SPRINGS.

We remained quietly at Somerset until December 8th. In the meantime, were reinforced by the arrival of the Thirty-first and Thirty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and also Hewitt’s Kentucky Battery. In addition to the above, was a small detachment of Woolford’s Cavalry.

On Sunday noon, one of the cavalrymen came riding into camp in hot haste, and nearly out of breath. He stated that the enemy were advancing, and that they had made an attack on our picket guard, killing and wounding several, and had taken the rest prisoners.

At first, his story was doubted. It, however, proved true in many respects. One of the guard was killed, one wounded, and fifteen or twenty taken prisoners, all of them belonging to the Thirty-fifth Ohio. Immediately, bustle and confusion pervaded the camp. The long roll was beaten in the Infantry, and all were soon in line for action. Our horses were harnessed, tents struck, when we at once proceeded towards Somerset, which we had only left a few hours previous; and, at double quick, soon went rushing into the town.

We at once took up position on a high hill just north of the town, which gave us a fine command of the country. The Seventeenth Ohio were stationed with us. The remainder of the force were stationed at different points, and all quietly awaited an attack; but at dark, no enemy had appeared. The horses were kept harnessed, and every one remained near his post of duty all night.

During the night, we were reinforced by the arrival from London of the First and Second Tennessee Infantry. The next morning nothing was seen or heard of the enemy, and it was supposed that they had become alarmed during the night, and had fallen back to their intrenchments at Mill Springs. Small reconnoitering parties were sent out daily, but with the exception of a few slight skirmishes, and occasionally a little firing between the picket guards, nothing of importance occurred for a number of days. During these skirmishes, a few prisoners were taken on both sides, so that neither derived but little advantage. The weather for about two weeks, continued fine; but neither force seemed inclined to make good use of it.

On the 17th December, Gen. Schoepf ordered the whole brigade to be in readiness to make a reconnoisance the next day. That night, one day’s provisions were cooked, and all prepared for an early start. At daylight, December 18th, the entire brigade, with the exception of a sufficient number of men to guard the camp, were on the move. The forces were divided into two divisions. The Ohio and Kentucky Regiments, with two sections of our battery, under General Schoepf, went up Fishing Creek. The two Tennessee Regiments, with the right section of our battery, under Lieutenant Bennett, General Carter commanding, went down the Creek. The division of General Schoepf did not effect anything, being unable to fall in with the enemy. General Carter’s command, however, was more successful. They came upon a party of the Rebel Cavalry, who were on the opposite side of the Creek, and being out of rifle distance, they were inclined to be quite bold and defiant. But Lieutenant Bennett got his guns in position, and sent over several shells, which caused them to “skedaddle” in all directions. It was supposed that his shot killed and wounded several, as they were seen carrying off a number. They left considerable plunder which fell into the hands of the Tennessee men.

Seeing no further prospect of drawing out the enemy, the expedition returned to Somerset, arriving at dark.

Nothing of further importance occurred for some time, with the exception of an attempt on the part of Colonel Hoskins, with his regiment, and a part of the Thirty-eighth Ohio, to capture a forage train of the enemy, but which proved unsuccessful. The weather had now become cold and rainy, making the roads almost impassable; and, it was thought that nothing would be done before Spring, as neither party seemed inclined to throw down the gauntlet. But things were quietly working, and which the following will show was to some purpose.

On Friday morning, January 17th, 1862, in accordance with orders of the previous evening, the entire available force then at Somerset, set out, as was then supposed, for another reconnoisance, towards the enemy’s lines. Subsequent events showed that it resulted far different from what most of the men anticipated. All camp equipage was left behind, in charge of a sufficient guard. At an early hour a start was effected; but, owing to the bad condition of the roads, slow progress was made. The late rains had swollen Fishing Creek, so that it was almost impassable; and it was at a late hour of the night ere the Battery succeeded in crossing the stream.

It now commenced raining quite hard, but the men bravely pushed forward, and, near midnight, arrived at the camp of General Thomas, who had a large force under his command. They had come over the Columbia road. This was quite a surprise to all, except such officers as were in the secret.

It now became evident that an exciting time was at hand, and that a battle was soon to be fought. But little did we soldiers dream that it would result so gloriously to our cause as the sequel will show. The rain kept pouring down, and all were wet to the skin, having no tents to protect us. At day-light next morning, it was still raining. A consultation was held between Generals Thomas and Schoepf, the result of which was known only to themselves. A part of Schoepf’s Brigade was ordered back to Somerset, to act as a reserve. Our Battery, with the two Tennessee regiments, remaining. Teams were sent to Somerset for provisions, with which they were loaded, and sent forward. The rain, which had fallen heavily during the entire day, had swollen the creek to such a hight that they were not able to recross until the following morning.

All of Saturday the men remained in camp, on account of the rain. The various regiments were scattered over a large extent of ground. On Sunday, January 19th, at an early hour, a part of Woolford’s Cavalry, who were on picket guard, were driven in by the advance of the enemy, and soon thereafter the attack was commenced on the Tenth Indiana Infantry, who were camped in an advanced position. The Tenth stood their ground manfully for a long time, although they were opposed by four times their number. At length the Fourth Kentucky came to their relief.

The engagement had now become general. For a time our guns could not be brought to bear upon the enemy, owing to the nature of the ground, and the position of our troops, without endangering our own men. After considerable maneuvering, a portion of the guns were got into a favorable position, and soon begun to pour in a deadly fire upon the enemy. Shot and shell flew thick and fast. Each discharge wrought fearful execution, and the Rebel ranks were rapidly thinned.

The fighting had now become terrific, the advantage changing alternately from one side to the other; and at times it was difficult to tell how the battle was going. Our troops fought bravely, not once flinching. Although their comrades were falling around them, still they pressed bravely forward. General Zollicoffer fell in the early part of the engagement, having been shot through the heart by Colonel Fry, of the Fourth Kentucky.

The enemy had now begun to waver, and gradually gave ground, when the gallant Ninth Ohio made a grand bayonet charge, which scattered them in all directions. The retreat then became general. Our forces followed them up, firing volley after volley into their