. . . morning . . . we move[d] from the Fort, marching down
the river towards Columbus, Kentucky. While passing down along the shore, we
behold transports descending, loaded down with troops, and we come to the
conclusion that there is something in the wind. Proceeding as far as Elliott's
Mills, we receive orders to halt and remain here until further orders. Colonel
Babcock having been absent at St. Louis, on business for the regiment, returns
this afternoon. About two o'clock we hear something that sounds very much like
thunder. It is the cannon's deep, harsh tones, telling us that a battle is
raging. It is the first time such sounds have ever fallen upon our ears. We are
expecting every minute to receive orders to move forward. There is now à
death-like silence where the Seventh stands. All are anticipating that ere the
sun's rays fade from the Mississippi they will see blood flow. But it seems
that our time has not yet come. Remaining here until the day is well nigh gone,
a messenger arrives telling us that Grant to-day has fought the great battle of
Belmont; that he has been repulsed; that the Seventh is in danger of an attack
from an overwhelming force now marching towards us from Columbus. We
immediately re-cross Mayfield creek, and take the backward track for Fort Holt,
where we arrive at 2 o'clock the next morning.
SOURCES: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh
Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 17-8
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