Our Battery Part 11

We remained here undisturbed during the following day, when, at evening roll-call, we were ordered to prepare to march. A large number of troops had come in during the day, and it was evident to all that something important was soon to occur.

At 1 o'clock on the morning of September 8th, we resumed our march, and without an incident, at night camped by the road-side. At daybreak the following morning, again moved forward, and just before noon arrived at the celebrated Lookout Mountain, and at once commenced its ascent. We were soon in plain view of Chattanooga; and from the top of this mountain the prospect of the surrounding country was grand and picturesque in the extreme.

Owing to the breaking down of a number of the transportation wagons, it was late in the day ere we were all safely over. But great was our surprise, on now finding ourselves faced in a contrary direction to Chattanooga. Soon, however, we learned that the enemy had evacuated the town, and were retreating towards Lafayette; so in that direction we shaped our course. Proceeding five miles further, we camped for the night.

The next day we continued the march, and now began to have skirmishes with the enemy's rear-guard, and it was thought that a general engagement would soon be brought about.

Shortly before dark, we crossed the small river of Chickamauga, and two miles further on came to a halt.

We moved on the next morning, and after proceeding five miles, halted for dinner. But while we were quietly partaking of our food, a sudden and unexpected a.s.sault was made by a force of the enemy's cavalry, which resulted in the capture of about fifty men of the First Kentucky Infantry, of our brigade, and who were on picket guard. So emboldened were the Rebels by their exploit, that they made a second dash, and into our very midst. But they met with a sudden check, and were soon put to flight, leaving several of their number dead and wounded in our hands. For the remainder of the day we were not disturbed, and lay in camp till the next morning.

The next day, at 10 o'clock in the morning, we arrived at the small town of Graysville. At this place were several mills and factories, which had been used in manufacturing various articles for the Confederates. These works were ordered to be destroyed, which was speedily accomplished, and soon thereafter we were again moving.

At 2 o'clock P. M., we reached the town of Ringgold. It was near this place that Colonel Creighton, and Lieutenant-Colonel Crane, of the gallant Seventh Ohio Infantry, were soon afterwards killed, while charging up the steeps at the head of their men.

We were here informed that the enemy's rear guard had been driven from the town by our advance cavalry.

Remaining here for the night, early in the morning we moved forward; but not until we had destroyed the property of the rampant Rebels who resided in the place.

Pa.s.sing through the town, we took a South-easterly course, and soon crossed Chickamauga river. After proceeding about eight miles, our column was suddenly brought to a halt, by our scouts coming in contact with the enemy's rear guard. A lively skirmish now ensued, which resulted to our advantage, as several of the Rebels were killed and captured.

After this incident, we continued on our way, and at dark camped near Lee and Gordon's Mills, which are situated on the Chickamauga river. Troops were constantly coming in, and there seemed to be a general concentration of our forces at this point. Something momentous was on the tapis.

Long ere daylight the following morning, we had made preparations to move, and were awaiting orders. From various movements going on in camp, it was apparent that the enemy were meditating mischief, as it was well known that they were in strong force in our immediate vicinity. About dark we changed our position by crossing the river.

At early dawn the next morning all were ready for orders. After waiting for some hours, word reached us that the enemy were retreating.

Immediately we were pushed forward, and after going a few miles, arrived at a cross roads, when a halt was ordered.

It was now ascertained that the enemy were gradually falling back to the town of Lafayette, and where it was supposed they would concentrate their force and await an attack.

At 7 o'clock of the same evening, the clear, ringing notes of the bugle summoned us to our respective posts, and in less than ten minutes thereafter we were moving. But instead of going forward, a retrograde movement was made; or, in other words, we fell back. Here was mystery on mystery, to us soldiers, and many a sly wink, or ominous shake of the head, was exchanged. Two days later, however, plainly showed what this movement meant. All along the road flashed the camp-fires of the Union army. The night was cold and cheerless, and around the fires groups of weary, worn-out soldiers were gathered. Many a draft was made on some Confederate's rail fence, for fuel to keep the fires going. Onward we slowly moved, sometimes through cornfields and woods. At 8 o'clock we turned into a large field, and now expected to go into camp. But in this were disappointed, for an hour later we were again ordered to proceed.

Near midnight we turned into a cornfield, and, after considerable maneuvering, were ordered to pitch tents.

At peep-of-day, on the morning of September 18th, the camp was astir.

Breakfast was hurried up, horses fed and watered, and soon we were ready to move. Orders were frequently given, and as often countermanded. Horses were harnessed and unharnessed, some half dozen times; but at last we made a go of it. Every few moments a halt was ordered; and thus it went until the day was nearly ended, and little progress had been made.

Shortly before dark we arrived at Gordon's Mills and came to a halt.

Considerable cannonading was now heard on our right, and Madame Rumor, with her thousand tongues, was busily circulating all manner of reports throughout the lines. One thing, however, was certain; and that was, matters must soon come to a focus, which the events of the following day will fully demonstrate.

At 8 o'clock, the same evening, our horses were harnessed and hitched to the guns; but hour after hour went by, and no word to move. Troops were constantly filing past our Battery. We huddled around the camp-fires and patiently awaited for orders. At midnight came the word to "forward," and away we went. But little did we dream of what was in store for us the day following, and which resulted so disastrously to the Army of the c.u.mberland.

CHAPTER XV.

THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA.

FIRST DAY.

At 2 o'clock on the morning of the 19th of September, we pa.s.sed our former camping ground near Lee and Gordon's Mills, and about one mile beyond, came to a halt. The weather was very cold, but fires were not allowed, and every one was cautioned to remain as quietly as possible--to keep our stations, and be prepared to obey any orders that might be given.

Although the men were weary and nigh worn out, yet they cheerfully obeyed, as all well knew that danger threatened, and it behooved us to be on our guard.

It was well that this caution was taken, for at daylight, the booming of artillery and the rattle of musketry proclaimed that another battle had commenced.

The enemy, in part, were stationed in a piece of woods near the banks of the Chickamauga river, but in a short time they attempted a flank movement, and the lines of both armies were at once changed. At 9 o'clock the engagement became general, and the enemy now made several desperate charges, but were as often repulsed with heavy loss. At 11 o'clock, the battle raged with great fury, but both sides still maintained their ground, and frequently a fierce hand to hand conflict ensued. Charge after charge did the Rebels make in heavy body upon our st.u.r.dy lines, and as often were they driven back.

Our Battery was exposed to a hot and galling fire, but we maintained our position through the entire day, the guns belching forth a continuous sheet of flame. Several of our men were wounded in the engagement, but none were killed. Lieutenant Baldwin still commanded the Battery, and here, as well as at Stone river, he displayed great coolness and bravery.

At dark, hostilities ceased, only to be renewed with greater fierceness on the following day.

SECOND DAY.

Early in the morning the battle again opened, when both armies for some time kept up a series of maneuverings, each endeavoring to gain some advantage in position. The Rebels having greatly superior numbers, were enabled to extend their lines, so that our army was in imminent danger of being outflanked; and at one time they had nearly succeeded in cutting off our communication with Chattanooga. But General Rosencrans had antic.i.p.ated this, and had made preparations to check the movement, which was successfully done, but not without great loss.

General Bragg, finding himself foiled in this attempt, now ordered a general a.s.sault along the entire line, and soon the battle raged with increasing fury.

About this time, a large body of the enemy charged upon our Battery. On, on they came, with steady front, feeling confident of victory. But our gallant men wavered not. n.o.bly did they face their hated foe, and anxiously watched the countenance of our brave Captain. Soon he gave the word, and instantly the brazen throats of all our guns spoke out their thunder, and the enemy went down like gra.s.s before the scythe. But onward came the foe, and at each instant our guns mowed great gaps in their ranks. Now they were seen to waver--to sway backwards and forwards, and finally when it seemed as if they must surely accomplish their object, they fell back in confusion.

Soon thereafter, a large body of the enemy were ma.s.sed and thrown forward on our Brigade. For a time this a.s.sault was withstood, but owing to their superior numbers, the Brigade was finally compelled to give way.

The ground over which we retired was very rocky, and covered with a heavy growth of underbrush. Two of our guns had been disabled, by the breaking of the trails. As the enemy were closely pressing us, we were compelled to abandon these guns, which fell into their hands.

During the above charge, several of our Company were wounded and taken prisoners.

The retreat now became general, the Union forces slowly retiring towards Chattanooga.

Thus, after nearly two days' hard fighting against a greatly superior force, the Army of the c.u.mberland were compelled to give up the field.

The Union loss in this engagement was, two thousand and eight hundred killed, eleven thousand and five hundred wounded, and five thousand prisoners. The Rebel loss was, from their own account, twenty thousand killed, wounded and prisoners.

Our Battery reached Chattanooga about dark the same night, and early the following morning the forge and baggage wagons crossed the river. The army took position in the town and extended their works for several miles along the river. Skirmis.h.i.+ng frequently ensued, and the battles of Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and Chattanooga were fought, when Bragg was compelled to give up the offensive, and retire, with his whole army, into Georgia.

CONCLUSION.

During the intervals of these battles, our Company, as well as the entire Army of the c.u.mberland, suffered greatly for the want of suitable food.

For many days we were on quarter rations; and, for some time, had but one biscuit per day. The horses fared still worse; and it often happened that, for two or three consecutive days, we had nothing wherewith to feed them.

The Rebels had possession of the country in our front, where forage only could be obtained. They also had command of the Nashville and Chattanooga Railroad, on the South side of the Tennessee river; so, our supplies were transported by wagons by the way of Stevenson.

Finally, it being found impossible to procure provisions for the entire army, a number of batteries were placed in the Reserve Corps. Our Battery was of the number.

On the morning of October 19th, the order was given to send all the horses belonging to the Reserve to Stevenson, and that the batteries be moved across the river. This was done, and we went into quarters at Black Oak Ridge, where we found comfortable log houses which had been erected by Union troops, who had previously occupied the place.