USA > Illinois > History of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois volunteer Infantry, Vol. I > Part 31
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" Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord ; He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword ; flis truth is marching on.
" I have seen Him in the watch-fires of an hundred circling camps, They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps, I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps. Ilis day is marching on.
"I have read a fiery gospel. writ in burnished rows of steel ; ' As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal :' Let the Hero born of woman crush the serpent with his heel. Since God is marching on.
" He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat ; He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment seat ; Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him ! be jubilant, my feet ! Our God is marching ou.
" In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me ; As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free. While God is marching on."
343
ACROSS THE ETOWAH !.
1804]
CHAPTER XVIII.
A Bold Flank Movement-Across the Etowah-Gen. Johnston anticipates Gen. Sherman's Plans-Pumpkin Vine Creek-Late Marches -- In Reserve-Moving to the Front Line Under Fire-Strong Breast- works-Terrific Artillery Fire-New Hope Church -- Ten Days in the Trenches -- Sleeping and Eating to the Music of Musketry -- Casual- ties Almost Daily-Miserably Monotonous-The Skirmishers Better Natured-Trading Between the Lines-Short Rations-The Enemy again Ontflanked -- The Union Forces reach the Railroad-In Camp at Ackworth-The Boon of a Three Day's Rest-The Railroad Re- paired-Rations and Mail- brought up -- Getting Rid of the Grey- backs-Ready for Kenesaw Mountain.
TWENTY years before the events here narrated, and while bearing the rank of Lieutenant. Gen. Sherman had accom- panied an Inspector-General in the army to Marietta, Ga., on an official tour, and going thence on horseback to the Etowah River, had become somewhat familiar with the region of Kenesaw Mountain and Allatoona. He now remembered them as well adapted for defensive operations, and concluded not to risk a direct movement against Allatoona. Fortunately, by a rapid movement made as soon as Cassville was reached, the cavalry had succeeded in gaining possession of some wagon bridges across the Etowah. and Gen. Sherman resolved to move his army across these and push out toward Marietta and the Chattahoochie river. His hope was that this movement might be well advanced before the enemy should discover his plans. Gen. Johnston was on the watch, however, and antic- ipating the very movement that would be made, interposed his army between the Union forces and Marietta, ultimately aban- doning the strong position at Allatoona but preventing the immediate flanking of Kenesaw Mountain.
Monday, May 23, the Union army moved by the right Hank, crossing the Etowah River by the bridges that had been wrested from the enemy and by others that had been impro- vised. As the Fourth Corps had been directed to move partly in rear of other troops, the Regiment spent the forenoon in
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
camp. A general order was issued requiring every soldier tor wear shoes, and in all cases where those then in use were not in good repair to draw new ones. Many of the men, particularly those who had been home on furlough during the winter and spring, had boots but partially worn, and the order to throw them away was not received with the utmost good nature. However, they had long since learned that there was no appeal from General Orders and all complied, though not without availing themselves of the soldier's inalienable right to grumble, -- the one right they always declared they did not sign away when they enlisted.
At noon the Regiment filed out of camp, going in a south- westerly direction and crossing the Etowah River at Gillen's bridge, near a little place which took its name from the stream. The bridge gave evidence of an attempt to destroy it, for the planks were charred in one or two places, but the cavalry had moved too rapidly to allow the work of destruc- tion to gain much headway, and but trifling repairs were necessary. The march was at a good pace. the weather extremely hot, and water suitable for drinking purposes unusu- ally scarce, so that when the column finally went into camp at ten o'clock at night, in a large wheat field a little south of Euharlie, the men were thoroughly tired. The cavalry, which had led in the advance, encountered the enemy at Stilesboro and a prolonged skirmish ensued, but the infantry forces were not seriously involved. Meanwhile Gen. Schofield had effected a crossing farther to the left and nearer Allatoona, while Gen. McPherson had moved directly south from Kingston, on the right of Gen. Thomas, the several columns moving by nearly parallel roads.
Tuesday, May 24. the Regiment was called out at three o'clock and resumed the march at six o'clock, crossing Euhar- lie Creek and making slow progress, as the troops in front were compelled to move cautiously to avoid being ambushed. The country passed in the early part of the day was attractive and well cultivated. but toward night a hilly region was reached. A final halt was made late in the evening on a spur of the Allatoona Ridge, not far from Burnt Hickory. 1
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PUMPKIN VINE CREEK.
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terrific thunder storm was raging at the time, thereby pre- venting any great degree of comfort, although the men put up their shelter tents, wrapped their blankets about them and were speedily asleep. The storm lasted a considerable part of the night, but at daylight next morning the sky was clear.
Wednesday, May 25, the Regiment started at ten o'clock, marching the rest of the day, most of the time by obscure roads. The Twentieth Corps, which was at the left of the Fourth, encountering the enemy in heavy force, pushed forward with the purpose of reaching the main wagon road leading from Dallas to Allatoona, at a point near New Hope Church. A severe engagement ensued and reinforcements being called for ; a part of the Fourth Corps which had been marching directly toward Dallas, was ordered to the assistance of the Twentieth, and at four o'clock was hurried forward past the trains. At a little after five o'clock the NINETY-SINTH crossed Pumpkin Vine Creek where the battle had begun, and advanced rapidly until dark, meeting large numbers of wounded returning from the battle field. At sundown it began to rain. thus increasing the difficulty of marching. The Regiment was shifted around from place to place and kept on the move until after nine o'clock when, weary and footsore. the men lay down to rest, first building a partial line of breastworks. The losses in Hooker's command were heavy, but owing to the difficulty of moving troops through the forest and over the hills, the Fourth Corps was so late in arriving that it had no opportunity to return the severe fire to which it was exposed in the battle of Pumpkin Vine Creek.
Thursday, May 26, there was heavy cannonading and much musketry throughout the entire day. The First Division of the Fourth Corps was held in reserve and the Regiment stood to arms most of the time, being repeatedly moved to right or left, with other troops, and at one time quite a distance toward the front. but was kept in a rear line nearly a half mile from where the more active work was going on. Night brought orders to still remain under arms and the men lay down with their accoutrements on but with their waist belts
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
unbuckled. There was more or less firing all night, but the Regiment was not called out.
Friday, May 27, orders came for the First Division to move to the left and relieve Gen. Wood's Division, and the Regi- ment took its place in the front line at an early hour. The troops thus relieved moved still farther to the left and at- tempted to get upon the right flank of the enemy. A heavy engagement followed, in which the Union losses were heavy. On the way. in passing the crest of a ridge, the Rebel skir- mishers apparently caught sight of the moving coluinn and sent a volley toward the NINETY-SIXTH, the bullets whistling all about, but withont injuring any one. The Union lines now extended from the village of Dallas northeasterly for some miles and the position to which the Regiment was assigned was near the left centre. The men were gratified to find a partial line of breastworks constructed for their use. and reached their station without any casualties, by stooping low and partially crawling to their places. A detail from the Regiment relieved the skirmish line in front, under a trying fire, and found themselves in close proximity to the Rebel lines. The men relieved had built snug, crescent-shaped skirmish pits, most of which were provided with head-logs. From these pits an almost constant racket was kept up, the order being to fire at every moving object, near, or remote. Extra ammunition had to be sent to the skirmishers, although each man carried sixty rounds or more with him. Strange to say there were but two casualties on the line that day .--- Corporal James Murrie, of Company C, being shot in the tout and losing a toe, and Oscar Rector, of the same Company. being slightly wounded in the arm. During much of the day the men in the main line steadily used the few shovels at hand. The inside of the works was built up with heavy logs and on the outside was an embankment from two to four feet broad. Much of the dirt comprising this bank was thrown from the inside, a broad ditch being excavated, its depth soon becoming such that the men could stand upright if called upon to fire. Heavy head-logs surmounted these works. Later an abatis was constructed in front. most of the work being done
347
ON THE DALLAS LINE.
1864]
at night. This was composed mainly of small trees cut for the purpose and staked to the ground, their limbs being sharpened and interwoven so as to make a pretty serious obstruction. Before the campaign closed the men became experts in this work and these obstructions were often as novel in material and construction as can well be imagined.
The position of the Regiment on this Dallas line was on the brow of a hill where a sharp angle in the works was found necessary, in order that the troops might control the ground in their front. The main lines of the two armies were a half mile or a little more from each other, but the skirmish lines were much nearer. Toward evening on the twenty-seventh the Rebels opened with musketry and artillery, entilading the works to some extent. The batteries devoted themselves to the exposed position occupied by the NINETY-SIXTH and sent shot and shell with great rapidity across the fields which sepa- rated the armies. For an hour or more this terrible tempest of iron was continned, shells exploding all about that little elevation. Dirt was thrown from the side-hill in the faces of the men. and showers of leaves and limbs dropped from the trees above. Pieces of jagged iron were thrown in all direc- tions. Solid shot tore through the tree-tops or, striking in the hill-side, ricochetted across the works, going with fearful energy and frightful sound back through the timber. The exploding of shells at times was almost constant, so rapidly did they come, but fortunately none burst at the exact point to do great harm and none struck with full force upon the as Jet light embankments. Still the range was close and the ordeal a most trying one. Meanwhile the Union batteries had opened upon the Rebel lines and the air reverberated with the constant roar as piece after piece of artillery sent forth its deadly messenger. The men clutched their muskets and crouched elose beside the earthworks, confidently believing that such a fearful cannonading was but the prelude to an infantry charge. Every nerve was strained and each man seemed resolved to do his full duty to repel the expected assault. But no charge came,-at least none came to that portion of the line, -and at dusk the firing lessened. As soon
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL .. V. I.
as the artillery ceased to fire, a portion of the men were again set at work to strengthen the embankment. Additional shovels were procured and the bank was soon from six to ten feet across, the ditch inside being widened and much earth being thrown from the outside. Heavy trasverses were constructed from logs and earth at frequent intervals to protect the com- mand from enfilading shots. So the work went on far into the night. The artillery on either side continued to send oc- casional noisy salutations to and fro, and the skirmishers fired almost constantly. To such music as this the men laid down upon the bank just back of the works and slept, in reliefs, one third standing to arms all through the darkness; and those who had opportunity did not fail to sleep. Two or three times during the night the picket firing increased in volume to such an extent that the entire main line was aroused, the men being kept up for a half hour or so ; then, when it be- came evident that the alarms were false, they would again resume their places on the bank, and fall asleep in a moment.
Saturday, May 28, was another most trying day. Early in the forenoon the Rebels again opened with artillery upon the angle where the Regiment lay in line ; and again for au honr or two their iron missiles struck all about, but with little damage. At night there was but little sleep. The skirmish- ers were required to advance their line slightly. and construct new skirmish pits, and the main line was kept awake much of the night in order to be ready to assist them should the Rebels discover what was going on. Francis Johnson, of Company A, was wounded in the foot. A heavy column of Rebel in- fantry and artillery had been seen marching toward Dallas during the day, and this fact added to the anxiety, as a night attack was deemed probable.
Sunday, May 29, was a beautiful day overhead, but about Dallas and New Hope Church it brought no rest. The two armies still confronted each other at close range, and mus- ketry and artillery firing were the only music. Toward night this deepened into an almost continnous roar all along the line, but at dark lulled into an almost ominous quiet. At ten o'clock it was revived, and grew into a terrific night fight far-
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349
RESACA.
1864]
ther toward the right, where the Rebels assaulted Gen. New- ton's Division and Gen. McPherson's forces, but were beaten back with heavy slaughter. Again the weary men were kept in line much of the night. During the day Edgar C. Lang- don. of Company I, was severely wounded in the hand.
Monday, May 30, brought little change, except that the Rebels opened two batteries upon the " angle" from new posi- tions, and kept up a fire even hotter than usual all through the day. The members of the Regiment in the main line hugged the ground closely, and felt pretty secure in their strong line of works. The skirmishers had little rest, but kept up a heavy fire all day. Albert E. Benton, of Company K. was killed upon the skirmish line.
Tuesday. May 31, brought little change except the addition of another battery on the Rebel side. In the morning three batteries opened simultaneously upon the devoted "angle," but in vain, though the firing was very close ; and once a por- tion of Companies A and F were almost buried in earth thrown from their own breastworks by a Rebel shell. The artillery firing was renewed toward evening, and a solid shot penetrated the embankment in front of Company A, striking a log and breaking it, severely jarring Sergeant Berg, Andrew Disch, and George Bowman, who were sitting with their backs against it. Berg and Disch were struck on the head and considerably bruised. On the skirmish line there was hot work much of the day. First Sergeant Scott, of Company G, was wounded in the face, receiving a hard blow from a bullet whose force had been mainly spent against a head-log. Cor- poral Henry H. Gage, of the same Company, was slightly wounded in the face, the bullet passing through his hat-rim. William Noble, also of Company G, was severely wounded in the head. and taken to hospital at Nashville, where he died from his injuries, July 21.
When Sergeant Scott was struck he was rendered partially insensible for a moment. The blood started from the wound. and in his confused condition he first put up a hand to feel the out and remarked. "Here is where the ball went in ;"' and then raising the other to the back of his head, asked, "Now.
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
where did it come out ?" His companions in the skirmish pi were greatly amused, and in a moment be was laughing heart. ily with the rest at the ridiculousness of the inquiry, knowing full well that if the bullet had gone through he would hardly have been left in condition to make inquiries about it. The bullet struck a hard, glancing blow, but did not penetrate, and he did not leave the command, although his face was very sore for a time.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, June 1, 2 and 3, were but repetitions of the days immediately preceding. The posi- tion of the Regiment was unchanged ; the firing was perhaps less constant and severe, and the skirmishers a little better natured, venturing to talk to each other back and forth at night, and even going out between the lines and exchanging newspapers, " swapping" coffee for tobacco, and trading jack- knives. The weather was rainy and disagreeable, and the clothing of the men, from constant contact with the red clay soil, came to bear a close resemblance to the uniform of their opponents. Rations became scarce-three days' rations hav- ing to do for four or five days-and many of the men actually suffered from hunger. There was no opportunity to forage. for every man was kept right at the works or in the skirmish pits. On the third, Sergeant Franklin Pierce, of Company F. received a wound in the right shoulder, but was not long disabled. The skirmishers kept up a heavy fire much of the day. At one time Gen. Stanley ordered them to fall back to the main line, hoping to give the Rebels the impression that the army was falling back, and thus induce them to come out from their works ; but the Rebels failed to fall into the trap set for them.
While the NINETY-SIXTH, with other troops near the origi- nal left-centre of the line, had been hugging their works >o closely, and keeping up so constant a clangor with musket and cannon, other portions of the army had been on the move. Gen. Sherman, upon finding that Gen. Johnston had antici- pated his movement and thrown the Rebel army between him and Marietta, began moving troops from right to left, at first attempting to pass the Rebel right and break it back, -which
351
NEW HOPE CHURCH.
1564]
movement was not successful, -and then reaching ont toward the railroad in the neighborhood of Ackworth. Severe en- gagements resulted on either flank, with heavy loss to the Divisions engaged. In moving to this line and in the shifting of positions, the engagements were so frequent and so near together, that it is ditlicult to say where one battle left off and another began ; and the historian finds it impossible to separate Burnt Hickory, Pumpkin Vine Creek, New Hope Church. Pickett's Mills and Dallas. The action participated in by the First and Second Divisions of the Fourth Corps, is generally known as the battle of New Hope Church.
Saturday, June 4. at three o'clock A. M., the movement to the left had so far progressed that the NINETY-SIXTH was or- dered to leave its works. Marching about a half mile to the left a halt was made, and the men told that they could put up their tents, a privilege of which they gladly availed themselves. During the day there was considerable skirmishing near by. and the Regiment was held in readiness for an anticipated assault from the Rebels, who, it was believed, would attempt to break back the Union right, but nothing serious resulted.
Sunday, June 5. the Regiment was in line at three A. M., and shortly afterward learned, to their great joy, that the Rebel breastworks were empty, the enemy having moved to the rear and right during the night. The skirmish line was immediately advanced, and soon came in contact with a light line of Rebels, indicating that they were still near enough to compel vigilance. They were not pressed, but the Regiment, with other troops, remained in the trenches, -- this making the tenth day in which they had been constantly under arms. The weather was rainy and unpleasant. The wounded who had occupied tents just in rear of the army were placed in am- bnlances and taken to Ackworth ; a most difficult matter, as many of them were terribly lacerated, and the trip occupied an entire day and a portion of a night.
Monday, June 6, an early reveille sounded, the Regiment drew three days' rations, with the order that it must last four days, and at sunrise was marching toward the left. A halt was made at one o'clock p. M. The weather was sultry, and
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
the men so worn out with their long vigil and the rather rapid march. that many gave out Arrived at Ackworth, order- were given to clean up the camps and take a brief rest. There was considerable produce in the neighborhood. and owing to the fact that rations were short, the men foraged to some ev- tent, but those caught at it were made to carry a rail at head- quarters. In view of the hard service of the past month, and the fact that this was most decidedly an enemy's country. it is difficult to conceive why men were punished for piecing out their rations in that region, and at that time in the war; but such was the case. The men felt outraged, and made threat- to take revenge, unless their comrades were speedily released. --- threats which availed, it may be noted here.
Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday, June 7, 8 and 9, were in the main days of rest. And the rest was greatly needed. for the month's campaign had been a most trying one. The casualties in the Regiment since leaving Blue Springs had numbered nearly 80, of which thirteen had been fatal, and fifty so severe as to take the men to hospitals. In addition. fully one hundred more had been prostrated by sickness and over exertion, and had been sent to hospital. so that the Reg- iment now numbered but a few more than two hundred pres- ent for duty. True many other portions of the army had sut- fered less in action, and had been less constantly in the trenches and under fire, but Gen. Sherman had lost many more men by the campaign than he had gained by the arrival of two Divisions from the West ; while Gen. Johnston's army had received large reinforcements, and had lost fewer in proportion from sickness, as his troops were thoroughly accli- mated. built fewer breastworks, -- as they had negroes at their call, -- and marched on shorter lines, thereby wearing out fewer men with fatigue. The railroad bridge across the Etowah was speedily repaired, and by the ninth some train load- of rations and ammunition were nnloaded at Ackworth, and most of the sick and wounded taken back to Chattanooga or farther north.
To insure the presence of the soldiers and keep the arms well in hand. dress parades were indulged in twice daily.
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C'ury'l SAMPEL CLARK. Corp'T WILLIAM B LEWIN HENRY BATER
Corp'T GROBE. L. STEWART. WILLIAM F. RIDER.
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THE REST AT ACKWORTH.
1564]
The men cleaned up their clothing as far as opportunity offered, killed off the vermin by boiting their shirts, or by th old plan of " skirmishing," and prepared for a renewal of the campaign. Thousands of letters were received and answered, the newspapers brought by the mails were read until literally worn out, the progress made by the army at the East was commented on, and the question as to who was to be elected President discussed with as much interest and animation as though the Illinois soldiers in the field were not disfranchised.
In the engagements on the Dallas line the following were
THE CASUALTIES.
KILLED OR MORTALLY WOUNDED .- William Noble, Company G ; Albert E. Benton, Company K.
WOUNDED .- Francis Johnson, Company A, foot; Corporal James Marrie, Company C, foot ; Oscar Rector, Company C, arm ; William Faith, Company E, neck and head ; Sergeant Franklin Pierce, Company F, shoulder ; First Sergeant Aaron Scott, Company G. face ; Corporal Henry H. Gage, Company G, face ; Edgar C. Langdon, Company I, hand ; Edward Graham, Company K, leg ; Sergeant Daniel Sullivan, Company K, hip.
23
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
CHAPTER XIX.
The Advance from Ackworth-The Country Full of Breastworks-How the Army was Fed-Opposite Pine Mountain -- Killed by a Falling Tree-Bishop Polk's Death-Frequent Rain Storms-Losses by Cap- ture -- Approaching Little Kenesaw -- A Gallant Charge-What Civil War Means-Terrific Night Fight-Heavy Losses of Officers and Men -- A Trying Position-Jn Close Quarters-A Multitude of En- gagements-Moving to the Right-Disastrous Change of Tactics-A Flag of Truce-Skirmishers' Experiences -- The Flanking Movement Resumed-Kenesaw Mountain in Union Hands.
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