A fine morning; drilled two hours and a half; marching orders came, to be ready at a moment's warning; in the evening brigade drill. Generals Thomas, Rousseau, Rosencrans and others present on the ground ; a march of 6 miles.
SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The
Soldier Boy's Diary Book, p. 36
Knoxville, Tenn. We are again under
marching orders. It is rumored we go to Rosecrans' support tomorrow morning.
Our boys are quite as enthusiastic as when they first left home, and for the
same reason. They are ready to go anywhere—do anything to hasten the end. They
have borne with wonderful fortitude the excessive fatigue of marching through a
mountainous country. Burnside does not like to spare them—will not unless
absolutely necessary. He owes something to the Ninth Army Corps. Those stars
upon his epaulets that shine so brightly, and which he wears so jauntily, were
won for him by the Ninth Army Corps. General Burnside is truly a noble man. We
respect him for his honesty and frankness in acknowledging his mistakes as well
as for his great administrative ability.
Our orders to march
have just been countermanded. General Burnside told Colonel Luce he had
received a despatch from Rosecrans that we are not needed at present. That
seems to confirm the rumor of his success. We are having delightful weather,
clear and cool.
SOURCE: David Lane, A Soldier's Diary: The Story of
a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 97
Our camp is almost
deserted. The tents of eight regiments dot the valley; but those of two
regiments and half only are occupied. The Hoosiers have all gone to Cheat
mountain summit. They propose to steal upon the enemy during the night, take
him by surprise, and thrash him thoroughly. I pray they may be successful, for
since Rich mountain our army has done nothing worthy of a paragraph. Rosecrans'
affair at Carnifex was a barren thing; certainly no battle and no victory, and
the operations in this vicinity have at no time risen to the dignity of a
skirmish.
Captain McDougal,
with nearly one hundred men and three days' provisions, started up the valley
this morning, with instructions to go in sight of the enemy, the object being
to lead the latter to suppose the advance guard of our army is before him. By
this device it is expected to keep the enemy in our front from going to the
assistance of the rebels now threatening Kimball.
SOURCE: John
Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 72
CAMP NEAR CHATTANOOGA.
Arrived in camp this
evening. My wound is not yet well, but I prefer doing duty to staying in a
hospital. The boys are doing well, and in fine spirits. I was greatly
disappointed in not getting a letter from home, which came in my absence and
was destroyed, under the impression that I would be away for some time. We hold
the river above and below Chattanooga, leaving Rosecranz but one outlet through
Sequatchie Valley. There seems to be no danger of his attacking us, or of our
attacking him. His position has been made very strong. Our siege-guns on
Lookout can reach the city at long range.
President Davis is
expected every day.
SOURCE: Edwin L.
Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History,
Vol. 1, p. 368
Corinth. To-day we
had to police the entire camp ground as it was reported that General Rosecrans was
going to inspect camp. The ground was shoveled and swept over, but no Rosecrans
came.
SOURCE: Jenkin Lloyd
Jones, An Artilleryman's Diary, p. 10
EMPIRE HOSPITAL, ATLANTA, GA., Oct. 4th.
SINCE the 20th of
August, I have had little opportunity, and less inclination, to write in my
diary. About the 10th of September, Gregg's Brigade received orders to take the
cars for Atlanta, Ga., and we were soon on our way via Mobile,
where mean whisky upset some of the boys. At Montgomery, I went to the theatre
and witnessed a very poor play. On the way from this place to Atlanta, a
soldier was killed by falling between the cars while running. On arrival at
Atlanta, we camped two days near the city, and then took the train for Resaca,
on the road to Chattanooga, where we again rested for two days. In leaving
Atlanta, I became separated from the regiment, which left at 7 o'clock P.M.,
and did not get off until the next morning, when I succeeded in getting aboard
of the train carrying the Fiftieth Tennessee, General Gregg and Staff, and the
brigade commissary stores. Three miles north of Marietta, the car containing
the subsistance broke down, and had to be thrown off the track; consequently,
about twenty-five of us had to walk back to Marietta and wait for the next
train. The order turned out to be a piece of good fortune for the party, as the
train we left was run into by a down train that night and completely
demolished-eighteen men being killed and seventy-five wounded, mostly of the
Fiftieth Tennessee. This accident occurred on Sunday night, September 13th. On
Monday, I got on board the passenger train, and, after a run of a few miles,
the rear coach ran off, but no one was seriously injured, though the escape was
miraculous. This accident occurred at Big Shanty, and here I had to remain
until the following day, when I was enabled to get through to my regiment at
Resaca without further delay. Wednesday morning, we were again en route to
Ringgold, and reached the burnt bridge, two miles below that town, just at
night-fall. Soon after, the Forty-fourth Tennessee came up and camped near us.
In this regiment we found many friends and acquaintances. Thursday morning, we
had orders to cook two days' rations, but our supplies being behind, we could
not do so. Saw where General Forrest had whipped the enemy a few days before.
During the day we heard that a battle was expected every day between Bragg and
Rosecrans, and that we were now in seven miles of the enemy's advance. General
Bragg had increased his army by reinforcements from Virginia and Mississippi,
and was supposed to have about sixty-five thousand men wherewith to match
Rosecrans' one hundred thousand hitherto victorious and well-armed troops.
Thursday evening, a courier announced to General Gregg that the enemy's cavalry
had driven in our pickets beyond Ringgold, and were then in possession of the
place. In a short time, the brigade was under arms and on the march. Had to
wade the Chickamauga three times in going one-half a mile. Heard artillery
firing ahead, but, after taking position on a hill overlooking the town,
learned that Bushrod Johnson's Brigade had driven the enemy off. The brigade
was then marched back to camps and ordered to cook four days' rations, which
consumed the greater part of the night.
At 4 o'clock Friday
morning, the march was resumed, with the understanding that there was to be a
vigorous pursuit of the enemy. Gregg's and Johnson's Brigades were formed into
a division under command of the latter—Colonel John S. Fulton succeeding him in
command of the brigade. By daylight the troops were fairly in motion, and,
passing through Ringgold, took a westerly course, which, in seven miles,
brought us up with the enemy. Our line of battle was quickly formed in an open
field, and ordered forward to the edge of the woods in which the enemy was
supposed to be covered; but, after advancing some four hundred yards it was
halted, and skirmishers were thrown forward. No hostile force was found, and,
after a vigorous shelling of the woods, the brigade was moved by the left flank
some distance and again ordered forward. The Chickamauga Creek was waded and
the steep acclivities beyond were climbed in vigorous pursuit of the enemy, who
showed no disposition to come to an engagement. The line of battle kept pushing
ahead for several miles, through thickets and dense woods, until more open
ground was reached, when a short halt was made to rectify the alignment; after which
the advance was resumed, passing through a Yankee camp which had been abandoned
a short while before. Just about dark our brigade came up with the enemy's
skirmishers, and, the whole division joining in the yell with which the
Thirtieth Tennessee opened the ball, these were quickly driven in. Night now
being at hand, a halt was made and the men were ordered to sleep upon their
arms. A general silence seemed to pervade both lines, in view of the prospect
of a heavy battle on the morrow. The night was remarkably cool for the season
of the year, and before morning we were allowed to unsling blankets for
comfort. At sun-rise, September the 19th, our brigade was thrown into position
on a rocky ridge along the west bank of the Chickamauga, and skirmishers thrown
out in readiness for the attack which we had reason to believe the enemy would
make during the morning; but it was near 10 o'clock before the battle opened
with artillery and heavy musketry on the right. In our front every thing was
quiet except the rattling of artillery-wagons, as they were being moved up to
where the fighting was going on. The engagement gradually extended along the
line until at midday it had reached the right of Johnson's Division, and the
roar of conflict had been continuous.
We could hear
Cheatham's men cheering as they charged and drove the enemy, and the feebler
cheer of the other side as it took the offensive, and, in turn, drove Cheatham
back.
About 2 o'clock,
being on the skirmish line, my attention was drawn to matters more directly in
our own vicinity by the whizzing of a few minnie bullets at the front. I then
saw a brigade of "blue coats" approaching in splendid order at a
double quick, and I apprised Lieutenant Chafin, the officer in command, of the
fact; but every one said they were our own men, and it was concluded not to
fire at any event until they came closer. When they were within two hundred
yards or less, we saw they were Yanks, and no mistake, and firing one round we
ran in, according to orders. I took deliberate aim at an officer on horseback,
but never learned the effect of my shot. As we reached the main line it was
kneeling and at a ready, and perfectly cool. The retiring skirmishers had
hardly time to get into their places before the enemy appeared and opened fire
with a heavy volley. Our boys now opened with a will, and a severe combat of
thirty minutes ensued without any relative change on either side, when our
opposers fell back out of range. Bledsoe's Missouri Battery aided materially in
the repulse by its splendid firing, which it kept up after the enemy was beyond
the range of musketry. About this time General Gregg rode up to Colonel
Tillman, commanding the Forty-first, and told him to move forward and see what
those fellows are doing down there in the heavy timber." The command was
given to forward along the whole brigade, and forward we went in splendid
order. At the foot of the hill a halt was called, while skirmishers were thrown
out. Colonel Tillman ordered Lieutenant Chafin to detail some of his best men
and deploy them as skirmishers at least three hundred yards in advance of the
brigade; the three first files of company C were called for, and we went
forward, deploying at a double quick, and firing as a "blue coat"
came in view. We found the enemy lying down in line of battle waiting for us,
and reported the fact. I heard General Gregg's stentorian "Forward!"
and a wild yell, as the boys came on at a charge. We waited until they came up,
and fell into our places. The whole division was yelling and firing as it went;
the bushes were too thick to allow good order or much execution. The yell
seemed to have done the work, for the enemy gave way, leaving their dead and
wounded and throwing down their guns and knapsacks. The charge was kept up for
a half mile, when progress was stopped by a heavy battery in front of Johnson's
Brigade, and which we had to give them time to take, the order being for us to
preserve line. While waiting here we learned that our gallant General Gregg had
been severely, if not mortally, wounded. Colonel Walker, of the Third
Tennessee, took command of the brigade. At this stage word was passed along the
line that the enemy was moving up in our rear, and we were ordered to fall
back, which was accomplished just in the nick of time. After reforming, a half
wheel to the right was made to protect the flank, and this position was
maintained the rest of the evening. Captain Feeney's Company was thrown forward
as skirmishers as night was coming on. The fighting in front of our brigade was
over for that day, but was still heavy on the left wing. Of the casualties in
the brigade I knew nothing. In the Forty-first the loss was very light,
considering that, for a time, we were exposed to a heavy cross fire. We had
killed and wounded a great number of the enemy, and captured a few prisoners,
besides a number of guns and knapsacks. Three-fourths of a mile of ground had
been gained since morning. Of individual acts of heroism on the part of
officers and men I will not speak, nor of the few who showed arrant cowardice
at the first fire. At dark, Company C was relieved from skirmish duty by a
company from the left of the brigade. James Wilson and myself, being
detailed to go for water, set out with the canteens of the company, and walked
about two miles before obtaining a supply. On our return we wandered about in
the woods, completely lost, for about two hours, when we accidentally stumbled
upon the line, just as we were about broken down and had given up in despair.
During the night, logs and rocks were piled up as protection against bullets.
The atmosphere was again quite cool and foggy. General Gregg was in advance of
the line when he was wounded, and was left in the hands of the enemy for
awhile, who rifled him of his sword, money and watch, and were taking him off
the field when he feigned death and was left on the ground. His wound is in the
neck, and not considered dangerous. Colonel Granberry, of the Seventh Texas,
received a painful wound during the day. All of the other regiments suffered
more than the Forty-first. Colonel Sugg, of the Fiftieth Tennessee, was
wounded, but, after being attended by the surgeon, came back and took command
of the brigade, which, in the meantime, had devolved upon Colonel Walker, of
the Third.
SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 325-9
Officers and men are low-spirited to-night. The news of yesterday has been confirmed. Our army has been beaten at Manassas with terrible loss. General McClellan has left Beverly for Washington. General Rosecrans will assume command in Western Virginia. We are informed that twenty miles from us, in the direction of Staunton, some three thousand secessionists are in camp. We shall probably move against them.
SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 34
COLUMBUS, July 13, 1869.
DEAR S——:—I am sorry not to be here to meet you.
I think of nothing in particular to say. There is a whispering which leads me to suspect that they [the Democratic leaders] are hoping, and perhaps trying, to get Rosecrans to decline. If he declines it will change the programme essentially. Until that matter is decided I suspect we had better show up their talk about him, and his talk about them as our principal topic, so far as merely personal issues go.
I am ready to begin [the canvass] whenever it is deemed best, and would advise going first and chiefly into doubtful or Union counties.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 64
COLUMBUS, August 9, 1869.
DEAR UNCLE:— . . . I begin campaigning Wednesday. Rosecrans' declination does not affect it much. He would have been beaten. So I think will whoever they run.
SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 3, p. 65
At 10 A. M. we were ordered to the front; passed quite a number of regiments on our way thither, and finally took position not far from the enemy's works. We were now at the head of the column. A small brook crossed the road at this point, and the thick woods concealed us from the enemy. A few rods further on, a bend in the road gave us a good view of the entire front of his fortifications. Major Keifer and a few other gentlemen, in their anxiety to get more definite information in regard to the position of the secessionists, and the extent of their works, went up the road, and were saluted by a shot from their battery. We expected every moment to receive an order to advance. After a time, however, we ascertained that Rosecrans, with a brigade, was seeking the enemy's rear by a mountain path, and we conjectured that, so soon as he had reached it, we would be ordered to make the assault in front. It was a dark, gloomy day, and the hours passed slowly.
Between two and three o'clock we heard shots in the rear of the fortifications; then volleys of musketry, and the roar of artillery. Every man sprang to his feet, assured that the moment for making the attack had arrived. General McClellan and staff came galloping up, and a thousand faces turned to hear the order to advance; but no order was given. The General halted a few paces from our line, and sat on his horse listening to the guns, apparently in doubt as to what to do; and as he sat there with indecision stamped on every line of his countenance, the battle grew fiercer in the enemy's rear. Every volley could be heard distinctly. There would occasionally be a lull for a moment, and then the uproar would break out again with increased violence. If the enemy is too strong for us to attack, what must be the fate of Rosecrans' four regiments, cut off from us, and struggling against such odds? Hours passed; and as the last straggling shots and final silence told us the battle had ended, gloom settled down on every soldier's heart, and the belief grew strong that Rosecrans had been defeated, and his brigade cut to pieces or captured. This belief grew to certain conviction. Soon after, when we heard shout after shout go up from the fortifications in our front.
Major Keifer with two companies had, early in the afternoon, climbed the hill on our right to look for a position from which artillery could be used effectively. The ground over which he moved was broken and covered with a dense growth of trees and underbrush; finally an elevation was discovered which commanded the enemy's camp, but before a road could be cut, and the artillery brought up, it was too late in the day to begin the attack.
Night came on. It was intensely dark. About nine o'clock we were ordered to withdraw our pickets quietly and return to our old quarters. On our way thither a rough voice cried: "Halt! Who comes there?" And a thousand shadowy forms sprang up before us. The challenge was from Colonel Robert McCook, and the regiment his. The scene reminded me of the one where
SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 24-6
We were rejoiced this morning to hear of Rosecrans' success, and, at the same time, not well pleased at the escape of the enemy under cover of night. We were ordered to move, and got under way at eight o'clock. On the road we met General Rosecrans and staff. He was jubilant, as well he might be, and as he rode by received the congratulations of the officers and cheers of the men.
Arriving on yesterday's battlefield, the regiment was allowed a half hour for rest. The dead had been gathered and placed in a long trench, which was still open. The wounded of both armies were in hospital, receiving the attention of the surgeons. There were a few prisoners, most of them too unwell to accompany their friends in retreat.
Soon after reaching the summit of Rich mountain, we caught glimpses of Tygart's valley, and of Cheat mountain beyond, and before nightfall reached Beverly and went into camp.
SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 26-7
Six or eight hundred Southern troops sent in a flag of truce, and surrendered unconditionally. They are a portion of the force which fought Rosecrans at Rich mountain, and Morris at Laurel Hill.
We started up the Valley river at seven o'clock this morning, our regiment in the lead. Found most of the houses deserted. Both Union men and secessionists had fled. The Southern troops, retreating in this direction, had frightened the people greatly, by telling them that we shot men, ravished women, and destroyed property. When within three-quarters of a mile of Huttonville, we were informed that forty or fifty mounted secessionists were there. The order to double-quick was given, and the regiment entered the village on a run. As we made a turn in the road, we discovered a squad of cavalry retreating rapidly. The bridge over the river had been burned, and was still smoking. Our troops sent up a hurrah and quickened their pace, but they had already traveled eleven miles on a light breakfast, and were not in condition to run down cavalry. That we might not lose at least one shot at the enemy, I got an Enfield rifle from one of the men, galloped forward, and fired at the retreating squad. It was the best shot I could make, and I am forced to say it was a very poor one, for no one fell. On second thought, it occurred to me that it would have been criminal to have killed one of these men, for his death could have had no possible effect on the result of the war.
Huttonville is a very small place at the foot of Cheat mountain. We halted there perhaps one hour, to await the arrival of General McClellan; and when he came up, were ordered forward to secure a mountain pass. It is thought fifteen hundred secessionists are a few miles ahead, near the top of the mountain. Two Indiana regiments and one battery are with us. More troops are probably following.
The man who owns the farm on which we are encamped is, with his family, sleeping in the woods tonight, if, indeed, he sleeps at all.
SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 27-8
It appears that our Division has come to a stand; that Sherman and his corps have gone on unchecked to join Rosecrans. In the afternoon we move across Richland Creek; pass through Pulaski, and go into camp. All quiet this evening.
To-day the sullen roar of artillery is heard in the front, towards the Tennessee river. The troops are soon in motion. Sherman and staff are now leaving Iuka for the advance; the conjectures are that a storm is brewing down by the Tennessee. Sherman is now moving with his army to form a junction with General Rosecrans, and the probabilities are that Bragg will attempt to check him.
SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 201
COLONEL: I have
received to-day one letter from Captain Lyford, chief of ordnance, in relation
to sending down 32 pounder guns and carriages for 10-inch columbiads. Colonel
[Ignatz G.] Kappner, First Tennessee Heavy A.D. Artillery, proceeded at once to
Columbus and Island No. 10 to fill this order.
In the other, from
yourself, of the 8th, you direct the infantry find artillery of this command
held ready for still further reduction at short notice.
The command is ready
to be moved as rapidly as can be done and to any extent required by orders from
headquarters. It now covers the main line of road from Memphis to Corinth, and
covers this very lightly. Had I any disposable infantry force, I should move
down the Panola road.
Scout in at La
Grange; left Jackson the 7th. Says they claim 50,000 men with Johnston; he
thinks not more than 30,000. Breckinridge is there with 10,000. Forces
constantly arriving from Charleston, Savannah, and Tennessee. The railroad was
fully repaired on Saturday. Forage and supplies being forced down from all
parts of Mississippi.
[W. H.] Jackson and
[J. W.] Whitfield, with cavalry, reached Jackson on Friday. Hatch has just
returned from an expedition along the Tallahatchee. Met nothing but pickets and
light squads. I shall send the whole of my cavalry down as far as they can go,
to destroy crops and break up roads and means of transportation.
A portion of the
Second Division, of Ninth Army Corps, arrived this afternoon; the balance will
be here in a few hours from Cairo. The division is in command of Major-General
Parke. Everything is being pressed forward as fast as possible, but there is
terrible scarcity of boats, and it seems as if boats that go down to your parts
never return. It is impossible to send anything down until some of the boats
below are returned. Every boat from Saint Louis is in service. They should not
be kept an hour after they are discharged of their cargoes.
I am fully satisfied
that Johnston cannot bring more than 35,000 men, of all arms, within the next
ten days.
Bragg is removing
his stores to Atlanta, but Rosecrans will not believe any reports from this
quarter, and I have ceased communicating with him, except through Washington.
He could now easily clear Middle Tennessee and open communication with Dodge at
Hamburg.
I have the honor to
be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. A. HURLBUT.
COLONEL: I received
this morning orders through Captain Lyford, ordnance officer, to send ten
32-pounder guns and carriages for two 10-inch columbiads, with ammunition. I
have sent Colonel Kappner, First Tennessee Artillery, to Columbus, to procure
the same and forward as speedily as possible. They shall be sent as soon as
they can be shipped. Major-General Parke telegraphs me from Cairo, inquiring
when first boat of Ninth Army Corps arrives. I expect them hourly. Smith has left
with his division.
I reiterate my
request that the general commanding will see to it, if possible, that
communication north by railroad be destroyed.
Hatch's cavalry is
now south of the Tallahatchee, looking after any proposed advance. Unless it is
absolutely necessary, I do not desire to move the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, and
on this await orders. The reasons are that Rosecrans is not active near the
Tennessee; that the abandonment of Jackson lays the whole country open, and
that active cavalry movements from Columbus are necessary to cover this open
line.
Colonel Hillyer
reported to me, with orders from General Grant, to assist in expediting
movements of troops. I am not aware of any assistance rendered by him, although
his society was very agreeable when time was allowed to converse with him. I am
satisfied that his forte is not in quartermaster's duty.
I have the honor to
be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. A. HURLBUT.
P. S.—I have heard
incidentally that Colonel Duff and Colonel Lagow, of your staff, have been
here. They have not reported to me.
SOURCE: The
War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 3 (Serial No. 38), p. 397-8
[June 26, 1863,
Washington]
I enclose a letter I
a few days since received on my return from the south west, the perusal of
which has caused me much regret. Dr Duncan who I had formerly known many years
ago at Natchez, is a union man, and when I was on the Mississippi his
plantations I understood had not been molested which I was glad to hear The
depredations referred to must have been committed after I left that section of
the country Will you please direct an enquiry into the case. I have also sent a
copy of it to General Hawkins The President and Secretary are highly pleased with
your operations, which have been so successful, and they look with interest to
your further progress. We hope soon to hear of the fall of Vicksburg, an issue
event of the highest importance A severe spell of sickness at Memphis &
Louisville, compelled me to leave the south, before visiting General Rosecrans
Army. I am getting well rapidly but am still very weak I shall go to Tennessee
as soon as I am well enough. Say to Col Wilson that the proper correction has
been made in the extract 11 of Special Orders No. 227 of May 21st respecting
Capt Badeau. I understand a Regiment of blacks (4th Mississippi) is in your
rifle pits—will you please direct its commander to send me the roster of the
officers that I may send the letters of appointment I hope a 5th Mississippi
may soon be formed and thus have a brigade I had intended to recommend Col
Shepard 1st Mississippi as a brigadier General to command it, but hear he is in
some serious difficulty—will you inform me its nature, and whether it should
prevent his advancement.
SOURCE: John Y.
Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 9, p.
25
This morning our camp is staked off, and we take our position and stake our tents. Our brigade now consists of the Seventh, Fiftieth and Fifty-seventh Illinois, and the Twenty-second and Eighty-first Ohio, commanded by Colonel A. J. Babcock, of the Seventh. There is a commotion in the Second Division. The Cincinnati Commercial, with W. D. B.'s lying communication, villifying and basely misrepresenting the heroic Second Division, who so bravely stemmed the current of battle on Corinth's sanguinary field, has been circulated. The heroes of Belmont, Fort Donelson and Shiloh rage to-night, and adding still more to this correspondent's villification, comes the congratulatory address of General Rosecrans, with the following remarkable passage : "I desire especially to offer my thanks to General Davies and his Division, whose magnificent fighting on the third more than atones for all that was lacking on the fourth.” As a defense, we will simply transcribe the circular of “Justice," written by a soldier of the Second Division, which gives a clear exposition of facts relative to the history of the Second Division in the two day's battle at Corinth:
“They did fail to do what they should have done, namely: there were captured by the whole army of Rosecrans, two thousand two hundred and sixty-eight prisoners, and the Second Division (Davies'), captured only one thousand four hundred and sixty of that number, mostly on the fourth; they should have captured the whole. Then again the whole army captured fourteen stand of colors; Davies' Division captured ten of these on the fourth; they should have taken all! They fought Van Dorn and Price's army on the third, alone, and whipped them. This was right. On the fourth they fought with others and whipped the enemy; they should have done it alone and would have done so but for the giving may of troops on the right flank-names I will not mention. Now, the Second Division well know they should have done all these things alone, and they must throw themselves upon the clemency of a forgiving country. The throbbing patriot's heart will
have some sympathy, and the facts will atone for the short-comings of the Second Division when they are told that they went into action on the third with two thousand nine hundred and twenty-five officers and men, the balance of the Division being detailed in and about Corinth. Loss, seventy-five officers; total loss, one thousand and four. Forgive these “lacking and erring boys of the Northwest, for next time they will try and do better.”
We remain in this camp, uninterrupted until November the 2d, when we are ordered inside the fortifications, the greater portion of the troops having left on an expedition southward. It is said our Division will remain and garrison Corinth for awhile. Our regiment is now camped close to Corinth, on the old battle field of October the 4th, and the probability is that we will remain here for some time, and in view of these indications, the Seventh is soon at work fixing up its quarters, building chimneys and fire places; and making general preparations for the approaching cold weather. The Seventh having its complement of mechanics, it is not long until the quarters are made quite comfortable, and as we look along the officers’ line this evening we behold a neat row of chimneys, the work of the genial and accommodating “General Grant” of Company K. Of course the officers will all vote the General their hearty thanks.
All is quiet; a dull monotony reigns in camp. It is rumored that the command will move from Corinth ere long. All seem anxious for that hour to come-seem tired of this inactive life. General Rosecrans has command of the forces here. In the evening he visits our camp; seems greatly pleased with our dress parade, and the efficiency of the regiment in the manual of arms.
SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 88
This morning ere it is light, the drums are heard, which tell us that something is demanded of the Seventh—a march and a fight forsooth. Orders for a march we have already received, but orders for a battle may be forthcoming, for these come unexpected sometimes. Rumor, which is ever busy, is circulating many things; one is that Price and Van Dorn, being dissatisfied with Iuka, are now threatening Corinth. But every one seems to be ignorant of anything hostile any where in Northern Mississippi. The Seventh is soon ordered into line, and with everything buckled and in trim, we take up the line of march towards Corinth. After going a short distance, we are ordered to move in double-quick time. This leads us to think that there is something coming this way; that will give us battle music, but who will play it, we know not. We are soon in Corinth; everything is in commotion; troops are moving, and aids and orderlies dashing everywhere. Soon we are informed that Colonel Olive, with the Fifteenth Michigan, has been driven in from Chewalla, an out-post on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, nine miles south of Corinth. An orderly is now seen dashing up the Chewalla road. He comes from Colonel Olive, and informs the General that the Fifteenth Michigan is pressed, and if not reinforced, will be unable to maintain its position now on the hill, on the line of the old rebel works, crossing the Chewalla road, two and a half miles from Corinth. Colonel Babcock is ordered forward on double-quick time with the Seventh, to reinforce him. Arriving at the scene of action, we find McArthur in command on the hill. Reporting to him, Colonel Babcock is ordered to take his position in the rebel works, forty rods to the right of the Fifteenth Michigan; the artillery being immediately to our left. Colonel Babcock now sends forward Company H, deployed on a skirmish line along a ravine beyond the abattis. Soon we hear sharp firing down there; with a sweeping power the rebels are hurled against them, compelling them to fall back, and as they come over the works, they carry with them Lieutenant Ring, wounded and bleeding, which is a serious loss to the company. It is sad to think that after he had obtained permission from the General in the morning to return to his company, that he should thus fall in the commencement of the battle; that the company should thus be deprived of its brave leader, But such are the fortunes of war; the brave spirited heroes are generally the first to go down. Before Lieutenant Ring is carried from the field, he says to his men, “I may never be with you any more," and exhorts them to stand firm for the old flag and do it and their homes honor, as they had always done on every battle-field. How sad it makes us feel to see our brave ones fall; to see our leading spirits leave us when we can illy spare them. The brave Ring is now borne back in his glory.
We will now turn to the situation. By this time it is discovered that Price and Van Dorn are in our immediate front with their entire commands, numbering about twenty-five thousand men, which tells us plainly that there will be a work of blood to-day in these woods. We now look across the abattis and behold the angry legions of the south moving towards our front in terrible array. The battery on our left, the Fifteenth Michigan, and the Fifty-seventh on the left of the Fifteenth, now open a terrific fire. At this juncture we discover a large body of rebels emerging from the timber in solid column, about forty rods to our right, moving directly across the unprotected works. The Seventh turns its fire towards them and checks them for a few minutes. This column's fire soon turns the Seventh's right flank. The enemy in our front having been repulsed by the Seventh, soon rally and are on to the breach again, receiving our fire. with a remarkable indifference. Up to this time the battery and the force on our left have been making the woods ring with their terrible thunder, but they are silent now; their cannons are still; their musketry is hushed. What means it all? Owing to the dense undergrowth in the woods we are hid from them. Colonel Babcock has not received any word from McArthur since taking his position here. The battle still rages in our immediate front. Colonel Babcock casts his eye to the rear; he looks down a ravine and beholds the Chewalla road swarming with rebels. The fact soon flashes upon his mind that McArthur, with his force, has been driven from the hill, leaving the Seventh isolated and alone. The rebels are now pressing us in the front, a column moving past us to our right, another rebel force on the Chewalla road to our left and rear, pressing McArthur hard. This is our position; rebels in our front, rebels on our right and rear, rebels on our left and rear; soon their right and left columns will meet; soon we will be surrounded if we remain here. Colonel Babcock's observing eye sees the situation of the regiment in an instant. The command is given, ‘By the right of companies to the rear.” Will we get back? Will we save ourselves by moving direct to the rear? We may; this is our only hope. The regiment moves steadily; no confusion, no panic; how like clock-work they move. We succeed in getting back ere the rebel columns meet. We find Colonel Olive's command and the regiments composing the Third Brigade, in line of battle one-half mile from the hill, where they had been driven. The Third Brigade is now formed on the Chewalla road; the Seventh on the right, with the left resting on the road, and in their order the Fiftieth and Fifty-seventh on the left of the road; and as soon as the Seventh is formed, Colonel Babcock reports to General McArthur, who had assumed command of that part of the line. By his direction we move by the left flank east of the Chewalla road, forming a new line of battle facing north. Companies I and C, under the command of the gallant Captain Johnson are now deployed forward on a skirmish line covering the front of the Third Brigade. The positions of the regiments in the Third Brigade are as follows: The Fifty-seventh on the right, and in their order the Seventh and the Fftieth. Thus is the position of the Second Division, commanded by General Davies: The First Brigade, commanded by General Hackleman, in the center; the Second Brigade, commanded by General Oglesby, on the right; and the Third Brigade, commanded Colonel Baldwin, on the left.
There is a lull now; the rebels seem hesitating. The heat is intense; no water; the men are famishing; some of the Seventh fall in their tracks, fainting and exhausted under the scorching sun.
While the men are thus suffering, we advance; the Fifty-seventh takes the lead, the Seventh follows, then the Fiftieth. Through the woods they swept with the power of a terrible whirlwind. For one-half mile they surge with a relentless force, making a fearful inroad among the rebels, but at this juncture fresh rebel troops are hurled against our flanks, compelling us to give way. That was a try. ing hour; the storm raged furiously; the woods were wrapped in smoke and flame. We fall back to our former position, and crossing the railroad, move back a short distance, where we find the Sixth Division drawn up in line of battle. General McArthur now directs Colonel Babcock to take his regiment to the rear of the Division and let it rest.
The Sixth Division advances and engages the enemy and for fifteen minutes the storm rages wildly. Generals Hackleman and Oglesby charge from the white house, near Corinth. General Hackleman falls a martyr—goes down in the sweeping tempest, and at the same time General Oglesby is badly wounded; thus we lose from the Union army two brave and noble men.
Night now lets fall her dark mantle, and the great storm is hushed. General Davies’ Division made a fearful swing to-day. During the long weary hours while his men were famishing and dying, he fought the whole rebel army and held it in cheek. Where was Rosecrans, with Hamilton and Stanly, when the Second Division was struggling as warriors have but few times struggled on this continent? They may have been where duty called. We trust they were. It may have been necessary for the Second Division to alone stem the angry current, and to-night we feel glad that we never let the old flag go down, but kept her up to gladden the hearts of many brave men as their life blood ebbed away on this field of fearful carnage.
We are ordered into camp one-half mile southeast of Corinth, near the college, but we do not remain here long until Colonel Babcock receives orders to report with the regiment to Corinth. Though the men are weary, they are soon in line. On arriving near the town, we are ordered to halt, and as soon as done the battle worn men drop down upon the ground to rest themselves; but their eyes are scarcely closed, when again the command "all in" is given, and we move to another position, and thus during the long weary night we are kept moving from one place to another; and, in consequence, there is no sleep for the tired and almost exhausted Seventh.
