USA > Indiana > History of the Fifth Indiana Battery : compiled and written from the "field diary" of lieutenant Daniel H. Chandler, and from official reports of officers of the Army of the Cumberland > Part 3
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*Cist. vol. VII, page 106.
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horses and nine sets of harness were lost. Nothing was done for a time but the necessary camp routine, giving men and horses opportunity to recuperate their bodily strength. On Jannary 20th. 1863, Capt. Simonson, with Daniel H. Chandler, were given leave of absence with orders to return to Indiana on recruiting service; the Bat- tery having been reduced by losses below the minimum of effective men. Senior Ist Lient. Henry Rankin, who had been so severely wounded at Stone river, and who was now in a very critical condition, was given transportation to a northern hospital where proper medical attendance and care could be administered, and during the absence of Capt. Simonson and Lient. Rankin. Jr. 1st Lieut. Alf Morrison assumed command of the Battery. Brevett Lient. Geo. H. Briggs received his commission and was mnstered accordingly. About the first of April Capt. Simonson and D. H. Chandler returned, bringing with them seventeen reernits who were mastered and received by the "old remnant" as welcome "adjutors." Subsequent to the return of Capt. Simonson. Henry M. Allen, on ac- count of failing health. resigned his commission as 2nd Lientenant of the Battery. and Orderly Sergt. Jacob F. Allison was recommended and commissioned to fill the vacancy and assigned to the command of the center sec- tion. An honorary promotion which occurred about this time was that of Captain Simonson being appointed Chief of Artillery of the (2nd) Division, thus continuing Lient. Morrison in command of the Battery. In addition to the rontine of camp duties which had prevailed since this camp was established. orders for daily drill were issued and strictly observed for nearly two months following; in the meantime, horses were receiving the best attention, carriages wore repaired and painted, harness and saddles were oiled and put in the best possible condition. The monotony of camp routine was broken when a fresh sup- ply of mules was received to fill up the baggage teams. The work of "breaking in" and shoeing was mirth-pro- voking and full of excitement mixed with an abundance of language and thoughts not the most commendable. Spare time was "killed" in the most approved soldier style. In order to fill the ranks of the Battery up to the maximum number, "details" were made from the different infantry regiments of the brigade; these necessarily re- quired some special attention at drill to fit them for their several "posts" at the guns and as drivers, and, after
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they were fully installed into their new duties were well satisfied with the change in the line of service. Now that the "boys" were again in normal condition, horses were "sleek" and well fed, armanent in ship-shape order,, and from outward appearances trouble had been dismissed, vet there was an evident undercurrent of restlessness when it was remembered that the flag was still in danger; that there was yet an unconquered enemy in the land. These conditions continued until June 23rd, '63, when orders were issued to be ready to march (time not speci- fied). Rations for several days were issued. A "change of heart" had evidently taken place; knapsacks were care- fully examined and all "useless" articles which had ac- cumulated during the last past three months were dis- carded. The name of the Department was now, and through all subsequent campaigns, to the close of the war-known as The Army of the Cumberland. The Bat- tery still maintained its high status in the Division, and was furnished in consequence, with the best and complete armament. Promptly at 8 a. m., June 24th, the Battery took a last lingering look ( ?) at the familiar objects sur- rounding the "camp near Murfreesborough" and moved ont in its place in the "order of line of march," with the 3rd Brigade, to which it was still attached, taking the road leading through Liberty Gap. At about 11 a. m. the foothills of Cedar Ridge were reached, and about the noon hour the Confederate pickets were encountered, they falling back upon their main line of battle which was found located in a belt of timber about a mile distant. One section of the Battery was ordered to the front and opened upon the retreating enemy with shot and shell. The "zip" of the Confederate bullet which came uncom- fortably close at times was not unfamiliar and to say the least, very undesirable. The Confederate sharpshooters had taken cover behind shocks of wheat which yet remain- ed in the field, over which the brigade was advancing. The Battery, however, assisted greatly in dislodging the en- emy, advancing along the road, while the infantry main- tained a line of battle as well as could be, considering the rugged bills over which the advance was made. After having crossed Cedar Ridge the enemy was again encoun- tered in a well entrenched position, and as soon as the line of the Brigade was adjusted, with the aid of the Battery, the enemy was again dislodged, though not with- uot some resistance, the Confederate artillery replying
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with spirit until night, accompanied with a heavy down- pour of rain, put an end to the conflict for the day. Weary, hungry and wet the men of the Battery "lay upon arms" anxiously waiting for the morning and seriously wondering what it would develop. When morning came (June 25th ) the enemy was still in evidence as was evine- ed by the spiteful manner in which the sharpshooters sent the "deadly minie' into the Federal ranks. There was considerable artillery firing at intervals during the day, the 5th Ind. Battery engaging in several "duels" with its usal relish and determination not to be excelled. On the morning of the 26th there was a general advance. though cautiously, the Battery keeping well "closed up" with the infantry line. Brisk skirmishing was maintained at intervals until about 4 p. m., when the Confederates withdrew in the direction of Tullahoma. which lay some fifteen miles distant. Having cleared Liberty Gap and the adjacent wooded hills on either side, the order to "countermarch" was not received with any degree of en- thusiasm ; not knowing the reason for such a move, there were mutterings that indicated that at least among the "rank and file" a most emphatic disapproval; but it was soon discovered that these mufferings of disapproval were not reasonable, for the "head of column" was turned in the direction of the Manchester pike, which was pos- itive evidence that a retrograde movement was not con- templated. The pike was reached about noon June 27th in a drenching rain ; went into camp near Beech Ridge and remained until the 28th, when the march was resumed, reaching Manchester about the noon hour. The down- pour of rain continued almost incessantly, and to say that the "boys" in their "bedraggled" condition were disgusted is putting the matter mildly. But a few cups of good coffee and a square meal of "hard tack" and bacon-such as only a soldier was capable of enjoying-in connection with a two days' rest, with dry garments and blankets, soon put them in excellent "fighting frim." and when the order was read abridging the amount of baggage to one shirt, one pair of drawers, one pair of socks. in addition to what was worn, and a woolen army blanket with a gum "poncho" (or blanket.) All surplus baggage with knap- sacks, etc., was sent back to be taken care of for future use ;; but "ne'er more were our fondest hopes revived." The sick and disabled were sent to the hospitals for care
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and treatment. Being disencumbered, the Battery was again "ready for the fray." July Ist was ushered in with a heavy drizzling rain, and when the Battery "swung into colunm" it was with some degree of enthus- jasm that the boys beheld the head of the column leading in the direction of Tullahoma. The march was toilsome on account of the almost incessant rainfall for nearly two weeks, making the roads in some places nearly impassable. "By an adroit movement of Crittenden's corps on the left, MeCook was able to occupy Tullahoma with but little re- sistance."-(Cist.) The Battery reached Tullahoma on July 2nd, about 4 p. m., weary and footsore, and went into camp near the village. The teams. were greatly re- duced in flesh and strength and in fact men as well as horses were greatly in need of rest after the arduous marches in dreuching rains and through deep mud, such as cast Tennessee alone can furnish. Many of the horses were beyond restoration, and soon became "subjects for the potter's field." which had been established a short dis- tance away. "down by the little creek" where dead car- casses were deposited, and doubtless will ever remain a bright spot (?) in the memory of many of the "boys" of the Battery, looking fondly ( ?) upon the emaciated form of a faithful but now lifeless "steed." Everywhere were evidences of a hasty retreat by the Confederates. Their deserted camps were littered with old worn out tents and pieces of carpet, filthy cast of clothing, and these filled with "gray backs" in countless numbers; when orders to "clean up" were issued. Some wag of the Battery re- marked that , "if ye let 'em alone till the sun comes out they'll be afther pickin' ivery ting up and tryin' to follow their friends'" As soon as the camp and surroundings were thoroughly "policed." a foraging expedition was or- dered. The expedition was composed of twenty men from each battery of the division, mounted. The counties of Lincoln, Moore and Bedford were thoroughly searched for horses and mules. The results were the securing of eighty-three head of all grades from the "gallant steed" to the common cart horse. The following, while partaking of the nature of "personal reminiscence," may well be recorder as history, showing the daring spirit with which many of the boys of the Battery were possessed, without the least showing of "bravado," and when backed up by an indomitable courage (if necessity required) was danger. ous, (for such is not "blind courage" in any sense.) The
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two boys who were the principals in this narrative were George Shafer and George Simons and neither were of a reckless. "dare-devil" disposition .but striking ont inde- pendently from the other boys and shaping their course in the direction of Fayetteville, were not long in sighting the village, and deliberately, yet quietly, rode into the town and "drew rein" in front of the leading hotel. Or. dering a darky to watch their horses till their return. threatening dire vengeance in case of negligence or treach. cry. Entering the hotel they ordered a "squar meal" which was speedily prepared, and which was caten with a relish yet in noticeable haste; subsequently ordering drinks for the crowd .. Being well satisfied with the cour- foons treatment accorded them they paid their "bill' with Confederate "serip," mounted their horses and rode away feeling as happy as lords, joining the company at night. bringing with them a fine mare and a mule. Fayetteville was one of the rankest secession towns in the whole country around, an in fact. the county in which it is lo. cated was noted for its secession proclivities. There was much rejoicing in the Battery when it was known that the Paymaster was "in town" and that the Quartermaster was also on hand to issue new clothing for which many were greatly in need. On the 16th of August, 1863. the army was again set in motion. Melook's corps (the 20th ) still constituting the right wing. The 2nd Division ( John- son's) leading out on the Manchester pike, with the 3rd Brigade-to which the Battery was still attached-taking the same route upon which Gien. Turchin had advanced the year before .. Marching through Manchester, thence to Salem and into Point Rock valley, bivouacked for the night. Being refreshed with a quiet night's rest. the march was resumed in the early morning. When abont twenty miles southward of Salem. the "head of column" turned eastward and soon entered the valley which is traversed by the Hurricane creek. a tributary of the Paint Rock river. It became necessary at this juncture to cross a spur of the Cumberland mountains or foothills, a most difficult task for artillery and heavy baggage wagons. The ascent was begun and successfully terminated by donbl. nig teams-as many as five teams to one carriage. The distance to the crest of the mountain being abont two and a half miles, required nearly three days to travel the dis- tance. Reaching Bellfonte. (now called Scotsboro) Ala .. in the valley below. Ang. 22nd. the "picket rope was
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stretched and a temporary camp established, remaining until Aug. 30th, '63. While encamped at this place a number of the boys of the Battery became violently sick from cating of "fresh beef" which had been overheated in the herd and slaughtered in that condition. Dr. A. T. Quinn, who had been appointed surgeon for the artillery of the Division, soon had the boys on their feet again, but the most solemn imprecations were uttered against Uncle Sam's "dairy meat." Angust 31st the march was resumed, now in the direction of Stephenson, Alabama, which was erached next day (Sept. 1st, '63.) The events which oc- eurred at this place just a year ago wer vividly recalled. The Battery with five companies of infantry had held in check a brigade of Confederate infantry with artillery, while baggage, etc., was successfully shipped by the rail- road "up the valley," and then deliberately retired. Leav- ing Stephenson, the "head of column" led in the direction of Caperton's Ferry on the Cumberland river, where a crossing was made on a pontoon bridge; the line of march was continued in the direction of Sand mountain, which was reached late in the afternoon. The Battery lay at the foot of the mountain until the next day; meanwhile the Ist Division, commanded by Gen. Davis, had passed and made the ascent of the mountain. A restful night and a breakfast of coffee and "hard tack" for the first course, with "succotash" for the second. ( Grenn corn and beans were found in "rich supply" in the valley adjacent to the camp.) The boys of the Battery felt themselves equal to any task. At about 10 a. m. the ascent by the Battery was begnn. A bright September sun which had cleared the «rest of Sand mountain seemed to invite the forces in the valley to come up and enjoy the healthful, invigorating ebrezes of the mountain top. The ascent of the mountain was accomplished without accident or incident worthy of note, though there were several dangerous points along the rongh, stony "switch-back" (zig-zag) road covering a distance, including the descent of the mountain, of nearly twenty miles. During the succeeding four or five days the time was employed in short marches and halts, pass- ing through White's valley, and over foothills of the Rac. roon mountains, entering Valley Head near the foot of Lookont mountain, forty miles south of Chattanooga, and about twenty-seven miles from the point where the Cumberland river was crossed some ten days ago, though the actual distance traveled by the Battery was much
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greater. On the 9th of September the passage over Look- out mountain was accomplished through Winston's Gap, which opens into Broomtown valley. The Battery march- ing a distance of more than twenty miles, went into camp near the midnight hour, close by "a smooth-running streamlet where were verdant crags and picturesque cas- cades," upon the mountain top. A small lake of clear, fresh water upon Lookout where the Battery bivouacked that night was truly a "delightful wonder." September 10th the march was resumed, the Battery* entering Broomtown valley about 2 p. m. But scarcely had the valley been reached when the order to "countermarch" was given; the baggage wagons and artificers outfit had been halted before beginning the descent. A courier on "foaming steed" had brought orders from Gen. Rosecrans for McCook to "join with Thomas at Pond Springs." Marching back through Winston's Gap to the summit of the mountain, turning to the northward the crest of the mountain was followed to where Stephen's Gap cuts through the Lookout range. Late in the night on the 16th (Sept.) the Battery again bivonacked in supporting dis- tance of Thomas' forces at Pond Springs-in a beautiful valley called MeLemore's Cove and through which a streamlet of pure, fresh water runs, which was most welcome to thirsty men and teams. During the march along the crest of Lookout mountain, from which glimpses of the country stretching "o'er hill and dale" in the di- rection of Ringold and Dalton, Ga., were had. and be- tween. these. places and Lookout could be seen heavy clouds of dust rising above the shrubbery and tree tops, which betokened the movement of heavy columns of troops, known to be those of the Confederate Gen. Bragg. and that a conflict between his and those of General Rosencrans was imminent. Speculations had been rife in the past few days but now the signs of an impending battle were unmistakable. Trifling conversation had given way to comparative silence and sober thoughtful- ness, the coarse jest was suppressed, and the old latin phrase vincit qui se vincit. (He conquers who overcomes
*It should be remembered that when the Battery is mentioned as marching or halting, it is in connection with the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division of the 20th ( McCook's) corps until after the battle of Chickamauga.
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himself) seemed never so applicable as when looking into faces of the men, who had not forgotten the scenes at Perryville, and the disasters and reverses at Stone River; it was apparent that each one had determined that the reputation and high military standing of the Battery should not be lowered in any future conflict. Sept. 17th an advance of about two miles was made, and about 10 a. m. line of battle formed, remaining thus until the morning of the 19th. (Some minor changes in the posi- tion of the Battery was made on the 18th). The 3rd Brigade to which the Battery was now attached was composed of the 1st and 6th Ohio and 5th Ky. regiments, ---- the latter known as the Louisville Legion-commanded by Col. Baldwin. The officers of the Battery at this time were as follows: Capt. Peter Simonson command- ing the Battery. Sr. 1st Lient. Alfred Morrison and Sr. 2nd Lient. Geo. Il. Briggs, these three officers had imme- diate command of the guns and Jr. 2nd Lieut. Ellison was made Chief of caissons, assisted by Orderly Sergt. S. P. C. Freeman. Each gun detachment had been filled up to a maximum number with details from the in- fantry regiments; comparatively few were absent on ac- count of sickness, "our genial Thomas McGuire," how- over, had met with a severe accident during the night march on the mountain and was left in a hospital.
('annonading could be heard far off to the northward. At about 2 o'clock on the morning of the 19th the Bat- ters was called from pleasant (?) dreams to a lively realization of the impending struggle. Heavy columns of infantry were passing; the Battery swung into line at the designated time and place; the column marching steadily,-silently on, till "the robin awoke the echo," welcoming the new born day. A halt was made at Craw- fish Springs at daylight, horses were watered and a breakfast of coffee, bacon and crackers was hastily dis- patched by the men. Cannonading and occasional volleys of misketry were distinctly heard ; an hour was consumed in adjusting matters of importance, such as assignment to "posts" at the guns of the infantry, "details," filling canteens and "sponge buckets," with water. Orders from Gen. Rosencrans, were received for the 2nd Div .- to which the 3rd Brig, and the Battery belonged-to "take position on the right of Thomas." Moving in "quick time." the Battery reached the position assigned, at about
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the noon hour, and was soon hotly engaged. The Confeder- ates were driven from their position, and the line of the 2nd Div. was advanced about a half mile, but was again met by a stubborn resistance and a counter-charge by the enemy, with the evident object of "cleaning out" the Battery, but the charge was met with a withering fire from both the Battery and infantry regiments laying in support from which the enemy recoiled hastily. Again was it demonstrated by the boys of the Battery, that though "nothing comes of nothing," yet with firmness in action the end crowns the work with glory, and upon every face was written unmistakably the sentiment that, while I breathe I hope, and the love of country guides, and, with God's favor it is sweet to die for one's country if need be. At about 4 p. m., the right of the Div. was fiercely assailed but by a supreme effort the lines were held unbroken and the Confederates repulsed with fear- ful loss, the Battery doing its full duty in the reception of the charge.
At about 5 p. m. another furious attack was made along the whole line of the 2nd (Johnson's) Division. The 3rd Brig. by some means "had been thrown forward too far" and being in the center of the Div. was ordered to retire and take position conforming with the other brigades; the Confederates discovering the movement, again attacked in overwhelming numbers, the full force of the attack falling upon the 3rd Brig. but "the shower" of shot, shell and canister which the Battery poured into their ranks caused them to waver and halt for a moment, but short as it was the respite gave sufficient time for the Battery to "limber to the rear" and retire in good order, though in retiring one gun of the center section was completely disabled by a solid shot from the Confederate artillery and was abandoned after the gun was "spiked;" the detachment escaped in the darkness after having made a fruitless effort to bring the gun with them. Darkness seemed to suddenly fall upon the awful slaughter of the last few hours, to shut away from mortal eye the terribly mangled bodies which lay strewn over the ground in front of the Battery's position. After the lines of the brigade had been adjusted and the Battery as- signed to a position, orders were issued for drivers to "stand to horse" and cannoneers to remains at their posts, The Battery had been actively engaged since about the
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noon hour, but strange as it may seem, but one man- Arbnekle was killed ;- a number were wounded, one gun and six horses were lost several were missing sup- posed to have been taken prisoners. the missing were from among the details from the infantry regiments. Lient. Morrison received a flesh wound in the left arm, bnt continued in command of the right section. As the boys of Battery bivonacked among the gnos which stood with blackened lips and open mouths in line of battle, there came over them a keen realization that the reverse. of the last hon of the day was on account of the overwhelming number of fresh troops (Longstreet's corps from Lee's army in Virginia) and what the 'morrow would bring forth was not pleasant to contemplate, and in anticipation of the renewal of the struggle in the morning, each one was busy with his own thoughts, say- ing but little, sleep refusing to come to the relief of weary bodies and anxions minds. During the early part of the night a burial squad was sent out to find and bury-Arbuckle; the search for the body must certainly have taken the squad within the Confederate lines, but the body was found withont much difficulty, and buried as well as could be under the circumstances., Early the next morning all were astir. The position of the Battery was in the edge of the thick pine forest with a large open field in its rear. A dense fog had settled down during the night, and before it "lifted" in the morning the cannoneers had felled two large pine trees and cut them in such lengths as could be rolled into places where wanted, placing one upon the other, thus forming a barricade more than six feet high,-(leaving embrasures for the guns.)- which proved of great value during the day on account of the protection afforded from Confeder- ate bullets. While this work was being done, the drivers bnsied themselves carrying water in gum buckets and camp kettles for the teams, and others were active in fill- ing the chests with ammunition. A breakfast of "hard- tack," bacon and coffee was hastily eaten, (the coffee had been made a distance in the rear and brought up.by the cooks).
Scarcely had these timely preparations been completed -the fog in the meantime having partially lifted-when the crackling of musketry along the skirmish line broke the stillness of the morning, and with scarcely a com-
mand the cannoneers were at their "posts," and the drivers "stood to horse," only a few minutes elapsed when the storm broke in all its fury ; skirmishing quickly gave way to the crashing vollies of musketry, and soon the roar and thunder of artillery added to the deafening Inmult. Simonson's Battery entered into the work of resisting and if possible defeating the overwhelming mmm- bers which were being hurted against this part of the of the line with the evident purpose of breaking through if possible; shot, shell and musket balls shrieked all around, overhead, everywhere; trees and tree tops were ent off and came crashing down in close prorximity to teams and amunition chests, and, added to all this was the choking sulphurious smoke from the immense quan- tities of burned powder which a heavy atmosphere and dense forest held close to the ground. An attempt to de- seribe the awful slaughter in front of the Battery would prove au utter failure. The demon-like yells of the masses which time after time were hurled against this part of the line, only to be swept away by the constant stream of death poured forth from the months of the guns of the Battery, made it a veritable charnel-house. The Battery maintained its position until the order to re- tire was given, which was in the "dusk" of the evening. and as night spread its dark mantle over the awful scenes, there were some sad, but not despondent hearts. Commands were given in suppressed tones, and all acted with precaution, realizing that the movement was a critical one, but the Confederates discovering it, again charged with a yell, but found to their utter astonish- ment that the "Yanks" were in no mood to be hurried much less to be driven from the field in disorder, such a withering volley was sent into the ranks of the charging lines that caused them to waver and halt, scores of them "biting the dust" in the darkness for their arrogance. In retiring another of the guu-carriage was disabled, a stray solid shot from a Confederate gun "splintering" the axle; Capt. Simonson who was personally directing the with- drawal of his battery ordered the traces of the wheel team cut, thus saving the teams, and in the absence of a "spike" (a short pitce of a "rat tail" file was used) took an ax from the gun-carriage and "chopped" the vent, thus put- ting the gun out "commission" at least for the time being. A new line was established at Rossville within
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