Raynors HCA 2019-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
Federal soldier’s period reminisces written by John H. Gray, who enlisted into Indiana 101st Infantry, August 1862 and mustered out June 1865. THE LIFE OF A SOLDIER. In part, “Citizens impelled by the usual ‘Patriotic Feelings’ which prevade the souls of ‘volunteer soldiers’ enlist to fight in defense of our beloved country. Thinking it their duty and knowing that they merit honor, with hope that some ‘Deed of Noble Daring’ will settle the applause and shouts of a grateful nation, they enter the ranks cheerfully and freely lay aside the pleasures and comforts of a home. ... Now begins a new career. .. ... We retired to bed, but a merry set we were, ‘Star Spangled Banner, Glory Hallelujah or Ellsworth Knapsack’ and several other pieces were sung ... Time flew and we left for the seat of war. We arrived at Cincinnati while the Squirrel Hunters were boarding at the Hotels. ... Arriving in Coveington Ky. we reported to gen. lewis Wallace .. Gen. terill rode up and ordered us to ‘fall in’ in rear of the 105th Ohio. here began the march so cruel and disastrous to New Troops from Louisville to Perrysville ... The army met Gen. Bragg and defeated him. We lay at Springrield for one week during which time we saw starvation staring us in the face. ... Thirst, hunger, cold pain, weariness, had characterized our trip ... While here we were up from 3 AM till daylight in order not to be surprised by Gen. John H. Morgan who had surprised a Brigade at Hartsville . ... The battle of Stone River had been fought. we were hurried to Murfreesboro but too late for the bloody scenes which had occurred the week before ... We saw hard times when we crossed University Mountain. Still harder when we crossed Racoon Mountain, but Lookout Mountain topped them all ... And at last we crowned the summit of all these and arrived anxious for the battle in the valley of the Chickamaunga... Our Brigade was ordered to support VanCleve on Saturday, 19 Sept. They charged the Rebels ... were compelled to fall back ... the Rebels had ‘flanked us’ and Gen. Reynolds ordered us off the field. We retired with the loss of sixteen killed and wounded ... Then began the another day’s hard fighting. The musketry was a continual roar. The thunder of artillery rolled tremendously ... enough to shed terror to any soul. ... We drove our carriages over the dead and dying as it was too hot to turn aside for them. the wounded filled the fence corners and the dead were left where they dropped. ...
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