USA > Illinois > History of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois volunteer Infantry, Vol. I > Part 29
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The skirmishers upon the immediate front of the NINETY- Sixrn soon became aware of the purpose of the enemy, for as they halted at a low rail fence at the edge of the thicket and liked across an old field with its girdled trees, a sight in one sense grand came full upon their gaze. Stevenson's Division was just emerging from the timber and forming its lines in plain view, preparatory to a desperate assault. The enemy were in two lines, and formed in admirable order, their flags Coating gaily, many of their officers mounted, and a light line of cavalry riding in rear and upon either flank. At a given.
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command two or three men stepped out from each Company and took position as skirmishers. The long lines extended far to right and left, and it was evident that the movement was one of no mean proportions. Captain James promptly reported from the skirmish line what had been seen, and was ordered to call in his men and form them with the main line. This proved a difficult task, for they were busily engaged in firing into the now advancing Rebels. and could hear the com. mand with difficulty ; indeed many of them did not hear the order, running back on their own judgment when they saw that to remain longer meant capture. A few did not leave the line at all, being so absorbed in their work of loading and firing as to fail to take thought for their own safety until too late, and when they were fairly run over by the cloud of skir- mishers that covered the front of the moving lines.
The charging column, as it came over the higher ground. struck the Brigade at the right with fearful velocity. These troops were engaged in throwing up a barricade of rails and logs when the charge began. Seizing their muskets they made a brave fight for a few moments, but upon discovering that their flank was passed broke for the rear in wild confusion. The moments were of fearful import to the members of the NINETY-SIXTH. How anxiously they awaited the result of that onset. They could see little, but they could hear every- thing. It was but a moment and their worst fears were realized, for the firing slackened at the right, while the Rebel yell grew more exultant as the line of blue was rolled back from left to right. In a moment the storm had struck the Regiment. Hardly a shot had been fired at them as yet, and owing to the dense thicket not a Rebel could be seen. But they could be plainly heard as they threw aside the fence in front. The men were generally kneeling or lying prostrate on the ground, every one ready for his work. The voice of Colonel Champion rang out : "Steady, men ! Hold your fire until I give the word !" Then, as the bushes began to weave to and fro. almost in their faces, he gave the command : "Fire !" A terribly destructive volley poured into the on- coming lines, and a great winrow of dead was afterward
WILLIAM B. SCACE. Company E.
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found at this point. The front line of the charging column was halted and turned back for a regiment's length. Many of the Regiment began to reload their muskets. having no thought of leaving the line. Those at the right could see at once that the position was untenable, for the Rebels were rushing past their flank in solid ranks. A moment later the left was also flanked and a wicked fire was poured lengthwise of the line. A formal order to retreat was given by Colonel Champion, with directions to rally at the breastworks, but in the confu- sion and noise could not be heard by all. But the instinct of self preservation was strong enough to tell the experienced soldier what to do, and the movement to the rear was begun almost simultaneously along the entire line. In a moment the retreat had become a rout. The Rebels were past both the tlanks, and yelling and firing with all their might. For the first and last time in its experience the Regiment was in utter confusion, and little or no effort was made to preserve order ; indeed no effort was practicable from the start. For a time it was a race between the men in blue and those in gray to see which should first gain the open field. Fortu- tunately the Regiment's course lay through a hollow or depres- sion, and while the pines somewhat retarded the retreat it likewise delayed the Rebels and served an admirable purpose as a covering or screen. A majority of the command followed the natural depression, which took them a little to the left of Simonson's 5th Indiana Battery, making their way to the breastworks built in the morning, and when the enemy came in view doing admirable service. Others bore to the right, and as they emerged from the timber found themselves in an open field nearly in front of the Battery as it then faced. As soon as the infantry had moved to right and left, so that the cannon could be fired without endangering the lives of their friends, Capt. Simonson gave the word, and his six pieces of artillery began to play upon the timber. The Rebels had evidently slackened their pace somewhat, probably to reform that portion of their line shattered by the volleys from the NINETY-SIXTH and other Regiments, and to change direction so as to swing a little farther to the Union rear. On either
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side of the Battery the most strennous efforts were making to organize the men who had been borne backward in the terrific storm. Officers of every rank were shouting out their orders, and men of a dozen regiments were trying to form some semblance of a line, regardless of what flag they fought beneath so that it was the stars and stripes. Others, timid and uncertain as to duty, were hunting for their own com- mands. An irregular line was formed on either flank of the cannon, and the men stood there awaiting the coming of the Rebels and resolved to check and send them back if the valor of a few could avail. But all at that point felt that the result was doubtful, for what could two or three hundred do against the vast host soon to emerge from the cover of the timber ?
It was marvelous to witness the rapidity with which the artillery was fired as the danger of capture became apparent to the cannoneers. Perhaps never were six guns made to do more rapid or destructive work. They were filled again and again, almost to the muzzle, and fired so rapidly that Rebel prisoners captured soon after refused to believe that but a single battery had played upon them.
It was said that five wagon loads of ammunition were expended within a half hour or less, and that 268 dead Rebels were buried from the front of the battery, A staff officer came riding down to where the scattered infantrymen were resolutely reformning, and bagged them to hold the line for five minutes more, assuring them that a Division of the Twentieth Corps was close at hand, coming to the rescue at double quick. The promise was reassuring, although many did not need it, having determined to fight to the death beside the Battery. The Rebels had now emerged from the woods, and under orders not to shout or fire, but to keep their advance concealed if possible, were moving for the coveted artillery, hoping to gain it by stealth. So silent was their movement that some of the Federal forces almost believed them friends, and he-i- tated about firing upon them. " Why don't you return our tire ?" was shouted towards them. "We don't care anything about you ; we are after that Battery !" was shouted back. " If you want the Battery come and get it !" was answered in
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chorus, and the firing grew more fierce and deadly, the mus- kets playing upon them and the cannon emptying grape and canister into their ranks. They were but a few rods away when a Brigade of Hooker's Corps, moving at double-quick, came up from the right and took place beside the guns. At the same time a portion of the NINETY-SIXTH was firing upon them at short range from the breastworks. The movements of the reinforcing column were admirably made, and they swept forward across the field, driving the Rebels back into the shelter of the forest. And with them, forming wherever they could, in the front line, moved many of the NINETY-SIXTH, halting only when the enemy had disappeared in rapid flight, and darkness had begun to settle over the terrible scene. The discomfiture of the Rebels was complete, their ranks being shattered and their ront even more marked than had been that of the most exposed Union forces. Numerous prisoners were captured, and the ground was strewn with arms and equipments. All of their dead and many of their wounded were left upon the field, and it only needed a few moments more of daylight to have made probable the capture of nearly the entire force. But even before the reinforcements had arrived darkness had begun to shut out the view, and the Union forces halted soon after entering the woods. Mean- while word had passed along the line for the members of the NINETY-SIXTH, who were with Gen. Hooker's command, to return to the Battery and go from there to the breastworks, where the Field Officers. the colors and many of the men were awaiting them. At this gathering there was many a hearty hand-shake as comrades greeted those whom they feared had been killed or captured, and many an anxious inquiry for those not yet in line. The Regiment then moved to a position in the main line-of-battle, behind some heavy breastworks. and bivouacked, long after dark. At intervals throughout the night the missing ones arrived, and tired men from other commands were anxiously inquiring as they passed along the line, " What regiment ?"
There were many exciting incidents during the retreat. Soon after leaving the line Sergeant Swanbrough found his
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task of carrying the flag a most difficult one, for it would catch on the bushes and delay him. Once he fell down, and as the cord and tassels wound around a sapling was compelled to stop and untwist them. Those who were near him as he fell thought certainly that the Sergeant was killed or wounded. and the flag captured. Happily this proved incorrect, for he was unharmed, and by taking the colors in his hands and dragging the staff after him he managed to escape. The stretcher bearers had a hard task in carrying back Aralzeman Stanley, of Company D, who had been disabled by a wound, but succeeded. although narrowly escaping. Simeon Spencer. of Company F, remained with his brother Richard, when the latter was wounded, as long as he could safely, and then reluctantly left him to become a prisoner, knowing that if he remained they would be quickly separated. Richard was recaptured two days later. Lewis Miller, of Company G. might have escaped had he been willing to run with a loaded gun, but stopping to cap and fire his piece, was himself shot and became a prisoner. His right leg was shattered, render- ing amputation necessary. When the Rebel surgeons exam- ined him he asked if the leg could be saved. Receiving a negative reply he quickly said : "Cut it off' then." The operation was skillfully performed. Two days afterward he was recaptured. and for a time secmed to be doing admirably, but later some complication set in and he died in thirteen days from the time of receiving his wound. First Sergeant Thomas J. Smith, of Company I, a brother of the Lieutenant Colonel, was shot through both legs, and. with Spencer and Miller, fell into the enemy's hands. At his earnest solicita- tion the Rebel surgeons consented that the three be left at a private house when the army fell back .. A little later a letter came to his address bearing his commission as First Lieutenant of his Company, to succeed Lieutenant Moore, who had been assigned to duty as Quarter-Master, but it was too late, as his death occurred June 9. Three men in Company K .- Sergeant Leland. Charles Courter and John J. Vrowman. - fell dead near together in the thicket. First Sergeant Joseph B. Leekley, of Company F, and Corporal William B. Lewin
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and Orange M. Ayers, of Company C. took a slightly wrong direction in the retreat, and emerging upon a road found themselves prisoners. Leekley and Ayers afterward died in prison, and Lewin reached home only at the close of the war. Those on the skirmish line had a most trying experience. Many of them, not hearing the command to fall back to the main line, remained near the fence until the enemy were within a few feet of them, and some of them were between the fire of both friend and foc. The fate of Edward Darby, of Company G, was never fully known. As his body was not found when the lines again advanced over the ground where he was last seen, it was believed that he was a pris- oner, but no tidings ever came of him. It is probable that he was either killed. or, being mortally wounded, was taken to the rear, dying and being buried in an unknown grave. Corporal Rose and Myron J. Brown, of Company G, re- mained too long and were captured. Rose died in prison, and Brown, when he finally escaped, was too badly emaciated to permit of his return to the Regiment. William Flagler, of Company G, was sometimes laughed at for carrying a big knapsack, bat on this occasion it served him a good purpose. A Rebel bullet, fired at short range, struck it fairly in the centre, passed through and cut numerous holes in his surplus clothing, and spoiled a quantity of letter paper and stamped envelopes, but came to a stop just before reaching his person. He was knocked down and his comrades thonght him killed, but he quickly gathered and made good time to the rear. Lientenant Hastings was so severely wounded in the foot as to make his escape most difficult, but with the assistance of some of the members of his Company he succeeded in getting safely back. James Litwiler. of Company B, was instantly killed in this retrograde movement. Lieutenant Colonel
Smith, who had been on detached service at Chattanooga for two or three weeks. came on the field just in time to be caught in the panic, being in search of the Regiment when it was swept backward, and joining it that evening. In the advance S. F. Vose, of Company G. threw his arm out of joint. but as the same accident had happened before, it did not pain him.
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severely. Stripping off all of his clothing but his pants. the surgeon had just succeeded in pulling the dislocated arm in place when the stampede begun. Vose ran back " without many clothes on," an object at once pitiable and laughable. as he made his way to the rear. Adjutant Blodgett picked up a set of accoutrements that had been discarded by some wounded man, but when a bullet spatted against the car- tridge box concluded to drop them. James Beck, of Com- pany B, had a bullet through both trouser legs, and his mus- ket was struck by a ball as he was capping it, but he escaped wounds. Henry Montgomery, of Company B. had a bullet through his coat ; George Bowman, of Company A, had a bullet through his knapsack and another through his boot heel. Nicholas Wearmouth, of Company A, had a bullet through the rim of his hat. Many others had bullets through: their clothing or equipments. and the marvel is that the actual casualties were so few. A large number of knapsacks, haver- sacks and hats were lost in the retreat. the bushes catching and tearing them off. and not all caring to risk their lives by stopping to pick them up with the yelling pursuers so close at hand. A very few-possibly a half dozen-became so demoralized as to drop their guns.
While retreat. as a rule, is supposed to reflect discredit upon a command, the retrograde movement at Resaca was wisely made, for to have stood longer must have resulted in the capture of the command. As it was, the Regiment was able to render an important service at the Battery and in the breastworks in checking the Rebel advance, and also in giving direction and encouragement to the reinforcing column.
Sunday, May 15, found the two armies still confronting each other along the rugged hills and narrow valleys about Resaca. General Sherman continued the work of pushing his right wing down the Oostenaula River. begun the day before, and succeeded in laying two pontoon bridges not far from Cal- honn, and in such a position as to again threaten Johnston's rear. On the left there was some shifting of position, but no general movement on the part of the Fourth Corps. Skirmish ·firing, which had been kept np through the night, increased in
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volume, and the artillery played upon the lines from either side. During the forenoon the three Divisions of the Twen- tieth Corps were moved to a position in the rear of the Fourth Corps, and it was whispered that they were to assault the works in front. The NINETY-SIXTH Jeft its works and moved to the front, halting in line-of-battle at the right of the Dalton and Resaca road. Just in rear of this position two Brigades of General Butterfield's Division of the Twentieth Corps were massed, and a number of dispatches, detailing the advantages gained by the Army of the Potomac in their campaign, were read at the head of the lines. The good news was received with hearty cheering. It soon transpired that one purpose in having these dispatches read was to encourage the troops in the difficult work before them, for at a little after one o'clock they were ordered forward for an attack. One Brigade, commanded by Gen. Ward, moved diagonally across the wagon road, passing directly through, or over. the NINETY- Sixrn. Another Brigade advanced farther at the left. The NINETY-SIXTH soon found its position in support a most un- comfortable one. From the moment it occupied the line a heavy artillery fire had been showered down the road, and when the charging colman began its advance the musketry firing instantly increased. For a time this force could be plainly seen climbing the ridge on the left, but soon the foliage of the trees and bushes hid it from view. A cheer burst from the lines ; then a volley was given by them and returned by the enemy. A moment more and the musketry had become continuous, its roar deepening as it was echoed from hill to hill. Musket balls came pattering down to the Regiment's position in great numbers, pelting the ground, striking logs and trees, or cutting off the leaves overhead. Wounded men began to limp or stagger past : then groups of stragglers, the latter being halted and turned back or sent to where some officers were stationed to take charge of them. The stretcher bearers, who had gone to the front close behind the lines, soon returned with their ghastly loads : the canvas, so clean and white as they advanced, now crimsoned with the life-blood of those who had fallen. And still the dread
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work went on. The troops in reserve had little to do except to stop the stragglers, but with the left of the NINETY-SINTH this duty was not altogether light. But even doing nothing was trying work at such a time, for the pitiless shots struck all around and kept the men anxious for their own safety. The volume of sound lessened for an instant and then the Rebel yell broke out anew. The charge had only partially succeeded. The men fell back at many points, but rallied a little at the left of the road and again went forward. Farther over the ridge a terrible blunder occurred. Changing diree- tion slightly, one column moved so as to partly come in rear of another. The woods were full of smoke so that they could not see what was before them, and as the bullets were coming from the front they fired into their friends. The effect was to disorganize both Brigades to some extent and make com- plete success impossible. Only a partial volley was fired, but not a few fell before it. Some of the officers knew the situation and soon made the men aware of their mistake. A portion of one Brigade made their way up to the Rebel works, and lay down outside, clubbing muskets with the foe. The bayonet was used in a few cases, and the enemy forced to abandon four pieces of artillery. These guns could not be drawn out until nightfall, but through that long afternoon the brave men lay at the embrasures and prevented the foe from getting any use of them. The results of the charges were not all that had been hoped, for the Rebels still held a con- tinuous line about Resaca, but there were substantial gains in position, and it was expected that should the enemy remain until morning their main line would be forced. The firing was heavy and continuous until evening. The NINETY-SIXTU held its position beside the road for several hours. At one time Gen. Hooker, with his Staff and a bevy of orderlies, rode to the centre of the Regiment, and from their horses watched a charge. Bullets flew all about them, and two or three of the party were wounded, but the veteran Commander never moved a muscle to indicate that he had the slightest fear. A. straggler came rushing back near their position. The Gen- eral said, reproachfully perhaps, but with no trace of passion :
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" Young man, isn't it a little cowardly to leave your com- rades fighting at the front while you go to the rear? Go back to your command and show that you are willing to do your part." The soldier turned about, almost before the General had ceased speaking, and, deliberately facing the storm, went back into the battle. The effect of Gen. Hooker's coolness upon the men lying in reserve was excellent. His reputation was that of a fiery, impulsive, passionate man ; but here. under most trying circumstances, he was as cool as though the surroundings were of the most common-place character. During the afternoon Gen. Ward, commanding one of Gen. Butterfield's Brigades, who had ridden through the Regiment on his way to the front, was brought back wounded. Gen. Knipe, another Brigade commander, was also severely wounded ; and the total of casualties in these afternoon charges was not less than two thousand. Four pieces of artillery and two battle flags were among the tro- phies.
The NINETY-SIXTH, notwithstanding the heavy firing all about it, had but two men wounded. Andrew Hindman, of Company F. had a wound in the shoulder, and Nahum Lamb, of Company G, in the right hand, disabling him for further service. Several others were hit by spent balls or had bullets through their clothing, but were not disabled.
At three o'clock in the afternoon a detail from the Regi- ment, under Lieutenant Earle, was sent to the right to con- struet some breastworks on a high ridge. At dusk the Regi- ment moved to these works and formed line under an annoy- ing artillery fire. Soon afterward all was quiet for a time, the armies, as if by mutual consent, discontinuing their firing ; but when some members of the Regiment built a fire just behind the works bullets began to zip uncomfortably elose, and even a battery threw a shot which, passing close to the Ere, went back into the timber in rear. Thus warned, all Ares were extinguished and grim darkness reigned over the "Che. The men soon settled down to such sleep as coukl be obtained, but were once routed out and fell in line, some an-mal noise at the front indicating a move on the part of
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the enemy that might mean a night assault. It proved to be a false aların, however, for instead of making an assault the Rebels were retreating under cover of the darkness, and by morning all were gone. During the two days the Regiment sustained the following
CASUALTIES :
Company A.
WOUNDED .- John Binninger, face ; Gottlieb Weber, face.
KILLED .- Herman Hoogstraat, James Litwiler.
Company B. Company C.
CAPTURED .- Corporal William B. Lewin ; Orange M. Ayers, the latter dying in prison.
Company D.
WOUNDED .- First Lieutenant Walter W. Hastings, foot, disabling him for further field service ; Corporal Charles Peppard, left hand ; William Fleming, breast ; Aralzeman Stanley, right thigh, disabling him for further active service.
Company F.
WOUNDED .- Corporal Thomas Trevarthan, face ; Hugh Williams, left hand, losing a finger ; Andrew Hindman, shoulder, wounded and captured : Richard Spencer. shot in breast, disabled for further service.
CAPTURED .- First Sergeant Joseph B. Leckley, who subsequently died in prison.
Company G.
KILLED .- Edward Darby.
WOUNDED AND CAPTURED .- Lewis Miller, right leg shattered above the knee, necessitating amputation and causing his death two weeks afterward.
CAPTURED .- Corporal Delos Rose ; Myron J. Brown. Rose dying in prison.
WOUNDED .- Nahum Lamb, right hand, necessitating amputation of second finger, and disabling him for further service.
Company I.
WOUNDED AND CAPTURED. -- First Sergeant Thomas J. Smith, shot through both legs, causing his death June 9.
Company K.
KILLED .- Sergeant Thomas Leland ; Charles Courter ; John J. Vrow- man.
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CHAPTER XVII.
After the Battle-Resaca Abandoned-"Drawing Sherman On "-Look- ing for Missing Comrades-Forward Again-A trio of Wounded- Crossing the Costenaula-Pressing the Enemy -- Daily under Fire- Calhoun and Adairsville Passed-Froin Kingston to Cassville-Many Miles upon the Skirmish Line -- The Enemy Pressed backward-An Army in Full Sight-More Breastworks-A Battle Impending-Artil- lery Duel-Corporal Gage's Capture-Again they Retreat-Wearied Soldiers-Three Days of Rest-Odd Fellows Outfit Preserved-Visit to the Seminary-The Boys and the Books-Sunday's Experience at Cassville.
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