The Battle of Mill Springs - Samuel Jennison discusses the 2nd Minnesota Infantry's part in the battle

We are indebted to Mr. James Jennison, Jr., Cambridge, Mass., son of Mr. James Jennison, of this town, for the following extract from a letter written by his brother, Samuel Jennison, who was a prominent actor in the Battle of Mill Spring [sic], and who, having been promoted to the Adjutancy of his Regiment, the Second Minnesota, had an active part to take in forming and maintaining the "line of battle," of which he speaks in the letter. Mr. Jennison will be remembered by many of our readers, and as he has heroically distinguished himself in the late battle, his friends here will read the extract below with much interest.

Samuel Jennison in US Army uniform.

Minnesota Historical Society

CAMP CUMBERLAND, NEAR SOMERSET
KY., Jan. 24th, 1862.

...A little while after reville [sic] on Sunday morning, I was dressing in my old company tent, when the first sergeant came in saying, "Captain, they are going to beat the long roll." I was just putting on my blouse, so I buckled on the sword, stuffed my revolver into my belt, and was ready. The long roll was not beating and in about five minutes the regiment was in line. The Colonel mounted, and commanded - "Left face - forward march!" As soon as my horse could be saddled after his, I followed, mounting for the first time to go into battle.

We got down about three quarters of a mile, and formed in line of battle. While standing in that position three cannon shot were fired over the line, and struck a few rods from us. That showed the fellows were in earnest, previous to which I supposed it was only a feint to alarm us. Our artillery replied, and after a while we were ordered forward to support the 10th Indiana and 4th Kentucky, which regiments had been encamped nearer the enemy than we. They were nearly out of cartridge, and just as we approached them they were ordered to retreat, or retire. At the very moment when our right wing received the first fire, some officer of the other regiment (either the 4th Kentucky or 10th Indiana), called out to the men to retreat. Our men, many of them, got mixed up with them, and the line was thrown into momentary confusion. However, in half a minute at most, the danger was all over; Col. Van Cleve, Col. George and myself, all being behind that wing and assisting to stop the disaster. Then the men went at their regular work, and after about twenty-five minutes very hot firing the enemy had enough and retreated. We then put ourselves in motion to pursue, no one having had breakfast; we followed them in line of battle, for the General was bound not to fall in ambuscade. So we went through woods; over fallen trees, low wet grounds, fences, fields, gardens, dooryards; up and down hills and ravines, for six or seven miles, when it came on dark. I lay on three rails without anything over the rails or over me, and slept not a wink. In the morning the artillery tried to burn the steamboat lying at the landing on the opposite side of the river, but the rebels were all over, and so burned it themselves. We were then formed and marched into their entrenchments. They had had not time to secure the most necessary articles, not those light things which one would be likely to leave last, minatures, watches, knives, pistols, letters, &c &c. I saw fires still smouldering in the fireplaces, and took a corn-cake warm from the pan. There was everything which you could find in any camp. There I wrote you the former letter, and there I took the commission which I now send you. I lost my revolver, and got not a cents worth. T. got a sword and nice trunk.

You will see the official report of the battle, which I think will sow you that the 2d was in a good place, and it will appear (negatively as least) that I did my duty. I certainly tried, shunning no necessary exposure, and courting no needless danger. I telegraphed you two days ago that I was entirely unhurt which was the case.

We have no order yet to move from here. We may stay a number of days.

S.J.