| The Life of Dr. J.R. Miller |
Chapter 2 |
Page 11 |
In his journal Mr. Miller told something of the difficulties of war time travel:
“I took the cars to Chattanooga and the train ran off the track near Athens, and we were all tumble head over heels, so that it was a marvel anyone escaped. As it was, however, none were killed, though fifteen soldiers were injured; but I escaped unhurt. I reached Chattanooga at midnight, and pressed on toward Nashville the same night. We took the Alabama road, via Decatur and Athens, thence north to Nashville. Stopped a few hours in Nashville, and then moved northward. Train soon broke down again, and we lay all night near Bowling Green. In the morning we were tied on behind a freight train and pulled along to Cave City. Here we stopped for the purpose of visiting Mammoth Cave… We spent the night partly in the cave, and returned to Cave City Hotel in time for the train. Then we pushed forward for Louisville, where we arrived before night… Next day at noon we took steamer for Cincinnati… Went to church in the morning, to Sabbath school in the afternoon, and preaching again in the evening… On Tuesday I started eastward.
“I had scarcely reached Pittsburgh, however, when I was telegraphed for, to proceed to headquarters at once, to assume direction of the work in General butler’s Department. Thus all my fond anticipations were blighted, and went away to the field again. The Pittsburgh Committee made a most strenuous effort to have the order countermanded, but to no effect. I must go, and at once. I reported accordingly in Philadelphia on April 25, and left after a few hours’ consultation for Baltimore and Fortress Monroe.”
Then began some of the most important work of Mr. Miller’s service. He was sent to the front with the Army of the Potomac. He directed the delegates – who were now available in large numbers – for service in camp, on the field of battle, and in the hospital. A station was established very early in May at Bermuda Hundred. This was for work in General Butler’s army. There were two hospitals here, and a number of batteries without chaplains. At Point of Rocks, four miles up the Appomattox, a hospital was erected which remained throughout the war. From Bermuda Hundred, the wounded of Sheridan’s Cavalry were visited, and large quantities of stores distributed to them. When the Eighteenth Infantry went to White Horse Landing, Mr. Miller and his corps of delegates accompanied them, establishing the station which did so much to relieve the wounded.
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