USA > Indiana > History of the Seventy-third Indiana Volunteers in the War of 1861-65 > Part 7
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In the evening, April 29th, we reached the base of Sand Mountain and went into camp as the command was suffering for want of rest and sleep and the animals were greatly exhausted for want of feed. It was hoped that the next day would send us many miles on our road, although we had plenty of evidence that the enemy was rapidly concentrating and closing in upon us.
On the morning of the 30th, after a fairly good night's rest, an early start was made, and by daylight
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the brigade was on the move. The sun rose through a clear sky and shone out bright and beautiful on a lovely spring day. As we moved out of camp and left the smouldering camp fires, the gray mist of the mountain tops sparkled like gems, and the scene was well cal- culated to inspire and encourage the weary soldiers ; but alas ! their hopes were not to be gratified, for soon after the column was on the move active skirmishing began between our rear guard and one of Roddy's regiments that had succeeded in reaching us.
It had been the hope of our commander to avoid a general engagement, if possible, and press forward with all haste to do the work for which the Provisional Brigade was organized ; but the enemy was commanded by General N. B. Forrest, the most daring and ex- perienced cavalry officer of the Confederate army in the southwest, who was as much determined to stop our progress as Colonel Streight was to continue it. In this contention Forrest had the advantage, both in numbers of men and equipments, and could force a fight whether we wished it or not.
In carrying out his design he pressed our rear closely and brought his artillery into action, throwing shot and1 shell into our columns, and a battle was the only alternative.
As soon as a favorable position was obtained the brigade was halted and dismounted. The animals were taken to the rear and concealed as well as possible, every four of them under charge of one man.
A line of battle formed facing the approaching enemy, the Seventy-third on the left flank, reaching to
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the verge of a steep hill up which it was impossible for cavalry to charge; the Fifty-first on the right of the Seventy-third, with the Third Ohio and Eightieth Illinois occuping the right flank; the two pieces of ar- tillery in the centre of the line; and the two companies of cavalry guarding the right and left flanks. The whole line was at once ordered to lie down. In a short time Colonel Streight rode along the line giving orders and instructions to the regimental commanders. As he approached the Seventy-third Indiana, Colonel Hatha- way saluted and awaited orders.
Colonel Streight said: "Colonel Hathaway, what do you think of charging the enemy when he comes to the top of the hill?" Colonel Hathaway replied: "Colonel, your orders, whatever they are, shall be obeyed." Colonel Streight, not quite satisfied with the reply, said : "But, Colonel Hathaway, I want to know what you think of making such a charge." Colonel Hathaway. replied, "I think it would be a good move." "Well. let it be done, then," said Colonel Streight, "and when the charge is made let it be done with a rush and as much noise as your men can make."
Colonel Hathaway walked along the line of his regi- ment and said to his officers, in the plain hearing of the men, "Colonel Streight has ordered a charge to be made when the enemy comes to the top of the hill, and I want you, as soon as I give the order, to rise, take deliberate aim and fire, reload your guns as rapidly as possible, and when the order to charge is given, make a grand rush upon the enemy, firing at the same time, and yell in doing so as never men yelled before."
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In about fifteen minutes the enemy appeared and gal- loped directly toward our line. When within about one hundred yards, Colonel Hathaway gave the order to rise, fire, and charge the rebel line, which was done with such energy that numbers of them were killed and wounded, their line broken into fragments, causing a hasty retreat down the hill.
As soon as they could reform another charge was made upon the Seventy-third and Fifty-first, which was repulsed with greater slaughter than the first.
By this time the Third Ohio and Eightieth Illinois were engaged and made a furious charge against the enemy, capturing two pieces of artillery. The cheers of the brave Union boys sounded loud and long as the enemy gave way, running in great disorder, pursued for some distance by our men, who were recalled and the line of battle re-established. The captured guns were manned by details from the different regiments and everything made ready for another attack, which did not come, as the enemy was so crippled that it could not then renew the offensive.
The rebel loss was about 150 officers and men killed and wounded, including Captain W. H. Forrest, a brother of the General. About thirty prisoners were captured and later in the day paroled.
Our brigade's loss in killed and wounded was 31 officers and men. Among the killed was Lieutenant- Colonel James W. Sheets, of the Fifty-first Indiana, who fell while leading his regiment in a charge. Lieu- tenant Charles W. Pavey, Eightieth Illinois, Brigade Ordnance Officer, was dangerously wounded in the
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back by a fragment of shell. He finally recovered and joined his comrades in Libby Prison.
The loss of the Seventy-third was Robert Jackson, Company E, killed.
Two of Company K's men, Henry Bird and Shannon Carr, had left the command early in the morning as foragers, and about the time of the engagement were captured by Roddy's men, who turned them over to a squad of guerillas, calling themselves Home Guards, and by them were taken into a lonely ravine, where they were deliberately murdered. This horrible butchery was seen by one of our cavalrymen, a native of Alabama, who was expecting a similar fate, but by a bold dash succeeded in escaping and more than fifteen months afterwards told the writer about this slaughter.
Corporal J. J. Ferris, of Comany K, was struck by pieces of shell which severed his left arm near the shoulder, and all the fingers of his right hand were completely cut off. A minnie ball passed through the body of A. C. Foot, Comany F, cutting the lower lobe of the left lung. These men were left on the battle .. ground and were afterwards taken care of by Union people of the neighborhood, treated by a citizen doctor. finally recovered, and returned to our lines.
We remained on the field for some time, anticipating a second attack from the enemy, who, we ascertained, were being rapidly reinforced by the arrival of For- rest's entire command. He did not, however, renew the attack during our occupation of this position.
The best arrangement possible was made for the care
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of our wounded, whom we were compelled to leave in a field hospital hastily established and placed in charge of Dr. William Spencer, Assistant Surgeon of the Seventy-third Indiana Regiment, who was supplied with such articles for their comfort and sustenance, to- gether with medicines and surgical instruments, as could be spared.
The treatment of our wounded after the enemy ad- vanced was inhuman and brutal beyond expression. Every ounce of the bread, meat, sugar, coffee, etc., left for them was immediately taken possession of by For- rest's unfeeling troopers and appropriated to their own use. All blankets and clothing that they could seize were also taken, leaving our wounded without cover- ings of any kind, or garments to protect them from the mountain breezes. Their hats were taken from their heads, and shoes from their feet, sometimes dropping their own dilapidated hats and shoes, calling it an "even swap." These unfeeling robberies of wounded and defenceless men were often done in the presence of rebel officers who did not make the slightest effort to prevent it, but, on the other hand, appeared to sanction it.
These scenes only terminated when our men had been robbed of everything they possessed, including pocket knives, combs and other small though useful articles.
Even the medicines, dressings, and surgical instru- ments left with Dr. Spencer for the benefit of our wounded were taken by the rebel surgeons and carried off. Consequently our men had to lie with their
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undressed wounds and suffer until death put an end to their misery, several of them dying, who, with kind treatment and attention would have recovered.
The loyal citizens of the vicinity would have gladly assisted in the care of the stricken ones and given them all the relief in their power had they been permitted to do so, but not even a cup of milk or a piece of bread was allowed to be given them by these sympathizing friends, and it was only when the vigilance of the guards could be evaded that our wounded could receive the slightest favor from this source. Nor were these wounded prisoners of war the only victims of this per- secution. Citizens who were suspected of loyalty to the Union were compelled to suffer indignities and in- human treatment by their oppressors. Mrs. Penn, a widow of the vicinity, who had two sons in Captain Smith's Alabama Cavalry, was visited with the greatest indignities. She and her daughter were driven from their home, their property taken, their houses and fences burned and growing crops destroyed.
Colonel Streight, learning that Forrest was rapidly concentrating his forces near by, as soon as he could partially provide for the wounded, and about two hours after the battle, decided to pull away and proceed on the march.
The brigade was mounted and pushed ahead, leaving Day's Gap several miles in the rear, without feeling any pursuit until about four o'clock p. m., when our rear was again attacked, and as we did not want to lose time by halting to give battle if it could be avoided the column was kept in motion, skirmishing going on, how-
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ever, all the time between Captain Smith's Cavalry companies and the enemy's advance. Owing to the superior numbers they made it very difficult for Cap- tain Smith with his handful of men to keep them at bay; but he succeeded in doing so for over two hours. They were now pressing us so closely that Colonel Streight, after consultation with Colonel Hathaway and the other regimental commanders, resolved to halt the command and again give battle as soon as a good posi- tion could be reached. About sundown we came to Crooked Creek, the crossing of which was found tedious owing to the delay in doing so to allow the thirsty animals to drink. The enemy pressed us severely, and came near cutting off the Third Ohio, which was bringing up the rear. After crossing Colonel Hathaway took the Seventy-third into position, where it dismounted, formed into line, advanced a short distance, and poured a heavy volley into the enemy's ranks, stopping them long enough for the Third Ohio to cross and get into line with the rest of the brigade, which Colonel Streight had so formed as to cover the crossing, deploying up and down the stream in such a way as to prevent the enemy reaching the ford. The contestants lined up on each side of Crooked Creek commenced a fierce engagement along the lines, and although the enemy was in much greater numbers than our brigade their aim was bad, firing over our heads and doing but little harm.
This engagement raged with great desperation for some time, and being now dark, the flashes from mus- ketry and artillery lit up the hills and woods with the
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battle's glare and made a scene of grandest sublimity.
About nine o'clock we discovered the enemy had begun to waver and fall back. In a short time all was quiet.
Our little howitzers did good work, as did the two captured guns until their ammunition gave out, when they were spiked, cut down and abandoned.
Although the enemy was in greatly superior force at this engagement the advantage was on our side as the foe was compelled to withdraw and leave us in pos- session of the ground we had first occupied. The little brigade had thus won two battles in one day over a very determined enemy whose object was to stop our progress and bring us to grief as soon as possible.
The Seventy-third lost no men in this battle, but the brigade lost a number, among them the brave and gal -. lant young Adjutant of the Eightieth Illinois, Lieu- tenant J. C. Jones.
Two of the medical staff, Dr. Peck, Brigade Medical Director, and Dr. King, had remained on the field, assisting to care for the wounded until a rebel regiment had formed and started in pursuit. They rode the whole length of the column without exciting suspicion until they had reached the head, when they made a dash, which attracted attention at once, and they were or- dered to halt. Not obeying this command they were fired upon and pursuit made. A trial of speed took place. Dr. Peck, being splendidly mounted, outran his pursuers and soon joined our command, but Dr. King was overtaken and made a prisoner.
Dr. Peck's arrival gave the information that pursuit
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had commenced, and while in passing through a heavy body of timber Colonel Hathaway was directed to halt the Seventy-third, conceal themselves in the woods, and ambush the enemy. In a short time they appeared, and as the advance battalion came up within about forty yards of cur concealed regiment a volley of musketry was poured into them which stopped their advance and sent them back pell mell in consternation and disorder. They withdrew for quite a distance and contented themselves in shelling the woods for some time, thus giving the Seventy-third an opportunity to rejoin the command.
The rebels having the advantage of a close knowl- edge of the roads, as well as in numbers of men, soon rallied and attacked us again about two o'clock in the morning. Another ambush was ordered, which proved so successful that we had no further annoyance during the night.
Our course continued in a southwest direction, far- ther and farther toward Rome, Ga., which showed we were not fleeing from the enemy but intent on the original object of our expedition.
After the last repulse of the enemy in the night we had traveled at a lively pace until about eight o'clock a. m., May Ist, we arrived at Blountsviile, Ala., where we halted for rest and feed, as both men and animals were greatly famished and fatigued as they had had but little rest for two days and nights.
The wagon train had greatly impeded our progress, and it was here determined to reduce it and dispense with all but one wagon. The others were piled up and
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burned. The necessary baggage and supplies were placed on pack mules and given to the teamsters who were charged with their guidance and care.
Of all the men in the Seventy-third we had but one who had had experience in loading a pack mule and tying the "diamond hitch," and that one was Colonel Hathaway himself, who in several trips he had made in Texas with trains of pack mules had learned the rather complicated art of properly securing baggage on these refractory animals. He called his teamsters up, and in a short time taught them how to do this job, with the result that there was less trouble with the pack train of the Seventy-third than that of any of the other regiments of the brigade.
By this time a large cavalcade of negroes were bent on following us, thinking we had come among them for their deliverance. Their presence delayed us and" became such an impediment that Colonel Streight was compelled to issue an order prohibiting them in our lines as they greatly impeded our march and made our own defence much more difficult.
As we were leaving Blountsville, about II o'clock a. m., our pickets were attacked by Forrest's advance, which was held back for about one hour by our cavalry, under Captains Smith and McQuiddy, giving the brigade that much start. The cavalry, seeing great danger of being surrounded and captured, withdrew at a lively gait, and even then Captain Smith lost ten of his men who could not get away.
The enemy renewed its efforts and pressed us so hard that on coming to Black River, where the fording
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was very difficult, the whole brigade dismounted and drove them back at the point of the bayonet before we could cross. This checked them and we moved on until midnight, when the exhaustion was so great that a little rest must be had or else the men and animals would fall by the wayside, so we dismounted in the woods for feed and rest.
It now became plain that our expedition could not accomplish the task set for it, nor could we reach our own lines in safety, and the only thing to do was to press on as far as possible and do what we could against their military resources.
Left our camp in the woods at an early hour in the morning of May 2d, the Seventy-third in advance. A short time after sunrise reached Black Warrior river, near Gadsden, Ala., crossed on a fine wooden bridge, which was burned by our rear guard, hoping to delay Forrest's forces long enough for us to reach Rome before he could again overtake us, as the stream was very deep and seemed unfordable. But among a lot of prisoners we had captured that morning was one well acquainted with the river, who, as soon as he was set at liberty, made his way direct to Forrest and piloted that officer and his command to a ford where they crossed and again were in pursuit.
Reaching Gadsden, Etowah County, Ala., on the Coosa River, about 10 a. m., several rebel officers were captured and a large quantity of provisions in store for the enemy were found and destroyed. Also about two hundred guns were captured. It was expected that a small steamer could be found on which a detachment
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could be sent against Rome, but there was none there.
Owing to the great efforts that had been made to evade Forrest the animals were now greatly exhausted, and after destroying the bridge over the Coosa River our progress was slow and tedious, but the enemy be- ing delayed by the loss of the bridge, we were not at- tacked until after we reached Blount's Farm, where, finding plenty of forage, a halt was made to feed. Be- fore the men could get anything prepared for them- selves, about 4 p. m., the pickets were vigorously attacked. Company G had been detailed as videttes, and received the bulk of the charge. The Seventy-third rushed at once to their assistance by forming in line across the road, and succeeded in breaking the force of the attack, while Colonel Streight got the balance of the brigade in line and met their advance with suc- cess. Our loss had not been great, and Colonel Hatha- way left Adjutant Wade with the right wing of the Seventy-third while he rode over to the left, where Major Walker was in command, and immediately after giving directions and encouraging the men, the how- itzers doing great execution, a minnie ball struck Colonel Hathaway, pierced his breast, and before any one could get to him he fell from his horse mortally wounded. He was carried to Blount's Farm, examined by Dr. Myers, our surgeon, who did all that was pos- sible for him. He was unable to utter a word, soon became unconscious, and in less than an hour from the time he was stricken, expired.
The fatal bullet had been fired by a sharpshooter, who, as soon as he saw the effects of his shot, jumped
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from his concealment; but he did not have a moment to rejoice over his deed for half a hundred guns were levelled on him, with the result that his life passed away before that of his noble victim.
Colonel Hathaway had, from the time of his joining his regiment and the brigade, on the 22d day of April, conducted himself in the most gallant and heroic man- ner, doing everything there was in his power to make our expedition a success and showing that determined and loyal spirit that did not for one moment shrink from the duty that he recognized was his.
As the sun set on that tranquil evening, sinking slowly down behind the forest, unstirred by the least breath of wind, the conflict ceased for the day. But the noble, chivalric Hathaway was no more. He fell the noblest of sacrifices on the altar of his country, to whose glorious service he had dedicated his life, and thus passed away a noble, lofty soul. Thus ended a career full of arduous and splendid achievement. He was ever with that part of his regiment which was under the hottest fire, and when the enemy shifted their fire to other portions he proceeded thither and directed the movements of each company in person. His men will remember how cheering and inspiring was his presence with them in the most exciting moments, and his brave, cheerful voice was the herald of success. His character was so frank and open and beautiful, and his bearing so modest and full of sympathy that he conciliated all hearts and made every one who met him his friend.
Thus, modest, brave, loving and beloved, the famous, the good citizen, the charming companion, he was
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called away from the scenes of his triumphs and glory to a brighter world, where neither war nor rumors of war ever come, and wounds and pain and suffering are unknown.
The crisis with our brigade was rapidly approaching. The next few hours must decide the fate of our ex- pedition. We were not more than one day's hard march from Rome, where we had hoped to cross the Coosa River, destroy the bridge, and thus effectually stop pursuit, giving time to recruit the exhausted energies of the command, gain a fresh supply of animals and rations, and possibly a supply of ammunition.
In order to facilitate this hoped for success a detail was made of 200 of our best mounted men, under command of Captain Milton Russell, of the Fifty-first, who were ordered to march to Rome as rapidly as pos- sible, take possession of the bridge, armories, manu- factories and warehouses containing supplies, and hold them until the arrival of the balance of the brigade. If they could not be so held, destroy them and fall back on the main command.
As soon as this detachment was off, the enemy not pressing, the command was ordered to follow in its wake. All but the Seventy-third mounted and started. Major Walker, now in command, withdrew the right wing, leaving the left under Adjutant Wade, still fac- ing the foe. By this time it was dark, and the enemy showing signs of again attacking, the Adjutant marched back with his command and set fire to two large buildings in our front, which lit up the surround .. ing country, but the rebels, not wishing to encounter an ambuscade, held aloof and did not advance.
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By eight o'clock the entire command was again on the march, weary and greatly exhausted from the con- tinuous exertions of the past five days and nights, not having more than two hours' sleep and rest at any one time during that period.
The brigade continued to march all night, not halting till 8 o'clock a. m., May 3d. About 12 o'clock at night the sky was illuminated by a great con- flagration, caused by the burning of the Round Mountain Iron Works, in Cherokee County, Ala., an immense manufactory of ordnance and army equip- ments run by the confederate government. One of our scouting parties had put the match to it and succeeded in destroying this valuable factory and its machinery, together with a great quantity of finished and un- finished material, and it was not again put in operation during the war.
This night ride can never be forgotten by the par- ticipants. They were so used up for the want of sleep that it seemed almost impossible to keep awake, and they were so weak for want of food that many reeled in their saddles as the mules jogged along, themselves exhausted from fatigue and want of food. By the mis- take of a guide several hours were lost in finding the right ford over the Chattooga River, causing a serious delay and taking us ten or twelve miles out of the way. Thus the night wore away, and the morning of Sun- day, May 3, 1863, Gaylesville, Ala., found an army of what had but lately been a stalwart lot of men, unable longer to cope with the superior force. A halt was ordered, the animals fed, and an effort made to prepare
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a breakfast for the famished men, but scarcely had a bite been eaten when a volley from the pickets near by told that the enemy was again at hand. Orders were given to fall into line, to do which now required con- siderable effort. Our ammunition for the artillery and musketry was in bad shape from dampness, and another contest looked very discouraging. Still, the will to do or die was there, and the men rallied and fell into line as, quickly as circumstances would permit, ready for another engagement.
Some skirmishing took place between the rebel ad- vance and our skirmishers, when, Forrest arriving, sent a flag of truce to Colonel Streight, demanding a surrender. Colonel Streight held a consultation with the regimental commanders, in which our situation and chances of success were fully canvassed. We had but a small quantity of artillery ammunition, and the few rounds of rifle and musket cartridges on hand were almost entirely unfit for service. The enemy had a brigade on our left endeavoring to flank us, and had, in fact, at that time almost accomplished it. We had no news from Captain Russell as to the result of his dash on Rome.
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