USA > Illinois > History of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois volunteer Infantry, Vol. I > Part 32
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Tirs troops having become partially rested after the severe experience at New Hope Church and Dallas, Gen. Sherman ordered another forward movement. The railroad bridge at Etowah was nearly completed, and as the march was to be directly to the front and along the line of the road, the arrival of the railway trains was not waited for. Bread, coffee, salt. and salt meats had been brought forward in wagons, and beef cattle were driven up to the camp nightly, men being detailed from the ranks to keep them bunched, drive them when the army moved, and give them opportunities for feeding. There was little grass in that region. but grain fields were sufficiently numerous so that the stock fared tolerably well ; but the wea- ther was hot and rainy, and the flies so troublesome, that many of the animals became poor before their turn for slaugh- ter. Soldiers detailed for the purpose slaughtered and cut up the meat, which was issned to the men every second or third day. All through the summer months there was but an occa- sional and meagre ration of beans, rice, or other articles in the vegetable line. and as the men were marching much of the time, and subjected to an unusual amount of night work, they were continually hungry. Many times rations were issued for three days, with orders for them to last four, and, on a few occasions, five days. When this occurred two or three times in succession, as it did in May and June, there was some actual suffering.
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The Rebel cavalry were active, and on several occa- sions tore up the railroad and destroyed small bridges, thus delaying trains and making the work of supplying the im- mense army a task of great magnitude. Some of the men grumbled a little, but most of them took the rations good- naturedly, fully, satisfied to bear hunger as well as danger and fatigue, if only progress was made in crushing the Rebellion. There was the utmost frugality on the part of nearly all. Even the tails of the slaughtered cattle were skinned and every piece of bone was carefully saved, soups being made from them. Occasionally, as at Ackworth, some foraging was done. but as a rule the Rebel army had so thoroughly used up the supplies that but little could be obtained. espe- cially by the troops in the centre, where the Fourth Corps usually marched in each advance.
Friday, June 10, the general forward movement from Ack- worth began, Gen. McPherson being on the left, Gen. Thomas in the centre, and Gen. Schofield on the right. The Fourth Corps went pretty directly toward Pine Mountain, keeping to the right of Big Shanty and the railroad. The day was rainy, the roads obscure, and the country broken and timbered ; as a consequence the march was a slow one. The NINETY-SIXTH furnished flankers or skirmishers, but encountered no seri- ous resistance, although the firing was lively most of the day. When a final halt was made the Rebel tents and breast- works were in plain view, at a distance of about two miles. Their lines were found to be heavily fortified, and extended from Brush Mountains, across Pine Mountain, and past Gilgal Church to Lost Mountain, a distance of nearly ten miles. The weather continued rainy, and the moving of troops was a most difficult matter. Batteries of artillery, wagons and ambulances were mired everywhere, and details of men were made from the infantry to help them out of the mud, cut new roads through the timber. and corduroy the low ground.
For several days the Regiment occupied substantially the position taken on the tenth. Heavy works were constructed, although the enemy's lines were at a greater distance than at New Hope Church, and the firing at longer range and much
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less trying. On Saturday a portion of the Regiment was sent to reconnoitre the front, and advanced a long distance, having a severe skirmish but sustaining no casualties.
Throughout Sunday. June 12, there was heavy firing at the left, and an attack was expected. The men slept with shoes and accoutrements on, but had their shelter tents up to protect them from the severe storm. Monday, the batteries all along the line kept up a heavy firing, and the skirmishers indulged in more or less musketry. During a violent raiu storm a large, girdled tree, which stood upon the skirmish line, was loosened, the ground about its roots having become so saturated as to no longer support it, and without warning it toppled over and fell across a log where some of the skirmish- ers were sitting beneath their dripping ponchos. One of their number was Carlisle Druse, of Company B. The ponderons tree fell partially upon him, and his bayonet was driven through his body, cansing almost instant death : and thus while watching for the enemy. and under their fire, he was killed by an accident. He was a young man, a favorite in the Regiment, and his sudden taking off seemed doubly sad because of the unusual circumstances attending it.
Tuesday morning dawned clear, but disagreeably cold, and the men were much surprised at such a severe change in the "Sunny South." The first sound to greet the ear was the muttering of cannon, but it proved to be mainly Union guns playing upon the Rebel lines. The day must have been an exceedingly unpleasant one for the enemy, as a heavy fire wa- maintained by the Union artillerists. General Sherman rode along the lines on a tour of observation and halting near tik. Regiment directed Captain Simonson's 5th Indiana Battery to open fire upon Pine Mountain. A group of Rebel officers were reconnoitering the lines at the time, in plain view but at quite a distance. A well directed shot created a commotion among them and caused them to scatter. In a few moments it was known by the Signal officers, who had learned to interpret the Rebel signals, that a no less distinguished personage than Bishop Polk, then a Lieutenant-General in the Confederate' army, had been struck by an unexploded shell and instantly
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killed. There was heavy fighting at many points on the line during the day, and once the Regiment, with other troops, moved some distance to the left to take part in a charge that it was proposed to make upon the Rebel works. There was a vigorous reconnoissance, but the Rebel lines were found to be so strongly fortified that an assault was deemed unwise and the troops returned to their former position. The lines of the Twentieth Corps, as well as those of Gen. McPherson, were crowded forward, and some gains made in position. The whistle of the locomotive at Big Shanty gave evidence that the Etowah had been bridged, and promised more abundant rations. When it sounded a cheer ran along the lines for many a mile.
Wednesday, June 15, a general advance was ordered to take place at daylight, with the intention of "going in " at any weak point that might be discovered, but it was found that the enemy had again retreated. The Regiment moved forward, passing over the Rebel works and gaining about two miles of difficult ground. Toward night the greater part of the Fourth Corps was massed at the left of Pine Mountain, and the men anticipated an assault. An advance was made, the Second Division leading and capturing the enemy's front line of works. There was also severe skirmishing and some heavy fighting on either flank. Later in the day the Corps was partially deployed.
Thursday, June 16, the Regiment lay near the enemy and was severely shelled. During a heavy artillery duel Capt. Simonson, of the 5th Indiana Battery, and Chief of Artillery for the Division, was killed. Toward evening heavy breast- works were again built, it being evident that the Rebels were strongly entrenched in front. Sergeant John B. Reynolds, of Company I, was severely wounded in the breast and shoulder.
Friday, June 17, there was another advance in the centre, across the entrenched lines abandoned by the enemy. The cannonading was unusually severe, and heavy musketry was heard, not alone in the distance, but near at hand, the Rebels stubbornly resisting the advance. At dark they withdrew aeross Mnd Creek, and the army again fortified in their front.
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After dark the Regiment moved to the front line, relieving the 3d Wisconsin. The heavy rains were again resumed. to the great discomfort of the men, as the lines were so close that no fires could be built. no tents erected and no clothing or accoutrements removed.
Saturday, June 18, the enemy having again fallen back. the advance was renewed, the Regiment being on the move in one direction or another most of the day. The First Division was in reserve until evening. when it moved to the front line. The NINETY-SIXTH was ordered to take the skir- mish line just after dark, which it did under a heavy fire. William Bell, of Company I, was wounded in the left hand. There was much uncertainty as to the situation, and as the troops to be relieved had moved ont before the new line reached them, the Regiment was in doubt as to its position. The firing having slackened, Sergeant Michael Devlin and Albert Barney, of Company D, set out to reconoitre the front. Hearing voices and seeing the outline of an earthwork a few rods ahead, they went up to it, but to their surprise and consternation found themselves covered by a dozen mus- kets, and were told, in a low tone, to surrender. There was no alternative, save almost certain death, and reluctantly they laid down their muskets and consented to be taken to the Rebel rear. Both endured a long imprisonment, some details of which will be found elsewhere in this volume. But while their capture had been made with unusual quiet, some of the men in the line heard enough to know what had happened. and whispered the facts to the officers. Without immediately advancing farther, skirmishers were deployed, and steps taken to prevent further losses. A deep, sluggish stream was near at hand, and as one of the men undertook to cross it on a log he fell. with a lond splash, into the water, whence he was resened by his comrades. His musket went to the bottom and was not recovered. Strange to say, for a time neither line ventured to fire, although but a few yards apart. The night was a most anxious one, the troops getting little or no sleep. Gen. Thomas ordered that an assault should be made in the morning, should the enemy still hold this line.
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Sunday, June 19, found the Rebels again on the retreat, the skirmishers of the NINETY-Sixin occupying their vacated lines before the day had fairly dawned, and capturing a few prisoners. These skirmishers were soon recalled, and in a dreary rain storm the Division moved to the left and front, going in the direction of Marietta, the 21st Kentucky having the skirmish line. The enemy was encountered near Wallace's house, and the skirmishing became very spirited in front. The main line was in some timber, confronting an open field, which the skirmishers attempted to eross, but in vain, as the enemy was in strong force in the woods just beyond, where they were attempting to tear up a corduroy road or bridge across a slug- gish stream or swamp known as Nose's Creek. Word being sent to the reserves, the NINETY-SIXTH was ordered forward and rapidly crossed the field, the enemy leaving their work and retreating into the timber. The Regiment hastily crossed the stream, some of them wading knee deep in the mud and water, and formed a semi-circle just beyond. A detail of two men from each Company, under command of Lieutenant Daw- son, of Company F, was immediately deployed and ordered to advance. The line was now confronting one of the foot-hills adjacent to the eminence known as Little Kenesaw. The sides of this hill were densely wooded, and the skirmishers could see but little of what was in their front. At the command they moved forward for several rods. It was dusk, and in the tim- ber but little could be seen. William II. Ehlers, of Company C, passed near some bushes when a big Rebel suddenly sprang up and demanded that he throw down his gun, which he very promptly did. Peter Mowers, who was but a few yards dis- tant, shot the Rebel through the leg and called to Ehlers to run, but the latter saw a dozen men spring up, each with his musket aimed, and knowing that escape was impossible, ran quickly to the Rebel rear and remained a prisoner for many months. Sergeant Berg, of Company A, S. F. Vose, of Com- pany G, and others on the line, were ordered to surrender, but declined, although made the target of many guns fired at short range. The line fell back a few rods. each man covering him- self as best lie could, and in a few moments darkness closed
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the scene. Reuben Smith, of Company G, was niortally wounded, being shot through the left shoulder and dying July 13. Orskine Ferrand, of Company B, was wounded in the left hand, and Corporal Harrison Gage, of Company I, was severely injured by a spent ball which struck him in the back. The position was precarious at best, and as the bullets were cutting wickedly through the bushes, a line of rifle pits was constructed, work continuing throughout the night. There was but little sleep, and all expected that at daylight the Rebel. would attempt to drive them back across the swamp.
Monday, June 20. was a memorable day in the Regiment's history. There had been little opportunity for sleep for two nights, and the early dawn found the men in line and ready to repel an expected assault. But the Rebels did not come. although keeping up a most annoying fire. The skirmish line was ordered forward with Company D, Lieutenant Earle com- manding, in support. It was hoped that they might be able to take and hold the higher ground in front, but the fire proved too heavy and they were recalled. Company D taking the front line. The contest raged at the right and left throughout the day. Gen. Stanley, the Division commander, and Gen. Whit- taker, the Brigade commander, reconnoitered the position. going on foot along the line of works behind which the Regi- ment was lying and looking through the woods to learn the nature of the ground in front. A reconnoissanee was deter- mined on, and the skirmishers pushed forward until within a few rods of the Rebel skirmish pits, which were seen to be very near together and full of men. The position learned, the line fell back to its old place. This reconnoissance was a costly one to Company D, for two of their number-Louis Brochon and Philip R. Clawson-were killed, and four were wounded, Abner L. Chandler being shot in the abdomen, and Corporal A. R. Thain, P. P. Melindy and James McCann. each in the leg. Chandler's wound was at first thought to be fatal, but fortunately the bullet did not penetrate far, and in a few weeks he was at his post again.
The skirmish officer reported the position of the enemy. and a charge was planned at Brigade headquarters. The 21st
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Kentucky was ordered to pile knapsacks, take position in front of the NINETY-SixTH and lay down until the signal for the charge. The 51st Ohio, which was to move in support, was directed to lie down in rear of the NINETY-SIXTH. Meanwhile, similar preparations were made in front of Bald Knob, an ele- vation at the right, opposite the position held by the First Brigade, commanded by Col. Kirby. Col. Price, command- ing the 21st Kentucky, called for the skirmish officer. and just as the preparations were complete was making inquiry as to the direction to be taken to keep his line parallel with the Rebel skirmish line. The bugle sounding for the advance, he gave the necessary commands. Lieutenant Earle volunteering to guide his right. Hardly had the advance begun when the Colonel fell, severely wounded. But there was no faltering. and at a run the gallant Kentuckians dashed up to and over the Rebel skirmishers, capturing many of them. The 51st Ohio moved immediately to the captured line, and shortly afterward other troops were ordered to their support. In their enthusiasm a part of the 21st Kentucky ran beyond the skirmish pits and attempted to charge across a ravine and to the ridge beyond, where was the enemy's main line, but the movement was not contemplated by the com- mander and proved disastrous to the brave men who under- took it, for a number were killed and wounded, their losses being more than in the charge upon the skirmish line. They were speedily recalled, and in accordance with a promise made by Gen. Whittaker, were marched back to their knapsacks and given a comparatively safe position in a rear line during the remainder of the time the Brigade confronted Little Kene-
saw. Meanwhile, some sixty or eighty Rebels were brought back under guard. Most of them were from the 7th Kentucky, and as they crossed the works of the NINETY-SixTH, they were chatting earnestly with their captors and asking numerous questions as to mutual acquaintances. One of the Regiment remarked to a guard : "You seem to know some of these fel- lows." " Know them ?" was the reply. " Yes, every one of them. I used to play foot-ball with them in Lexington. Got my own brother here." "You didn't get me until I gave you
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200 rounds of cartridges to-day, auyhow !" was the reply of the captured brother. Thus they talked as they passed to the rear. And this was civil war -- neighbor fighting against neighbor, brother against brother.
The troops in front speedily began the construction of a line of works, using the material in the captured skirmish pits. A few small trees were felled and rolled into position, and the line was attaining a height that would give some pro- tection, when the skirmishers, who had been deployed a few rods in front, shouted to the main line that the Rebels were coming. Instantly the men dropped their axes and shovels. seized their muskets, and formed in line behind their hastily constructed works. With a yell the enemy dashed against them. but not in such numbers or with such velocity as to make their charge successful, and the brave soldiers soon had the satisfaction of seeing them hurled back across the ravine. As soon as it became known that the Rebels were to make a charge. Colonel Champion. whose orders were to sup- port the front line, ordered the NINETY-SIXTH forward, and they arrived in time to assist in repelling the assault. The 35th Indiana was moved upon the left. The regiment. partially overlapped each other, and, the NINETY-SIXTH com- ing up behind them, made a double line at the point of assault. and for a short distance three lines of men lay in posi- tion. Presently the Rebels charged again, with a determina- tion that did credit to their bravery. The guns of the men in rear were loaded and passed to those in front, and a most withering fire was poured upon the advancing hosts. The dense underbrush in front was swept down by bullets as though a seythe had been used. The Rebels came across the ravine and up the slope almost to the works, but their ranks were so thinned and broken that again they retreated. It was now growing so dark as to make it difficult to discern between friend and foe. except by the direction of the flash of the muskets. Soon there was a third advance, but with the inten- tion of deceiving their opponents the Rebels marched backward up the hill. firing blank cartridges toward their own works. and calling to the Federal's not to shoot their friends. A re-
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connoitering party had been sent out when the enemy retired after their second charge, but had passed to the right and returned to the line. Many did not know of their return, and, supposing the advancing line to be these men, not a few at first refused to fire, believing that it was friends and not foes approaching. All were undeceived, however, and again the Rebels were driven back with fearful slaughter. But the posi- tion gained was deemed an important one, and the Rebels determined to re-take it at whatever cost. The fact that Bald Knob, which was carried by Col. Kirby, had been re-taken by the forces at their left, stimulated the Rebels in front of the NINETY-SIXTH to an almost frantic effort. A fourth time they came against that bloody hill, but a constant stream of fire poured from the breastworks and beat them back. Mean- while, casualties had been frequent along the line, among those disabled being Colonel Champion, who was severely wounded in the face. The wound was exceedingly painful, and he was compelled to go immediately to the rear. Sergeant Weir, of Company A, accompanied him to the field hospital, returning within an hour or two.
After the fourth repulse the Rebels maintained quiet for a time. Lieutenant Colonel Smith, who had assumed command of the line when Colonel Champion was wounded, fearing that his flank might be turned, moved the NINETY- SixTH to the right of the 51st Ohio, extending his mien so as to cover the ground between that regiment and Nose's Creek. The bullets were flying through the bushes, and as soon as the position was gained Colonel Smith began to reconnoitre his front in person. A moment later a bullet tore through his shoulder, and he was carried to the rear, dangerously wounded. Major Hicks being temporarily absent because of sickness, Captain Pollock. of Company C, took command of the Regiment, and immediately associated with him Captain Rowan, of Company F. The two looked along the line, and determining where breastworks should be built. sent for the regimental pioneers. But the Rebels were not yet satisfied, and were preparing for their fifth charge. This time they struck the Union line a little farther to their right.
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Moving silently until near the breastworks, they made a rush upon the 35th Indiana, killing its commander-Maj. Duffey -and shooting and bayoneting many of the men before they could make any organized resistance. The 35th abandoned their works, some of the men being captured and others run- ning back into the timber. Major D. W. Marshall, of the 51st Ohio, immediately called for the NINETY-SIXTH to go and re- take the works, but upon consultation it was agreed that their position was too important to be abandoned. Captain Pollock accordingly sent the three left Companies-B, G and K --- under Captain Rowan. These Companies moved in rear of the main line, and before they were aware that they had reached the spot, were fired upon by the Rebels just across the breastworks. Several fell at the first volley, others ran back for shelter, but many remained, loading and firing as rapidly as possible, a few using the bayonet. At this critical juncture the 40th Ohio came up in line and re-took the works, sustain- ing and inflicting considerable loss. Lieut .- Col. Watson, of the 40th, who was Brigade Officer of the Day, in reconnoiter- ing the position a few moments before, was captured, a Rebel reaching over and fairly dragging him across the earthwork.
In the movement of the three Companies to the left, the loss sustained was terrific. Captain Gilmore, of Company B. was mortally wounded, being struck three times. One shot penetrated his skull, another his body, and a third passed through his thigh. He never regained consciousness, and died five days later. Sergeant Whitmore, of the same Company. was almost instantly killed ; David Wells was shot in the hand and arm and permanently disabled, never again joining the command. Erastus T. Cleveland lost a part of his hand, and was disabled. In Company G, Captain James was shot through the shoulder, and died a month later. Dennis Shupe was struck two or three times and killed almost instantly. Chris- topher Booetcher was mortally wounded, being hit seven times and dying on the twenty-third. Sergeant Walter Drew had his left arm shattered and suffered amputation, and Christian Knopf was permanently disabled by a shot through the foot. In Company K, Corporal Wallace W. Hoover was severely
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wounded through the left shoulder, and James Hicks had a serious wound in the right hand.
The other casualties of the day were : Corporal Henry P. Barnum, of Company C, who was permanently disabled, a bullet striking his left cheek, passing directly through and coming out of his right check close beside the deep scar of his Chickamauga wound ; Corporal John H. Pooley, of Company E. who was shot through the left thigh, and permanently dis- abled, his wound being a close mate to one in his right thigh received at Chickamauga; James L. Knox. of Company G. who was shot in the left arm and side, and died nine days later : Corporal Marcus J. Penwell, of Company HI, shot in the left hand ; Edward Hancock, of Company F, and George E. Smith. of Company D, both stretcher bearers, and each shot in the ankle. Hancock was disabled for five weeks, but Smith was able to remain on duty.
After the re-taking of the works the three Companies re- turned to the Regiment. The firing was continuous all night, but there were no further assaults. By morning, a good line of breastworks was well advanced, but the men were entirely worn out by their long and constant vigil. It was said that seventy thousand rounds of ammunition were expended by Gen. Whittaker's Brigade alone on the twentieth. The Regi- ment had added to its laurels, but at heavy cost."
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