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Article
from the April 8th, 1863 edition of The Advertiser and Tribune, page 2,
column 7.
From
the 21st Michigan
An
Attack Expected - Vigilance of Gen. Rosecrans - The 21st All Right - Review
- Promotions.
Special
Coor. of the Advertiser and Tribune.
Camp
near Murfreesboro, Tenn.,
March 31st, 1863.
From
present indications, I should judge that an attack is expected at this point;
scarcely a day that there is not more or less skirmishing along the picket
lines. But every precaution is taken by Gen. Rosecrans to prevent a surprise.
Picket duty is required to be done in the most rigid and careful manner.
He is hurrying forward the work on the fortifications, the siege guns are
being mounted, and the supplies moved inside the works; and competent judges
are of the opinion that if the Rebs do make an attack here, somebody will
get hurt.
We have just returned from a six day tour of out-post duty near Salem. We were
several times drawn up in line of battle, in expectation of a little "brush," but
the rebels thought better of it, and retired and we were left in quiet. The
21st boys are all in good health and fine spirits and those here are as hardy
a lot of fellows as you would wish to see. There are about three hundred present
for duty; which by the way is about as large a number as any of the fighting
regiments muster.
A few days since we were reviewed by Gen. Rosecrans. As he rode slowly along
the lines he had a word for almost every one. Here he stops to encourage and
praise a private, there to censure an officer nothing escapes his observant
eye. And he seems to take the kindliest interest in every officer and soldier.
His heart is in the work. He said he did not come out for display, but to see
what was the condition of his army, and to learn what it needed. "Old
Rosa" is the man for our money.
Some important changes have been made in the officers of our regiment. Of late
Lieut. Colonel McCreery has been promoted to Colonel; Adjutant Wells to Lieutenant-Colonel;
Capt. Chase, to Major, and Assistant Surgeon Avery, to Surgeon. A word about
these officers and I subside.
Col. Wm B. McCreery has a record, in this war, of which no man need be ashamed.
He left the State in the ranks of the 2d Michigan, with a gun at his shoulder,
and a knapsack on his back. From a Sergeant he was successively promoted 2d
Lieutenant, Quartermaster, and Captain. At the battle of Williamsburg, he received
two terrible wounds which came near ending his military, if not mortal career;
but he finally recovered; and was in November last, made Lieutenant-Colonel
of the 21st. Now he is again promoted and wears the eagles.
Lt-Col. Wells went out with the 16th (Stockton's) regiment, as 2nd Lieutenant.
Upon the organization of the 21st, he was promoted to be 1st Lieutenant and
Adjutant of this regiment, which office he filled until Col. McCreery was promoted,
when he was commissioned Lieut. Colonel on the unanimous recommendation of
the officers of the regiment.
Major Chase was captain of Co. L, in our regiment. He is not very long in the
service but long enough to show himself a competent officer, and a man of superior
judgment and excellence of character. He behaved with distinguished coolness
and bravery at the battles of Perryville, and Stone River.
Dr. Avery went in as Assistant Surgeon, He has had a large experience in the
surgical line since he has been in the army, and is an excellent surgeon, as
the sanitary condition of the regiment will show.
NON-COM.
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