Here is a statement from Archaeologist Dan Elliot of the Lamar Institute from his work in March 2007 at Nash Farm. ""Some important artifact patterning and spatial distributions were tentatively noted in the field. Concentrations of small, faceted iron canister shot were discovered in the area of the pasture between the Nash house and the barn. Several hundred similar artifacts were located there. This area appears to be the target of intense anti-personal artillery attack, most likely that fired by the Columbus Flying Artillery battery on August 20th. Several areas of the property yielded artifacts that are uniquely diagnostic of cavalry troops, such as certain types of carbines, spurs, and various horse tack. Evidence of Spencer carbines in the form of minie balls and spent brass shell cartridges attest to a fire fight with cavalry troops. Although the Union cavalry possessed more of the Spencer carbines, the Confederate cavalry also had some of these weapons. Perhaps the most graphic and conclusive evidence of the saber fight is illustrated by the recovery of a sword counterguard (or sword basket), which was found in the heart of the battlefield between the Nash house and the barn."
There are other private collections which exist that were excavated at Nash Farm and someday may be able to provide additional valuable information to the historical research of Nash Farm. (Source): Privately owned artifact collections recovered from Nash Farm between 1982-1994.
It is important to note that the many cavalry artifacts recovered at Nash Farm also indicated the path taken by Kilpatrick's cavalry upon his direct approach to Walnut Creek on the McDonough Road. A one hour and forty five minute cavalry battle took place at Walnut Creek on the McDonough Road. Many battlefield reports indicate several important landmarks used in the description of the area of Walnut Creek area such as the location of the Samuel Foster house, the position of the Chicago Board of Trade Battery on the knoll north of McDonough Road and across from North Mt. Carmel Road. Several U.S. Artillery "A" coat buttons were recovered near the old Foster home site as well by local relic hunters. The overall description of the surrounding landscape is also described from other historical accounts. (Source) -
1898; W.L. Curry; History of 1st Ohio Volunteer Cavalry:181,
Evans; Sherman's Horsemen, 1996: 456.
Kilpatrick's cavalry could not have approached the area of Walnut Creek from any other direction or road except that coming from the direction of Nash Farm on the McDonough Road. Remnants of the old original McDonough Road are still visible today on the south side of the McDonough Road, (across from Mitchell Road). Many cavalry artifacts have been dug in this area. In fact, in the past 25 years, hundreds if not thousands of cavalry artifacts from Kilpatrick's Raid have been excavated by local relic hunters on the McDonough Road between McCullough Road and North Mt. Carmel Road. (Source) - (1994 correspondence from Nichols & Mathis - 2005 Correspondence with Dr. David Evans, Augusta, Georgia, Author of Sherman's Horsemen).
