Hunting the Camp of the 72nd Ind. Inf., 74th Ind. Inf., & 105th Ohio Inf. Today

[VOL1266-X]

We owe this one to Tennessee Digger (Donnie). Between 20-25 years ago, he discovered a diary of a Union CW Soldier with the 72nd Indiana Infantry. This was Col. Wilder’s Regiment (Wilder’s Lightning Brigade was so named as it later became the first regiment to use the Spencer repeating rifles against the Confederates) and one Sgt. Later became the 24th Governor of Indiana. Donnie, his son, and a friend discovered the site and hunted the camp twice before losing permission because one of the landowners had a boss who hunted for relics. He told me that Dman and I should pursue getting permission and check it out. This camp was there for about 2 weeks beginning Dec. 14, 1862 and consisted of the 72nd and 74th Indiana infantry plus the 105th Ohio Infantry. The combined strength of these 3 regiments was over 2,900 men.
I contacted the landowners and we discovered that we had some mutual friends so we were in. I made a solo sortie (Dman still not 100% with his broken leg yet) to the farm on Jan. 31 but only found a big piece of melted lead on an adjoining farm where I had secured permission, a fired .44 cal. ball, and an 1890 “V” nickel. I was 100% convinced that Donnie’s information was accurate so I returned yesterday. This was not a virgin site as others had been allowed to hunt there. I backed off from the area where Donnie and crew had located relics figuring that nearly 3,000 men needed a very large area to camp in. Within 10 minutes of entering the 60 acre field, I dug a dropped bullet. My finds from that hunt are shown in the first pic. I dug my first halfway solid ration can and my 2nd Austrian-Lorenz Rifle tool (“Y”shaped tool). The brass buckle in the lower right appears to be Colonial period. I dug 20 bullets and left so Dman wouldn’t accuse me of being a “relic hog”-LOL. The majority of the dropped 3 ringers had been pulled and the tent lines could easily be determined by the bullet recoveries. I was surprised that the relics were only 5-6 inches deep.
We returned today and had a plesant cnversation with the landowner who graciously let us drive back into the farm with my 4x4 so Dman wouldn't need to walk so far. Our combined finds are shown in the 2nd pic. I had stashed some 5 gal. buckets for us to sit on as Dman still needs an occasional break. He said he got up, walked four steps, and dug a bullet. I told him that I purposely set the buckets near the bullets where he wouldn't need to walk too far-LOL. The last pic is Dman enjoying a snack break on his bucket seat and showing his relics. He dug a U.S. bayonet scabbard tip today and I dug one Friday. Not a double BB & Shane-but close. HH, Quindy.

My 2012 CW Relics YTD=105

[Dwight S]

Congratulations on getting back in there. Hope ya'll find a lot of goodies.

[Gunrunner61]

Cool finds,and nice of you to give him a bucket to set on

[ModernMiner]

Hey Guys, I'm glad my fellow Hoosier's left you some CW relics to dig up.
Great two day hunt Q & D. Congrats on the old tool. (the CW one, not the guy on the bucket)
I bet you two had a blast as usual. It's great to see Dman treated like royalty out in the field. I'm sure he would do the same for you Q. Just watch out when he flips the bucket the other way and then wants it emptied. That's when I would draw the line.

-MM-

[CMDiamonddawg]

3000 soldiers camped on 60 acres and the Tenn trio have the privilege to dirtfish the whole place this will keep you going forever Quindy you are a true gentleman , taking a bucket out in the field for Dman , most kind of you . Let him rest but keep moving his bucket to the target areas there are relics to be dug . From what you found already it looks like your in the right spot . Dig em up ! 8) dawg

[tennessee digger]

Glad you guys were able to get out there to that place and dig some relics! I knew that you would find a "hot spot" somewhere back there on that farm. Did you ask the landowner about an old house site? Tennessee digger

[Missouri_John]

Very nice finds as always. I really dig the gun tool

[Hutch911]

Great hunt guys sounds like some nice stuff will come out of there. Maybe a Ohio breastplate Keep at it!!!

Hutch

[Wldbil]

As always you guys are digging the good stuff. Looking forward to see what comes out of the field next.

[rtde3]

Looks like one heck of a spot Q!
I wonder if I could get Floyd to bring a bucket for me back in the woods to sit on for lunch?

[metalev4]

Sounds like great potential. Good luck on future hunts.

[Nana40]

So the owner gave you permisson AND let you drive the truck thru the place. 8) Wonder if he'd allow girls to dig there too?
Ya'll did good!! Lots 'o fine keepers there!! That site should keep you two busy for a while!

Nana

[VOL1266-X]

So the owner gave you permisson AND let you drive the truck thru the place. 8) Wonder if he'd allow girls to dig there too?
Ya'll did good!! Lots 'o fine keepers there!! That site should keep you two busy for a while!

Nana

I'm sure he would Nanners. Landowners prefer blondes-LOL,. Q.

[tater307]

Nice finds and also nice hat. Maltese crosses are my thing to

[Woodland Detectors]

Fantastic hunt guys Your a class act Quindy looking out for Doug like you do. I really like the gun tool.

[Getty]

Awesome saves you guys!

[Steve in PA]

Looks like your off to a good start on this new site. The old boss man probably figured he had hunted the place out - now it's time for the Tenn trio to go to work Nobody knows how to hunt a hard hunted site like you guys!

[BuckleBoy]

Looks like we aren't the only ones who are seeing double lately!

GREAT hunt, guys! All of those beautiful drops will look great in a display. The gun tool is a top notch find. I have never managed to get over top of one of those with a searchcoil.


Cheers,

Buckles

[curbdiggercarl57]

You know, if he was a horse, you'd have to shoot him.

You know, if he keeps digging like he does, you'll have to shoot him.

Carl

[rebelrouser]

that is great news.i bet you go back there several times and pull some great relics from there.take care.