USA > Illinois > History of the Ninety-sixth Regiment, Illinois volunteer Infantry, Vol. I > Part 38
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It proved that the men in the ranks were right, and that a bloody battle was impending. For a little time there was quiet along the lines, and the air seemed hunnid with the great agony and sorrow now so near. During the early afternoon the enemy swarmed across the hills from which the NINETY- SixTH had retired after the inner lines had been formed, and at four o'clock attained the position from which a most desperate assault was to be made.
It was a splendid spectacle as their lines of infantry, a mile in length, came out from the timber which had partially con- cealed them, and swept across the open plain in full view of the Union forees. More than twenty thousand of the enemy
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMEST, ILL. V. I.
could be seen at one time by the troops upon the higher ground. Slowly at first, and then more rapidly, they swept forward, at length breaking into a run and rushing toward the Union lines in a broad torrent that it seemed could not prove otherwise than irresistible.
By some strangely interpreted order two Brigades of the Second Division of the Fourth Corps had been left outside the continuons live about the village, across the field from the Carter residence, one at the right, the other at the left of the Columbia pike. They had built a light breastwork but both flanks were in air. As the long line came sweeping toward them they poured a volley into the troops in their front, check- ing them for a moment. But the onenty was passing them on either flank and their only safety lay in flight. Several hun- dred surrendered at this point. The others ran to the rear, those not killed or wounded in the movement falling breath- less on the outside of the works or. leaping over the live. turning and joining in the attempt to hold in check the oncom- ing foe. In this wild race the Blue and the Grey were so mingled that for a time the troops in the main line feared to fire lest they should kill or wound their friends. At the pike the advance of the enemy reached and crossed the works sim- ultaneously with the fugitives, and the line was borne back- ward, the breastworks falling into the hands of the enemy for a distance of three hundred yards. But if the leaving of Lane's and Conrad's Brigades in front had been a great misfortune, it happened that Col. Opdyke's Brigade of the same Division had been most fortunately placed in some vacant lots a hundred yards in rear of the works, and were quickly hurried to the front under the personal leadership of Col. Opdyke and of the Corps Commander. General Stanley. who remained with them even after being severely wounded in the neck and shoulder. These troops charged gallantly for- ward and retook a portion of the works, battering the edge of the entering wedge that had come so near hopelessly severing the Union line, and holding in check the Rebel columns as they sought, again and again, to take advantage of the slight break and compel the Union forces to retreat.
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The main body of Rebels retired after a vain struggle to maintain their advantage. but a few still chung to the breast- works at the right of the pike with a tenacity that bespoke their desperate valor. Soon the columns formed again and moved in another charge upon the works. There were a few pattering shots, and the artillery upon the line and in fort Granger opened upon the level plain. A volley was heard. and then the deafening and continuous roar as thousands of muskets belched forth their deadly fire. The moments length- ened, and the smoke hung suspended in the quivering Autumn air as if to shut out the dreadful carnage. Rebel officers rode to the very breast works, seeking to inspire their men with the idea expressed by Gen. Hood before the charge began: " Break that line and there is nothing between you and the Ohio river." But even such reckless valor could not avail. The leaders went down until twelve Generals had been killed or wounded, and one, who rode straight across the works, had been captured. One of the officers mortally wounded was Brigadier General Carter, whose father owned the brick house just in rear of the works. He fell close to the works, and upon the very farm where he had spent the early years of his life. Gen. Clebourne was killed near the cotton press and almost upon the Union works. The firing slackened and a cheer arose, which was taken up and carried around the lines. Darkness was now settling down upon the scene, but the enemy still pressed upon the Union lines, seeking to penetrate with hundreds where thousands had failed. Acres of the level field, at the right and left of the Columbia pike. were almost covered with the dead and dying. The muskets, so fouled that it was almost impossible to load them, belched out their red fire long after darkness came. A hundred wagon loads of ammunition were expended during that single afternoon and evening.
The position of the NINETY-SixTH, at the opening of the battle, has already been described. A few moments pre- viously a staff officer had called fora detail to take the skirmish line. Thirty men were furnished, and reporting near the right of the line were counted off and deployed. Thomas Craig, of
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REGIMENT, HA .. V. I.
Company I, was among the number, and changing to be i? the file with some inen from : nother regiment, went forwat i through a door-yard and past a group of cedars where wen clustered a few of the enemy's dismounted cavalry. He had not been absent from the line five minutes before he was told to lay down his gun, and finding himself completely at tir merey of the Rebels he, with a few others, surrendered and was hurried off across the field. Craig had been with the Regiment but a month, having come to it as a recruit at Cha' tanooga, after a three years' service with the 19th Ilinois.
Edwin Potter, of Company B, shot a Rebel from his hor ... in front of the skirmish line. The horse kept right on and was secured by the Union forces. After dark the skirmish - were repeatedly fired on by the pickets of the Third Division, from across the river.
Simultaneously with the opening of the battle on the loft a vigorous demonstration was made upon the right, in front of the First Division, by a body of dismounted cavalry. The NINETY SIXTH instantly fell in and moved through a depre- sion, and up to the spot toward which the attack was appar. ently to be directed. The bullets flew thick and fast. and John H. Holden, of Company A, was wounded in the head. quite seriously but not so badly but that he insisted on remain- ing with the command. The Reghnent was halted in reserve. just back of the main line, near the left of the Brigade, until about twelve o'clock. being called up once or twice with the expectation of going to the left, the movement never becol- ing necessary, however. The fire of the Rebel left was annex- ing at times, but did not prove especially severe. Occasion- ally overshot bullets from the neighborhood of the Carter residence, nearly a mile distant, and others from near the Carter's Creek pike, struck uncomfortably near, and it was a continual wonder that casualties were not more numerous.
When the first charge occurred the view from the elevated position of the cemetery was a grand one. Looking across the village the field was in plain sight and the long lines of Rebels could be distinctly seen as they emerged from the woods and pressed back the brigades occupying the advanced position. . 1
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volley came, but before the sounds reached the ear the smoke bscured the view. Then the cloud lifted and the lines could by seen, partially disorganized but rapidly pressing forward with a wild yell. Other volleys followed, and then the con- stant, deafening roar, increasing in volume until it reached proportions such as are scklom attained in any battle. The smoke now totally obscured the scene, and for a time it was doubtful which side had won, but soon there arose the uminis- takable Union cheer which, sweeping around the lines, was caught up by brigade after brigade until every man seemed to be participating.
A crowd of fugitives, mainly citizens, white and black. ran back from the town when the battle opened, many cross- ing the ford near the cemetery. Among the number were two gentlemen, in a buggy, with a little girl between them. They had reached the middle of the stream when a dull, sick- ening thud was heard and the innocent child sunk down, doubtless killed outright. Apparently the bullet which struck her came from where the main charge was taking place, al- most a mile away. Other casualties occurred momentarily, but none seemed so terrible as the one by which that little child was struck down.
The charges mnade after dark were with less vigor than those which at first proved so nearly fata! to the Union forces, and by nine o'clock there was comparative quiet along the line, although the firing was continued at intervals until eleven o'clock. Most of the wounded Federals were placed in ambulances or in the empty amimition wagons, but a few had to be left, some in houses, and others where they had fallen.
The scene in front of the works, where the main fighting occurred. beggars description. Wounded men begged for water or assistance, and in many instances their wants were supplied. brave men, at great peril, going between the lines with canteens of the fluid always so precious at such times.
Shortly affer nine o'clock, orders were issued to leave the lines at midnight. Long before this the trains had been started for Nashville. The flanks were first retired, and after
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HISTORY OF THE 96IH REGIMENT, I.I. V. I.
that the centre. A building was set on fire and threatened! to so light up the town as to make the movement visible :, the watchful enemy, but an oid fire engine was found and the flames were soon extinguished. Both of the bridges wer piled with kindling early in the evening and made ready for burning. Little time was occupied in the movement to the north side of the river, the skirmishers in front retiring to the breastworks as soon as they were vacated. and in a few moments moving silently across the bridges. The NIven Sivri, with the other troops comprising the First Division. crossed by the wagon bridge. Most of the Twenty-third Corps passed over on the railroad bridge. Even before the last of the skirmishers were across. the bridges were set on fire. The Rebels were not long in discovering the move. ment, and hurried through the town. but attained no advant age, as the Third Division still defemled the crossings :!: gave them a noisy reception. Two hundred Federal wounde i were left in the village.
The retreat from Franklin to Nashville, a distance of eighteen miles, was a most tedious march. It should be remembered that for a full week the troops had been alines: constantly on the road, or building breastworks and fight- ing. For a night or two at Columbia there was some brie: opportunity for sleeping, but very little afterward. All ware thoroughly thed out and greatly in need of rest. But there was no alternative, and wearily the long column moved for- ward along the only pike leading northward. The usual vox- atious delays occurred, an unbridged stream being the pri: cipal cause. This was some distance out, and as every tean: had to be whipped into it, the column was continually stop. ping and starting. Knowing that if an attack was made i: would be from the east, the battalions marched left in front. These annoying delays occurred frequently for two or three hours, and so exhausted were the men that at each brief halt nearly all would drop down in the road and instantly fat asleep. A whispered. "Fall in. boys!" would as quickly rouse them, and. more asleep than awake, they staggered rather than marched forward. Indeed, many of them slep:
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soundly as they walked along, and at each halt would bunt against the man next ahead of them. Field and staff officers slept for miles in their saddles, and even the horses staggered as they walked along.
Stragglers were mimerons, many being so tired and lame that they could not wall :. Some of them lay in the fence cor- ners, sonnd asleep. On one occasion, toward morning. occurred a halt somewhat longer than usual and several of these sleepers were awakened, partly for sport. Que of them could not be aroused, so soundly was he sleeping, and mem- bers of the NINETY-SixTH actually picked Him up. lifted him over the fence and placed him on the ground again without awakening him. The rear-guard must have had many trying experiences in forcing the multitude of worn out men to fall in and move forward. Captains Pollock and Blowney became so exhausted that they determined to sit still for a five-min- utes' rest after the column moved on, and speedily fell asleep, to be awakened only when the rear guard shook them and ordered them to move on.
Daylight came at last and a little later all halted at Brent- wood, when the inevitable coffee pot was brought out and breakfast prepared. Then the troops again took the road, marching leisurely and reaching the outskirts of the city about noon.
It was a thoroughly tired out lot of men that reached Nash- ville that Thursday. But it was a relief to know that the Rebels had not followed closely. having so many dead to bury and so many wounded to care for that the day was consumed at Franklin. Most of the NINETY-SixTu busied themselves with cooking, some rested and slept and others cared for their lacerated feet. Major Hicks and Adjutant Blodgett rode to town and all were hoping for a good night's rest when a statt officer rode up and announced that the Regiment must go upon the skirmish line and picket the front of the Brigade. Captain Pollock took command and marched the tired men ont a few hundred yards, established as few picket posts as was deemed safe, and began to fortify a line on either side of the pike. The Major and Adjutant soon returned and joined
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HISTORY OF THE 96IH REGIMENT, ILL .. V. !.
the command. That night on picket was a trying one and only by constant vigilance on the part of a few could the men be kept awake. Relief guards were sent out with more than ordinary frequency and would even then find the pickels sleeping.
The forenoon of Friday, December 2, passed, and no relief having been offered. the Major sent word that his men must be taken from the line and given an opportunity for rest. The message served its purpose, and the Regiment soon marched back to the main line, where the men threw them- selves down and in a moment were asleep. The afternoon was wearing away, when of a sadden firing began directly in the front. There was an immediate commotion all along the line, for it was evident that the Rebels had moved up from Franklin. Officers and men questioned whether Gen. Hood would repeat his tactics of two days before and assault the line of works which the Union army had thrown up about the city.
" Where's the Nixery-SixTH ?" shouted Gen. Whittaker. as he dashed along the line a moment later. "Here it is !" responded Major Hicks, as, hatless and coatless, he raised up and threw off the blanket under which he had been sleeping. "Fall in your Regiment and move to the skirmish line immediately !" was the order. " But, " protested the Major. " we have just come from the skirmish line and my men need sleep ! " "There will be no sleep for anyone to-night," shouted the General. "Take your men out there at once ! The whole Rebel army is there, and I must send the best Regiment in the Brigade !" The Major knew that further protest was useless, and accepting the implied compliment. prepared as speedily as possible, and moved the men over the breastworks and out to the front, taking position at the right of the pike, about in line with the skirmish reserves. A new line of works was at once constructed, the Rebel- meantime keeping up a skirmish fire, and pressing forward until seemingly satisfied that the Yankees would not retreat far- ther unless compelled to do so. Their lines were soon formed. extending far around to right and left, but they made no
NAP OF THE Battlefield of Franklin, Tenn.
NOVEMBER 30th, 1561.
3: d Division
N
FRANKLINS Corps
Fodoral Batteric !ftr
Ford
Y's Co:AS
Stewart's Corpy
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ARRIVAL AT NASHVILLE.
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charge. The Regiment lay behind its barricade that night. every man with his musket clutched, but all sleeping soundly. except that a single guard was stationed, hourly, to wake the officers should there be an alarm from the pickets.
The night passed quietly, however, and the next day the Regiment was relieved and sent to the main line. The works having been filled while the command was absent, there seemed to be no place for it, and Gen. Whittaker directed, as a special favor, that it be camped in the beautiful grounds of the Acklin place, partially out of range of the picket firing, and, in view of its arduous services and its two nights on out- post duty, that no pickets should be called for from its ranks nutil further orders. Here, on the night of December 2, for the first time in nine successive days, the men felt at liberty to remove their accontrements, build good camp fires, and take off such of their clothing as December weather and an ont- door camp would permit.
The battle of Franklin was of decided advantage to the Union forces. Gen. Hood had brought more than three- fourths of his entire army into action, and after assaults as desperate and determined as any of the war, had been re- pulsed with frightful loss. A thousand prisoners and the few flags captured from Lane's and Conrad's Brigades were meager compensation for the loss of thirteen general officers. thirty stands of colors, 1, 750 men killed, 4,000 wounded and 700 captured. The Union losses, mainly in the Second Divis- ion of the Fourth Corps, were reported at 189 killed, 1,038 wounded and 1,104 missing. The Cuion Army had gained confidence, while the Confederates, appalled at their unex- pected repulse and their ahnost unprecedented losses, were much dispirited, and approached Nashville with far less con- fidence than that felt as they neared Franklin.
Perhaps this chapter cannot be better closed than by the following extract from the official report of Gen. Stanley. In speaking of the breaking of the Union line on the Columnbia pike, and the gallant charge of Col. Opdyke's Brigade, by which they were restored, he says : " The moment was critical beyond any I have known in any battle."
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HISTORY OF THE 96TH REMMENT, ILL. V. I.
In describing the march from Franklin to Nashville, 1. says :
"Our men were more exhausted, physically, than I have ever see: on any other occasion. From November 23, when we left Pula-li. m. arriving at Nashville, we had been constantly in the immediate premie of an enemy we knew to be vastly superior to us in numbers, dass watching to attack us at disadvantage. With us, both mind and bob were kept at full stretch, and it was only by night marches and the man. stant use of intrenchments that we could hope to save ourselves. Mint of our men were overtaxed and broke down, unable to travel any louer: They fell into the hands of the enemy. On two occasions the eren .. was very near attaining the advantage he sought of us. The first » : when Cox drove back his advance, just about entering Columbia. 1 .. . second and greatest escape for us was at Spring Hill, when, with a whos corps in line of battle, the left of the live within six hundred yards of the road, they allowed all our army, except Wagner's Division, which had fought them during the day, to pisy them with impunity during the night."
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CHAPTER XXV.
The Siege of Nashville -- Reinforcements Arrive --- Recruits Received - Citizens Building Breastworks - The Country Anxious -- Reason of the Delay .- An Ice Storm - The Weather Grows Milder - The Bat- · tle Begins -- First Day's Work - Important Gains - Night on the Battlefield - The Second Day's Battle - A Charge on the Skirmish Line - Long Hours Under Fire -- A Gallant Charge -- Four Guns and Many Prisoners Taken - A Glorious Victory . Incidents of the Bat- tle -- The Gains and the Losses -- The Casualty List.
The position of the NINETY-SixTH during the siege of . Nashville - if siege it could be called - was a fairly comfort- able one. The camp was pleasant, the guard duty light, and the position but little exposed to the enemy's fire. Rations were ample, and included many sanitary supplies sent from the North. Clothing was issued in abundance, and a few passes were given out daily, so that in time all who cared to do so were permitted to visit the city.
Gen. Thomas, having assumed the immediate command of the army, Gen. Schofield returned to the Twenty-third Corps. Gen. Stanley relinquished the command of the Fourth Corps, owing to the wound received at Franklin, and was suc- creded by Gen. Wood, commander of the Third Division. The 115th Illinois, which had been doing garrison duty at Resaca and points near by, from the time of the battle at that place, rejoined the Brigade. The remaining six companies of the 40th Ohio. having completed their term of enlistment, were mustered out and left for home, their veterans and recruits being assigned to the 51st Ohio. A few other regi- ments whose terms of service had expired were sent north- ward, but there was not a large number of such, and, on the whole. the army at Nashville was very largely reinforced. Simultaneously with the arrival of the Fourth and Twenty- third Corps from the front, Gen. A. J. Smith came by river from the rear with three divisions of the Sixteenth Corps. and other detached troops. A considerable number of cav.
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HISTORY OF THE 6TH REGIMENT, ILL. V. I.
alry regiments also arrived, not all of them being mounted. however. Men from almost every regiment then with Gen. Sherman were sent from the various camps and hospitals, and with the recruits and detailed men, organized into a " Provi- ional Division," which was placed under command of Gen. J. B. Steedman. Sergeants were given command of the improvised companies, and line officers of the battalions thus formed. Several colored regiments also came up and took their place in the line. By December 10 the army under Gen. Thomas comprised about fifty-five thousand effective men of all arms.
Eighty-six recruits joined the NINETY-SixTH on the 10th. most of them coming from Jo Daviess county, and being en- listed for one year. There was great anxiety in Galena and vicinity for a few days, owing to a report that all of these newly enlisted men had been captured between Louisville and Nashville, a report that happily proved untrue. The recruits were an excellent body of men, most of them being young. and all of them taking hold of their armuy duties with enthu- siasm. Almost one third of them had brothers in the com- mand, and nearly all acquaintances or near friends. A num- ber of men who had been in hospital or on detached service came up, and the Regiment had four hundred men present for duty when the advance from Nashville finally took place. --- a larger number than at any time for seven months. Among the recruits were Allen B. Whitney, formerly Cap- tain of Company B; and Reuben L. Root, formerly Second Lieutenant of Company HI : both of whom were now eulisted as privates.
A large number of recruits for the 45th Illinois came to the camp of the NINETY-SixTH, their regiment being with Gen. Sherman. Having many acquaintances, they obtained permission to remain with the Regiment for two or three days, but were then attached to Gen. Steedman's command.
Gen. Hood completed the formation of his lines Decem. ber 3, and made occasional demonstrations on the front, bu: almost immediately sent a portion of his cavalry with a few regiments of infantry to operate against Murfreesboro and
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points in that vicinity. These detached Rebel forces met with heavy losses without achieving any marked results.
Many citizens from Nashville came out to visit the army and look over the lines, but none cared to repeat the visit, as all were put at work in the intrenehments ; the officers argu- ing that of all persons in the world those resident in Nashville were interested in its defense, and ought to be willing to at least use so harmless an implement as a shovel. Some took the order good naturedly, while others complained, but there was no appeal, and all had to work for at least a few hours.
The weather, which was rainy during the carly days of the month, turned extremely cold on the Sth, causing much discosofort. The men were fairly provided for in the way of blankets, and took what comfort they could out of the thought that the Rebels were not as well protected as they. Fuel soon became scarce in the camp, and rigid economy was necessary in its use. On one of the coldest days a loud cheer was heard in the Rebel lines, and the men sprang up in anticipation of an assault. A moment later a dog. with a tin pan attached to his tail, was seen coming with great speed toward the Federal lines, and then the Yankees cheered, while the frightened animal leaped the works and sped on toward Nashville.
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