And so the old boys talked on and on, one after another. Story after story went the rounds, and the boys discussed, argued, and de-bated every inch of their victory over the rebel troops again. It was a fine spectacle and yet a sad sight. for as they talked and talked their enthusiasm, no longer youthful, dimmed and paled, and expired with the glowing embers of the camp fire. And so the grand camp fire of the gallant 13th passed into history.
This noble regiment-the 13th Michigan volunteer infantry-holds an enviable record in the war. It was organized at Kalamazoo and left here February 12, 1862, Col. Michael Shoemaker in command. The route of the regiment lay through Kentucky and Tennessee, and the regiment arrived at Pittsburg landing, where it saw its first real service. From this time until the evacuation of Corinth, the 13th was engaged in fatigue and picket duty, with the forces which captured that post. The regiment also helped drive the enemy from Lebanon, and under General Rosecrans marched on Murfreesboro. Possibly the most trying of the some 20 or 30 engagements through which the regiment passed was the bloody engagement of Stone river on the 30th and 31st of December, and the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd of January. Twenty-five were killed and a large number wounded and missing when the roll was called. Among the prominent members of the regiment who were killed at this time was the gallant Captain Clement Webb. One of the most daring achievements of the 13th-possibly one of the most daring attacks of the entire war, was that in which the regiment recaptured two guns which had fallen into the hands of the enemy. The capture was effected by a bayonet charge, and at great loss to the regiment.