USA > Illinois > History of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois volunteer Infantry, Vol. I > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40
These preliminaries attended to, an active and brilliant campaign was inaugurated. August 16, the Army of the Cumberland was on the move, the main body -- which had been in camp in the vicinity of Winchester and Dochand climbed the Cumberland Mountains and was soon feeling for the enemy, whose main force was at Chattanooga. numerous ranges of mountains and the mighty Tennessee to protect his rear and flanks. Gen. Bragg deemed himself seeuro. and fangled it impossible that Gen. Posterans should ever drive him from his seemingly impregnable position. Indeed. he had promised the Confederate authorities that, if given certain reinforcements, he would som take the offensive : drive the Federal forces from Tennessee. At this time began the brilliant strategy which was to disconcert the over-conti- dent Confederate leader and compel him to quit his strong- hold without a battle. Moving a considerable force of cavalry and infantry into the Sequatchie valley. Gen. Rosecrans made a bold push. as if intending to force a crossing of the river in the near vicinity of Chattanooga and attempt to take the city by direct assault. So bold and aggressive were the troops. and so skillfully were they maneuvered, that Gen. Bragg seems to have believed that the entire Federal army was concentrated in that immediate vicinity. Meanwhile the greater part of i:
151
1 -03] FORWARD TO ESTILL SPRINGS.
Had moved, by various routes. to Stevenson and Bridgeport, where the long pontoon trains were gathering behind the hills. and on the fourth of September had laid bridges and was cross- ing. undisturbed, and making its way toward the railroads in rear of Chattanooga. The demonstrations against the doomed city were continued, and it was at least a day or two after the main army was south of the river before Gen. Bragg became fully aware that it was not Chattanooga, but the com- munications leading to it, that were in danger. The Federal army was now moving in three columns from the neighbor- hood of Stevenson and Bridgeport ; one, under Gen. Critten- den, going directly toward Chattanooga, as if intending to cross the point of Lookout Mountain : a second, under Gen. Thomas, moving over the mountain to the right and penetrat- ing nearly to La Fayette : while the third, under Gen. MeCook, bearing still further to the right, marched to Valley Head. a portion of the force even reaching Alpine. The cavalry pushed still farther. raiding the country to the Coosa and Oostenaula Rivers. Early on the morning of the eighth the enemy evacuated Chattanooga and retreated sonthward. Gen. Rosecrans seems to have been convinced that Gen. Bragg would continue his march southward, and make a stand only when another strong defensive line was reached. He there- fore directed that a vigorous pursuit be made with the view of striking Brage in thank, and, if possible, battering his army to pieces outside of any fortifications. But this was not to be aspormpF-hed. The advancing columns soon found their way opposed by a defiant enemy, and Gon. Rosecrans learned, almost too late, that the army of Gen. Bragg had been largely reinforced and was turning at bay, not only prepared to defend itself but also to assume the offensive.
While these movements were being planned and carried forward, the NINETY-SixTa had been bearing a less conspicu- ous, but no less essential part. It was at first continued in the work of guarding the long and slender line of communi- cations, over which must come the provisions of the large army operating at the front. Even before the campaign was inangurated the Regiment was ordered forward from War-
152
HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
trace. The movements of the main army having been thus briefly outlined, it is now in order to take up the narrative of the doings of the command of which this work is a history.
Wednesday. August 12, without previous warning, thu Regiment was ordered to strike tents and be ready to march. Soon afterward the 113th Ohio and the 98th Ohio, which had been stationed at Shelbyville, marched into camp, and at three o'clock the same afternoon the NINETY-SixTn started sonthward, marching five miles and going into bivouac.
Thursday, August 13. reveille sounded very early, and a: daylight the Regiment was on the move. The road lay through a deep ravine, or creek bottom. and the unbridged stream was crossed a dozen times or more before Tullahoma was reached. A hab was made at this place about 10 o'clock A. M., a dis- tance of nine miles having been traveled. At two o'clock in the afternoon the march was restained, the column traveling through a more level country, making about eight or nine miles, and camping on the bank of Elk River. near Estill Springs, in the early evening. The 10th Ohio was left on duty at Tullahoma. From August 13 until September 7, the Regiment remained at Estill Springs. Life there was too monotonous to call for a daily diary. The First Division of the Reserve Corps was now strung along the railroad from Murfreesboro to Elk River, the NINETY-SixTH being the nearest to the front. At this point the ist Michigan Engineer Regiment was at work getting out timber for railroad bridges. A negro regiment was being organized on the south bank of the river, recruits coming from the neighboring plantations.
August 16 the 115th Illinois was sent back to some station in the rear, and a few days later the 84th Indiana followed. About one third of the Regiment were on picket duty all the time. The weather being hot and the flies very abundant. there was but little opportunity for sleep in the daytime, so that the men were kept pretty well tired out. Heavy details for various duties were called for every few days. Once a large number of men were sent to Tullahoma to guard a wagon train, and later a still larger force was sent to Stevenson for a like purpose. The men composing these details had severe
153
1843]
SCOUTING EXPERIENCES.
duties to perform. the marches being long and disagreeable. Almost daily a considerable number of prisoners were seen to pass toward the rear on the cars, giving assurance that matters were going well at the front. Toward the close of the month the weather, which up to this time had been very sultry, became quite cool, ---- the nights ahnost cold. Camp was moved a short distance on the twenty-third, the new grounds being admirably located near the bank of the river.
August 20. puissant to orders received before leaving Wartrace, a mimuber of non-commissioned officers went to Stevenson, Alabama, by train, for the purpose of being ex- amined with reference to their fitness to receive commissions in negro regiments, then forming in that Department, and a few weeks afterward four or five commissions came to flic Regiment for those who had passed the most satisfactory examinations.
August 29 a scouting party of between thirty and forty men went out some twenty miles, under command of Captain Taylor, of Company E. They were all mounted, their horses having been picked up in the vicinity of camp. At about ore o'clock a. M., while passing through some timber, they sur- prised and captured two prisoners and three horses. One of the prisoners proved to be a noted bashwhacker named Weaver, and the other a mon less famous but not less infam- ous. Further on three additional prisoners were taken, but all of them claimed to be, and probably were, deserters from the Confederate array. trying to get to their homes in the rear of the Federal lines. All were sent to Nashville under guard.
Two days later another scouting party was sent out to investigate rumors that a Rebel regiment was being organized in an adjoining county. Their investigation did not confirm the truth of the rumors. The officer in charge was consider- ably chagrined, a few days later, to learn that a noted rebel had escaped his clutches by the very means subsequently adopted by his notorious leader .--- Jeff Davis. While the scouting party were at a house, where were a number of women, an elderly person, dressed in fernale attire, including a huge sunbonnet, and carrying a young child, said that she
151
HISTORY OF THE 96TH PARAMENT, ILL. V. I.
mast go home. The Lieutenant was as polite as he was brave, and called a soldier to hold the horse and assist the supposed woman to mount, while he held the baby, passing up his charge when she was safely in the saddle. A day or two later it was learned that it was not a woman. but a mar. whom Lieutenant Richardson had so gallantly assisted. and his explanation that the night was dark and the light in the house extremely dim, did not save him from considerable chaffing on the part of his brother officers. Two or three times it was reported that Forrest was in the near vicinity with a large force of cavalry, and that the bridge at Esti: Springs was to be burned by him if he could possibly gain access to it. As a consequence the pickets were kept con- stantly anxious and vigilant, and there was no sleeping on the ontposts.
Saturday, September 3, was the first anniversary of th: maister-in of the Regiment. Company A celebrated the event by a grand dinner, provided by their officers, and had an exceedingly jolly time. Other Companies observed the day with less formality. but the cash receipts of the sutter were considerably larger than on ordinary days.
Sunday, September 6, there were again rumors of a move, and all the men unable to march were sent back to Tullahoma by train. There were a large number from cach Company. for the hot weather and the almost constant guard duty, sup- plemented by green peaches, unripe vegetables and bad cook- ing bad pat many men on the sick list, and there had been several deaths in the command. Charles Jennings, of Com- pany K. died August 20; John Vaughn, of Company G. August 22 : James Bottom, of Company B. August 28 ; Isane Addudle. of Company Il, August 31; and John Baker, of Company 6. September 6. All of these deaths occurred at Estill Springs, in camp or at the regimental hospital. and the effect upon the survivors was by no means favorable. In addition to the e Corporal James O'Connell, of Company B. died at Nashville. August 24, and a little later Win. Trudgian. of Company F. died at Tullahoma.
Monday, September 7-the day before the Union advance
155
15631
CROSSING THE CUMBERLAND MOUNTAINS.
occupied Chattanooga-orders were received for the Regiment to proceed to the front. For the first time in some weeks drill had been resumed, but while the companies were out the order came, the assembly sounded, and by half past eleven o'clock the Regiment had broken camp and was filing out toward the south. Not far in advance were the low ranges of the Cumberland Mountains, and the mnen knew that their road was to be a hard one. for it lay directly over these ranges. The distance traveled that day was abont ten miles; Dechard was passed on the way and the camp being made about dark. at Cowan Station. The weather was exceedingly warm. Several other Regiments joined the cohann on the march, coming up from the rear.
Tuesday, September &. revoille sounded at half past two o'clock. By four o'clock the column was on the road, and immediately commenced the ascent of the mountain, crossing over the tunnel and past Tantallon, camping near Ander- SOI. The distance traveled was said to be fifteen miles. but the men declared that this must have been measured by the railroad, and that the wagon road was not much. if any. less than twenty miles. The climb was a very severe oue, and all were greatly fatigned with the long, hard day's journey.
Wednesday, September 9, reveille was heard sounding at half past two o'clock, and again at four o'clock the column filed ont upon the wagon road and pushed rapidly southward. Anderson was passed carly in the morning, and the camp was made soon ofer non at a point about a mile distent from Stevenson. The weather was hot and the road terribly dusty --- so insty in fact that it was almost impossible to recog- nize the men or the officers. Through the narrow, wooded roads the column filed mile after mile, the stifling dust, ercated by the manerous trains that for a fortnight had been pushing back and forth over the wagon roads, rising in such clouds that at times it was impossible to see more than a few rods. The men were fairly choked, and as they tofled on, their sweaty faces became as black as the negroes at the occasional houses by the roadside. On portions of the route water was very scarce. At one time, after a very long interval. a magnificent
156
HISTORY OF THE 96Th REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
spring gushed out from the mountain side, and the thirsty men gathered abont it as eagerly as ever cattle rushed to a watering place, hundreds crowding around and alnost pushing their associates into the water in their haste to procure the precious fluid.
To many of the command this was a first experience in the mountains, and the ever changing panorama as the column passed along the tortnous roadway was most pleasing. The year had grown prematurely old, and the forests were taking on their autumnal hnes. As the clouds of dust were wafted to one side so that the outlines of the wooded mountains could be seen. there were few so weary that they did not share in the enjoyment afforded by the magnificent view.
Thursday, September 10. the Brigade marched from Stevenson, starting at six o'clock in the morning and camping near Bridgeport about one o'clock in the afternoon. All were thoroughly tired ont with their four days' march through the dust and over the mountains, and many of them extremely foot sore. In the distance. less than half a mile from camp. could be seen the waters of the Tennessee River. Hardly had guns been stacked and knapsacks unshing when the entire command, embracing almost every man in every Regiment in the column, started for the river. All seemed to forget their blistered feet in their eagerness to wash off the dust and dirt accumulated ou the march. It was a spectacle to be remem- bered, when that two or three thousand men, hurriedly strip- ping off their clothing. sprung into the waters of the Tennessee. It must be left to the imagination to picture the scene, for words cannot describe it. A half hour later, refreshed and revived by their plunge in the water, they made their way back to camp, near the ruins of the bridge, and prepared their dinner, after which they rested for the day.
Friday. September 11. was spent quietly in camp. Some strong earthworks were observed in the neighborhood, and the point was deemed an important one by the military authori- ties. There was an island in the river on which the piers of the large railroad bridge were still standing. although the bridge itself had been burned when the Rebels retreated south-
157
Sorry OF THE TENNESSEE.
ward a few days before. The command was again moving to the front, and an occasional artillery salute could be heard, indicating that active operations were going on not far from Chattanooga.
Saturday, September 12, the Regiment marched at seven o'clock in the morning, moving directly across the river, and going into camp upon the southern bank. The men were directed to fix up the camp nicely and given some assurance that they would remain at that point for a time, Accordingly the grounds were carefully policed, and large quantities of straight pine poles, with which the region abounded, were cut for the construction of bunks. After some hours had been spent in hard work of this character, they were notified to send back all their extra baggage, as they would be required to go directly to the front. The camp and garrison cyuipage, including tents, knapsacks, blankets and mess-chests, were parked up and sent to Stevenson, Captain Pollock, of Con :- pany C, being detailed to accompany and take charge of them. Quite a number of men, who were unfit for the long march, were sent back with him. A few came up from the rear to take their places, keeping the number of the Regiment up to nearly 500 mien.
Sunday morning. September 13. between six and seven o'clock, the column filed out in the direction of Chattanooga. The Regiment was near the rear of the column, and as there were several hundred wagons ahead of them loaded with twelve days' rations and a large amount of anmunition for the command, progress was very slow. Shellmound was passed early in the day. the column halting for a time near the entrance to the famous Nick-a Jack Cave, from whose rocky depths a mammoth spring poured out its cooling waters. Some extensive saltpetre works, from which the Rebels had obtained large quantities of material for gunpowder, were near by and attracted much attention. A large squad of prisoners. on their way to Bridgeport under guard, were met during the afternoon.
All day the scenery along the line of march increased in grandeur, and as night approached was truly magnificent.
15S
HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, I ... V. I.
Sand and Lookout Mountains were bold peaks, and loomed up as if near at hand. Whiteside was reached just at dark and the tired troops went into bivouac, having marched about fifteen miles. But their rest was not to be a long one, for at deven o'clock the sleepers were aroused and ordered to resume the march. That night trip, over the rugged moun- tain road, was one to be remembered. Great boulders las in the roadway, and frequent ledges of rock cropped out to make the path mueven. Through the long hours the column toiled wearily ouward, up and down, over the hills and through the narrow valleys, hindered by the artillery and wagon train- in front. and yet not allowed to tarry more than a few moments at any point for rest. Men fell asleep as they marched along, and, stumbling over the rocks and ledges. partially tell. while ever and anon a musket would drop from the unconscious bands and go rattling down the stony ravines. Some sank down from exhaustion and declared they could not go another step. Others, chafed and blistered, fell to the rear of the colonm. but still kept on. Shoes wore through, and many were the feet whose every step left on the rocks a trace of blood. Through the uncertain light the outline of Lookout could be dimly traced against the sky. The lines were shortened as the hours wore away, for many could not bear the strain of continuous marching over the rugged road- and fell to the rear. At last the gray of morning came, bet still the silent, sullen cohimn. like a huge serpent, wound its way along. Then came daylight, and as sleepiness disap- peared with the darkness, the men grew more cheerful and ventured to talk again. At sunrise the wearied column halted. and the soldiers set about preparing coffee and toasting meat over the quickly kindled bivouac fires. They were rather jolly than otherwise, for their spirits rose as they partook of the exhilarating coffee and the satistying hard-tack. The pluckier stragglers came up in goodly numbers and resmined their places, but the lines were by no means full when the bugle sounded the order to move on.
The halt had been made at the base of Lookout, and the long climb over the nose of the mountain was at once begun.
159
IN SIGHT OF CHATTANOOGA.
Stiffened and sore, the troops made slow progress, and the forenoon was well advanced when the highest point of the wagon road was reached. The scene which there opened out was one of beauty. Chattanooga was in the distance. The broad Tennessee seemed like a silver ribbon winding in and ont among the timbered hills which lined its banks. Missionary Ridge lay at the front. and seemed hardly more than a ritle shot away. Beyond this were the fields and forests where the main bodies of the two armies were soon to be engaged in the first mighty struggle which was to make that region famous, and in which so many of the tired feet then tofling across the mountain should halt forever at the bugle call of death. To the left, and near at hand, were alternately deep, ragged chasis and huge ledges, and just beyond, where a glance would say a boy might throw a stone, was Moccasin Point, where a remnant of the Regiment were to shortly watch for showers of iron from the mountain sides. To the right. across acres where the erops had been naught bat rocks, and these ungathered throng' all the centuries of the past, loomed up the palisades, crowned by the crest of that soon to be his- torie mountain. None knew it then, but over these rocks, and up against those palisades. the Regiment. in a brief two months, was to make its way, in the flame and smoke of battle.
The halt on Lookout's side was not a long one, for soon the bugles sounded again and the column wound down into Lookout Valley, and across the intervening plain to Mission- ary Ridge. It had been supposed that the march would be directed toward Chattanooga, but instead the line passed on to the southeast, leaving the city to the left, and camping a little before noon at Rossville thay. four miles away. All through the afternoon and until the evening was well advanced, the tired stragglers came limping in. The trip had been an exceedingly tedious one. not alone because of the natural difficulties of the route, but also because of the annoying delays occasioned by the heavy wagon train accompanying the com- mand, and in whose rear the Regiment. with other portions of the command. had been obliged to travel.
160
History o' Tur 98TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
There were now at Rossville three batteries of artillery and fourteen regiments of infantry. Most of these were troops that had never been under fire, except at long range. As for the Nixgry-SixTa, it had been gathering strength through all the months for the mighty conflict of arms that was now so near. It had listened to distant artillery in Kentucky ; it had seen a nearer view of war at the second Fort Donelson ; it had been in the outer margin of the fray at Franklin; it had been closer to the front at Trinne, where for many hours it lay under an annoying artillery fire, and where the bullets pattered along its line ; it had heard the roar of shot and shell at Guy's Gap and Shelbyville ; it had taken part in frequent starting expeditions and picket forays where there was enough of danger to try the nerves of its members, but it had never been in heavy battle. During the year excel- lent discipline had been maintained, and the men had been getting ready. Now it was to know-and that right speedily --- of whar material it was composed, and whether it should do honor to the hopes of those who had sent it forth to battle. Chickamauga was less than a week distant.
001
con inory mail
ROSS HOUSE Headquarters of the frignie, at Rossville. ti. Perpart and on the morning following the Battle of Chi kamaug. 1
161
CHICKAMAUGA,
1863]
CHAPTER X.
Chickamauga-Preparations for the Impending Battle- Collecting the Scattered Forces -- The Enemy not in Retreat-Bragg's Lost Oppor- tunity-The Line. Forming Along Chickamauga Cord -A Recon- noissance from Rossville -- Under Fire with Unloaded Gons-Cold Nights in Line of Battle -Saturday's Battle --- The Fighting Renewed on Sunday-The Reserves to the Rescue -The March to the Right -- Three Desperate Charges -- Repulsing the Enemy-Desperate Fight- ing and Terride Jesses- Both Armies Bofiled-Again ut Rossville- The Long Casualty Jit -- Companies O and IT Captured -- Arrival at Moccasin Point -- Official Reports-The New York Tribune Letter.
CHICKAMAUGA ! Though long years have passed since that name was hurled into history from the smoking throats of a hundred cannon and a hundred thousand muskets, yet the hand trembles and the pen falters as the word is written. It is a theme too vast to be fully disenssed in a work like this. It was a battle of tremendous proportions and fraught with mighty import. It extended over miles of territory, through fields and woods embracing thousands of acres. It occupied two full days, beside the preliminary skirmishes attending it. The nature of the ground occupied by the opposing armies was such that often but little could be seen by the General officers,-and much less by line officers or enlisted men, -- except of their immediate surroundings. Divisions, brigades, even regiments, at times became detached and had engagements that seemed wholly their own, for the heavy timber on many parts of the battle-field so covered and con- cealed them that movements could! neither be seen nor antici- pated ; and they fought, independently and alone, giving and taking terrific blows, offen without support, and until exhausted and out of ammunition. Commanders have discussed and grown angry over it, disagreeing widely as to their locations and the work accomplished by their commands. They all agree, however, that it was a desperate battle, and the soldiers
11
.
162
HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
of the Army of the Cumberland, whenever they meet to tall: orer their experiences, -- as old soldiers will, -almost invaria- bly end up with Chickamauga.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.