USA > Illinois > History of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois volunteer Infantry, Vol. I > Part 34
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377
KENESAW MOUNTAIN.
1964]
Milton Glover one through his haversack. Samuel Buser, on duty at Brigade headquarters, stepped out of his tent just in time to avoid a cannon ball which destroyed the frail edifice.
Charles Spaulding and Dominick Burke, of Company D, were each wounded while asleep. Worn out with several nights and days of hard work, with little opportunity for rest, they crawled out of the trenches and tried to make themselves .a little more comfortable upon the bank, and were sleeping soundly, although there was continuous firing all about them, when an over-shot bullet wounded both of them.
The field hospital was not so far away from the line, but that it was under fire, shot or shell passing over it frequently, and occasionally dropping among the tents, in a few instances with fatal results. Most of the wounded were placed upon the cars and taken to Chattanooga, or points farther north. As fast as they recovered they were again sent to the front, many being detailed to drive cattle from Chattanooga, and in some instances having stirring adventures with Rebel cavalry.
On the night of June 20 a Rebel officer was shot just over the breastworks in front of Company B. William Joyce immediately jumped over the works and. taking off' the officer's sword and belt returned safely with the trophies, although repeatedly fired at by the Rebels.
Lientenant Blowney was siek in the field hospital for a few days. but when Captain James was brought back wounded, immediately made his way to the front line and took com- mand of his Company, although so weak as to hardly be able to walk.
John Greenwall, who had been discharged for disability from Company A, and reenlisted in Company F. 12th Illinois, was wounded no less than seven times in one of the engage- ments about Kenesaw.
While carrying a box of ammunition to the front line John Golden, one of the band, was severely injured by a fall.
Thomas J. Moore, of Company E, had his cap box exploded by a bullet.
A not unusual occurrence was for a man to lose his voice. as a result of sickness. One of those thus athicted was
378
HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
William R. Buchanan, of Company F, who had not spoken alond for many months until struck by a bullet while on the skirmish line, June 21, when, the cords being loosened by the shock, he turned to Sergeant Campbell and spoke in a loud tone, saying. "Andy, I'm shot." He lived but a few hours, but was able to converse until the last.
An old letter, written on this line, says : "I hardly know whether to say that the boys now with the Regiment are weil or not. There are not a great many sick, but there seems to be some disease with which almost everyone is afflicted. Some call it "hives," others seurvy. It is doubtless caused by heat, body lice, going day after day and night after night without an opportunity to change or even take off clothing. dirt and want of vegetable diet."
During the fight of June 20, Colonel Smith was watching the Rebels from a small aperture in the hastily built works. but being unable to see as clearly as he desired stepped npon the works. As he did so an officer in the 51st Ohio took the place the Colonel had vacated, but had no sooner placed his eye to the opening than a bullet struck him in the head. killing him instantly.
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379
THE MARCH TO POWERS' FERRY.
1864]
CHAPTER XX.
Across the Chattahoochie-The Rest on the Ridge-Peach Tree Crock -- The General Forward Movement-Within Two Miles of Atlanta- The Battle on the Left-A Visit Interrupted-Killed in Camp-Four Men Captured-Colonel Opdyke's Recounoissance- - Regimental Pol- itics-Strong Breastworks and How They were Built-Promotions Among the Officers -- Frequent Demonstrations, One of Them Attend- ed by Heavy Losses-An Ominous Quiet-Mysterious Movements on Foot-What will Gen. Sherman do ?-- Casualties about Atlanta.
GEN. SHERMAN's great ability as a strategist was well dis- played along the line of the Chattahoochie. Feigning to the right he deceived the enemy, and soon had control of several fords and ferries at the left, with his army in good positions for crossing. Some infantry forces, with Garrard's Division of Cavalry, pushed northeastward to Roswell, where were numerous and extensive cotton, wool and paper mills, turning out goods for the Southern armies. These were destroyed. Asearly as July 8, a portion of the Twenty-Third Corps effected a crossing. by means of pontoon boats, near the mouth of Soap Creek, and having laid their bridge were soon strongly intrenched. Gen. Johnston withdrew his army from the north bank of the river on the night of July 9. Gen. Sher- man. still feigning to the right as if intending to move to the rear of Atlanta from the westward, ordered Gen. McPherson's and Gen. Schofield's forces far to the left, and then wheeled them toward Atlanta from the neighborhood of Decatur.
Sunday, July 10, the NINETY-SIXTH, with other troops, was enjoying the unusual quiet and idling away the time in any manner that suited the individual taste. The day was an excessively hot one. At noon a detail of men was sent to draw rations and bring them to the camp. This work was about completed and the Commissary Sergeant was dividing the rations of hard-tack, coffee and sugar, according to the size of the Companies, when suddenly the " general " call was
380
HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
sounded by the Brigade bugler. A moment later the assembly sounded and then the forward. The men who were awaiting the division of the rations gathered up the four corners of the blankets upon which the supplies had been laid and ran with all speed to their comrades, who were buckling on their accou- trements. Soldiers ran to meet them, each eager to at least secure some crackers, which they crammed into their haver- sacks. To say the least the division was neither uniform nor formal, but nearly all obtained something. Instantly the straggling column began to move at a rapid walk. The Companies were scarcely half formed and the tardy ones came up at double quick. The direction was up the river, the de ti- nation being Power's Ferry, where the enemy was making a demonstration as if intending to attack the troops already arrived. The march was one of the most severe ever partici- pated in by the command, and the Brigade was but a small battalion in size when a final halt was made. At one time but about thirty men were with the colors of the NINETY-SIXTH. and an old letter states that but a single commissioned officer was present. A half dozen or more sustained partial sun- strokes, among the number being Adjutant Blodgett, who was so disabled as to be compelled to go to the hospital and remain for several weeks. Hle had but partially recovered from an illness of a fortnight's duration and was not in condi- tion to endure the terrifie heat of that tropical Sunday after- noon. A little before the destination was reached, it being ascertained that the danger which threatened the troops at the Ferry had passed. a halt was made and the more resolute and robust of those who had fallen out came up so that about seventy muskets were stacked at camp. Others continued to come up, and by night nearly all were present. Several fatal sunstrokes were said to have occurred in the Brigade. Shortly after the destination was reached, and before any considerable number of the exhausted men had put up their shelter tents. a sudden and terrific thunder storm broke upon the camp. The lightning played most vividly and several trees were struck in the immediate vicinity, a number of men being killed in another regiment. The storm, which was not of long duration,
1864]
ACROSS THE CHATTAHOOCHIE. 381
cleared the air to some extent, but the troops were badly used up and glad of the opportunity of a quiet night's rest.
Monday, July 11, was given to rest. Tuesday morning the Regiment took up its line of march at daylight, crossing the Chattahoochie on a pontoon bridge and taking its place in line on the right of the Twenty-third Corps, along a ridge near the river, and establishing a good camp. The remainder of the week was spent at this place, the men greatly enjoying the rest afforded. The river presented an animated appear- ance at times, from the great number who went in bathing. Some desks and blanks were brought to camp, and officers and non-commissioned officers were kept busy in making out reports, so long neglected during the campaign. Thursday night brought a terrific storm, with high wind and sharp lightning. All were wet, the shelter tents not blown down affording but little protection.
At this time a special effort was made to fill up the thinned ranks of the army before its concerted move toward Atlanta. Convalescents, teamsters, clerks, detached men, all who could be spared from other duties, were sent forward; and in this way every Regiment received a very substantial reinforce- ment, the NINETY-SIXTH being increased to nearly three hun- dred effective men.
Sunday, July 17, brought Company inspection, and at two o'clock p. M. orders to fall in and change position, the new line being the one vacated by Gen. Wood's Division. There was considerable firing at the front and on either flank, indicat- ing that the brief respite was at an end and the grand forward movement toward Atlanta begun.
Monday, July 18, brought the old-time three o'clock réveille, and at six o'clock the Regiment was moving toward the city. the cannon knocking for admission at its gateways. There was some skirmishing by the advance and but slow progress was made. After moving to the left and front about five or six miles the lines halted, the Regiment being near Buck Head.
Tuesday, July 19, the Third Division took the front line. and the NINETY-SIXTH lay in camp until four o'clock p. M.,
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382
HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
when it moved to the left and front, crossing the north fork: of Peach Tree Creek, taking position under fire and construct- ing a heavy line of works. John Hay, of Company K, was severely wounded, having his right thigh fractured. He was taken to Chattanooga, where he died a fortnight later.
Wednesday, July 20, occurred the battle of Peach Tree Creek. There was now a new commander of the Confederate forees about Atlanta. Gen. Johnston was succeeded by Gen. Hood, the recommendation of the latter being that he was a great fighter. The Confederate cause was indeed growing desperate, and a change of tactics was demanded. That change was inaugurated on the day above mentioned. It was known in the Union lines almost as soon as among the Confederates that there had been a change of commanders, and all were warned that an attack might be expected. Gen. Sherman had separated his forces somewhat. Gen. McPherson was on the left, Gen. Schofield next, and Gen. Thomas on the right, with a gap between the forces of the last named commanders. These forces were all feeling their way cautiously toward the front, while the First Division of the Fourth Corps was also bearing to the left in order to connect with and support the Twenty-third Corps. Some delay occurred at the crossing of the south fork of Peach Tree Creek, as it became necessary to build a bridge to take the place of one destroyed by the enemy. Skirmishing was heavy all along the front, and at the right a heavy battle raged during the later hours of the afternoon. At one time the Regiment was halted near some farin buildings on a sloping highway commanded by Rebel artillery. Cannon balls struck the ground in front and rico- cheted across the lines. One shot struck a fence on which some men were sitting, carrying away the rails and dropping the soldiers, somewhat frightened but entirely unharmed. Another tore its way corner-wise through a building around which a few were standing. It was not always a pleasure a: such times to hear the bugle sound the ". forward, " but on this occasion all were rejoiced to be speedily sent at double quick across the hollow and upon the front line, even though the skirmishing was brisk and continuous, and bullets came pat-
353
PEACH TREE CREEK.
1864]
tering through the ranks. Filing to the left, line-of-battle was formed under the brow of the hill, and soon the Regiment moved forward to the ridge. A line of works was constructed and a charge was looked for, but the main Rebel column did not extend so far to the Union left as to lap the command, although their skirmish line pushed close up to the Regiment. During the engagement Thomas Kimmons. of Company F, was wounded in the leg; Peter Davidson, of Company H, in the right wrist ; and George Deedrich, of Company D. in the leg. At night the Regiment had the skirmish line and kept up a continuous firing. The battle was a victory for the Union forces, the assaults of the Rebels being repulsed with heavy loss. The fighting was mainly on the part of the Fourth and Twentieth Corps. The NINETY-SIXTH fired about ten thousand rounds of ammunition during the twentieth and the night suc- ceeding.
Thursday, July 21, the Regiment was relieved on the skirmish line by the 84th Indiana, and occupied a position behind the breastworks. The general movement was a right wheel of the ariny, and as the advance was slow little change of position was made on the right. The Regiment was under fire from both infantry and artillery, but sustained no losses.
Friday, July 22, found the works in front of the right evacuated, and most of Gen. Thomas' command was able to advance to within a mile and a half of the city. This move- ment was made at daylight, the troops marching in column until the skirmishers found the enemy, when the columns deployed and pressed forward to the neighborhood of the White House. At the final halt the NINETY-SIXTH was the extreme left Regiment of the Corps. Adjoining was a Brigade of the Twenty-third Corps, in which was the 65th Illinois. con- taining a company from Lake County. Captain James S. Putnam, of Company F, of that command, being on staff duty, arranged to have the 65th transferred to the right of his Brigade, and the Lake County men of the two regiments were enjoying themselves in a general visit, when with little warning a portion of the Twenty-third Corps was hurried off to the left. As the 65th was included in the order the visit terminated
384
HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
very suddenly. It transpired that Gen. Hood had sent a portion of his army far out to his right and over-lapped the Union left, making repeated assaults, and for a time discon- certing the Army of the Tennessee, whose commander, Gen. McPherson, had fallen early in the battle. The NINETY-SIXTH had no, active part in this heavy engagement. but lay in line anxiously awaiting the outcome of the terrible struggle, the sounds of which indicated that the fighting was approaching so near as to make it probable that all of the troops would soon be involved. The skirmishers, under Captain Rowan, advanced nearly to the city, and sent word that there was so light a line in front that the main works at the north of Atlanta could be read- ily taken. However, those higher in authority, being apprehen- sive of disaster at the left, refused to make a forward move- ment, and the opportunity to take Atlanta passed with the coming of night. During the day a heavy line of earthworks was constructed about one and one-half miles out from the city. During Saturday, Sunday and Monday the Regiment did not change position, but Monday night the Army of the Tennessee was moved by Gen. Sherman from left to right in the endeavor to reach Atlanta from the southwest. There was heavy artillery firing on either side, the Union batteries being able to throw shot and shell into the city.
Tuesday, July 26, the Regiment moved a short distance to the left and rear, and occupied some abandoned Rebel works. There was considerable shifting of position and but little opportunity for sleep. Wednesday the troops closed to the right, thinning the line somewhat and protecting the front by constructing a heavy abatis. This line was occupied for several days. Thursday, orders were read announcing that Gen. O. O. Howard had been relieved from the command of the Fourth Corps and assigned to the command of the Army of the Tennessee ; that Gen. D. S. Stanley had succeeded Gen. Howard ; and that Colonel Gross had succeeded Gen. Stanley in the command of the Division. Gen. Howard had steadily grown in the affections of the men, and there was general regret at his loss, although all in the First Division knew that in Gen. Stanley they had an able and worthy Corps com-
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٠٠
٠٠,
٢٢٤ - ٠٦
.' Llent JAMes O. HAVEN .. ** DERY
COrp'T HENeY H. GALE. First Sorg't AARON SCOTT.
Capt. JAMES II. CLank.
385
ATLANTA.
1864]
mander. A heavy fight took place on the right but did not seriously involve the Fourth Corps, although there was contin- vous skirmishing and heavy artillery firing, not on that day alone but every day. The engagement was the third one precipitated by Gen. Hood, and proved of decided advantage to the Union cause. The enemy occasionally sent sixty-four pound shells from their large siege guns, but none did serious damage.
Sunday, July 31, hostilities were almost entirely suspended for several hours, as if by mutual consent, but about noon the huge shells came from the Rebel lines at frequent intervals. One of these monsters exploded in camp but did no damage. The Union batteries responded, and in the evening the sky above the city was illumined by the bright blaze from build- ings set on fire by exploding shells.
Monday, August 1, the Brigade extended its lives to cover the ground previously occupied by the First Brigade, and at night moved again, this time to the position of the Twenty- Third Corps, the Army of the Ohio being sent to the extreme right. The Regiment was on the move until about ten o'clock. Captain A. Z. Blodgett, of Company D, who had been able to do but little duty for some months, owing to injuries re- ceived at Chickamauga, resigned. First Lieutenant Hastings succeeded him as Captain, and Second Lieutenant Clarkson was promoted to First Lieutenant.
Tuesday, August 2, tents were put up, and the men pre- pared to make their stay comfortable. The enemy was at such a distance that all in the main line felt comparatively safe, although the skirmishers kept up a desultory fire. Occa- sionally bullets reached the camp, and one of them with fatal effect,-First Sergeant Aaron Scott, of Company G, being struek in the body and mortally wounded. He had assisted in building a bunk, and when struck was lying upon it engaged in reading his bible. He suffered greatly for a few moments. An officer standing near offered him some stimulants, which he declined, remarking that he at all events wished to die sober. The end soon came, and he died as he had lived, an exem- plary Christian soldier, expressing, with his latest breath, his
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336
IHISTORY OF THE 26TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
gratitude at having been able to do something for his country. A hush fell upon the camp, and strong men were moved to tears when they saw the manly courage of their gallant com. rade as he gave his last messages to those about him.
The same day four members of the Regiment, who had gone to the rear with a forage train, were captured by Rebel cavalry. They were : Ilenry M. Williams, of Company D : Hugh Williams, of Company I; and William W. Jellison and Wallace W. Montgomery, of Company E. Hugh Williams died at Florence, S. C.
Wednesday, August 3, the skirmishers of the Regiment made a vigorous demonstration against the Rebel lines. in which Myron Gillmore, of Company B, was severely wounded in the left leg. He had but recently returned to the Regi- ment after a trip to his home in Lake County, where he had accompanied the remains of his brother, Captain E. J. Gill- more, who had died from wounds received at Kenesaw Moun- tain. Myron was disabled for farther service, and was dis- charged the following Jannary. During the day the camp was subjected to a severe shelling.
Thursday and Friday passed without any change of posi- tion. Saturday brought orders for another strong demonstra- tion on the part of the skirmishers, which were obeyed with- out loss to the Regiment. These demonstrations were re- peated on Sunday and Monday, the enemy being found in force each time. Some of the officers' valises coming up there were many official reports made out and forwarded to head- ... quarters.
Friday, Angust 12, the NINETY-SIXTH, with the 36th and 74th Illinois, made a reconnoissance under Col. Opdyke. going out on the left beyond the Augusta Railroad, and encoun- tering a strong force of the enemy, who undertook to ambush the advance, at the same time moving a column with the design of reaching the Union rear and cutting off the retreat of the three regiments. The Union commander was too wary to be thus entrapped, and. after driving the Rebel skirmishers into their main line, he withdrew his forces. The movement was over the ground where the severe fighting of July 22
387
ATLANTA.
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occurred. The same day a strong reconnoissance was made on the right of the Union lines. In fact, every day brought movements and demonstrations on some part of the line, Gen. Sherman seeking to find some weak point for an assault, while still clinging to the hope that he would be able to so far envelope the city as to ent the Macon Railroad at the south. Rations were more abundant than on the Dallas line or at Kenesaw Mountain, and the weather was less trying, although showers were frequent. The lines, too, were more widely separated, but the danger was constant, as bullets and shell passed through or over the camp at all hours, and more than once men were wounded while asleep in their bunks, close beside the breastworks. The skirmishers were considerably exposed, but long ere this had learned how to protect them- selves, and casualties were not very numerous. About one- third of the command was daily detailed for picket duty, and from three thousand to five thousand rounds of ammunition were used up by the Regiment every twenty-four hours.
About this time there was great interest at the North over the approaching Presidential election. The soldiers shared in the anxiety as to the political situation, and in many com- mands there was a formal canvass to know their preferences. In the NINETY-SIXTH the Sergeant Major and Sergeant Cooper, of Company E, made a canvass, with the following result : Gen. Fremont, 1; Gen. Butler, 1; Gen. MeClellan, 2; Abraham Lincoln, 288 ; not voting, 20.
"Practice makes perfect," and the Regiment had by this time acquired great proficiency in building breastworks. Those built on the Atlanta line were greatly superior to the earth- works constructed in the early part of the campaign .*
* A letter written from the Atlanta line, says : "Let me tell you how our works are built : We fell trees and put the logs up two or three high, digging a ditch inside, and throwing the dirt outside against the logs. A ditch is also dug ou the outside. We have to throw abont ten or twelve feet of earth against the logs to make the works so that they will be proof against heavy artillery. Then we put what is called a head log on top of the works, raising it up three or four inches, so that the men can dire without expos- Ing their heads a great deal. The headlog rests on skids, so that if struck by a shot or shell it will roll off without failing upon the men in the work .. When building the works we sharpen long stakes and place them six inches apart, throwing the earth around them. A few feet In front of the works is another row of sharp sticks. four or five feet long, and! three or four inches apart, set at an angle of ninety degrees. These are held in place
388
HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
Monday, August 15, Corporal Peter Mowers, of Company G, was slightly wounded while on the skirmish line.
Tuesday, August 16, the 84th Indiana, which had been with the NINETY-SIXTH for about a year and a half, was trans- ferred to the Third Brigade. Gen. Nathan Kimball was assigned to the command of the Division, relieving Colone! Gross.
First Lieutenant Wm. M. Loughlin, of Company C, who had been on detached duty for sixteen months, was transferred to the First U. S. V. V. Engineer Regiment. and Second Lieutenant Charles W. Earle was promoted to fill the vacancy. Prior to this date First Lieutenant George H. Burnett was promoted to the Captaincy of Company B, vice Gillmore, killed, and a commission as First Lieutenant awaited the return of First Sergeant Ambrose A. Bangs, then a prisoner of war. First Lientenant B. G. Blowney, of Company G. was promoted to Captain, vice James, died of wounds, and Second Lieutenant James O. Havens was commissioned First Lieutenant.
Wednesday, August 17. at a little past midnight the Regi- ment moved a short distance to the right, where it built good shades over the tents. At night a detail of ten men was sent ont from each regiment to build fires in rear and on the left. and in the morning some regiments and a battery marched several times around a hill in rear of camp. All of this work was with the intention of deceiving the Rebels into the belief that the Union Army was massing on the left, but seems to have been in vain, as no important advantages resulted.
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