USA > Illinois > History of the Fiftieth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry in the war for the union > Part 25
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General Tourtellotte was advised to prepare for the attack, and by direction of Lieut. Col. Hanna, the 12th was sent on the double quick to take position along the bank of the railroad cut, facing west, while the Fiftieth changed front to the rear by a counter-march, thus fa- cing north, and ready for the advancing rebels. About this time the sig- nal corps at the left of SIGNAL STATION KENNESAW. the Fiftieth, succeeded in sending to Kennesaw, in answer to the inquiry, this information :
ALLATOONA, Oct. 5, 1861. Signal Officer, Kennesaw:
General Corse is here with one brigade. Where is Gen- eral Sherman?
ADAMS, Signal Officer.
Rapidly bearing down upon them came the rebels, stri- king the already shattered regiments from Illinois and Iowa. The result could have had but one termination had it not been for the withering fire from Tourtellotte's guns and rifles, coupled with the fact that his left had struck a hornet's nest. Briefly stated the 35th and 39th Mississippi regiments were con- fronted on the left by the Fiftieth Illinois, a part of the 12th Illinois, and the 4th Minnesota, all east of the railroad.
306
HISTORY OF THE
The resistance of these regiments to the further advance of the enemy was as valiant as it was effective. Against oppo- sition so determined there was nothing save defeat, and so it came to be, that while Sears' right, three regiments, were being crushed by Tourtellotte's fire, his left was being paralyzed and hurled back by the gallant men from Minnesota and Illinois.
While this assault was being made from the north, the rebel artillery fire from the south had ceased and the smoke of battle for a few moments was blown away, and in answer to the frequent inquiries already received, again was sent the fol- lowing message :
We hold out. General Corse here. ADAMS, Signal Officer.
Followed by :
ALLATOONA, GA., Oct. 5, 1864.
General Sherman:
Corse is here.
TOURTELLOTTE, Lt. Col. Com'dg.
In a few moments the enemy were observed preparing for another assault upon the forces west of the railroad. At this moment orders were received by Colonel Hanna to immediately move his regiment to the support of Rowett. At once the com- mand was given to right face, forward by file right, march, the regiment taking up the double quick started. Here dropped Jasper Chandler of company D, shot through the head, and quite a number wounded. Down the road to the depot, under a terrific fire from the battery on the south, they moved, halt- ing at the depot long enough to disperse a squad of the enemy who were endeavoring to fire the rations stored there, the reg- iment rushed onward, followed by the 12th, under the same scorching fire, to the support of the troops at the fort.
Arriving at the point directed, the regiment swept into line in time to assist in meeting and repulsing the expected as- sault in which Corporal Samuel M. Pike, company I, and Lem- uel G. Poe, company B, wore killed. In the brief time allowed by the repulse of the enemy. the Fiftieth, with other troops, made
2
307
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
for the fort, the men leaping up and jumping through the embra- zures, while many took their place in the trenches surrounding the fort. Hardly had the troops in the fort and trenches time to prepare to receive an assault, before tha enemy again ad- vanced, yelling like devils. Filled with the frenzy of battle, they dashed against the works only to bedriven back with great slaughter.
At this time Johnathan B. Harris, Thomas E. Tout, Geo. E. Tuxford, Smith Wright, of company A; Terrell B. Proctor, James Spicer of C; Sergeant Robert W. Mercer, James M. Buck of D; William Richie of F; 2nd Lieut. Albert S. Wright of G, who had just received his commission and was not yet muster- ed, and John Coffman of H, of the Fiftieth, in the trenches in front of the fort, gave up their lives, while many were desper- ately wounded, among them Lieut. Chas. M. Tar, of C.
By this time Sears had found it impossible to take the works on the east side of the railroad, and began to retire, leaving the Uuion troops masters of the field.
Time and again the enemy returned to the assault, but without avail, for the men inside the fort, in desperation, with- stood the shock of the charge and, standing on the parapets. fired into the face of the foe, receiving from their comrades muskets fresh loaded, and throwing back the empty ones, thus being enabled to maintain a constant and most destructive fire. When the brave fellows at the top fell, others from below sprang ยท into the vacant places, and thus the work of death went on. War held high carnival that day, and many were the victims offered at the bloody feast.
At this time, General Corse having been wounded, the Fiftieth, with troops then at hand, were being formed to repel the enemy, then re-forming at the little white house and in a ravine at the rear for another attack. Colonel Hanna was wounded, as also, was Colonel Rowett and Surgeon A. G. Pickett, who, although severely hurt, kept busy attending to the suffer- ing ones about him.
As the sun had run his course but an hour past his mer- idian, the broken and decimated enemy fell back to gather
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308
HISTORY OF THE
strength for a last and desperate effort to retrieve the fallen fortunes of the day; but the effort did not materialize, for a short time after 2 o'clock their last formation was broken and they were withdrawing from the field. At 4 p. m. a message from Kennesaw again called Allatoona, and at 4:15 p. m. the following was sent:
We are all right so far. Where is General Sherman?
ADAMS, Signal Officer.
To which was soon received the following comforting reply : 1
KENNESAW MOUNTAIN, October 5, 1864.
Commanding Officer, Allatoona:
Near you.
And again soon after:
KENNESAW MOUNTAIN, October 5, 1861.
Tell Allatoona to hold on. General Sherman says he is working hard for you.
These messages were soul stirring then, and to many souls the world over have been inspired since. From them the beau- tiful hymn, "HOLD THE FORT," originated.
The incidents of the battle of this day are numerous. Among them is the following: As the boys in the fort had a short respite from the work of battle, one of them, who had been wounded, started for Dr. Pickett; but the Doctor was hopping towards the Colonel to attend him and being best on the hop left the soldier behind.
Sergeant Slater Lewis of company C, wounded through the arm, was seen, soon after the battle, directing his men to prepare a barricade of cotton bales near the hospital to protect it from the rebel sharp shooters.
A rebel Major who was captured, in a conversation, after the battle, remarked that "it was the general belief among the southern people, if Gen'l Mcclellan was elected President the war would immediately cease."
The sound of battle ceased, and the worn soldiers of the
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309
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
Union, cheering at their victory, gained at such a sacrifice and from odds so frightful, set forth to search the war wrecked ground for their dead and wounded comrades, and then became aware of the magnitude of the fight. The close of day drew near, and darkness came before much could be done. 'Still the search went on.
The glorious rain that generally follows great battles did not fail us now, and during the night fell in a steady down-pour from 1 p. m. until daylight, greatly relieving the suffering of the wounded on the field, but very disagreeable to those unhurt. All night long the steady tramp was heard, through the mud and darkness, cf the searchers for the dead and wounded. Many were ministering to the wants of their suffering comrades, or with tender, loving care, leading them to the shore of that chill river, which is called death.
The hospital presented an intensely interesting sight, for as the wounded, Union or rebel, were brought in the surgeons of the brigade, there on duty, received them and at once set about relieving their suffering. The rebel surgeons being assigned to their own wounded, for whom every comfort at hand was sup- plied. And so, all through the night by the candle's flickering light, the surgeons ply their calling, while thick around them lay dying, or in agony intense, hundreds of men who but a few hours before were strong in health and resolute in their hold on life. Morning came, and with it a never to be forgotten sight. All around the house shown in the cut of Allatoona, lay the dead, dying and wounded, waiting to be borne, some to their last resting place, some to the amputating table, and others to the care of their comrades. The dead were gathered together and buried, members of each company and regiment were placed side by side. Wrapped in their blankets they slumber until the resurrection morn.
At 2 p. m., by direction of Bachtell, the chief sigual offi- cer at Kennesaw mountain, Lieut. Fish signaled as follows :
*
0
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HISTORY OF THE
KENNESAW MOUNTAIN, October 6, 1864.
. Allatoona:
How is Corse? What news?
DAYTON, Aide de Camp.
To which was sent Corse's famous reply :
ALLATOONA GA., October 6, 2 p. m., Received at 3:15 p. m. Capt. L. M. Dayton, Aide de Camp:
I am short a cheek bone and one car, but am able to whip all hell yet. My losses are very heavy. A force moving from Stillsborough on Kingston gives me some anxiety. Tell me where Sherman is.
JOHN M. CORSE, Brigadier General.
The wounded, that could be moved, were placed on board cars that were standing there, to be taken to Rome as soon as an engine arrived.
On the 7th at 10 a. m., the train started for Rome; just as it started other troops came in relieving us and we start at once. At the Etowah near Cartersville, we found the bridge badly injured from the heavy freshet. The wounded had to be taken from the train and conveyed in ambulances over a pon- toon bridge and placed in cars on the opposite side, which boing without locomotive, was pulled by mules to Cartersville, where we camped for the night.
The officers and men at Cartersville, and at the river as. -well, were very kind to the wounded, providing them with cof- fee and bread, and doing all in their power to relieve their suf- fering, which was intensified by the long delay. About 4 p. m. the train conveying the wounded started for Rome, reaching Kingston about dark, where the christian sanitary commission provided them with supper, after which the train moved out ; 2 miles from Kingston, a covered wagon bridge over the Etowah was burning, to prevent the enemy from crossing. Arriving at Rome at 9 p. m. on the Sth, coming into town Dr. Leonard of the 7th, riding on top of a car, was caught by a telegraph wire and severely hurt.
311
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
On the 9th at noon, the Fiftieth, under Captain Horn, with the troops that had marched up from Allatoona, arrived at Rome and went directly to camp, tired, and weary, and sad ; a train also came in bringing more wounded, and the report that we may be attacked to-morrow.
In summing up the result of the battle it was found that our forces had been attacked by French's division estimated at about 7000 men, of Stewart's corps. Three brigades, Ector's, Cockrell's and Sears', over 2900, formed the assaulting column, while the others were disposed on the other parts of the line, keeping up a continuous fire. From the report of Gen. S. G. French, C. S. A., we gather the report of his losses as :
KILLED
WOUNDED
MISSING
TOTAL
Ector's brigade.
43
147
11
201
Cockerell's "
43
182
22
246
Sear's
37
114
200
351
One Staff Officer, (Gen. Young)
. .
1
122
443
233
799
The garrison at Allatoona consisted of :
NO. MEN
KILLED
WOUNDED
MISSING
TOTAL
93rd Illinois
290
21
52
10
S3
ISth Wisconsin
150
2
12
81
98
4th Minnesota.
450
11
33
44
5th Ohio cavalry.
15
1
1
12th Wisconsin artillery, 6 guns
5
16
21
Total,
905
39
114
94
247
The force from Rome :
7th Illinois
299
35
67
39
141
12th
16
164
9
49
58
50th
267
15
71
86
57th
Co. A
61
-1
8
1
13
$
39th Jowa
280
40
52
78
170
Total,
1071
Grand Total,
1976
144
361
212
715
. .
From General Corse's report we learn that we buried 231 rebel dead, captured 411 prisoners, 3 stand of colors, and about 800 stand of arms, also Brigadier General Young, who estima- ted the enemy's loss at 2000 killed, wounded and missing. But
-
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HISTORY OF THE
the true number of the rebel killed and wounded we have no means of ascertaining, many having been borne off the field early in the day.
10th. Pleasant. Active preparations were made to re- sist the expected attack on Rome. The convalescents were armed and details made to strengthen the works, and during the night orders were received for us to be in line at day break. The official report of Col. Hanna is to-day submitted to brigade headquarters :
Official Report of Lieut. Col. Wm. Hanna, Commanding 50th Regt Ill. Inf. V. V., during the late battle of Allatoona, Ga., fought Ort. 5th, 18G4.
. HEADQUARTERS 50TH ILLS. INF'TY V. V.,
Rome, Georgia, October 10th, 1864.
In compliance with orders received from brigade head- quarters, I took measures and provided my regiment with three days rations and forty rounds of ammunition to each man. I then formed the regiment and marched it to the depot at Rome, Georgia, where there was a train in readiness, upon which Iem- barked the regiment on the evening of the 4th of October, 1864. About S o'clock p. m., the train moved out and arrived at Alla- toona, Ga., about 1 o'clock the same night. We then disem- barked and bivouacked for the remainder of the night on the east side of the railroad, immediately in front of the two forts, occupied by the troops stationed at that place, and a little be- fore daylight I received orders to move my regiment back from the position I then occupied, and take a new one in column by division in rear of a temporary breastwork built of wagon boxes and wheels, which I did, the men moving quickly but silently, into position. During this time the pickets had been firing. I then received orders from Colonel Rowett to move on the hill in rear of the fort on the east side of the railroad. I moved by the right of companies to the rear, and gallantly did the officers and men move up the steep hillside, covered with underbrush and briars, expecting every moment to be opened upon by the enemy's artillery, which, it was reported, they had in position. After I arrived on top of the hill I took position a few yards in
318
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
roar of the fort. I had just taken the position when began a fearful artillery fire from the enemy's battery, which was spirit- edly replied to by the battery in the fort, many of my men be- ing wounded by the rebel shell. I kept the regiment in the same position for about three hours. At about 10a. m. the 12th Illinois infantry reported to me by direction of Col. Rowett. I placed them on the right of the Fiftieth Illinois infantry. In a short time I received orders to move one of my regiments to the bank of the railroad cut. On receipt of the order I moved the 12th Illinois infantry on the double quick. They then halt- ed and took up a new position as directed.
I regret that, being personally unacquainted with the officers and men of the 12th Illinois inf., I am unable to give you the names of those worthy of particular mention; both officers and men of the 12th Illinois infantry performed their part most gallantly. It being about 11 o'clock a. m., the artillery firing partially ceased and the enemy advanced in force, both in front and on our right flank, nearly in rear of my position. I then went to see if I could find a better position, which I did. I countermarched the Fiftieth Illinois infantry and took up a new position, my right resting a little in the rear and to the right of the fort, on the right of the railroad, my left resting on the dirt road running up between the two forts. I then ordered company B of my regiment out as skirmishers, and under a gall- ing fire of musketry, the mon deployed and took their position along the road running in front of the regiment, and about 300 yards from the enemy's lines of battle. The enemy charged our lines three times, but by the gallant conduct of the officers and the cool and courageous bravery of the men, they repulsed them with heavy loss, our loss being very bogvy also, and now the battle raged. I received orders to report with my command on the west side of the railroad at the fort. I drew off the reg- iment and marched at a double quick off to the left of the hill, and under fire of artillery and musketry which I never have seen equalled, the regiment passed down the hill facing the en- emy, and across the railroad at the depot and up the hill to the fort on the hill, where I was ordered to report the command.
.
(20)
------
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HISTORY OF THE
During the movement I had my regimental flag-staff shot off three different times with the enemy's shells. Iam unable to give the number, but many of my men fell before it was pos- sible to accomplish the movement, and get the regiment in po- sition, either killed or wounded. Bravely and nobly did the officers and men of the Fiftieth Illinois Infantry maintain their order, marching up with that determined feeling which only visits the brave soldier, to conquer or die, trusting in the God of battles for that glorious result which followed, "Victory." 1 then, with the assistance of what officers I had, quickly form- ed the regiment in front of the fort, next to the railroad, some occupying a position to the left of the fort, which they took and held under a most destructive fire of artillery and musket- ry that has ever, in my opinion, been witnessed during this present rebellion.
By this time I had lost all my officers but four, and about one-fourth of my men, either killed or wounded. I was then struck by a musket ball in the left thigh, which disabled me, but the men did not falter, but fought on with that stern de- termination which characterized them through the whole en- gagement; though assailed by thrice their number, they still firmly held their ground, dealing out death to the enemy on every occasion ; though their comrades were falling thick and fast around them; and thus the battle continued until nearly 3 o'clock p. m., and at 4 it had ceased altogether. Captain Horn of my regiment, then coming up with the remainder of his company, took command of the regiment, and under his su- pervision the dead and wounded were cared for; the dead buri- ed and the wounded carried to the hospital that was established . in the town. I wish particularly to call your attention to the gallant and soldierly conduct of A. G. Pickett. 2nd Asst. Sur- geon of my regiment, who after having been wounded, com- menced loading muskets for the men to fire." I do not mention any of my line officers for the reason that I should be compelled to compliment all, which would occupy too much time and space, mentioning each one separately. though I here tender to the officers of the Fiftieth Ilinois infantry, my heartfelt thanks
315
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
for their gallant support and soldierly bearing during the whole engagement. After the dead and wounded were cared for the regiment bivouacked on the battle-field immediately in front of the fort. I have received the report of the casualities of each company and find that out of 267 officers and men which I took into action, I lost in killed and wounded 86 officers and men. I was placed on the train. The regiment started from Allatoona on the afternoon of the 7th and arrived at Rome, Ga., on the 9th of October, 1864.
I am very respectfully, WILLIAM HANNA,
Lient. Col. Commanding Regiment.
Lieut. N. FLANSBURG, Acting Adjutant.
i
CHAPTER XVIII.
Closing Incidents Around Rome-Reconnoitering and Skirmishing-The Sick and Wounded going North-Preparations for a Grand Movement-Gen- eral Sherman at Rome-Off for a Trip "Through Georgia."-On the Wrong Road-Destroying Railroads -- Arrival at Savannah-The Seige --- Fort McAllister -- The Hungry Foragers-The President's Christmas Pres- ent, Etc.
C ONTINUING the record of events it is proper to say that there was considerable bustle and preparation for the at- tack. At daylight on the 11th found the troops in line and Kilpatrick's cavalry on the south of Etowah, where they engaged the enemy, who were passing north in force, to our right, crossing the Coosa below Rome.
On the 12th our Acting Sergeant Major Hubert was or- dered to report at brigade headquarters with detail and band. from the Fiftieth for brigade guard mounting. The rebs were known to bo advancing on Rome, and at 10 a. m. appeared in strong force on the west side and heavy skirmishing occurred. in which ten rebels were killed and sixty captured. At 11 p. m. orders are received to be ready to move, with two days rations, at 5 a. m. to-morrow, on a reconnaisance.
At 5 a. m. on the 13th, we moved out over the Etowah. The 23rd corps, which had come up from the front, moved outat the same time, north, over the Oostanaula. Five miles from Rome were attacked by the enemy with two pieces of artillery. We also had two pieces and, throwing out skirmishers, drove
317
FIFTIETH ILLINOIS INFANTRY.
them eleven miles in the direction of Cave Springs. Heavy firing was heard on our right, by Sherman, and on our left, by Kilpatrick, and front by our brigade. We found no force of the enemy at Cave Springs, the main part of Hood's army hay- ing passed to our right, going north.
14th. Brigade guard mounting again with our band. This brigade guard mounting is a new order of things to us. Tilton, a station above Dalton, occupied by the colored troops was reported captured, and the rebs now in Snake Creek Gap, occupying the breastworks built by us.
15th. The 57th Illinois and another regiment went over the Oostanaula and engaged the rear of Wheeler's cavalry, capturing his Adjutant General. The troops remaining being ready to move instantly. Pickets were fired into on the other side of the Etowah, and everybody was alert.
On the 16th Capt. Cyrus of E, was mustered out, and the next day a large force of the enemy was reported moving south on our right, toward Cave Springs.
Oct. 18th. The regiment was sent out under Capt. Horn, on a reconnoitering expedition, nine miles on the Alabama road. found no enemy. Lieut. Blystone was mustered out, and thus one more of our gallant comrades left us.
On the 19th five companies were detailed to unload trains, working hard all the afternoon. Some stragglers from the 44th colored troops, escaping, came in and reported that the regiment had surrendered without firing a gun.
Oct. 20th. Lieut. Blystone bade us good by, and on the 21st commissions Were received for Albert Jordon. Q. M. S .. as 2nd Lieutenant of company H, and John T. Cuzzins, Ist Sergeant company I, as 1st Lieutenant of that company.
22nd. Some of our men were re-mustered and some were mustered out. A large quantity of ordinance stores were inspre- ted and condemned.
The 23rd was pleasant. A wagon train from Gen. Sherman. who is out forty miles, came in for provisions.
24th. The regiment went out for forage. Capt. Dann of company I, was mustered out. Gideon Hadley of C, who was
31S
HISTORY OF THE
wounded in the head at Donelson, and again at Allatoona, died and on the 25th J. Jenner of company C. died from wounds re- ceived at Allatoona. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery.
26th. To-day leaves of absence were received for the wounded officers, Col. Hanna, Lieuts. Tar and Starrett of C, and Lieut. McNeil of H, to go home.
On the 28th some of the wounded went north and Gon. Sherman arrived in Rome. His command returning from the pursuit of Hood.
29th. The 16th and 78th Illinois came in. Many once familiar faces were missing.
30th. Jacob Browning of company E, died.
31st. Col. Hanna, Lieuts. Starrett of C and MeNeil of H, leave for home to-day. Lieut: Tar was too badly wounded to go at this time.
November 1st was pleasant. Active preparations for leaving Rome was in progress. The forts were blown up and the seige guns, 64 pounders, destroyed, and all expect to move soon. Arrangements for moving the sick and wounded to Chat- tanooga was made, and while this was being done, James A. Crook, a recruit of company D, wounded at Allatoona, shot through the knee and body, passed to the great beyond; poor fellow, he suffered intensely.
Rainy weather now set in, continuing through the 2nd and Brd, when the hospital train arrived and the sick and wounded were taken to Chattanooga, Dr. Pickett going with them.
The 4th was rainy also and pay-day. Two months pay and one instalment of bounty-$82.00, was received by the pri- vate. To-day a squad of rebels dashed into the contraband corrall, on the Summerville road, and captured a soldier on picket. Sergeant Jack Adams of company D, in charge, hear- ing the firing, ran out to see what was the cause, when a rebel, dressed in federal uniform, ordered him to halt: not obeying, the johnny, at twenty paces, fired and missed, then Jack fired and missed but got between him and the picket line: another one attempted to intercept Jack, who shot him, and
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