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16th Ohio Volunteer Infantry
Where was the regiment on
Sunday, September 28, 1862
MARCH TO THE OHIO RIVER - DAY 12

The descriptions of the 7th Division's movements at this time are somewhat confusing and difficult to interpret. Pvt. Mason's account indicates Morgan was ready for a fight and may have sent a brigade west toward the Mt. Sterling Road, taking a position just west of a stream, anticipating the arrival of a large Rebel force. This allowed Baird's and Carter's rear brigades to close up, rest and give the enemy time to arrive. It is assumed this means the two brigades were still arriving at West Liberty but this isn't confirmed. It was then reported that the Confederates had, again, turned further north, marching quickly, attempting to engage Morgan at their next destination, Grayson, Kentucky. As the Union troops were extremely weary, Morgan, preparing now for the last run to the Ohio River, ordered them to lighten their loads by burning all clothing, blankets and baggage that could be spared.

It is assumed that upon hearing the Rebels were heading north, not intending to engage him at West Liberty, Morgan withdrew his advance guard from west of West Liberty and the Division reformed, ready to head northeast toward Grayson. As stated in the similar diaries of 16th Ohio soldiers Cpl. Warner Reid and Pvt. Peter Perrine, the 16th Ohio resumed the march toward Grayson at 3:30pm on this day. They went five miles and camped at the Mt. Sterling Road. [The location of which is currently unknown].

* Some information and italicized text, above, taken from The Forty-Second Ohio Infantry - A History of the Organization and Services of That Regiment In the War of the Rebellion, 1876 - F. H. Mason, late Private of Company A - Cobb, Andrews & Co., Publishers.

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