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Front cover

FOUR MONTHS IN LIBBY,

AND THE

CAMPAIGN AGAINST ATLANTA.

Capt. I. N. JOHNSTON,

CO. H, SIXTH KENTUCKY VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

CINCINNATI:

PRINTED AT THE METHODIST BOOK CONCERN,

FOR THE AUTHOR.

E. P. THOMPSON, PRINTER.

1864.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1864,

BY I. N. JOHNSTON,

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

PREFACE.

I might plead, with truth, "the solicitations of friends" as my apology for appearing in print; but as mine is an unpracticed pen, the public, perhaps, may demand a better reason. Without any crime I have been an inmate of the foulest of Southern prisons, and a companion of the brave men whose condition and treatment has called forth the sympathy of the nation, and which will yet call forth the condemnation of the civilized world. I was one of the party that planned and executed one of the most remarkable escapes known to history—the record of which will be enduring as that of the war itself. The labors and perils of which I was a partaker will, I am well assured, give an interest to these pages which the charm of style can never impart to a tale wanting in stirring incident. I write, then, simply because I have a story to tell, which many will take pleasure in hearing, and which, I doubt not, in after years will employ a more skillful pen than mine.

Those with whom I have sat around the camp-fire, shared the weariness of the march, and the dangers of the battle, will like my story none the less for being plainly told; and my companions in Libby, and the partners of my flight, will think of other matters than brilliant sentences and round periods, as they read these pages. I claim no leadership in the enterprise of which I write—the time has not yet come to give honor to whom honor is due; the reason of my silence in this respect will appear in the course of my narrative.

When I began these pages I had no intention of carrying the reader beyond my escape from Libby. I have, however, been induced to add an account of Sherman's great campaign against Atlanta; and while this will, perhaps, have less interest for the general reader, it will possess more for those who were with me in that memorable march. My friends, I am sure, will be indulgent; may I express the hope that all others will have their sympathies too much aroused for our brave boys, still in prison, to be critical?

I. N. Johnston.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
ENTERING THE SERVICE.
Character of the age—My own experiences—Object of my book—Entering the service—Elected Captain—The 6th Kentucky—Its deeds	Page 9
CHAPTER II.
SHILOH AND STONE RIVER.
My first battle, and how I felt—Wounded and left on the field—Disasters of first day and final triumph	21
CHAPTER III.
CHICKAMAUGA.
The battle—Am taken prisoner—Trip to Richmond—Incidents on the way—Star-Spangled Banner sung in Dixie—Kind treatment—Arrival at Richmond	33
CHAPTER IV.
FAILURES.
Richmond—The prison—Treatment of Prisoners—Plans of escape—Sad Failures—Prospect of success	46
CHAPTER V.
THE TUNNEL.
A new plan adopted—Nature of the task—In the tunnel—Maj. M'Donald's adventure—My own disappearance—Given up as escaped—Fislar's story	65
CHAPTER VI.
CELLAR LIFE.
My home and company—Great alarm—Still safe—The work renewed—Success—Last night in Libby—Words on leaving	81
CHAPTER VII.
THE ESCAPE.
The last night—Farewell to Libby—Sufferings and dangers—The North Star our guide—The faithful negro—A false friend—Almost retaken—The contrast	95
CHAPTER VIII.
UNDER THE FLAG AGAIN.
In the swamp—Meeting our pickets—Warm welcome—Kind treatment—Interview with General Butler—Arrival at Washington	113
CHAPTER IX.
RETURN TO THE FRONT.
Return home—How I spent my furlough—Join my regiment—Changes—Forward movement—Tunnel Hill—Rocky Face—Resaca	127
CHAPTER X.
ON TO ATLANTA.
Confidence in our leader—Tunnel Hill and Rocky Face Mountain—Pursuit of the enemy—Johnston's strategy—In command of my regiment—Battle near Dallas—Night on the battle-field—Reflections	142
CHAPTER XI.
MARCHING AND FIGHTING.
Reminder to the reader—Sherman, Howard, and Thomas in council—The attack and repulse—The Sixth Kentucky in front again—In the trenches—Guarding train—Forward march	155
CHAPTER XII.
SHERMAN STILL FLANKING.
Pine Mountain and death of Gen. Polk—Georgia scenery—Before Kenesaw—The unreturning brave—Marietta ours—Across the Chattahoochee	167
CHAPTER XIII.
BEFORE ATLANTA.
Intrenching all night—Gallant exploit of the First and Third Brigades—Atlanta in view—In the trenches before the city—The Sixth Kentucky ordered to Tennessee—Turning over my command—A parting word	180

The Project Gutenberg eBook of Four Months in Libby and the Campaign Against Atlanta

FOUR MONTHS IN LIBBY, AND THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST ATLANTA.

PREFACE.

CONTENTS.

FOUR MONTHS IN LIBBY,

AND THE

CAMPAIGN AGAINST ATLANTA.