486 NortH Caronina Troops, 1861-65.

his forces, the Sixtieth going to Brandon and encamping on
a ridge not a great way from the station, in the track of a cy-
clone that had passed through that section of the country some
time before, and hence the name “Camp Hurricane,” by
which the rendezvous was known. Here Colonel Hardy,
Lieutenant-Colonel Ray and several officers of the line passed
their examinations for promotion, although they had been
on duty in their respective assignments, most of them, from
the time of leaving Fairfield, Tenn. Lieutenant-Colonel Ray
commanding the regiment on the advance from Jackson to
Big Black and on the retreat as well.

It was here, too, that Dr. McKay, by his extra rigid regular
army discipline, incurred anew the anger of many of the regi-
ment, who claimed that they were out to fight tyranny in
every form, and while engaged fighting back an invading
army, they would at the same time resist being domineered
by, as they claimed, a military martinet in the person of the
regimental surgeon. They commenced the exhibition of
their determination to get rid of the doctor by a night attack
upon him as he swung in his hammock in his marquee, cutting
down the hammock and then casting some stones, more to
frighten, possibly, than to hurt, for they were not really bad
men. The doctor appealed to Lieutenant-Colonel Ray, again
in command of the regiment, for redress and reported an en-
tire company as being the offenders, but as he could name
none, either as leaders or participants, no action could well be
taken. Colonel Ray, esteeming him for his skill in surgery
and his general learning, was anxious to save him any injury,
or any repeated indignity and begged the doctor to allow him
to effect his transfer, which was done and old Dr. Straight, a
Mississippian, was put in his place, a most lovable character,
who soon endeared himself to the men very greatly.

In September Breckinridge was ordered to Georgia to re-
inforce General Bragg, who was again to join issue with
General Rosecrans. It so happened that some of the higher
officers being away on leave, and others desiring to go via
Mobile, Ala., the command of the brigade devolved upon
Lieutenant-Colonel Ray, who had it in charge until reaching
the point of destination.

SixtreTH REGIMENT. 487

CHICKAMAUGA.

On reaching Chickamauga (the Indian name “Chicka-
mauga” means river of death) the two armies were found in
battle array and skirmishing more or less severe occurred
from day to day, commencing on about the 10th. The Sixti-
eth had position on the left of the army and upon that part
of the field in which vicinity were Glass’ and Lee and Gor-
don’s flouring mills.

The line of battle was constantly undergoing changes, not
very considerable until the 18th and 19th. Then the
changes were radical, the left, or a great part of it, embrac-
ing the Sixtieth, was moved to the extreme right wing. On
the 18th everything indicated fighting and a regular engage-
ment was unquestionably at hand. The ominous clouds of
war hung like a pall over the army; the atmosphere was full
of it; the warrior, as well as the war horse, could “smell it
from afar.” Curses were changed to prayers, cards in the
pockets were replaced by Testaments and a quiet determina-
tion took the place of jests and ribaldry.

Sure enough on Saturday, the 19th, the struggle began in
earnest. As the day waned the contest became hotter and
hotter, and at dark it seemed only just begun, and raged furi-
ously until way into the night. When the ranks could no
longer see each other they would fire at the flash and report
of their opponents’ guns. The Sixtieth, up to this time, had
not been hotly engaged. The night of the 19th it marched
hour upon hour, crossing the river at Alexander’s bridge,
when it seemed almost time for cock crow, if one had dared
to be so bold in hearing of men hungry enough to have eaten
him, feathers and all! Tired and worn, a final halt’ was
called and the men threw themselves upon the ground and in
almost a twinkling were wrapped in sound slumber, such as
is known only to soldiers. But O! of such short duration
was that sleep. Not waiting until day dawn, the long roll
sounded—a sound that like the rattlesnake’s warning notes,
never failed to put all hearers on the alert. Hastily every
man, knowing intuitively what the call boded, was up in busy
preparation, and at daybrvak was in line ready for any fate.