…there will be a fight at Bowling Green soon and then we…gain another glorious victory…Joseph Warr". VG

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