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WESTERN FEDERAL BLUES
ADJUTANTS REPORT
BATTLE OF PERRYVIILE
PAERYVILLE, KY
OCTOBER 3RD- 4TH, 2009
HEADQUARTERS OF 36TH BRIGADE, 11TH DIVISION,
52ND OHIO INFANTRY, ARMY OF THE OHIO
DANVILLE, KY
OCTOBER 16TH, 1862
October 2nd
I arrived at our campsite ahead of the main column to help in set up. Several of the boys were hard at work seeing to it that camp was set up properly. Lt. Peters was busy at commissary trying to get that end of things up and going, so when the main column arrived, rations could begin to be distributed.
With camp now set up and the main column arriving, we were busy getting reports of total number present and getting things in order for the duration of the evening. The boys hit the hay early, because tomorrow morning would be pretty busy.
October 3rd
Due to a cool nights rest, majority of the boys were up by 5:00 a.m. and huddled around campfires. I gave word to Sgt. Maj. Cornett to get morning reports in as soon as possible and to be ready to have the boys fall in at any moments notice.
Shortly after 6:00 a.m. the boys fell in. From camp we marched parallel with our artillery to the outskirts of Pottsville. Col. Greene quickly had me take Capt. Davis and his A Company, made up of fine buckeyes, to send out skirmishers and keep an eye out for confederate cavalry, which had been roaming the ridges in the area most of the night and early morning.
It was not long after day break that our skirmish line got into a sharp scrap with the mounted cavalry we knew were in the area. The boys were holding their line very well until we heard heavy musket fire from our rear. A regiment of confederate infantry hit our artillery and main body. Falling back to strengthen the numbers, we had little to offer and quickly had to fall back from our main position. Col. Greene had the boys stand fast and the morning scrap was fought to a draw.
The boys were relieved and were able to get some needed rest. Commissary was busy getting rations distributed and seeing to it that all the boys’ needs were met to the best of our abilities. At the same time, the boys in Company B were busy with the prisoners we had under guard. A few mounted rebs on horseback tried making a daring escape plot, which worked, for the most part. The pickets had their hands full for about an hour. Several escaped in the scrap with two prisoners being shot dead.
Not long afterward, Col. Greene gave the order to have the boys fall in. Again, I looked to Sgt. Maj. Cornett to have the boys ready to fall in at any moments notice. I could tell by the look on the Sgt. Majors face that he had already had a busy day.
At the beat of the drums, we made our way through a small village where we were met with mixed emotions. Some in favor with the ladies showing love and giving our boys whatever they had to offer, while others hurled insults and questioned our allegiance. Those who mocked the lads found their items taken. Sgt. Leichty and some boys from Company A managed to get some roosters, but when moving out, thought they would play a prank and threw the rooster into the on coming Company B. It was a sight to see roosters running, feathers flying, and grown men jumping. I am sure the people in the village got a good laugh out of it as well.
We finally made our way to an area known as Peter’s Hill. We were met with a single company of confederates who we quickly pushed off the ridge. However, the enemy’s main body just lied on the other side. Our artillery on another ridge opened up with much wrath and our boys cheered in hopes to push the enemy on back to the other side of the creek a ways off. Several rounds were fired when the order to fix bayonets were given. It was a beautiful site to see the boys in a long line, with the sun glaring off the bayonets, and hearing the boys shout as they advanced forward. We held our ground with little loss. The boys wanted to keep advancing. Their heart and passion had them wanting to push the confederate not only to the other side of the creek, but out of Kentucky all together.
As evening approached, I had a chance to meet with Col. Greene and Lt. Col. Preston to discuss the actions of that day. We had much strength’s, but a few flaws, which would be something to work on during our drill on the next day. We all agreed to give the regiment a rest for the evening. The officers would enjoy the evening with a very fine supper and the entertainment from some local minstrels.
Oct. 4th
During the early morning, I was approached by Capt. Davis of Company A. Capt. Davis was having an issue with a young lad from Co. B who was being a little loud and out of control. I relieved Capt. Davis letting him know that I would take care of the issue. I didn’t want Capt. Davis to tear in to this young man, which I am sure we was ready to do in a heartbeat. I quickly informed Col. Greene and we went over to talk to the lad. The Colonel was quick to point out that anymore misbehavior would lead to an arrest from the Provost. The soldier was no more of an issue for the night.
The night was very cold. Most of the staff left the tents to sleep around the nice warming and comforting campfires. I believe commissary had coffee going strong by 4:00 a.m., which was quite welcoming.
By sunrise, I had Sgt. Maj. Cornett have the reports turned in. The boys ate hearty and had their fill. Some went to church service, where Cpl. Easley was preaching and some made their way over to a tree line where I had several listen to me read the Articles of War. I have never seen a group of men who actually enjoy listening to the articles being read. The thoughts of sending them to Doc. Nelson was in the back of mind to see those few lads had a medical issue that was unheard of.
After church service, I had the regiment fall in for knapsack inspections. Because it takes so long to do, you could tell the boys were really looking forward to it. There was much mumbling and quiet curses amongst the men. When finished with the inspections, Lt. Peters had his hands full with his staff preparing for soldier’s pay.
Morning went by quick. After pay received and camp struck, the boys learned quickly that we were to be moving out towards the village we went though yesterday. Confederate infantry was in the area and we were to go and relieve the citizens of the unwelcomed matter.
The boys put up a heavy fight. At one point there was some much confusion. Col. Greene and Lt. Preston went to resolve an issue leaving Capt. Davis in charge for the brief moment. The artillery and cavalry put up a good scrap as well. With their backing, we were able to push the confederates away from the village and out of the area. However Company A and B took some losses. Company C fought sharp with little to no loss.
We will recover from our wounds and losses to fight again another day.
1st Lieutenant
MICAH TRENT, Adjutant
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